Previewing the Pack With Lombardi Ave
By Ernie Padaon
August 3, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) calls out prior to a play during the family night scrimmage at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
To preview today’s game, I was able to get in contact with Ray Rivard from
, the FanSided Pack site, to get a little more info on what is going on out in cheese land. Here is what he had to say:
1. What Packers veterans are on the bubble? There are a few Packer veterans who might see reduced playing time or may end up being cut. CB Sam Shields has had a rough start to his camp. He’s been beaten consistently and doesn’t seem to be playing like the third-year player that he is. He’s in a battle with Jarrett Bush and second-year player Davon House, among others. It will be interesting to see if he sticks. Though A.J. Hawk signed a long-term contract after the 2010-11 Super Bowl season, there are many who feel he could be beaten out by second-year player D.J. Smith. Smith started for Hawk when he was injured last year and made impressive play after play. Smith has a nose for the ball and always seems to be around it. The Packers already cut Charlie Peprah because they want to go with younger players and also play Charles Woodson on the back end of the defense. The next couple of weeks should be interesting as the competition for spots continues.
2. A lot of Chargers fans wanted to draft Nick Perry before we got a chance at Melvin Ingram, how is Perry doing in camp so far? Glad you asked that. He’s been kind of the Invisible Man as he makes the transition from a down defensive lineman to a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Nobody’s panicking yet because he is a beast of an athlete and most feel that when he learns the system and gets more playing time that he will come around and be the perfect complement to Clay Matthews.
3. What Packers youngsters are looking to steal a roster spot coming into the game? It looks like Marcus Tyler, the FA running back from Southern Cal is going to get some playing time and if he plays well, could make a move for at least a practice squad spot. On defense, the Packers are really high on Casey Hayward. He’s looked like a player during the first week or two of training camp, but his value won’t be known until he gets some playing time. With Davon House, the Packers may be seeing a real resurgence of young players at the cornerback position.
4. What is your favorite cheese? ahahahahahaha – I always come back to sharp cheddar!
5. Predict the Packers seasonAfter a 15-1 season and then getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Giants, the Packers are coming into this season with a chip on their shoulders. The team is looking for redemption. Though I doubt they will go through the majority of the season unbeaten again like they did last year, I see this team winning at least 12 games and possibly 13. They will need that many to win the division. In the end, I can honestly say that if they don’t make the playoffs, it will be a huge disappointment. I think the team won’t disappoint and will compete for a Super Bowl berth. Anything less would be very disappointing.
My CommentsNick Perry as the invisible man? Could you imagine if we took him with the first pick and he was an invisible man? People would be calling him a bust immediately and calling for AJs head for another failed draft pick.
The sharp cheddar is always a good go-to cheese also. Even in the land of cheese, cheddar can always be counted on for deliciousness. What is your favorite cheese?