What a nice problem to have! Last week David Bakhtiari returned for the first two offensive series. Rookie center, Josh Meyers also returned. Lucas Patrick went from center to right guard, and back to center to finish the day. Billy Turner returned to practice this week.
Aaron Jones & De'Vondre Campbell are returning after taking last week off to rest some nagging bumps & bruises!
Jaire Alexander is on the practice field trying to move into the defensive back group.
And, Za'Darius Smith is also running around the practice field trying to add to our pass rush!
And, add David Moore is back trying to make our punt & kick off return team more of a threat!! This may be the most important move into the playoffs!
So, a lot of moving parts! A great problem, but logistical nightmare!!! How would this old retired football coach make this work???
1 - On defense, I would keep Stokes & Douglas at corner & work Alexander in on passing situations! Depending on his health, I may line Alexander up on the BEST opponents wide receiver. (And, keep King off the field as much as possible!) Z Smith? He has missed almost the entire season, so I would limit his snaps! But, when our opponent is in an obvious passing situation, he would be in there for P Smith or Gary. Kingsley Keke has missed the past several games, but may return. He was just starting to look like a player when he missed games. Could he be used in the d-line rotation? And, of course, my Packer Defensive MVP, DeVondre Campbell is back after a much deserved game off this week. As I have be saying all year, Campbell has proven to be our best inside linebacker in year!!! His speed & tackling ability & leadership has been critical!!!
2 - On Offense, the shuffling of the offensive line may be the trickiest job! My starting lineup, left tackle Bakhtiari, left guard Runyan, center Meyers, right guard Patrick, & right tackle Kelly. I would allow Turner if healthy & Newman to take a series or two, especially WHEN we are winning and need to finish the game! Randall Cobb should have a few plays from the slot position & MVS is hopefully back from a game off! And, Jones should be well rested to complement Dillon at running back!
3 - Special Teams, OH BOY! What a year! Crosby, our all time BEST kicker all time, has been shaky! Our return & cover teams have been inconsistent! Like I mentioned, Moore seems to be a dependable return man! Here is my BIG suggestion for the Packer coaches, if possible, use some of our starters on the special teams. We have hopefully, 3 games left, put the BEST PLAYERS on the field!
So, the Packer Team is getting players back, how will this look on the field??
Next up, as we sit and watch the NFL Playoff Game this week, what to expect?
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