Packers Need Young Players to Grow up Quickly
By CHRIS HAVEL
When Mike Holmgren addressed his 53-man roster for the first time each season, he would congratulate the young players and offer a not-so-gentle reminder.
They didn’t win a job. They merely won an opportunity.
This wasn’t the time to celebrate, or to relax, but to get to work.
So it is for Packers coach Mike McCarthy’s team as it begins a new season.
Green Bay’s 53-man roster likely will include at least 18 first- or second-year players—including eight starters—that will be expected to play key roles this season. McCarthy would be wise to echo Holmgren’s words as the Packers prepare for their Sept. 9 season opener against Philadelphia.
The Packers’ success hinges to a great degree on its young players.
While Brett Favre is the team’s identity, and the defense its backbone, the first- and second-year players represent its potential. The popular saying used to be that as Brett Favre goes, so go the Packers. Not true.
In 17 seasons, Favre hasn’t changed nearly so much as his surrounding cast, which explains why the Packers have had just one losing season since 1992.
More wins than losses are expected. The only question is how many more? The wildcard is how well the young players perform. The X-factor is how fast they contribute. Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz don’t need to be the second coming of Thurston and Kramer, but they do need to build upon solid rookie seasons. If the running game is going to sprout legs, Colledge, Spitz and center Scott Wells need to make it so.
Second-year pro Greg Jennings proved he is an NFL-caliber starting receiver in 2006. This season, he must prove he can do it over a 16-game schedule. Rookie James Jones flashed in training camp and the exhibition games. He needs to sustain it.
In a single bound, rookie Korey Hall went from Boise State linebacker to Green Bay Packers fullback, and he is being counted on to replace a legend no less. He isn’t going to be compared with Brandon Miree, but instead William Henderson. If Hall is the gamer he appears to be it is an admirable goal.
Brandon Jackson’s task is no less enviable.
Some day, Ahman Green will be recognized as one of the greatest players in Packers history. Some day, Jackson may be able to fill those cleats. Until then, the rookie needs to take it one carry, one catch and one block at a time. He can’t erase 8,162 yards in a single carry, and he shouldn’t try.
A.J. Hawk is going to be the face of the Packers’ franchise, and sooner than later. He has greatness written all over him. It isn’t just a matter of time before he develops into the driving force behind a stifling defense. That time is at hand.
First-round draft pick Justin Harrell isn’t being expected to dominate in the interior defensive line. Neither is second-year pro Johnny Jolly. However, they are expected to be robust links in the eight-man chain gang that has a chance to play run defense as well as any front four in the league.
Brady Poppinga is embarking upon his third season, but I include him because he lost his rookie season to injury. Poppinga may be the Packers’ most improved player since the start of last season. His presence enables Hawk and Nick Barnett to play with a controlled recklessness that can lead to turnovers, three plays and out, and victories.
Cornerback Will Blackmon is being counted on to energize the return game once his fractured left thumb heals, and cornerbacks Jarrett Bush and Tramon Williams need to solidify the Packers’ depth in the all-important secondary. Meantime, rookie Desmond Bishop is being asked to back up one of the top linebacker units in the game. If an injury occurs, it will be Bishop’s task to ensure any drop off is minimal.
Punter Jon Ryan isn’t the type to rest on his laurels, and the pressure will be enormous whether Dave Rayner or Mason Crosby wins the kicking job.
It is a great deal to ask of any player, especially an inexperienced one, and each of these young, talented Packers should be commended for putting themselves in a position to succeed. They also should be reminded that now isn’t the time to celebrate, or to relax, but to get to work.
A new season is at hand—a season that, to a great degree—rests in their hand.
Chris Havel is a freelance writer, best-selling author and host of northeast Wisconsin’s top-rated sports radio talk show, Sports Line, heard Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sports Radio 107.5 FM and 1400 AM THE FAN. He writes a weekly column exclusively for Packers Fan Tours’ Website throughout the 2007 season.
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