Packer Notes: Will Chad Clifton Keep His Starting Job?
by Brandon on Sep 20, 2010 12:00 PM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Analysis
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PrintLT Chad Clifton has gotten off to a slow start in 2010 for the Green Bay Packers, and Mike McCarthy has noticed. He was pulled in the second quarter in favor of rookie 1st round LT Bryan Bulaga. From the post-game press conference:
Chad Clifton did not practice twice this week. He has an issue with his knee. I felt that he just didn’t look like he was fully recovered, so I thought it was important to get Bryan in there.
Greg Bedard confirmed that the official word was that Bulaga was an injury replacement, but that "Clifton struggled for the second-straight week." I hadn't really noticed him playing that badly, and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin said he didn't notice any obvious problems either.
This is at least the second consecutive season that Clifton has gotten off to a slow start due to injuries. He was in-and-out of the lineup during the first 8 games last season. He was beaten by DE Trent Cole on a couple occasions in the 1st quarter against the Eagles, but he was solid the rest of the game. If his knee is bothering him at all, there's no reason to start him.
I'm a believer in Bulaga's future as a starting left tackle. If that future begins in 2010, so be it. If he should start the next couple game, until Clifton's knee feels better, then they can go that route too. From what we've seen so far, do you think Bulaga is actually better than Clifton?
And if this truly is the end of Clifton's career as a starter, well the Packers are prepared for that too. Though he was signed to a 3-year contract last March, the contract was front loaded with a "guaranteed" roster bonus of $6.375 million. What I think that means is that his roster bonus was technically non-guaranteed, but it had to be paid almost immediately to keep him on the roster, so it was effectively guaranteed. As a result, his front loaded contract was a non-guaranteed roster bonus which is counted for entirely in 2010 (in a non-capped year), and I don't expect the Packers would have any future cap problems if he doesn't return in 2011.
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Thanks for clarifying on this
I was wondering why the switch was made. Clifton only looked shakey in the 1st Quarter against Philly in pass protection. However, he wasn’t that good in run blocker. It will be interesting in who gets the start vs Chicago. The veteran Cliffy or the rookie Bulaga? Either way, they will have a tough time against Peppers. I’m hoping that McCarthy does something to keep Peppers in check. I’m comfortable with Bulaga being at LT. I wish it would be against an easier RE though if he does start this week. If Bulaga does start and keeps Peppers from getting any sacks, I wouldn’t be surprised if that is enough to suddenly make Bulaga the undispited starting LT. It’s early, but a performance like that may be enough. That’s unlikely though, as much as I hate to say it.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Let’s start Buluga and see how he does against Peppers. If he does well, then name him the full time starter. If not, stick Clifton back in there, and let him develop some more.
I think Bulaga has played well enough to be given a real challenge.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
I go the other way.
I would start Clifton, assuming he is able to practice this week and play on Mon. Bulaga is likely to get alot of reps this week and he and Clifton will do alot of film study together, but I really think the better move is to start Clifton and replace him w/ Bulaga if necessary. Its not that I don’t think Bulaga can handle it, but I want Cliffy’s experience against Peppers! If Clifton can’t practice and they start Bulaga that fine, but this is the type of game Clifton has excelled in his whole career! If Bulaga is the starter, I put Kuhn in the backfield w/ Johnson and run right at Peppers for 3 downs so Bulaga can feel Peppers out and to send a message to Peppers, tell him its going to be a LONG day and we’re going to pound you all day!! I wouldn’t bother passing until we have to… 3rd and long or after a first down or two! By that time Bulaga has a feel for Peppers strength, length and ability. I think Bulaga could possibly put Peppers on his ass a couple times!!!
That's risky
With GB struggling to run the ball and seeing how depleted Chicago’s secondary is without S Wright, I’m surprised you would call for more running plays.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Running isn't the answer this week
The Bears LB’s look fresh and hungry. Their D-line looks pretty darn good too. No, the answer is their secondary which just a bit better than the Lions’ secondary. Add in another starter that looks to be hurting (Major Wright [one of the coolest football names ever]) and that adds up to letting Rodgers loose with enough running to keep them honest.
Probably lots of slants and schemes to get Finely in space to make plays. Add in some check downs to Jackson and Kuhn and we could have a nice little game plan against the Bears.
This is even more important to get up early on them because their O-line is shakier than ours. If he can get them to be one dimensional points could come up in bunches as well as sacks.
by PackApologist on Sep 20, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree
I think we should work on lining Finley up on the left side though. We need him chipping at Peppers consistently. Get into Peppers face, and he’ll lose heart and motivation. We all know this of him. Make him give up, then the Bears have no pass rush. Who the heck is their LE now anyways? The Bears defense always gives our offense a hard time, so we need to score early and often. I’m tired of these “mental mistakes” when we play the Bears. Lets kill them already!!!!!
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Chip block
I want to take Peppers out of the game! The way to do that is to start by running at him and giving him a pounding early. That has a tendency to take the steam out of his pass rush! Starting out passing alot, plays to Peppers strength, and Bulaga’s weakness.
And using Finley to chip on Peppers is NOT the way to help the passing game! All that does is take Finley out of the downfield passing game. How does that help the Packers throw the ball? Its counter-productive!
Run at him early and often to send him a message. That will put him on the defensive instead of the attacking Peppers that we want no part of!
I couldn't agree more
I think running at him early sets a tone, and I think it’s something the Pack need to come back to throughout the game to help keep Clifton or Bulaga on top of Peppers.
forget Finley
I’d put in Lee or Crabtree to chip on Peppers. I’d chip on him with the FBs, too. This frees up Finley to do what he does best – run routes and catch passes.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
not even chipping, just all out blocking. We don’t need lee to be catching passes just let him double on Peppers.
nah....chip
after making initial contact, many defensive players will lose track of a guy who is chipping on a D lineman. In those scenarios, we don’t need to protect very long. Slow down the rush, flare pass to the flats, and that guy has a bit of room to roam – especially if the zone was cleared out.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Bulaga
Doesn’t need that much help. Give a chip now and then is fine. Especially, like I said, if they run right at him initially! That will go a long way into keeping Peppers out of pass rush mode. Do that and chip him w/ a back occasionally and Bulaga will be OK. Its a tough matchup though, so the Packers have to be ready to react in case Peppers goes into beast mode!
+1
Totally agree. The Dolphins did that to Allen the other day, and he was basically non-existent the entire game. It’s a good way to get a really good pass rusher off their game.
by packallday555 on Sep 21, 2010 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Right on!!!!!
(I feel the need to over-use exclamation points when agreeing w/Stroh)
But, running at Peppers is absolutely the thing to do. Beat him up and the hit ’em with play-action. The only draw-back is that Briggs is still a monster in there. Other than him, though, the Tampa 2 is soft against the run, so…
We should at least make a strong effort in the 1st half to get something going.
by Curly Lambeau on Sep 21, 2010 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes, I have noticed that!!!!
He’s not using the multiple exclamation points anyway!
I think it was Mark Twain who said that using an exclamation point is like laughing at your own joke.
…I mean, “at your own joke!!!!”
But, yeah, he’s gotten better.
…I mean, “better!!!”
by Curly Lambeau on Sep 21, 2010 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
appreciatation
I appreciate your support in this regard!!! I really don’t get the big deal people make of it. Just like trevor crying out loud cuz I used them. That gets nowhere w/ me… That said I’ve tried to cut down a little, but at the same time I won’t quite, cuz otherwise I don’t feel like I’m being myself!!! LOL
That's why
you need to do whatever it takes to change that screen name, Strohman!.
Even if it means re-registering. LOL
-
The glass is way,, way, way more than half-full.
don't poke fun
I attempted to educate him on some netiquette. He apparently listened (for which we all appear to be grateful) so please don’t give him grief on that.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
netiquette
If you think your little rant made a difference your mistaken! I care little for your "net"iquette crap! You really don’t know me and I don’t know you, so if it offends you, thats YOUR problem… NOT mine. I’m trying a Little but it won’t stop and if you don’t like it you’ll have to deal w/ it. Just trying to find a balance!!!
not offended in the least
the point is more along the lines of it’s much easier to ignore someone that’s yelling at you all the time. If you want to make a point, odds are much of it will be lost with the delivery if you’re constantly shouting.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Said for the first series...
After that go to the passing game. But to start, make Peppers play the run and try to pound on him! Let HIM feel Bulaga’s strength! That might take a little steam out of his pass rush. Bulaga can run block Pepper pretty well, IMO. Its Bulaga’s strength vs a part of Peppers game that he lacks the desire to play. Once Peppers knows that Bulaga is able to block him, he will become disinterested in competing all day! He IS known for mailing it in at times, and if he knows he’s going to have to play the run he is a lot more likely to mail it in or at least not pass rush as hard!
Brandon Jacobs
I heard he may be available for a trade. What do we think of trying to get him? We already know Mccarthy likes big backs and no one is bigger than Jacobs.
Not a fan of huge RBs who think they are scat backs. Kuhn already runs like Jacobs should and is cheap and knows the offense
"I agree but dont agree"
by juggernaut400 on Sep 20, 2010 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm really not a huge fan
of 260+ lb RBs who think they are scat backs. No thank you.
Towlieppan: "You wanna throw high?"
No thanks
Kuhn can do the punishing right now. I like quick and elusive backs for the Zone Blocking Scheme. I just hope that Jackson learns to hit the hole faster than he currently does. He thinks too much and waits too long for his blockers to move into the next level. The problem is, our OL is not that good at blocking! Although they are much better run blocking to the inside.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
He’s almost like a slightly more successful version of Ron Dayne. I’ve never really believed in Jacobs…he managed to turn one great season into years of starter duty but he’s finally back where he belongs…on the bench. His contract is WAY too high and I’d rather have lynch or one of many other back up RBs that we could trade for.
not really a TT or MM kinda guy
he doesn’t strike me as versatile enough to do what we would need him to do.
Plus, throwing your helmet in the stands? I can’t see that type of character coming to TitleTown. I’d rather see someone else (like Lynch)
by gern blanston on Sep 20, 2010 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd be open to it.
Shouldn’t really be worth more than a 5th round pick due to his salary/attitude.
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Sep 20, 2010 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions
We need a RB that can get the hard one or two yards
and Jacobs matches the description. But I am concerned about the attitude as well. I was hoping the Packers might be able to swing Hawk and a pick for Run DMC but now he’s stepped up with Bush hurt that seems impossible.
by I voted for Kodos on Sep 21, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t know if I agree. I think Kuhn can fulfill that role if we want him to. He really seems to run with a head of steam so far (I didn’t see the buffalo game, just basing it off the Philly game). We need a 1-2 down back who can carry the load…that is what we need in my book. If Run DMC was on the blocks I owuld have TOTALLY gone after him too…
Unfortunate
That if Bulaga gets his first start it will be against a pass rusher like Peppers but at least he got some playing time this week. If Clifton’s knee is completely healthy I think he is probably just a little better at this point.
I agree with the thoughts on Jacobs, the primary back in this offense needs to be a quick one cut back and we have Kuhn when we want to change it up with power. I’m not sold on BJ because he was far to hesitant against the Bills. I think TT will wait to see how Nance pans out before he makes another move.
Dimitri Nance
I think Nance will get plenty of carries against Chicago. He kind of comes in as an unknown, so that can work to our advantage. It’s best to figure this out now instead of paying too much. The better opponents on our schedule are still a couple weeks away, plus we can keep negotiating for a HB if we currently are in the process of it right now.
I would like to see our TE lining up on the left side more often this week to continuously chip at Peppers. That will help Bulaga and help give him some confidence in his first game starting.
With S Major Wright being out for Chicago, I would expect GB to come out throwing. Why wouldn’t they? Chicago already lacks depth at the S position, so we outta target that with our already potent passing game.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
This (Nance)
and This (throwing because Wright’s out).
Although Wright’s replacement did pretty good.
OTOH it’s not like Dallas lost because Romo had a horrible day either.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Sep 20, 2010 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
play calling
I don’t think the play calling really worked to BJ’s strengths. I was expecting more of a couple outlet passes that substitute for a run. Perhaps a quick toss off tackle in an offset I. Get him in space so he can make a move or two. I don’t see him as having the ability to read the holes (and said so last week) quickly enough to make positive yardage.
My concern with Nance is that when you’ve not played a lot is fumbling. Does he have a history of putting the ball on the ground?
by gern blanston on Sep 20, 2010 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
BJ
The problem with tosses is our OT’s are struggling to run block outside. That was clear against Philly and Buffalo. Maybe it’s because age is catching up, I’m not sure. At least if Bulaga does start against Chicago, we have that as an option. If Bulaga is the starter at LT, I like that. Now our best run blocking OT is on the weakside, thus making us more unpredictable in where we attack. That will also get Jackson in more space.
I know very little about Nance. We’ll just have to wait and see what he has to offer.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Nance
Using Nance that much limits the playbook entirely too much! Give him a couple plays, like this past week that are specific for his running style. But I wouldn’t give him more than a half dozen snaps or so… We don’t know how he’ll be in pass pro, so it becomes entirely likely when he’s in the game that he is getting the carry! How much of the playbook is he going to know after maybe 5 total practices? Just no way to use Nance alot w/o announcing our intentions as soon as he enters the game!
by Strohman on Sep 20, 2010 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
No Respect
Man, what do we have to do?!?! We beat the Eagles and Vick, we stomped the Bills. We don’t get a mention as an elite team. I hope we just kill the Bears!!! Maybe then, the way they lucked into a win against the Cryboys will be revealed as a lucky fluke. Though it was nice to see “Jerry’s House” get the opening day loss. I’m sure it will look awesome with Green and Gold Confetti in February too!
Yes and no.... if Vick started the Philly game, they win.
And no team is considered “elite” because they beat the Bills ; )
based on what?
If vick starts the game, the packers come in with a totally different gameplan and practice against a QB emulating Vick all week. That game goes TOTALLY differently for Vick if the Packers go into it with him as the starter…
Hate the Bears
but it was sweet to see Dallas lose their stadium opener. Hope they don’t figure things out until after November 7.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Sep 20, 2010 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Packers getting plenty of respect
The “Power Rankings” that I’ve seen have the Packers in the top five. I love me some Packers, but I’m not sure we’ve played to the level of top five team yet. I wouldn’t exactly say we’re the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL.
by I voted for Kodos on Sep 21, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd give up a 2nd rounder for Lynch. In a second
He’s head and shoulders better than Jackson [or Grant] and a perfect fit for the Packs offense.
Plus, weren’t he & Rodgers treammates at Cal?
Unfotunately, TT thinks he’s a draft guru, so I doubt he’d make the deal.
TT is a draft guru
Thome Walks-Off Sox, Twists Knife, Continues To Make Sox Brass Look REALLY Stupid - White Sox Season Recap
at times
Oz on Swish HR celeb: "That's the way he is. Good for him, enjoy it. I wish he could do it for me, he was a very horseshit player for me.''
eventually - that's true
the problem is we don’t have 2 years to see someone develop. We need an RB NOW.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
arguing, clarifying, whatever
either way…I have been on here talking about how we need a back now for weeks now. You are saying it to the wrong person.
Jesus!
asking for a 3rd round pick is being ballsy, but offering a 2nd round pick is outright ridiculous.
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Sep 20, 2010 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Aside from G Jennings, how many 2nd rounders have panned out for TT???
P Lee
B Brohm
J Nelson
M Neal
Whoever that WR was that had a career ending injury
A mixed bag at best – yeah, I’d deal a 2nd for M Lynch in a second.
Keep in mind, B Jackson is your feature back, and GB has SB potential THIS year. Lynch could be the player to take them over the edge – he’s a pro bowl caliber talent – what more do you want????
Ron Wolf made a few questionable moves that got GB a SB win – TT should roll the dice a bit, IMO.
The window for a SB doesn’t stay open long, and GB has a chance to go that far this year – but I don’t see it happening w/ Jackson, Kuhn, and whoever else. No way.
:D
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Sep 20, 2010 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Nick Collins would be one
Darryn Colledge would be another (hate him as you may he’s started every game since being drafted no matter how you define it that’s a successful 2nd round pick).
by PackApologist on Sep 20, 2010 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions
You're right about Collins - my bad : )
But as a 2nd round pick [fairly high, i think] College has been mediocre, at best – so I’ll give TT a “push” on that one.
And Murphy did show flashes of great potential, but did not produce in the end, so TT gets another “push”
but you get my point – as valuable as a 2nd rounder is, I’d deal it for a proven player – given the Packers need at that position, and their SB aspirations. Atleast this year.
Terrence Murphy?
He had a back injury to end his carerr, it was a shame. I would love Lynch to be in GB, but I’m not too crazy about trading a 2nd round pick. If anything, I’d shop that 2nd round pick for an solid CB: Richard Marshall.
They want power. We want respect...
by SenorChuckles on Sep 20, 2010 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Broncos 2nd year WR Bryant McKinnie took his own life at age 23
a very sad time for the Broncos and the NFL.
(He showed promise last year and this year but has been on the IR with knee injuries both times)
Thome Walks-Off Sox, Twists Knife, Continues To Make Sox Brass Look REALLY Stupid - White Sox Season Recap
unfortunately
NFL Radio is talking more about Braylon Edwards DUI than they are this tragedy. Braylon Edwards is clearly an idiot. This guy was in some serious hurt. I feel badly for his family.
by gern blanston on Sep 21, 2010 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Mea Culpa Mea Culpa Mea Culpa.
the names must have mixed in my heads
Thome Walks-Off Sox, Twists Knife, Continues To Make Sox Brass Look REALLY Stupid - White Sox Season Recap
He looked good
But Buffalo isn’t loaded with a pool of great pass rushers either. The Bills wanted Aaron Maybin to be that guy off the edge, but I didn’t even notice Maybin in the game. Maybe that’s a credit to Bulaga. I’m relying more on what I saw from Bulaga during the preseason. He moves well and it’s all over if he can get his hands on the rusher and keeps in front of him. But he was beaten on a couple plays and I’m sure he’s still learn from experience. Watching him against Peppers would be a big test.
When he's motivated, Peppers is still one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL
If BB does start and plays decent against Peppers, it’ll be a success, IMO.
Orange you glad we drafted Bulaga?
Where are all the people now who were screaming for us to draft Sergeo Kindle?
This situation is EXACTLY why we absolutely had to draft a LT. Clifton getting hurt like this was entirely forseeable. Chad will probably be back sometime this season (in which case he should get his starting job back), but, whenever he’s out, we now have a very competent guy to take up the slack. Priceless.
Just curious
why should he get his starting job back if/when he’s healthy, regardless of how Bulaga does? If Bulaga shows he’s ready to play a solid LT in this league, why would you bench him?
Towlieppan: "You wanna throw high?"
In my opinion, the less we play the rookie, the better. It’s good that he get some experience (which I knew he would when Clifton was out), but it’s also good that he learn by watching an outstanding veteran like Cliffy as much as possible.
Especially once he’s gotten a start and seen some significant time in the games, he’ll be able to appreciate all the little things that Clifton will be able to teach him. Clifton’s been such a great pro for so long that I’d love him to impart any wisdom he can to the kid.
Not to mention that, whenever Clifton’s in there healthy, you know you’re in good hands for protecting A-Rodg’s blindside. Nothing against Bulaga whatsoever, but Clifton’s been doing this – and doing it well – for over a decade. It’s great to have Bulaga on the team, but I wouldn’t even mind if they use him strategically with an eye to getting Clifton rested up for big games late in the season when we’ll (hopefully) be in the midst of a playoff-push.
by Curly Lambeau on Sep 21, 2010 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
In most cases,
I would agree with that, except under the circumstances conjectured by GoGregGo.
If Bulaga shows he’s ready to play a solid LT in this league
And, that is if Clifton doesn’t show any more signs of decline, ala the first quarter vs. the Beagles.
-
The glass is way,, way, way more than half-full.
In their defense,
most prob’ly would have rather had Bulaga, but didn’t think that there was a snowball’s chance that he would fall to us at #23.
Same goes for those of us who wanted Jerry Hughes. lol.
-
The glass is way,, way, way more than half-full.
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