The Packers Offense Struggles In Training Camp

by Brandon on Aug 2, 2010 8:01 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers Training Camp

Here's one report from Cheesehead TV about the Green Bay Packers struggles on offense, but I've read about this in various places. QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't sharp, and QB Matt Flynn had several bad passes last weekend. And I'm glad to read they're getting the work in and shaking the rust off. These early season problems are inevitable, and the earlier they get them out of their system, the better. And Rodgers is wearing an advertising patch on his practice jersey. Those haven't made it to the game jerseys (thankfully).

Greg Bedard has posted some practice video at the Journal-Sentinel's site, but the NFL has a weird rule that it can't be longer than 90 minutes and can't be posted for more than 24 hours. Like this is game film quality. So by the time you read this, the video will probably be down already. As much as I loved to watch it, it's hard to follow, and I don't want to pick on any players in it.

In addition to the players on the physically unable to perform list (PUP), which are CB Al Harris, SS Atari Bigby, and RB James Starks, Greg Bedard tweets that LB Brad Jones is the only other player out of practice on Sunday. He took a helmet in the back on Saturday. A few players who had offseason surgery are reportedly restricted to practice only once-a-day, according to the Press Gazette. The team has scheduled practice twice-a-day on just about every other day.

Rookie 3rd round S Morgan Burnett is getting a lot of coaching from safeties coach Darren Perry. With the status of Bigby up in the air due to his knee injury, Burnett will have to be ready sooner than later.

I point out a good play from undrafted rookie CB Sam Shields, and he goes and drops a punt the next day. It would matter more if he dropped it during a preseason game, but I'm assuming the reason why he was converted from a receiver to defense in college was because of his hands. If he can't hold onto the ball, then he's got no chance at making the team.

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Rodgers Wears a Bellin Patch

Next is “James Jones Used Cars and Offroad Equipment”

by Wade V on Aug 2, 2010 4:16 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks for the update Brandon

I think the big thing that catches my eye is the progression Sam Shields makes to POSSIBLY become a kick/punt returner. Who knows if that plan is set, but I like the idea that the team is exploring options while in Training Camp. IDK if he will make it or not, but having him as another option to return kicks can only make this team better.

It’s nice to know he got an interception as a CB. That’s one play though. If he’s consistent, it’s worth taking more looks at him in Preseason. I’m not sure how much the team plans on even playing him in Preseason though. He’s pretty high on the depth chart.

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

by Jabooty on Aug 2, 2010 7:54 PM CDT reply actions

Defenses historically start faster.

by marcopo on Aug 2, 2010 8:05 PM CDT reply actions

shields

well he looked good as a cb on sunday morning, but he did drop a couple punt attempts that i seen.

by hermitcrab on Aug 2, 2010 8:05 PM CDT reply actions

Shields

I would say Shields stands a very good chance of making the team! Who’s he competing against? Bush… They are basically in competition as a gunner on ST and as a backup CB. He was an accomplished ST player at the U and he certainly has more potential as a CB than Bush does… If he can do returns in any way, he’s a lock. Right now all he has to do is be productive on ST and show potential as a CB, and that should be enough to win him the job!

by Strohman on Aug 2, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions

hands of stone

I recall reading that Shields was a converted WR to DB because he couldn’t catch anything. Believe me, I’m more than hopeful that we can get a dynamic returner that can stay healthy for an entire season. But if the guy is going to cough up the ball, he’s practice squad material. I can’t see him making it as a gunner unless he can play DB.

We all know that Bush is strictly a special teamer. I think he gets a bad rap for attempting to be more than he is. It’s not his fault he was put in a position that he couldn’t succeed in. Just the opposite – I think he showed a great attitude in attempting to step up. That being said, he’s making a LOT of money to be strictly a special teamer. How’s that for waffling?

by gern blanston on Aug 2, 2010 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I don’t disagree about Bush… But really does Shields as a gunner on ST and a CB have to have great hands? Not really… Plus thats something he can work on. If he was still playing WR I would agree he has to be able to catch the ball, but as a gunner he just has to be able to tackle and as a DB at least knock the ball down! If he can pick the ball off, all the better… But its not a prerequisite of playing CB.

by Strohman on Aug 2, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I look at it like this

It’s Packers vs. Packers, so, anytime one unit looks good, the other looks bad, and, likewise, when one unit looks bad, the other looks good.
Therefore,