Brandon Jackson Struggling to Pickup Blocking Schemes

[Thunder Muscle]

Packers' Jackson must improve blocking
By Roger Kuznia - SportingNews

I know football players would rather skip training camp altogether, but I for one am glad that August is their month for preparation. How else would we see that Ravens coach Brian Billick is a dead ringer for Cardinals manager Tony La Russa when he has sunglasses on?

Beyond insights like those, the month of August also gives fantasy owners a chance to really identify which players are performing well in camp and could earn starting jobs because of it. But camp also gives players a chance to play their way out of significant roles, which is why I want to talk about Packers rookie running back Brandon Jackson.

Reports from Packers camp say that Jackson has had trouble in pass protection. Such an occurrence is common for rookie running backs, and it can end up costing those players playing time until they fully grasp the system. Blocking schemes are typically more complex in the NFL than in the college ranks, and it is essential to know whom to block at all times. Mess up, and your team could suffer.

If Vernand Morency's knee injury continues to linger into the regular season, don't look for Jackson to be the every-down back until the team is completely comfortable with him in all situations. Noah Herron could get some work. Jackson does have upside because he's joining a team that won its last four games in 2006, but he'll need to "get it" between his ears before he gets the ball with absolute regularity on the field.

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Updated on Saturday, Aug 4, 2007 5:26 pm, EDT