Packer Links: Gore Released, Colledge Is The Starter, and Shields At The Nickel
by Brandon on Aug 30, 2010 7:01 AM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Training Camp
Email
PrintSunday was the first practice this week for the Green Bay Packers, and the first of the final three practices to wrap up training camp.
- The big news this week will be the announcement that five players have to be released before Wednesday. Packers.com announced that undrafted free agent WR Shawn Gore was the first to go. Gore played college football in Canada, he was drafted in the CFL draft, and it's likely he's headed to Vancouver. I had hoped to see more of him this preseason, but he rarely played. I saw him miss one pass attempt late against the Colts.
- sidtheelf covered this topic in a FanPost earlier. It was reported that LG Daryn Colledge has kept his starting job. While 2009 was a disaster for him at left tackle, he was OK at left guard. Still it seems like he won the job by default. He beat out OL Jason Spitz, who appeared to have no chance at winning a starting job at either left guard this center. His only real competition was LT Bryan Bulaga, but he's been held back by a hip flexor injury. Do you think he could have beaten out OL T.J. Lang if the Packers hadn't insisted at playing him only at right tackle, or recently at left tackle, this preseason?
- The nickel cornerback job really hasn't been won by anyone. I had hoped to see CB Pat Lee emerge as an option, but he's struggled, though he looked better against the Colts. CB Brandon Underwood is probably the best option, however he injured his shoulder during the Colts game. Greg Bedard tweeted that Underwood's shoulder is good, so he might still be on target to start the season as the nickel back. There is some recent talk about CB Sam Shields as the nickel back. He's had two INTs this preseason, but that was against the backups. He's looked a little lost when he played against the starters the last two preseason games. He's shown promise as a cornerback, but it's premature to have him play nickel back to start the season.
50 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
As excited as I am about Shields
I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable with him as the nickle. The guy only played one year at corner in college and didn’t start. That would be one heck of a turnaround. The guy seems to have all the ability in the world I hope that is enough because the experience isn’t there.
Gore was a fun story in the offseason, its a shame he wasn’t able to make an impact. At least he had the canada league to fall back on.
Sam Shields at nickle already? That makes me a little nervous, especially when we’ll already have a rookie at safety. Hopefully we’ll be able to let him have some more time to see how the game is played at a pro level before we throw him out to the wolves. I love his potential though, its rare to see an undrafted guy even be considered in his first season.
Shields at nickel?
I am happy that he is a lock to make the team, but I’m not sure putting him at nickelback is such a good idea
I agree...
… but unfortunately Lee and Underwood have show nothing at nickel, which is why Shields is getting a look. I don’t like it either, but I don’t like the alternatives any better since Harris is going to miss at least a few games.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Shields
Seems a little too early to expect that much of him. Give him time and if he becomes clearly the best option then do it. At the moment, I don’t think he is clearly the best option. I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing him in the dime though. Good way for a rookie to get some valuable experience, which is something Shields definitely needs! Gotta love his athleticism and thats one of the most important traits for a CB. By the end of the season he may well have moved up to nickel.
Uh…..That would mean he would beat out Williams. Harris will be back at some point this season, when he does that puts Tramon back in the Nickel.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
regarding Harris and moving Williams to Nickel
…maybe. Do you just give him the job or does he have to take it back from Williams?
Definetly has to take it back
No way is it a given he’ll be near the player he was at that age and severity of the injury
I agree. But Harris is still at least a viable 3rd Cornerback. So even if Williams stays at 2nd Cornerback, Shields would have to push Harris out of the Nickel. Shields is still a rookie. I could see us letting Harris go next year, or pushing him to backup and having Woodson, Williams and Shields 1,2,3. That is if Harris doesn’t retire himself. Should Harris get injured again this year, I could see him hanging it up.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
As everyone else indicated
It’s a little premature moving Shields to Nickel, but his progress and development has been exciting to watch. Factoring in that Harris is still out and Williams is the #2 CB, who is everyone in favor of being the #3 and even #4 CB? Underwood has been getting picked on all Preseason. Although coaches have praised his improved in the Offseason, I haven’t seen too much out of it. Lee hasn’t stood out in any games. Shields is still very raw at the CB position, and indeed has only played well against backups, but his potential is there. Before Preseason began, most of us were in favor of Underwood as the #3 with Lee as the #4. Have opinions been changed? I’m not sold on either Underwood or Lee, but I like Lee just a tadbit more. I’m just saying that by default because Underwood is targeted so often, while Shields is still young and raw.
Stroh called it on Colledge. Props to him. I was beginning to wonder what was going on with him considering he didn’t play a lot in the first 2 Preseason games, but the coaches were indeed fixed on him starting. At least we know we have a veteran starting at LG.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
1. Woodson
2. Williams
3. Lee
4. Shields
5. Underwood
I still don’t see Underwood as an NFL Cornerback. Lee isn’t much of a starter, but he’s the best option with Harris out. I wish the Pack would have gone after a free agent Corner, or drafted one. But it is what it is. I think that Shields and Underwood need some time on Special Teams before they attempt to start on the defense.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Problem is Lee hasn't beaten out anyone
Right now Lee has been beaten out from the word go by Underwood. He also hasn’t done anything to outshine Shields. I’ve banged the “give the guy a chance” drum as much as anyone here, but I’m starting to worry that he just isn’t going to make it past either of these two guys….bring Lee into the bust realm.
by PackApologist on Aug 30, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Shields as #3
My argument for Shields as number three cb with Harris out is he has better make up speed when he does get burned and I think he would get more picks than Underwood or Lee. But would the speed and possible turnovers make up for making mistakes more often? Anyone have thoughts?
His speed will make up for a lot of mistakes
I don’t see many WR’s that will burn him deep, but I can see him getting carved up on short routes. Capers hopefully recognizes that and will be able to help him out in those situations. Of course that’s all speculation though.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
It’s a good question. I’ve been thinking pretty much the exact same thing since the Indy game. I know he got beat once by Garcon on a crossing route, though had Manning not made a perfect throw he probably would have ended up tipping the ball away. I think he does have the make up speed to be our nickel back but I think it may still be a little early to give him that job. I’d like to see him as the dime back.
by packallday555 on Aug 30, 2010 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Shields
I have no problem with Shields at the nickel back. MM plays his nickel on the outside wideout. I might feel differently if the nickelback consistently guarded the slot receiver who could go any direction or if the nickelback set in the slot had to contend with traffic coming from left or right. Put Shields out wide and let his athleticism serve him. His picks can’t be overlooked – that’s what you want from DBs.
Haha this is exactly what I found myself wrestling with to wisfan’s question above. I think he could be vulnerable to the quick slants, outs/ins, and crossing routes covering the outside wideout. He would probably do just fine on deep routes though, and could probably jump a lot of the comeback routes. Obviously there’s pros and cons to him as the nickel.
by packallday555 on Aug 30, 2010 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
That's a good point
In the Nickel, Capers does like to move Woodson to the slot once in a while in case he wants Woodson to blitz. This also eliminates the guessing game Shields needs to make in which direction the WR goes. He will be vulnerable on the short routes, but if we eliminate the WR from having the option to go right, that helps his odds significantly. It’s a tricky one, but we all know that Shields is progressing better than we initially thought he would. Clearly, the team has faith in his ability to play the CB position. It’s a little sooner than expected, but it’s not like Shields is replacing anyone of superior CB abilities.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
coverage
I’m fine w/ Shields as the nickel if we play man coverage… I think he can stay w/ anyone pretty well in man, but he struggles in zone… So if we are in zone I would rather have Underwood… Thats obviously not going to happen. So I’m at a crossroads… I guess in the end I’ll take my chances with Underwood as he just has more experience! Give Underwood the first shot at it and see if he runs w/ it and takes it… If not then bring in SHields! Lee is the one, who IMO, has shown next to nothing… Never even mounted a challenge, which is a little disappointment!!
Think Capers is ready to go to Thompson...
… and say, “can you please get me some f****** players please? Our depth at DL is Harrell and Neal, and really just Harrell since Jenkins is hurt, and I’m playing an undrafted free agent at nickel back. I loved Raji and Matthews and all, but for cripes sake, trade one of your 12 TE’s for a run-stopping end. It’d be nice to have a legit pass rushing threat opposite Mathews, but since you’re not going to get me that, at least get me enough guys to put a DL on the field. Throw me a bone, man.”
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 7:45 PM CDT reply actions
trade or pickup
There have been lots of discussions on these blogs about who could be traded and for what and I don’t want to start that again but does anyone think there will be a cb added to the roster either by trade or picked up after cuts or will TT stick with what we have?
I think he likes the DB's too much to make a move there.
I’m hoping he looks to add a guy at DL.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 8:49 PM CDT up reply actions
That raises an interesting question
Forgetting the who for just one moment….
What is the one position on the defense where a move is needed the most?
Right now I would still say OLB.
Even though Lee and Underwood have underwhelmed me and I’m starting to get nervous…
Even though Ted’s got a great point that after Neal we have the human bandaid and guys along the D-line…
Even though our depth at Safety is paper thin while Bigby is out…
I just don’t good depth there…and questionable talent even in the starting spot. Jones looked pretty okay last year, and hasn’t even made it on the field so far in the preseason really. I never thought I would say bring in A. Thomas, but now might be a good time to think about that instead of praying that Zombo can turn in his performances against 4th stringers to regular season games.
by PackApologist on Aug 30, 2010 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions
trades
this will be a very interesting week. Strengths on the roster include OLine, WR, TE, FB. I think our DLine is built to stop the run, but not to rush the passer. I think we have some athletes in the secondary, but they need to live up to their potential and start being reliable. I think we’ve got decent depth at inside backer, too.
Of those guys, who’d command the most in trade? Desmond Bishop? Donald Lee?
Based upon the above, if TT were to engineer a trade, I’d say we go for a safety first (accidents a close second – to quote a Rocky and Bullwinkle episode), OLB second.
The verdict is out on Chery, but I think we need a KR/PR, too. I can’t see TT trading for that, if its addressed at all. He’ll most likely pick up someone’s leftovers.
by gern blanston on Aug 31, 2010 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Why safety
Burnett IMO will be more than adequate and should get better every day. Bigby will be back in 6 weeks. I have a feeling if they were worried about it They would not have put Bigby on the PUP list because he probably would be ready before 6 weeks. I think this is just a way of not having to cut some NFL capable players in the next week.
no depth
Bigby is on PUP. There’s no guarantee he’ll hold up when he returns or that he’ll return and still make the roster. Burnett is a rookie who should improve with playing time. He’s flashed brilliance and….rawness. Who’s left? Derrick Martin? I see him as a ST only. If Blackmon makes the roster, he has no experience at safety. That leaves Charlie Peprah who is also strictly a ST player. Did I miss anyone?
So, we’ve put a lot of eggs in the Morgan Burnett basket. What if he gets hurt?
by gern blanston on Aug 31, 2010 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the top 4.
Harrell will probably get hurt and the rest of them are just guys.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, it’s a big if but Harrell has actually looked pretty decent so far.
I love Neal too. The guy is just SO strong. Once he gets the technique down he could become an elite 3-4 defensive end. He’s really impressive.
by packallday555 on Aug 30, 2010 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Our Defensive Line is sitting good right now
1. Cullen Jenkins
2. BJ Raji
3. Ryan Pickett
4. Mike Neal
5. Justin Harrell
6. Jarrius Wynn
7. CJ Wilson
That’s 7 defensive linemen. Harrell will be good if he’s healthy. Wynn has a year of experience under his belt, but is a little undersized. CJ Wilson has good size to play in the 3-4, but he has been injured lately. Those are more than enough defensive linemen on this roster.
As for bringing in players outside of the draft, you just answered that he did that. He brought in a handful of guys, 2 of which (Shields and Zombo) are playing superbly in Preseason, and now they are welcomed additions to this defense. I think Zombo is a better fit on the Strongside in the base 3-4, but out of the Nickel and Dime I would like Mathews on the left side to keep him on the opposite side of Jenkins. Keep in mind, Neal is also showing a good display of pass rushes.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
I don't think Wyn and Wilson are worth much.
And Harrell has to prove he can stay on the field for more than a couple of games before I regard him as depth. That’s my concern, because if I’m right, we’re effectively 4 men deep on the DL.
And street free agents don’t count as “outside the draft”. They’re part of the same process, and neither Shields nor Zombo have proven they can play in the regular season. I’m excited about them too, but the fact that we’re pumped up about street free agent rookies helps demonstrate the lack of talent in places on this defense.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 31, 2010 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
I think Harrell has the potential to create problems. But I lump him in there with Blackmon in that he’s just got to stay healthy.
by gern blanston on Aug 31, 2010 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions
OT
Watching the Brewers, and I just saw a Reds fan wearing a Votto t-shirt take a foul ball out of the glove of….. Joey Votto.
Awesome.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 7:47 PM CDT reply actions
Shouldn't you go to BCB and post that?
I kid, I kid…
Probably.
But, well, you know.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 30, 2010 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't!
Are people boycotting BCB or something?
by packallday555 on Aug 30, 2010 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope.
Just me. I still go there for their link-a-palooza every morning since it’s easier than finding all that stuff myself, but I don’t comment anymore or read anything else. I just don’t care for how the site is run. But that’s just me. Still seems to be fairly popular with most Brewer fans.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 31, 2010 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Once football season begins,
baseball season ends. I’l be honest, I was not celebrating like a psychotic monkey when they made it to the playoffs in 08. I was too fixated into football. Just goes to show I’m not a balanced sports fan. I love football and like baseball (when there’s no football). : )
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Come on, it's earlier than that
Everyone knows that if the Brewers can stay relevant until Packer training camp starts then they have fulfilled their purpose as the summer sport gap filler in Wisconsin.
It’s a shame they can’t do that too often and usually are out of it by the All Star break or sooner.
by PackApologist on Aug 31, 2010 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You can always come over to Bleed Cubbie Blue
You just may not find a lot of Brewer love
Probably not a good idea.
I go to some opponent sites. Went to Red Reporter tonight (Brewers are playing the Reds) and they were ok. A little more hostile than usual, but not too bad. I go to the Daily Norseman all the time. The writing there is great (even if Gates is angry all the time these days) and the folks over there are in general pretty tolerant and willing to have decent conversations.
But I can’t behave myself when I go to Bleed Cubbie Blue or the Cardinals site. Not sure why. There isn’t a team on the planet I hate more than the Vikings, but I can get along with their fans ok for the most part, even with the ultimate d-bag on their team (Favre). But I turn up on the Cubs blog or Cards blog and I get in flame wars. Not fun for anyone.
BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Aug 31, 2010 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Chery
He is going to return all the kicks on Thur. I didn’t think he had a shot at the roster but he could play his way on with another good return or two. I guess they are really worried about Blackmon’s knee, maybe he won’t make the 53 man roster. Does this make Swain nervous? Because I don’t see TT keeping 6 wrs.
It probably makes Blackmon nervous too. Though, I think Blackmon has looked really, really good on returns. He’s getting upfield fast. Though his knee seems to be a problem.
by packallday555 on Aug 30, 2010 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Al to PUP
Just read on profootballtalk that Al is headed to PUP for the first 6 weeks.
I also read that the Vikings are now thin at CB because Chris Cook injured his knee. Apparently, they have no confidence in Sheppard.
I also believe, though can’t recall where I read it, that Underwood will not play Thursday.
Kind of disappointing news about Harris but I can’t say I didn’t sort of expect it either.
That’s a really tough break for the Vikings. It looked like Cook was going to be there other start opposite Winfield. Without him, they now will have to go with Sheppard who has looked shaky this preseason. They could really be hurting at nickel and dime too because of this. That pass rush is going to have to make up for the lack of depth, and likely talent at Cb for them.
by packallday555 on Sep 1, 2010 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
