Things to look for

The third preseason game is the usual dress rehearsal for regular season with the starters playing into the third quarter. For the Packers they couldn’t have planned it any better. Two home games to get your feet wet and look good then a trip to the defending NFC Champions to see how good you really are. The Cardinals haven’t gotten a lot of respect despite winning the NFC but I’m in the camp that this is a good team and the Packers will indeed get a good test tomorrow night.

First and foremost I want to see the Packers’ offense continue to move the ball at will with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. With the weapons the Packers have on offense nobody should really shut them down, but game situations may limit their opportunities and the offense needs to prove they can get the job done when the chips are down. Friday night that could just mean they have to keep pace with the high-powered Cardinals which would in a regular season game give them a good chance to win the game. Myself, I would like to see the defense shut down the Cards, which would be a huge confidence builder after playing two cream-puffs the first two weeks of the preseason.

I also can’t wait to see Tyrell Sutton play with the No. 1 unit after lighting things up in the first two games while playing with the scrubs. If Sutton does it again he pretty much insures himself a roster spot and in my mind the backup running back spot over Brandon Jackson. I have not been impressed by Jackson since the end of his rookie year mainly because just when he starts looking good he gets hurt. If Jackson was available to spell Ryan Grant last year just a little bit it would have helped Grant get his legs under him. A hurt Grant was still better than a healthy Jackson to start last season which doesn’t say much about Jackson. Kregg Lumpkin  and Deshawn Wynn’s decline the last two weeks means Jackson will around another year, but I hope Sutton proves tomorrow he is number two.

The Packers offensive line is now set so we need to see cohesiveness from that unit in their first extended period of playing together. I thought the five best lineman would have included Scott Wells, but I guess Josh Sitton forced the issue with his play at right guard which made Jason Spitz stay in the lineup at center. It’s too bad Wells can’t play right tackle. Tomorrow I think if there is a weak link it will be Barbre, I can’t see Spitz giving up his job unless Sitton falls on his face and Spitz has to move to guard again. I sure hope that doesn’t happen. When was the last time the Packers had a solid cohesive offensive line.? It’s been a while it seems.

The obvious thing to watch is how the Packers new defense handles the Cardinals’ offense, I doubt very seriously the Packers number one defense goes another game without giving up any points, it would be nice, but I can’t see it happening. I wish the defense had Clay Matthews and Nick Barnett back this week as this is the last time the starters really play much, but both look like they will be ready for the regular season, but only Barnett will be starting. Matthews should get plenty of playing time next week at least.

I should be around for a game time blog tomorrow. It’s preseason so I’ll try to stay in control.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 27th, 2009 at 10:02 pm and is filed under Al Davis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Michael Legat

    It will be very interesting to see what the Cardinals defense will look like after canning Pandergast last year. They gave up point in bunches, but were very opportunistic with turnovers – very similar in fact to our defense, except our defense peaked in the first half of the season and theirs peaked in four playoff games. I haven’t done much research into what wrinkles their new coordinator has added, but I’m curious.

  • Rocky70

    Al

    Now that was slick…… new topic….new direction….. Good idea.

    The first half of this game is definitely it for the pre-season…… We’ll then have to wait until game 1 vs the Bears to find out what 2009 has to offer…….

    I’m still not sure Arizona will be all the competition you claim…… They’ve scored 16 points in two pre-season losses…. Their offense has looked a far cry from their play-off run of 2008…… It’s pre-season but this is probably a bigger test for them than GB. …….

    Sutton —- shoo-in.

  • JeffN

    I would also love to see Sutton prove himself with the starters as he has already done with the backups. It’s a different world playing with 2nd and 3rd stringers sometimes it makes things harder and sometimes easier. Sutton would be definatly more fun to watch with his running style. I’m also looking forward to watching BJ Raji toss some offensive lineman around.

    Just having Raji push up the left side of the O-Line with Kampan rushing behind Raji is going to make the QB have his eyes as much on those guys as his WRs, this will greatly impair other teams ability to pass. Now in addition if we get a pass rush on the other side which will be the QBs blind side now that would be a sight to behold.

    Capers has elevated the play of all these players even if they are playing new positions in this defense. Like Picket going to NT Kampan to LB, Jenkins and Raji to 5/3-technique. All great stuff to watch for against Warner tomorrow night. I’m pumped!!!

  • http://Orlando Mark

    I’m very happy MM made a decision on the O-line, the starters were mostly playing in those spots anyhow. And there is plenty of time to evalute needs if the Cards give us good competition. A great opportunity for the young players, including Brohm, to earn a spot on the roster. The whole season is going to be a treat starting today. I expect a real rollercoaster.

  • Punk

    Oh, JeffN you are so right! What must a QB be thinking at 3rd and 6 when his natural line of vision is Raji and Kampman. Then a quick glance to see how his LOT is doing w/ Jenkins and Mathews, Thompson, or Poppinga either shooting a gap or coming around. Thats 3-4 seconds gone from his read. Oh, by the way, Warrick Dunn was the TB guy I was wondering about being a predecessor to Sutton. Suttons size could work to his advantage if he can cut.

  • Matt Hayton

    I still think Sutton and Finley are the biggest surprises of camp. Very excited about seeing Sutton getting some time with the ones. As far as the D, no Breaston and Boldin kinda mitigates that Offense…

    Plus as we all know, this team played well enough to win for 3 quarters in about 10-12 ball games last year. So how we do in 2 quarters wouldn’t impress me much tomorrow night, even if it was against the Steelers.

    The litmus test this team needs to pass is close games in the 4th quarter or blowing people out so bad the 4th quarter doesn’t mean anything. Regular season W’s is the first step, pre-season doesn’t mean shit…go ask the pre-season undefeated 2008 Detriot Lions.

    Opening night is when I start to become a believer…think that Bear game determines who is gonna compete with the Queens for the division. And yes, if Tage Rosenjack was still leading that team, I’d still say they would be competing to win the division. think their D and running game is too good for them not to.

  • JeffN

    Exactly Mark, the same 5 have been playing next to each other since the beginning of training camp. This is what I have been bitching about all off season… they gotta get the same 5 in there to gel and it’s going to be a really good offensive line because I believe they have good players. Now if these guys suck all year long then I’ll eat my words but I’m pretty sure we will have a good O-line here.

    Punk, can’t wait to see what kind of pass rush get’s developed, damn did I already mention that?

  • packer_bob

    Very interested to see the first team defense perform against a very high powered offfense. Interested as well to see my first pre-season game and normally the one that features the most from the supposed starters.

    GO PACK GO! If we can run the record to 3 and 0, even if it’s only pre-season, I will be encouraged!

  • packer_bob

    “they gotta get the same 5 in there to gel and it’s going to be a really good offensive line”

    Sometimes that’s the secret, imo. Pick 5 and let ‘em run the deal.

  • Rocky70

    Per MJS:

    ” The Cardinals are taking this game seriously, especially on offense. They have scored one touchdown in their first two games, none by the No. 1 offense. Quarterback Kurt Warner has only completed 52.2% of his passes for 133 yards with one interception. Fitzgerald has only one catch for 8 yards. There will be an emphasis on getting in the end zone this week. “

  • Punk

    With the objectives stated by both team’s coaching staffs this has the makings of the first “Reg” season game. At least through one O series each in the third qtr. That last Pre will be nothing more than a walk-through and test for the final bench and practice squad. Maybe not even that if we’re going to try and hide somebody. OR……What if MM/TT/MM/dc decide after tonight that there is one or two pcs in the puzzle yet to be found? I know we all agree that we’re set at QB, WR, LB, and COR, at least the starters. I also think the consensus is that we could use/need another top DL 3-4 guy be it NT or DE. How about a 3-4 Safety; and many of you want a top flight backup QB. What if we really use that last Pre as a showcase of our “neer” top talent at WR, RB, LB, to lure some GM into that all elusive trade for, dare I say, a starter, even, that we aren’t even thinking about? (Ala, a Sean Jones) I know, its dreaming, because I like this team and dislike thinking of breaking it up and parting with anybody who has made the (53). But, you never know and our GM is so Stoic we should never be surprised what the Troika pulls off. Who could ever have predicted that they’d move up for Mathews or sit patiently for Rodgers?

  • Lew

    Sutton is a lock at this point

    Wow, Punk- did you just ask rhetorically, “Who could have predicted that TT would wait patiently for Rodgers?” And you give him credit for this? I just threw up in my mouth

    Umm, everyone could have predicted that TT would sit and use his pick on the best player available since that is what he almost always does.

    It’s ok Punk, I realize Al does not have an IQ requirement to post.

  • Punk

    Sorry about your stomach disorder Lew and you’re right, it is fortunate that Al does not require an IQ (any) to post. Since light travels faster than sound it explains why some people sometimes seem brighter than they really are. (GRD)

  • Michael Legat

    Seriously, Lew, go douche up some other site.

  • Punk

    The youth movement continues; man, if we pull this off there is one hell of a future out there. According to the latest depth chart we have (9) rookies or first year guys at backup positions(by position). That includes the punter and Mathews as a backup. A lot of concern expressed at the QB backup spot but not at the others. Why doesn’t that rate kudos for MM and TT. Will be glued to the computer tonight if I can shake my wife; yeah, I’m a lot tougher out of the house than in.

  • JeffN

    Lew, your a real class act. You ever wonder why people don’t like you?

  • JeffN

    In a addition to Sutton and Finely being the surprises of camp/preseason….

    I would also like to add Johny Jolly to that mix. While most of the front 7 have elevated their play… Jolly has elevated his play to the point where I would include him as a nice surprise. Pretty high level for a former 6th round pick. Still tho they need a 5th guy in that defensive line rotation and a backup, not sure who those 2 are going to be yet.

  • Punk

    The thing about Jolly that surprises me the most is his size. He played here in Aggieland, and when I see those camp pictures next to the other guys I don’t recognize him. Which way do we go; simply cut down to the best fifty-three or keep the phone lines busy which would necessitate losing a one or two here and there? I see our biggest trade values at WR and LB, possibly RB? Good thing I’m not part of the decision makers because I don’t think I could part with any of the ones or twos. Maybe we’re complete enough now to part w/ some ’09 draft picks?

  • Punk

    My bad, I meant ’10 draft picks.

  • Dan

    Cardinals were a 1 year wonder.

    There’s no way the Cardinals defense stops the Pack tonight. Seriously, the Cardinals d sucks. Cardinals offense is not firing on all cylinders, so our defense should look pretty good as well.

    Would anyone call any of the preseason opponents to date (Browns, Bills, or Cardinals) a physical team? I sure as heck don’t. Titans would normally be a good barometer, but not the last preseason game when teams show nothing and try to stay healthy.

    Thank goodness week 1 is against the Bears. Anyone see Urlacher get leveled by the RB this preseason? It was hilarious.

  • JeffN

    I did not see Urlacher get leveled but that’s great to hear. He is getting older and not the player he used to be. The consensus is both teams we played so far are cream puffs. Hard to say if Arizona steps it up tonight. I hope they do because I want our defense to get a run for their money. On the other hand another cream puff would be a confidence builder and it’s always easier to learn the new defense in easy mode.

    The thing that makes me happy is think of us playing a cream puff team last year. Our defense still sucked. At least we dominate cream puffs this year. Not that that says much but it’s better than where we were before and true the first test might have to wait until the first regular season game.

    Can’t wait to watch the game and talk smack with Bears and Vikings fans tonight at the pub!

  • packer_bob

    Didn’t see Urlacher get leveled but it was being talked about on sports radio around here big time. Wondering who the back was, not even sure if it was a name guy or not.

    Urlacher has been a good player over the years but I would put him on my team of overrateds even before the injuries of the last few years. In recent times, I’ve felt Lance Briggs was the far better LB and Urlacher has gotten by on reputation as much as anything else.

    Dan, I agree that the Cardinals most likely were a one year wonder that got hot at that the right. Still, the have some weapons on offense so I’ll be interested to see how our D does on them. And yes, I’d agree the none of the teams we’ve played so far are very physical teams.

  • Punk

    A couple of questions: With our 6-10 record last, how many teams think we’re a cream puff? Are Hightower and Wells both rookies, I couldn’t tell looking at their roster? I do know James is gone.

  • Punk

    I love it, this flying under the radar. ESPN’s NFL Today spent the whole program on Marshall, Vick/McNabb, and Redskins. They mentioned that the Pack and AZ were playing tonight but spent more time on the DAL jumbo-tron monster. Nobody is taking us serious guys!

  • 4205

    Its a little early to get to confident, but it is worth remembering that the Packer offense scored 150 points (second best in the league) in the fourth quarter last year.

    Unfortunately the defense also allowed the second most in the league!

    Another year should be beneficial for the offense (only lost Tauscher and Clifton is the only other starter in decline) but should be huge for the defense. Upgrades at DE Raji and LB Mathews plus return of Bigby – key is Barnett / Hawk / Bishop / Chillar improvement and while they weren’t great last year, they just have to be a little better!

  • packer_bob

    Punk,

    You’re right, we were a cream puff team last year and hopefully that will be a little different this year. Sounds like the D has been transformed, at least for two preseason games.

  • packer_bob

    If memory serves, Wells is a rookie but I’m pretty sure Hightower was on last year’s team.

  • Pack4life

    I saw Brandon Jacobs Run over Urlacher it was quite funny. I really believe AZ only brings one important ingredient to the game. They have an experienced Qb. Let me amend that they also have very big offensive line. They have not been able to run the ball so I dont expect them to suddenly get that going. Warner will hit his outlet receiver if pressured so tackling/coverage ability of the LBs and safeties will be tested.

  • packer_bob

    Yeah, thats right P4L, now I remember…guess I did hear it was Jacobs, that guy’s a load. Will have to see it it’s on you tube–Thanks!

  • Arch

    Rumor has it that unless Brohm shows ability tonight v TN that he has not heretofore shown, he will be cut and signed to practice squad if/when he clears waivers. That would open the path for a trade for AJ Feely.

    Pack still trying hard to trade Wells and a LB.

    If Brandon Underwood holds up well tonight he is in. Ditto Wynn and Jones.

    Meredith is on bubble. May be headed to practice squad if he clears waivers. God, Moll seems like a nice guy but he has never resembled an NFL OL.