The Packers Could Have Four New Starters For Their Next Game

by Brandon on Nov 26, 2011 7:02 AM CST in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Depending on the severity of LB Erik Walden's legal problems, the Green Bay Packers could be looking at four new starters when they take the field against the Giants on December 4th.

Mike McCarthy was not confident that RG Josh Sitton could return in time. Starting in his place would be Suh's new BFF, Evan Dietrich-Smith. Pro Football Focus noted that he was good against the Lions, and that's been in keeping with his past performance. It was a surprise when the versatile interior lineman made the team as an undrafted player in 2009. He missed the final cut in 2010 because he had some blown protections during the preseason, but he had also made some good plays too. After a brief detour in Seattle, he was re-signed late in 2010 after injuries had wiped out the roster. That gave him an opening to return in 2011, and this time he beat out the player who beat him out in 2010 (Nick McDonald). He can be a solid player, but he can be beaten on occasion.

McCarthy was a little more confident about the return of Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk from their respective calf injuries. If they can't play, then the assignment would fall on Robert Francois and D.J. Smith. While Francois made the highlight reel, Pro Football Focus was more impressed with Smith's play. I would have some concerns about that duo, but their solid performance against the Lions put some of those to rest. If they held their own against the Lions, I would expect the same against the Giants. I haven't been a huge fan of Hawk this season anyway, but Bishop would be missed.

Then there's Walden himself. While Brad Jones subbed for Walden against the Lions, I would expect Frank Zombo to return in time for the Giants. I wouldn't expect much of a drop off without him.

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Comments

I'm glad Bishop's injury isn't a bad as it first seemed

Seeing him on crutches made me fear the worst. When McCarthy said he might yet play against the Giants, it was great news.

"If only a face could talk" -- John Madden

by wibrownguy on Nov 26, 2011 8:46 AM CST reply actions

I agree, it was heartening to hear

The man has a nose for the ball

"IF CARDS CAN SIGN SUPPAN THEY CAN GIVE ME A HOME"

by Buddhasillegitimatechild38 on Nov 26, 2011 8:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

I'd rather lose Hawk than Bishop

Assuming they are both more or less similar in their ability to get the call in this year. But the way our defensive backs have been screwing up their assignments I’m a little more worried about their adjustments.

Am I the only one here that’s been disappointed in Hawk’s play this season?

"I'm a relatively respectable citizen. Multiple felon perhaps, but certainly not dangerous."
— Hunter S. Thompson

by I voted for Kodos on Nov 27, 2011 12:04 AM CST up reply actions

I think thats what most everyone thinks

Packers Season

by OznCoop on Nov 27, 2011 12:18 AM CST up reply actions

Agreed on Bishop!

He’s been playing lights out and as of late, I also agree that Hawk hasn’t been the ball of fire he was in the play off run last season.

WALDEN! Not what I wanted to read first thing this morning. We can get by without him if need be but we shouldn’t persecute him until all the facts are on the table.

Funny the way these two headlines lined up on “Yahoo Sports NFL News” column.
“Packers LB Walden arrested for battery (AP)” and then just below is -
“Suh calls his actions ‘unacceptable’ (AP) "

BJK

by Crotext on Nov 26, 2011 9:44 AM CST reply actions

Should you really ever persecute anyone?

by MikeDB on Nov 28, 2011 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

vic so'oto

Where is he? Sure good in the preseason.Might be a good shot in the arm to the defense.They’ve been getting a butload of ints. but not many forced fumbles.

love you bye bye

by bimbous2000 on Nov 26, 2011 10:59 AM CST reply actions

but not many forced fumbles.

FIRW DUMB CAPPERS

11-0. Hell yeah. HEAR THAT ZUNDAR?

by arodgb on Nov 26, 2011 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs

Starters: DJ Smith, Robert Fracois, EDS, Brad Jones/Frank Zombo/SO'OTO BEAST

I’m pretty comfortable with DJ Smith. He showed a lot of promise, with a nose for the ball. He had over 500 tackles in college. FIVE HUNDRED! That’s the spot I have the least concern about. Fracois, I’m a little more nervous about (

Francois didn’t help his grade by giving up two first downs in coverage and missing a tackle

), but he had an unbelievable interception, so…. EDS was part of an offensive line that completely stoned Detroit (Two sacks, one hit, two pressures), and we might get an upgrade from the OLB position with Walden out.

11-0. Hell yeah. HEAR THAT ZUNDAR?

by arodgb on Nov 26, 2011 11:12 AM CST reply actions

Looks like D. J. Smith adds some solid depth

Undersized, not built like a linebacker (narrow shoulders and wide through the middle), no blazing speed, comes from a division II school, late round draft choice.

In spite of all that, the kid somehow gets it done. He has a nose for the ball, he makes tackles, breaks up plays, plays hard, plays very smart ball, and gives it all he’s got on every play.

You gotta love it. Here’s to D.J.Smith, I hope he keeps improving and makes it big as a Packer and in the NFL.

by smarcuse on Nov 26, 2011 11:33 AM CST reply actions

I think he's pretty short, too

like, under 6’0" short. This makes intermediate passes up the middle a little easier for QBs. Hopefully, his technique & other talents can make up for his lack of size. He’s done pretty well for himself so far; let’s hope he keeps it up!

13.

Grossman: Sup, you insulin needing bitch! The sex cannon has arrived! Now get the hell out of my locker room, you chinless mother fucker!

by Wiedmann on Nov 26, 2011 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Sam Mills.

Was an extremely good LB for a long time, for Capers I believe… Smith has been compared favorably to Mills and not just due the lack of size or ht. Both are/were tackling machines. Don’t know about Smiths coverage skills as yet, but it didn’t stop Mills from being a playmaker.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Nov 26, 2011 1:10 PM CST up reply actions

That's a tall order (no pun intended)

It would be great if he could fit that stereotype. Mills was a HoF caliber player; it’d be cool if Smith can be even half the player Mills was.

13.

Grossman: Sup, you insulin needing bitch! The sex cannon has arrived! Now get the hell out of my locker room, you chinless mother fucker!

by Wiedmann on Nov 26, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

Mills

Didn’t have size or even great athleticism. He made plays w/ his tremendous instincts. Which, beside the ht, is what I’ve read about Smith. Not sayin he’s gonna be nearly as good, but he has some very similar attributes. His coaches in college said he was better than Dexter Cockley, from the same school who also had some success on the NFL level dispite size limitations.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Nov 26, 2011 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

Any word on Starks' status?

I couldn’t help noticing he only had 4 carries Thursday — presumably he’s still hurting from that injury he got vs. the Bucs. Anyone know what his status is?

by DaveInTucson on Nov 26, 2011 9:54 PM CST reply actions

Starks.

They pull him in the 2nd half when they got up by 21. They said he was fine and could have returned, but figured it would be a chance to rest him, let him heal up and give Grant some work. Starks should be fine for the NYG game next week. Pulling him was just precautionary, to make sure he didn’t re-injure his ankle in garbage time.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Nov 26, 2011 10:30 PM CST up reply actions

Love how MM is cautious with injuries like that.

I already told you! I deal with the god damn receivers so the linebackers don’t have to! I have coverage skills; I’m good at covering people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!

by msc32887 on Nov 26, 2011 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

They pull [Starks] in the 2nd half when they got up by 21.

That’s not really what I saw. He had one carry on the first play of the first drive of the 3rd quarter, and disappeared from the field shortly after that. Brandon Saine was on the field before the end of that drive.

I suppose he could’ve been taking a break. It did go from 7-0 to 21-0 pretty quick after that whole Suh fiasco…

by DaveInTucson on Nov 27, 2011 1:04 AM CST up reply actions