Packing Cheese

Collins signs one-year tender

adamburnett — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:13:19 +0000

The two biggest concerns for me in free agency were keeping Ryan Pickett and Nick Collins for next season. Pickett received the franchise tag and Nick Collins has signed his one-year tender. The 5 year-pro will make $3.3 million in 2010. The 2005 2^nd round pick has 13 picks the last two seasons. With the switch to a 3-4 some may have thought the organization wanted to see how he played in the new scheme. He succeeded with another Pro Bowl selection this time as a starter. This is a good sign as the teams may be edging closer to a long term deal.

Kampman signs with Jaguars

adamburnett — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:18:07 +0000

One of the things many of us fans anticipated happening this free agency period finally took place. Most expected Aaron Kampman to leave the Packers and their 3-4 scheme for a team that runs the 4-3. The 2-time Pro Bowler has found a new home with the Jacksonville Jaguars to the tune of 4 years and $26 million dollars. The Florida Times-Union is reporting that $11 million dollars of the deal is guaranteed. The Iowa product knows how to bring the heat as a defensive end with 37 sacks from 2006-2008. Last year as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 was a forgettable season. In hindsight, Green Bay should have tried to trade Kampman before last season and gotten something in return. He had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on December 4^th. The injury took place in Week 11 against the 49ers. As he waved to the crowd while the cart drove off the field, you got the sense this was the end of his career in Green Bay. I have the utmost respect for Kampman and wish him well in Jacksonville. We’ll see if he’s ready for training camp, but is a sneaky IDP sleeper in 2010. Don’t hold the 3.5 sacks playing out of position against this high motor player. If he’s healthy I could definitely see Kampman putting up decent numbers as a 2^nd defensive lineman or as a waiver pickup.

The Greatest Football Team Ever Assembled

adamburnett — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:53:51 +0000

Owner
Art and Dan Rooney. Since the 1969 season the Pittsburgh Steelers have had 3 head coaches. I like seeing the old NFL Films clips of Art Rooney holding the trophy with a big stogie in his mouth. That strikes me as what an owner should be.

Honorable Mention
Tim and Wellington Mara helped to form the NFL and their willingness to spread the wealth can’t be underestimated. Wellington Mara could have been greedy and kept all the money from the biggest market, but supported Pete Rozelle’s vision of revenue sharing. There are a lot of owners that could learn from Wellington Mara’s example.

General Manager
Bill Polian 1986-1993, 1995-1997, 1998-present day Bills/Panthers/Colts
Took 3 organizations from the outhouse to the penthouse in short order. Architect for Bills first 3 Bills Super Bowl teams, took expansion Panthers to conference championship in 2nd season, made Colts perennial contender for the past decade. Personality conflicts between management led to his firing after the 3rd Super Bowl loss in Buffalo. That’s one of the most curious firings I’ve ever come across.

Honorable Mention
Tex Schramm 1947-1956, 1960-1988 Rams/Cowboys
From his NFL Hall of Fame Bio, “introduced the concept of three divisions in each of two conferences with wild-card playoff teams. He led the fight for instant replay as an officiating tool and a fan-interest enhancer. He was a leading advocate of such innovations as a referee’s microphone, a 30-second clock between plays, extra-wide sideline borders, wind-direction strips on goal post, uprights and multicolor striping for 20- and 50-yard lines.”

Head Coach
Vince Lombardi 1959-1967, 1969 Packers/Redskins
Won 5 NFL Titles and first 2 Super Bowls. Winner of Super Bowl gets the Lombardi Trophy.

Assistant Head Coach
Paul Brown 1946-1962, 1968-1975 Browns/Bengals
4 AAFC titles, 3 NFL Crowns. Innovator that changed the way coaches did their jobs. Hired coaches year round, developed the scouting system, used IQ tests to get a better feel for players, classroom techniques and film study to prepare for opponents. Also, kept players in team hotel the night before on home games. Brown’s innovations are now commonplace in the NFL today.

Offensive Coordinator
Bill Walsh 1979-1988 49ers
Won 3 Super Bowls with his West Coast offense.

Defensive Coordinator
Bill Belichick 1991-1995, 2000-present day Browns/Patriots
Won 3 Super Bowls as a head coach, Only 16-0 regular season in the history of the NFL. Won 2 Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator with the Giants.

Quarterback
Joe Montana 1979-1994 49ers/Chiefs
On NFL Films, Harris Barton tells a story from Super Bowl XXIII against the Bengals that tells me everything I need to know about Montana. As the 49ers are in the huddle on the field during a timeout before they start their winning drive, Montana turns to Barton and points out John Candy in the stands. He never seemed phased by the pressure. Montana never made the bonehead throw to cost his team a chance to go to the Super Bowl.

Honorable Mention
Johnny Unitas 1956-1973 Colts/Chargers
3-time NFL Player of the Year. 10 Pro Bowls. Led Colts to 2 NFL Championships and a Super Bowl victory. Threw a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.

Dan Marino 1983-1999 Dolphins
9 Pro Bowls. Owned most every major passing record at the time of retirement. First player to pass for over 5,000 yards in a season. Set NFL touchdown record of 48 in his second season. Has 13 seasons of more than 3,000 passing yards.

Running backs
Jim Brown 1957-1965 Browns
As far as I’m concerned the best running back in the history of the NFL. What if he played a few more years, would his records ever been broken? Led league in rushing yards 8 of his 9 seasons.

Walter Payton 1975-1987 Bears
Sweetness had most passion and strongest will of any player I’ve ever seen. One man wrecking crew on some horrible Bears teams. Complete football player could do everything. Surprisingly, only led the NFL in rushing one-time.

Honorable Mention
Barry Sanders 1989-1998 Lions
15,269 career yards, should have broken Payton’s record. 10 Pro Bowls. 1997 NFL MVP

Steve Van Buren 1944-1951 Eagles
led NFL in Rushing 4 times Nicknames include Wham Bam, Supersonic Steve, and Blockbuster for his powerful running style. 1945 led the NFL in rushing, scoring, and kick returns.

Earl Campbell 1978-1985 Oilers/Saints
Led league in rushing each of first 3 seasons. I’ll never forget the clip of him running as his jersey is getting ripped off. 5 Pro Bowls

Wide Receivers
Don Hutson 1935-1945 Packers
Held 18 NFL records at the time of his retirement. His touchdown record stood for 4 decades. Hutson was a revolutionary player in the history of the NFL. According to his Hall of Fame Bio, “Hutson invented modern pass receiving. He created Z-outs, buttonhooks, hook-and-gos, and a whole catalog of moves and fakes.”

Jerry Rice 1985-2004 49ers/Raiders/Seahawks
Holds every major receiving record. Was the modern day Don Hutson as a player that was ahead of his time as well. Rice wasn’t the fastest receiver, but I don’t remember seeing him get caught from behind very much. The work ethic that he applied to his craft is unparalleled.

Honorable Mention
Raymond Berry 1955-1967 Colts
Led NFL in receiving yards 3-times. I couldn’t image what he would do in today’s game. Berry would be a PPR machine.

Randy Moss 1998-present day Vikings/Raiders/Patriots
Led NFL in receiving touchdowns 5 times. The most physically gifted receiver I’ve ever seen. If you took Rice’s or Hutson’s brain with Moss’ physical gifts you’d have the greatest player in the history of the NFL.

Tight End
Mike Ditka 1961-1972 Bears/Eagles/Cowboys
1st Tight End inducted into HOF. Ditka wasn’t a bulked up receiver that caught balls like some of today’s players. Ditka was a tank in the middle of the field that moved the chains. He was on a seek and destroy mission with each reception.

Honorable Mention
Tony Gonzalez 1997-present day Chiefs/Falcons
Led league in receptions with 102 during 2004 season. Will surpass 1,000 catches this season and is still a mismatch nightmare.

Offensive line
Anthony Muñoz 1980-1992 Bengals
11 Pro Bowls. Is the standard by which LT should be judged.

John Hannah 1973-1985 Patriots
Named to 10 straight All-Pro teams. 1981 SI named him The Best Offensive Lineman of All-Time. Named to 70’s and 80’s All-Decade teams.

Bruce Matthews 1983-2001 Oilers/Titans first-team All-Pro at LG, C, RG
14 Pro Bowls for the USC Alum. Selected as a guard on the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 1990’s.

Larry Little 1967-1980 Chargers/Dolphins
6-time All-Pro was best pulling guard for vaunted Dolphins rushing attack with Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, and Jim Kiick.

Forrest Gregg 1956-1971 Packers/Cowboys
Lombardi said the 9-time Pro Bowler was the best player he ever coached.

Honorable Mention
Mike Webster 1974-1990 Steelers/Chiefs
center of the great 70’s Pittsburgh lines played in 9 Pro Bowls. Wisconsin Alum started 150 consecutive games.

Gene Upshaw 1967-1981 Raiders
monster pulling left guard fell short to Hannah for selection to the team. 7 Pro Bowls for the best player on the dominant 70’s Raiders teams.

Roosevelt Brown 1953-1965 Giants
Was the Orlando Pace of his era as evidenced by becoming the 2nd player elected to Canton for his offensive line play alone.

Defensive line
“Deacon” Jones 1961-1974 Rams/Chargers/Redskins
Pass rusher that struck fear in QB’s. How many sacks he had is up for debate. I love his disdain for QB’s.

“Mean” Joe Greene 1969-1981 Steelers
The best player on the team that dominated the 70’s. 10 Pro Bowls 2-time Defensive Player of the Year

Bob Lilly 1961-1974 Cowboys
Relentless high motor tackle. 11 Pro Bowls “Mr. Cowboy” regularly commanded double and triple teams.

Reggie White 1985-1998, 2000 Eagles/Packers/Panthers
“Minister of Defense” was a 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 12 seasons with 10 plus sacks. 21 sacks in strike shortened 1987 season.

Honorable Mention
Merlin Olsen 1962-1976 Rams
14 Pro Bowls in a 15 year career was the toughest decision for me in this whole list was between Lilly and Olson. Very intelligent player earned a masters degree in economics. Interior star of the Fearsome Foursome.

Alan Page 1967-1981 Vikings/Bears
1971 NFL MVP was leader of the Purple People Eaters 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Linebackers
Dick Butkus 1965-1973 Bears
Is one of the most feared and hated players in the history of the game 8 Pro Bowls. With the Combine (Underwear Olympics) having such weight these days where would Butkus have been drafted?

Ray Nitschke 1958-1972 Packers
Leader of the Lombardi’s defenses. Complete player All-NFL 3–times. Had an offer to sign a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns.

Lawrence Taylor 1981-1993 Giants
3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 10 Pro Bowls. Taylor was a revolutionary player as teams were forced to design ways to stop him. LT popularized the strip sack. Teams that are looking for 3-4 rush ends are trying to find the next Lawrence Taylor.

Honorable Mention
Willie Lanier 1967-1977 Chiefs
2 AFL all star games and 6 Pro Bowls. Leader of the Chiefs vaunted defense in the late 60’s-early 70’s.

Ray Lewis 1996-present day Ravens
11 Pro Bowls. 2-time AP Defensive Player of the Year. 2000 Super Bowl MVP

Defensive Backs
Mel Blount 1970-1983 Steelers
5 Pro Bowls as the top cover corner of the 70’s. Blount is one of the most physically gifted players ever to play the position. He did everything well and at 6-3 205 was able to manhandle receivers.

Dick “Night Train” Lane 1952-1965 Rams/Cardinals/Lions
“Night Train” intercepted 14 passes in a 12 game season as a rookie. Lane was also a terrific open field tackler. His tackling style of wrapping around the neck wouldn’t fly in today’s game.

Ronnie Lott 1981-1994 49ers/Raiders/Jets
Selected to 10 Pro Bowls at CB, SS, and FS. 5 seasons with 100 or more tackles. Amputated part of finger therefore is allowed on team even after appearance in Hammer’s Too Legit To Quit video.

Ken Houston 1967-1980 Oilers/Redskins
9 pick six in his career along with scoring on a blocked FG, fumble return, and punt return. 10 Pro Bowls and was traded from Oilers to Redskins for 5 players.

Honorable Mention
Rod Woodson 1987-2003 Steelers/49ers/Ravens/Raiders
Made a seamless transition to safety. 11 Pro Bowl selections. Selected All-Pro as a 37 year old free safety.

Mike Haynes 1976-1989 Patriots/Raiders
9 Pro Bowls. Similar skill set to Mel Blount and was a dangerous returner.

For the special teams categories I didn’t feel there were any players worthy of honorable mention.

Kicker
Jan Stenerud 1967-1985 Chiefs/Packers/Vikings
The only place kicker in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lou Groza and George Blanda played other positions as well as kicking.

Punter
Ray Guy 1973-1986 Raiders
Should be the first punter selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Was a 1st round pick 23rd overall in 1973.

Returner
Gale Sayers 1965-1971 Bears
The “Kansas Comet” is the most electrifying open field runner I’ve ever seen.

Clifton re-signs for 3 years

adamburnett — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:54:14 +0000

The Packers have re-signed LT Chad Clifton to a three-year deal worth $20 million. Big Cliff has started 138 of 143 games for Green Bay since they drafted him as a second round pick in 2000. Before the 2009 season, Clifton had surgeries on both shoulders and both knees. Last season the durability became an issue for the 10-year veteran. I’ve written about whether or not it was time for him to leave. I’m of the belief of letting go of a player a year too early, than a year too late. As offensive tackles get older they tend to struggle with smaller quicker players as they lose the ability to cut off angles. Speed rushers gave Clifton fits last season as well. My fear has been that the decline has begun and he’ll start to look like Orlando Pace did for the Bears in 2009. General Manager Ted Thompson must believe there still some good football left in Clifton. Thompson has proven with his track record not to be the sentimental type.

Packers tender 9 players

adamburnett — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:21:59 +0000

Before free agency starts teams have to make decisions on their restricted free agents and the Packers decided to tender 9 players. Safety Atari Bigby, cornerback Will Blackmon, guard Daryn Colledge, safety Nick Collins, defensive lineman Johnny Jolly, fullback John Kuhn, guard-center Jason Spitz, and cornerback Tramon Williams received undisclosed tenders. Exclusive-rights free agent tight end Spencer Havner received a tender so he’s locked up for 2010. Collins is the most important player out of the group, while Spitz is your starting center. Kuhn is a solid fullback, but Quinn Johnson has a higher upside. Some fans may view the other players as replaceable parts. Bigby hasn’t been able to stay healthy in his time with Green Bay. Colledge hasn’t developed into the player the team was hoping for after the early selection. How much longer is the team going to give Colledge to prove himself? Jolly has legal problems and is an undisciplined player. Blackmon is explosive on returns, but like Bigby can’t stay healthy. Williams was completely overmatched last year in the secondary. What is the young corner’s learning curve at this point? Restricted free agent halfback DeShawn Wynn didn’t receive a tender from the team. So he’s free to pursue work elsewhere, however the Packers might want to bring him back cheaper. Wynn hasn’t been able to help the team as a Reebok Sideline Apparel Model. Punter Jeremy Kapinos didn’t receive a tender, so he’s looking for work. His 15 punts downed inside the 20 ranked No. 32 in the league among punters with 56 or more attempts. Tim Masthay was signed to a futures contract in January, but I anticipate a punter being taken late in the draft to compete for the spot.

Pickett draws franchise tag

adamburnett — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:07:45 +0000

Teams around the NFL have used the franchise tag to lock up defensive tackles and the Packers have followed suit. Vince Wilfork of the Patriots, the 49ers Aubrayo Franklin, and Richard Seymour of the Raiders all received the franchise designation. Add Ryan Pickett to the list. The Ohio State product will make $7.003 million in 2010, unless the sides come to terms on a new contract. Green Bay has the right to match a contract offer that Pickett signs with another team or receive two first-round draft choices as compensation. I don’t believe either scenario is likely to happen. The franchise tag is a hefty raise for Pickett. Pittsburgh’s Casey Hampton just signed a 3-year deal and that contract could be used to set a bar for Pickett. I wouldn’t want to go 4 years because he’s already played 9 seasons.

Earl Thomas selected in Mock Draft

adamburnett — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:14:04 +0000

With the Packers first round pick of the 1st Annual Fanball Sports Network NFL Mock Draft the Green Bay Packers select Safety Earl Thomas of Texas. His athleticism is just too good to pass up. Thomas is more talented than a number of the restricted free agents Green Bay has in the secondary. If Thomas isn’t ready to start the team can buy him a year to learn. The lack of talent in the secondary was the Achilles heel of the 2009 Packers. His speed allows him to cover a lot of ground and his 77 tackles were second on the Longhorns last season. The 8 interceptions and 16 passes broken up show a player that has good coverage instincts. Thomas has enough speed to play corner if injuries build up in the secondary. If Taylor Mays were still on the board I would have selected Thomas. LT Brian Baluga of Iowa and OLB Sergio Kindle of Texas were the two players I would have selected over Thomas. I believe the selection of Thomas addresses a need and upgrades the overall talent in the secondary.

http://www.rotojunkie.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102759

Westbrook looking for work as well

adamburnett — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:59:56 +0000

Another aging running back is on the market looking for work as the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with Brian Westbrook. He missed eight games because of two concussions and an ankle injury. As a Westbrook fantasy owner you were always aware that he usually missed the game before the bye week. Durability has always been a concern for this PPR legend. In 2007, Westbrook led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage with 1,333 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns. His physical skills haven’t diminished to the extent of LT, so he could be a more attractive option. I’d consider him as a third down back or as part of a committee backfield. Concussions are serious business and Westbrook must make a determination if he wants to continue playing. He’d fit on the Packers as a change of pace back behind Ryan Grant. Westbrook is terrific at picking up the blitz and serving as an outlet receiver. I don’t think his body would be able to handle the heavy workloads of years past. I’d take Westbrook over Tomlinson at this point. Westbrook is the Eagles’ all-time leader in yards from scrimmage (9,785). He also ranks second in rushing yards (5,995) and third in receptions (426) and total touchdowns (68).

Martin signs two-year extension with the Pack

adamburnett — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:40:46 +0000

On Monday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel confirmed with agent Brad Cicala that his client Safety Derrick Martin agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Packers. The four-year veteran would have qualified as an unrestricted free agent, but is among the many preparing to get hosed, if the NFL and player’s union being unable to come to a labor agreement by March 5th. If a deal can’t be reached unrestricted free agency qualifications would move from four years to six. Martin was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens. He played in 14 games including one start finishing the campaign with 25 tackles. His role on the team is secured because of his ability to be an asset on special teams. Martin could be in line for an increased role depending on the futures of other members of the secondary.

LT looking for work

adamburnett — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:26:42 +0000

The greatest running back of the new millennium is now unemployed. The San Diego Chargers have released LaDainian Tomlinson after an injured plagued 2009 season which saw career lows of 223 carries, 730 yards, and 3.3 yards per carry. The 12 rushing scores are a product of playing in such a high powered offense. LT caught only 20 balls as Darren Sproles took away a lot of playing time. A $2 million dollar bonus due in early March guaranteed the release. His 9 year career with the Chargers cements his place as one of the greatest running backs ever to play the game. I view Jim Brown and Walter Payton as the greatest running backs ever. Gayle Sayers and Barry Sanders are in the argument as well. Tomlinson is in the discussion as far as I’m concerned. The 2006 season of 2323 total yards and 31 scores is one of the greatest seasons by a running back in NFL history.

What’s next for the future hall of famer? His skills have diminished due to injuries and age. He’s not an every down back anymore, but could still contribute in a committee backfield as a third-down back. What LT still brings to the table is an ability to pick up blitzes and serving as an outlet receiver. His instincts around the goal line could also be useful to a team. I just don’t see a huge market for an older running back with diminishing skills. I think it depends on how LT views himself in comparison to what NFL executives believe. Some guys don’t want to serve as bit players at the end of their careers after being lead dogs. If LT will come in cheap to be a backup he’ll find work. Anything else and he’ll be a spectator on Sundays. Taking a look at the Packers backfield Ryan Grant is entrenched as the starter with Brandon Jackson serving as a change of pace back. Ahman Green was brought back as a backup for 2009. Batman’s an unrestricted free agent and in the same boat as LT. It will be interesting to see what happens next.