Packer Notes: On Injuries, Penalties, Technique, The Refs, and Goodbye Al Harris

by Brandon on Nov 23, 2010 7:01 AM CST in Green Bay Packers News

According to Mike McCarthy, it doesn't sound like either S Atari Bigby (hamstring) or S Anthony Smith (ankle) will be available next week for the Green Bay Packers. Smith plays only on special teams, but Bigby actually got some snaps on defense, until his hamstring injury knocked him out early in the game. Will Bigby ever remain healthy for any stretch again? The bigger concern might be C Scott Wells (arch) but it doesn't sound like he'll miss any time.

They've been great at avoiding penalties over the past few games. They've done a very good job at limiting mental penalties (i.e. false starts) and emotional ones (i.e. personal fouls). But the two big problem areas (in the past) have been on special teams and in the secondary. It's really good to see their special teams playing smarter, but the defensive backs (even CB Charles Woodson) have always drawn some penalties due to their aggressive style. I'm not sure if they've really turned over a new leaf, or just had a good streak.

CB Sam Shields did not have a good game against the Vikings. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers told the Journal-Sentinel that Shields has to work on his technique. It's not surprising that the rookie, sometimes plays like a rookie, and hopefully he continues to improve.

Did WR James Jones really have both feet down on this touchdown pass? As I've written before, I'm not trying to figure out the subjective whims of the referees. Turning that touchdown into three points wouldn't have mattered in that blow out anyway.

Wow. That's one classy thank you advertisement taken out by former CB Al Harris. It reminds me of this one ran by former DE Aaron Kampman back in March. Thinking back on both players, a couple of years ago I might have said they were the two best players on the defense. It's amazing to realize that they've both moved on.

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Al Harris

When all you read about in the press is the dis-deeds and childish behavior of players who force themselves in the spotlight, it’s easy to develop a pretty low opinion of NFL players. Then guys like Al and Aaron come along, and it forces you to re-evaluate your opinions. You think about all the guys you don’t read about and realize most of the guys out there are good, hard working people.

Al, you are a class act, a great Packer and you will be missed.

by GregR on Nov 23, 2010 8:23 AM CST reply actions

yea great guy

ill never forget his pick 6 against hasselbeck in th playoffs

by nfcnorth21 on Nov 23, 2010 9:00 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs

what a great moment

watching those dreads following behind him as he ran it in for the win

Frye is honestly gotta be one of the top 10 3rd Stringers in all of the NFL right now--colbyb

by verno329 on Nov 24, 2010 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

Great thank you from Al Harris...

And thank you Al for being such a warrior and on more than one occasion playing with pain and sacrificing for the team.

by PackFaninFL on Nov 23, 2010 9:04 AM CST reply actions

Harris and Kampman will forever be known as part of the Packer family.

Couple of class acts all the way. Hope they come back in the future as coaches or something.

When life gives ya lemons, shut up and eat your damn lemons.

by P-Townfan on Nov 23, 2010 9:06 AM CST reply actions

Also speaks to a special fanbase, city, and team

I don’t want to take anything away from very classy players like Aaron Kampman and Al Harris. Those guys are really special.

But when I read these thank yous, to me it also speaks to the special qualities of the fanbase, the City of Green Bay, and the Green Bay Packers organization. I grew up in Wisconsin (not Green Bay), but I now live in Denver — so I consider myself only marginally contributing to that special quality. But I just want to say that it gives me chills when I really think about what a great culture has been created in and around this football team.

by Ben T on Nov 23, 2010 9:20 AM CST reply actions

Dang!

That is really sweet! Al is one classy dude.

The Green Bay Packers...Putting bad coaches out of their misery since 2010

by TrevorR on Nov 23, 2010 9:47 AM CST reply actions

You'll be missed Al

Another great player showing class as he departs. I’d normally have no occassion to root for the Dolphins, but I’ll be cheering him on no matter where he goes.

"Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." - Vince Lombardi

by AdamA on Nov 23, 2010 9:56 AM CST reply actions

No, thank you Al

by Yankees10 on Nov 23, 2010 10:14 AM CST reply actions 4 recs

Let's deck this out in the appropriate color people.

Anthony Tolliver says "Get that weak stuff outta here!"

EXTEND JASON RICHARDSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Omaha Sun on Nov 23, 2010 9:18 PM CST up reply actions

Let me help you with that.

53 Bears, 1 Cup

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 24, 2010 1:29 AM CST up reply actions

Thank you Al Harris

Hope to see him in the Packers HoF soon. As one commentator in the National Football Post noted, “Brett Favre would take out a full page ad to thank himself, if anything”

53 Bears, 1 Cup

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 23, 2010 1:32 PM CST reply actions

I'll miss you and your dreadlocks, Al

I feel very lucky as a fan to have been able to watch the corner tandem of Al Harris and Charles Woodson, in Green Bay noless; just INCREDIBLE! It also speaks to how good a teacher Al was that Tramon Williams has been able to step up and take his place (credit to Tramon as well, for listening).

by mike_o on Nov 23, 2010 3:23 PM CST reply actions

How could I forget the dreads?!?

Al Harris is a Founding Father of the Most Dreaded Secondary, along with McKenzie. Anyone else out there notice that Tramon Williams seems to be growing his hair out? And did anyone else out there notice that as his hair has been getting longer and dreadier, his play keeps getting better and better?

53 Bears, 1 Cup

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 24, 2010 1:33 AM CST up reply actions