Raji at Nose Tackle; Barbre at Right Tackle; Driver is Happy, but Collins and Kampman Are Not

by Brandon on Jun 4, 2009 7:00 AM CDT in News Comment 5 comments

The Packers held another practice that was open to the public. Understandably the Packers are being very cautious with injured players at this time. Why bother having them aggreviate them something in June? But with so many players sitting out, it's not clear who all the starters are, especially on the revamped defensive and offensive lines:
- On the defensive line, DT Ryan Pickett missed practice so DT B.J. Raji slid over to nose tackle and DT Johnny Jolly played at end. There has been some praise recently for Raji because the big man appears to be so athletic that he can play defensive end. But now, it looks like the coaches just want their best tackle in at nose tackle and another giant defensive tackle to play defensive end on the strong side.
- On the offensive line, RT Allen Barbre appears to be in the lead to start at right tackle, but it's still too early to tell. I wouldn't be surprised to see Barbre has slipped down the depth chart by the time training camp starts.
DE Aaron Kampman hadn't been talking about his transition to outside linebacker or about his impending free agency. But he finally decided or was forced to talk to reporters, and the reviews are in here and here; it still sounds like he is an unhappy camper.
At least WR Donald Driver said he's happy with his contract, but that doesn't mean he won't ask for another raise. So there is no problem, until it becomes a problem?
Unfortunately S Nick Collins was still a no-show. If he doesn't attent the mandatory OTA practice on June 22nd, then this becomes a problem. My money is on him showing up for the mandatory practice.
If you can find an interesting bit of information in Mike McCarthy's press conference, please let me know.
Training camp is starting on August 1st.
S Atari Bigby gets mentioned as one of the NFL's meanest players. Is he really? Or is he just a big hitter? Or is a big hitter the same thing as a dirty player?

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No

I don’t think Bigby is a dirty player, but rather just a big hitter. I think there is a difference between the two.

by packallday555 on Jun 4, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mean or not, being mentioned with the likes of Bob Sanders, Polamalu, and Adrian Wilson is high praise.

"stay (green and) gold"

by Green and Bold on Jun 4, 2009 8:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

couple things

Barbre has a chance to grab hold of the RT spot just like Giaco has… W/ Giaco out now is Barbres chance to take it and run w/ it… Getting #1 reps at RT can only help him now and in the future!

Bigby is a big hitter and due to the NFL rules being nearly impossible to play football w/ will get his share of Unsportsmanlike flags… But he is NOT a dirty player!!! Though comparing him to Sanders, Polamalu and A-Dub is a litlle rediculous!!! Not saying he can’t get there, but he isn’t yet… So ease up on the comparisons!

Collins staying home for voluntary OTA’s is ONLY hurting himself!!! Like his game, but it was ALOT more suited for the Sanders scheme where athletic ability was at a premium… Not as suited for Capers scheme where the FS makes the calls and adjustments for the ENTIRE Defense!!! Capers scheme is more suited to a cerebral player!!! Don’t know if he can make the calls for the entire D. If memory serves his Wonderlik left something to be desired… So I question his ability in the new scheme, and w/ him missing the OTA’s, he may be a lost cause this season!!! Just MY opinion!!!!

by Strohman on Jun 5, 2009 12:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The QB of the defense

I know the free safety in Dick LeBeau’s Pittsburgh defense does make the calls on defense, so I would guess Capers uses a similar system since his coaching roots run back to LeBeau and the Steelers. That’s a good point, and I hope his absence doesn’t set the entire defense back.

by Brandon on Jun 5, 2009 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great points

Agree with the Bigby comparisons. He is no where near the level of Sanders or Polamalu, but he might be able to reach that level.

It worries me that Collins is missing camp. The FS is supposed to be the “QB” of the defense, and he has a lot of learning to do. Him missing OTA’s is definitely hurting himself. From what I have heard too, Collins isn’t the brightest bulb in the box, so for the Packer’s sake and his sake he needs to get to OTA’s!!

by packallday555 on Jun 6, 2009 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs