NFL Roster Cuts: I Can't Believe The Packers Kept Them
by Brandon on Sep 4, 2010 9:39 PM CDT
in Green Bay Packers Training Camp
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PrintThere aren't a lot of surprises on the Green Bay Packers final 53 man roster, but I'll mention a few:
FB Quinn Johnson, FB Korey Hall, and TE Tom Crabtree. All these guys are lumped together in one category: how did they beat out TE Spencer Havner? Johnson's still an iffy receiver, but his lead blocking skills seem first rate. Hall never seems to be given much of a chance with Johnson and FB John Kuhn around, but he keeps hanging on. And I say that as a big fan who wishes he got more playing time. Crabtree is here a little bit on potential, his broken hand and subsequent cast gave him an incomplete grade as a receiver. But he showed off his skills as a blocker when he owned Colts 1st round LB Jerry Hughes during their preseason game. Havner's a good blocker too, and arguably a better receiver than the other three players. It's not a major upset, but I'm still surprised.
WR Brett Swain. It doesn't look like he's gotten his speed back after his ACL surgery, but he does everything right. And that was a struggle for many of the other receivers battling for the 5th WR job. I'm not surprised he beat out players like WR Jason Chery, but I'm surprised the Packers decided to keep five wide receivers.
OL Nick McDonald. He just always seemed to be there, which is maybe a good quality in an offensive lineman. I didn't notice that he was just getting his job done. I need to re-watch the Chiefs game and take a closer look at him.
DE C.J. Wilson. Nothing against him but I didn't really notice him either this preseason. Again, maybe that's a good quality for a defensive end in the 3-4 defense. He was just always at the bottom of the pile. I've got to re-watch that Chiefs game...
S Derrick Martin and S Charlie Peprah. They both looked good against the second string players, but I don't trust them to play like that when the starters come out. Martin seemed likely to make the roster from the beginning, but the injury to SS Atari Bigby probably guaranteed it. Peprah is here only because of Bigby's injury and S Will Blackmon release/injury settlement.
CB Jarrett Bush. The guy is a termite. It doesn't matter how bad he plays, he knows the system (for all the good it does him) and keeps his job. It didn't hurt him that the Packers kept nearly every cornerback they brought to training camp.
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I was reading the chat with Kareem Copeland and it seemed that with an injury settlement that once a player is declared healthy, any team can sign him, but the Packers would have to wait an additional 6 weeks.
He also suggested Blackmon should be healthy in 1-2 weeks.
Would Blackmon hold out and rejoin the Packers, even if having to wait half the season?
"But we all know that games aren't played on paper...they are played by little men inside our TV sets." --Kenny Mayne
what about lee and poppinga?
they both had poor preformances
I'm not surprised they were kept
There’s little CB depth and Lee’s a former 2nd round pick, so he’ll get another chance. Poppinga is loved by the coaches. Not everyone kept was starting caliber, but I still expected them to make the roster.
He must have a photo of TT or MM which he threatened to show if he was cut.
Seriously, I don’t understand why they keep him around. He got burned numerous times last year, and again in the preseason. I was following along on the recap thread (which turned into a 53-man roster thread) and didn’t see his name mentioned, not even once.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010! State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Sep 5, 2010 5:45 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There was no other Cornerback to challenge Bush for a spot.
The Pack brought 7 Cornerbacks to camp. 6 made the roster. Clark would have had to been an amazing diamond in the rough to unseat Bush. Bush is there until something better comes along. Just be happy that with more time Shields and Underwood will knock Bush down the depth chart.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Maybe we should try ex-Wisconsin CB Allen Langford...
Can Abbrederis shoot the long three and effectively distribute the ball to his big men?
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 5, 2010 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions
As has already been pointed out by others,
Bush is likely there only until Harris and/or Bigby returns.
Why is that so difficult for so many to understand?
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The glass is way more than half-full.
I'm not sure about that
I think Peprah’s the first to go, especially if Bigby returns first (which is what I expect). Then it’s a safety for a safety. Bush has made it this far without getting released, and I don’t see what more he can do to get bounced from the roster.
Yeah, I got to thinking about that later.
Bush, a CB, will probably only be gone when Harris returns; wouldn’t be as likely to be affected by the return of Bigby, a safety.
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The glass is way more than half-full.
Eternal Hope
Right now my cling to hope is that when Harris gets back Bush is the guy getting the axe to make room for Al.
by PackApologist on Sep 4, 2010 11:09 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Havner...Bush...Donald Lee...etc...
I liked Havner. He had a nose for the end-zone. Donald Lee!?! I get it. He can block. I don’t care. He can’t catch a ball thrown his way at an important time (Vikes game last yr in the end-zone + others). He’s a pro, says all the right stuff, but he SUCKS. AM I wrong on this front??? please tell me. also, the INT by Bush the other night bothered me, because i had this feeling it would help him keep his job…ugh.
On the plus side. I like the other TE’s on the roster and I’m glad Zombo and Shields are good stories and hopefully step up.
It's not that you are wrong
It’s more of seeing what would happen if Finely went down. Spenser is a fine number two or three guy, but not a starter. Quarless and Crabtree both have tremdous upsides, but aren’t ready for primetime. That leaves Lee holding the job of backup this year. Next year he won’t be here and it will be solidly Finely,Quarless, and Crabtree which should rock the party at TE.
Bush….well again he should be okay for special teams. If we can not get him on the field for the secondary we should be fine as well. Even if it does come to that he can flex between CB and S. Finally most of our PUP players are secondary guys so someone in that neck of the woods will have to go once they are ready to come back to the team.
by PackApologist on Sep 4, 2010 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions
My opinion...
Havner never made a play… The TD’s he scored were the result of NO coverage or a play by Rodgers, nothing by Havner. OVER-rated by fans!
Lee I would say off-base! He had a difficult year last year, but he had a very good training camp and is the only competent backup to Finley. Was glad they kept Lee and Crabtree over Havner!!! Its what I was saying all off-season!
Bush got a reprieve when Harris and Bigby went on PUP. Should be the cut when they return.
What was it you had said to Curly in another posting?
Oh yeah, now I remember:
“Give it a rest. We all know of your hatred of Bush by now”.
Same applies here: Give it a rest. We all know of your hatred of Havner by now LOL
Not hatred in my case...
I just don’t think he made the plays everyone gave him credit for… But It ends here.
Still gotta catch the ball
He did that. Can’t say the same for other guys in the league. It takes two guys to make a reception, unless the ball bounces off a dude and back into the QBs arms. Havner may look better because of Rodgers, but he still have to have the talent to catch a ball. I’ve seen other TE’s and WRs drop a perfect pass.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
tried to let it go... Why won't you let me?
I agree he caught the ball well. But there is more to playing TE, and being able to grow as a TE than just catching the ball. I’ve watched the replays of all the games from last year and I saw MAYBE one time when Havner might have beaten coverage andI couldn’t see the safeties to determine if Havner beat him or the safety or more likely Rodgers made the play.
Lee...
Lee had inferior output to Havner…how many Td’s did Lee have? Compared to drops!?! Yep, more drops than td’s Lee=wasted poition.
Did I say otherwise? No.
I said Lee had a difficult year last year. But I would still rather have Lee on the roster in case Finley gets injured! Havner caught passes when he was uncovered or Rodgers threw him open! He didn’t make a play… He didn’t ever beat coverage on his own…
I gotta disagree on Havner
I like the guy, and whether it’s a blown assignment, AR making a great play or whatever, he catches the ball and he’s versatile. Good luck, Spencer. Hope you don’t come back to haunt us.
havner
hes 27 so theres not much room for improvement and now that everyone know he can catch he wont be uncovered in the red zone smart move
havner
hes 27 so theres not much room for improvement and now that everyone know he can catch he wont be uncovered in the red zone smart move
havner
hes 27 so theres not much room for improvement and now that everyone know he can catch he wont be uncovered in the red zone smart move
afalava
i think the packers should sign him and cut peprah he has more experience and a bigger upside
on that note
Jarron Gilbert is a former 2nd rounder for the Bears who was a DE in the 3-4 and struggled to become a lineman for the 4-3 though could at least become practice squad material that could come in and produce if someone like Harrell gets hurt.
Was he cut?
I remember eyeing him in that draft. I think he was a 3rd Round pick though, correct me if I’m wrong. He was thought to be an ideal 3-4 DE, but the Bears ended up drafting him. I’m surprised they would give up on him this early.
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
Yeah, he was a 3rd round pick and yes he did play in the 3-4 in college I believe. I wouldn’t mind seeing he or Afalava signed. I doubt it happens though.
by packallday555 on Sep 5, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Gilbert
Gilberts big bugaboo was his lack on intensity. If he got blocked early he never fought to get there, his motor just stopped and his motor was inconsistent on whole too… That said he does have potential and would like him on PS, to see if getting cut lights his fire!
Macho Harris
I would rather see the packers pick up cb/s macho harris because of his versatility and the lack of depth at both positions for the packers. I don’t think he has been claimed yet. Another player is former pro bowler pr/kr Clifton smith. But, as Ted Thompson stated today he didn’t put a claim in for anybody. Smh….I guess he’s happy with an above average team that wont make a real push for the superbowl….
by PACK3RS on Sep 5, 2010 6:56 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Havner claimed by Lions, Lumpkin by Tampa, Obiozor by Cards
Sounds like we have one of our 8 man Practice Squad. Graham Harrell has signed on.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Anthony Toribio claimed by Kansas City
Bedard reports that Toribio took his cut hard yesterday and his unhappy to be leaving. He also reports that Ronald Talley and Jason Chery will not be signed to the practice squad. Robert Francois was signed to the practice squad.
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Havner?
Havner doesn’t excel at anything really. He was a mediocre TE, a poor LB, and heck if he was around for STs, he couldn’t have been great there either since our ST was AWfUL last year. So why would you be surprised that anyone would be kept over him?
Have the Packers gone after anyone out there? I hope they go after a KR/PR.
No
From Ted Thompson’s Sunday p.m. press conference:
(Did you put any claims in and not get anyone?)
I don’t think that is your business. I am not sure that I ever comment on things…
(You commented last year. Did you claim anyone?)
I did? OK, we didn’t put any claims in. You guys could be lying to me, though. I’ll have to go back and check.
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The glass is way more than half-full.
haha
He hates the media! Not that it’s a bad thing or anything….
"No player is greater than a team."
-Vince Lombardi
You're right about it not being a bad thing.
I don’t fault him for that at all.
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The glass is way more than half-full.
Lumpkin the most productive rb in preseason ,you cant hide him ,Havner can play 2 or 3 positions cant hide him ,and yet they hide Harrel and Bush by keeping them on the active roster!!!!!!!!!! WOW kr /pr doesnt matter whos back there if theres nobody blocking !! Watch the clips 2,3 or 4 opponents always on top of the returners!
concerned
without getting too specific, I think TT has done this team a disservice by failing to address a few key positions either via draft or free agency. I recall Michael Lombardi stating that the biggest sin that a GM faces is falling in love with his own guys and over valuing them. That being said, we’ve got some guys that have potential – but are young. I’m referring to guys like Brad Jones, Frank Zombo, Morgan Burnett, CJ Wilson, Sam Shields, etc. If we have super bowl aspirations, it’s going to take a lot of guys stepping up and getting experience in a hurry. I think it’s a given that we’re going to have growing pains. Will those cost us a few games? That seems highly likely.
All that being said, I feel like we’re the Seahawks of TT’s last year there – just a few players away from a really strong roster from top to bottom. I understand his philosophy and admire that he sticks to it despite criticism from guys like me. Yet to be so close is frustrating the heck out of me. Anyone feel similarly?
Did I read this correctly?
We have three fullbacks on the roster and only two running backs, one of whom (Jackson) gets dinged up quite a bit?
Please tell me I read that wrong.
you did NOT read that incorrectly. don’t forget 4 TE’s.
by gern blanston on Sep 6, 2010 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd like to think so
but given the zero claims made yesterday, I would say no, however.
by gern blanston on Sep 6, 2010 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
up their sleeves.
What they might have up their sleeves in Starks. On PUP FOr now Kuhn is the 3rd RB but when Starks comes off PUP, my guess is FB or TE gets released.
Two and a half halfbacks
ktenreb, Kuhn will serve as the third halfback when needed. I don’t see this as a big deal. Grant eats up the great majority of carries and Jackson picks up the rest. Rodgers was the second leading rusher on the team last year, ahead of Jackson. Not too concerned about a third ball carrier. Hall is too good a special teams player to cut – he made half the special teams tackles against the Colts. Quinn Johnson will have to step it up this year. He’ll have to garner more playing time and give a boost to the running game. If he continues to drop passes, we might be back down to two fullbacks next year.
If bjack gets hurt who plays 3rd down back?
batman? grant is poor in pass protection and i don’t think kuhn is much of a threat out of the backfield if its more than 3rd and 4.
Probably Kuhn. Obviously that’d be less then ideal.
by packallday555 on Sep 6, 2010 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Hall
I would go w/ Hall as the 3rd down RB in that case. He has better hands than Kuhn, but Kuhn is the better runner.
Here's the tougher question
What if Grant gets hurt?
I'm fine w/ Jackson
I think he is more than ready to contribute on offense in more than just a 3rd down role.
Honestly, I think Jackson would still be able to put up similar numbers to Grant. Too me, Grant’s been a product of a system.
by packallday555 on Sep 8, 2010 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions
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