'04 ENEMY #1 - The Pack

GB Injury report:
DOUBTFUL - DT Kenny Peterson (ankle/knee)
QUESTIONABLE - LB Torrance Marshall (hamstring)
PROBABLE - TE Steve Bush (rib); WR Donald Driver (ankle); RB Ahman Green (knee); CB Michael Hawthorne (back); CB Jason Horton (hip)

Recent Packers report from sportingnews -
>>>>Defensive coordinator Bob Slowik intends to use the linebackers heavily in his blitz-based defense. The speed of MLB Nick Barnett and WLB Na'il Diggs gives Slowik more options to pressure the quarterback and could result in FS Darren Sharper being around the ball more instead of having to blitz. But the extensive blitz package could be limited without a reliable left corner. The team will use veteran Michael Hawthorne there, but first-round pick Ahmad Carroll should be the starter at some point if holdout Mike McKenzie doesn't return. Carroll has cut back on his tendency to grab receivers. He's physical for his size (5-11, 190) but must be smarter with the use of his hands. Forgetting to play the ball has been his biggest weakness.

There is a question as to who will provide the pass rush out of the left end position in the dime package. The best bet might be Diggs, but he is a work in progress. If no one develops, the third-down defense will suffer.

PROBLEM SPOT: He has developed as a wide receiver, but Antonio Chatman has not progressed as a punt returner. He never fumbles but made a few questionable decisions and didn't break a return of significant length in the preseason. The Packers have good talent on special teams, but the inability to field a threat in the punt-return game hurts. The club will look for someone who can produce better than Chatman.<<<<


A few weaknesses:

The Pack’s biggest weakness was considered to be LDE opposite KGB. They have mediocre Aaron Kampman starting there but plan on bringing newly acquired R-Kal Truluck in on passing downs. They recently traded a 5th and 6th to KC for him (made this trade after the above report). Who the hell is he? I had no idea so here’s what I dug up -
R-Kal Truluck was Arena League Defensive Lineman of the Year after leading the league in sacks in 2002
He played in 20 regular season games and one postseason contest in two seasons with the Chiefs, notching 37 tackles, 5.5 sacks with four QB pressures. Last season, Truluck tied for the club lead with 5.0 sacks produced a career-high 25 tackles and added three QB pressures.

Another weakness is possibly at corner. Veteran Hawthorne gets the start over rook Carroll but hopefully the rookie will see enough time in nick and dime that Jake can victimize him in an equalizing fashion that Gamble should be getting picked on by Favre. Hawthorne has a questionable back so maybe he won’t stay in as long as they are hoping.

IMO their third weakness is their special teams, specifically punting and returning. They are keeping two punters on their roster and both apparently suck. They are also not happy with their punt returner as the above states .. . also, whenever anyone in the media states that someone "never fumbles" you know what inevitably happens
Hey PACKAGE, focus some of your powers on that one for me.)


I have been picking us to pull a surprise blowout of the Pack for over a month now but I have to give in to the realism that the Packers are a potential Super Bowl team in what might be The Favres last/best shot at another ring. I still see us winning so I’m not going to entirely Kerry out. However, on paper the Pack looks pretty awesome (as usual). The two factors that concern me are –

1). Gamble is like raw meat dangling in front of a pitt bull in HOFer Favre. Maybe many of you here who have heavily suggested that Gambles rare talent will be able to offset his lack of experience are right . .. I sure as hell hope I look like the dumbass on this one.)
2). They are employing a more aggressive attack style D this year and our O-line and Fox might not have enough info to be ready for that yet (hope we make great halftime adjustments Monday night). Our linemen are all apparently very smart guys and that should help them in handling all the blitzing that they are likely to see

 

Your wish is my command,
Consider it done
:hatpimp2: