One thing I’ll have to say about the Pack though, and I realize that this could change with each different GM, Head Coach, etc., but I do not think they will put up with much off-field shenannigans. Remember Mark Chamura? In a hot tub with 16 year old’s–outta here. I don’t know if it’s the Board of Director’s or what but it just appears to me Green Bay does put some emphasis on a players off-field “character”. Can’t remember too many thugs in Green Bay. Leave them for Jerry Jones.

Hope we get Birk.

http://www.twincities.com/dailydose/ci_11426121

In short, I think many fans and many who frequest this blog are too quick to criticize the players, and few of these players are deserving of the derision spewed their way. I will not, however, critique critics of Packer personnel who cite the lack of hustle, hunger, and heart of a given player (maybe Poppinga, who’s nothing more than a good special teamer, is the exception that proves this rule), but saying our linemen lack talent is like saying the butcher’s meat lacks flavor (who cooked it? what was his recipe?).

We ARE a talented team as constituted. We were way too close to success this season to be deemed otherwise. We lacked leadership and good coaching (most notably Defense and Special Teams), which is directly proportionate with late-game success. A veteran FA stud or two will take us from also-ran to powerhouse (Peppers, you hear me TT?!?), but the other areas of need you’ve pointed out should be dealt with in the draft and in the conference/film rooms.

Injury depleted D-Line? Errrr Jenkins was the only good D-lineman to go down for any significant time. How many of the playoff teams had starting D-lineman go down? Might I sight the Giants as an example. This is Pro football and injuries occur and should be anticipated with having personnel on the team that are at least adequate replacements. We have such luminaries as Cole, Montgomery, Harrell, Hunter, Malone, and oft injured rookie Jeremy Thompson backing up the starters. In short these are not NFL caliber players. Let’s wait and see how much Montgomery and Cole get in the FA market. I wouldn’t be surprised if they could be resigned by the Packers at league minimum upgrades.

The O-Line? Which of these names will make the Pro Bowl next year? Giacomini, Sitton, Spitz, Colledge, Moll, or Barbre (Note: I left Clifton and Tauscher off the consideration)? I’ll give you that some may become adequate players. Will they become the impact players GB needs? Not that their playing skills to date would verify.

If you’re blaming TT with MM’s acquiesence for stupid personnel descisions, I might agree?

Also, my comment specified the areas where we have no talent. I did give the WR’s, Qb, DB’s and even the RB’s credit.

And Lewis was in a limo at the time of the killing…

As for OJ my point was that we all know he did it even if the jury says that he didn’t — I think that the same might apply to Mr. Lewis. BTW OJ was found culpable in the civil lawsuit so technically he was found guilty the second time.

Sorry — back to football now.

Cheers back at ya!

You are right about Lewis and anyway until TT changes his stripes I don’t foresee much Packer action in the FA market this time unless TT changes his m.o.. If TT felt his job were in jeopardy we might see more activity.

If next year is a repeat of this one I could see McCarthy leave and TT be put on the hotseat.

We have courts of law for a reason. If Lewis, OJ, or whoever is found NOT GUILTY then they are not guilty and cannot be subject to double jeopardy. Also, a technicality I know, but, Lewis was never charged with being the shooter himself, and was not charged with illegal guns, premeditated violence, etc. At worst he’s guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or of having the wrong friends. The Lewis trial was almost 10 years ago too… has the guy been a repeat offender? has he been involved in any other bad news since then?

I can understand your not wanting the likes of TO, Pacman, or even Randy Moss (still takes plays off) on our team, because each of them have demonstrated REPEATEDLY that they cannot put the team before their own interests despite their sporadic great play. Ray Lewis is a GREAT player EVERY play, AND has been a model citizen for years now.

AND WHY ON EARTH WOULD ANY SANE PACKER FAN WANT VICK?!?!?
Vick NEVER threw for more than 3,000yds, never threw more than 20TDs, and In one season A-Rodg (4000+yds, 28TDs) showed why he’s so much better than Vick, and 27 other QB’s this year.

I evaluate players based on talent, track record, and heart. on all these Ray Lewis is Grade A, Vick on the other hand is not in the league at the moment so I don’t care about him. If Goodell reinstates him then we can have the discussion about Vick. On a side-note, while I find dog-fighting to be cruel and unusual, I do not think it says anything about Vick’s play on the football field, but I digress.

I want good players, who are good leaders, and make the players around them better. Name someone else in the league who does all this at a level as high as Ray Lewis.

BTW, sissymarycrybaby rolled of my tongue/finger tips, I didn’t think twice about it;-) OH! and i think Ray Lewis is too old and too expensive for us. I’m campaigning for Julius Peppers… cheers

Dreampipe – “we have tons of talent”. Sorry to disagree, but we do not have tons of talent in the O & D Line, and LB positon. The first line players in the D-Line are good to adequate in ability. None made the All-Pro teams at any level. Only Kampman played at a good level all year. Jenkins was playing at a very high level when he went down. Pickett and Jolly were good most of the time, but had lapses. The 2nd and 3rd level D-linemen were bad and most probably would not be considered NFL quality with few exceptions.

The starting LB’s were playing below average all year (even Barnett before his injury). Chillar was ok and showed some skill, though inconsistent. Bishop, real flashy or real bad. He could be blamned for at least two of the losses. Can you even named the othe backup LB’s (Havner and Lansanah)?

The O-Line could not field 5 good linemen at one time all year. The 2nd and 3rd levels here are pathetic.

The talent you speak of is limited to the WR’s, one of the best groups in the NFL. Next the DB’s Outstanding starters with some good potential behind them. Then the RB’s with Grant a solid, steady, but not flashy runner, Jackson with potential that has yet to fully develop, Wynn can get outside and turn on the burners along with good power inside and finally Lumpkin who, if he can stay healthy, could be a game breaker type runner. QB is well manned with Rodgers at a very level, but has two unknown, undeveloped backups. They may have potential but you’d have to take that on faith.

Being the youngest team in the league doesn’t mean you’re one of the most talented.