Jets add another poor bastard to their trash fire of a quarterback competition: http://t.co/CbDp1pH6MlI don't pay too much attention to the Jets, except to occasionally laugh and point, so I don't have any idea how this might work out for Harrell. He's had an awful preseason, but it hasn't been as bad for him as it's been for the Jets. Between Buffalo's Jeff Tuel experience and whatever's going on with the Jets, the AFC East has two of the scariest quarterback situations in the NFL.
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) August 28, 2013
Showing posts with label Graham Harrell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graham Harrell. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Some Good News and Some Bad News For Graham Harrell
I wasn't sure whether QB Graham Harrell would get another NFL opportunity and the good news is that he did. It might even give him the chance to start. However, the bad news is that it's with the New York Jets.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Vince Young Defeats Graham Harrell
Based on their performances on Friday night, this news should come as no surprise.
And Harrell played that poorly with the first team offense. Granted, it was against Seattle's first team defense and Harrell was without Cobb and Nelson at receiver. Phil Simms gave Harrell some cover by noting that none of the receivers were getting open. However, injuries are part of the NFL (especially for the Packers) and that can't be an excuse.
This also is another example of how GM Ted Thompson operates. He doesn't value experience over potential. Harrell knows Mike McCarthy's offense while Young barely knows it, but that didn't save his roster spot after three poor to awful preseason games. Thompson wasn't going to keep a lesser player just because he has a comfort level with him.
Young was the better quarterback, though he's still very much a work in progress. He did complete six of seven attempts (that one incompletion should have been intercepted) but his yards per attempt was only 5.9, which means he completed only a lot of short passes. However, he did look more comfortable against the Seahawks than the Rams, having a full week of practice under his belt obviously helped, and the coaches are far from opening up the entire playbook for him. So it wasn't perfect, but he made it look like he could actually do something in a regular season game while Harrell hasn't shown anything.
Unfortunately I think this means the end of Harrell's NFL career. If he couldn't beat out Young in this situation, which was as close to an ideal one as any player could ask for, I don't see how he could make it on another team.
Young is now the unquestioned backup. B.J. Coleman is no competition, he had the same number of sacks as completions (two) against the Seahawks, but he can hide on the practice squad, unlike either Young or Harrell. They still need three quarterbacks but they've rarely kept them all on the 53-man roster in recent years. Releasing Harrell now probably opens up a lot of playing time for Young against the Chiefs (and in practice too), which he'll need to get ready for the regular season.
Looks as if Vince Young has won Packers backup QB job. Packers are releasing QB Graham Harrell.Vince Young was more effective, he led them on a touchdown drive and was their leading rusher for the game, but what really stood out was Harrell's 3.8 yards per attempt. Among quarterbacks last season who attempted over 224 passes, the worst yards per attempt belonged to Blaine Gabbert at 5.98, and Harrell wasn't anywhere near that good. The best thing I can say is that at least he didn't turn the ball over.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2013
And Harrell played that poorly with the first team offense. Granted, it was against Seattle's first team defense and Harrell was without Cobb and Nelson at receiver. Phil Simms gave Harrell some cover by noting that none of the receivers were getting open. However, injuries are part of the NFL (especially for the Packers) and that can't be an excuse.
This also is another example of how GM Ted Thompson operates. He doesn't value experience over potential. Harrell knows Mike McCarthy's offense while Young barely knows it, but that didn't save his roster spot after three poor to awful preseason games. Thompson wasn't going to keep a lesser player just because he has a comfort level with him.
Young was the better quarterback, though he's still very much a work in progress. He did complete six of seven attempts (that one incompletion should have been intercepted) but his yards per attempt was only 5.9, which means he completed only a lot of short passes. However, he did look more comfortable against the Seahawks than the Rams, having a full week of practice under his belt obviously helped, and the coaches are far from opening up the entire playbook for him. So it wasn't perfect, but he made it look like he could actually do something in a regular season game while Harrell hasn't shown anything.
Unfortunately I think this means the end of Harrell's NFL career. If he couldn't beat out Young in this situation, which was as close to an ideal one as any player could ask for, I don't see how he could make it on another team.
Young is now the unquestioned backup. B.J. Coleman is no competition, he had the same number of sacks as completions (two) against the Seahawks, but he can hide on the practice squad, unlike either Young or Harrell. They still need three quarterbacks but they've rarely kept them all on the 53-man roster in recent years. Releasing Harrell now probably opens up a lot of playing time for Young against the Chiefs (and in practice too), which he'll need to get ready for the regular season.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Preseason Recap: Packers Shutout By Cardinals, 17-0
The Green Bay Packers hadn't been shut out in a preseason game since the dark ages (a.k.a. when Forrest Gregg was the head coach in the 1980s) but that really wasn't a big surprise after they needed to add QB Vince Young to the backup quarterback battle. This game was really a sign that they'd be in trouble if anything happened to QB Aaron Rodgers. The good news is that on Rodgers' only series, he drove them 86 yards before they got stuffed at the one-yard line on 4th down.
The only injury was rookie 1st round DE Datone Jones, but it wasn't clear if his ankle injury was serious.
For Arizona, DB Tyrann Mathieu was deemed impressive but he was the highlight maker from a game without many of them. His sack of QB Graham Harrell was Harrell's fault, he completely ignored a blitzing DB which earned Harrell an exasperated stare from Mike McCarthy. Mathieu's other big play was a 24 yard punt return.
So without focusing on what the team did, here's how some individual players performed.
LT David Bakhtiari. Breathe a sigh of relief: he was solid. He looked a little off-balance on the first drive, his momentum carried him too far forward on one early run play, but he looked nearly perfect thereafter. He certainly looked better than Marshall Newhouse, who was beaten on a speed rush by DE John Abraham which led to a sack-fumble of Harrell.
WR Tyrone Walker. After the first drive, when Rodgers and WR James Jones took a seat, the undrafted rookie out of Illinois State was basically their entire offense. The Packers' backups only generated 137 yards of offense and 41 yards was from Walker. He's looked great in practice, in last weekend's scrimmage, and he did it again in his first game.
The defensive backs. Yes, CB Davon House was burnt early and often, but the guys behind him on the depth chart were awful too. Rookie 5th round CB Micah Hyde gave up a touchdown. The worst play was made by CB Brandon Smith, who was completely fooled on a comeback route and ended up running out of bounds. The good news is that none of these guys are expected to start, and since it was only one game, hopefully they bounce back next week.
The running backs. None of them made plays, but rookie RB Johnathan Franklin looked the best to me (Eddie Lacy was held out due to a hamstring injury). I need to see the rest of the preseason games before deciding.
QB Graham Harrell. It would have been a bad game even if he hadn't fumbled (see above) and telegraphed an easy interception (though WR Jeremy Ross seemed lost on the route). The only good news for him is that B.J. Coleman and Vince Young looked worse, though Young only knew about six plays. This isn't something GM Ted Thompson can fix this year, so the coaches will have to make due with the backup quarterbacks they've got.
DE Johnny Jolly. The defense didn't provide much of a pass rush, but Jolly got loose in the backfield on a couple plays. He looked almost as good as ever, despite the nearly four year absence from football. He's still got to prove himself over the remaining preseason games, however, after the first game, he looks like he should be part of the defensive line rotation.
The only injury was rookie 1st round DE Datone Jones, but it wasn't clear if his ankle injury was serious.
For Arizona, DB Tyrann Mathieu was deemed impressive but he was the highlight maker from a game without many of them. His sack of QB Graham Harrell was Harrell's fault, he completely ignored a blitzing DB which earned Harrell an exasperated stare from Mike McCarthy. Mathieu's other big play was a 24 yard punt return.
So without focusing on what the team did, here's how some individual players performed.
LT David Bakhtiari. Breathe a sigh of relief: he was solid. He looked a little off-balance on the first drive, his momentum carried him too far forward on one early run play, but he looked nearly perfect thereafter. He certainly looked better than Marshall Newhouse, who was beaten on a speed rush by DE John Abraham which led to a sack-fumble of Harrell.
WR Tyrone Walker. After the first drive, when Rodgers and WR James Jones took a seat, the undrafted rookie out of Illinois State was basically their entire offense. The Packers' backups only generated 137 yards of offense and 41 yards was from Walker. He's looked great in practice, in last weekend's scrimmage, and he did it again in his first game.
The defensive backs. Yes, CB Davon House was burnt early and often, but the guys behind him on the depth chart were awful too. Rookie 5th round CB Micah Hyde gave up a touchdown. The worst play was made by CB Brandon Smith, who was completely fooled on a comeback route and ended up running out of bounds. The good news is that none of these guys are expected to start, and since it was only one game, hopefully they bounce back next week.
The running backs. None of them made plays, but rookie RB Johnathan Franklin looked the best to me (Eddie Lacy was held out due to a hamstring injury). I need to see the rest of the preseason games before deciding.
QB Graham Harrell. It would have been a bad game even if he hadn't fumbled (see above) and telegraphed an easy interception (though WR Jeremy Ross seemed lost on the route). The only good news for him is that B.J. Coleman and Vince Young looked worse, though Young only knew about six plays. This isn't something GM Ted Thompson can fix this year, so the coaches will have to make due with the backup quarterbacks they've got.
DE Johnny Jolly. The defense didn't provide much of a pass rush, but Jolly got loose in the backfield on a couple plays. He looked almost as good as ever, despite the nearly four year absence from football. He's still got to prove himself over the remaining preseason games, however, after the first game, he looks like he should be part of the defensive line rotation.
Labels:
B.J. Coleman,
Brandon Smith,
Datone Jones,
David Bakhtiari,
Davon House,
Eddie Lacy,
Graham Harrell,
Jeremy Ross,
Johnathan Franklin,
Johnny Jolly,
Micah Hyde,
Tyrone Walker,
Vince Young
Monday, August 05, 2013
The Packers Signed Vince Young?
Apparently all the game film from QB Vince Young's disastrous 2011 season with the Eagles has been destroyed. Now the Green Bay Packers can relive it as they watch his inaccuracy this preseason.
While I hate this signing, unless Harrell and Coleman are just that bad (I haven't watched them yet in 2013), at least Young was once a decent starting QB. Over 21 games (18 starts) in 2009 and 2010, his QBB was a respectable 70.3 and 70.6. Of course, that's only good news if you ignore his turnover filled 2011 season.
On the downside, Young had a mega-feud with his head coach, Jeff Fisher, back in 2010, so he doesn't seem like the type of guy you want in the locker room. For what it's worth, Young apologized this year.
Overall, this hasn't been the best day to be a Packer fan. First they lose their starting left tackle, and now they signed a former (almost) Heisman winner that no NFL team has wanted for over a year. I should feel worse about Bryan Bulaga's injury (he's a starter while Young will be paid to hold a clipboard) but Young's signing feels worse in my stomach. I don't want them to have anything to do with him, even if he makes them a slightly better team.
League source confirms Vince Young has signed a one year with #Packers to compete for backup QB jobB.J. Coleman had a very bad Saturday night at the Family Night scrimmage, but I didn't realize it was that bad. Or maybe this is the end for Graham Harrell because Young could take his backup job while Coleman could spend another year on the practice squad.
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) August 5, 2013
While I hate this signing, unless Harrell and Coleman are just that bad (I haven't watched them yet in 2013), at least Young was once a decent starting QB. Over 21 games (18 starts) in 2009 and 2010, his QBB was a respectable 70.3 and 70.6. Of course, that's only good news if you ignore his turnover filled 2011 season.
On the downside, Young had a mega-feud with his head coach, Jeff Fisher, back in 2010, so he doesn't seem like the type of guy you want in the locker room. For what it's worth, Young apologized this year.
Overall, this hasn't been the best day to be a Packer fan. First they lose their starting left tackle, and now they signed a former (almost) Heisman winner that no NFL team has wanted for over a year. I should feel worse about Bryan Bulaga's injury (he's a starter while Young will be paid to hold a clipboard) but Young's signing feels worse in my stomach. I don't want them to have anything to do with him, even if he makes them a slightly better team.
Sunday, August 04, 2013
Family Night Scrimmage: Eddie Lacy Shines
It seems like every other year these Family Night events are cancelled due to thunderstorms, but the Green Bay Packers were able to scrimmage Saturday night in front of just over 63,000 fans. There were a couple of interesting takeaways:
At running back, James Starks started, Eddie Lacy replaced him on the first drive, Johnathan Franklin went third, and Alex Green was fourth. The only back who's really suffered this week is DuJuan Harris, who's been held out after having a cyst removed back in June. The snap count between the top four backs was almost identical, however Lacy stood out with 65 yards on eight carries behind the first team offensive line. Technically, Green came into camp at the top of the depth chart, but (surprisingly) Starks is healthy, he certainly knows the offense, and that might have given him the early advantage, though Green ran the ball well during scrimmage too. The position looks like a toss up.
At quarterback, Graham Harrell easily outplayed B.J. Coleman. For whatever progress Coleman has made in his second NFL season, he keeps turning the ball over in camp, though he didn't get much help from Jeremy Ross who dropped one pass before he slipped on another route which led to a pick-six INT. The talk earlier this week that Coleman might move ahead of Harrell seems well premature.
At right tackle, Marshall Newhouse is the starter but he was quickly replaced by rookie David Bakhtiari, so it looks like they are closely competing for the job. I really like Bakhtiari's potential, so I don't see this as a bad thing. Don Barclay started at right tackle at the end of last season, but he was awful in pass protection and is being moved all over this line so far in camp, apparently to see where he might fit. Former first round pick Derek Sherrod hasn't practiced at all, as far as I've read. The competition might already be down to Newhouse and Bakhtiari, though the winner shouldn't be obvious until the second or third preseason game.
I wrote about Tyrone Walker last week, he's still a long-shot, but he stood out during the scrimmage with a couple nice receptions.
Also, Mason Crosby's kicking woes continued and the boo-birds let him have it. I'm not sure how much more time the team will be willing to give him; they've already given him more than many franchises would have.
At running back, James Starks started, Eddie Lacy replaced him on the first drive, Johnathan Franklin went third, and Alex Green was fourth. The only back who's really suffered this week is DuJuan Harris, who's been held out after having a cyst removed back in June. The snap count between the top four backs was almost identical, however Lacy stood out with 65 yards on eight carries behind the first team offensive line. Technically, Green came into camp at the top of the depth chart, but (surprisingly) Starks is healthy, he certainly knows the offense, and that might have given him the early advantage, though Green ran the ball well during scrimmage too. The position looks like a toss up.
At quarterback, Graham Harrell easily outplayed B.J. Coleman. For whatever progress Coleman has made in his second NFL season, he keeps turning the ball over in camp, though he didn't get much help from Jeremy Ross who dropped one pass before he slipped on another route which led to a pick-six INT. The talk earlier this week that Coleman might move ahead of Harrell seems well premature.
At right tackle, Marshall Newhouse is the starter but he was quickly replaced by rookie David Bakhtiari, so it looks like they are closely competing for the job. I really like Bakhtiari's potential, so I don't see this as a bad thing. Don Barclay started at right tackle at the end of last season, but he was awful in pass protection and is being moved all over this line so far in camp, apparently to see where he might fit. Former first round pick Derek Sherrod hasn't practiced at all, as far as I've read. The competition might already be down to Newhouse and Bakhtiari, though the winner shouldn't be obvious until the second or third preseason game.
I wrote about Tyrone Walker last week, he's still a long-shot, but he stood out during the scrimmage with a couple nice receptions.
Also, Mason Crosby's kicking woes continued and the boo-birds let him have it. I'm not sure how much more time the team will be willing to give him; they've already given him more than many franchises would have.
Thursday, August 01, 2013
Backup QB: Coleman Competing Against Harrell
The main reason I'm discouraged about the news that second-year QB B.J. Coleman has "every opportunity to win the backup quarterback job" is that it doesn't speak well for QB Graham Harrell.
As for Harrell, if he does lose the backup role to Coleman, he might very well find that his NFL career is over. The Packers haven't always kept a third quarterback and Harrell isn't eligible for the practice squad anymore. If the Packers don't want him, then I don't know why any other team would be interested. No one was interested in him before the Packers signed him. I was never very high on him, but I did hope that he could develop into a decent backup.
This isn't the end of the debate, there are still four preseason games to play, but today I'm not optimistic for Harrell. This isn't a big problem, the drop off from Aaron Rodgers to anyone was going to be substantial, but if the best Plan B is Coleman, it might be more of a Grand Canyon than a drop off.
From @LoriNickel, B.J. Coleman vies to be #Packers back-up QB this summer... http://t.co/yZa6TKIMJgThere had been some happy talk about how Harrell had really improved, but if that was true, he should still be a clear step ahead. Coleman was pretty bad last preseason, and the day before Lori Nickel wrote her article, Coleman threw another couple interceptions at practice. He has the size and big arm to be an NFL quarterback, but I haven't seen anything good from him yet. He has the upcoming preseason to prove me wrong.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) August 1, 2013
As for Harrell, if he does lose the backup role to Coleman, he might very well find that his NFL career is over. The Packers haven't always kept a third quarterback and Harrell isn't eligible for the practice squad anymore. If the Packers don't want him, then I don't know why any other team would be interested. No one was interested in him before the Packers signed him. I was never very high on him, but I did hope that he could develop into a decent backup.
This isn't the end of the debate, there are still four preseason games to play, but today I'm not optimistic for Harrell. This isn't a big problem, the drop off from Aaron Rodgers to anyone was going to be substantial, but if the best Plan B is Coleman, it might be more of a Grand Canyon than a drop off.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Position Review: Quarterback
With the countdown to training camp underway, it's time for me to wrap up my position reviews for the Green Bay Packers. Here's what I wrote previously:
Position Review: Offensive Line Guards and Tackles
Position Review: Offensive Line-Center
Position Review: Wide Receivers
This one is probably the easiest position to write about but it does involve some speculation about the backups who I've rarely gotten to see play.
QB Aaron Rodgers. As a bonus, he's showing aptitude as a career counselor, so he's got that to fall back on once his playing days are over.
QB Graham Harrell. I'd like to see more from him this preseason. In 2012, he only had a preseason QB rating of 78.2 which was heavily padded by a blowout final game against the worst team in the NFL (Chiefs). Supposedly he's "really improved" but right now I wouldn't trust him to provide even average production if he had to take over.
QB B.J. Coleman. The hope that he's ready to compete against Harrell is really a long shot. He's got an NFL arm, but he has so much to learn that he should focus on keeping ahead of the last guy on the depth chart. Last preseason, Coleman only completed 7 of 18 pass attempts of mostly the dump off variety (4.3 yards per attempt), so he's shown nothing promising so far. He should look better than last year, but that's a really low bar to clear.
QB Matt Brown. The undrafted free agent was a small school guy who was lightly regarded. Sometimes a player like him turns into Tony Romo, but usually he's released during the preseason. He's got his chance, but the odds are very much against him.
Position Review: Offensive Line Guards and Tackles
Position Review: Offensive Line-Center
Position Review: Wide Receivers
This one is probably the easiest position to write about but it does involve some speculation about the backups who I've rarely gotten to see play.
QB Aaron Rodgers. As a bonus, he's showing aptitude as a career counselor, so he's got that to fall back on once his playing days are over.
QB Graham Harrell. I'd like to see more from him this preseason. In 2012, he only had a preseason QB rating of 78.2 which was heavily padded by a blowout final game against the worst team in the NFL (Chiefs). Supposedly he's "really improved" but right now I wouldn't trust him to provide even average production if he had to take over.
QB B.J. Coleman. The hope that he's ready to compete against Harrell is really a long shot. He's got an NFL arm, but he has so much to learn that he should focus on keeping ahead of the last guy on the depth chart. Last preseason, Coleman only completed 7 of 18 pass attempts of mostly the dump off variety (4.3 yards per attempt), so he's shown nothing promising so far. He should look better than last year, but that's a really low bar to clear.
QB Matt Brown. The undrafted free agent was a small school guy who was lightly regarded. Sometimes a player like him turns into Tony Romo, but usually he's released during the preseason. He's got his chance, but the odds are very much against him.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Could The Packers Draft Another Late Round QB In 2013?
Kevin Seifert's article for ESPN about the quarterback position in the NFC North didn't have much to say about the Green Bay Packers, obviously they're set with QB Aaron Rodgers, and he only wrote a brief comment about a possible battle between QB Graham Harrell and QB B.J. Coleman.
I'd like to see the Packers add another quarterback with a late round pick. They shouldn't keep the same two guys just because they don't expect Rodgers to get hurt. There's no need to use a high or even a mid-round draft choice here, but they should always draft/sign at least one rookie to see if they can find the next Matt Flynn.
Looking at the cast of characters who currently carry a 7th round grade according to NFL Draft Scout, there are a couple of players who might interest the Packers if they're looking for the next B.J. Coleman (an athlete with all the physical tools to become an NFL QB):
Southern Utah QB Brad Sorensen. A big, tall pocket passer who's drawn some Joe Flacco comparisons. His arm strength might be average and his mobility is questionable, but not every quarterback runs like Aaron Rodgers. Better NFL coaching could help turn his average arm strength and accuracy into above average skills.
Vanderbilt QB Jordan Rodgers. Yep, let's get the brothers Rodgers together! He was more of a running quarterback until his senior season and the big knock on him is his "lack of elite size" (i.e. he's kinda short). His arm strength is average but the "ball zips out of his hands" which might be a credit to some coaching he's received from his well known brother. But he's got a lot of the Matt Flynn/B.J. Coleman traits you look for in a late round QB (he transferred schools, he was overlooked until his last couple seasons) combined with excellent athleticism. Even if he weren't Aaron's brother, he'd be someone worth taking a look at.
No one else I looked at seemed a good fit. There were the major college starters who can't really throw (Penn State's Matt McGloin, Kansas State's Collin Klein, Washington State's Jeff Tuel). Arizona's Matt Scott is an interesting player, but he might be too slight to survive as a starter and some team looking for the next Russell Wilson might push him up into the mid-rounds.
Of course, B.J. Coleman was an unknown to me until the Packers drafted him last April, so there might be someone lurking among the likely undrafted players that has caught their eye. Whatever they do, I hope they take a chance on someone late in the draft (or an undrafted player) to push Harrell and Coleman.
I'd like to see the Packers add another quarterback with a late round pick. They shouldn't keep the same two guys just because they don't expect Rodgers to get hurt. There's no need to use a high or even a mid-round draft choice here, but they should always draft/sign at least one rookie to see if they can find the next Matt Flynn.
Looking at the cast of characters who currently carry a 7th round grade according to NFL Draft Scout, there are a couple of players who might interest the Packers if they're looking for the next B.J. Coleman (an athlete with all the physical tools to become an NFL QB):
Southern Utah QB Brad Sorensen. A big, tall pocket passer who's drawn some Joe Flacco comparisons. His arm strength might be average and his mobility is questionable, but not every quarterback runs like Aaron Rodgers. Better NFL coaching could help turn his average arm strength and accuracy into above average skills.
Vanderbilt QB Jordan Rodgers. Yep, let's get the brothers Rodgers together! He was more of a running quarterback until his senior season and the big knock on him is his "lack of elite size" (i.e. he's kinda short). His arm strength is average but the "ball zips out of his hands" which might be a credit to some coaching he's received from his well known brother. But he's got a lot of the Matt Flynn/B.J. Coleman traits you look for in a late round QB (he transferred schools, he was overlooked until his last couple seasons) combined with excellent athleticism. Even if he weren't Aaron's brother, he'd be someone worth taking a look at.
No one else I looked at seemed a good fit. There were the major college starters who can't really throw (Penn State's Matt McGloin, Kansas State's Collin Klein, Washington State's Jeff Tuel). Arizona's Matt Scott is an interesting player, but he might be too slight to survive as a starter and some team looking for the next Russell Wilson might push him up into the mid-rounds.
Of course, B.J. Coleman was an unknown to me until the Packers drafted him last April, so there might be someone lurking among the likely undrafted players that has caught their eye. Whatever they do, I hope they take a chance on someone late in the draft (or an undrafted player) to push Harrell and Coleman.
Monday, August 20, 2012
In Defense of Graham Harrell
Hey, it could be worse.
The second quarter INT that was returned for a touchdown, overturned by a penalty. Maybe the pass was a little off target, but it still hit TE Tom Crabtree in the hands, who tipped it up in the air for a gift INT to a nearby Browns defender.
The end of the second quarter Hail Mary. It wasn't the best attempt, but that's a pass you expect to be intercepted. When Football Outsiders ranks quarterbacks, it removes Hail Mary INTs from their definition of a turnover because it really isn't one.
The third quarter INT that was returned for a touchdown. I had been hoping to see some good things from TE Ryan Taylor this preseason, but he was held out against the Chargers due to a previous concussion. He returned against the Browns, but he tripped over his own feet on a crossing route and the Browns defender made a diving INT at the spot where Taylor should have been standing. If Taylor doesn't fall on his face, there's no chance that this pass is intercepted.
The fourth quarter intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety. It's been a mixed bag among the backups on the offensive line. Rookie Andrew Datko did a fine job in pass protection and the players at guard looked good, but on this play, the Browns' DE ran a stunt over center that neither the left guard nor center Evan Dietrich-Smith picked up, and the defender ran untouched right up the middle. That looked like Dietrich-Smith's responsibility, and Harrell had no chance.
On three bad plays (excluding the Hail Mary pass), Harrell was let down when a teammate made a bad play. His stats wouldn't have been great even if his teammates had helped him out, but it wouldn't have been a disaster either.
As a final note, if there was ever a competition between Harrell and rookie B.J. Coleman, it ended when Coleman's only attempt against the Browns was a pass he should have never thrown against even a college subdivision team. It looked like the receiver ran a different route, probably in response to the double-team he was facing, and Coleman failed to read the defense. The silver lining is that Coleman should have no problem passing through waivers, and they can stash him on the practice squad. The new question is whether they should keep Coleman under any circumstances.
As a final, final note, I liked what I saw from Datko against the Browns. He's a natural left tackle who's got great size and seems to move his feet well, but he was beaten against the Chargers when bull-rushed and he got no push when asked to run block against the Browns. If you're wondering why the Packers haven't ran the ball well this preseason, it's because their two tackles (Datko and Herb Taylor) can't get any push off the line. It looks like the shoulder Datko injured in college is still holding him back, and he might not be anything more than an emergency option until it's fully healed, but he could be very good by next season.
Ground Emerges As Tim Tebow's Favorite Target onion.com/SueCB3Seriously, after re-watching the preseason game against the Browns, I'm going to stick up for Graham Harrell. I'd rather have him as the backup over Colt McCoy or Tarvaris Jackson. Harrell made some poor throws and he'd be an average replacement starter, at best, but he was let down by his teammates on his turnovers:
— Onion Sports Network (@OnionSports) August 17, 2012
The second quarter INT that was returned for a touchdown, overturned by a penalty. Maybe the pass was a little off target, but it still hit TE Tom Crabtree in the hands, who tipped it up in the air for a gift INT to a nearby Browns defender.
The end of the second quarter Hail Mary. It wasn't the best attempt, but that's a pass you expect to be intercepted. When Football Outsiders ranks quarterbacks, it removes Hail Mary INTs from their definition of a turnover because it really isn't one.
The third quarter INT that was returned for a touchdown. I had been hoping to see some good things from TE Ryan Taylor this preseason, but he was held out against the Chargers due to a previous concussion. He returned against the Browns, but he tripped over his own feet on a crossing route and the Browns defender made a diving INT at the spot where Taylor should have been standing. If Taylor doesn't fall on his face, there's no chance that this pass is intercepted.
The fourth quarter intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety. It's been a mixed bag among the backups on the offensive line. Rookie Andrew Datko did a fine job in pass protection and the players at guard looked good, but on this play, the Browns' DE ran a stunt over center that neither the left guard nor center Evan Dietrich-Smith picked up, and the defender ran untouched right up the middle. That looked like Dietrich-Smith's responsibility, and Harrell had no chance.
On three bad plays (excluding the Hail Mary pass), Harrell was let down when a teammate made a bad play. His stats wouldn't have been great even if his teammates had helped him out, but it wouldn't have been a disaster either.
As a final note, if there was ever a competition between Harrell and rookie B.J. Coleman, it ended when Coleman's only attempt against the Browns was a pass he should have never thrown against even a college subdivision team. It looked like the receiver ran a different route, probably in response to the double-team he was facing, and Coleman failed to read the defense. The silver lining is that Coleman should have no problem passing through waivers, and they can stash him on the practice squad. The new question is whether they should keep Coleman under any circumstances.
As a final, final note, I liked what I saw from Datko against the Browns. He's a natural left tackle who's got great size and seems to move his feet well, but he was beaten against the Chargers when bull-rushed and he got no push when asked to run block against the Browns. If you're wondering why the Packers haven't ran the ball well this preseason, it's because their two tackles (Datko and Herb Taylor) can't get any push off the line. It looks like the shoulder Datko injured in college is still holding him back, and he might not be anything more than an emergency option until it's fully healed, but he could be very good by next season.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Packers Lose Ugly In The Preseason To The Browns, 35-10
The good news is that the starters played well, with a couple exceptions. On the Packers's second offensive drive, WR Randall Cobb had the ball stripped and I expect he'll see more ball drills in his near future. Later in the second half, Aaron Rodgers failed to convert a 4th down play, on their side of the field, that the Packers would have never attempted during the regular season. Both plays gave the Browns great field position and led to two scores.
On defense, the Packers forced a fumble on the Browns' first drive. Though the defense held the Browns to only 39 yards on their next two drives combined, the Browns had great field position and kicked two field goals. Rookies Casey Hayward and Nick Perry had some struggles in pass coverage that set up the Browns's first touchdown, but overall the first team defense did a good job tackling and putting pressure on rookie QB Brandon Weeden.
So how bad was Graham Harrell? Pretty bad. Not Brian Brohm bad, but he'll have to show something over the remaining preseason games. Right now, I'm not a believer in him, but I don't think they'll make a trade or free agent signing at this point for the 2012 season.
And I'm starting to become a Jarrett Boykin fan. He made some nice grabs (5 for 63 yards).
On defense, the Packers forced a fumble on the Browns' first drive. Though the defense held the Browns to only 39 yards on their next two drives combined, the Browns had great field position and kicked two field goals. Rookies Casey Hayward and Nick Perry had some struggles in pass coverage that set up the Browns's first touchdown, but overall the first team defense did a good job tackling and putting pressure on rookie QB Brandon Weeden.
So how bad was Graham Harrell? Pretty bad. Not Brian Brohm bad, but he'll have to show something over the remaining preseason games. Right now, I'm not a believer in him, but I don't think they'll make a trade or free agent signing at this point for the 2012 season.
And I'm starting to become a Jarrett Boykin fan. He made some nice grabs (5 for 63 yards).
Friday, July 13, 2012
The Packers 90-man Roster: The Backs
While these three positions are all on the offensive side of the ball, they don't have much in common, except that they should each produce little competition.
Kuhn made the Pro Bowl last season, Hoese was signed onto the practice squad in December 2011 after his release the previous September, and Cooper's an undrafted free agent. There had been battles at this position in recent years, but now, Kuhn's guaranteed to start, while Hoese and Cooper would be lucky to make the practice squad. The overall competition level here is very low.
The only competition is for the backup job, and Harrell might not even be battling Coleman for it. If not Harrell, would the coaches trust Coleman or look elsewhere for a veteran backup? While Matt Flynn was named the backup as a rookie in 2008, the odds are very long that it would happen again, especially for a small school player like Coleman. I'm expecting Coleman to spend a year developing on the practice squad no matter what happens to Harrell. The coaches are speaking highly of Harrell's development, and they've made no effort to find a veteran to compete against him, so I'm expecting him to look sharp this preseason. The overall competition between these three players is low, but Harrell's got a lot to prove this preseason.
I haven't looked closely at every position on the roster, but I'd be shocked if there's a position with less experience. James Starks has played in only 21 career NFL games (including the playoffs) but he's by far the most experienced player of the bunch. Green appears to have a solid hold on the backup spot because the Packers made no effort to find a Plan B by either re-signing Ryan Grant or drafting another young back. So I expect the top three running backs will be Starks, Green, and Saine, with Saine's only concern whether he'll make the 53-man roster or have to stay on the practice squad again in 2012. However, Bennett and Tyler could challenge Saine with a strong preseason, and the three undrafted players may find themselves in a real battle for that final spot. The overall competition level is average, but only for the job as the No. 3 back.
| Player | Height | Weight | Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper, Nic | 5-10 | 249 | 23 | Rookie |
| Hoese, Jon | 6-2 | 238 | 23 | 1 |
| Kuhn, John | 6-0 | 250 | 29 | 7 |
| Player | Height | Weight | Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman, B.J. | 6-3 | 231 | 23 | Rookie |
| Harrell, Graham | 6-2 | 215 | 27 | 1 |
| Rodgers, Aaron | 6-2 | 225 | 28 | 8 |
| Player | Height | Weight | Age | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bennett, Du'ane | 5-9 | 213 | 23 | Rookie |
| Green, Alex | 6-0 | 225 | 24 | 2 |
| Saine, Brandon | 5-11 | 220 | 23 | 2 |
| Starks, James | 6-2 | 218 | 26 | 3 |
| Tyler, Marc | 5-11 | 226 | 23 | Rookie |
Friday, June 08, 2012
Looking Back At The Second Week of OTAs
WR Randall Cobb is already looking fast and catching everything thrown to him, according to JS Online.com. His 2011 season was really impressive considering he had a short offseason to learn the offense, but he's a great talent and the coaches limited his opportunities, which I'm sure helped the learning curve. A receiver's second season, after he's had a year to learn the offense and build a relationship with the quarterback, should be a big one. The coaches, and Aaron Rodgers, all like James Jones, so I don't think Cobb should be expected to move ahead of him. But Jones, Cobb, and Donald Driver could each play about the same number of snaps in 2012. More of this next season!
The Press-Gazette had a lot of comments after Tuesday's open practice:
I wasn't sure if the Packers had gotten anything except an injured player when they drafted T Andrew Datko in the 7th round, but he's been playing at left and right tackle. I doubt he's in the mix to start, yet, at either position, but the Packers have some other free agent options in camp besides Datko, so he's moved ahead of a few other players already.
LT Marshall Newhouse is starting, but Derek Sherrod is being held out as he continues to rehab his injured leg. Sherrod might have a chance to move ahead and win the starting job, but he won't get his chance until training camp, at the earliest.
The emergence of undrafted OLB Dezman Moses continues, as he battles Erik Walden for the backup role behind Clay Matthews. Maybe he'll be no better than Walden, but it sounds like the Packers found another undrafted free agent keeper. Apparently Walden wants to start, but he'll have no chance if he's stuck behind Matthews. They are leaving the door wide open, unsurprisingly, for Nick Perry to start at the other outside linebacker position, with only Vic So'oto backing him up.
CB Sam Shields is holding off Casey Hayward and Davon House. I don't expect this position to be resolved until we see them all play this preseason.
I'm really glad to read that QB Graham Harrell is showing improved arm strength. The only reason the Packers survived with Matt Flynn as the backup in 2008 was because he wasn't needed. If Rodgers were to miss a game or two next season, I was afraid Harrell wouldn't be up to the task. But he seems to be improving, and I'm looking forward to watching him this preseason.
The Press-Gazette had a lot of comments after Tuesday's open practice:
I wasn't sure if the Packers had gotten anything except an injured player when they drafted T Andrew Datko in the 7th round, but he's been playing at left and right tackle. I doubt he's in the mix to start, yet, at either position, but the Packers have some other free agent options in camp besides Datko, so he's moved ahead of a few other players already.
LT Marshall Newhouse is starting, but Derek Sherrod is being held out as he continues to rehab his injured leg. Sherrod might have a chance to move ahead and win the starting job, but he won't get his chance until training camp, at the earliest.
The emergence of undrafted OLB Dezman Moses continues, as he battles Erik Walden for the backup role behind Clay Matthews. Maybe he'll be no better than Walden, but it sounds like the Packers found another undrafted free agent keeper. Apparently Walden wants to start, but he'll have no chance if he's stuck behind Matthews. They are leaving the door wide open, unsurprisingly, for Nick Perry to start at the other outside linebacker position, with only Vic So'oto backing him up.
CB Sam Shields is holding off Casey Hayward and Davon House. I don't expect this position to be resolved until we see them all play this preseason.
I'm really glad to read that QB Graham Harrell is showing improved arm strength. The only reason the Packers survived with Matt Flynn as the backup in 2008 was because he wasn't needed. If Rodgers were to miss a game or two next season, I was afraid Harrell wouldn't be up to the task. But he seems to be improving, and I'm looking forward to watching him this preseason.