Pro Football Weekly Whispers (1 Viewer)

[Fla\/\/ed]

Until those happen... keep quiet about how "bad" Hawk might be doing.

Hey buddy, it's not just me...I can provide several links to media sources that are stating such.

Unless the media sources are coming from Green Bay and the Gazette then I dont want to even hear them because those other media sources are clueless. If Chris Havel has anything to say he is not one to listen to even though he does write for the Gazette.

Okay...here's one from a homer Packer source(LINK):

Anybody thinking that rookie linebacker A.J. Hawk was going to walk in and take the Green Bay Packers' training camp by storm would be disappointed.

A.J. Hawk appears to be feeling his way through Week 1 of pro football.

Rookie Abdul Hodge is expected to start the season as the backup to middle linebacker Nick Barnett this year.

Not only has Hawk yet to show the punishing big-play capability that led the Packers to make him the No. 5 pick in the draft but he hasn't had any more impact than fellow all-Big Ten linebacker Abdul Hodge, a third-round selection.

Of course, Hawk hasn't even been asked to make his first tackle in the National Football League. An eighth day of limited contact drills will give way to a semblance of the real thing Saturday night during the intrasquad scrimmage at Lambeau Field.

"Any time you get a game-type atmosphere it helps, especially for a rookie like me," Hawk said Thursday. "I need to have that game-type experience."

Part of the problem trying to evaluate Hawk is the hype associated with him. As the NFL's highest-drafted linebacker since LaVar Arrington went No. 2 in 2000, Hawk and impending greatness have become almost one and the same in the minds of some fans.

But as practices stack up, Hawk has done little to distinguish himself as the starting linebacker on the weak side.

Thickly built and very strong, Hawk looks the part of a linebacker even though his height (6 feet 1 inches) was considered a slight negative by some scouts. As he thinks his way through situations, there have been precious few plays in which his outstanding speed has been noticeable.

Camp is just a week old and already the Packers have an inkling that Hodge could start blowing people up when the rough stuff arrives.

"He had a hell of a day (Wednesday)," McCarthy said. "He stoned the fullback a couple times. I think the kid's really picked it up."

at using info that is almost two weeks old.

 

[LHUCKS]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

I disagree. There are plenty of LBs that can cover Gates.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Until those happen... keep quiet about how "bad" Hawk might be doing.

Hey buddy, it's not just me...I can provide several links to media sources that are stating such.

And there are also several sources that have been reporting that Hawk has made a lot of progress since those early days in camp.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

I disagree. There are plenty of LBs that can cover Gates.

I can't remember it ever happening, and I've seen every snap Gates has ever taken. Most teams don't try it. They use a linebacker plus a safety, or some teams put a corner on him.

 

[Keysersoze666]

Can you go into a little more detail why you thought Hawk was a bust LHUCKS

I mean for me, Hawk is too slow and looks like he is a product of the system and the players who surrounded him. I mean, look at BKU in the NFL now w. the Vikes. Many thought BKU would be like another Strahan or Peppers, but he has been "schooled" at the next level. BKU played w. the Wild Bunch II, aka Cody, Baby Sapp, and Nazel (Ramsey also was part of it...hey, why the hell did Ramsey perform better in 2003 than anytime afterwards?) It makes you wonder if BKU really deserved to go that low...probably true now.

I remember 2 yrs. ago at this time we were all saying that BKU was supposed to be a Top-5 or at least Top-10 pick. I really like Carpenter as opposed to Hawk.

How did Hawk go sooo high? I'm actually more sold on Carpenter than Hawk...although Hawk does have one thing going for him...he's gonna live w. that hot piece of woman called Brady Quinn's sister for the rest of his life. Man, Hawk's fiance (Quinn's sis) is drop dead gorgeous!!!

I do see Hawk being a bust tho. He is quite small too. Don't see how he could be more than a "Gary Plummer" type player.

Hey Gocats:A couple of corrections:

She's no longer a fiance, she's LOCKED up!

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=475827

The Packers list Hawk at:

6'1", 246

The Cowboys list Carpernter at:

6'2", 257

Calling Hawk "quite small" is a bit of an overstatement.

Since I watched them at Ohio State over and over, Carpenter would make some "glitzy" plays at times but he was not a bigger hitter than Hawk overall and didn't "play" a lot "bigger". I have no idea where you got this impression but it does not reflect the way their Ohio State careers played out.

 

[LHUCKS]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

I disagree. There are plenty of LBs that can cover Gates.

I can't remember it ever happening, and I've seen every snap Gates has ever taken. Most teams don't try it. They use a linebacker plus a safety, or some teams put a corner on him.

Most starting OLBs are just as fast as Gates if not faster. That being said, most pass coverage schemes are zones for LBs so that's why you rarely see a 1 v 1 type of coverage on TEs...LBs are typically trying to play the run and the pass at the same time.Regarding the play I referenced earlier, Gates was clearly being covered by Hawk and Hawk just looked completely lost and the commentators ripped into him.

 

[Keysersoze666]

I'd be the first to admit that AJ hasn't torn up the competition so far as a pro. However I do think that your analogy to Urlacher is a bit misguided. Comparing OLBs and MLBs, especially in NFL schemes is very tricky. Hawk at Ohio State was an outstanding player but two big components of that were consistency and all-around ability. Never in the wrong place, rarely missed a tackle, always a team leader. Was he the "flashiest" looking player, no. I had no problem when the Packers took him at 5 because his overall attributes at OLB, to be matched with Barnett and hopefully another player (Hodge?) could anchor the Packer defense for years. Did I think he'd be an LT type force on the outside, no. Do I think he could be one of the best all-around players at OLB, I see that potential, yes.

I can definitely see your take on this. I agree that Hawk's worth will be with consistency, not because of incredible playmaking ability. That being said, for my money if you want consistent LB play wait until the second round. If I'm going to take a LB at #5 overall I want an impact/big time play maker...not Mr. Consistency.

I hate to say this out loud, BUT,... see previous Packer high first-round picks on defense:Jamal Reynolds at #10Terrell Buckley at #5even Ahmad Carroll at #25. (We did sneak in Barnett at #29)I'll admit that my thoughts were getting SOME value out of the player chosen at #5 and AJ seemed like the best bet. For the record, if we had chosen Mario Williams or Vince Young had they been there, we would have Doomed their careers. Hopefully AJ can make us be proud for once of a 1st-round defensive pick.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Most starting OLBs are just as fast as Gates if not faster.

And every CB was faster than Jerry Rice.

Regarding the play I referenced earlier, Gates was clearly being covered by Hawk and Hawk just looked completely lost and the commentators ripped into him.

Hawk definitely didn't look good on that play. I thought he played pretty well after that, though.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

I disagree. There are plenty of LBs that can cover Gates.

I can't remember it ever happening, and I've seen every snap Gates has ever taken. Most teams don't try it. They use a linebacker plus a safety, or some teams put a corner on him.

Regarding the play I referenced earlier, Gates was clearly being covered by Hawk and Hawk just looked completely lost and the commentators ripped into him.

It was one play that took place early in Hawks first professional football game against the best TE in the league.

 

[Clayton Gray]

Sources in Green Bay are stunned that fifth overall pick A.J. Hawk hasn’t been more of a steady presence this summer. In fact, there are some who believe third-round pick Abdul Hodge might be a better starter at this time than the ultratalented Hawk.

I don't know why this is so "stunning." I've been saying Hawk was overrated since day one. Hmm...I wonder why he's overrated.

The fact that this stuff is printed is a joke in itself. Hawk has done near everything the Packers have expected him to do and is progressing well. Is he going to be a Superstar in his first preseason, well no, however any media hype that has Hawk as a bust is hype and thats it. Hawk is doing quite well and is around the ball as much as possible.

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...so bad the announcers were making fun of Hawk.

How dare that All-Pro TE beat a rookie like that in his first exhibition game.

Hawk was beaten badly, he wasn't just "beat."

The only way I'll join in on the "he should be able to cover Gates" bandwagon is if you're talking about Lionel Gates.

 

[Keysersoze666]

Just for a bit of perspective on AJ "disappearing" in that game:

Hawk was beaten by Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates for a 17-yard gain on the Chargers' third offensive play of the game. Gates faked a route to the outside and then beat Hawk by a step to the inside for an easy reception.

"I just gave him the inside, which you can't do, especially with a guy like him," Hawk said. "That's an easy way to let them crease the defense."

Then as the game went on:

The Chargers went on to score a touchdown on that opening drive, but Hawk started to settle in as the game progressed.

On the first play of the Chargers' next possession, Hawk picked up tight end Brandon Manumaleuna in the right flat and planted him for no gain on a short completion.

... and then

On the first play of the Chargers' third possession Hawk again flashed. This time he met running back Michael Turner in the hole and drilled him hard for just a 1-yard gain. Hawk was in on two more tackles on the Chargers' next drive and another early in the third quarter before calling it a night.

"He started out a little bit slow but then he got the feel of the game," said defensive coordinator Bob Sanders. "The game slowed down a little bit for him and he had a really good finish. I was real proud for him and the effort that he had. He made some good, physical tackles and matched up well, so I'm looking forward to some good things out of him this week."

Lastly ...

For Hawk, it appeared to be some relief as he works toward becoming a factor in his rookie season. He's fully aware that a No. 5 pick overall is expected to be a playmaker. He also knows that he can't force things to happen. "You can't just run around and try to press and do things that aren't within your position," Hawk said. "Any time you're not making a bunch of plays, I don't think any linebacker's happy. But I knew that whatever's going on, every day is a process and that as long as I do my job some plays would come to me."

Sanders insisted that the coaching staff was not concerned about Hawk's quiet camp before Saturday. Sanders noted that it's often difficult for any linebacker to stand out in practices that don't included live tackling. In most practice situations the Packers play "thud," in which the defensive players basically get in position to tackle, but simply hit the runner with both hands and then step back.

Full article here:http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=484442

 

[gzilla]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

Obviously Lhucks disagrees. He very clearly implied that Urlacher would have no problem..

 

[LHUCKS]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

No linebacker in the league can cover Gates. No safety can, either.

Obviously Lhucks disagrees. He very clearly implied that Urlacher would have no problem..

Urlacher could play bump n' run with Gates all day long.

 

[larry_boy_44]

Urlacher was a stud from day one....Hawk will never be an elite LB.

This is untrue.

Are you kidding me? From Urlacher.com...Became second Bears rookie ever to lead team in tackles (Doug Plank, 1975) while being recognized by his teammates as the rookie recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award.

was the first Chicago defender to lead the team in tackles in his initial 4 seasons in the NFL

Hawk can't touch Urlacher's jock...not even close to the same caliber of player...never will be.

which Pac-10 school did Urlacher go to?

 

[LHUCKS]

Urlacher was a stud from day one....Hawk will never be an elite LB.

This is untrue.

Are you kidding me? From Urlacher.com...Became second Bears rookie ever to lead team in tackles (Doug Plank, 1975) while being recognized by his teammates as the rookie recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award.

was the first Chicago defender to lead the team in tackles in his initial 4 seasons in the NFL

Hawk can't touch Urlacher's jock...not even close to the same caliber of player...never will be.

which Pac-10 school did Urlacher go to?

Correct. He's much too talented to come from one of the pathetic Midwest conferences.

 

[larry_boy_44]

Urlacher was a stud from day one....Hawk will never be an elite LB.

This is untrue.

Are you kidding me? From Urlacher.com...Became second Bears rookie ever to lead team in tackles (Doug Plank, 1975) while being recognized by his teammates as the rookie recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award.

was the first Chicago defender to lead the team in tackles in his initial 4 seasons in the NFL

Hawk can't touch Urlacher's jock...not even close to the same caliber of player...never will be.

which Pac-10 school did Urlacher go to?

Correct. He's much too talented to come from one of the pathetic Midwest conferences.

nope, I just am fully aware that you think every non-Pac-10 player sucks and that every Pac-10 player is the Michael Jordan of his position/sport...

 

[Armando]

Most starting OLBs are just as fast as Gates if not faster.

And every CB was faster than Jerry Rice.

 

[LHUCKS]

Most starting OLBs are just as fast as Gates if not faster.

And every CB was faster than Jerry Rice.

 

[andyk]

didn't the sporting news vote Urlacher the most over rated player in the league after his second year. Not a very good call on thier part but may show that his hall of fame bust was not cast after his rookie season.

 

[LHUCKS]

didn't the sporting news vote Urlacher the most over rated player in the league after his second year. Not a very good call on thier part but may show that his hall of fame bust was not cast after his rookie season.

If Urlacher is overrated, my name is David Yudkin.

 

[andyk]

sorry after his 4th season

link

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m120...228/ai_n8582676

 

[Aaronstory]

Gates absolutely burnt him on a pass play...

Wow. Really? A Pro-Bowl player burnt a rookie in his first pre-season game?

A LB with Hawks athleticism should have no problem covering a slower TE...Hawk was embarrassed.

So now athleticism = experience. Your posts just keep getting dumber and dumber. Hawk jumped outside. It happens to almost every rookie LB the first few games. The key is if they adjust and learn from it. Even your boyfriend Urlacher looked silly in preseason of his rookie year. Remember how they thought he was a bust before they moved him from the outside to the middle?Please stop drinking and posting.