Packer 2018 Special Teams, Something Old & Something New?

NFL Special Teams.  NFL Rule Changes?  What do we expect for 2018?

First, it seems the NFL is always trying to mess around with the special team rules & safety concerns!    Let us save the safety discussion for a later date.  First, Packer personnel for 2018?

Kicker
Mason Crosby - 6'1" - 207 lbs - Year 12 - Colorado
Just as we have been VERY fortunate to have Favre, followed by Rodgers, we are VERY lucky to have Mason Crosby for 12 years!  Already, Packer all-time leading scorer, let's hope we have 4-5 more years of this guy!!!!

How about some stats?  (Click to Enlarge)

We have in Mason Crosby one of the BEST!  Just look at his playoff record!
Extra Points - 59 of 59!   Field Goals 26 of 29!  Under stress, in his biggest games, this guy comes through!  A class act, and a future Packer Hall of Fame Member!  Packer fans, enjoy him while we have him!!!  Thanks You - Mason Crosby!

Punter
JK Scott - 6'6" - 208 lbs - Alabama - Rookie

We drafted a punter!
How many punters are actually drafted?  Remember Ray Guy!  Tall and lean & punt the ball a mile!  Could we have one!  How about a punter for 10-12 years?  He is unique, word is he does not leave the ground when he punts.  And, the kid can kick some missiles??  Playing at Alabama he has kicked under stress!  So, that should not be a problem!  This pre-season - watch this guy!


Long Snapper
Hunter Bradley - 6'3" - 241 lbs - Rookie - Mississippi St

We drafted a long snapper!!  Just like Favre & Rodgers, we had a run of long snappers - last one Brett Goode (2008-2017), before him, Rob Davis (1997-2007).  That was TWO incredible long snappers!!!  If you have a moment, read the story on Hunter Bradley!  We may have the next 10 year long snapper!  But, just to keep him honest, we have - Zach Triner - 6'2" - 247 lbs - Year 1 - Assumption College!  Just that college name means this may be interesting!

So, here are the special team situations:

1 - Kick Off
2 - Kick Off Return

Can we run a couple back this year & keep the other team pinned deep???  And, can we replace our departed Jeff Janis as the gunner???

3 - Punt
4 - Punt Return

Same as above, how a bout a couple run back of TD's!  NO muffs!  And stop the other guys & pin them deep!!!  My gut says our return guy last year, Trevor Davis is in trouble!

5 - Extra Point
6 - Extra Point Defense
7 - Field Goal
8 - Field Goal Defense

Long snapper!! And of course Mason Crosby!!!

This may be a strength this year!! WHY NOT!!!

Packers Linebackers - Do We Have Any Hidden Gems for 2018?

Every good defense needs a linebacker that is a difference make?  It has been years since we had one!  Do we have on ready to surprise the NFL?  Make big hits!  Make a key QB sack?  Intercept one and run it back for a TD?  Clay Matthews is probably past his prime! (Sure was in the Packer softball game!)

Here is the list.  Will they play outside or inside?  Time will tell for some of the new faces!

Clay Matthews - Year 10 - 6'3" - 255 lbs - USC
Nick Perry - Year 7 - 6'3" - 262 lbs - USC
Jake Ryan - Year 4 - 6'2" - 240 lbs - Michigan
Blake Martinez - Year 3 - 6'2" - 237 lbs - Stanford
Kyler Fackrell - Year 3 - 6'5" - 245 lbs - Utah State
Chris Odom - Year 2 - 6'4" - 262 lbs - Arkansa St
Vince Biegel - Year 2 - 6'3" - 246 lbs - Wisconsin
Reggie Gilbert - Year 1 - 6'3" - 246 lbs - Arizona
Ahmad Thomas - Year 1 - 6'0" - 220 lbs - Oklahoma
Oren Burks - Rookie - 6'3" - 233 lbs - Vanderbilt
Marcus Porter - Rookie - 6'0" - 229 lbs - Fairmont St
Kendall Donnerson - Rookie - 6'3" - 249 lbs - Southest Missouri
CJ Johnson - Rookie - 6'2"  - 226 lbs - Est Texs Baptist
Nashon Hughes - Rookie - 6'3" - 259 lbs - Texas
Parris Bennett - Rookie - 6'0" - 223 lbs - Syracuse
Greer Martini - Rookie - 6'3" - 232 lbs - Notre Dame

Last year starters  -  OLB's - Matthews & Perry  AND ILB's - Martinez & Ryan  As you may see above, we are very young & unproven!  For some reason, the Packer's hate drafting stud linebackers! Why?  Beats me!  Matthews, if he stays healthy, can be a difference maker!  But, he is like a race horse, lately, VERY injury prone!  If you go to a game just watch him - he is always moving!  He has not had double digit sacks in a long time!
Clay Matthews games played & sack totals:
2009 - 16 - 10
2010 - 15 - 13.5
2011 - 15 - 6
2012 - 12 - 13
2013 - 11 - 7.5
2014 - 16 - 11
2015 - 16 - 6.5
2016 - 12 - 5
2017 - 14 - 7.5

So, in 9 years time, Clay has had double digit sacks 4 times.  Last time was 2014.  Last two years, has not played entire season.  He has been moved to inside linebacker because of other injury issues!  Nick Perry stats - games played & sacks:
2012 - 6 - 2
2013 - 11 - 4
2014 - 15 - 3
2015 - 14 - 3.5
2016 - 14 - 11
2017 - 12 - 7
As one can see, Perry has NEVER played in all 16 games.  He had one double digit sack season in 2016, with 11 sacks.  So, what we have in Perry is an average linebacker, with average stats.  And, along with Matthews, injury prone!  So, what is behind the starters?  Good question!

2016 draft pick Fackrell, has not shown us very much!  2017 draft pick, Biegel was injured almost all last year.  IN FACT, Thompson drafted him hurt!

The "diamond in the rough" could be Reggie Gilbert.  Word from the coaches, they like his progress. He did get on the field last year and the end of a bad season & played OK.  My feelings, this kid MUST play & play well!!!  Another project, Chris Odom, at 6'4" - 262 lbs may be more of a defensive end type?  Ahmad Thomas at 6'0" - 220 lbs is by today's standards may be a little on the small side?

Inside backers last year - Blake Martinez & Jake Ryan.  Looks like Martinez is a player.  Last year Martinez was tied for first in total tackles 144!  DID YOU HEAR THAT - TIED FOR FIRST!!!  Now some of those were 10 yards down field, BUT is was a tackle!!!!  And, Martinez seems to have the speed to stay on the field for almost all downs!  Jake Ryan was 67th with 81 tackles.  With a lack of speed, Jake has trouble staying on the field, but is good against the run.  So, we need a play maker - did we draft one in the third round?  Oren Burks?

He is an interesting pick - first a team Captain from Vanderbilt.  Smart kid!  Versatile, started career as a safety & got bigger physically!  He is fast - should be able to cover backs out of the backfield!  Needs time, but listening to his interviews, looks like an over achiever!

Other rookies, need to really impress to make the 53!
Kendall Donnerson - Rookie - was drafted in round 7, has the advantage of being drafted
Others, need to take full advantage of pre-season!!!
Marcus Porter - Rookie - this is good - carries himself like a leader, who plays with a chip on his shoulder
CJ Johnson - Rookie - ankle & knee surgeries - uh oh!
Nashon Hughes - Rookie - a practice squad stash?
Parris Bennett - Rookie - have not had a Syracuse player in a long time!
Greer Martini - Rookie - I'd pick him on last name alone!

So, final analysis for defense?
Defensive Backs - young - could become VERY good!
Defensive Line - Is the Packer strength!
Linebackers - Uh - Oh!

NEED YOU DEFENSE!!!!!

Packers 2018 Defensive Backs - Boom or Bust

Let the experiment continue!  Having watched the Packers the past fews years after the Super Bowl season, our coverage in the secondary has been........... a word..........to describe it.............
NOT VERY GOOD!  WHY?  - Pass Rush - Linebackers that cannot cover - back defensive back play?  Probably all of the above!

Why?  Cover corners?  Players that can take any wide receiver one on one, without help!  Safeties that will deliver the BIG hit!  Any good teams, with a great wide receiver, goes off!  Julio Jones, the Atlanta Falcons.  Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers.  Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals.

What do we have on the 90 man roster in 2018?

Safety (6)
Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx - Year 5 - 6'1" - 208 lbs - Alabama
Josh Jones - Year 2 - 6'2" - 220 lbs - NC State
Marwin Evans - Year 3 - 5'11" - 211 lbs - Utah St
Kentrell Brice - Year 3 - 5'11" - 200 lbs - Louisiana Tech
Jermaine Whitehead - Year 2 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Auburn
Raven Greene - Rookie - 5'11" - 197 lbs - James Madison

Cornerback (11)
Tramon Williams - Year 12 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Louisiana Tech
Devon House - Year 8 - 6'0" - 195 lbs - New Mexico St
Quinten Rollins - Year 4 - 5'11" - 195 lbs - Miami (Ohio)
Demetri Goodson -Year 4 - 5'11" - 197 lbs - Baylor
Josh Hawkins - Year 3 - 5'10" - 189 lbs - East Carolina
Lanzy Pipkins - Year 2 - 6'0" - 196 lbs - Oklahoma St
Kevin King - Year 2 - 6'3" - 200 lbs - Washington
Herb Waters - Year 2 - 6'0" - 188 lbs - Miami, FL
Donatello Brown - Year 2 - 6'0" - 190 lbs - Valdosta St
Josh Jackson - Rookie - 6'0" - 196 lbs - Iowa
Jaire Alexander - Rookie - 5'10" - 196 lbs - Louisville

First, is there a player here that is one of the top players at his position?  I would say No.  I thought Ha Ha Clinton-Dixx was getting close, but watching him quit at the end of the last year, he is not in my book!  He has shown signs, he has shown leadership, and now with Morgan Burnett gone he MUST show leadership.  Let's give Ha Ha the benefit of the doubt, he will be better!

Staying with safety, Josh Jones needs to step up big time!  As we said Morgan Burnett is gone, the veteran who lead by example.  At 6'2" & 220 lbs, with speed, Jones should be the man.  Last year, he disappeared at times and was beat some times.  Will will blame Dom Capers on that one!  So, Josh Jones is still a mystery!

Kentrell Brice with all the injuries got time & had flashes.  As injury prone as the Packers have been, he needs to be ready to go!  He may be the first man up!  Jermaine Whitehead & Marwin Evans also played some minutes last year.  They will battle with Brice for the back up roll.

Rookie Raven Greene, from James Madison will be the new man on the block!  He will have an opportunity since the other backups were not difference makers!

Cornerback has been our disaster area the past few years!  Injuries, poor draft picks, and poor play have made the pass defense VERY difficult to watch on Sundays, or any day!  Again, NO PASS RUSH helps!!!!  So, what do we have in these 11 players????

Experience - Tramon Williams & Devon House both left the Packers are are now back!  What is left in the tank???  Year 12 & 8, gives us 20 years of experience, we need at least one to have a good season!

Draft choices this year and last year - we have from 2017 - Kevin King, and 2018 - Jaire Alexander & Josh Jackson. We need one to be a future all-pro!  WE ARE DUE!!!!!  Our draft selections, when it comes to corner has be shaky!  Although, we gave up Micah Hyde & Casey Hayward, and they have made the all-pro team - opps!  So, let say Kevin King steps up?  At 6'3" that would help cover the BIG receivers that seem to tear us up!!!  We hope all three are good ones!

In the wings, we have plenty!!!  And, many have received playing time the past few years!  Rollins, Goodson, Hawkins, Pipkins, Waters & Brown have played a lot of football.  So, could we get at least 2 very good back-ups from this group?  Pipkins has gotten good reviews!  Waters was a converted corner.  Time will tell!!!

So, 17 players.  Do we have 4-5 players????  WE NEED 4-5 players!!!!!!!!!

And, don't forget the pass rush!!!!!  THAT HELPS!!!!!

Time To Talk Defense - Packers 2018 Defensive Line! A Strength?

Could the Packers quietly have one of the NFL's best defensive lines??  What is the evidence?

Mike Daniels - 6'0" - 310 lbs - Year 7 - Iowa
Kenny Clark - 6'3" - 314 lbs - Year 3 - UCLA
Muhamed Wilkerson - 6'4" - 315 lbs - Year 8 - Temple
Montravious Adams - 6'4" - 304" lbs - Year 2 - Fresno St
Tyler Lancaster - 6'3" - 313 lbs - Rookie - Northwestern
Dean Lowry - 6'6" - 296 lbs - Year 3 - Northwestern
James Looney - 6'3" - 287 lbs -  Rookie - California
Conor Sheehy - Rookie

Here is the defensive line group,  Let us start with the leader - Mike Daniels.  Without question, entering year 7, this is the leader of the "Pack"!  Daniels says all the right things!  And, his play has been very good since he was was drafted by the Packers!  But, he is not a super star that can take over  a game.  But, without question, if the Packers are going to be a good defense in 2018 - Daniels will be one reason why!

Next up, Kenny Clark.  Another Packer draft choice, who was only 20 years old when drafted.  At 23, I have a good feeling about Clark in 2018!  My gut says, this will be a break out year for Clark!  Both Daniels & Clark were very good wrestlers!  As an "old" coach, I really believe players need to play other sports.  And, for D-line, a great asset!  Keep a close eye on Kenny Clark in 2018!

New addition - Muhammed Wilkerson.  Already familiar with our new Defensive Coordinator, Wilkerson brings some new attitude to the D-line!  Should help collars the pocket, had a career high a couple years ago!  So, this addition just makes life better for our young defensive backs!

Dean Lowry, entering year 3 had a big jump last year!  I can still see his defensive TD run!  Has gotten bigger & stronger and if he jumps again, our line not only is better, but deeper!!!

Montravious Adams has not had much opportunity so far.  But, with you players behind him, motivation will not be more obvious in 2018!!!!

Rookies - James Looney was drafted, and Conor Sheehy, along with Tyler Lancaster will be fighting for the 53 man roster & the practice squad.

So, I predict, if Perry, Mathews, and back-ups are able to increase the QB sack count, our line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball should be one of the best!!!!