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Looking At 2010 Salaries - The Top 4 Highest Paid Packers

2010-02-09T13:00:29Z

Jim Prisching - AP

Pete Dougherty at the Press-Gazette wrote a good article about the Green Bay Packers' salaries in 2010. The main point of the article was that it looks like LB A.J. Hawk and RB Ryan Grant might be overpaid in 2010. Hawk is scheduled to make $4.6 million and Grant will make $6 million. He does compare their salaries to the team's highest paid players:

Grant topped the 1,250-yard rushing mark, which earned him a $1.5 million escalator in base salary for 2010, pushing his pay to $6 million when his salary is combined with roster and workout bonuses. That makes him the Packers’ fourth-highest paid player for 2010, behind only Woodson, receiver Donald Driver ($7 million) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers ($6.5 million).

CB Charles Woodson is scheduled to receive $7.5 million in 2010. Obviously $4.6 million and $6 million is a lot of money, and it does look high in comparison to other those players' salary. But I wanted to compare it to the recently released franchise and transition tag numbers for 2010:

Position	Franchise	Transition
Cornerback	$9.566 million	$8.056 million
Linebacker	$9.680 million	$8.373 million
Running Back	$8.156 million	$7.151 million
Quarterback	$16.405 million	$14.546 million
Wide Receiver	$9.521 million	$8.651 million

I've put the list of the other positions after the jump.

All their 2010 salaries are significantly less than the cost to hypothetically place the franchise tag on them, so no one is obviously overpaid. Hawk is harder to justify, since LB Brandon Chillar just received a 4 year extension, but GM Ted Thompson seems to have no problem spending big money and using high picks on linebackers. Hawk played a lot last season, so I can't imagine Thompson would thin out his depth just to save a couple million and/or receive a mid-round draft pick in return. I'm no fan of Hawk's (he's their worst LB by far against the run, he's not great against the pass) but he's not going anywhere.

		Rushing						Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD
2009 - Ryan Grant	16	282	1253	78.3	4.4	62	11	25	197	12.3	7.9	27	0

Grant is well worth his price. Especially when you consider he only lost one fumble last season too.

Maybe CB Al Harris will allow the team to push back his March bonus, as Greg Bedard suggested, but obviously his recovery from ACL surgery is the main factor. It might be a tough call depending on how his rehab is going. We'll here more about this as the March date approaches.

All of these players I've mentioned will return next season. So who's the most likely player to be let go or released this offseason?

Position	Franchise	Transition
Defensive End	$12.398 million	$10.193 million
Defensive Tackle	$7.003 million	$6.353 million
Offensive Line	$10.731 million	$9.142 million
Punter/Kicker	$2.814 million	$2.629 million
Safety	$6.455 million	$6.011 million
Tight End	$5.908 million	$5.248 million

Potential First-Round OT Analysis

2010-02-08T23:00:27Z

Now that the Super Bowl is over, we can turn 100% of our attention to the off-season and to the Packers' efforts to improve the team. As we have documented (and complained, and lamented, and...you see where I'm going here), the Packers need help on the offensive line, especially at tackle. With Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher becoming unrestricted free agents this off-season, I feel that it's likely that one of them will be departing. Even if they both return for 2010, we need better depth and talent at the tackle position.

In light of this, I'm going to give a quick snapshot of four offensive tackles projected to be drafted in the mid- to late-first round:

Bryan Bulaga-Iowa, Trent Williams-Oklahoma, Bruce Campbell-Maryland, and Charles Brown-USC.

Bryan Bulaga - Iowa, 6'6", 310 lbs

The Rivalry, Esq. gives their draft profile of Bulaga here. I must admit, anything that is compared favorably to former Badger Joe Thomas automatically piques my interest. The question about Bulaga is whether or not he falls to the Packers at 23. Frankly, if he's around after 18 or 20, I wouldn't mind seeing Ted Thompson try to jump up a few spots and grab him. A two-year starter, Bulaga is a mauler, and though his pass-blocking technique needs some work, his mean streak is something that you need when blocking ends like Jared Allen. He played LT at Iowa, but most are projecting him as a RT in the NFL. I think he has the ability and size to play on the left side, and I would be excited if he is available for the Packers at 23.

Bruce Campbell - Maryland, 6'7", 310 lbs

Campbell didn't start at left tackle in college until midway through the 2008 season, but he's one of the highest-rated tackles in the draft. Mocking the Draft has a profile here. Draft projections for Campbell are all over the place...he's been ranked as high as 8 to the Raiders and as low as 26th in the past month. To summarize his draft reports, Campbell has had some issues with concentration and a tendency to lose focus on occasion; however, he's still young (a true junior in 2009), and that should improve in that area. He has very good mobility and size, and his upper body strength is a key. But for me, the important thing about him is that I'd love to have a guy with a chainsaw for a right hand manning the left tackle spot.

via tvtropes.org

Trent Williams - Oklahoma, 6'5", 310 lbs

Much like Campbell, Williams' projected draft slot is all over the board. He's looked at anywhere from 13th overall to the middle of the second round. Williams switched sides from right to left tackle before the 2009 season, and played well this year. He is a good athlete who has solid footwork in the passing game. However, he lacks the nasty side that Bulaga and even T.J. Lang show, and has struggled in run-blocking.

Charles Brown - USC, 6'6", 285 lbs

The thing that jumps out from that line is that Brown will need to put on some weight to be an effective NFL tackle. Brown has a similar amount of time starting in college, but as a redshirt senior, he's two years older than the other two players. Brown's footwork and mobility are both excellent, but my concern is with his strength and technique. Also, Brown played in a zone-blocking scheme at USC, which may or may not help him adjust to the Packers' pseudo-zone system. The biggest key for me is whether or not he can put on some weight before the Combine and avoid a drop-off in his footwork and quickness. (UPDATE: Mocking the Draft now lists Brown at 298 lbs)

Other than these three, there are also premier tackles Russell Okung of Oklahoma State and Anthony Davis of Rutgers, who are both projected in the top 15 picks. Were one of them to slip, I'd expect Ted Thompson to snag them quickly, but with the demand for tackles in the NFL, they'll likely be long gone by the 23rd pick.

For now, I would rank these four in the order I have listed them, but I wouldn't be horribly disappointed if we took Campbell if both he and Bulaga were available. However, if Bulaga and Campbell are both gone at 23, I would expect Thompson to either address the pass rush with an OLB like Brandon Graham of Michigan or Texas' Sergio Kindle or draft a defensive back.

Season Reviews: Allen Barbre

2010-02-08T14:00:21Z

While our 2009 wasn't as successful as it was for other teams, we saw enough to expect more success in 2010 and beyond. There's a lot to like about the Green Bay Packers going forward, unless of course you're cheering for the other team. But which players fit in the best? Which don't? Which ones are keepers, and which ones need to be driven out of town? It's time to look at who did well (and who didn't), and ultimately what their role will be going forward.

It's the end of 2008, and Green Bay's starting tackle tears his ACL. There's no telling whether or not he'll be back in time for 2009, a crossroads made all the more complex by his status as an unrestricted free agent. There are a few options for the team. Number one is to find a rookie replacement in the draft. This was a popular stance, given the abundance of talent at OT, especially in the first round. The second was to find a replacement in free agency, which could have worked as easily as it could have imploded. The final option was the most understated, the most logical, and the most dangerous, all at the same time.

Going into training camp, the Packers had two choices to replace the then-departed Mark Tauscher: Breno Giacomini and Allen Barbre. Tauscher was like a New York strip steak where you knew exactly what you were gonna get. But with the local steakhouse shut down (temporarily), you've got to eat somewhere else, and you end up at an Indian restaurant choosing between paneer masala and saag korma.

For the record, both dishes are exquisite and delicious if you go to the right place. But to the lay person, unless you've studied them both up close, you've got no idea whatsoever as to which is better for you. And we tried to explore it, but it's like trying to determine which dish is a better fit by just glancing at the menu.

Considering the relative dearth of knowledge regarding these two players' readiness as starters, the 2009 preseason sealed the deal for Allen Barbre. After all, he got the starter reps, and the Green Bay starters set the world aflame during the preseason. And then the season started and defenses actually tried to get after Rodgers and Barbre turned into a human turnstile.

So what happened? Mainly, the offense was forced to choose between helping Barbre on the right side and helping Chad Clifton on the left, who had more than his fair share of failures in pass protection. Barbre was left alone to learn on the job, seemingly indefinitely. Then, of course, Mark Tauscher was resigned, worked his way back into playing shape, and Green Bay went on a second-half run to end the season at 11-5.

But at what cost? After all, Barbre had shown some development over the course of the season. Yes, he was the scapegoat for the offense that was a league-leader in sacks allowed. Yes, the likes of Adewale Ogunleye, Ray Edwards, and Antwan Odom ran roughshod over his stumbling bumbling sorry-excuse-for-a-tackle hide from time to time. But he showed glimpses of dominating run blocking and surprisingly potent pass protection every so often.

Maybe 2009 is what he needed. Maybe he needed to win out against Giacomini (can we talk about how bad 2009 would have been were Breno the starter?) and be thrown into the fire and left there until Tauscher healed his knee fully. Maybe he can use this past season as motivation to improve his game to the point where he can be a viable option and not just a contingency plan.

As always, players like Barbre need the offseason like fish need water. Physical tools? Definitely. Valuable experience? Absolutely. Confidence? I'm sure he'd tell you he's confident, but you and I aren't quick to agree. Integrating his mind and body seamlessly? There's the ticket.

All of the intangibles are things that reveal themselves in due time. However, learning how to recognize defensive schemes, how to attack oncoming defenders, how to keep proper technique, and which assignments go with what calls are all things that can be improved between now and September. Will he do it and lobby for the position of Mark Tauscher's replacement a second time? Or will he fall to the wayside as the team seeks to not repeat the same mistake twice?

Poll

Where will Barbre go in 2010 and beyond?

Super Bowl Recap: Saints Win Their First Title 31-17

2010-02-08T07:10:28Z

More photos » Eric Gay - AP

1 day ago: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) holds his son Baylen after the NFL Super Bowl XLIV football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Miami, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. The Saints won 31-17. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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Here are some key stats from ESPN:

Stat	Saints	Colts
Total Yards	332	432
Yards/Pass Attempt	7.2	7.4
Rushing Yards/Carry	2.8	5.2
3rd Down Efficiency	3 for 9	6 for 13
4th Down Efficiency	0 for 1	1 for 2
Turnovers	0	1

The Colts had more yards, ran the ball better, and converted on 3rd down. Knowing nothing else about the game, I'd think the Colts had won. I'm not saying the Saints were entirely lucky (just somewhat). I'm pointing out that they won with a little help from better field position and a rope-a-dope big play.

1. Special teams and field position. According to Football Outsiders, there was nothing exceptional about the Saints on special teams this season. In fact they were pretty bad: ranked No. 28th overall. But just as field position helped them beat the Vikings, their special teams made a difference in this game. The onside kick to start the 2nd half was a stupid idea, but it worked so Sean Peyton will get a ton of credit for placing a winning bet. It's good to see it gives another boost to the unlikely NFL career of former Badger LB Jonathan Casillas. It also got them great field position. So did the missed 4th quarter FG, though that had nothing to do with a good play on the Saints part (sometimes it's better to be lucky). After the onside kick and the missed FG, the Saints took possession at their 42 and 41 yard lines, and used the short field to score two TDs. The Saints needed a short field too. They came away with zero points on their longest drive of the game (71 yards) when they got stopped on 4th down at the Colts' 1 yard line. Meanwhile the Colts' best starting field position of the game was their own 30 yard line.

2. Tracy Porter and the Pick Six INT. Just a brilliant article written by Doug Farrar over at Shutdown Corner detailing how the Saints had been getting killed playing in a wide 3 man front with little help from the blitz. But CB Tracy Porter had watched a lot of film and knew what the Colts were trying to do on 3rd and short with their receivers stacked. Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams admitted they were trying to set up a situation where QB Peyton Manning would throw that pass out of that formation. The whole exchange reminded me of the rope-a-dope where Ali took a beating from Foreman to set him up later. (By the way, When We Were Kings is a brilliant documentary about that famous fight). The Saints gave the Colts a lot of ground while they waited for Manning to throw the one pass they were looking for.

There were a lot of great players in this game. The Colts would have stood no chance if Manning hadn't been brilliant on his other 44 pass attempts. The Saints would have stood no chance if QB Drew Brees hadn't had another brilliant game completing over 80% of his passes with 2 TDs and zero turnovers. But those two prize fighters were trading punches, making what I expected to be an evenly matched game exactly that. But it was the Saints got a big play from a barely known cornerback and it was the Saints that got somewhat lucky on a couple special teams plays. Those were the differences in the game.

Super Bowl Open Thread: Colts Up 10-6 Over The Saints At Halftime

2010-02-07T21:18:34Z

All the NFL team writers will be hanging out at the Super Bowl open thread at SB Nation. Please feel free to join us there.

Halftime Update. I'd be really frustrated if I were a Saints fan. Three potential scoring drives and only 6 points to show for it. No one has won the turnover battle yet, but the Colts are winning the red zone battle. The Saints had been very successful in the red zone this season, but not in this game.

What do you think of going for it on 4th and 1? I'm on the fence about it.

The APC Super Bowl Pre-Game Show

2010-02-07T21:15:27Z

Admittedly the Acme Packing Company's Super Bowl pre-game show, such as this is, is starting much later than the networks, and without nearly as much talk-talk-talk..., but I prefer to keep it leaner.

The fans that write for the Colts and Saints sites at SB Nation have obtained press credentials and been in Florida for most of the week. Big Blue Shoe at Stampede Blue used the opportunity to interview a number of coaches and players. Dave over at Canal Street Chronicles has been all over the place too. Joel has been in Miami covering the game for SB Nation.

The only major story all week has been the health of DE Dwight Freeney. The most recent reports say he's walking without a limp and will be playing tonight. Freeney is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL and he won't be at 100% under any circumstances, but it's not a game changer whether he plays or not. The Colts have to pressure QB Drew Brees, but they should be able to create a good rush with DE Raheem Brock and DE Robert Mathis.

Stampede Blue has been all over the statistical analysis here, here, and here. I love statistical analysis, it's the first thing I reference before nearly every game, except in the Super Bowl. I would point out an obvious mismatch, but it doesn't seem like there is one in this game. A good running team could exploit the Saints poor run defense, but the Colts aren't a strong running team. Also, these teams have each only played two meaningful games in the past two months, so even recent trend analysis doesn't help a lot. Overall they are two passing teams that should be throwing a lot of passes, which has the makings of a great game.

QB talk leading to the Super Bowl, and the missing GREAT ONE.

2010-02-07T18:54:56Z

Of course, there is always TOO much sports talk leading up to the Super Bowl. With Peyton Manning in the game, there is a lot of discussion about whether he might be the best QB of all time. As everyone knows, the argument against him is that he's only won one Super Bowl and doesn't have great record in the playoffs. So QBs like Brady, Montana, Aikman, Bradshaw, etc are mentioned.

But the QB who has won the most NFL championships in history is never mentioned: Green Bay QB, BART STARR. He also won 2 Super Bowl MVPs (one of only 4 multi-MVP winners), and had a 9-1 record in the playoffs.

If they are going to KEEP saying that it is the hardware that really determines greatness, then they should start mentioning Starr every time they talk about QB greats.

PACKER FANS! Start filling ESPN and CBS inboxes with messages telling them to add Starr to the conversation.

Super Slice of Cheese

2010-02-05T23:35:13Z

That's right, there is little to no Packers news this week, as one would expect. Therefore, here are a variety of interesting links about the Saints and Colts.

On Sharper, the Saints and scheme - NFC North Blog - ESPN
Kevin Seifert examines Darren Sharper's second career resurrection.

Lombardi family tree branching out in Super Bowl XLIV
The Saints' QB coach is hoping to win the trophy with his own name on it.

Injury can't stop Sorgi
Former Badger Jim Sorgi is taking his role on IR with the Colts seriously.

Skill players may lack star power, but make up for it with balance
Here's an interesting analysis of the role players surrounding Brees and Manning.

NFL, Louisiana attorney general settle 'Who Dat' misunderstanding
I'm very relieved to know that the NFL has reached a compromise on the sale of "Who Dat" t-shirts.

Payton keeps Saints jovial in dreary weather with bellhop stunt
Nice to see a coach who likes to have a little fun and isn't just a boring stick in the mud (like Norv Turner, Wade Phillips, Brad Childress, etc.) or a big fat windbag (looking at you, Rex Ryan).

Raheem Brock is confident he can carry the load
Everybody's making a big deal about Dwight Freeney's injury this week, but I've seen enough Colts games to know that Brock is an excellent pass rusher in his own right.

The Saints and Colts put New Orleans' first family in a bind
I don't really care about the article (though I do enjoy Rick Reilly's work for the most part)...I just find Cooper Manning sightings amusing.

Roger Goodell downplays labor problems
Naturally, after the odds of a lockout were estimated at "14" out of 10 by an NFLPA rep, the commish rushes to settle everyone down. Good luck, Roger.

ESPN "Experts" Super Bowl Picks
In case you care, here you go.

Super Bowl Watching 101
Finally, I'll leave you with this. Norman Chad is only occasionally funny, but this is the most amusing thing I've seen him write in a while.

Enjoy.

My Very Abbreviated Super Bowl Preview

2010-02-05T17:00:30Z

More photos » David J. Phillip - AP

4 days ago: Roger Daltrey, left and Pete Townshend of The Who hold New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts helmets during a press conference at the Super Bowl XLIV media center, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 in Ft. Lauderdale , Fla. The band will perform durning halftime at the Super Bowl football game Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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I was planning to do a detailed Super Bowl preview, but I got lazy and I could never do it as well as Bill Barnwell and Aaron Schatz anyway:

We've covered seven Super Bowls since Football Outsiders launched in 2003, and out of those seven games, Super Bowl XLIV looks like the closest matchup before the fact...

The Saints may be a little bit overdependent on big plays, whether they be deep bombs, kick returns, or the kind of turnovers that Peyton Manning rarely makes. On the other hand, the Colts may be a little bit overdependent on the health of Dwight Freeney's ankle. Put it all in the big blender of matchups, and the result still comes out 50-50. This should be, and hopefully will be, an exciting, high-scoring, and very close game.

There is a lot of analysis in their entire article, maybe a little too much, but all that work for an even matchup?

I've said it all postseason, but turnovers will be the difference in the game. The problem at this point is that the Colts and Saints are both pretty good at protecting the ball, according to Team Rankings, the Colts had 1.4 turnovers per game vs. 1.6 for the Saints. On the other hand, no team was better last season at takeaways then the Saints. And that doesn't mean that one of those teams won't start turning it over in the Super Bowl. Sometimes teams that had been good at avoiding turnovers all season can collapse at the worst possible moment, and I'm specifically thinking of the Vikings two weeks ago. Though you could say the same thing about the Packers in Arizona during the Wild Card game.

One interesting point that Football Outsiders mentioned: the Saints are really good in the red zone on offense and defense. Plus the Colts are a great red zone offensive team. This isn't a key to the game, but I'll be watching the great Colts red zone offense against the great Saints red zone defense.

What are you going to be watching for on Sunday? Or will you just turn in for Favre's Hyundai ad? Predictions?

Season Reviews: Clay Matthews

2010-02-05T14:00:19Z

While our 2009 wasn't as successful as it was for other teams, we saw enough to expect more success in 2010 and beyond. There's a lot to like about the Green Bay Packers going forward, unless of course you're cheering for the other team. But which players fit in the best? Which don't? Which ones are keepers, and which ones need to be driven out of town? It's time to look at who did well (and who didn't), and ultimately what their role will be going forward.

Ted Thompson doesn't trade up in the draft. He just doesn't. So when he made an agreement with New England that would send the Patriots a second-round pick and two thirds in exchange for the 26th overall pick, and he used that pick on an undersized walk-on who played a different position, some of us were left scratching our heads.

After all, we knew that the offensive line was an issue going forward. We had linebackers, more than we knew what to do with. Why give up three picks which could shore up some major weaknesses to take a player who arguably was a one-year wonder at USC?

If you lined up the stats of some of the league's well-known pass rushers, you would come up with something like this:

Player A: 57 tackles, 11.0 sacks
Player B: 79 tackles, 10.0 sacks
Player C: 42 tackles, 10.5 sacks
Player D: 41 tackles, 9.0 sacks
Player E: 43 tackles, 9.0 sacks

Interested in the identities of these mystery men? Here they are, in order: DeMarcus Ware, James Harrison, Julius Peppers, Joey Porter, and Mario Williams. Why would I include their 2009 numbers anonymously? Here's why:

Clay Matthews: 65 tackles, 10.0 sacks

Of this list, Matthews doesn't have the most tackles, sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, or anything else. He leads the league in zero categories. But as far as Matthews' 2009 season is concerned, it's all about the company you keep.

Fourteen players had ten or more sacks this season, led by Elvis Dumervil with 17.0. Matthews' 10.0 were the most by any rookie not named Brian Orakpo. His three fumble recoveries were the most by any rookie and tied for second-most in the NFL. His seven passes defended were ninth-most of outside linebackers.

But his impact goes beyond numbers. Watch how he chased down Daunte Culpepper for a good 10 seconds at the end of the half on Thanksgiving. Watch how he ripped the ball out of Adrian Peterson's hands and returned it for a score, tying the game at 14. Watch how he layed out to break up the pass intended for Vernon Davis, which was thrown pretty well. Watch how he absolutely blew up Joshua Cribbs when the Browns tried to run the Wildcat in his direction.

It's clear that Matthews has the athletic ability, drive, and determination to be a premier defender in the league, but let's not forget the situation he landed in. Even with Green Bay switching to a 3-4 defense and on the lookout for players that can fit the nearly-impossible-to-fill pass rushing OLB role, there was a good chance that he would have landed elsewhere. That's where one of Green Bay's defensive coaches comes into play and ultimately what made Matthews' rookie season so memorable.

Kevin Greene went to the NFL combine last February and interviewed Clay Matthews in Indianapolis. He lobbied for Matthews to be selected in the 2009 draft, an initiative which eventually succeeded. Greene, a fellow walk-on college athlete, saw something most others didn't. The NFL's leading linebacker in sacks knew that, if given the chance, Matthews would work harder than anyone else and have more success as a result.

But Greene didn't just see what Matthews was in college, nor does he see just what he is today. He's also looking to the future, the distant future, where Matthews could eventually replace him in the record books:

"I thought I put some numbers on the board that might never be reached," said Greene, a five-time Pro Bowler. "I mean, 160 is a lot of sacks. But I haven't seen a lot of people come through like Clay. If anybody can do it, he can do it."

-1/19/10

Charles Woodson won the DPOY in 2009, and he deserved it. Clay Matthews might be challenging all comers for that award for the next decade. Not bad for a walk-on, and not bad for Packer fans in the years to come.

Poll

Where will Matthews go in 2010 and beyond?

The Bills Are Next Season's Packers

2010-02-05T07:31:43Z

It's a weird story that George Edwards was hired last month as the new defensive coordinator for the University of Florida, but his tenure was brief and he's already moved onto the Buffalo Bills. It's also interesting that Edwards plans to install a 3-4 defense in Buffalo:

Shortly after the Bills announced their rather shocking hire of George Edwards, just a month after he had accepted the same position at the University of Florida, Edwards announced that he would transition the Bills to a base 3-4 defense in the 2010 season.

For a Bills defense that had more than its fair share of struggles last year, particularly against the run where they finished third to last, this move makes quite a bit of sense.

If any defense in 2009 played like the Green Bay Packers defense of 2008, it was the Bills. According to Football Outsiders, they ranked the Bills pass defense 3rd best, but the run defense was a lowly 26th. An elite pass defense with a lousy run defense was exactly what the Packers had back in 2008, and the installation of a 3-4 defense turned the run defense completely around while maintaining the excellent (playoff game excluded) pass defense. Over at Buffalo Rumblings, they like the switch but think it might take some time to acquire the right personnel. There were lots of questions about the change in personnel for the Packers, but then they used the 1st round of the 2009 draft to select LB Clay Matthews and DT B.J. Raji (plus 7th round steal LB Brad Jones) to accelerate the process. I'll be really interested to see how the transition goes for the Bills in 2010.

Lockout Likely in 2011?

2010-02-05T00:07:05Z

Lockout Likely in 2011?

An NFLPA Exec says that the chance for a lockout next year is 14 on a 1-10 scale. That doesn't sound promising.

Former Packer Daniel Muir In The Super Bowl

2010-02-04T05:46:16Z

More photos » Ross D. Franklin - AP

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It was a dumb move back in 2005 when GM Ted Thompson tried to force a pay cut on FS Darren Sharper, which led to his release. Based on the way Thompson has treated veterans like CB Al Harris, WR Donald Driver, and RT Mark Tauscher since then, I don't think it's something Thompson would have done again. So it's great to see Sharper has proven Thompson wrong, and found his way back to the Super Bowl as a member of the Saints. But there is another ex-Packer playing a key role on a Super Bowl team.

One of the biggest stories on the Colts this season was the change in defensive philosophy. They moved from a Tampa 2 scheme under Tony Dungy to an "aggressive, attack style defense" under former Bronco defensive coordinator Larry Coyer.

One of their biggest surprises on defense has been former Packer DT Daniel Muir. From PFT:

1. Muir is a run stopper. Coyer wanted to bulk up at defensive tackle, a departure from the Tony Dungy era. Muir has kept blockers off Indy's speedy linebackers and made 52 tackles of his own, sixth among interior linemen in the NFL.

"The defense now is a lot more hard-nosed," he told me Monday. "[Coyer] vowed to get bigger bodies inside, which has worked for us."

2. Muir came cheaply. Like many of his teammates, he came at great value. Undrafted out of Kent State, he was picked up by G.M. Bill Polian off waivers from the Packers last year. No one finds cheap talent better than Polian.

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2009 - Daniel Muir	16	.500	5	0	0	0	43	9	52

I'm not so sure about that "bulk up" part. Muir is currently listed at 312 lbs. by NFL.com, but he was listed at 295-300 lbs. when he was with the Packers. Maybe he's bulked up since he joined the Colts, or maybe he's just bigger than any of the defensive tackles who played for the Colts last season.

So how did the Packers let this guy go? He's great against the run, and the Packers were awful back in 2008 against the run, which was the year he was released.

At least for me, it was a reluctant departure. Muir had shown promise during the 2007 preseason, which was why he made the 2007 team. After DT Corey Williams was traded to the Browns, I was expecting Muir to step right into Williams's job. Except Muir did nothing during the 2008 preseason. He was just another body. I'm not surprised he regained the promise he showed back in 2007. It didn't seem like it was something he lost, but something he had just had to work a little harder for. Apparently he's done just that.

College Hoops, NFL Notes, and Packers Mock Draft

2010-02-03T17:00:31Z

With football (almost) over, I've moved on to college hoops and hockey. The Badgers basketball team is nearly unbeatable in the Kohl Center. They dominated No. 5 Michigan State by a final score of 67-49. The Spartans are the 3rd Top 5 team to lose in Madison this season. Duke and Purdue lost there previously. Check out Bucky's 5th Quarter for more.

It had to happen: The Ochocinco News Network. Someone has to ask QB Peyton Manning the tough questions.

The Texans extend head coach Gary Kubiak's contract. Really? His teams always fall apart somewhere during the middle of the season, but then manage a meaningless late season winning streak to finish 8-8 or 9-7. They just missed the playoffs last season. He's far from a bad coach, but is he ever going to lead them into the playoffs? Their mix of good offense and questionable defense reminds me of the Packer teams that never could get over the 8-8 hump from 1981-1985.

Every Day Should Be Saturday officially joined SB Nation last week, and they did a great job spoofing the Mancrunch.com could-have-been Super Bowl ad at the expense of ESPN's Todd McShay. They also introduced to me to the unusual throwing motion of QB Tim Tebow which is officially named "the Frittata." Those are some smooth mechanics.

Speaking of draft prospects, Mocking The Draft penciled in Maryland OT Bruce Campbell in for the Packers at No. 23 overall. Should his nickname be Ash or should the Chin? I'd still prefer they draft a defensive back first, and then look at offensive tackles.

Season Reviews: Charles Woodson

2010-02-03T14:00:22Z

While our 2009 wasn't as successful as it was for other teams, we saw enough to expect more success in 2010 and beyond. There's a lot to like about the Green Bay Packers going forward, unless of course you're cheering for the other team. But which players fit in the best? Which don't? Which ones are keepers, and which ones need to be driven out of town? It's time to look at who did well (and who didn't), and ultimately what their role will be going forward.

When he was signed in 2006, Charles Woodson was anything but a sure thing. He was coming off of a broken leg and, while widely regarded as one of the most gifted defenders in the league, he had not had the impact he was projected to have coming off of his Heisman award at Michigan. He had never eclipsed 5 interceptions in a season, nor had he shown the responsibility required of a defensive leader.

Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. Woodson turned into a top-shelf defender after coming to Green Bay, and 2009 was his best season yet. Winner of the DPOY, anchor of a top-5 defense, what more could you ask for?

As far as cornerbacks go, you can't ask for more. Woodson's nine interceptions were tied for tops in the league. He had more forced fumbles (4) and sacks (2) than any defensive back in the top 30 for INTs. His 74 tackles were far and away the most by anyone playing in the defensive backfield. His three touchdowns were rivaled only by former Packer and fellow ballhawk Darren Sharper. Pro Bowler. Defensive Player of the Year. The star player on one of the league's best defenses.

And it'll probably only go downhill from here.

Age is a funny thing. It's easily the biggest enemy of any athlete, more than fatigue, injury, or illness. But it's simultaneously unstoppable and unseeable. It can stop anyone if you give it enough time. Sure, you can stave it off for a few years, but at the professional level, it'll catch up with you some day.

Popular belief dictates that running backs start to decline after their 30th birthday. The list of players who uphold this belief is longer than some care to admit: Shaun Alexander, Priest Holmes, Jamal Lewis, and most recently, LaDanian Tomlinson. However, the position of cornerback doesn't have this stigma, even though it should. While the cut-off obviously isn't thirty (Woodson is currently 33), that's likely because CBs don't take the physical punishment that RBs do.

But the big concern is the same. The quickness is there...just not as much. The straight line speed is there...but it doesn't last as long. The eyes see the play as it develops...but the hands and legs can't react quick enough. You've still got the same physical body that did this before...but you'll never do this again:

The silver lining? Woodson already knows it's happening.

But now, at 33, can he run like he used to? Can he make the one-handed leaping interception he made against Michigan State on a ball the quarterback was trying to throw out of bounds?

"No question," Woodson said. "I haven't lost it all. I can still make that play. Now, I'll tell you this, I can't jump as high as I used to, but hands-wise, if I get my hands on it, I feel like I can come down with the ball. If it's in the vicinity, I can make that play.

"I think straight-ahead I'm just as fast as I've ever been. Quickness, maybe a little less, but straight ahead I can still go get it."

Woodson is one of the smartest players in the game today. Not just in terms of football IQ, but general intelligence. He knows he's aging. He knows he needs to take care of his body to slow the process. He knows not to take chances just because he made that play ten years prior.

He also knows what needs to be done in order to be in position to make those plays. Film work, practice, weightlifting, drills, whatever Woodson did in order to become what he is today is something he can both keep doing for himself and pass along to younger players. Sure, Tramon Williams might not have the same quickness, or Pat Lee might not have the same leaping ability. But they can learn how to be where they need to be and do what they need to do to emulate Chuck.

Unfortunately for the team, that might end up being the best contribution he can make past 2010. Face it; Al Harris has all but been replaced by Tramon Williams, and the team has been trying to find another candidate for a post-Woodson starting CB. So we can expect another great year in 2010, followed by a very good 2011...but in 2012? Well, let's just see how it plays out.

Poll

Where will Woodson go in 2010 and beyond?

Downhill: 2009 may have been a career year, but he won't be able to replicate it.

82 votes

About the same: his natural talent and work ethic will help negate the aging process for a while.

255 votes

Uphill: he takes care of himself, he's smart, and he loves the game. Expect a repeat year or three.

78 votes

415 votes | Poll has closed

If Favre Takes A Beating, Will The Refs Notice It?

2010-02-03T05:37:20Z

More photos » Tom Olmscheid - AP

6 days ago: FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2009, file photo, Minnesota Vikings football fans spell out the last name of quarterback Brett Favre during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Minneapolis. Adrian Peterson, Jared Allen and the rest of the Vikings players aren't the only ones in the organization hoping Brett Favre returns next season. Favre made it easier on the team's advertising, ticket sales and marketing departments to lure corporate sponsors and big spenders. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid, File)

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QB Brett Favre's agent, Bus Cook, provided photos of Favre's black-and-blue ankle and hamstring after the NFC Championship game. The Saints went hard after his legs, and the refs admit they missed the call. The rule should have been fresh in their mind since the Brady Rule was just adopted last March. I think the NFL refs are the best officials for any major league sport, but this has been a lousy post-season (season?) for them. Meanwhile the league selected Scott Green to referee in the Super Bowl despite missing the helmet-to-helmet hit and the facemask against QB Aaron Rodgers on the last two plays of the playoff loss in Arizona.

Speaking of Favre, from The Onion: Packers Fan Announces He Will Return To Drinking For Another Season.

Rumors: Peppers Done In Carolina? - Asomugha Done In Oakland?

2010-02-02T17:00:51Z

More photos » Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

2 months ago: Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, top right, intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andre Caldwell, bottom left, on the last play of the game in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. Oakland won 20-17. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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DE Julius Peppers wasn't supposed to return to the Panthers in 2009. Peppers wanted out of Carolina last January, but the Panthers insisted that he stay around by placing the franchise tag on him for $16.7 million. To place the franchise tag on him again in 2010, they would probably have to pay him around $20 million and it doesn't look like they are interested at that price. Could he become a Green Bay Packer?

With an uncapped year "virtually certain" in 2010, the Packers could certainly squeeze him under an unlimited salary cap. But they still do have a budget to keep, and Peppers won't come cheap. I don't think he can play either outside LB in the Packers' 3-4 scheme, or defensive end. So that makes him a situational pass rusher, which the Packers could certainly use. But that's a steep price for a potentially one-dimensional player, and GM Ted Thompson doesn't break the bank on free agents. I just can't see it happening, and it's not a good deal at that price anyway.

I can't even believe the Raiders are exploring a trade for All-World CB Nnamdi Asomugha. They just signed him to a monster 3 year, $45 million contract a year ago, and now they are going to trade him? That would sound crazy from most teams, but these are the Raiders. As good as he is, the remaining financial burden of his contract plus the multiple draft choices needed to acquire him would likely exceed the value he'd deliver on the field in 2010. Plus he'll have to be resigned again after 2011 for another $15 million per season, at least. That's very expensive and a major chunk of their budget and available talent in the future. Just because I have good credit and can have a $4,000 55 inch LED HDTV delivered to my house this week, doesn't mean I should do it.

Mike Martz Is The Bears' New Offensive Coordinator

2010-02-02T13:00:45Z

The Bears have hired Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator. Is this a good move?

Martz has become somewhat of a punchline after two failed one-year stints as the offensive coordinator for the 49ers and the Lions. That fueled his paranoia, and he believed that he was being blackballed. But before that he was the offensive coordinator and/or head coach who led the Rams to two separate Super Bowls, and to the best record in the NFC in another. He created the Greatest Show on Turf. He's someone who has succeed at the highest level, and apparently has something to prove.

And he has the chance to turn around the Pro Bowl career of QB Jay Cutler. While Cutler didn't play anywhere near as good as QB Brett Favre or QB Aaron Rodgers in the division last year, Cutler outplayed both of them during the 2008 season. It's hardly an impossible task to return a young quarterback to a Pro Bowl level.

But there are several good reasons why this is a bad move for the Bears. While firing Ron Turner was a good move, their month long search for an offensive coordinator became a sideshow with Martz becoming Plan F (after Plans A through E thought better of it). Obviously no one hired Martz last year either. And the Bears aren't exactly in the same situation as the Rams: playing their home games indoors on astroturf.

The biggest problem with hiring Martz is that it might get Cutler killed. Every Packer fan remembers the RT Allen Barbre era early last season, coupled with a disastrous start at left tackle by Daryn Colledge, and Rodgers was on his way to setting a team record in sacks. The return of two quality veteran tackles (Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher) turned a bad situation into almost a strength. But the Bears don't have any quality tackles to turn to: only the dregs of LT Orlando Pace's career, and RT Chris Williams struggled last season. Over at Turf Show Times, they did not want Martz to return last season because he got their QBs killed, and Doug Farrar chronicled all the damage over at Shutdown Corner:

Add in the five-wide sets, and the total of four-or-more was 28 percent, and no other team went above 20. Why? Because with that many receivers, you're taking blocking backs and tight ends out of the equation. Add in Martz's propensity for seven-step-drop plays in which the quarterback has to wait that extra split second for routes to develop, and you'll understand why Kitna was sacked another 51 times in 2007.

Basically Martz is running a spread offense. While that scheme is more dominant in college than the pros, the Patriots are essentially running a spread offense and they put up big numbers last season. But QB Tom Brady is often getting rid of the ball quick to WR Wes Welker, which helps him avoid the rush and hopefully slows it down if they know they won't get to Brady in time. But Martz employs the spread offense and the seven-step-drop, which leads to a battered and bruised QB.

Not only do sacks stall the offense, but the drop off from Cutler to his backup is a huge drop. Risking an injury to Cutler just isn't worth it, no matter how poorly he played last season.

In the end, I just don't see Martz succeeding in Chicago. At times, their offense may look brilliant when Cutler's receivers are getting open. But it's inevitable that the pressure will get to Cutler, and lead to either a drive killing sack or a forced INT.

Or is hiring Martz a risk worth taking for a struggling franchise?

Season Reviews: A.J. Hawk

2010-02-01T14:00:24Z

Let me tell you a story.

A college linebacker dominates opposing offenses throughout his career. His success propels him to the top of the draft charts, and he's selected in the top five. He's widely praised as the "safest pick in the draft" and the only "can't-miss player". He's consistent, with solid fundamentals, takes good angles, rarely makes mistakes, uses proper leverage, and actually wraps up when he tackles. All in all, he's a quietly effective player.

A few years go by, and the linebacker does exactly what he was advertised to do. He doesn't have great sack totals, because he's not a pass rusher. He's not a shutdown cover man, because that's not who he is. He doesn't lay other players out with big-time hits, because that's not his style. You occasionally heard his name while making a tackle in conjunction with a teammate. Other than that, it's nothing but gray.

This can't be right, can it? A top-5 pick in the draft can't just be a boring linebacker who limits mistakes, can it? We need sacks, we need picks, we need highlight-reel knockout hits! I'm bored watching this guy play! Why can't we get that other guy that shows up on SportsCenter? Sure, he might lose outside containment once in a while, or screw up a coverage scheme, but look at those hits! He's a beast! We should've gotten him!

Sound familiar? This is the story of A.J. Hawk over his short career, and he's at risk of being one of the most misunderstood players in franchise history.

A.J. Hawk's style is boring. He doesn't take stupid risks or allow himself to make dumb mistakes. He goes out there, executes his assignment, and returns to the huddle for the next one. It's so nondescript, YouTube doesn't even have any sort of non-college highlight reel for him.

Strange to think, though, that the second-leading tackler for one of the league's best defenses can be described as non-descript. Nick Barnett may be one of the emotional leaders, and Charles Woodson and Nick Collins certainly make more than their share of big plays, and Clay Matthews was one of this season's biggest surprises, but should we overlook a player who averages 100 tackles a season?

Moving from 4-3 OLB to 3-4 ILB was unquestionably one of the biggest question marks going into the season. Hawk had performed relatively well in Nick Barnett's absence last season, but taking an interior lineman out of the equation would expose Hawk to tough, quick offensive guards that would engage him over the line of scrimmage and drive him off the ball. In 2009, Hawk went through spells of playing fewer snaps than other linebackers, including coverage specialist Brandon Chillar and "pass rusher" Brady Poppinga. However, whenever he was in the game, he performed to the best of his abilities, which really is all you can ask of him.

Don't get me wrong, there's no question that Hawk has improvements to make. He's still not good enough in pass coverage to merit staying on the field in nickel and dime packages. He has trouble disengaging from blocks because his arms are just a tad short. He's had trouble with nagging injuries that partly robbed him of his sideline-to-sideline range, some of which can likely be prevented through better stretching and conditioning.

But this is the story of A.J. Hawk over his short career. The 26 year old Buckeye has been solid-but-unspectacular for four years now, and some of us (myself included) took exception to that. But we're forgetting exactly what football is about and what kind of players you need to make it work. Sure, you need a ball hawk, and a sack artist, and an enforcer. But you need setup men. You need guys to do all the little things that put the other players in position to make the sack, force the turnover, and get the big tackle. You need someone to occupy the pulling guard, or to cover the checkdown option, or to chuck the tight end as he releases, or force the runner back inside. You need someone to do all this dirty work. And few NFL players do the dirty work better than A.J. Hawk.

Poll

Where will Hawk go in 2010 and beyond?

Pro Bowl Wrap Up and Super Bowl Warm Up

2010-02-01T13:00:47Z

I missed the first quarter of the Pro Bowl because I was out buying a piano. Once I shake off 25 years of rust, I'll be ready to break out the Billy Joel songbook. I apologize if anyone came looking for a Pro Bowl open thread, but I just didn't have the heart to put one up. It's just a NFL promotional event, and not a real game! That said, I agree with Tex and it was the best Pro Bowl I can remember watching in a long time. Maybe I just liked seeing QB Aaron Rodgers start and play so well.

I'm a big fan of free speech so it's really sad to see CBS ban a Super Bowl ad for the gay dating web site Mancrunch.com. Though it's not a bad deal for the website: they don't have to pay for a Super Bowl ad, but generate a bunch of free publicity. Hopefully CBS changes it's mind during the week. But why did they have to pick a Packer and a Viking fan for the big make-out scene?

I don't think there is anyway that DE Dwight Freeney can play on a torn ankle ligament. I have personal experience with the injury, and I walked with a significant limp for weeks afterwards. He shouldn't play, and I can't imagine he would be effective anyway. Obviously the Colts are better with him than without, but I don't think it's a fatal blow to their defense either.