Three Takes from Day 1
This week, I give three quick takes from day 1.
Kenny Clark's Green New Deal:
Yesterday was certainly an eventful day for the Packers as Kenny Clark was extended on the first day of practices. This transaction has been expected for quite sometime now as Clark has earned his status as a top defensive tackle in this league during the first four years of his career. Here is a look at Clark’s proficiency during his time in Green Bay: According to pro football focus he ranked 9th among interior lineman with a grade of 90.2, his run grade was 87.0 (good for 12th), and his pass rush grade of 89.3 was good for 6th. Clark’s 4-year $70 million deal looks to be a mutually beneficial deal for both the organization and Clark as he will receive his entire $25 million signing bonus during the first five months of the contract and will be payed $37 million over the first two years of the deal (Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero). Over the next few days we will dive into the particulars of the contract, but congrats to Kenny Clark as he earned every dime of his new deal.
Style Points in Preseason Practices Mean Less than Nothing: (It's all About Progress)
Let’s face it, preseason practices are mostly for the media to attempt to create drama by writing salacious articles (we've all done it) after months of making speculative predictions due to intense offseason boredom. Hopefully, we won’t resort to that this year, but that is highly doubtful as the relationship between Love and Rodgers will be chronicled series by series. I do appreciate the fact that LaFleur was transparent about the battle for playing time on the right side of the offensive line. The bottom line is everyone is aware of the storylines and position group competitions, all that is left to do is for the players to improve every day and take advantage of every opportunity.
It’s Put up or Shut Up Time for MVS and ESB:
Now that Devin Funchess has opted out of the 2020 season, MVS or ESB need to step up and be able to shoulder the load of a number 3 receiver. MVS showed potential early but regressed and faded down the stretch, losing the trust of his quarterback. ESB had a lost season due to injury and must reestablish himself into a new offense. During his rookie year, St. Brown displayed smooth route running, strong hands, slick footwork, and a knack for connecting with Rodgers on some clutch back shoulder throws. If both players can build on the positive aspects of their most recent seasons, the Packers could be set at the wide receiver position for years to come.
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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave
Comments (41)
DragonSilk
August 16, 2020 at 07:53 am
Kinda rooting for MVS to take that No 3 spot and maybe even move to No. 2. It's always nice to have that speed out there that the defense has to account for.
Stroh
August 16, 2020 at 11:13 am
MVS has terrible route running ability and poor ball skills. The only tool he has is speed and he doesn't even understand how to use that to his best effect. He's lucky that Funchess opted out or MVS would probably not make the roster. He has no WR skills to speak of. Find someone else to cheer for. Even working w/ Randy Moss for the past couple offseasons hasn't helped him!
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:16 pm
One can learn route running. Some do some don’t. Personally I’m hoping that he can. You can hope that he doesn’t, but we will be weaker for it.
Stroh
August 16, 2020 at 02:53 pm
2 years now and I've seen no improvement from him whatsoever. Like I said, even working w/ Moss in the offseason hasn't helped him. Lost cause and time to move on IMO. If Funchess hadn't opted out he would be fighting for a roster spot, much less a role. I hope he can, but he's shown no improvement and if anything has only regressed.
Coldworld
August 17, 2020 at 07:52 am
When he came it was known that he had a big jump to make to succeed in the NFL having been able to essentially rely on his speed in a very simple system. That is the reason a tall receiver with his speed was available as late as he was. As we all know, no guarantee that a player can make that jump, but also that it takes time to learn those skills as well. As I said, it’s not proven that he can, but I’m rooting for it because he will be a real asset if he does.
Handsback
August 16, 2020 at 08:03 am
I think the WRs as a unit will be a great story in TC. The Packers are in a very nice position if they really make the run a priority. A QB like Rodgers and some, not over-flowing, but some talent at receiver they will drive teams crazy with their options. It will be interesting to see what is emphasis at TC.
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:17 pm
Interested in the use of Ervin as a receiver on slot routes. If he has the talent, that would be a major plus.
PeteK
August 17, 2020 at 08:31 am
Fully agree, his skill set is a good match for that position, and the added ability to run the ball.
ShooterMcGee
August 16, 2020 at 08:17 am
These takes are not from actually watching practice but just random thoughts. These 3 "hot" takes could have been written from the couch in your underwear. Please tell the truth instead of selling it as if you are there.
NickPerry
August 16, 2020 at 10:05 am
Damn Shooter...Are your undies in a bunch? Just no reason for that IMO. Are you paying for this site? If not why be so critical? Just my thoughts, not trying to create and pissing match or conjure up insults like so many jump to for asking one simple question...Why?
BTW...He very well could have been in his undies on a sofa. After all, not to long ago I was working from home myself.
ShooterMcGee
August 16, 2020 at 11:27 am
It just seems disingenuous to me. Honestly I read somewhere that Beggleton had a great practice so I clicked on the article expecting to read more about it. I realize it's a free site and writers are probably not compensated for their work. Nevertheless some journalistic integrity should be maintained.
Perhaps I am completely wrong about this I readily admit. Maybe websites with volunteer staff should be given some slack. I do appreciate their work and enthusiasm as well as your feedback. Stay safe my friends.
Thegreatreynoldo
August 16, 2020 at 04:45 pm
One of the media guys tweeted good things about Begelton: I think it was Matt Schneidman. See my article on the Practice Round-Up. Note that it is a simple compilation of tweets from media persons in attendance at practice, not my analysis or opinions.
https://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/2020-practice-round-up-day-1-august-15-716
mrtundra
August 16, 2020 at 08:37 am
I've read that MVS had a nice 40+ yd reception from Boyle at camp. Lazard caught a nice pass from ARod for a TD. Love threw a TD pass to Kumerow. Both Boyle's throw to MVS and ARod's throw to Lazard had Josh Jackson in coverage. Jackson is one guy who really needs to step up, this camp.
Oppy
August 16, 2020 at 10:27 am
There were two other "camp highlights" from no-name WRs that featured Jackson in coverage as well.
Not a great first day of camp for a young man I was really pulling for to flip the switch and see the light come on.
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:20 pm
It does appear that he is getting a lot of snaps and thus opportunity for the light to go on though. Would suggest that the team shares your view.
PeteK
August 16, 2020 at 09:37 am
Back shoulder throws , I miss you, a thing of beauty. Forget passing the ball. Did everyone see Dillons tree trunks? Add in his explosive power and we might have found our Mr inside. Not that there's anything wrong with getting excited about a man's legs. LOL
NickPerry
August 16, 2020 at 10:13 am
LOL... Nice post PeteK... Not to mention the dude has some speed. For a guy that size with those legs to run a 4.53 and jump a 41 inch vertical? This guy is MADE for December football at Lambeau. Can't wait to see him for a 4th and one in a meaningful situation. I'll bet he converts, either through them or over them, but he'll convert.
splitpea1
August 16, 2020 at 11:10 am
Definitely a low center of gravity, that's for sure...tailor-made for churning through the humanity in short yardage situations...I think "through" will be his preferred route.
marpag1
August 16, 2020 at 11:34 am
I would argue that the art of being a short yardage back is the art of finding the crease, much more than it is the ability to run dudes over.
Since'61
August 16, 2020 at 12:21 pm
Agree Marpag1, especially at the NFL level.
Thanks, Since ‘61
CheesyTex
August 16, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Agree with both of you, but...
It sure feels good to have a back with that size that can hit the hole quickly.
If I remember correctly, force = mass * acceleration. It seems only logical that Dillon, with his greater mass and acceleration, will be harder to stop in short yardage situations than any back we have seen in GB for decades.
Stroh
August 16, 2020 at 02:46 pm
Not really decades. You describe Ahman Green from a little more than a decade ago. Ahman was the best short yardage RB in the NFL for a few years in the early 2000's. 220 lbs and his speed and acceleration were unmatched. Not to mention he was a very physical RB who punished would-be tacklers.
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:22 pm
Bit of both surely, for short yardage, a small crease and the recognition to exploit it coupled with the power to break through.
Turophile
August 16, 2020 at 10:49 am
Do you remember Berry Sanders ? Of course you do, he was THE RB I most loved to watch.
Barry was only 5'8" but he had really, really thick thighs which allowed him to break tackles and even more impressive, because he would sidestep anyone who tried to crash him with a big hit, he forced defenders into just going for the wrap up tackle. That allowed him occasionally to actually step backwards, out of the grip of the tackler trying to drag him down.
I'm not trying to say Dillon will be Barry (he's 4" taller for a start), but if he can be elusive enough to avoid the big hits, he has the kind of power to rip away from wrap tackles (not to mention push the pile on short yardage plays).
13TimeChamps
August 16, 2020 at 10:35 am
I keep hearing about Dillon's massive legs. Any reports of him ripping off any decent runs yesterday?
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:23 pm
I heard no reports of any runs whatsoever
13TimeChamps
August 16, 2020 at 02:46 pm
Thanks
13TimeChamps
August 17, 2020 at 08:34 am
Two down votes for saying thanks...lol
PeteK
August 17, 2020 at 05:05 pm
Ignore it. Trolls are serving their dishes cold.
Qoojo
August 16, 2020 at 11:30 am
It is going to be disappointing this year that we only get to read the hype without the preseason game deflation or equalizer, which means we only get to hear about flashes of great plays and the bad ones, then some stats for the 1 on 1 pass rush drills.
I kind of enjoyed watching preseason games looking for the potential next player up, and judging relative depth.
marpag1
August 16, 2020 at 11:31 am
"Let’s face it, preseason practices are mostly for the media to attempt to create drama by writing salacious articles."
I honestly think that this might be the dumbest thing ever printed on CHTV.
Since'61
August 16, 2020 at 12:23 pm
I’m just hoping for no injuries and no COVID-19 among the Packers.
It would be great to reach Week 1 at 100%. Thanks, Since ‘61
Coldworld
August 16, 2020 at 02:25 pm
Wonder how good Leglue is as a long snapper: could we have a battle on our hands?
Thegreatreynoldo
August 16, 2020 at 04:49 pm
Ryan Wood tweeted that Leglue's snaps weren't bad. Crosby went 8 of 9 with a miss from 45.
Did no one see the Practice Round-Up article?
Spock
August 16, 2020 at 03:59 pm
Who the heck would down vote this????? Honestly, some people just have to be haters. :(
mbpacker
August 16, 2020 at 12:40 pm
Of course I am rooting for every single player out there. The competition will only make everyone better. They are all professionals at this level, and am sure they each know what they must do for themselves and for the team .Go Pack Go!
PackerBacker84
August 16, 2020 at 02:33 pm
First time poster. Glad to be apart of this conversation and many more moving forward. I’m thankful we can receive any information at this point, albeit speculation and hypothetical scenarios. Jackson was involved on a few “splash” plays from the entire offense. One TD pass Rodgers just made a “Rodgers” throw. Still entirely too early to rule anyone out. Once pads go on, that’s when it matters.
Spock
August 16, 2020 at 04:03 pm
Welcome PackerBacker84! I read about that Rodgers' pass and noted it was one of the ones that Josh Jackson had good coverage on, just couldn't beat a "Rodgersesque" perfect pass. So I'd give Jackson a "pass" on that one, lol.
DraftHobbyist
August 16, 2020 at 09:02 pm
MVS did put up when he wasn't injured.
Johnblood27
August 16, 2020 at 11:16 pm
take a moment to look up the physical measurables and college production of both AJ Dillon and...
wait for it...
Earl Campbell!
really, look it up. I did and posted it elsewhere, so im not gonna do it again here, but even the tackles broken and yards after contact are almost identical.
we may have an all-time great on our hands.
PeteK
August 17, 2020 at 08:25 am
That would be great, we can dream.