Many Packers Have Stepped Up While Others Need To Pick Up The Pace
By Chris Havel
The Green Bay Packers’ ascent to a place among the National Football League’s elite isn’t a coincidence.
General manager Ted Thompson selected players in free agency and the draft that he described as “Packer People.” That notion was vague initially, but its definition has since become abundantly clear. Thompson wants players that first and foremost want to play football at the highest level. He wants to be assured that a player’s priority is doing whatever he can to improve his game and help his team win.
That philosophy raised eyebrows during the draft and free agency, but the approach has paid dividends. Young players such as A.J. Hawk, Brady Poppinga, Johnny Jolly, Michael Montgomery, Will Blackmon, Jarrett Bush, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Korey Hall, Jason Spitz and others have delivered when called upon.
However, there are still several areas that need to be tightened up as the Packers prepare for Sunday’s game at St. Louis and beyond. Here are some players that need to elevate their play if the Packers’ ascent is going to continue in the playoffs.
- Corey Williams, defensive tackle: Williams plays in flashes, and when he’s on top of his game he can be a force as a run stopper and inside pass rusher. The only concern here is that Williams finds a way to sustain his high level, and avoid the temptation or habit or whatever it is that sees him relax after a big play. All Williams needs to join the NFL’s upper-level defensive tackles is consistency.
- Al Harris, cornerback: Harris and Charles Woodson are among the NFL’s top cornerback tandems. The only worry is that when Woodson has been out or slowed by injuries, the defensive secondary has taken a big step backward. Harris, one of the defensive leaders, needs to play his style of football with or without Woodson.
- Daryn Colledge, offensive line: Colledge was demoted as the starting left guard but there is precious little time to sulk. Colledge remains key because he is the backup at left tackle should something happen to Chad Clifton. Colledge should know he is always a sprained ankle away from being back on the field and in the lineup. The last time he was benched, he responded with a vengeance. It will be interesting to see if he can do likewise this time around.
- James Jones, receiver: Jones has made some sensational catches and big plays in his rookie season. However, with the cold weather games ahead he needs to utilize his exceptional size and strength to outmaneuver smaller defensive backs. Jones’ best games are still ahead of him, starting with Sunday’s game at St. Louis.
- Ryan Grant, running back: Grant has been the NFL’s leading rusher since Week 9 with no letup in sight. However, Grant needs to pace himself as the playoffs draw near. He relishes collisions and contact but he has to be smart, too. The Packers can’t afford to be without Grant in the playoffs. I’m not suggesting Grant change his style, but I do think Packers coach Mike McCarthy would be wise to work in Vernand Morency and Brandon Jackson a bit more down the stretch.
- Atari Bigby, safety: Bigby’s interception in the Raiders game might be the thing that takes his confidence to a higher level. Bigby has the physical skills and desire to be a very fine safety, but he also needs to be smarter about the way he conducts business. The Packers can’t afford bone-headed penalties in the post-season.
- Koren Robinson, receiver-return specialist: Robinson is only a heartbeat away, or so it feels, from breaking a kick return for a touchdown. He has shown the knack that enabled him to lead the NFL in kick returns two years ago. He also has been a steady contributor in the offense. I just get a sense that Robinson is capable of much more than he has shown thus far, and I won’t be surprised if he delivers in the playoffs.
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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