Morency now listed as Packers' starting RB on official depth chart (1 Viewer)

[NYCGangGreen]

http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/default.aspx

Wednesday post-practice update

By Tom Silverstein

Wednesday, Sep 5 2007, 02:41 PM

Running backs Vernand Morency (knee) and Brandon Jackson (concussion) both practiced in pads for the second time this week, but they were listed as having "limited" practice time. Wide receiver Donald Driver (foot) also practiced in pads and was limited.

The NFL has changed its injury report format so that teams don't have to list players as probable, questionable, doubtful or out until Friday (unless they're definitely out in which case they have to do it on Wednesday). All the teams have to do is list what players didn't practice or were limited.

Jackson, it would appear, is ready to start against Philadelphia, but coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't say for certain that he had been cleared and said he didn't want to reveal any specifics to the Eagles. The big mystery probably is Morency, who despite practicing still has to show that his knee is healthy enough to be able to last an entire game. McCarthy said he was interested in seeing Thursday how Morency's knee responded to another day of practice.

deja vu of #92

 

[WarRedbirds]

Summary of this thread: Nobody really knows.

That's why they play the game I guess...

 

[TheBradyBunch]

http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/default.aspx

Wednesday post-practice update

By Tom Silverstein

Wednesday, Sep 5 2007, 02:41 PM

Running backs Vernand Morency (knee) and Brandon Jackson (concussion) both practiced in pads for the second time this week, but they were listed as having "limited" practice time. Wide receiver Donald Driver (foot) also practiced in pads and was limited.

The NFL has changed its injury report format so that teams don't have to list players as probable, questionable, doubtful or out until Friday (unless they're definitely out in which case they have to do it on Wednesday). All the teams have to do is list what players didn't practice or were limited.

Jackson, it would appear, is ready to start against Philadelphia, but coach Mike McCarthy wouldn't say for certain that he had been cleared and said he didn't want to reveal any specifics to the Eagles. The big mystery probably is Morency, who despite practicing still has to show that his knee is healthy enough to be able to last an entire game. McCarthy said he was interested in seeing Thursday how Morency's knee responded to another day of practice.

deja vu of #92

D'oh! I just wanted to post once in a Vernand Morency thread...before it's too late!

 

[Traders2001]

Summary of this thread: Nobody really knows.That's why they play the game I guess...

Yes sir that s exactly why they play the game , may the best man be the starter ( We shall see on Sundays )

 

[switz]

Jackson was drafted to be the starter. He's the guy the Packers want to take the starting job and run with it.

Ummm... nope.

Based on all the conversations I've had with people who either work in the organization or are close to it the answer is yes. You're free to disagree. That's cool.

I love the "inside info" card... but I'll disagree.

What is your stance based on?

Stubborness and ego.Switz wants Jackson to fail because he thinks Jackson is a no talent bum.Or at least that was his stance during the offseason.

Hey I resemble that remark...In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust.

 

[Traders2001]

Jackson was drafted to be the starter. He's the guy the Packers want to take the starting job and run with it.

Ummm... nope.

Based on all the conversations I've had with people who either work in the organization or are close to it the answer is yes. You're free to disagree. That's cool.

I love the "inside info" card... but I'll disagree.

What is your stance based on?

Stubborness and ego.Switz wants Jackson to fail because he thinks Jackson is a no talent bum.Or at least that was his stance during the offseason.

Hey I resemble that remark...In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust.

Link . taht s BS . it s totally normal for a rookie to have problems in pass protection and learning the system .It does nt mean he will be a bust , what about Lynch and his 1.5 ypc in pre season is he for sure a bust no we have to wait and let them get used to the NFL then we can say if they will be a bust or not .I am pretty sure you were of those making fun of LJ in his first two season he turned out ok .

 

[kremenull]

If I were a Packer fan, I'd be calling for the GM's head. You (Packers) had a chance to add LJ for potentially a 1st Rd this year and a high pick next year, maybe another 1st or a 2nd, or M.Turner at a lesser price (probably a 1st this year may have gotten it done, or simply adding a 4th-5th for next year to the deal).

So now some 5 months after the draft, wouldn't you rather have LJ or Turner than J.Harrell (a major reach at 16)? Even departing with the extra picks would have been worth it to get one of these stud RBs to add to a very nice/underrated DEF and Favre/Driver. In the weak NFC, you're talking contender if that move would have been made. Some of these GMs, Thompson isn't the only one, fall too much in love with these draft picks and don't express the urgency that is required to be really successful in the "WIN NOW" environment of the NFL.

Next year could be a year too late as this could very well be Favre's last stand. Should've got "off the pot" and made the move for this year Thompson, and for that, you may have to leave the bldg.

 

[NoFBinLA]

The bigger question to everyone...Does anyone really see top10 potential this season from either one of these RB? Serviceable as an RB3/4 or bye week filler is the best I would think you can hope for. Nothing you can count on every week.

I would say dead on there MOP. Sure they COULD surprise, but I tend to think Jackson is at least a year away and Morency has shown us what he is capable of and it's not a top ten back.Interesting side note was a comment someone posted from John Clayton at a Fantasy Football convention or something about a week or two back - that Jackson is a Tatum Bell type RB - he wears down after 15 or so carries.Has anyone seen or heard anything to confirm that? Cause I haven't. but it's worth noting.

 

[stbugs]

This is the mess Thompson created and it's one that could very well undercut the Packers' season.

This is such a load of crap. Can we have a thread where Thompson doesn't get bashed? The guy spent three draft picks on running backs this year. Plus he traded for one last year. Can we stop with the BS about him doing nothing to help the RB situation. Please.

There's a difference between making moves and making the right moves. I like Morency but I hardly view him as a 20-25 carry a game RB. The questions about Jackson have been well documented. It's one thing to go out and acquire five running backs; it's quite another to find the one (or two) who will be the anchor of your team's running game.The running game is BY FAR the biggest question mark surrounding the Packers this season. Nothing else comes close. Given the massive questions that surround the running game, it's more than fair to question the moves made by the person who assembled the RB corps.

He spent 3 draft picks, including a second, on RBs and still didn't get the RB position solidified. Tennessee did the same with their second round pick and that did nothing for them.

The position isn't 'solidified' because the four top guys all suffered injuries. If you saw that coming, more power to you. You can question the guys he brought in if you'd like. That's fine. But the fact is, the top four guys they were counting on at RB all got hurt. Period. That has nothing to do with Thompson. He brought in guys he thought could help, and because of injury, we don't know if that's the case or not.

Injury has nothing to do with it. I just think that GB and Tennessee should have gone harder at Turner and solidified the position of need. Instead they both reached in the 2nd for RBs that may succeed. No one really knows if Turner is an uber stud, but to a lot of people he is and I think it would have been worth it to grab. I don't think either Morency or Jackson have that potential and so as someone else mentioned, they might end up drafting even more RBs next year as well. Sometimes you should just pay the bigger price once and get it done with instead of spending more by nickle and diming it every year.Think about it this way. Denver traded Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey. I know Champ Bailey has a bit more of a resume than Turner, but Denver could have also thought about trading Portis for a high draft pick and gotten Deangelo Hall or Dunta Robinson (not sure if correct year). I think Denver did the right thing and Tennessee/GB did the wrong thing. Having an NFL player who is a lot more known of a quantity is a lot better than drafting a guy like Jackson/Henry who may never end up being a starter. Jackson/Henry might end up being all-pros, but there is a good chance that they are below average starters as well and the teams will still be searching for better players every year.

 

[stbugs]

If I were a Packer fan, I'd be calling for the GM's head. You (Packers) had a chance to add LJ for potentially a 1st Rd this year and a high pick next year, maybe another 1st or a 2nd, or M.Turner at a lesser price (probably a 1st this year may have gotten it done, or simply adding a 4th-5th for next year to the deal). So now some 5 months after the draft, wouldn't you rather have LJ or Turner than J.Harrell (a major reach at 16)? Even departing with the extra picks would have been worth it to get one of these stud RBs to add to a very nice/underrated DEF and Favre/Driver. In the weak NFC, you're talking contender if that move would have been made. Some of these GMs, Thompson isn't the only one, fall too much in love with these draft picks and don't express the urgency that is required to be really successful in the "WIN NOW" environment of the NFL. Next year could be a year too late as this could very well be Favre's last stand. Should've got "off the pot" and made the move for this year Thompson, and for that, you may have to leave the bldg.

Harrell may be a great pick, but maybe he is still there where Jackson got selected? Or maybe there is another DT just a shade below Harrell that would have been there as well.Based on Favre's age, the defense being picked as surprising and 8-8 last year being somewhat of a surprise, why wouldn't you go after a guy who you know could step right in and produce. If you make a mistake with a rookie, you may have just blown the window because you valued your 1st round pick so much.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Traders2001, are you drunk?

Either that, or you type with oven mitts on your hands...

 

[switz]

In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.

Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust.

Link . taht s BS . it s totally normal for a rookie to have problems in pass protection and learning the system .It does nt mean he will be a bust , what about Lynch and his 1.5 ypc in pre season is he for sure a bust no we have to wait and let them get used to the NFL then we can say if they will be a bust or not .

I am pretty sure you were of those making fun of LJ in his first two season he turned out ok .

Haha... LJ _was_ a bust his first season, at least from FF perspective. Even on the field he didn't show much. But anyway...here's at least one

"We struggled in the preseason running the ball; that's the only way to put it," backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "One guy didn't really emerge. I think Vernand Morency would have been the guy if he had been healthy, and he's hopefully going to come back this week. One of those backs needs to take the lead, because it's for real now."

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

Traders2001, are you drunk?Either that, or you type with oven mitts on your hands...

Sorry for the hijack, but this has been bothering me for a while now - after noticing how strange some of his grammar is, my guess is that he's English as a second language...but I'd love to know for sure.

 

[switz]

Traders2001, are you drunk?Either that, or you type with oven mitts on your hands...

Sorry for the hijack, but this has been bothering me for a while now - after noticing how strange some of his grammar is, my guess is that he's English as a second language...but I'd love to know for sure.

My guess is he's around 12 years old. That's not meant as an insult, I just figure that's why he is the way he is.

 

[Billy1x]

Jackson was drafted to be the starter. He's the guy the Packers want to take the starting job and run with it.

Ummm... nope.

Based on all the conversations I've had with people who either work in the organization or are close to it the answer is yes. You're free to disagree. That's cool.

I love the "inside info" card... but I'll disagree.

What is your stance based on?

Stubborness and ego.Switz wants Jackson to fail because he thinks Jackson is a no talent bum.Or at least that was his stance during the offseason.

Hey I resemble that remark...In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust. He finished the season with 1605 yards(4.8 yd averge) in 15 games - tje for

We will know soon but I'm betting Jackson is going to shine. I remember calling Ottis Anderson a bust as he averaged 2-3 yards a carry in his rookie pre-season (1979). Then came game 1 against the Dallas Cowboys and I booed him coming out of the locker room. He ran for 193 yards and then went on to become the first rookie running back ever to average 100 yards per game (1605 yards) and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, NFL Rookie of the Year and All-Pro.Not saying history will repeat but its way way to early to be calling Jackson a bust.

 

[Skinsfansince72]

Jackson was drafted to be the starter. He's the guy the Packers want to take the starting job and run with it.

Ummm... nope.

Based on all the conversations I've had with people who either work in the organization or are close to it the answer is yes. You're free to disagree. That's cool.

I love the "inside info" card... but I'll disagree.

What is your stance based on?

Stubborness and ego.Switz wants Jackson to fail because he thinks Jackson is a no talent bum.Or at least that was his stance during the offseason.

Hey I resemble that remark...In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust. He finished the season with 1605 yards(4.8 yd averge) in 15 games - tje for

We will know soon but I'm betting Jackson is going to shine. I remember calling Ottis Anderson a bust as he averaged 2-3 yards a carry in his rookie pre-season (1979). Then came game 1 against the Dallas Cowboys and I booed him coming out of the locker room. He ran for 193 yards and then went on to become the first rookie running back ever to average 100 yards per game (1605 yards) and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, NFL Rookie of the Year and All-Pro.Not saying history will repeat but its way way to early to be calling Jackson a bust.

I'll say it here and now: History will not repeat itself. OJ was a stud back coming out of Miami. Top 10 pick of the Cards(8th I believe). This kid is a hit or miss prospect(2nd round backs fail all the time). I'm not saying he's a bust. I took Morency knowing he would play and betting that he could beat out the rookie for the starting job. Not worried about being wrong as I have other options. Still, I've not heard much good about this kid except on fantasy web sites. Somthing tells me his hype has more to do with wishful thinking and self interest than it does his play.

 

[switz]

Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust.

We will know soon but I'm betting Jackson is going to shine. I remember calling Ottis Anderson a bust as he averaged 2-3 yards a carry in his rookie pre-season (1979). Then came game 1 against the Dallas Cowboys and I booed him coming out of the locker room. He ran for 193 yards and then went on to become the first rookie running back ever to average 100 yards per game (1605 yards) and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, NFL Rookie of the Year and All-Pro.Not saying history will repeat but its way way to early to be calling Jackson a bust.

I would say there's a huge difference between Otis and Jackson coming out of college though. Preseason is not a great measure of whether a rookie is going to perform for a certainty. But Jackson has never been a great RB. Last season was the only complete college season he ever played, and that was still sharing time. While he flashed skills that COULD translate to the NFL, he is still extremely raw. He's never been a good blocker, and he may never be a good blocker. And now he's running against NFL defense, not Big-12 Defenses. Quite often in college he went down on the first real contact and had a difficult time evading tacklers. I just don't see him translating into a stud at the NFL level.Given a year or two of development, he may be a suitable RB, but I don't have any expectations for him this year.I wonder how many people who were down on Addai last year for being a part-timer in college are high on Jackson this year.

 

[WIFANBOY]

I believe Vernand Morency's contract is up at the end of the year. So he has every reason to win the starting job. Thompson drafting Jackson says prove it if you want to get paid.

 

[BeaverCleaver]

Jackson was drafted to be the starter. He's the guy the Packers want to take the starting job and run with it.

Ummm... nope.

Based on all the conversations I've had with people who either work in the organization or are close to it the answer is yes. You're free to disagree. That's cool.

I love the "inside info" card... but I'll disagree.

What is your stance based on?

Stubborness and ego.Switz wants Jackson to fail because he thinks Jackson is a no talent bum.Or at least that was his stance during the offseason.

Hey I resemble that remark...In all seriousness, yes, I did call out Jackson as a bust in the offseason. So far he's lived down to my expectations.Regardless, some Packers players and coaches have indicated that Morency is their favorite and they are not impressed with Jackson. Now it all comes down eventually to what McCarthy (or maybe TT) says, but every indication I've gotten is that Jackson is a bust. He finished the season with 1605 yards(4.8 yd averge) in 15 games - tje for

I remember calling Ottis Anderson a bust as he averaged 2-3 yards a carry in his rookie pre-season (1979).

How old were you in 1979?

 

[Marc Levin]

Jackson is a bust.

switz, why do you use the term "bust" to describe a guy who hasn't yet suited up in an NFL game?

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

This is the mess Thompson created and it's one that could very well undercut the Packers' season.

This is such a load of crap. Can we have a thread where Thompson doesn't get bashed? The guy spent three draft picks on running backs this year. Plus he traded for one last year. Can we stop with the BS about him doing nothing to help the RB situation. Please.

There's a difference between making moves and making the right moves. I like Morency but I hardly view him as a 20-25 carry a game RB. The questions about Jackson have been well documented. It's one thing to go out and acquire five running backs; it's quite another to find the one (or two) who will be the anchor of your team's running game.The running game is BY FAR the biggest question mark surrounding the Packers this season. Nothing else comes close. Given the massive questions that surround the running game, it's more than fair to question the moves made by the person who assembled the RB corps.

He spent 3 draft picks, including a second, on RBs and still didn't get the RB position solidified. Tennessee did the same with their second round pick and that did nothing for them.

The position isn't 'solidified' because the four top guys all suffered injuries. If you saw that coming, more power to you. You can question the guys he brought in if you'd like. That's fine. But the fact is, the top four guys they were counting on at RB all got hurt. Period. That has nothing to do with Thompson. He brought in guys he thought could help, and because of injury, we don't know if that's the case or not.

Injury has nothing to do with it.

Let's stop right with that remark. Injury has everything to do with it. Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy? A thread like this wouldn't exist, because we'd all damn sure know by now who the starter is. Again, I don't have a problem if you are questioning the talent. That's fine. But the situation they're in right now, this week, heading into the opener is mostly due to their injury situation.

And backup running backs aren't sure things either. It's a risk not matter which way you go, whether you trade for a backup or draft one in the first round.

 

[packersfan]

I remember calling Ottis Anderson a bust as he averaged 2-3 yards a carry in his rookie pre-season (1979). Then came game 1 against the Dallas Cowboys and I booed him coming out of the locker room. He ran for 193 yards and then went on to become the first rookie running back ever to average 100 yards per game (1605 yards) and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, NFL Rookie of the Year and All-Pro.

As I pointed out in another thread if you were calling OJ Anderson a bust that year in the preseason than you clearly weren't paying attention to what he did in college. There is ZERO comparison between him and Anderson. One was a Top 10 pick in his draft who had a stellar collegiate career. The other was a second-round pick who most observers believed shouldn't have gone that high who hardly had a distinguished NFL career. None of this means Jackson is going to be a bust but comparing him to OJ Anderson is more than a little ridiculous with all due respect.

 

[packersfan]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Jackson is a bust.

switz, why do you use the term "bust" to describe a guy who hasn't yet suited up in an NFL game?

For me, it because the preseason games showed that he offered zero power. Time after time he couldnt break a front seven tackle.He can be a scat back, but as a full time tailback, ugh.He may not be an NFL bust, but as a fantasy option, that tag could prove fitting.I dont think there is starting RB in the NFL right now with less ability to break a tackle then Jackson.

 

[packersfan]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree the starter and backup would likely be established. I'm simply saying I think there would be still be major questions about the running game even if all the RBs were healthy. I don't see a lot of talent there unfortunately.

 

[packersfan]

Jackson is a bust.

switz, why do you use the term "bust" to describe a guy who hasn't yet suited up in an NFL game?

For me, it because the preseason games showed that he offered zero power. Time after time he couldnt break a front seven tackle.He can be a scat back, but as a full time tailback, ugh.He may not be an NFL bust, but as a fantasy option, that tag could prove fitting.I dont think there is starting RB in the NFL right now with less ability to break a tackle then Jackson.

It's WAY too soon to call Jackson a bust. It's not too soon to say there are serious questions about whether he can be a strong starting NFL RB. He was very unimpressive during camp and the preseason.

 

[stbugs]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree with Packersfan. Morency was in Houston while I followed them quite a bit as a DD owner. I don't think he is special, nor do I think Jackson is. I won't even discuss Herron and whoever else you want to call the #4. I have said all along that Turner may not be the uber stud, but if you were to poll the folks here that really know football, I bet every single one of them would take Turner over a RBBC of Morency and Jackson.Like I said both times, Favre has a limited shelf life, the Packers were 8-8 and now seem to have a pretty solid WR trio that is healthy. Their defense is talked up as a sleeper for being one of the top units. Why in the world wouldn't you take a chance on Turner? If the OL is gelling as someone posted above and Turner is an uberstud, well the Packers could easily be competing for the NFC. As it stands now, Jackson and Morency will probably be healthy enough for week 1/week 2 and I don't think anyone would call them a team that will compete for the NFC. Outside chance of the playoffs sure, but not a real contender. Based on the picks they used for RBs, they probably could have gotten a package together for just a little more to have Turner in the fold. In my book, that is a big mistake.

 

[blue42]

ESPN reporting Jackson as starting RB on Sunday.

 

[strong]

Jackson was a slow learner at Nebraska. It took him a while but he performed very well the second half of last season once he began to shoulder the load.

I expect it will take him at least a year to adjust to the NFL level but feel he will be a serviceable starter for the Pack in the not-so-distant future.

 

[mdog1967]

ESPN reporting Jackson as starting RB on Sunday.

Thank god we will get his one start out of the way for the season. We will be done with it(Jackson) barring any more injury to Morency. Then by Mid season no one will have to suffer any more BS posts on B.Jackson. I tell you the only people pulling for him and making up crap are the Dynasty owners who waisted a 1st round pick on Jackson. They will stop chatting when its over. Before you Jackson fans post any more pie in the sky outlooks please go look over the stats for his college paly and watch the damn video on Yahoo sports. You 'll wake up real soon if your even partially objective.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree with Packersfan. Morency was in Houston while I followed them quite a bit as a DD owner. I don't think he is special, nor do I think Jackson is. I won't even discuss Herron and whoever else you want to call the #4. I have said all along that Turner may not be the uber stud, but if you were to poll the folks here that really know football, I bet every single one of them would take Turner over a RBBC of Morency and Jackson.Like I said both times, Favre has a limited shelf life, the Packers were 8-8 and now seem to have a pretty solid WR trio that is healthy. Their defense is talked up as a sleeper for being one of the top units. Why in the world wouldn't you take a chance on Turner? If the OL is gelling as someone posted above and Turner is an uberstud, well the Packers could easily be competing for the NFC. As it stands now, Jackson and Morency will probably be healthy enough for week 1/week 2 and I don't think anyone would call them a team that will compete for the NFC. Outside chance of the playoffs sure, but not a real contender. Based on the picks they used for RBs, they probably could have gotten a package together for just a little more to have Turner in the fold. In my book, that is a big mistake.

Please stop with the endless Michael Turner talk. Morency has as good a track record in the NFL as Turner and if the Packers were impressed by Turner's performance at NIU they would have drafted Garrett Wolfe.

 

[stbugs]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree with Packersfan. Morency was in Houston while I followed them quite a bit as a DD owner. I don't think he is special, nor do I think Jackson is. I won't even discuss Herron and whoever else you want to call the #4. I have said all along that Turner may not be the uber stud, but if you were to poll the folks here that really know football, I bet every single one of them would take Turner over a RBBC of Morency and Jackson.Like I said both times, Favre has a limited shelf life, the Packers were 8-8 and now seem to have a pretty solid WR trio that is healthy. Their defense is talked up as a sleeper for being one of the top units. Why in the world wouldn't you take a chance on Turner? If the OL is gelling as someone posted above and Turner is an uberstud, well the Packers could easily be competing for the NFC. As it stands now, Jackson and Morency will probably be healthy enough for week 1/week 2 and I don't think anyone would call them a team that will compete for the NFC. Outside chance of the playoffs sure, but not a real contender. Based on the picks they used for RBs, they probably could have gotten a package together for just a little more to have Turner in the fold. In my book, that is a big mistake.

Please stop with the endless Michael Turner talk. Morency has as good a track record in the NFL as Turner and if the Packers were impressed by Turner's performance at NIU they would have drafted Garrett Wolfe.

What does Wolfe have to do with Turner? That's akin to saying Tony Hunt is the same as LJ or Tom Brady is the same as Drew Henson. I guess SD made a mistake selecting Tomlinson since no other RB at TCU has done anything. Also, Morency wasn't able to get by Dominick Davis, Johnathan Wells, Ron Dayne and a 30 year old Ahman Green coming off missing 11 games to a serious injury. Those guys aren't exactly LT are they?Look, no one knows if Turner is a god for sure, but he sure seems to have a lot of people who think he will be. No one thinks that about Morency or Jackson. They are thought of as potentially servicable. Based on where GB is as a team right now, IMHO, they should have gone after Turner especially since they did use high draft picks at the RB position anyway.

 

[packersfan]

Look, no one knows if Turner is a god for sure, but he sure seems to have a lot of people who think he will be. No one thinks that about Morency or Jackson. They are thought of as potentially servicable. Based on where GB is as a team right now, IMHO, they should have gone after Turner especially since they did use high draft picks at the RB position anyway.

I like Morency but I highly doubt he will ever be a special RB. There are plenty of folks around the league who think Michael Turner will be a special RB if he ever gets a chance to start. Perhaps Ted Thompson isn't one of them. My own personal preference for this offseason would have been to see Thompson trade for McGahee (who the Ravens got for a song); if that failed go after Turner; if that failed make a strong offer for Julius Jones; if that failed make a strong trade offer up to get Adrian Peterson and if that failed make an offer to move up to get Lynch.Even if all that failed I would be MUCH more pleased with Thompson had at least made an effort to do those things as opposed to what he did do.

 

[Ahmad Rashad]

Even if all that failed I would be MUCH more pleased with Thompson had at least made an effort to do those things as opposed to what he did do.

How do we know he didn't do all that and fail? Do the reporters always know about all the attempted deals that fail? Could there have been attempts behind the scenes that we don't know about?

 

[Aaronstory]

Jackson is a bust.

switz, why do you use the term "bust" to describe a guy who hasn't yet suited up in an NFL game?

For me, it because the preseason games showed that he offered zero power. Time after time he couldnt break a front seven tackle.He can be a scat back, but as a full time tailback, ugh.He may not be an NFL bust, but as a fantasy option, that tag could prove fitting.I dont think there is starting RB in the NFL right now with less ability to break a tackle then Jackson.

He was very unimpressive during camp and the preseason.

I know everyone keeps saying this, but I have to disagree. I think he looked very good against the Seahawks. He struggled against Pittsburgh and Jacksonville. Why? Because the offensive line was over matched both times. ANY back would have struggled against those teams with the way the offensive line played. Not to mention the fact that the Packers have only run a handful of very simple running plays, and nothing close to the kinds of things you'll see starting Sunday.I think he will surprise some people.

 

[packersfan]

Even if all that failed I would be MUCH more pleased with Thompson had at least made an effort to do those things as opposed to what he did do.

How do we know he didn't do all that and fail? Do the reporters always know about all the attempted deals that fail? Could there have been attempts behind the scenes that we don't know about?

The Packers have one of the best beat writers in the country covering them in Bob McGinn. He unearths nearly everything that happens behind the scenes. Tom Silverstein is pretty darn good too. There hasn't been even a whisper that Thompson made an attempt to make a strong move such as the ones I listed above to acquire a RB. You're right, though, we don't know with 100% certainty that Thompson didn't try but based on everything I've read and been told he didn't make any attempts like the ones I listed above. Again, that was just my preference for what I would've liked to see him do. I'm sure others will disagree. Thompson clearly did. The jury is out on whether the path he chose was the correct one.

 

[Kit Fisto]

Still, I've not heard much good about this kid except on fantasy web sites. Somthing tells me his hype has more to do with wishful thinking and self interest than it does his play.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree with Packersfan. Morency was in Houston while I followed them quite a bit as a DD owner. I don't think he is special, nor do I think Jackson is. I won't even discuss Herron and whoever else you want to call the #4. I have said all along that Turner may not be the uber stud, but if you were to poll the folks here that really know football, I bet every single one of them would take Turner over a RBBC of Morency and Jackson.Like I said both times, Favre has a limited shelf life, the Packers were 8-8 and now seem to have a pretty solid WR trio that is healthy. Their defense is talked up as a sleeper for being one of the top units. Why in the world wouldn't you take a chance on Turner? If the OL is gelling as someone posted above and Turner is an uberstud, well the Packers could easily be competing for the NFC. As it stands now, Jackson and Morency will probably be healthy enough for week 1/week 2 and I don't think anyone would call them a team that will compete for the NFC. Outside chance of the playoffs sure, but not a real contender. Based on the picks they used for RBs, they probably could have gotten a package together for just a little more to have Turner in the fold. In my book, that is a big mistake.

Please stop with the endless Michael Turner talk. Morency has as good a track record in the NFL as Turner and if the Packers were impressed by Turner's performance at NIU they would have drafted Garrett Wolfe.

What does Wolfe have to do with Turner? That's akin to saying Tony Hunt is the same as LJ or Tom Brady is the same as Drew Henson. I guess SD made a mistake selecting Tomlinson since no other RB at TCU has done anything. Also, Morency wasn't able to get by Dominick Davis, Johnathan Wells, Ron Dayne and a 30 year old Ahman Green coming off missing 11 games to a serious injury. Those guys aren't exactly LT are they?Look, no one knows if Turner is a god for sure, but he sure seems to have a lot of people who think he will be. No one thinks that about Morency or Jackson. They are thought of as potentially servicable. Based on where GB is as a team right now, IMHO, they should have gone after Turner especially since they did use high draft picks at the RB position anyway.

"a lot of people" = posters on a fantasy football message boardTurner was a fifth round pick - what has he done since then to obtain his uberstud status? Jackson was a second round pick, although certainly some media hacks felt he was better suited in the third round. Morency looked better than Green last season and made him easily expendable. Of course we don't know for certain, but I'm pretty confident its a good thing the Packers GM isn't influenced by the fantasy football message board hype. At least this offseason, it appears no other GM was impressed enough with Turner to pay the Chargers asking price, reportedly a 1 and 3.

 

[sho nuff]

If I were a Packer fan, I'd be calling for the GM's head. You (Packers) had a chance to add LJ for potentially a 1st Rd this year and a high pick next year, maybe another 1st or a 2nd, or M.Turner at a lesser price (probably a 1st this year may have gotten it done, or simply adding a 4th-5th for next year to the deal). So now some 5 months after the draft, wouldn't you rather have LJ or Turner than J.Harrell (a major reach at 16)? Even departing with the extra picks would have been worth it to get one of these stud RBs to add to a very nice/underrated DEF and Favre/Driver. In the weak NFC, you're talking contender if that move would have been made. Some of these GMs, Thompson isn't the only one, fall too much in love with these draft picks and don't express the urgency that is required to be really successful in the "WIN NOW" environment of the NFL. Next year could be a year too late as this could very well be Favre's last stand. Should've got "off the pot" and made the move for this year Thompson, and for that, you may have to leave the bldg.

A. Along with the draft pick you give up for an RB coming off of a huge amount of carries...you also give him a huge contract. B. They were not getting Turner for just the first and 3rd...see what SD did to Tenn at the last minute for that one.C. Harrell was not a major reach at 16. A reach? Yes, major? Not so much.

 

[sho nuff]

If I were a Packer fan, I'd be calling for the GM's head. You (Packers) had a chance to add LJ for potentially a 1st Rd this year and a high pick next year, maybe another 1st or a 2nd, or M.Turner at a lesser price (probably a 1st this year may have gotten it done, or simply adding a 4th-5th for next year to the deal). So now some 5 months after the draft, wouldn't you rather have LJ or Turner than J.Harrell (a major reach at 16)? Even departing with the extra picks would have been worth it to get one of these stud RBs to add to a very nice/underrated DEF and Favre/Driver. In the weak NFC, you're talking contender if that move would have been made. Some of these GMs, Thompson isn't the only one, fall too much in love with these draft picks and don't express the urgency that is required to be really successful in the "WIN NOW" environment of the NFL. Next year could be a year too late as this could very well be Favre's last stand. Should've got "off the pot" and made the move for this year Thompson, and for that, you may have to leave the bldg.

Harrell may be a great pick, but maybe he is still there where Jackson got selected? Or maybe there is another DT just a shade below Harrell that would have been there as well.Based on Favre's age, the defense being picked as surprising and 8-8 last year being somewhat of a surprise, why wouldn't you go after a guy who you know could step right in and produce. If you make a mistake with a rookie, you may have just blown the window because you valued your 1st round pick so much.

Denver has already claimed Harrell was not making it past their pick and moved up to select a Dlilneman after the Packers took him. So no, he would not be there when Green Bay took Jackson.They had 2 guys they thought could step right in and produce while bringing the rookie along (Herron and Morency...based on what they did when they got their time last season).

 

[Eagle Eye]

So....any news on Morency?

 

[sho nuff]

Look, no one knows if Turner is a god for sure, but he sure seems to have a lot of people who think he will be. No one thinks that about Morency or Jackson. They are thought of as potentially servicable. Based on where GB is as a team right now, IMHO, they should have gone after Turner especially since they did use high draft picks at the RB position anyway.

I like Morency but I highly doubt he will ever be a special RB. There are plenty of folks around the league who think Michael Turner will be a special RB if he ever gets a chance to start. Perhaps Ted Thompson isn't one of them. My own personal preference for this offseason would have been to see Thompson trade for McGahee (who the Ravens got for a song); if that failed go after Turner; if that failed make a strong offer for Julius Jones; if that failed make a strong trade offer up to get Adrian Peterson and if that failed make an offer to move up to get Lynch.Even if all that failed I would be MUCH more pleased with Thompson had at least made an effort to do those things as opposed to what he did do.

I don't think that TT does not think Turner is a good back. But not worth what SD was wanting (again, ask Tennessee about that...people who think he could have been had for the Packer's 1st rounder and a 4th - 5th rounder next year are crazy).McGahee? What has he really proven?Lynch? The same back that will be splitting time with Anthony Thomas?How many draft picks do you want to give up?Those sound like great ideas if you are a team who already has a ton of depth and is a playoff team looking to get over the hump. But this is a young building team. Thompson has been building up the depth (look at the defense and the Oline). They are not one player away from being a contender.And they have the cap space, if they like Turner they can get him next year without giving up draft picks.

 

[packersfan]

Morency looked better than Green last season and made him easily expendable.

Green was a MUCH better RB than Morency last season. Green became expendable because he wanted more money than Thompson wanted to pay. On that count, I agree with Thompson. The Texans overpaid for Green and I'm glad the Packers didn't try to match or top the offer. What I didn't like was how passively Thompson responded to the glaring weakness at the RB position in my opinion.

I don't think that TT does not think Turner is a good back. But not worth what SD was wanting (again, ask Tennessee about that...people who think he could have been had for the Packer's 1st rounder and a 4th - 5th rounder next year are crazy).McGahee? What has he really proven?Lynch? The same back that will be splitting time with Anthony Thomas?How many draft picks do you want to give up?Those sound like great ideas if you are a team who already has a ton of depth and is a playoff team looking to get over the hump. But this is a young building team. Thompson has been building up the depth (look at the defense and the Oline). They are not one player away from being a contender.And they have the cap space, if they like Turner they can get him next year without giving up draft picks.

But they possibly blow a chance to make the playoffs in a wide-open conference by waiting a year. As far as the other options I listed, I think McGahee is a big-time talent but that's my opinion. I have zero beliefs that Lynch will share time with Anthony Thomas. And I'm more than willing to part with some picks - especially when you consider one of the things Thompson does well is stockpile additional picks each draft. So if you trade away a couple, he should be able to make deals to get some back.

 

[switz]

Jackson is a bust.

switz, why do you use the term "bust" to describe a guy who hasn't yet suited up in an NFL game?

He may not be, but like I said - every indication I've received is that he's a bust.He isn't one yet... but I am inclined to believe he will be considered one by season's end.

 

[stbugs]

Do you really think there would be these same question marks if their top four backs were all healthy?

I do.

I don't. Honestly. We'd know who #1 was. We'd know who #2 is. Etc. The injuries have mucked up the situation beyond reasonable expectations.

I agree with Packersfan. Morency was in Houston while I followed them quite a bit as a DD owner. I don't think he is special, nor do I think Jackson is. I won't even discuss Herron and whoever else you want to call the #4. I have said all along that Turner may not be the uber stud, but if you were to poll the folks here that really know football, I bet every single one of them would take Turner over a RBBC of Morency and Jackson.Like I said both times, Favre has a limited shelf life, the Packers were 8-8 and now seem to have a pretty solid WR trio that is healthy. Their defense is talked up as a sleeper for being one of the top units. Why in the world wouldn't you take a chance on Turner? If the OL is gelling as someone posted above and Turner is an uberstud, well the Packers could easily be competing for the NFC. As it stands now, Jackson and Morency will probably be healthy enough for week 1/week 2 and I don't think anyone would call them a team that will compete for the NFC. Outside chance of the playoffs sure, but not a real contender. Based on the picks they used for RBs, they probably could have gotten a package together for just a little more to have Turner in the fold. In my book, that is a big mistake.

Please stop with the endless Michael Turner talk. Morency has as good a track record in the NFL as Turner and if the Packers were impressed by Turner's performance at NIU they would have drafted Garrett Wolfe.

What does Wolfe have to do with Turner? That's akin to saying Tony Hunt is the same as LJ or Tom Brady is the same as Drew Henson. I guess SD made a mistake selecting Tomlinson since no other RB at TCU has done anything. Also, Morency wasn't able to get by Dominick Davis, Johnathan Wells, Ron Dayne and a 30 year old Ahman Green coming off missing 11 games to a serious injury. Those guys aren't exactly LT are they?Look, no one knows if Turner is a god for sure, but he sure seems to have a lot of people who think he will be. No one thinks that about Morency or Jackson. They are thought of as potentially servicable. Based on where GB is as a team right now, IMHO, they should have gone after Turner especially since they did use high draft picks at the RB position anyway.

"a lot of people" = posters on a fantasy football message boardTurner was a fifth round pick - what has he done since then to obtain his uberstud status? Jackson was a second round pick, although certainly some media hacks felt he was better suited in the third round. Morency looked better than Green last season and made him easily expendable. Of course we don't know for certain, but I'm pretty confident its a good thing the Packers GM isn't influenced by the fantasy football message board hype. At least this offseason, it appears no other GM was impressed enough with Turner to pay the Chargers asking price, reportedly a 1 and 3.

It is just my opinion, but I am in agreement with packersfan, the Packers have a small window before they will be rebuilding again around a new QB not named Favre. Going with a rookie in Jackson and Morency is not going to get them to the playoffs.It is funny that you knock the opinions on Turner, yet you think that Morency made Green expendable. If he did, then why wasn't Morency the starter at the end of the year? He played 14 games with GB, so why wasn't he the man? Ahman left because Houston showed him the $$$ and GB didn't want to offer that much.Anyway, we will have to wait a whole year on Turner anyway, but this isn't as much about him as it is the fact that they didn't do anythin IMHO to settle the RB position and they are paying for it now.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

September 6, 2007, 13:08Packers :: RBPackers Running Backs LimitedTom Silverstein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - [Full Article]Green Bay running backs Brandon Jackson (consussion), Vernand Morency (knee) and recently acquired Ryan Grant (hamstring) were all limited in practice Wednesday. Grant likely would not have played anyway considering his brief time with the team since being traded from the Giatns. Jackson declared himself ready to go, while Morency's status for Sunday unclear.

 

[Disco Stu]

This is all you need to know about who the PAckers WANT to start:

article

Starter Vernand Morency practiced on a limited basis Sunday and Monday after hurting a knee on Day 1 of training camp.

Rookie Brandon Jackson has had injury problems as well, but he could play if Morency can’t.

Even though Jackson is healthy enough to play, the team Hudson Star-Observer will put Morency in there.

Actually it was running backs coach Edgar Bennett that provided the info they printed.

I'm curious how you came to that conclusion from reading the linked article.To me it read as the writer's opinion. And expecting inside info from a small town newspaper located 250 miles from Green Bay seems ill-advised.

 

[Gannz]

ESPN reporting Jackson as starting RB on Sunday.

NFL.com is reporting the same thing but, the last time I checked, the players don't make the decisions..."I'm pretty sure I'm the guy right now," Jackson said. "I guess coach and them will make that decision I guess tomorrow or Friday. Hopefully I'll get the start."

http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story?id=09000d...mp;confirm=true

 

[mdog1967]

ESPN reporting Jackson as starting RB on Sunday.

NFL.com is reporting the same thing but, the last time I checked, the players don't make the decisions..."I'm pretty sure I'm the guy right now," Jackson said. "I guess coach and them will make that decision I guess tomorrow or Friday. Hopefully I'll get the start."

http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story?id=09000d...mp;confirm=true

Morency supporter here, but dude sat out the walk thru today......Hmmmm?