I don't know if DJ Smith is the answer, but it's tough to defend Hawk. Hawk being the leader, playcaller, and a solid player on the defense was fine when the defense was good. But the defense was bad this year and guys like Hawk will get more scrutiny. And when Hawk's game is scrutinized, it'll be clear that doesn't make many big plays and doesn't really contribute much to the team once the ball is snapped.
TT's smart. I trust him more than anyone else to fix this team.
Saying Hawk doesn't make many big plays is the understatement of the year. In 15 games, he managed 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 0 INTs and 0 forced fumbles.
If it's a true competition in training camp, and I believe it is, I would agree that Smith will be starting. He was a tackling machine in college and it appears to have carried over to the NFL. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, GB does with Hawk next season. I don't think he's tradeable due to his contract. But there's no way you have somebody making that kind of money sitting on the bench either.
Don't misunderstand me on Hawk. He can play and you can certainly win with him. But he just doesn't do anything above average. He's just a guy... and a high priced one at that.
Don't misunderstand me on Hawk. He can play and you can certainly win with him. But he just doesn't do anything above average. He's just a guy... and a high priced one at that.
Speaking of the roster... Burnett started the season off playing very well and leveled off around the same time Collins went down. I realize he had the hand injury which had to have affected his play. However, when Peprah entered the lineup, did Burnett get moved out of his normal S spot? I'm wondering if Burnett had to take on more responsibilities back there to cover up for some of Peprah's short comings.
quote:Originally posted by turnip blood:
To win a Super bowl a team has to be good, but also lucky. This year the Packers were not very lucky. By Luck I mean injuries, players having good years, and unexpected players stepping it up. For the most part the Packers did not have very many players stepping it up and many having bad years. Add a pass rusher or two the Packers defense will be a lot better. The only problem is good pass rushers are going to be at a premium this year.
I don't think that "players having a bad year" and "unexpected players stepping up" have anything to do with luck. That's good coaching and scouting. Injuries and occasional bad bounces are luck.
Last year's team had what, 15 players on IR? That's bad luck. They also lost some close games that they coulda/shoulda won. Despite that, they were better than their 10-6 record and they proved it by winning the SB.
This year the defense was awful and unlike last year, I don't think they were as good as their record. I bought into the whole "Dom is holding back for the playoffs and YPG doesn't mean anything" argument. That didn't work out so well come playoff time.
Losing Collins was a big blow, and Tramon and Shields gave up more yards and big plays compared to last year, but as many have pointed out, the pass rush sucked all year. It was terribly frustrating watching the San Fran and NY defenses harass Smith and pouty face all game...but that's a big reason why they were playing for the right to play in the SB.
We have the best QB, the best GM, and one of the best coaches in the league. I'm sure TT and company will figure out how to get the Packers back on track next year.
Lack of a pass rush will do that to a secondary.
quote:Originally posted by heyward:
Saying Hawk doesn't make many big plays is the understatement of the year. In 15 games, he managed 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 0 INTs and 0 forced fumbles.
and got abused in coverage. I like the guys attitude but IT IS TIME.
I don't know if re-signing Hawk was a mistake or not, but as a former linebacker, TT has always had a soft spot for that position. Look at the contracts he gave Chillar and Poppinga.
quote:Originally posted by heyward:
Saying Hawk doesn't make many big plays is the understatement of the year. In 15 games, he managed 1.5 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 0 INTs and 0 forced fumbles.
How many INT's did Frenchie get in the 2 games he played?
Just a thought, but I wonder if TT trades James Jones, and gets DD to accept a lower salary to stay another year. That gets Gurley on the field, and possibly Borel if we decide to dump one of our five tight ends. Or, if he trades Jones, dumps DD and gets both Borel and Gurley on the roster, with Cobb taking DD's place.
quote:Originally posted by hof1991:
What we have as a team is what happens when you draft the BPA. Some drafts, you end up with a lot of defense, some a lot of offense. Our D got better with CM3 and Raji, but then we drafted a lot of offense. They were the BPA and that shaped our team. Reach for positions and you get Justin Harrell. Draft BPA and you get Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. The you play to your strengths.
The thing is Thompson made a bold move to get Matthews, he didn't stand pat. He needed a disruptive NT and a rush 'backer in the move to a 3-4 and he went out and got them. That's not to say make moves willy-nilly, but some times you have to move to get a guy you need. It's kind of unfortunate Reed, etc. were rated so closely to Sherrod but TT went with teh tackle. I still wish he'd made a slight move to get Chris Carter in the 5th when Pittsburgh nabbed him right in front of them then TT promptly traded out (not that he would necessarily help this season).
Thompson saw value dropping and an opportunity with CMIII. I'm guessing every draft there are a list of guys where "if he drops to here, we will try to make a move."