Week
two of training camp is wrapping up and it feels great to finally have a steady
stream of actual Packers news. McCarthy has been characteristically blunt in
his reviews of each player, practice, period, whatever, and he’s handed out
both praise and criticism thus far. The preseason is so close I can smell it,
and it’s truly put up or shut up time for everyone trying to make this team.
Here’s a quick run-down of news from week two of camp:
- Davon House has (for the moment) been promoted
to the first team base 3-4 defensive unit to play corner opposite Tramon
Williams. Although it’s only been a couple of days with the ones for House, he’s
been the talk of the defensive coaching staff. Defensive backs coach Joe Whitt
has repeatedly brought him up as a player on the rise, and it did not take long
for veteran Jarrett Bush to be unseated as the starter.
- Second round pick Casey Hayward is also making a
case for some significant playing time in the preseason to see where he’ll fit
in during the regular season. He’s a lock for a roster spot because of where he
was drafted, but playing time is not a guarantee. He’s thus far been described as
an excellent man-coverage corner, but his tackling ability and run support have
yet to be tested. Rest assured if he isn’t interested in tackling with
aggression, the Packers’ coaching staff won’t be much interested in putting him
on the field.
- Veterans John Kuhn and Desmond Bishop have
returned from minor injuries and have been limited participants in practice the
last two days. While neither one of these players will be winning any MVP
trophies any time soon, do not make the mistake of discounting their importance
to the team. Kuhn knows the offense as well as anyone on the team and has played nothing but solid (and at times impactful) football during his tenure in Green
Bay. Think of him as a swiss army knife in that he’s versatile, solid, old
school and consistent. Bishop is a must have on defense this year, and would be
sorely missed if he’s not 100%. He plays a huge role in directing the defense
and will be called upon often to keep the young additions to the front seven
lined up properly and sure of their assignments. He’s a great tackler, but his
contributions go well beyond the stat sheet.
- Dezman Moses has apparently continued to have
success as a pass rusher, but he has yet to run with the ones. I’m happy for
the guy and excited about his opportunity to make the team, but it’s one thing
to beat the third string tackles in shells and shorts, and another thing
entirely to beat Jeff Backus before Matt Stafford can deliver a 60 yarder to
Megatron.
- Anthony Hargrove is proving to be the outspoken
powder-keg he was touted to be. He’s allowed to practice with the team despite
his eight game suspension (and even did so in front of commissioner Roger
Goodell, who was in Green Bay for a visit yesterday), and has been making his
presence known. Now I’ve never been one to praise a loud mouth, and I don’t
know exactly what he’s been saying at camp, but I know that this defense needs
a fire lit under its’ ass, and Hargrove may be the man for the job.
- Sadly, still no word on Johnny Jolly. I think at
this point it’s a looooooooooong shot for him to be on the roster this year,
but he might still have a chance to be with the team in some capacity. I’m
thinking maybe a Mike Vick style return where he essentially red-shirts for his
first season back, pays his dues in practice, and eventually earns the right to
get back on the field. C’mon Goodell, do the decent thing here and give a man
another chance at realizing his dream.
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