Defense gets no respect

I would think the offseason ripping of the Packers’ defense must be a first for a unit that ranked second in the NFL the previous year. It seems like the Packers have very little talent on defense other than Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews and because of that they will have to win a shootout every week. I beg to differ. But if I’m wrong, I hope Aaron Rodgers is your fantasy QB.

For starters, the Packers’ run defense will be every bit as strong if not stronger. The defensive line is clearly the strength of the defense. The Packers’ linebackers are solid with budding star Clay Matthews and veterans Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk. If Brad Jones lives up the hype the Packers will fine there.

Of course, most of the doomsayers point to the Packers’ secondary, but the Packers have Pro Bowlers at cornerback and safety in Charles Woodson and Nick Collins, and a solid opposite corner in Tramon Williams. My guess is rookie Morgan Burnett is an upgrade over a oft-injured Atari Bigby, who I believe never plays another down for the Packers. Charlie Peprah is far more dependable and can also deliver the big hit.

And last I checked, the Packers don’t play Kurt Warner or Ben Roethlisberger this year, I’m not worried about Brett Favre this time around. I am worried about Jay Cutler and the Bears, though.

I don’t expect the Packers to be number two again, I expect them to be number one. I would hope they would take as much offense to Rex Ryan and the Jets as I do. I loved Buddy Ryan but Rex is a f*!king motherf*&king joke. Charles Woodson forgot more about defense than Darrelle Revis will ever know. We’ll see who ends up on top, and considering the Packers’ run defense and schedule, I like our chances.

I do think the Packers will give up some yards against the Eagles Sunday, Kevin Kolb proved last year he can light it up, but you have to remember when you throw the ball 50 times you are going to gain some yards. And if you can’t run, you throw.

Part of the no respect thought comes from Ted Thompson not signing a free agent, but other than Peppers nobody was worth the money and Peppers is clearly not Packer people. Unfortunately the media buys into that BS, fortunately the Packers’ brass doesn’t.

One thing that might hurt the Packers’ defense is the Packers’ offense. Aaron Rodgers, barring injury, to him or his offensive line, might rewrite the record books this year. Rodgers is Brett Favre with a brain. The offense won’t be stopped very often.

The opener against the Eagles is a hellavu tester. I am not prepared to make a prediction yet. Watching an ugly game tonight while writing this. If that is all the Saints and Vikings have to offer this might be to easy to really appreciate. Not a pretty sight. Of course the Packers and Eagles might stink it up just the same Sunday on national TV.

More to come…

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 9th, 2010 at 10:18 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.

  • packrat

    I agree with everything you said, Al, but we do have a Brady and Romo on the schedule and if they are on their game, it could turn into a shootout.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    The problem is that our nickel back is Shields who might be a good player someday but is a really raw rookie. Reid is certainly going to take advantage of that because he has a good bunch of receivers. If we can rush Kolb that would help. We were fooled last year by the Cards in the last game since they played a vanilla offense. I hope we don’t get fooled again. I expect the opener to be tough but Kolb isn’t an old pro and I also expect him to make some crucial mistakes. 31-17 Pack.

  • Rocky70

    Great analysis of the D ………. The real D will finally be playing on Sunday …….. Only concern I have is the rust on some players who watched most of pre-season ……

    Saints & da Vikes ….. Expected a better game than 14-9 …….. BF looked a little out of sync with his WRs …… One would think that a passing game would be in sync by game one of the regular season with all the reps during OTAs & TC ………. Wait a second …… Thats right, BF doesn’t do OTA or TC ……… Chalk up one lose (so far) in 2010 because BF likes hanging out with HS kids instead of his teammates.

  • mel e mel

    No Sid Rice, Saints doubled Berrian leaving no one open. Brett ZERO completions in 3rd qtr.
    TGIF everday is better after a Vikes loss

  • ScottS

    I love the optimism. In fact I’m predicting big years for Justin Harrell, Jarrett Bush and Brady Poppinga. GO PACK!!

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      Way to go ScottS-COULD HAPPEN! Admin, why does everybody ignore the fact that TT played LB for 10 years in this league? I would think that that would give him a leg up on team building (especially D) over other GMs. I used to think MM was a one-trick pony because of the limited OC experience, ie QB coach. Thought him to be too conservative; but he seems to be maturing along with his squads. Now that he has the talent we’ll see if he is good enough!

  • iccyfan

    When you said Ted “played” ten years in the NFL, it gave me reason to look up his statistics.

    http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/T/ThomTe20.htm

    Eight starts in 146 career games; three kick returns and he was 4 for 4 on extra point atttempts in 1980! Plus his middle name is Clarence…

    Yeah, I know I never saw a snap in an NFL training camp, much less occupied a roster spot for ten years, so I’m not making fun of Ted’s experience. But it does kinda make you question what appears to be a lack of interest in special teams, given he was Tracy White / Spencer Havner before Tracy White & Spencer Havner!!! I don’t think Ted woulda kept himself on a roster…

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      Nah, point is you can learn by sitting and watching. Another example would be all of those would be GBP QBs that went through GB during the Favre years. You learn by being there and 10 years, or even 5, is a long time. I think it shows in AR; he obviously is the best of them all.

  • Rick

    First game, most teams play a little tight a little nervous.

    The Vikings will be a heck of a good team in a week or so as Brett and the receivers get on the same page. Pressure up the gut effects all QBs and Brett too now the he is older and less of a scrambler. We saw the blue print to beat the Vikes.

    Saints are for real and have a better looking defense then last year. That will be real trouble for the rest of the NFC.

    A solid performance with everyone staying resulting in a win is all I want from GB Sunday.

    Go Pack!!

    • Rocky70

      You must mean the Vikes will be a heck of a good team in a ‘few years or so’ …… 2010 has all the makings of a disastrous year for the Vikes ………. Their starting QB didn’t have the time for any off-season work, their OL, WR & DB are all units with huge question marks & worst of all, Chilly is still HC …….. The Vikings (right now) are where they belong ……… The cellar position in the North Division.

      • iccyfan

        And with all the items you cite, they were still in a position to beat the defending SB champions on the road in the fourth quarter. We all want the Packers to waltz to a division title but it’s not likely to happen. It’s gonna be a brawl, starting this weekend in Philly, and the Vikings look to be a worthy opponent. Your paragraph would be better suited for the “trash talk” section of a Viking board…

        • Rocky70

          Wrong again, Iccy ……… They were in a position to beat the Saints but …….. alas …….. they didn’t. …… Just as the Pack’s schedule is tougher in 2010, the Vikes schedule is just as tough ……. The Vikes are out of 1st place with an 0-1 record ……… They’ll never see 1st place again in season 2010.

          • iccyfan

            Whatever – only time will tell; I’m thrilled to see the Vikes lose their opener but expected it to be much more lop-sided – the actual result gives me cause to pause.

            Here’s hoping the Packers capitalize on the Vikings loss and prevail against the re-tooling, but always competitive Eagles. They’re almost our mirror image but maybe a year behind in the process; it’s certainly not a gimme…

          • Rocky70

            Have to agree ……. If Kolb plays well, the game could be a toss-up ……. First games are nerve-wracking because you really don’t know what to expect.

        • Reid

          You gotta look at the Saints performance the same as the Vikes. The Saints were in a position to stretch their lead several times, 2 missed FG’s and a drop in the end zone were 3 missed scoring opportunities. And Colston dropped a perfect pass from Brees along the sidelines when he appeared to be scared of getting hit, that could have resulted in more points.

          • iccyfan

            You’re both over-analyzing. I said the Vikes were in a position to win the game in the fourth quarter. That’s really not up for debate; they had the ball down by five in the final frame. That’s all…

            As to the Vikes being toast after Week #1, Mark Twain once wrote, “the rumors of their demise have been greatly exaggerated”.

  • Rick

    edit

    everyone staying healthy…

  • mel e mel

    The Vike are still stout on D, but Brett doesnt have the weaponry he had last year. AP is it, Berrian 3 yds thats it. NO missed 2 FGs, and dropped a TD pass. Their schedule will kill them this year. They had extended preseason last year starting with Cleveland & Detroit and got hot.

    • Rocky70

      After Miami & Det ……… The Vikes have the Jets, GB & NE on the road with a home game thrown in there against Dallas ………. The Vikes will need great improvement in many areas to survive that schedule ………….

      They’ll never see 1st place again in season 2010.

    • Reid

      Good point on the missed Saints scoring opporutnities, wish I would have read this before I posted same.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Healthy; always the key. I don’t buy the tougher schedule bit. Last year we had (2) against a stronger MIN. We had DAL, PIT, and ARI away and the Ravens at home.
    This year we have (2) with a weaker MIN. We have MIA, BAL, and DAL at home. ATL, NE, and NYG are the tough ones but they’re all down from the last couple of years. There isn’t any that we wouldn’t match up with right now. We’ll see; I’m not just a homer, but we have a better team than last year, you’ll see.

    • Rocky70

      You’re the biggest homer this blog has seen in years ……. You’re of the Larivee mold, through & through.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    It may seem like that Rock, but this is a very, very good team. What separates it from being a great team is a RB. The problem is not the D, not the STs, and certainly not the passing game. No Jim Brown, no Adrian Peterson, no Roger Craig, no Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Larry Johnson, etc, and no Hornung/Taylor. I include AP because, like Green (who also had a problem hanging on to the ball), you can be taught not to lose it, Green was! Would you trade DD and Jordy or Jones for AP, I would? Just an example situation. Do we need more than Grant, I think so. While he gets his yardage, its because of whats in front of him, not because of what he does on his own. Just my opinion. And, don’t think I’m coming down on Grant, he gives it his all and hes my running back. He just isn’t the best out there by a long shot.

    • jonnyfootballhero

      Feeling alright LT? That’s the closest you’ve ever come to criticizing the Pack on this site! It was quite refreshing to read that. I completely agree with you though. The Packers really haven’t had a difference maker at RB since Green was in his prime. I was really excited to see what Starks could do this year, but it seems like he can’t get away from the injury bug. I’m hoping that he can be the difference maker we need to make this team be a little less predictable.

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      Its not that we haven’t tried, ie Jackson at #2 and the trade for Grant to begin with. Just nothing out there w/o tearing up the locker room or breaking the bank. We’ll just have to be patient until TT clicks in the draft and can go for that #1. Its just too damned expensive to trade for that caliber.

    • Rocky70

      GB will be drafting that RB in the 1st round of the 2011 draft …….;.. Remember who told you this info first ….. The same person who had Bulaga in the 1st round in 2010……….

  • mel e mel

    I love it Brandon Graham tweeting about how is going to sack Aaron Rodgers. Thats good, He isnt even 260 lbs I say run right at him! See if his butt can cash the checks he writes with his mouth!

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, need I say more???

    • iccyfan

      You suggesting that Graham will go on to a lengthy acting career once his playing days are over?

  • Pete H

    Look fellas, I’m as high as anyone on the Packers, but they still have things to prove. The fact is that they got lit up by anyone who could legitimately throw the ball last year, and the first team did not look overwhelming in the preseason. Now I know the preseason is just that, but then all I have to rely on is last year. I’m not saying they can’t be the #1 D in the league, but in order to get respect you have to earn it. Giving up 50 in the last meaningful football game is hardly worhty of earning anything. I like the changes made, but we have yet to see if that leads to more pressure. Williams is solid, but the nickel, dime etc are still questions and that is who got roasted last year. Now I’m certain the offense can score with, and outscore anyone in the league, but the respect for the defense will have to be earned. Remember last yearhen the offense blew through the preseason rolling on everyone, then the regular season started, and we were flat as pancakes.

  • packer_bob

    Getting back to the original post by Al, and echoing Pete H, the D is suspect, No. 2 ranking last year be damned. The fact is almost every well oiled offense we faced, barring the Cowboys at home (at home LT, not away) and the Cardinals in the reg season finale that meant nothing to them, tore us up.

    I wish we had the 2nd coming of Jim Brown at RB too, LT, but I stand by my statement that Grant and the others can complement the offense enough. I am way more worried about our D’s ability to handle good O’s at this point than worrying about what we don’t have at RB. You can add ST play to the list of concerns ahead of RB, imo.

    As far as last night’s game, I am inclined to agree that the Vikes O looked diminished last night, but the absence of Sidney Rice alone accounts for much of that. If I know Favre, he will develop chemistry with someone if not several players in the next several games. I don’t expect the Vikings to get to the point they were last year, but they are not to be dismissed cavalierly. They held NO to 14 points at home, and as Iccy pointed out, had several opportunities late in the game. They lost thank God, but I wouldn’t just assume they’re out of the hunt.

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      I said we had DAL away, you’re right, we play in the new one this year. But who is going to light us up, Manning?, the other Manning?, Brady?, Romo?. All of them(?), I think not. We won’t go undefeated this year, but we won’t lose to all of them either. We take the Division.

    • Rocky70

      This is the same sendiment that many Vike Fans had after last night’s game with NO ………. “We held NO to 14 points at home ” ………. The error in highlighting this as an accomplishment is that when you hold a team to 14 points, you should have also won the game ……. How many games does any team lose in today’s NFL if they give up only 14 points ? ………….. Because of an inept offense, the Vikes may have wasted their best defensive effort of the season.

  • packer_bob

    As an aside having nothing to do with the Packers specifically, was anyone else a little uncomfortable with the union solidarity statement by the players before last nights game?

    Methinks the storm brewing is liable to get ugly.

    • Rocky70

      I don’t mind as long as they don’t walk out on the field before kick-off & raise their middle finger to show union solidarity …………… LOL.

  • Pete H

    I didn’t like that at all. I heard someone today railing on them for doing that while the people that truly support them…the fans…are struggling through huge unemployment etc etc. especially in New Orleans. They better wake the F up real quick and understand from every other previous sports strike that the fans don’t want to hear it…..from either side

  • http://Orlando Mark

    It’s the owners who are asking for more money not the players. I don’t know if I would give up 20% of my pay without a fight. Are the owners going to lower ticket prices or invest in a development league, don’t hold your breath. As far as the Saints winning, at the end of the year they might get home field. Too bad both teams couldn’t lose.

  • Monty

    I see Al has been kissing Mary Jane again “The D-Line is the strength of the defense”. Sorry but our number one D-Line got pushed around during preseason. Jenkins is the only one that provides any kind of pass rush, Raji is still growing into the position and I think Pickett was better in the middle. We are gonna miss Jolly from his end position and we have no one else on the team that provides a pass rush from the D-Line. I dont want to rip our D but they are one of the weak spots on the field. Yeah we had lots of turnovers last year but we were on the field too much not being able to stop 3rd downs. Im with Pete on this yeah the Packers are good on offense (Larry and Rocky pass me a beer would you) but so are some of the other teams….NE, Dallas, Atlanta. And we still have to beat the Eagle curse of not winning since 1962 and beating Butt Favre twice. After seeing him in NO he does look WAY OLDER and as someone else posted he doesnt have what he had last year…I can see the Vikings at the bottom of the division early with them having to play NE Dallas and the Jets in a row. As I have stated, Ted’ oversite to draft a CB or to trade for one is gonna show, #37 is gonna be tested big time down after down (thats Sam Shields for you guys that have had one too many) along with #38 T Williams cuz he is a promoted nickel back. I think Burnett holds his own and is an upgrade at the position. Watching his play against Indy where he ran over quickly and almost picked off the ball, Atari never makes that play. So I hope Ted had gotten the right players for us this year, figures his middle name would be Clarence, no wonder he’s single….. Eagles 27 Pack 26.

  • Monty

    Oh and I liked that Player thingy….someone has to get this thing moving and even though they choose it and make millions at it they still are the ones dying at 50 and cant walk at 60. I think we fans should so something like this to let BOTH sides know that we are the ones who support and make the league, without us there is no football. We should all stay home one sunday and let the owners and players be in an empty stadium, perhaps that would send the message to both sides. Sorry, I cant get behind people like Jerry Jones and their 9 dollar beers and all the other things they want we fans to pay for so he and the other owners can have more money in their pockets. As far as I am concerned, we fans should take our teams back and make them ALL publicly owned like the Green Bay Packers!! Let the cities and the people own them so we are never held hostage again like we were in 1987 by the NFL and 1994 by the MLB.

    • http://Orlando Mark

      A lot of cities have spent more on stadiums than the owners did to buy their teams. Between that and the depreciation of players it’s a real good deal for the owners. The players risk everything with non guaranteed contracts and any play could be their last. Between the brain damage and short careers the big money isn’t so big. Eighteen games might destroy a lot of players but the owners can just get the next guy off the farm. If the quality isn’t as good the competition will be and so will the revenue. We really are getting into the area of Roman bloodsport at that point. We would be horrified if someone died on the field but if he died 5 years later of multiple brain injury or ped’s or heart problems well that’s the risk he took. Honestly, I thought Christian martyrs died 2,000 years ago to stop this. Maybe the money for the owners wasn’t as big back then.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    A lot to respond to there, full monty. First off you cite the DL as the weakness of the team, not surprising because I think its a point of strength, especially with Pickett on the outside. Its confusing when you then call TT for not drafting a CB, perhaps because he drafted Neal. I believe last year the bitch was no OT help, but damned if TT didn’t throw it back in your face with Buluga. But the dying at 50, and not being able to walk at 60 is even too much for you. By the way, just how much treasure does a player invest into that first NFL contract?

    • Monty

      Figures show that 75 percent of NFL players are broke and file for bankruptcy…..and as for the dead at 50 and cant walk at 60. again just quote facts, look at Willie Wood, look at the DT for the Bears, died at 26. As for the D Line, im just expressing what I saw in the games I was able to get over here, Im in Japan. I saw an average Seattle line push around the first line D Line when Leon Washington scored on his 12 yard run, the center cut blocked Ragi and he fell over like Humpty Dumpty. When the D Line rushes the opposing O line just pushes either to the left or right or pass the OB cuz he steps in the pocket. How many sacks did the D Line have during preseason, ZERO..as for TT and Buluga, yeah he drafted him after the O line snunk it up last year with 51 sacks, so Im sure when Shields and Williams are burnt over and over this year, he will draft a top notch CB next year…he has to be shown he is wrong, we still dont have a return guy, it makes tone of sense to put Williams and Jennings on Punt returns…what do they make 3 mil and 28 mil, yeah lets put them back there and get them injured…I am just saying TT should have done better in planning. When the head coach says “we just draft and develop” that’s pretty sad cuz its saying they arent looking everywhere to make the best team they can. But who knows, we are just fans, the players play the games and the coaches coach, if Im wrong after they play the game I can admit that, and I hope Im wrong..I want them to win as much as any other packer fan….Im just tired of McCarthy and Thompson being so stubborn as to not get the best players so we can win a couple or two or three super bowls.

      • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

        Well, you must be right, that they are “so stubborn as to not get the best players so we can win a couple or two”, because we have not won a SB since they’ve been here.

      • Rocky70

        More Gibberish.

        • Monty

          Thats ok Rocky, we will invite you to the SB party when we win one!! You can bring the Teddy T koolaid. Dont forget to wear your Teddy Glasses on Sunday so you can watch the game like Ted and Ted likes red lipstick for those who like to kiss his ass.

  • Monty

    Ron Wolf left no stone unturned to get the players he wanted and who he thought could make the Packers a better team. Ted seems to have a mental block sometimes like it goes against his religion to trade or sign FA’s that can help the team. He signed Pickett and Woodson, why stop there? That’s all im saying, I think he does a “B” job with the draft, we are for sure better off with Ted then Mike Sherman, just finish the job is all Im saying.

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      No stone unturned, indeed. Packerland went nuts when he traded that #1 for a second round QB who was unmanageable in ATL. Why? Two reasons, 1) he wanted him in the draft, but not at #1 or a 2nd, but really, because 2) ATL couldn’t wait to get rid of him. Undiciplined and unteachable. Besides, Wolf had a desperate QB stuation when Majik got hurt. Koolaid is so cheap (at least thats whay Mommy said) and tastes sooooo good.

      • Rocky70

        LT – Bizarro Monty wants FAs but never mentions who …….. It’s sad that someone who calls himself a Packer Fan is so down on such a good team ………. Monty must truly be a lonely person whose life is devoid of anything positive ………

  • http://jerseyal.com Jersey Al

    Al, I agree that the starting defense deserves more respect, the question is what does the defense look like in nickel and dime packages. The guys they’ll be bringing in are questionable, at best, and we all witnessed how the LBs are just not that good in coverage.The Packers have to show they have an answer for those situations. When they do, then they’ll get the proper respect.

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      How much more respect do you want then over 1/2 the “expert” media picking them for SB?

      • Monty

        Larry thats from preseason hype remember last year we went 4 0 and many said the same thing they are this year, then we stumbled out of the gate….what do experts know? Thats why they play the games

    • Monty

      Amen AL our linebackers cant cover and our nickel and dime packages are RAW at best its gonna be alot of OJT!

  • Pierre

    Look for the defense to take some time to gell given the two rookies in the secondary and about four to five others who had injuries to nurse and had limited participation in the preseason. They have not played much together as a unit yet so there may be some shortcomings against the Eagles. Wouldn’t be surprised to see errors by Shields and Burnett however also could see them getting a pick this game. Offense will need to be proficient and up to the task of outscoring PHI in a shoot-out type of game. A road victory in hostile Philly would be a good start to the season.

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      Well , you’ve got speed to overcome some of that, and Matthews did not play much last pre either. Got to know Shields and Burnett are upgrades. Not so sure Williams from start not an upgrade over Harris also. Back to speed; much better coverage on STs. (w/o the penalties)

  • TRIP

    So excited about tomorrow’s game… finally, Packers in my backyard. I’m polishing my cheesehead!!!!

  • iccyfan

    I’m with Jersey Al and Pierre on this one in that I expect this afternoon’s game will be a high-scoring affair. Philly has a strong group of receivers and Woodson can’t cover them all. This may be the game of the week for fantasy football owners…

    • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

      Probably right iccy! I look for our DL to dominate their new-look OL. Keep in mind beyond Assante (sp?) they’re exposed in the secondary like we are. W/ some rookies on their D too.

      • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

        Spitz would have been a steal for them for a 6th pick. Even I would have called for TT’s head if that one went through.

      • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

        Another key? How about Finley against their safeties, again, a rookie starting? I’ll take our rookies over their rookies.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    full monty, fun jawing w/ya; like Jon used to be. Did your 50 dying analogy include the ’60s Packers (on which the coach/GM was about the earliest)? I think the minimum on the PS is pushing $90k, and league average is about $1.5. Pretty good nest egg if the average playing time is about 5yrs. I think I figured out how a guy who dies at 50 can’t walk at 60, thanks. Enlighten me, please, what OJT is; I’m not that football-wise yet. Must be late over there, hope you can see the game today (or in your case tomorrow morning(?)).