My take is the article has facts as to how the slot position is utilized but the comments on how the Packers will rotate their people is based on what coaches and players are saying rather than from observations made in camp and preseason. Perhaps I'm being too cynical, but I think the comments from the team that they are going to rotate people into the slot more is coach-speak for, Driver's getting old, lost a step and we need to work guys in to see what we have and figure out who our new slot receiver will be. My impression is when there's an aging stud at a position and coaches talk about moving them around to better use their versatility or for match-ups, then that vet isn't going to be around much longer.
My prediction is that the team is looking for a WR, Jordy Nelson (based on his mention in the article), to win the job from Driver. And Finely will get put in the slot a few plays a game, improving his stats. I don't think Jennings will get the slot because if that was going to happen it would have happened a season or two ago.
I've heard literally nothing out of Green Bay to indicate that the coaches are looking for Jones or Nelson to take Driver's place in the starting lineup. Period. From all accounts, Driver continues to look great.
The pack just gave Driver an
extension and a bunch of cash. Any thought that Driver is not the #1/2 receiver on the team has no basis in reality.
That is not how a team deals with a player they think someone will replace.
That extension was signed in 2007. (ok, your link is to the current contract now) I dismiss your reality and substitute my own.
Rotoworld Aug. 10 - 10:14 pm et
Donald Driver's two-year extension averages just $4.5 million in 2011 and 2012, and doesn't include any guaranteed money in future years.
It's a terrific deal for the Pack. Driver received an initial roster bonus of $5M, but his future earnings are all non-guaranteed with a $4.1 million salary in 2011 and $5 million available in 2012, including a non-guaranteed $2.2M roster bonus. If Driver hits the wall at age 35 coming off dual knee surgeries, the Packers will be able to cut him next offseason without any monetary loss.
Coach Mike McCarthy indicated that a calf injury recently suffered by Donald Driver may be related to Driver's surgically repaired knees.
"I don't know what it is," said McCarthy. "It's just tight."
Driver had to sit out Green Bay's Saturday scrimmage, and wasn't healthy enough to practice on Monday. It'll be a concern if the injury lingers deep into preseason.
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/100319654.html
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel believes Donald Driver's role on offense may decrease this season despite his contract extension.
The Journal-Sentinel has hinted at this on numerous occasions over the last few months. If the Packers want their 35-year-old receiver to last through the end of the extension (2012), they'll have to scale back Driver's snaps. Jordy Nelson and James Jones remain deserving of more playing time.
Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/100167979.html
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I should have clarified, that I predict the change is coming, may not happen during this season but next season he might be gone, depends on how Nelson or Jones develop. I think that's why the rotation at the slot position, the team is looking to see if they need to retain Driver or to go with a younger player. That's why Driver has a cut friendly salary for 2011 and beyond. Nelson and Jones should get a good bit of slot time this year and in 2011 (if Driver is still around) to see if the Pack will retain Driver.
