A big blow to the Packers for 2010...

by TrevorR on Jul 16, 2010 6:42 PM CDT

The NFL finally released its decision on the Johnny Jolly situation. I think the thought with many of us was that a 4-6 game suspension will teach him a lesson. A season would be pretty substantial (put him among the likes of Vick) but a couple games might not really send the full message. Jolly has a bit of a checkered history with a few really stupid decisions but he seemed to do pretty well in 2009 and the would love to have him for depth for this upcoming season.

More about the suspension after the jump...

The league must have felt that 4-6 games wouldn't be a substantial enough penalty though as a few sources are reporting that the NFL suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly without pay for the upcoming season and perhaps beyond for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Jolly’s suspension begins immediately and will continue through at least the 2010 season. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement after the Super Bowl.

Ted Thompson was asked about it and had this to say:

"Johnny is a good player that loves everything about the game of football, we appreciate the contributions he has made to the Packers the past four seasons. His focus and priorities now lie elsewhere—our thoughts are with him during this difficult personal time."

Mike McCarthy released a statement as well:

"There’s a lot going on, and he needs to focus and make sure he has everything in line. These decisions that are going to be made legally will affect every aspect of his life, most importantly his personal life and then his professional life."

Reporters found Ryan Pickett who had the following to say:

"If this stuff doesn’t cause you to change, what will? All this stuff he’s going through—you’re missing practice, you can’t be around your teammates, that’ll make you feel isolated from the team. So if this stuff doesn’t change, then that’s an issue. I’m expecting him to be changed by this experience, definitely."

Jolly is 27 and was a key man in our DE rotation in 2009. Clearly with the 2010 draft the Packers were preparing for the worst by drafting TWO DEs even though many of us felt that wasn't a position of need. Clearly, in hindsight, we were very wrong as we now have lost a starter. This is a deathblow for Jolly though. After a season where most of us remember him for his worst play (against the Vikings) Jolly who is in a contract season now will not play in 2010 and will have a REALLY bad rap. It will be interesting to see if the Packers even offer him a contract after this season. Hopefully Neal pans out and can quickly fill in the gaping hole that we now have for next year. For Jolly not only does he have to miss the upcoming season but he still doesn't know where his case stands...rough days ahead for this guy.

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Comments

This is a definitely a bit of a concern. We’d better hope either Neal, Harrell, Wilson, or Wynn can do a respectable job filling in for Jolly as the 4th guy in our DL rotation. Having Pickett, Jenkins, Raji, and Jolly last season definitely had a lot to do with our vastly improved run defense.

by packallday555 on Jul 16, 2010 6:48 PM CDT reply actions

There has to be more to the story and the Packers knew it. Drafting the 2 D Linemen and moving Pickett over seems to indicate they were expecting more than 3-4 game suspension.

by the yooper on Jul 16, 2010 7:04 PM CDT reply actions

ya think?

by hermitcrab on Jul 17, 2010 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions

glad we did

by ericforeman04 on Jul 17, 2010 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Neal

I agree that he might have been drafted early considering we passed up Sergio Kendal to get him…I think that his is going to pan out better than most people believe. The guy is strong as a bull and on film at Purdue, he required double teams…If he can force double teams then that leave Raji crashing the middle and Pickett or Jenkins on the otherside one on one…Cj Wilson will hopfully give somewhat of a KGB pass rush option for Capers…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 16, 2010 8:51 PM CDT reply actions

I agree

I think Pickett will be around for a solid rotation. Neal will open doors for Raji and Jones. If Neal can continue to command the double teams, that will allow 3 others to have only 1 on 1 matchups, given the opponent doesn’t have RB’s blocking. Jolly never really did command double teams. He was just a body that often times did get pushed around. To his credit though, he did a nice job keeping his eyes on the QB and batting down passes. I think the move in putting Neal at LE will work in Jones favor though. If Neal can provide a little pass rush on the outside along with Jones, that will be the poison as Raji will have complete dominance in the middle of the line.

I think Neal and maybe even CJ Wilson will help our Nickel/Dime Package as well. Lets say Wilson sits most of this year and it’s Neal. Now we have Cullen Jenkins as our RDT, and Neal as our LDT. If Neal can again occupy double teams, that opens the door for Jenkins, Mathews, and Jones. Same if Jenkins can do it as well.

I know that I’m leaving Pickett out a bit here. He’s a quality lineman to have on obvious running downs and to provide good depth. He is what Terrance Cody was to Alabama last year.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Jul 17, 2010 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't understand the statement if Neal can continue to command double teams

The man is a rookie(I do like the pick) who many thought would last till the 3rd round Im"m thinking B.J. will be the one double teamed but still getting the push he was Known for in college, not necessarily sacks( I do expect him to get a few) but move the pocket so the QB can’t step up leaving him in the path of our rushers coming from the outside. This also helps well timed blitzes up the middle.

We certainly are not a better team without Jolly but I think we are prepared for this. The player forgotten in all this is Harrell wouldn’t it be neat if he stayed healthy. He maybe the player with the best physical size for a 3-4 end. It would put the last nail in the coffin for all the anti Ted people. Wishful thinking

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Well, I do continue to silently support Harrell

although maybe I’m starting to come out now. haha. I know that scouts had referred to him being an ideal 3-4 DE coming out of the 07’ draft, but that was when Harrell weighed 305 lbs. He now weighs 323 lbs, so he needs to lose about 15 pounds to get that burst back. I think if Harrell does just that, he will look at being healthier, having more burst off the line, and would make a good case to be a starter.

Neal will provide more speed on the edge than Pickett. So Neal can command double teams like Pickett, only he can close in on RB’s running outside. Pickett is more of an immovable object, but he’s just that. He won’t get after the QB or chase down RB’s to the sideline.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Jul 17, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Backwards

Damn… You beat me too it. I was going to say the same thing! Neal is NOT going to command any double teams for awhile if ever! When Neal is an interior pass rusher, Raji is the one on the inside that would command a double! That will allow other interior rushers like Jenkins, Neal, Wilson, and maybe Harrell to be blocked one on one. Thats where they have to make plays! To date the only one who has shown that ability in the NFL is Jenkins. Neal and the others will be the ones who have to prove and show that they can get pressure when single blocked! Plus the depth of those guys will help. Being able to rotate Jenkins, Neal, Harrell opposite of Raji will keep them fresh so they can continue to make plays from inside!

Even when Neal plays 34 DE he isn’t going to be double teamed. On run downs it’ll be his job to occupy to blockers, but thats different that commanding a double. It’ll be his job, not something the OL does to contain him!!! As a rookie he is a LONG way from showing he’ll ever COMMAND a double… A LOOONG WAY! On pass downs as a 34 DE he wouldn’t likely be doubled either. Mostly sinled by the OG or OT depending on whether Jones is rushing (I am expecting Neal to be the LDE in a 34) and Wilson to be a RDE.

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Double Teams

When i made the statment, I was implying that at Purdue in the 4-3 he required Double Teams..IF he can be that effective in scale, then we would have a successful piece added to our line. Now whether or not he actually gets double teamed is irrelivant. The guy is an ox, not saying he will be the next Reggie White or anything but…A strong guy “who required double teams from some good big ten offensive lines when playing in the 4-3 scheme” with some descent speed for his size, SHOULD prove to make our line a little more dynamic at least..

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Understand

I understand that… But he got doubled at Purdue cuz he was far and away the best DL on that team. Getting doubled at Purdue means nothing in the NFL. I am just as hopeful as you that he becomes a good player, but even a good NFL player doesn’t require double teams. His size and strength will make him a valuable contributor, but lets not get carried away by saying that cuz he was doubled at Purdue means he is going to even be productive in the NFL.

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions

I don’t think he was saying that at all!

If Neal can continue to command the double teams, that will allow 3 others to have only 1 on 1 matchups

The key word there is IF…he didn’t say he is now or that he will but if he does, then this will happen. Its a simple if, then statement.

by TrevorR on Jul 20, 2010 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions

doubled

Raji is about the only guy, other than maybe Jenkins that is going to command a double on passing downs! Neal will never be doubled, IMO… He’ll be just fine if he can play off the double Raji gets. Why would a team double a rookie, much less one who has more talented player like Raji and Jenkins next to him? The best we can hope for from him is to be effective as a pass rusher next to Raji or Jenkins and on run down occupy 2 blockers so the LB can get to the ball.

If you think anything else its foolish!!!

by Strohman on Jul 20, 2010 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions

you just said it

If he can occupy 2 blockers on run downs…Thats exactly what im talking about…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 20, 2010 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions

2 blockers

Occupying 2 blockers is different than being double teamed! Double teamed implies the offense is using 2 men to block one guy. Occupying 2 blockers is engaging 2 players so to keep the LB free. There is a difference… And you never said anything about it being on run downs…

by Strohman on Jul 20, 2010 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Sometimes I think you try to argue with some people. :-)

by TrevorR on Jul 21, 2010 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions

funny, I was kinda thinking the same about you… You never let anything die, have to continually make sure you get the last word in.

by Strohman on Jul 21, 2010 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Double teams

I said above BJ would be double teamed and you will see Matthews being double using a tight end or RB

by the yooper on Jul 20, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree w/ that wholeheartedly...

by Strohman on Jul 20, 2010 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions

True

Actually I digress, I wrote " Neal requiring double teams" a couple times and was incorrect…But the one thing that noone mentions reguarding Neal is that, the guy hardly came out of the game in college…That may be because like you said “he was the best at Purdue” But the guy has some stamina to do that…Hopeful maybe but its within limitations…I just see the rookies from this draft class making more of an impact than before…Morgan Burnett, Mike Neal, and if the Interior O-line has injury issues even Marshal Newhouse??

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions

I’d agree this draft class should have significant impact. Many draft gurus thought it was a good draft for the future, but I could seeBurnett and Neal being big contributors, and our OL draft pickups adding depth which has been a huge problem the last couple years.

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Draft Class

I am curious…I havent heard enough or read enough but is Josh Sitton really worth starting at Guard??is he the RG or LG? I’m hoping that Darren College doesnt start ever again because that guy couldnt hold his own for anything…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Sitton

Are you kidding? Sitton is about the best OL on the team! He’s been very solid since he became the starting RG. He would have started as a rookie had it not been for an injury! Sitton is the long term answer at RG and the least of our worries!!! Some think he’s on the fast track to an All Pro type career. While I don’t go that far, he does bear alot of similarities to Marco Rivera… Sitton is already very good and has a chance to be a Pro Bowler!

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, Sitton is the best OL on the team, by far. And he may even be one of the better RG’s in the league.

I’m personally hoping for Spitz-Wells-Sitton.

by packallday555 on Jul 17, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Really?

I guess the one player on our team that i have been over looking is Josh Sitton…so with being said our RG is locked up? So what about LG? is Spitz

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Spitz

Is Spitz worth a crap? I know he was a Center too but my question is…Does Marshal Newhouse have a chance at moving into a starting role anytime soon?

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Newhouse

He’s at least a year from being ready. Soft body and the transition to a pro offense instead of a spread (playing w/ a hand down alot instead of 2 pt stance). I like his potential but he’s got alot of work to become a starter. My guess is 2 years from starting!

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Him not playing in a spread is something i thought about and the soft body…But he played inside at TCU early on…He has more of a G’s body type in the NFL..Before long i see him moving ahead of Colledge on the roster.

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

2 years minimum

Unless Colledge isn’t signed to a new contract next season. And we don’t even know what position he is going to be at. He is similar in stature to Tauscher, so he could be RT… He did block Jerry Hughes everyday in practice so he could be a pretty good RT too! I could see him being a better pass blocker than Lang and being the RT and Lang moved to LG.

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions

You probably overlooked him cuz he just did his job very well. OL don’t get mentioned unless they get penalized! So your not hearing from him means he isn’t getting penalized!

LG is Colledge’s to lose! He has the most experience at it and when allowed to focus just on being the LG has usually played well. He’s had trouble filling in at LT and the moving back and forth doesn’t help his consistence. Given the opportunity to focus on LG, I think he’ll have a good season. How well he does will go a long way in determining if he’ll be back next year. He’ll have to play really well to get another contract. My guess is he will… Spitz will be the top backup inside and maybe challenge Wells. After this season, Spitz will be given the chance to unseat Wells again.

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Colledge

I disagree…Colledge hasnt shown anything to me but mediocrity and is the worst offensive lineman that plays in my opinion…Spitz can hold his own inside and seems to have a better football petigree..

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I have a good feeling about College

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Colledge

Graded out as the best OL for the Packers in 08. So its not a stretch to say he can improve his play when left at LG, instead of moving around. Just my opinion, but I think Colledge is the LG this season and then likely becomes a FA. He’ll play well enough to hold off Spitz, who by the way, hasn’t practiced all offseason, is coming off a BACK surgery and has been predominantly a RG and C instead of a LG.

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions

unsure

Maybe and hopefully you guys are right…. I remember him getting a lot of hype a few years back BUT I’m just un easy about the guy….Jared Allen owned him and its hard to get that out of my head….I know he was playing tackle then but still…

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I think your right. I think the battle at LG will all be on how well Colledge is/isn’t playing.

On a side note, isn’t it nice to actually feel like we have all the spots on our OL pretty well covered?

by packallday555 on Jul 18, 2010 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Absolutely

The OL depth is the best its been in a LONG time. Seems almost every spot has a good backup and a viable alternative to the starter. Thompson has worked hard to draft and develop the OL taking an average of 2 OL in every draft since he arrived! Most have panned out, a couple haven’t and a couple moved on to other teams. Kudos to Thompson for the OL we can look forward to…

by Strohman on Jul 18, 2010 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions

It could get worse for Jolly

This suspension was for substance abuse. If he gets convicted in court, he would be in violation of the Personal Conduct policy. It would mean the end for Jolly.

Neal will be a manimal.

by Welzy on Jul 16, 2010 9:31 PM CDT reply actions

he already was

in violation of the conduct policy—————suspension was gauranteed, now let the packers just release him and wipe their hands off. i’m just glad i wasn’t one of the posters defending a thug like jolly.

by hermitcrab on Jul 17, 2010 12:14 AM CDT reply actions

Not having Johnny Jolly is going to deteriorate the defensive line some, but not much…Jolly batted down something like 12 passes last year…Thats pretty good but I think the positive that will come of this whole thing is now Justin Harrell will be forced to improve or my estimation be released after this season…Also it will give Neal a chance to prove his worth, and I’m excited about C.J Wilson…The guy was a monster at ECU

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 12:28 AM CDT reply actions

If harrell doesn’t show something he’ll be cut before the season

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 1:35 AM CDT up reply actions

we can only hope!!

by TrevorR on Jul 17, 2010 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions

It's his last chance

I still stand in Harrell’s corner though. Silently……

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Jul 17, 2010 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Harrell

Yea, I would agree with Jabooty…At this point i mean we invested a mid/first round pick on the guy..I still stand in his corner also because if he can be the force he was at Tennesse this year then that would be redemption for the past season’s he hasnt done anything at all. Pickett and Raji we know can get a good push, If Harrel can bull his way inside the tackle and open it up for Mathews/Jones then our pass rush concerns could be deminished?

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 12:34 PM CDT reply actions

If Harrell does stay healthy

That better prepares us for what seems to be the inevitable departure of Cullen Jenkins after this season. I’m hoping Jenkins stays though. He’s the ideal 3-4 DE in my opinion.

"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi

by Jabooty on Jul 17, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Inevitable?

What would indicate that he is leaving? The whole thing with him moving to OLB on some packages seems like they have a role for him?? Obviously i dont expect him to be converted like they tried to do with Kampman..But I dont see any reason why we would let him go?

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 2:34 PM CDT reply actions

It’s called only so many dollars can be allocated to a position

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

he’ll be up for big dollars, that’s the dilemma look at the money thrown at Corey Williams who wasn’t as good as Jenkins

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought Corey Williams was pretty good…But it seemed like his last year Pickett outshined him…Now, I agree that they will only allocate so many dollars BUT i am willing to be that TT is going to release Jolly, thus opening more money to the allocated position..

by SpaceGhost34 on Jul 17, 2010 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

Jolly was a 6th round pick playing for peanuts, he may have just screwed up his big payday. I’m assuming his contract is the origional from memory could be wrong.

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Just realized he signed a 1 year tender that won’t be paid for like 2.6 not origional contract, my bad

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Williams

Williams played well but still got overpaid. I think last year he and Jenkins graded out about equal as 34 DE. Williams was 6th rated 34 DE and Jenkins was 8th according to profootballfocus.com. Williams got money comensurate w/ a franchise DT or 34 DE. He’s good and was really good in GB, but he wasn’t THAT good…

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions

That’s my point we maybe can’t afford so many big contracts so there is the real possibility Jenkins will not be here next year. I hope he’s here.

by the yooper on Jul 17, 2010 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions

hopeful

I am hopeful that Jenkins will be resigned. He is making 4M per on his old contract. At 29? I think he has a few good years left in him. Just depends on Jenkins. Is he willing to stay in GB and be a 34 DE or would he prefer, like Kampman, to go back to being a 43 DE. I really can’t guess right now, though I do think he likes being a GB Packer! I would easily offer him a similar contract or even a slight increase. Maybe another 4 year deal for 20M w/ about 8 upfront…

by Strohman on Jul 17, 2010 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions