Know The Enemy: Green Bay Packers

by Bernie19Kosar on Aug 11, 2011 11:49 PM EDT

Browns and the Packers are set to get underway Saturday night, so we here at DBN reached out to Packers SB website Acme Packing Company to ask a few questions. Luckily, Evan "Tex" Western was able to answer a few questions for us as well. Be sure to head over to APC answer any questions they may ask.

1. Are the Packers really that good, or did they just get hot at the right time?

Yes to both. This team had two must-win games at the end of the regular season to sneak into the NFC playoffs as the 6-seed, and really found their stride during that final portion of the season. But they were in that position because they had trouble early in the season adjusting to injuries. The Packers lost a few games that were very winnable in the first six weeks (back-to-back OT losses @ Washington and vs. Miami), but my belief is that it was an adjustment period for the players and the coaching staff with several starters going down to injury. Once the new starters got acclimated to their new roles, the creativity of the coaching staff allowed the Pack to become a great team. Combine the return of these players with great coaching and one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and I see no reason why they can't compete for a 14th NFL championship.

2. Is Tramon Williams better than Charles Woodson right now?

Most of us at APC would argue that Williams is the better "true cover corner" at this point. But this doesn't give the picture of what Woodson brings to the defense, and he's probably still a better all-around player - in fact, this was one of the major arguments for Chuck winning the DPOY in 2009 over Darrelle Revis. Woodson is truly Dom Capers' jack of all trades, and in 2010 he lined up for over 300 snaps at left corner, over 500 in the slot, and almost 100 at safety. Woodson's open-field tackling might be the best of any DB in the league, and he's a turnover machine. However, Williams has better physical skills right now, and with his intangibles benefiting from Chuck's tutelage, he is quickly approaching "shutdown corner" caliber.

3. Is Ryan Grant still the "go-to guy" in GB?

I'd love to say I know the answer to this one, but the truth is that nobody really knows how the carries will be split up in the Green Bay backfield. Grant claimed he was healthy enough to play during the playoffs, but was a victim of the Injured Reserve rules and a roster crunch earlier in the season. He's certainly the most established running back, but he's never been known much as a receiver or blocker. James Starks was a playoff hero after spending much of the year on the PUP list, and has excellent size and ability, but he's still rather raw. Third-down back Brandon Jackson is now in Cleveland, as you well know, so blocking and receiving duties may be split among FB John Kuhn (a cult hero in Wisconsin) and rookie Alex Green. Ultimately I think that with a healthy stable of talented running backs, Mike McCarthy will likely find ways to get all of them involved in the game plan, and I foresee a fantasy football player's worst nightmare: Running Back by Committee.

4. How does your team and fanbase view the Cleveland Browns?

I can't speak for other fans personally, but I sense no animosity towards the Browns among Packers fans. I actually moved to Columbus about a year ago, and the Packers bar in town doubles as a Browns bar, so I know many Cleveland fans, and both fan bases tend to like each other. Plus you have the Joe Thomas factor. We Wisconsinites love to see former Badgers succeed in the NFL (when not wearing Bears or Vikings uniforms, of course), and Thomas is certainly the best Wisconsin alumnus in the league right now. Finally, the fact that Cleveland is a blue-collar city endears it and its fans to Wisconsin and Green Bay fans, as we share a similar work ethic and attitude.

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Comments

I should have started an Ask A Browns Fan fanpost just so I could not answer a question.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Aug 11, 2011 11:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

haha smart ass

My dog is a badass. His name is Kosar.

by Brownie's Year on Aug 12, 2011 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I totally thought that was a glitch.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 12, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope. My question just sat there for a 2 and a half days as APC responded to the joke questions. So I figures, hell, I’ll give it a try.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Aug 12, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

what the packers represent is what the browns could be. they play the 3-4, which is also the browns traditional defense. up front they have some real dawgs, to include raji, whom I strongly advocated drafting, when we were clearly in position to snatch this talent. they have lots of athletic linebackers well suited to make the middle of the field an unwelcoming space. their db’s last year were quick and strong, not shutdown, but on the contrary, quite willing to engage any challengers. Bigby represents a loss. as potent as Rogers was, they won the super bowl based on merit of a staunch defense. Saine could be dangerous, otherwise they need to vett their new acquisitions into name recognition. apart from envy for browns like defense, I’m sure it’s much more adequate to make such a team a rival, even if it does not bode well for said bar. to win, I suggest we slam it up the middle with an I-formation, and take them apart midfield through a receiver blocking for other receivers to become open schematic. we have a strong TE core, and I suggest implementing the double slot with Little and Cribbs for a physical short range passing attack.

by mooncamping on Aug 12, 2011 3:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Bigby didn’t start a single game last year.

Tramon Williams is definitely becoming a shutdown CB, if he isn’t one already. I agree the rest are really fast playmakers though. You already know about Charles Woodson. Nickelback Sam Shields is the fast player on the team and he played VERY WELL last year.

How confident is the Browns fanbase in its defense? You guys made the switch back to the 4-3. Do you think your D will improve, be the same, or take a step back?

2011 Super Bowl Champs!

by Jabooty on Aug 12, 2011 9:01 AM EDT up reply actions

The opinions around here differ on the defense, (just like everything else with the exception of Joe Thomas) I think we will take a bit of a step back this year.

cautiously realistic

by North Coast Flea on Aug 12, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I will agree with NCF by saying he’s wrong, we will be better.

by HenryDawg on Aug 12, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

We also all agree that Braylon Edwards still sucks.

by HenryDawg on Aug 12, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Good point.

cautiously realistic

by North Coast Flea on Aug 12, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I think well be more “good” when were clicking, but we’ll misfire more often. I think by the end of the year though as everything starts to gel we will have seen a net improvement in our defense.

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think our D takes a step back. Getting D’Qwell Jackson back helps, especially in a 4-3. Our secondary should be pretty good. But a lot is riding on rookies Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard, as well as gargantuan (but inexperienced) DE Jayme Mitchell.

If those three can rush the passer and stop the running games of pittsburgh and baltimore, our defense will be outstanding. I am not holding my breath.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 12, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t you think well have a better pass rush and run-stopping dine than last year though?

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

i think our D-line will be better, and the DBs should all be pretty solid, but i’m worried about the middle of our field. i foresee a lot of 6-12 yard passes in the middle of our D.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Why?I feel like our LBs are decent in coverage and our secondary is sturdy enough.

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I am worried Gocong will be exposed in coverage.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Exposed in coverage. That seems to be a bit of an oxymoron.

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."
— Winston S. Churchill

by JustBob on Aug 16, 2011 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I love our LBs as long as they stay healthy.

by HenryDawg on Aug 12, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

i’m okay with our starters but keeping Fujita, Jackson, and Gocong healthy throughout the entire season is near to impossible. i still have to see how our backups can play until i get comfortable with their ability.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

i’m okay with our starters but keeping Fujita, Jackson, and Gocong healthy throughout the entire season is near to impossible.

My thoughts exactly. And besides just staying healthy, they need to take some downs off, and beside Maiava, I am not optimistic at all about any of our backups. But who knows? Another Benard or Roth may fall into our laps.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Aug 12, 2011 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Both Mangini and Holmgren have liked Titus Brown, I am hoping he shows flashes in the preseason.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:12 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m pretty sure Gocong sucks.

by Bernie19Kosar on Aug 12, 2011 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he’s breaking out this year. He consistently made plays in the backfield last year and he was always the one guy who never stopped trying to tackle, unlike several other players who are no longer wearing orange and brown.

by HenryDawg on Aug 12, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

He consistently made plays in the backfield last year

I like Gocong, but I don’t think anyone on our defense did this last year.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Aug 13, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Pass rush, yes. Run stopping…it’s hard for me to even make a prediction before we see what the scheme is going to be. Player for player I think we’re worse at stopping the run, but I think switching to the 4-3 might help (depending on what we ask people to do specifically).

But limiting things to the DL specifically is a bit misleading, as different things are asked of DL and LBs in both systems.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:10 AM EDT up reply actions

we got two pieces for a 4-3 admittedly, in Taylor and Sheard, for them it should be a trial by fire, pace yourself, eat your porridge. for solidity I would line up Smith and Paxson on the other side. I prefer we control the rush before we let the dawgs off the leash. a pass rush only makes sense if you find the middle ground, the stressful fringe between doing so and not, that ensues when you put a premium on outside containment.
I still would pick up Joe Joseph.
I know it hasn’t been Browns policy in recent years to sign training camp invitees, especially LBs. I do suggest Coach Shurmur assert himself, having discerned that we have two good ones in camp, in Eric Gordon and Brian Smith, both from traditional schools, with starting pedigrees and flawless records. Maiava should also benefit from the fresh scrutiny a new coach affords. I have no cofidence in the DBs at this point. The DBs will get burnt because they aren’t physical enough to shake things up front. Ward is the undisputed champ back there, I’d pencil him in. once again, coach, please use your own judgement regarding Piscatelli for the other safety slot, he’s been wronged. Letting Elam escape was idiotic for any continuity to follow, the football gods will punish this blunder. So Packers guy, I say our final playing strength will depend on GM Heckert’s willingness to dip into this old club’s resourcefulness, and coach Shurmur emancipting himself from the suit Holmgren, and getting involved on the perilous personnel side of things.

by mooncamping on Aug 13, 2011 5:16 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

pace yourself, eat your porridge.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions

i’m a Browns diehard, but i’ve always respected Green Bay a great deal.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

Same here. When I was a kid I got a Packers jersey / uniform (pads and all) when I was a kid with Bart Starr’s #15.
My St. Louis Cardinals always came first of course – til Bidwell bailed out and packed up for Arizona.
Since then I’ve followed the Packers on and off over the years. Always respected their organization.

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Aug 12, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions

You know Bart Starr didn’t even start his senior season at Alabama?

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Wasn’t aware of that.

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Aug 12, 2011 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah the coach was awful

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

They stopped the Steelers from winning another god damn Super Bowl. That automatically makes me love them.

"Quote goes here."

by Adrock2099 on Aug 12, 2011 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 16 recs

I cannot rec this comment enough. All the “Stairway to seven” billboards around here were driving me nuts.

cautiously realistic

by North Coast Flea on Aug 12, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Much agreed.

by UnSafe 70 on Aug 12, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

My thoughts exactly.

by Happybluebird on Aug 12, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

the irony that this comment turned green, as i’m green with envy that it wasn’t the Browns dethroning the Steelers instead of the Packers.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I love the Browns with all my heart but our roster
is so awful right now we may not win a single game this year. I feel like we couldnt have done worse this off season if the Steelers were making our decisions for us. It seriously seems Holmgren and Heckert are purposely sabotaging us! In NO way are we better than last year and in a rebuilding effort that is the only thing to measure against.

by MCReal on Aug 12, 2011 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

H&H picked up some D-linemen, which we desperately needed. Sure we could use some better options at WR and LB, but we have a good O-line, good DBs, good TEs, 1.5 good RBs (Hardesty is still running under the caution light) and hopefully a decent QB. And as for LB depth, we should be able to get some guts when the roster cuts commence. There’s a limit to how much you can rebuild in one year.

"... you slay the chicken and you crack the egg ..." - Moon

by JustBob on Aug 12, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

at this point the LBs are my only huge concern. there are minor ones elsewhere like our D-line, our starting WRs and the right side of our O-line, but we’re no where near as bad as this nut is claiming. at worst we’ll be the same 5-11 we were last year but i still expect a 7-9 season, maaaybe 8-8.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

You’re ridiculous.

"It is unlikely that anyone has ever read Nietzsche or Derrida and has been inspired to open a soup kitchen"

by troy145 on Aug 12, 2011 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

rec

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Aug 12, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Defensive line- lose Rogers and Williams
Defensive backs- lose Elam and Wright
Linebacker- lose Roth and Trusnick

LOSE ROB RYAN!!!!!!!

Nothing we did during this offseason can make up for these losses!!
We tried to make up for this and completely neglected the offense! They should have left the D as was and used the draft for other things. Now with our young guys we can hope to have D like we had last year 2 years from now!!

by MCReal on Aug 12, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

The only player that is a big loss is Wright. Rogers can’t get on the field, I can’t for the life of me remember who Williams is, Elam was okay, Roth had no place on the team and Trusnick was a special teamer.

The Browns’ D last year was average, but the personnel wasn’t anything special. It succeeded because Ryan masked their ineptitude with creative blitzes. Also they couldn’t defend a screen pass to save their life. Just thinking about that MJD screen makes me mad.

Don’t get attached to average players. Time to move on. This is Fujita, Haden, Ward, Taylor and Sheard’s defense now.

by C.b.I on Aug 12, 2011 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Dawg Nuts was right this guy is shroomin hardcore. get him some water.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions

What Williams are you talking about? Rogers was good but old and couldn’t play much longer. Replacing him with Taylor is fine.
Elam sucked, losing Wright hurts but it’s not that bad
Roth and Trusnick both suck

Rob Ryan is not a good DC.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Aug 13, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions

he meant Corey Williams who we cut in last seasons offseason. he played for Detroit last year. rufio and i mention this below, but i don’t blame you for missing it because MCReal failed to use the reply button a couple times as rufio pointed out.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 13, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Rob Ryan is not a good DC.

Booooooooooo

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Aug 13, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Jason Trusnik?!?!?

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Aug 13, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

You know what? You made me feel a little bit better. Im just frustrated by the lack of moves and I just hope we can compete a little bit this year.

by MCReal on Aug 12, 2011 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Corey Williams… We spent a 2nd rounder in a trade for him in the Savage days and he would fit the 4-3 better than the 3-4

by MCReal on Aug 12, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

yeah we definitely didn’t have Corey Williams last year. we cut him after 2009 and last season he played for Detroit. sure he played pretty well for them last year as a full-time starter, but now he’s gonna back-up a rookie on that 4-3 line we have. so gain some perspective.

not many around here seriously expects us to be in playoff contention, but it’s very unlikely we’ll be as bad as you and most of the media claim us to be. 0-16 is very difficult to do in this league as there has only been one team to do it in NFL history. we play Cincinnati twice, Miami, Tennessee, Seattle, Jacksonville, Oakland, San Fransisco, and Arizona this year. those are all teams we should have a pretty good chance to beat compared to the rest of our schedule and other teams in the league.

Yvan Eht Nioj.

by Brownsbacker488 on Aug 12, 2011 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions