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Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews III

Packers Linebackers: We’re back with the second of this series where we’ll examine each Packers position group as it currently exists. We’ll be addressing three main points from the Packers’ perspective: where we are, where we want to go and what we need to do to get there.

Where are we now:

Here are the current suspects:

Clay Matthews (1st round)
A.J. Hawk (1st round)
Desmond Bishop (6th round)
Brad Jones (7th round)
D.J. Smith (6th round)
Erik Walden (6th round – is a free agent)
Robert Francois (undrafted)
Frank Zombo (undrafted)
Vic So ‘oto (undrafted)
Jamari Lattimore (undrafted)

Much like the defensive line spot, Ted Thompson has built this position group from the bottom of the draft up. Eight out of ten players came from the 6th round or later. I suppose that’s a bit of a necessity in today’s salary-capped NFL, especially with salaries for offensive skill players going through the roof. But it’s still a bit startling when you examine a roster closely and really see how a team is built.  Read more... (1793 words + 1 image, estimated 7:10 mins reading time)

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Ted Thompson

1) Introduction: Ted Thompson took over as General Manager for the Green Bay Packers in 2005, relegating Mike Sherman to the sole role of Head Coach. Thompson has met with more than his fair share of criticism through his years with the Packers. Cutting big name veterans in order to meet salary cap requirements and being the one to eventually trade away Brett Favre made him a target for a massive number of disgruntled fans. His approach has been vindicated, however, with the Super Bowl XLV Championship under his belt. The team is now built for future success, as key players and depth have been built steadily through the draft and a few select free agent signings. In fact, only 3 current players on the roster were not acquired by Thompson: Donald Driver, Chad Clifton, and Scott Wells.

2) Profile:

Ted Thompson

Position: Executive V.P., General Manager & Director of Football Operations
Years as Packers GM: 7 (2005-2012)
Age: 59

Biography: 

   Read more... (826 words + 1 image, estimated 3:18 mins reading time)

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Mike McCarthy

1) Introduction: Mike McCarthy was hired as the Green Bay Packers head coach by Ted Thompson in 2006 to replace the recently fired Mike Sherman. In his first season, McCarthy led the Packers to an 8-8 record, and since then they have only produced one losing season (2008). One of his most notable decisions was to install the 3-4 defense in 2009, bringing in Dom Capers to spearhead the change. He has guided the Packers to four playoff berths, leading to a 5-3 postseason record under him and one Super Bowl championship title.

2) Profile:

Michael John McCarthy

Position: Head Coach
Years as Packers Head Coach: 6 (2006-2012)
Age: 48

Biography: 

3) Expectations coming into the season: After losing in a display of offensive fireworks to the Arizona Cardinals in the 2009 Wild Card Round, the Packers followed up with an historic run to Super Bowl XLV in 2010. Their success in bringing home the Lombardi Trophy made them early favorites to repeat in 2011, and fans really expected nothing short of that.  Read more... (520 words + 1 image, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

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Aaron Rodgers

1) Introduction: Aaron Rodgers is the face of this franchise, and not just for his discount doub– err . . . championship belt celebration. He received this year’s Associated Press NFL MVP Award for leading his team to a 15-1 record, breaking the single-season passer rating along the way (122.5). In his fourth season as starting quarterback for the Packers, he gives fans an enormous amount of hope for more Super Bowl titles.

2) Profile:

Aaron Charles Rodgers

Position: QB
Height: 6-2
Weight: 225 lbs.
AGE: 28

Career Stats:

3) Expectations coming into the season: As the reigning Super Bowl MVP, Aaron Rodgers was expected to lead the Packers to a return title in 2011. He obviously couldn’t do it alone, but Green Bay wouldn’t be able to do it without him at the helm. Hopes were that he could stay healthy (i.e., avoid concussions) and build upon the three previous seasons as a starter.  Read more... (470 words + 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

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Bryan Bulaga

1) Introduction: In his rookie season, Bryan Bulaga was thrust into a starting role when Mark Tauscher was lost for the season. Only 21 years old, Bulaga started the last 12 games of 2010 and along with Chad Clifton was a big part of the Packers’ success in their playoff run and Super Bowl Championship.

2) Profile:

Bryan Joseph Bulaga

Position: OT
Height: 6-5
Weight: 314 lbs.
AGE: 22

Career Stats:

3) Expectations coming into the season: Expectations for Bulaga were simply for him to pick up where he had left off, avoid a sophomore slump and instead continue to show improvement in his second season.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: This seems to be a common theme among the offensive lineman, but Bulaga’s high point was game one against the Saints. (I’m going to have to go back and watch that game again, just for the OL play). Bulaga was near perfect that game, allowing only a single quarterback pressure while showing some strong blocking in the Packers 23 runs that game.  Bulaga’s low-light was the Detroit Thanksgiving game, where he gave up his only sack of the year, one of his only QB hits of the year and was called for two penalties.  Read more... (407 words + 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

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Josh Sitton

1) Introduction: A fourth round draft pick in 2008, Sitton was a right offensive tackle in College that the Packers moved to guard. Sitton signed a five year contract last September, as the Green Bay moved swiftly to lock up their best offensive lineman.

2) Profile:

Josh James Sitton

Position: G
Height: 6-3
Weight: 318 lbs.
AGE: 25

Career Stats: 

3) Expectations coming into the season: Coming off being named the Offensive Lineman of the year by the NFL Alumni Assn and a Pro Bowl Alternate, expectations for Sitton in 2011 were to continue his domination of defensive linemen.

4) Player’s highlights/low-lights: The season highlight for Sitton was the opening game against the Saints. He was his normal dominating self, earning his highest ratings from ProFootballFocus.com in both the running game and pass protection.  His lowlight was the game against St. Louis. Playing with a very sore knee, Sitton gave up a sack, 2 QB pressures, and was beaten off the ball all game.  Read more... (408 words + 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

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TJ Lang

1) Introduction: We really should call T.J. Lang by “T.V.”, because his middle name is versatility. Over his first two seasons, Lang played both tackle spots, left guard and even some defensive line in short yardage situations. Even after winning the starting left guard spot this season, Lang was moved around and filled in whenever injuries dictated. Unlike Daryn Colledge, who complained about being used in the same way, Lang seems to have handled it just fine and is no worse for wear.

2) Profile:

T.J. (Thomas John) Lang Jr.

Position: OG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 318 lbs.
AGE: 24

Career Stats:

3) Expectations coming into the season: Lang was being counted on as the primary candidate to start at left guard, taking the spot vacated by the departed free agent Daryn Colledge. Frankly, his job was only to be at least as good as Colledge was. He was also expected to continue his role as an emergency replacement at every OL position except center.  Read more... (472 words + 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)

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