WR Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State)

DT Michael Brockers (LSU)

CB Morris Claiborne (LSU)

DE Quinton Coples (North Carolina)

DT Fletcher Cox (Mississippi State)

WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame)

CB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina)

WR Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech)

S George Iloka (Boise State)

OLB Bruce Irvin (West Virginia)

WR A.J. Jenkins (Illinois)

MLB James-Michael Johnson (Nevada)

S Trumaine Johnson (Nevada)

DE Chandler Jones (Syracuse)

MLB Luke Kuechly (Boston College)

G Ronald Leary (Memphis)

S Kelcie McCray (Arkansas State)

DT Dontari Poe (Memphis)

WR Rueben Randle (LSU)

OLB Keenan Robinson (Texas)

G Amini Silatolu (Midwestern State)

DT tackle Jerel Worthy (Michigan State)

WR Kendall Wright (Baylor)

G Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin)

2010 Record: 2-14

Draft Position: 1

2010 Season Recap: Click Here

Offseason Needs: Click Here

Free Agents/Team Transactions: Click Here

Draft Grades: Click Here

Key Offseason Moves: None

I think this was an unnecessary risk. Everyone knows about Pacman Jones’ character issues, his rough legal past, and the rumors out there that several of his past teammates didn’t like playing with him, so that’s obviously a risk, especially for a team like the Bengals who already have a locker room full of “reclamation projects.”

Also, Pacman Jones was not that productive the last time he was in the NFL and that was over a year ago. I can guarantee you, he would not have been cut by the Cowboys in January 2009 if he was playing well. He only averaged 4.5 yards per punt return and 22.1 yards per kick return (on only 7 returns) and couldn’t crack the starting lineup as a cornerback, as was expected of him. He was a great cornerback and a great athlete in 2005 and 2006, but struggled in 2008 after a year off, and now he’s had another year away from football. Reports out of Cincinnati is that he’s done well in workouts, but I have some doubts about he’ll play on the field. Adjusting to game speed is a tough thing to do after a year off and he’s only played 9 games in the last 3 seasons.

He does have some upside, but I do have my doubts about whether or not he’ll fulfill that upside. Furthermore, he doesn’t fill a need. The Bengals have one of the best cornerbacking duos in the league with Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall and they drafted a very solid cornerback in Brandon Ghee in the 3^rd round this year. Even if Pacman Jones does pan out in terms of upside, he could have some trouble seeing the field and I don’t think the rumors that he could play safety make much sense either. Safety isn’t a huge need either and Pacman Jones hasn’t played safety in a while, if ever (I’m not familiar with his high school career). I’m not sure that he even fills a need on special teams (where he really struggled last time he played). They have solid punt returners in Quan Cosby and rookie Jordan Shipley as well as a solid kick returner in Bernard Scott.

Overall, I think Pacman Jones has a very slight chance of becoming the player he once was again, I don’t think he fills a major need, and I, obviously, think he could be a risk in terms of character (though I hope he has changed), so I really feel that this is an unnecessary risk, especially for a team like the Bengals with a shotty record character wise in years past. Also, I would like to comment and say that the Bengals are the most predictable team in the NFL. In an offseason where the Raiders didn’t draft on speed alone in the first round, it’s nice to know that the Bengals will always take chances on guys with character issues, Carlos Dunlap in the 2^nd round (DUI, low motor/work ethic), Matt Jones as a free agent (drug arrest), Antonio Bryant as a free agent (bad locker room guy, only plays for contracts), and now Pacman (you know the story).

Grade: C

About packrphan

packrphan is the pen name — or perhaps, cyber name to be more precise — of a writer in Wisconsin who created the blog PackerFansUnited.com back in 2005. Many of his posts have been picked up by other fan blogs and news sites including PackerChatters, Yardbarker, Sportspyder and others.

In real life, packrphan is…well…never mind…not that important in the scheme of things. Just know that he’s been a Packers fan since the day he was born, which is getting to be a long time ago now, if truth be told. His formative years were during the Packers’ Glory Years. Not only did he get accustomed to the Packers winning championships seemingly at will in those days, but those were also the times when Packers’ players would travel in the off-season throughout Wisconsin to play basketball games as both public relations and fundraising events for local charities. packrphan had the chance at those games and other occasions over the years to meet such Packer greats as Ray Nitschke, Willie Davis, Fuzzy Thurston, Willie Wood, Ken Bowman, and others. He has prized autographs from Bart Starr and Vince Lombardi, as well as some of the latest players including Aaron Rodgers and A.J Hawk. Oh, and packrphan is also a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder…which entitles him to nothing other than to say that and to attend the annual shareholders’ meeting each summer.

Besides blogging about his favorite team, packrphan’s friends say that he has turned his leisure time into an art form. He spends his time enjoying life, golfing, traveling, listening to music, reading, and watching far too much sports on TV especially during football season. Although if you were to ask him, packrphan would likely say he doesn’t do enough of any of those things.

packrphan says he’s very excited about the 2010 season for the Packers. Many are predicting the Pack to be in the upcoming Super Bowl. He notes that with an offense as explosive as the Packers that’s certainly a possibility. packrphan’s outlook: “Cautiously optimistic.” Or, in Wisconsin-ese: “Ya, hey der…cripes that’d be great, criminy!”

The PackerFansUnited.com blog is the place for scintillating commentary on all things Packers. That commentary is now proudly shared on footballfanspot.com.

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While there’s absolutely no guarantee of a reply, you can email packrphan at: td@packerfansunited.com

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Go Pack Go!!!

By Packrphan 

In the light of day, the day after the Green Bay Packers victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, a few observations. Nothing original. Just one person’s take on what went down in Philly. 

Special teams played far better than anyone expected. Jordy Nelson had some great returns and the coverage units kept Eagles returner DeSean Jackson in check for the most part. Punter Tim Masthay performed well in his debut. And K Mason Crosby set a team-record with a 56-yard field goal. He was long and accurate. Good to see. May all continue to perform at this level throughout the season.      

Aaron Rodgers had a not-so-great game. He was 19-31 for 188 yards. Yes, he threw a couple TD passes and when he was on he was on. But he started poorly and had two picks, one on a deflection and another on a ball that appeared to sail on him and missed his receiver badly. Chalk it up to an abberation.     

The offensive line…well, Rodgers was under pressure especially early in the game. For a while, the O-line was looking like what we saw early last season. There were instances where our two old tackles indeed looked old. I recall one instance where both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher got beat on the same play. It seemed as if they picked up their protection in the second half. We can only hope they play at that level the rest of the season.      

The defensive line…coach Mike McCarthy had decided to have only four down lineman active for the game because of the scheme they thought they’d be running against Eagles QB Kevin Kolb; rookies Mike Neal and C.J. Wilson were not available. And that made things especially challenging when a couple things happened: Kolb left the game with a concussion sustained on a tackle by LB Clay Matthews (more on Mr. Matthews in a bit) and Michael Vick and his legs entered the game; and Cullen Jenkins sustained a broken hand on the first defensive series and had to play the balance of the game one-handed after being fitted with a club, and the oft-injured back up DE Justin Harrell sustained a left knee injury blocking on Crosby’s first field goal of 49 yards. So, for a while that meant the entire defensive line consisted of B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett. The two heavyweights, to their credit, did a fantastic job all things considered. Harrell, by the way, has been placed on the injured reserve list (yes, again) and is done for the year (yes, again). As the TV crew noted during the game, Harrell had only played in 14 games during his prior three years with the team. At what point, a reasonable fan must ask — and has asked before — do you just reach an injury settlement with the young man and move on? Clearly, he’s going to have to be replaced by either a practice squad player, a free agent or trade. (We will leave aside the running discussion as to whether Harrell should have been a #16 draft pick to begin with…and, by the way, the answer is “No!”)      

Linebackers and secondary…Could Clay Matthews possibly do any more than he did yesterday? Man! He appeared to be operating at an entirely different level of speed and power. Fantastic. On the flip side, because of the scheme the Packers planned on running and then had to run with Vick in the game, it turns out that LB A.J. Hawk never played a down from scrimmage. They typically always remove him on passing downs and because the Pack played a nickel/dime defense most of the day, Brandon Chillar, Brad Jones and even undrafted rookie LB Frank Zombo (who had a sack, by the way!) got the reps. Hawk has seemingly disappeared from the defense. Perhaps he could be packaged and traded for either a defensive lineman or a running back (where depth was a concern going into the season and is even more so now…more on that in a minute). The secondary generally held up well. Charles Woodson was, as usual, constantly around the ball. Tramon Williams held up well as did, for the most part, rookies Morgan Burnett and Sam Shields. Shields got turned around and burned on one TD pass and looked very much like a rookie on that play. But all in all, seemed to hold his own for the most part.    

The running game…just when it looked as if that might come around, Ryan Grant left the game with an ankle sprain. Brandon Jackson had some nice runs taking the bulk of the carries after Grant’s departure. And FB/RB John Kuhn had a couple powerful runs, including a TD. Coach McCarthy said in his press conference today that Grant will not play in the upcoming game against the Bills. Jackson will be the featured back with Kuhn as the back up. But for all those fans who wanted the Packers to have more depth at running back, yep, we were right. That doesn’t get us anywhere, but we were right. Will Ted Thompson do anything to address the situation? It would be a surprise if he did. But that’s what makes surprises surprises, right? Let us pray…

Bottom line is that this was a statement game, if there can be such a thing in only the first game of the season. We knew the offense would put up points; not really an area of concern. Yet, this was a game where the offense, particularly Aaron Rodgers, wasn’t especially sharp. They still put up 27 points. The areas that were of concern had to do with the defense and special teams, both of which really helped carry the day yesterday. It’s a good sign.

For now, let’s hope that the injuries to Grant and Jenkins don’t present problems throughout the season. Let’s wish Justin Harrell well, as it’s obvious the young man worked hard to get back on the field despite his injury history. But let’s also hope Ted Thompson makes a few moves to add to the D-line and running back depth before they truly become positions of desperation.

Oh…did I mention that I predicted the actual final score of 27-20? (Yeah, I know…enough already!)

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By Packrphan 

Installment #3 of the duel between the Green Bay Packers and the Ol’ #4-led Minnesota ViQueens kicks off at 7:20 p.m. tonight at Lambeau Field. The Packers are favored by 3 points — the home field advantage. Temps will be in the mid-50s, great for late October. Showers are expected to taper off. If rain persists, it may turn the event into a running game…which would favor the ‘Queens and RB Adrian Peterson. Especially since the Packers’ running game has basically been put on the back burner of head coach Mike McCarthy’s play calling, despite his protestations to the contrary. One of the keys to this game, though, is really about keeping Peterson contained more so than getting the moribund (look it up!) running game of the Packers going. Keep Peterson in check, as the Pack did in their two games last season, make Ol’ #4 have to throw the ball, get pressure on him — as the Pack did not in their two games last season — and that will go a long way to determining the outcome of this game.

On the flip side, Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers has to play better than he did against his counterpart in the two meetings of last season. It would help, of course, if his offensive line also protected him better than it did then. ‘Queens DE Jared Allen isn’t the sack machine he was a year ago and tonight is no time for him to begin reprising that role. Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga — likely getting the start at tackle again for Mark Tauscher — will have to be on their game. Rodgers, for his part, needs to get rid of the ball more quickly than when these teams last met. Of late, he seems to have reverted a bit to this old habit which could come back to haunt him and the Pack. Let’s hope not. RB Brandon Jackson and whomever else coach McCarthy tosses in to run a few times need to do enough to keep the Minnesota defense honest and out of a constant blitz barrage. Rodgers and his receivers also need to do a much better job of converting third downs. To date, that has been a situation which has contributed directly to the Pack’s three losses. If it’s the same old tune tonight…well, that wouldn’t be good.

The Packers’ defense should get a boost from having linebackers Brandon Chillar and Clay Matthews back in the lineup, along with DE Ryan Pickett. All three are still listed as questionable on the Packers’ injury report, but expectations are that they will see action. Matthews is obviously critical to getting pressure on Favre. And Chillar’s ability to cover over the middle will also play a role in the defense’s success tonight. Pickett’s ability to anchor the end of the line will also be key to helping contain Peterson. The news on the return to practice of CB Al Harris and S Atari Bigby this week was a plus, but no moves were made to make them active as of yet. Newly-acquired S Anthony Smith should see some action today backing up Charlie Peprah.

Special teams? Well…containing Minnesota returner Percy Harvin will be a challenge. And if they don’t that could be the difference between winning and losing this game. Add in the need by punter Tim Masthay to do a much better job than he has done recently in helping the Packers manage the opponents’ starting field position and this is still a major area of concern.

What’s the bottom line? For a lot of reasons, the Packers need to win this game. The season is not done, however, if they don’t. But getting the ‘Queens at Lambeau, with a distracted (we hope) Brett Favre, and with a healthier (relatively speaking) defense, is a plus. If the Packers offense can just put 4 quarters of consistent effort across, the Pack should take this game. But it will be close. Very close, as most of the games between these two teams are.

I’m calling it 24-23 Packers.

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By Packrphan 

This NFL season for the Green Bay Packers certainly has not unfolded as many if not most folks thought it would coming out of the preseason. The injuries have bordered upon an epidemic of Biblical proportions. The inconsistency of the offense through the first half of the season is frustrating and bewildering. The special teams? Not very special early on, but as of late…not bad at all. And as for the defense, guys should be wearing name tags out there so you know who’s playing on any given weekend. 

And yet, somehow, this team has fought through the adversity, not used excuses, and have gotten tremendous peformances out of guys who might not even be on a NFL roster right now if not for all the Packers’ injuries. Charles Woodson put it this way: “It’s amazing what you can do with some athleticism and good coaching. We’ve got good coaches, so you can stick some guys in there who haven’t been around, and they can get it done.”

That’s just what they did yesterday in the new Meadowlands. Despite the inability of the offense to score a touchdown — even with 1st and goal from the 2-yard line! — the punting of Tim Masthay and the coverage of the punt units gave the Packers the edge in field position all day long. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, tongue in cheek, at his press conference today that Masthay’s punting performance was so good, it “almost makes me want to cry.” Given that the Packers’ punting production over the last several years has been near the bottom of the league, one can only image how giddy McCarthy must feel to have something going for a change in that area.

Anyway, as a result of Masthay’s fine punting and return shutdowns by the coverage unit, the Packers’ no-name defense was able to absorb the occasional big play by the Jets’ reputed high-power offense. The closest the Jets got to scoring all day was a 37-yard field goal attempt that stayed right of the goal posts.

The bottom line was the Packers’ first road shutout since 1991 and only their sixth in the last 50 years. Granted, the Jets helped the Packers all day long with a few dropped passes and, of course, three turnovers. But the Packers’ defense took it to the Jets. Key plays by LB Desmond Bishop, S Charlie Peprah, cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, pressures by LB Clay Matthews and a three-man front, solid play by all the linebackers…all in all, it was a great effort by the Pack’s defensive unit. And another great coaching job by that Conjurer of Lombardi Avenue, defensive coordinator Dom Capers. He’s working magic with the defense, somehow getting production and performances out of players that just shouldn’t be playing this well. But thank goodness they are. It’s the story to the season so far.

Now, if the Packers can — as they well should — win at home on Sunday night against the woeful Dallas Cowboys, they will go into the bye week at 6-3. Who’da thunk it???

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By Packrphan 

The finale of the 2010 NFL preseason takes place for the Green Bay Packers tonight in Kansas City. The 2-1 Packers take on the 0-3 Chiefs and, as always with the preseason, records mean very little. The key thing is for teams to make it through this last game without any significant injuries. Which means we can probably expect starters, especially on the offense, to play about one series before they retire to the sidelines for the rest of the game.

The only ones to whom this game means a lot are those players who are on the bubble…those players who are playing for one of the rare roster spots available on this possible Super Bowl-bound team. And of course, we’re talking the Packers here, not the Chiefs.

The final roster cuts have to be made by 3 p.m. Saturday. All teams need to go from the current 75 to the 53-man roster required for the season. Holy chopping block, Batman! Even head coach Mike McCarthy said this is one of the toughest week’s of the season not only for players but for the coaching staff, as well. They will have to cut players that they’ve worked closely with through the off-season, OTAs, mini-camp and summer training camp. They may even have to cut players who have contributed to the Packers during prior seasons. Can’t be easy for anyone involved.

But that’s what makes this game tonight interesting. Some players are literally playing for their careers, not just roster spots. Among that group one would have to think is the perennially injured DE Justin Harrell. When he hasn’t been injured, he has shown little production on the field. Given some of the other prospects pushing for roster spots, Harrell has to play like an All-Pro tonight to have a chance of saving his spot with the Packers if not in the NFL altogether.

Another player who will be given all the chance in the world tonight to make the squad is first-year free agent WR Jason Chery. While he may get some repetitions at split end to see if he can grab the #5 receiver slot, the plan is for Chery to be showcased tonight as both punt and kick returner. Following his 75-yard punt return last week which got the coaches’ attention, McCarthy wants to see what Chery can do as the designated returner. If he breaks another return for a TD or otherwise acquits himself well, Chery could be another one of the few unheralded players who secures a spot on the team. The Pack has been searching for a reliable return threat since the days of Desmond Howard who, by the way, Chery was unfamiliar with when that name was brought up by media this week as a point of comparison. OK. The kid doesn’t have to know about the former Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP. He just has to hold onto the ball and run for positive yardage. Hopefully, lots of positive yardage ending in the opposite end zone.

Aside from players to watch — which also includes rookies S Sam Shields and LB Frank Zombo (who has to make the team based upon last name alone!) — the coaches will also want to continue to see solid play out of backup QB Matt Flynn, who had a solid performance last week against the Colts. One might also expect to see a lot of play by the backup tight ends tonight. Other than Jermichael Finley and the versatile do-it-all Spencer Havner, will the Pack stick with veteran Donald Lee or opt for youth in the form of either rookie Andrew Quarless or first-year player Tom Crabtree, both of whom have demonstrated potential?

One lingering question for Packer fans, which will carry over to the first game at Philadelphia, is exactly what kind of defense will the Packers have? Due to injury, the Packers have yet to field a complete defensive unit with all starters on board. Coach McCarthy has addressed this situation with the media by saying that extra time and attention will be devoted to getting the #1 defensive unit geared up for the game against the Eagles. They won’t have had the advantage of real-time game reps, but they should be able to get up to speed fairly quickly. At least, that’s the hope.

As for a prediction about tonight’s game…naaaaaah. None necessary. Other than to say watch and see which players are doing their best to grab the golden ring. And which will be catching a ride out of Green Bay come Saturday afternoon via cut or, less likely, trade.

Go Pack Go!!!

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By Packrphan 

Green Bay Packers 31…Minnesota Vikings 3. 

Stick a fork in ’em, Danno…the ‘Queens are done.

What a tremendous victory for the Pack in the Humpty Dump. A place that had often been a house of horrors for the Green ‘n’ Gold instead became exactly that for the guys in the funky purple. Aside from the final score and total domination by the Packers from the 2nd quarter on, the other key indicator to revel in was the passer ratings: Rodgers 141+, Favre 51.2.

Yes, it was a nice game. Is that too understated? Well, let’s see. Wasn’t it nice that coach Mike McCarthy deferred after winning the coin toss and let his defense set the tone with a 3-and-out series against Favre and his offense? Wasn’t it nice not to hear that stupid Viking horn blaring for no apparent reason? Wasn’t it nice to hear the home fans chanting, “Fire Childress” in the 4th quarter? Wasn’t it nice to hear Packers fans — the best in the universe! — chanting, “Go Pack Go” as score after score was tallied up? Wasn’t it nice to see QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Greg Jennings light up the ‘Queens secondary? Wasn’t it nice to see the Packers defense totally shut down Minnesota’s weapons and make Ol’ #4 look like the grampa he is? Wasn’t it nice to see the Packers special teams act somewhat special? Wasn’t it nice to see ‘Queens’ players and coaches going at one another on the sideline? The list could go on and on. Yep, I’d say it was a very nice game indeed.

So, the Pack go to 7-3 on the season, tied with five teams for the second best record in the NFC. We share the division lead with Da Bearz. And we travel to Atlanta to take on the 8-2 Falcons on Sunday. That will be a challenging game, and more on that as actual game time nears.

But let’s just look at where the Packers are right now. Their season point differential is plus-106, 36 points more than the next closest team, the Steelers. During this current four-game winning streak (which Atlanta also has going into the upcoming game), they have been penalized only eight times for 60 yards. And in the turnover margin, the Packers are ahead in that part of the game as well. Finally, in the last three games, the Packers have outscored their opponents 85-10. Holy blowout, Batman!

The offense is rolling. The defense is controlling. Special teams are trolling. (Sorry, got into a goofy rhyming thing there…my bad…)

The Packers are putting the pedal to the metal, and they’re driving to the playoffs. Might still be a few speed bumps on the way. But, man, ya gotta like it. Ya gotta like it.

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