The Ten game put the spotlight on the Pack's main issue - the DL - its ability to stop the run and rush the passer.
With Rodgers to Jennings looking good & Grant showing life & the OL perhaps settling down just like they did about this same time last year - the O is OK. ITs up to the D. And with talent & depth at both DB & LB - its comes down to the DL - especially the interior - and so far it hasn't been pretty - but - perhaps there is reason for hope.
What a shot in the DT arm would an effective Harrell be? He and TT have taken a lot of flak including from me. BUT the slate is clean as far as I am concerned. The past is past. We need a strong and talented and motivated JH to show up. NOW is the time for JH to make at least a solid contribution. He's healthy and said to be in good conditioning and now has 1 game under his belt. IF he can help tighten the run D and continue to give a little push on pass rush it could have a huge impact on the D, the team and on the season. OF COURSE its more than any one guy - but if we are going to remedy our biggest weakness and show improvement in the 2nd half of this season - JH is in the best position to give it.
One (or both) of two others guys could also make a big impact - Montgomery and/or rookie Thompson.
Its the DL or bust.
Pack goes as far as DL takes them - Harrell's chance
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Pack goes as far as DL takes them - Harrell's chance
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eagle13
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Re: Pack goes as far as DL takes them - Harrell's chance
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El Duderino
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Re: Pack goes as far as DL takes them - Harrell's chance
I don't see Harrell being a key factor other than as depth to keep the other tackles fresh. What the defense really needs is to somehow find more pass rush from the defensive line and Harrell isn't skilled in rushing the passer.
In the game vs the Titans, the front four did a solid job vs the run, but they got very little pressure on Collins except for when there was a blitz. If Sanders just rushed four, Collins usually had plenty of time to throw.
Thompson has performed better than i expected, but that is moreso in his ability to not get pushed around against the run. I'd like to see if on pass downs that maybe Hunter can provide some pass rush, but i don't watch practice, so i'd assume if he's not out there on pass downs, the coaches have a reason for that.
Kampman also needs to step up his pass rush. Yea, teams can double or chip him more because we lack interior pass rushers and with Jenkins hurt and KGB gone, we lack a legit pass rushing threat at the other DE spot. That said, Kampman just isn't beating his man as much in years past.
In the game vs the Titans, the front four did a solid job vs the run, but they got very little pressure on Collins except for when there was a blitz. If Sanders just rushed four, Collins usually had plenty of time to throw.
Thompson has performed better than i expected, but that is moreso in his ability to not get pushed around against the run. I'd like to see if on pass downs that maybe Hunter can provide some pass rush, but i don't watch practice, so i'd assume if he's not out there on pass downs, the coaches have a reason for that.
Kampman also needs to step up his pass rush. Yea, teams can double or chip him more because we lack interior pass rushers and with Jenkins hurt and KGB gone, we lack a legit pass rushing threat at the other DE spot. That said, Kampman just isn't beating his man as much in years past.