NFL Roster Cuts: Packers Cornerback Pat Lee

by Brandon on Sep 2, 2011 12:01 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Roster cuts will be made, and practice squads will be created, this Saturday, so I expect the Green Bay Packers coaches and front office are taking one final look at Thursday's night game, and making their decisions today. I'm not going to talk about every player, but I saw this tweet from Kareem Copeland and wanted to mention CB Pat Lee.

Pat Lee upbeat in the locker room postgame. Confident that he put good things on tape - whether it's for the Packers or another team.less than a minute ago via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet ReplyKareem Copeland
kareemcopeland

Lee was a 2nd round pick back in 2008, and he appeared to be the cornerback of the future. Instead he's battled injuries throughout his career, and he missed the entire 2009 season. Now he's behind CB Tramon Williams, CB Sam Shields, and even CB Jarrett Bush. If he's released, it means they've likely put him behind another cornerback or two as I'd expect someone like Josh Gordy, Davon House, or Brandian Ross remains in his place.

The Packers gave him a big chance against the Chiefs and let him start with the first team defense, and played him most of the game. He put up some big stats, and he was in the right place at the right time with two fumble recoveries. He looked like a solid backup cornerback.

But he didn't look much better than that. According to the latest Chiefs depth chart, and a look at the box score, the Chiefs top four WRs caught 22 of 29 passes for a completion percentage of 75%. That's not all on Lee, but he was in on a lot of those plays. Receivers can get open against him.

He played well enough this preseason to keep a backup job. The coaches have previously spoken well of his performance during the Super Bowl, after he replaced an injured Sam Shields, and they apparently trust him in the defense. This might be his last season with the Packers, he could find a better opportunity (and more money) elsewhere in free agency in 2012. But the Packers should be focused on the 2011 season, and they should have more confidence in Lee as an emergency replacement than any other backup on the roster.

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Comments

House stays for sure...

He looked good early in the preseason and was likely the dime CB. If another CB makes it after him it’s probably Gordy. I don’t think Ross is near ready to contribute, but is a good PS candidate.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Sep 2, 2011 12:17 PM CDT reply actions

Well that scared the shit out of me

First thing I do after a night of packer and badger football bliss, and a little vodka, is check the site. Roster cut Pat Lee is the first thing I saw: shock and a little joy hit me. Why do you play with my hungover emotions?

by Adin on Sep 2, 2011 12:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

That's what I got from the title also!

I had such high hopes for Lee when he was drafted. Then a couple of years of injuries and inconsistency has made him pretty expendable. On his long return against the Chiefs, the ball was on the ground for so long that even a drugged out Leon Lett coulda found it.

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 Sep 2, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Or a Jim Marshall

In Every Climb and Place....

I am an ass hat.

by PhoenicianPakFan on Sep 2, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah, the headliner on all those blooper shows.

Of course he’s a Viking!

by msc32887 on Sep 2, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah c'mon Brandon

you know better than to lead with a headline like that.

by Archibaldcrane on Sep 2, 2011 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Hey!

Lay off Pat! Not everyone can be a shutdown corner like Jarret Bush.

by Egbert Souse on Sep 2, 2011 1:54 PM CDT reply actions

he did nothing for us.

one of few TT unknown high rounders to not make it

Joe Buck is just White Noise to me. It’s like the game is being called by a CD of whale songs. - mechanical turk

by blackoutsox on Sep 2, 2011 2:48 PM CDT reply actions

Not so fast

He’s still a member of the Packers. We’ll see how it plays out.

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 Sep 2, 2011 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed.

He didn’t suck in the SB. Huge stage. Yes he has, so far, been unworthy of his high draft status. That said, I’d like to see him get a chance this year since he is healthy. If he can be a serviceable backup, we should be glad to have him. If he plays beyond that capacity we are in great shape!

Life is too short to drink bad coffee...

by Jeigh AK on Sep 2, 2011 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Capers protected Lee and Bush in the SB.

In the 2nd half he went to alot of zone coverage to protect them. Not every play… He played pretty good in the SB tho.

Lee is definitely on the bubble. Guessing a roster spot comes down to Lee and Gordy. I’m guessing Gordy gets it.

You've been Stroh'd™!!!

by Strohman on Sep 2, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Solid average now versus potential later

This is how I see Lee vs Gordy.

Lee is dependable, if limited. You know what he can do and what he can’t do, and he will do what his ability allows. He plays hard; he’s generally a sure tackler, good on special teams, but limited in man coverage.

Gordy is faster and more athletic. He could grow into a very good CB with good cover skills. He has the physical tools. But for now, he’s not really consistent, nor as dependable as Lee.

To Lee’s advantage, House is in a similar category to Gordy. Having both a 5th and 6th corner, who have potential, but who aren’t really dependable may be too much.

Personally, I’m more of a gambler. I’d take potential over dependable, but limited.. We’ll see what MM and TT do.

by MikeDB on Sep 2, 2011 4:23 PM CDT reply actions

My view is that Lee has had his chances and has sometimes been good and sometimes sucked. We will get that from Gordy or House so why not give one or both of them a try get rid of Lee and Bush. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both get cut.

by Packers-Braves fan on Sep 2, 2011 6:21 PM CDT via iPhone app reply actions