quote:
Shields needs to step up tackling...
Green Bay - Sam Shields' woeful tackling after three games potentially has given Jarrett Bush the opportunity for expanded playing time on the Green Bay Packers' defense.
Joe Whitt, who coaches the team's cornerbacks, is not pleased at all by Shields' inability to tackle.
"He hasn't made the big play or anything, but he's covered really well," Whitt said Friday. "He's just got to tackle. If he doesn't tackle we've got to look at something."
The Journal Sentinel has Shields down for six missed tackles, three more than anyone on defense. Whitt suggested that he has charged Shields with more than seven.
"You can't have three missed tackles a game," said Whitt. "It hurts the structure of the defense. Our corners have to tackle. Period.
"Is he ever going to tackle like ( Charles) Woodson? No. But this kid has a special skill set. He has to get them on the ground. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. He understands. We've talked."
A year ago, Shields missed 11 tackles, fifth most on the team. Whitt said his tackling wasn't acceptable early in his rookie season, but he was more than physical enough down the stretch.
Shields said he realizes that Whitt is trying to develop him into a complete cornerback.
"He's so worried about the tackling part of it," said Shields. "I don't understand, but I do have to tackle. That's a part of the game.
"It's not that I'm scared. It's just that, hey, I missed tackles. It's not just me missing tackles. It's something I do have to work on."
Shields readily acknowledged how tough Woodson plays, saying, "I get it. I get it. I'll start tackling this Sunday."
More..
http://www.jsonline.com/sports...kling-130898228.html
Very rare you ever hear a MM coach call a player out. 3 games in there is plenty of season left. But I do admit Sam's reaction is not what I'd want to hear...
