Packers running back Eddie Lacy watched practice Wednesday with coach Mike McCarthy.
GREEN BAY – Tight end Brandon Bostick is feeling better, and so is running back Eddie Lacy. But neither of the Green Bay Packers offensive skill-position players will know just how ready they are for a return to game action until after they take part in Thursday’s practice in pads.
In Lacy’s case, if he clears the final hurdle of the concussion protocol, he could practice Thursday. Lacy suffered a concussion at Seattle last Thursday. He did not participate in practice Wednesday but whas there as a spectator.
Bostick, who hasn’t played since suffering a lower leg injury against St. Louis in an Aug. 16 preseason game, took part in Wednesday’s practice on a limited basis but said he wouldn’t know if he could play Sunday against the New York Jets until he takes part in another practice.
Here’s a look at the full, official injury report from Wednesday:
Packers
Did not participate: ILB Brad Jones (quadriceps), RB Eddie Lacy (concussion).
Limited participation: TE Brandon Bostick (fibula), RT Bryan Bulaga (knee).
Full participation: CB Demetri Goodson (concussion).
Jets
Did not participate: S Josh Bush (quadriceps), TE Jeff Cumberland (not injury related), LB A.J. Edds (hamstring).
Limited participation: G Willie Colon (calf), LB Ikemefuna Enemkpali (foot), CB Dee Milliner (ankle).
“I would say Eddie Lacy is near the end [of the concussion process], just based on talking with Eddie and what the medical staff feels,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after practice. “He's had good workouts. He's progressed very quickly.”
Bostick took part in individual drills, group drills and special teams work but said he only took “a few” snaps on offense.
“: It’s weird being back out there, I haven’t been out there in a while. It’s good to get back into the flow,” said Bostick, who learned he’d been cleared to practice on Wednesday morning, after running and working out for the medical staff on Tuesday. “I felt fine when I was out there running.”
Asked if he thought he could play Sunday, Bostick replied, “I felt fine. Tomorrow will be the real test, full pads. We’ll just go from there.
“Going full pads, we’ll see how that goes. … I’m just trying to get back out there right now. I don’t know how much I’ll contribute on offense. I’m doing special teams now, just working there.”
Bulaga took part in practice on a limited basis, which was an accomplishment in itself given that he left last Thursday’s game and did not return because of the knee injury. Bulaga reportedly suffered damage to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, the same knee in which he had a torn anterior cruciate ligament repaired last year.
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Green Bay Packers Roster
August 31, 2014
With Training Camp coming to an end, Ted Thompson was faced with the task of constructing a team which will lead the Packers back to the Super Bowl. As the clock ticked down to 3pm CDT yesterday, Packer fans across the world were wondering what this year’s team would look like. Would it have the caliber of talent to get the Packers back on top of the football world this season?
We are about to find out, as the season kicks off a mere 4 days from now.
Ladies and Gentlemen, here are your Green Bay Packers Roster:
Quarterbacks (3) — Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Scott TolzienThe talk of Training Camp was whether the Packers would keep 2 or 3 QBs. We got the answer yesterday. Perhaps a little surprising as it may have cost another roster spot to someone else, but after the disaster that was the Packers backup QB position last year, keeping both Flynn and Tolzien makes sense. In somewhat of a surprise call, Aaron Rodgers also made the final 53.
Running backs (4) — Eddie Lacy, James Starks, DuJuan Harris, John Kuhn If the trio of Packers RBs don’t get you excited as a Packers fan, not sure what will. All three have started in the past, with Lacy firmly entrenched as the starter for years to come. Starks and Harris add their own skillset to the offense, which Mike McCarthy will seek to use every chance he can. John Kuhn knows the offense better than anyone else on the field who isn’t named Aaron Rodgers and returns to help protect the Packers franchise QB for his 8th season.
Wide receivers (5) — Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin, Davante Adams, Jeff JanisGood for Jeff Janis. Already facing an uphill battle as a 7th round draft pick, he started Training Camp by contracting shingles, further delaying his progress. After that, all he did was make plays. Nelson and Cobb are the starters, and Jarrett Boykin looks to continue to develop after his strong 2013 season. Rookie Davante Adams adds yet another weapon for Rodgers to throw to.
Tight ends (4) — Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick, Richard Rodgers, Ryan TaylorAndrew Quarless may be the “starter” on paper when the season starts, but Richard Rodgers is the defacto starter. Ryan Taylor sticks as as core special teams contributor. Offensive linemen (8) — David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, Corey Linsley, JC Tretter, Derek Sherrod, Lane TaylorThe starters are set with Bakhtiari, Sitton, Linsley (until Tretter returns from his injury), Lang and Bulaga. But depth is a huge concern for the o line right now. Free-agent Adam Gettis is already scheduled for a visit today. If he doesn’t sign, expect someone else to sign before Thursday’s game against the Seahawks.
Defensive linemen (5) — Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Letroy Guion, Josh Boyd, Mike PennelThe number of defensive linemen on the roster is deceiving, as OLB Julius Peppers and Mike Neal can both play with their hand on the ground as well. As it stands right now, the Packers DL consists of: a 3rd year rising star in Daniels; a 2nd year player in Jones who is hoping to justify his first-round selection last year; a free agent signing in Guion who was expected to backup BJ Raji, not start; a second-year player in Boyd, who saw his snap count increase last season because Jones was ineffective; and a rookie UDFA in Pennel. Breathe…
Linebackers (11) — Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, A.J. Hawk, Brad Jones, Nick Perry, Mike Neal, Jamari Lattimore, Sam Barrington, Andy Mulumba, Jayrone Elliott, Carl BradfordEleven (!!!) linebackers. The starters are set in Matthews, Hawk, Jones, and Peppers. Perry and Neal are the second group of OLBs, while Lattimore and Barrington add depth on the inside. It will be very interesting to see how Dom Capers utilizes rookie Carl Bradford and Training Camp MVP Jayrone Elliot. This group should be able to provide some definite giddy up while rushing the QB. This will be a fun group to watch.
Cornerbacks (6) — Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, Casey Hayward, Davon House, Jarrett Bush, Demetri GoodsonTime for head-scratcher number one: the Packers cut CB Jumal Rolle, who had an outstanding Training Camp, and kept Demitri Goodson, who was anything but outstanding. It pays to be a Ted Thompson draft pick. Williams and Shields are your starters, Hayward the Nickel slot CB, House is the 4th CB, and Jarrett Bush returns for his 9th season as special teams ace and 5th CB.
Safeties (4) — Morgan Burnett, Micah Hyde, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Sean RichardsonHead scratcher number 2: S Chris Banjo was released, after being a core special teams contributor all of training camp. While there was no need for the Packers to keep the 5th Safety considering the current depth, it would be interesting to find out if Banjo was cut to make room for all 3 QBs. Ted Thompson will almost certainly inform the world whether this was the case, won’t he? Aside from that, after the mess that 2013 was at this position, isn’t it refreshing to see a group of Safeties that can actually make plays?
Specialists (3) — Mason Crosby, Tim Masthay, Brett GoodeThis group was set from the start of Training Camp. Let’s just hope the Mason Crosby of 2013 is set for a repeat performance this season, and the Mason Crosby of 2012 never returns again.
Appearances by Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players
Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes (Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players) are committed to each event they attend and raising. Throughout 2013-2014, Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes and celebrities had the opportunity to make numerous appearances. Appearances included nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, motivational speaking engagements, and many other events and programs.
John Rehor is a writer at PackersTalk.com.
He can also be heard as one of the Co-Hosts of Cheesehead Radio.
Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy avoided having to make a decision whether to keep Matt Flynn or Scott Tolzien. But after managing to keep both on his 53-man roster, he had to choose one to be Aaron Rodgers’ backup. He chose Flynn.
But after managing to keep both on his 53-man roster, he had to choose one to beAaronRodgers'backup.
He chose Flynn.
McCarthy did not say why, but it's pretty obvious he sided with experience over potential. If he didn't think Tolzien had the ability to be better than Flynn, he probably wouldn't have kept him.
Flynn, however, was solid throughout camp and while he trailed his competition statistically in games (112.0 passer rating to 82.3), he apparently played well enough for McCarthy to think he gave the team the best chance to win if Rodgers gets hurt.
"I feel like I'm playing well. I feel like I'm in control of what I'm doing," Flynn said after practice Sunday. "I'm in control of what I'm doing physically and mentally. I feel good. I've always felt confident and comfortable going into seasons, but each year I feel like I'm getting better and better."
Flynn's chances for a starting job in the NFL have all but expired after failed opportunities in Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo, but the Packers value his play within their offense and the 2-2 record he posted last year while Rodgers was out with a broken collarbone.
Flynn was still dealing with an elbow problem that had popped up in training camp in Oakland when he took over the starting job for Rodgers and it was evident he did not have the arm strength he does now after an off-season of rest and rehab.
Another factor is the backup is instrumental in helping get the starter ready each week and Flynn's experience in the offense and the NFL are valued. Rodgers and Flynn have been together for five seasons and that could have been a factor.
Tolzien's arm strength appeared superior to Flynn's, and while his accuracy wasn't quite as good he showed he belonged on an NFL roster by completing 38 of 56 passes (67.9%) for 477 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions during the exhibition season.
His 112.0 pass rating was just under Rodgers' 116.6.
Had the Packers released Tolzien, there's little question he would have wound up with another NFL team. So, even though he could have used the roster spot somewhere else, McCarthy chose to keep Tolzien so he can keep developing him and see where things go.
It would not be unusual for Tolzien to eventually move ahead of Flynn this year based on his play in practice. But for now, Flynn is the backup and Tolzien is No. 3.
"Excited for them, playing so well," Rodgers said. "They both deserve to be on the roster, and it's good to have them both in the room."
We hardly missed you:The Packers didn't have to go very far to fill their practice squad.
They brought back 10 players they had cut Saturday and had passed through waivers Sunday.
All 10 participated in the team's practice Sunday.
No one the Packers cut was picked up on waivers by another team.
In other transactions, the Packers reached injury settlements with running backRajionNeal, linebackerJoeThomasand guardAndrewTiller, all of whom were waived injured on the cutdown to 75. All of the players are free agents now.
The Packers did not waive linebackerNatePalmerand defensive tackleKhyriThorntoninjured, which means both will remain on injured reserve the entire year and be back next season. Tight endJakeStoneburnerand tackleAaronAdamswere moved to reserve injured from waived injured.
Stoneburner is expected to reach an injury settlement and be let go.
Tryouts:More than likely it was just to update their emergency list, but the Packers had three recently released quarterbacks in for tryouts Sunday.
They werePat Devlin,Jon JenningsandJeff Mathews.
Devlin was cut by the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 19. The Dolphins originally signed him as a rookie free agent in 2011 and he was off and on their roster over the past three years. He has not played in a regular-season game and did not attempt a pass this preseason.
Jennings, an undrafted free agent this year, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs this summer. He did not attempt a pass in the preseason.
Mathews, an undrafted free agent from Cornell, was released on the first cut by the Atlanta Falcons. He completed 1-of-3 passes for 8 yards in the preseason.
In addition, the Packers worked out tacklesMichaelBamiroandManase Foketi, guardAdamGettisand cornerbackRobertSteeples.
All were cut in the last two weeks. Bamiro was with Philadelphia, Foketi was with New Orleans, Gettis was with Washington and Steeples was with Minnesota.
Injury report:LinebackerBradJonesreturned from a thigh injury that kept him out of practice and the Kansas City game last week.
There was no official injury report so it's not known whether Jones was limited or took part in the full padded practice.
Missing the workout were tight endBrandonBostick(leg), cornerbackDemetriGoodson(concussion) and centerJCTretter(knee).
The Packers practice Monday and Wednesday before leaving for Seattle.
Middle ground:Relieved to still be on the roster, linebackerCarlBradfordpicked up where he left off last week on a position change.
Ineffective as an outside linebacker, the fourth-round pick was moved inside. He played considerably there against the Chiefs and was back inside for practice Sunday.
Bradford said he watched tape of the Kansas City game and said he knows what things he did wrong.
"I saw where I do feel pretty comfortable at it," Bradford said. "But you could tell it's a new position. Just little things, like my alignments, lining up in the right gap. Just attacking the offensive line with the right shoulder. Just little things you have to perfect."
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Jumal Rolle Green Bay Packers ---After seeingJumal Rollepractice for the first time last year,Joe Whittwent back and watched his tape from the Buffalo Bills preseason.
And the cornerbacks coachwas surprisedthat Rolle was cut. He was a player.
Now, it'd probably be a surprise if Rolle was cut in Green Bay. The second-year corner from Catawba College had another impressive exhibition outing, possibly sealing his spot on the Packers' 53-man roster. After his five solo tackles against Oakland, playing well inside, Rolle was tested outside against Kansas City. It was the kind of play Whitt and the Packers needed to see.
On second and 8 in the third quarter, the Chiefs sentMark Harrisondeep up the left sideline and Rolle stuck with the former Rutgers receiver with the 4.37 speed stride for stride. The ball arrived and Rolle adjusted his body for the interception.
The play ended up being wiped out due to a roughing the passer flag onAndy Mulumba, but likely still has merit in the Packers' decision-making process. Rolle has been a step ahead of sixth-round pickDemetri Goodsonall along.
“It didn’t shock me but when I saw the ball all I was thinking was, ‘I have to make the play. We have to get off the field as a defense. We have to get off the field,'" Rolle said. "Try to do anything to get us off the field.
"The main thing was just not to panic. When you’re running stride for stride with a receiver like that the main thing you want to do is don’t panic and make the play.”
Another play, a third and 13 in the second quarter, Rolle closed quickly onCyrus Grayfor a pass break-up/near turnover.
The cornerback position is top heavy this yearwithSam Shieldsback,Tramon Williams,Casey HaywardandDavon Housepushing all threefor a role.Jarrett Bush, the 9-year veteran, also broke on aTyler Braypass for an interception himself on Thursday.
Rolle wouldn't have a role in the defense any time soon, but may have played himself into the bullpen.
“From my perspective, I think I still have some room for improvement," Rolle said. "Made some plays. Had fun. It’s up to upstairs. It’s their decision.”
The key this summer, Rolle said, was playing with "no regrets." He didn't want to get caught up into the numbers game.
Then, as August dragged on, Whitt challenged Rolle with more snaps on game day. When Whitt teed the challenge up, a few thoughts ran through Rolle's mind.
"That he’s seen some talent, that he’s seen potential," Rolle said. "In this league, you don’t have too many chances, too many opportunities. So I was grateful and thankful that he gave me the shot that he did to get the plays that I had.”
He plans on getting away from football these next two days. Maybe watch some movies. Maybe talk to the family.
Overall, now, Rolle can sleep a little easier at night.
“I may sleep a little better," he said. "May sleep a little better. But I’m definitely going to try to keep my mind off football and hope everything pans out the right way.”
Appearances by Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players
Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes (Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players) are committed to each event they attend and raising . Throughout 2013-2014, Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes and celebrities had the opportunity to make numerous appearances. Appearances included nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, motivational speaking engagements and many other events and programs.
Davon House catching eyes of coaches in training camp
— There shouldn't be room for Davon House in the Green Bay Packers defense. Not with Sam Shields re-signed long term, not with veteran Tramon Williams still in his prime and not with Casey Hayward fresh off his hamstring injuries.
He entered training camp as an odd man out.
And then House basically took a hatchet to conventional wisdom. He's forcing himself into the lineup.
All summer, the fourth-year cornerback has been driven by one objective.
"My mind-set is to make the decision hard upstairs," House said. "Upstairs with Joe (Whitt), upstairs with the scouting department. My thing is not to make it easy to let the final three be Casey, Tramon and Sam. I want them to think about what's going on.
"I feel like I've done a great job of doing that."
He's exclusively an outside cornerback. But at Ray Nitschke Field, House continues to start in the dime package with Williams sliding inside. At this rate, House could push for even more playing time, too. Sharp throughout Green Bay's 31-21 exhibition win over Oakland on Friday vs. the run and pass, House is effectively blending his press- and off-coverage skills.
Cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt believes House has played as well as the top three corners.
"He just is," Whitt said. "He's playing well."
House has experience. The last two seasons, the 6-foot, 195-pounder had 26 pass breakups in 25 games (10 starts). At arguably the team's deepest position, he heads into a contract year with more momentum than anyone in Dom Capers' defense. Staring at a division with Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, Capers might be quicker to use the bigger, aggressive House outside.
Big picture, this is a different person from the timid introvert who didn't even play in 14 games as a rookie in 2011. A summer spent working out with three-time All-Pro Darrelle Revis is partly to thank — he's more confident. Having a son helps, too. Often, he wonders what he'll tell Lavon 10-15 years down the road when asked about his playing days.
"I feel like it's day and night from how it was then and how it is now," House said. "I'm a man now."
This is a critical season on and off the field. House thinks about Lavon in the context of a contract year, too.
"All the time," House said, "all the time."
The Oakland game was exactly what House expects out of himself when the real deal begins Sept. 4. Always a press-first corner, he played off of Raiders receivers. Stayed patient. Reading quarterback Matt Schaub, he broke up three passes and zipped upfield to cut down tight end Mychal Rivera for no gain.
One breakup on James Jones, House said he played off, tracked Jones' post-corner route and "was all over it."
Instead of locking into a receiver — mano a mano — House is seeing a whole new world.
"Then it was me stopping this guy from coming out of his breaks," House said. "Last minute, try to locate the ball. Now, I'm seeing the ball thrown, I'm seeing the route, I'm seeing his play action so I know he's going deep."
This is one misconception with "Revis Island." The veteran cornerback House worked out with in Phoenix this off-season isn't human glue on wide receivers. He's not face-guarding in some football version of a box-in-one defense — he's reacting, he's reading quarterbacks.
"That's when I learned really how patient he can be," House said. "He's not going to run a 4.3. He's not super quick like Tramon is. But he's so confident and smart and patient, he knows what the receiver's doing while he's doing it. It's amazing."
Whitt could operate week to week. His top four cornerbacks are very different. Shields, House says, is "a guy who can get to the ball." Williams is "easily the most athletic guy in the room." Hayward is "another ball magnet." House brings the bite, the physicality, a style he's adapting to the NFL's sudden obsession with defensive holding.
Arms crossed, standing next to their empty lockers, House doesn't hesitate in agreeing that he's playing as well as Williams, Shields and Hayward.
Through the preseason, he is learning he can't press as much.
"When you're pressing," he said, "there's not much you can do now with the rules on top of routes. That's another reason why, all right, now I have to play off. I don't have a problem with off. I like it more because I can get the ball a lot easier than me pressing.
"That's the only way I'm going to see the field. Get picks."
Asked if the dime package is one way the Packers will use him, House says he believes he proved himself, that he's "not a scrub."
"So far, I've been balling out," House adds. "We'll see what happens."
Whitt won't label these top four the best he's ever had in Green Bay. That 2009 trio of Charles Woodson, Al Harris and Williams still is best to him.
Yet House believes that if theses four top cornerbacks were to all split up to other teams, they'd all start...with the exception of maybe a couple of teams.
The Kansas City game will be his chance to make a lasting impression, to keep the heat on Shields and Williams. Then, it's a quick transition to the Seattle Seahawks next Thursday. You know, the team that probably wouldn't take Green Bay's top four as starters, the team with one Richard Sherman.
House sees the Packers cornerbacks matching Sherman blow for blow in Seattle.
"I believe we can and we will," he said. "Last year was last year. This is a whole new year, so everyone's 0-0. There is no best defense in the league right now. After Week 1, we'll see who's the better defense."
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Mike Neal is lighter, but he's ready to pressure quarterbacks
— Three weeks ago, outside linebacker Mike Neal thought his days as an interior pass rusher for the Green Bay Packers were over.
As it turned out, he was wrong. Even weighing in the low 260s, Neal now appears to figure prominently playing with his hand down at defensive tackle in the nickel and dime defenses.
"For the most part, I'm only going in there when it's passing situations," Neal said. "I can't knock people all the way back to the (quarterback) but my speed works good."
On the first third down Saturday in St. Louis, the front four, from left to right, included Julius Peppers, Datone Jones, Neal and Clay Matthews.
Neal took five snaps with his hand down after having about two in Tennessee.
"I won my rushes on the inside, so that was a good thing," Neal said. "Granted, they slid their protection to me."
Mike Trgovac, who coached Neal from 2010-'12 when he was a 295-pound base end and fixture on the nickel rush, doesn't expect Neal to get rag-dolled by guards averaging about 310 pounds.
"He'll be fine inside," Trgovac said. "Obviously, you've got to pick and choose your spots in there. You don't want to put him in there on third and 1."
Neal isn't the first vastly undersized interior rusher. Defensive ends Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka weighed in the mid-260s when they rushed inside for the Super-Bowl winning New York Giants in 2011.
Other teams also have tried exploiting a relatively slow-footed guard with a smaller but much more athletic rusher.
"Obviously, when you lose weight you lose a little bit of power," guard Josh Sitton said. "You don't have to worry too much about bull rush with him being that light, although he's still got good power because he's long.
"His biggest asset is how he gets off the ball. His get-off is pretty much lightning right now."
The Packers didn't re-sign Neal to a two-year contract averaging $4 million to ride the pines. His 30 pressures last season was one fewer than Mike Daniels' team-leading total.
As the team's No. 3 outside linebacker, Neal blew a sack in each of the first two games by getting too anxious once he beat his man.
"It will shake out to be Clay and 'Pep' playing most of the game outside (at linebacker)," Neal said. "I'll take snaps wherever I can get them."
Daniels, the team's best rusher inside, might need breathers on passing downs if he continues to start and plays the majority of snaps at right end in the base 3-4.
Nose tackle B.J. Raji probably would remain Trgovac's first choice to be in the nickel front four on a third and 3 if the opponent's personnel grouping suggests a running play. However, Raji wants snaps on third and long as he did in 2010, his finest season.
"It's competitive — that's good, though," Raji said. "That's when you know you have a good team."
Periodically, Peppers has taken snaps inside with his hand down in alignments where Neal takes his berth outside. In some of Dom Capers' defenses over the years, Matthews has jumped into a three-point stance and then taken a crack at a guard or center.
"There won't be a big difference this year," Raji said. "We've always had different packages."
In the two exhibitions, Neal hasn't run any stunts in conjunction with Matthews, who is his close friend. If the past is any indication, expect that come September.
"In a four-man rush, it's big being familiar with the guy outside you," Raji said. "A catalyst a lot of times is getting comfortable with the guys on either side of you."
Josh Boyd is the other defensive lineman with a chance to be part of the nickel rush.
"We've got some guys that can rush the passer," Trgovac said. "This is the time of year for experimentation. Nothing's been determined."
Even with an abundance of veteran, seemingly capable interior rushers, Trgovac made it known that Matthews and Peppers will be counted upon to spearhead the rush.
"With the ends that we have now, we just want to make sure we get good push in the middle and not get in their way," Trgovac said. "We won't do the same thing every down, and we're going to mix and match (players).
"Third down is the money down. We want to make sure the guys on the outside are our money guys."
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Started from the bottom : Mike Daniels, not Clay Matthews, Will Lead Packers’ Defense
Green Bay Packers fans have been screaming for what seems like forever about how the team needs a new attitude on defense. They’re understandably frustrated with seeing Green Bay’s defense get shredded year after year.
Some have called (loudly) for the firing of defensive coordinator Dom Capers but head coach Mike McCarthy apparently saw things differently and Capers is back again for 2014. Don’t let the return of the coordinator fool you, however. This is not the Packers defense fans have come to know and love/loathe from the past three seasons.
With the addition of Julius Peppers and first round pick HaHa Clinton-Dix, the defense seems prime for a rebound and if training camp and half the preseason are any indication, there is reason for optimism about the Packers defense in 2014.
Does it help that Clay Matthews will be healthy again? Of course. It’s never a bad thing when a player of his caliber is at full strength after two consecutive seasons battling various injuries including a hamstring and a (twice) broken thumb.
Another big reason to be excited about the Green Bay defense in 2014, even more than the return to health of Matthews, is defensive end Mike Daniels. Last year while Matthews was either out or limited with the thumb injury, Daniels broke out and showed signs of becoming the second fearsome pass rusher the Packers have been so desperately seeking. Daniels tallied 6.5 sacks and had 23 combined tackles while playing in all 16 games.
Take what he’s shown so far this preseason and one thing is becoming clear: it could be Daniels, not Matthews, that emerges as the leader of the 2014 Green Bay defense.
This is by no means any kind of a slight against the Claymaker, who has earned all the accolades he has received so far in his career. Matthews is a terrific pass rusher, but at times seems to lack that killer “I’m coming at you and I want to rip your head off”-type instinct that so many all-time great linebackers have. Take Dick Butkus or Ray Lewis, for example.
That is where Daniels comes into play. His repeated statements about being sick of seeing the defense pushed around and his willingness to “slap someone” are injections of fire and attitude the defense badly needs. The Packers have been accused in recent years of being “soft” and while things on the offense have improved with the arrival of running back Eddie Lacy, the criticism is definitely still valid.
Not if Daniels has his way. His combination of speed, power and hunger have him on the verge of becoming one of the NFL’s best defensive ends. If you combine his emergence and assume Julius Peppers still has something left in the tank plus a healthy Matthews, then suddenly the Packers have quite a ferocious pass rush. That in turn would take some pressure off the secondary where they have one rookie safety and another who is converting from playing cornerback last season (Micah Hyde).
Daniels may not run up a terribly high sack total thanks to linebackers being primary blitzers in a base 3-4, but his presence is going to be felt. If he opens up gaps for Peppers, Matthews and the rest of the linebackers, that’s fantastic. If Daniels can consistently get into the backfield however, then the Packers have one more weapon on their hands and all signs right now point to this being the case.
With the preseason only half complete, so many people are still solely focused on what Peppers will bring to the Green Bay defense or when it will “click” for Datone Jones. Even after the game he played in St. Louis where he was as disruptive as ever, not many national writers and analysts are focusing on Daniels.
By the end of the 2014 season, they will be. The Packers have a budding star on the defensive line and he’s flying under the radar.
Just how Mike Daniels wants it. Kris Burke is a sports writer covering the Green Bay Packers for AllGreenBayPackers.com and WTMJ in Milwaukee
Mayfield Sports Marketing www.MAYFIELDSPORTS.COM is a booking and marketing agency for off the field marketing for Green Bay Packers players such as MIKE DANIELS. If your company, association or charity may be interested in booking a Green Bay Packers player for a community event or private event, contact us today at www.MayfieldSports.com or 262.366.8188
Mayfield Sports Marketing is Wisconsin's premier sports marketing firm and booking agency. Specializing in community events, motivational speaking, autograph sessions and non profit events, our athletes take great pride in every event they attend. Packers Gilbert Brown is great at Motivational Speaking
We offer a wide range of players from the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and other professional athletes for community events, autograph sessions and football camps, as well as other paid appearances or endorsement deals. Contact us today for more information at 262.366.8188 or please complete the booking form. Proud to work with numerous professional athletes from your favorite team. Book a player for your next event. Ask about players such as: Ahman Green, Eddie Lacy, AJ Hawk, Jarrett Boykin, Mike Daniels, DuJuan Harris, Gilbert Brown, William Henderson and more. Visit our clients page for a more extensive list.
Appearances by Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players
Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes (Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players) are committed to each event they attend and raising . Throughout 2013-2014, Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes and celebrities had the opportunity to make numerous appearances. Appearances included nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, motivational speaking engagements and many other events and programs.
Gilbert Brown grew up in Detroit Michigan. He played football at MacKenzie HS with Pittsburgh Super Bowl Champion Jerome Bettis. He went to Kansas and won the 1992 Aloha Bowl.
He played for the Green Bay Packers (1993–99, 2001–03). Brown played 125 Packers games (103 starts) recording 292 tackles (186 solo) and seven sacks. Nicknamed "The Gravedigger," in honor of his celebratory dance following a thunderous tackle, Brown played in 15 Packers playoff games. He was a major contributor on strong defenses during the mid 1990s. His best season was 1996, when Green Bay won Super Bowl XXXI.
Gilbert was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame in 2007. As a fan favorite, many Packer fans will never forget Brown’s loyalty when he had the opportunity to earn more money with Jacksonville and stated he was staying a Green Bay Packer.
Known for his positive personality, individual style and bringing the best out of everyone around him, Gilbert is a true Wisconsin Legend.
Life after football, Gilbert founded the Gilbert Brown Foundation and has donated funds to over 140 Wisconsin charities for youth.
Mayfield Sports Marketing is Wisconsin's premier sports marketing firm and booking agency. Specializing in community events, motivational speaking, autograph sessions and non profit events, our athletes take great pride in every event they attend. We are proud to work with Packers John Kuhn. Kuhn is an excellent motivational speaking and a fan favorite. www.MayfieldSports.com
We offer a wide range of players from the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers and other professional athletes for community events, autograph sessions and football camps, as well as other paid appearances or endorsement deals. Contact us today for more information at 262.366.8188 or please complete the booking form. Proud to work with numerous professional athletes from your favorite team. Book a player for your next event. Ask about players such as: Ahman Green, Eddie Lacy, AJ Hawk, Jarrett Boykin, Mike Daniels, DuJuan Harris, Gilbert Brown, William Henderson and more. Visit our clients page for a more extensive list.
Appearances by Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players
Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes (Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players) are committed to each event they attend and raising . Throughout 2013-2014, Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes and celebrities had the opportunity to make numerous appearances. Appearances included nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, motivational speaking engagements and many other events and programs.
Today’s featured Mayfield Sports athlete is Packers fullback John Kuhn. Kuhn was born on September 9th, 1982 in Dover, Pennsylvania. As an outstanding high school athlete he played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. In football he played both sides of the ball, playing HB/FB and linebacker. He went on to play football for Shippensburg University. During his time there he was a 3 time All-American and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (the Division II equivalent of the Heisman trophy). Kuhn holds 27 school records and six PSAC records, with 4,685 career rushing yards and 53 career touchdowns. Kuhn went undrafted in 2005 but was signed by the Steelers and was a part of the Superbowl champion team in 2006. In 2007 he was signed by the Packers and has been with them ever since. Some highlights from his time so far in Green Bay include winning Superbowl XLV, going to the Pro Bowl in 2011, and Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2011.
John Kuhn is married to his wife Lindsey and they play an active part in Packers charitable events and are dedicated to the success of the House of Hope, a Green Bay shelter for homeless single mothers, ages 18 to 24, and their children. He has a pet dog- a boxer named Buckwheat and his favorite color is blue. His favorite thing about Green Bay is the rich tradition also saying he is humbled to play on the field following all of the great players who have played here and to play with his current teammates. He majored in chemistry, so if he weren’t playing football he would have wanted to be a dentist. Lastly he is currently reading the third Hunger Games book because he enjoyed the first two movies.
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Appearances by Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players
Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes (Green Bay Packers Current and Retired Players) are committed to each event they attend and raising. Throughout 2013-2014, Mayfield Sports Marketing athletes and celebrities had the opportunity to make numerous appearances. Appearances included nonprofit fundraisers, school visits, motivational speaking engagements, and many other events and programs.