A couple more Green Bay Packers need to be mentioned after the loss in Pittsburgh. Some have been naughty and some have been nice.
The Nice:
C Scott Wells. Aaron Nagler reminded me that Mike McCarthy praised Wells (along with Rodgers) for his outstanding work calling the pass protection. Tom Pellisero said that QB Aaron Rodgers was hit on 4 of his first 6 passes, and the Steelers rushed 5 or more on 60% of his attempts overall. After that initial flurry of pressure, Rodgers was sacked only once and was hit on only one more play.
LG Daryn Colledge. Tom Pellisero reminded me that Colledge made RB Ryan Grant's TD run. Colledge got into the second level and took out ILB Lawrence Timmons to open that side of the field. Other players contributed with blocks, but Colledge's block was the key.
SS Derrick Martin. Tom Pellisero, again, reminded me that Martin had a big game on special teams. This isn't the first week he's stood out in kick coverage. But he still shouldn't be playing on defense again unless it's absolutely necessary.
LB Clay Matthews. I've already mentioned him a couple times, but he's been nominated (again) for NFL Rookie of the Week. Go vote here. At least the Packers can beat WR Mike Wallace to this award.
The Naughty:
I've mentioned most of the naughty already, but I forgot one more.
LB Brandon Chillar. He got to play on defense for the first time in a few games, he's been out with a broken hand, because LB A.J. Hawk was getting beaten badly by TE Heath Miller. Hawk forgot to cover him entirely on one play. Chillar was better than Hawk in the sense that he didn't leave him wide open, but he also didn't record a single stat in the game. Except he did manage to commit 3 penalties (one was declined), and his 3rd penalty wiped out an INT by CB Jarrett Bush. The good news is that he's been locked down for the next four seasons and will cost at least $9.5 million.