Frank Zombo Is The Starting Linebacker

by Brandon on Sep 30, 2010 12:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

Despite LB Brad Jones's return to practice, the Green Bay Packers are going all in on Zombo. From Mike McCarthy:

Frank Zombo is the starting outside linebacker today, in my opinion. It is something we have talked about here since I have arrived. You have to be available and you need to be accountable, and Brad is going through an injury situation right now. I’m not sure if he is healthy enough to play Sunday, so we’re going to play the prepared players.

Whenever I've seen this come up in the comments, I usually jump to Jones's defense and remind everyone that he's a pretty good player too. But he hasn't been healthy, and he hasn't been seen on the field much this season (which is why I have to remind). It's a tough question if both are healthy, and it's almost a no-brainer if Jones is certain to be available on Sunday.

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Good news

I’m not a huge fan of Brad Jones. Glad ZOMBO is getting the chance.

by Yankees10 on Sep 30, 2010 2:03 PM CDT reply actions

I tend to defend Jones too

But I also like Zombo a lot.

Announcers are going to have fun with his name.

by Darrell L on Sep 30, 2010 3:11 PM CDT reply actions

Hey the experience can only help him

I like what I’ve seen from Frank Zombo and I just don’t see this as a hindrance.

I do pity Shaun Hill however.

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

by AdamA on Sep 30, 2010 3:31 PM CDT reply actions

I've been in Jones corner

BUT I have really liked what I saw from Zombo. He brings an aggressive, attacking attitude to the offense. I haven’t seen how he looks in coverage as much but he clearly can get in and put pressure on the QB.

by TrevorR on Sep 30, 2010 4:07 PM CDT reply actions

U of M fan!

How’s Charles Woodson playing this year? What’s his greatest assett? Coverage skills or tackling?

by devinb on Sep 30, 2010 4:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

He hasn’t looked AS good as last year. He’s been hit with some tough penalties. His best asset is his versatility.

by TrevorR on Sep 30, 2010 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

He has pretty darn good ball-skills as well, although we haven't seen it yet this year.

by Omaha Sun on Sep 30, 2010 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Athleticism and Film Room Dedication

Turnovers, also. Every tackle he makes his arm comes swinging in at the ball. Woodson knocks down many passes as well. I actually think he’s looked very good this year – had a couple penalties but has shut down receivers as well (anyone remember him against DeSean Jackson and the Eagles? He shut Jackson down). I’d love to see him stick around for years, personally.

by I voted for Kodos on Sep 30, 2010 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I think I heard about Capers saying Woodson would be a heck of a safety.

It looks like they are going to try to extend his career after he loses the quickness to stay with the elite receivers. That’s that versatility Trevor was talking about.

by Omaha Sun on Sep 30, 2010 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Well that and how he’s used all over the field. One minute he’s locking down a top receiver, another he’s in the slot, another he’s blitzing, another he’s taking the halfback…

by TrevorR on Sep 30, 2010 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I like the idea too

but then where does Burnett go? Or do we have a safety as nickel back?

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 1, 2010 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I was wondering that as well.

It looks like we are going to have a pretty good safety duo for a long time in Burnett and Collins. The nickel seems a likely spot. Imagine those 3 plus the other CBs we would then have on the field. Talk about the best ball skills in the league.

by Omaha Sun on Oct 1, 2010 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

What about

a 3-3-5 kind of like the Badgers run? Two safeties, a floating Woodson, two corners, three LBs, three down linemen. Maybe not on first and ten, but for second and long, etc.

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 1, 2010 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Reading what I just wrote . . .

I realized that if Woodson could float he would be a great goalline target.

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 1, 2010 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions

If anyone could create some kind of new formation to use Woodson in, it would be capers. Maybe they could just operate in the psycho package all the time. Just have Raji on the line and then Woodson could be one of the LBs or something! I am just throwing things out there! haha

by TrevorR on Oct 3, 2010 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Great Name

I think he’s our second best pass rusher. But I wish he hadn’t hit Cutler in the head – cost us the game (well, you know what I mean – the 17 penalties cost us the game – two INTs wiped out by penalties AARRGGHH!)

by Jurp on Sep 30, 2010 4:49 PM CDT reply actions

did Zombo's hit CAUSE the INT?

I had the impression on that play that Cutler’s pass was off because he was hit as he threw it. And that was Zombo’s helmet-to-helmet hit. If that’s right (and the ball wasn’t clean away before the hit) then the penalty didn’t so much negate the INT as cause it.

And even if that’s wrong, I agree that that’s a tough penalty to avoid. Cutler kinda stepped into the hit.

by LA Cheese on Sep 30, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought the same thing, but someone else was trying to tell me his hit was as the ball was being released. I’ll try to find some footage…

by TrevorR on Sep 30, 2010 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions

it struck me as little different from an NBA player jumping into a defender who is merely standing there with his arms straight up. The rules are too heavily slanted towards offense. It just is what it is.

Yet for some reason, a Bear player falling on Rodgers isn’t a 15 yarder? I don’t understand the discrepancy in the calls. (to be clear – not whining for the call, just asking a legitimate question)

by gern blanston on Oct 1, 2010 9:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Brad Jones vs. Zombo

Jones doesn’t ever overpower anyone or make great plays but neither does he seem to blow or miss assignments (which coordinators love). Zombo seems to have more pass-rushing ability. I’d like to see Zombo more on passing downs and Jones on first and second down. If Zombo shows he can cover and continue to improve as a pash-rusher, then I’d like to see Jones move to the middle and let’s spend Hawk’s money elsewhere.

by I voted for Kodos on Sep 30, 2010 5:19 PM CDT reply actions

we’ve already got plenty of depth at ILB in Chillar and Bishop. We don’t have much depth outside, though.

by gern blanston on Sep 30, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey look! Accountability!

Let’s hope this is just the tip of the iceberg.There aren’t a lot of guys that should get benched after last week, but there a several who should be worried, at least…

BCB free since 8/24/10 and happier for it.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Sep 30, 2010 5:32 PM CDT reply actions

Matthews just won the NFC Defensive player of the Month

who won that last year again?

Thome Walks-Off Sox, Twists Knife, Continues To Make Sox Brass Look REALLY Stupid - White Sox Season Recap

by blackoutsox on Sep 30, 2010 6:19 PM CDT reply actions

I can forgive Zombo's penalty,

that was a tuff break. But, I’m not so sure I can forgive Collins’ penalty. That was stupid and the ref was right there. Anyway, Zombo has earned a chance.

by bigbill992001 on Sep 30, 2010 6:50 PM CDT reply actions

Been sayin it...

ever since training camp I’ve been saying that Zombo could become the starter soon. He is better vs the run and is a much better pass rusher than Jones. Everyone wanted to defend Jones, but Zombo just seems to be involved in plays that matter. Jones never is… this should help the pass rush some and the overall D. Jones still has a place. He’s an excellent backup IMO. Don’t expect Zombo to be a difference maker, but a good OLB.

I would still want a better 34 OLB than Zombo, but he could develop alot more than Jones ever would.

by Strohman on Sep 30, 2010 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

I don’t know…I think he has a chance to be something special. Lets give him some time and see what happens!!

by TrevorR on Sep 30, 2010 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Involvement in plays on some downs

does not equal consistency. Remember how LaVar Arrington got so much hype and so many Pro Bowl votes but could never really make his coaches happy? Some players are the equivalent of a centerfielder in baseball who dives for catches at every chance. Sure, he’ll make a few highlight reel catches, but he’ll also cost points as well. Coaches love consistency and Brad Jones is consistent and assignment sure. Mediocre, yes, but consistently mediocre.

by I voted for Kodos on Oct 1, 2010 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Zombo is RAW though too. I like Jones, but I like Zombo too. I think with time and experience Zombo could evolve into something special but we’ll see I guess.

by TrevorR on Oct 1, 2010 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

And Jones isn't?

He’s only started 8 or 9 games… Its not like he’s some pillar of experience! He has the advantage of having played LB in college whereas Zombo was a DE. But I wouldn’t say the difference between the 2 is overwhelming.

by Strohman on Oct 1, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions

I’m sure the difference in coverage is pretty overwhelming. Either way though, I have to admit Zombo excites me a bit more because of his pass rush skills. I still think what Jones brings is valuable too though. He’s good in coverage, and has the speed to run with faster tight ends.

by packallday555 on Oct 1, 2010 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Well yeah Jones is still pretty raw too but he at least has a year in the system and half a season as a starter. Zombo has nothing…well one game. My point wasn’t in comparing them, it was more of saying temper your analysis of him a little for now. Let him grow into the role. I was one in here saying the same thing for Jones all preseason. Let the guys grow and learn before we typecast as something they might not yet be. Kampman was a force early on in his career either…

by TrevorR on Oct 1, 2010 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions

You speaking to the preacher!

I say that all the time… Coaches will always go w/ the guy thats sure in assignments… But Zombo seems to be handling that aspect of the game very well. I haven’t seen any glaring assignment mistakes. And the coaches talked about how well he’s doing in assignments. IMO, Zombo is just a better player.

by Strohman on Oct 1, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

I was in Jones’ corner all preseason, but I like what Zombo brings in the pass rush and I haven’t had to yell out his name for blowing a coverage yet so I want to see more!! I am with ya too…

by TrevorR on Oct 1, 2010 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions

At what point do we worry about how many rookies are playing?

It’s weird seeing people talk about how much talent is on our team and then we have two undrafted free agents starting for us this week. I honestly don’t get it.

Now I get that Shields has been playing well. Hell, Cutler didn’t test him this week either. I’m shocked that Burnett has been more of a liability than him to be honest. But doesn’t it make you question what this team would look like if we had proven starters in there?

Right now I’m starting to wave good bye to Super Bowl aspirations. I think we can and will win the division and have a good playoff run, but something tells me this team needs another year to mature and gain one or two playmakers before we make the great push. Right now our flaws are coming from out age (either too young like Burnett and Zombo or too old like Tausch and Cliffy) or lack of talent (look at our RB’s for this one). We’re not far, but I don’t think we are going to live up to the hype.

by PackApologist on Oct 1, 2010 12:10 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah…you might be right. Without a running game AT ALL I don’t think we have a chance either. At least the rookies have all year in the system, its not like they are coming in week 15 and taking over so hopefully after a season of learning they’ll be a little more seasoned and ready for the playoffs.

by TrevorR on Oct 1, 2010 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Rookies starting

I guess I would be worried if they seemed like a liability, but it seems to me a seasoned veteran gets burned more than Shields has to this point. Also remember we have Bigby and it sounds like Harris coming back it is a good problem to have. As far as Zombo is concerned if Cutler doesn’t drop his head he has 3 sacks on the season. Sacks don’t usually happen by accident the kid has a knack for sacks. Although I didn’t feel Jones was special I was content with him in their if Zombo is better I’m happy. I’ll look at it as a positive.

by the yooper on Oct 1, 2010 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Zombo does seem to have something

But what you described with Zombo is exactly my point. If Zombo keeps his head down then it’s sack or INT, great, but the fact is that it wasn’t and that was a rookie mistake. Burnett had the same kind of rookie mistake at the end of the game the pretty much sealed our fate as well. I’m not saying that they are bad, but that this year is going to be filled with growing pain moments for these two guys and Shields.

Add that with the lack of talent at RB, not to mention that the FO is just spinning its wheels in trying to solve the problem, doesn’t add up the a SB year. It’s still going to be a great year, still a playoff contender and one of the better teams in the NFC, no doubt….but I’m going to pull back my expectations for this team right now. Something tells me we are in store for more games like we saw on Monday.

by PackApologist on Oct 1, 2010 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

hmmm....

I’m not sure I can call Zombo’s penalty a rookie mistake. He was sort of falling into Cutler. I think he was sort of blocked into him. Physics being what it is, I think just about anyone would have had trouble avoiding that penalty. Unless it’s Urlacher hitting Rodgers, that’s the only way I see that one not being called.

As for Burnett’s, he’s running stride for stride with the guy, but his chest is opened up so he can watch the receiver, but then the receiver stops to come back for the ball, the receiver has to pretty much go through Burnett to get the ball. Generally that’s a no call if the db is looking at the ball – which I think he was. Obviously the officials didn’t, though. Yet again, there’s a pro offense bias to the penalty calling.

I share your concern about UDFA playing prominent roles. It’s like “ummm Ted, shouldn’t you have covered that base?” It strikes me as incredibly lucky that we were able to pull those players out of no where. Yet you can also make the point that’s TT doing his job and McCarthy and staff coaching them up.

by gern blanston on Oct 1, 2010 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Both those penalties were tough. Both could have easily been no-calls. Offensive bias probably really did play a role.

Well too be fair, we did have other guys in place who we thought would be playing ahead of Zombo and Shields. I mean, Underwood and Lee were supposed to be the guys, and I think Shields just came in and played better then both. And the same goes for Zombo. He came in, and had a sack in every preseason game and showed he could rush the passer. He’s also appeared to be at least decent in coverage as I haven’t noticed him being picked on really at all.

It’s frustrating to a degree but if you think about, there are guys in the league who turn out to be good, even sometimes great players despite being undrafted. I don’t think it’s luck so much as Thompson being a good talent evaluator. I mean there has to be a reason teams are constantly signing guys off of our practice squad, or guys we cut.

by packallday555 on Oct 2, 2010 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Not too worried...

Burnett likely won’t be playing when Bigby returns. Same w/ Shields… Zombo is a better option than Jones any way. They’ll be involved but when fully healthy, and assuming no major injury runs at one position, I think we’ll be fine. So I’m not too worried about the young guys.

The older guys like Cliff and Tuach are beginning to worry me. Hope they can keep it together. Bulaga at LT wouldn’t bother me much, but Lang at RT does some. Not really sure how effective he’ll be if forced into starting for the entire year!

Still think our SB chances are as good as they were at the beginning of the year!

by Strohman on Oct 2, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, that’s a good point. Burnett and Shields likely won’t see a ton of time on the field in few weeks here. But at the same time, both of them have played well (for rookies). If anything, I think it’s a positive that we’ll have some nice depth at the position in case Harris or Bigby go down again.

I don’t see how Clifton and Tauscher are going to make it through the year. They’ve both struggled, and them improving as the season goes on seems unlikely.

by packallday555 on Oct 2, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions