The Packers dilema (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

The Green Bay Packers have Super Bowl aspirations. They lost QB Matt Flynn in the offseason to Seattle and decided to roll with Graham Harrell as their # 2 QB behind starter Aaron Rodgers.

Fair to say that there are now growing concerns in Green Bay about the state of their QB situation should anything happen to Rodgers:

Is Graham Harrell a good Green Bay Packers backup?

By Marc Sessler

Writer

In a perfect world, backup quarterback Graham Harrell figures to be a largely anonymous figure for the Green Bay Packers this season. The general idea is that Aaron Rodgers goes wire to wire -- throwing for roughly 45 touchdowns and 5,000 yards -- as the Packers roll into playoff land.

Everybody's happy, right?

Too simple. Trouble lies ahead for every team in the league, and that's the problem coach Mike McCarthy must wrestle with. The former backup, Matt Flynn, looked almost as good as Rodgers in two career starts. This year's No. 2, Harrell, has struggled mightily.

Harrell completed just half his passes last week against the Cleveland Browns and tossed a pair of interceptions, but that doesn't paint an accurate picture. He didn't appear remotely comfortable.

Playing the entire second half of Thursday night's 27-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, Harrell connected on five of his 12 passes for a mere 26 yards. He also lost a fumble, and possibly the confidence of the fan base, but McCarthy sees something different than rest of us.

"He's in command of the offense, whether you're aware of that or not," McCarthy told Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "It's part of preseason football. We're not putting a Band-Aid on it. He's trying to play above it."

Sporting a 53.7 passer rating through two games, Harrell is a ripe target, whether or not he's fair game.

The Packers have been talked about as a potential trade partner for Cleveland's Colt McCoy. An added crop of veteran passers will become available as teams make their cuts. We'll find out soon enough how confident McCarthy and the Packers are about what rests behind Rodgers. We don't expect this team to sit still.

What do you think they should do?

 

[Eviloutsider]

I wouldn't trade that's for sure. Anybody that gets cut should get a look, if nothing else, stick with Harrell.

 

[gandalas]

Harrell was playing with the backups, so I have to imagine that playing with the starters would help him out a bit, yes?

I know for one of his interceptions it was because the 4th string TE that the pass was intended for slipped and fell as he released the ball, so it was an easy pick. Gotta think that Jennings, Nelson, and crew don't make that mistake.

Pretty easy to post some nice stats when you are playing with that receiving corp.

 

[FavreCo]

1. Stick with Harrell.

2. Trade for Matt Moore.

3. Why is T-joke listed as an option?

 

[Faust]

1. Stick with Harrell.2. Trade for Matt Moore.3. Why is T-joke listed as an option?

I can always count on FavreCo to make a great posting! I do get a kick out of his posts. Tarvaris is listed as an option as the Seahawks have made it very clear that he is available for a trade and he is willing to dial back his salary to make a trade feasible.

 

[coyote5]

Harrell was playing with the backups, so I have to imagine that playing with the starters would help him out a bit, yes?I know for one of his interceptions it was because the 4th string TE that the pass was intended for slipped and fell as he released the ball, so it was an easy pick. Gotta think that Jennings, Nelson, and crew don't make that mistake.Pretty easy to post some nice stats when you are playing with that receiving corp.

Easy to try to simplify it that way, but Flynn looked worlds better with the backups in years past...

 

[meatwad1]

1. Stick with Harrell.2. Trade for Matt Moore.3. Why is T-joke listed as an option?

I can always count on FavreCo to make a great posting! I do get a kick out of his posts. They can just wait for one of those guys to get cut.Plus...Harrell has one more week, he will play with the ones next week as I highly doubt rodgers sees the field.Tarvaris is listed as an option as the Seahawks have made it very clear that he is available for a trade and he is willing to dial back his salary to make a trade feasible.

 

[smackdaddies]

any team that loses it's star qb is done. Backups simply exist to be camp arms and run the scout offense. The days of a team being able to carry a zeke bratkowski or a Earl Morrall all long over

 

[Samuel L Bronkowitz]

any team that loses it's star qb is done. Backups simply exist to be camp arms and run the scout offense. The days of a team being able to carry a zeke bratkowski or a Earl Morrall all long over

Yeah, like that Brett Favre guy...or Tom Brady...or Kurt Warner...or TJ YatesMore than likely, I agree with your sentiment and that Harrell is not one of these guys. But I don't see them trading for anything. I would stay the course, but might be inclined to bring in a vet once the cuts start to come.

 

[netnalp]

any team that loses it's star qb is done. Backups simply exist to be camp arms and run the scout offense. The days of a team being able to carry a zeke bratkowski or a Earl Morrall all long over

Yeah, like that Brett Favre guy...or Tom Brady...or Kurt Warner...or TJ YatesMore than likely, I agree with your sentiment and that Harrell is not one of these guys. But I don't see them trading for anything. I would stay the course, but might be inclined to bring in a vet once the cuts start to come.

Even back up Jeff Hostetler was able to do enough to win a SB. A decent back-up comes in handy.

 

[nittanylion]

I voted to stay the course, but if they were to make some sort of move, isn't Tarvaris Jackson quite well-versed in the Offense the Packers run?

Now, I don't think Jackson is some sort of world-beater waiting to happen, but I think he's the type of guy that can make all the throws, and if he was actually surrounded by Super Bowl Quality Teammates, he wouldn't necessarily LOSE a Team any games. If he were lucky enough to land on the Packers, and get forced into action, I think the Packers would be just fine.

 

[Enderdog]

Josh Johnson might be a decent fit if the 49ers cut him.

 

[msommer]

any team that loses it's star qb is done. Backups simply exist to be camp arms and run the scout offense. The days of a team being able to carry a zeke bratkowski or a Earl Morrall all long over

Yeah, like that Brett Favre guy...or Tom Brady...or Kurt Warner...or TJ YatesMore than likely, I agree with your sentiment and that Harrell is not one of these guys. But I don't see them trading for anything. I would stay the course, but might be inclined to bring in a vet once the cuts start to come.

Even back up Jeff Hostetler was able to do enough to win a SB. A decent back-up comes in handy.

Trent Dilfer anyone?

 

[eoMMan]

I like McCoy. He's a spunky player. He's like a straight Jeff Garcia. Solid player.

 

[sho nuff]

I like McCoy. He's a spunky player. He's like a straight Jeff Garcia. Solid player.

With an arm as weak as Harrell's.

 

[SWC]

you do not trade for anyone this is ted we are talking about brohans what you do is wait for cuts and then make a shrewd move that would make everyone in the league freeze in there pants and go wait what did ted the wizard thomson just do bam he did it again that is what you do so it is great that you have this but it is premature and you can not answer it right now ted will do something good i was originally a doubter and loved bret the wiener texter john edwards part ii favre but now i trust in ted baby because like the barn said off of 10 northbound number 12 is three times number 4 take that to the livestock barn bank brohans because when you ahve won over the farmers you have carried the state

 

[cr8f]

Sorry but Peyton last year has teams overreacting. I don't see this as a dilemma. They'll do something-I see McCown or someone similar(Rosenfels, Orlovsky type journeyman) cut.

 

[Mr.Pack]

you do not trade for anyone this is ted we are talking about brohans what you do is wait for cuts and then make a shrewd move that would make everyone in the league freeze in there pants and go wait what did ted the wizard thomson just do bam he did it again that is what you do so it is great that you have this but it is premature and you can not answer it right now ted will do something good i was originally a doubter and loved bret the wiener texter john edwards part ii favre but now i trust in ted baby because like the barn said off of 10 northbound number 12 is three times number 4 take that to the livestock barn bank brohans because when you ahve won over the farmers you have carried the state

I couldn't have said it any better.

 

[Kleck]

you do not trade for anyone this is ted we are talking about brohans what you do is wait for cuts and then make a shrewd move that would make everyone in the league freeze in there pants and go wait what did ted the wizard thomson just do bam he did it again that is what you do so it is great that you have this but it is premature and you can not answer it right now ted will do something good i was originally a doubter and loved bret the wiener texter john edwards part ii favre but now i trust in ted baby because like the barn said off of 10 northbound number 12 is three times number 4 take that to the livestock barn bank brohans because when you ahve won over the farmers you have carried the state

Well said, my brohan. Well said.

 

[The Kerminator]

you do not trade for anyone this is ted we are talking about brohans what you do is wait for cuts and then make a shrewd move that would make everyone in the league freeze in there pants and go wait what did ted the wizard thomson just do bam he did it again that is what you do so it is great that you have this but it is premature and you can not answer it right now ted will do something good i was originally a doubter and loved bret the wiener texter john edwards part ii favre but now i trust in ted baby because like the barn said off of 10 northbound number 12 is three times number 4 take that to the livestock barn bank brohans because when you ahve won over the farmers you have carried the state

I couldn't have said it any better.

Yes, you could have, with punctuation marks and capitalization.

 

[meyerj31]

There should be an option here to take back Matt Flynn for $3M/year after Wilson gets named Seattle's starter.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

There should be an option here to take back Matt Flynn for $3M/year after Wilson gets named Seattle's starter.

This.

 

[Faust]

Teams are cutting from 90 to 75 players today and there will be some names available.

Trading for Tarvaris Jackson is very unlikely at this point in time given that he was dealt to Buffalo.

It will be interesting to see what the Packers do.

 

[Faust]

Mike McCarthy won't make decision on Graham Harrell

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

The Green Bay Packers had a very encouraging performance Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. The team's pass defense was dominant. Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that Cedric Benson looked like the first "real" running back the team has seen in a while.

The performance of backup quarterback Graham Harrell remains the last item sticking in the craw of Packers fans, who believe this team is set up for a Super Bowl season. Packers coach Mike McCarthy defended Harrell after the game, but Friday wouldn't promise Harrell will be the team's backup in Week 1.

"We don't make roster decisions today," McCarthy said via the Green Bay Press Gazette. "There's still plenty of work to be done, we have three more practices. We have a game. Graham will play in that game, will have more opportunities. Graham Harrell improved from the first two weeks last night. He graded out higher than the first two weeks so he's making improvement."

Maybe we're reading too much into things, but that sure sounds like McCarthy is leaving the door open to possibly adding a veteran. Tarvaris Jackson and Colt McCoy are logical potential targets.

No matter what McCarthy does, we'll defer to his judgement. History has shown he deserves the benefit of the doubt in all matters regarding quarterbacks.

 

[FavreCo]

I can only imagine how a call from Seattle to Green Bay would have gone down.

John Schneider: "Hey Ted, we've named our starter at QB, any interest in our backup?"

Ted Thompson: "Sure, we'll take Flynn back".

John Schneider: "I'm talking about Tavaris Jackson".

Ted Thompson: "T-Joke? I thought you said QB!" laughter in the room, 'click'.

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I think they should just dissolve the team, and stop playing football altogether.

 

[Faust]

I can only imagine how a call from Seattle to Green Bay would have gone down.

John Schneider: "Hey Ted, we've named our starter at QB, any interest in our backup?"

Ted Thompson: "Sure, we'll take Flynn back".

John Schneider: "I'm talking about Tavaris Jackson".

Ted Thompson: "T-Joke? I thought you said QB!" laughter in the room, 'click'.

John Schneider (to himself): Well, who can I call next? I know, I will try giving the Buffalo Bills a call...

 

[joffer]

McCoy

 

[meyerj31]

There should be an option here to take back Matt Flynn for $3M/year after Wilson gets named Seattle's starter.

This.

Called it!But yea Flynn is owed a lot of money so the only way he ends up back in GB is if they were to cut him after the season and nobody picks him up off waivers. If Flynn is not the starter this year that's not a ludicrous theory but it's more likely he takes a pay cut and remains in Seattle. Flynn only has $6M guaranteed so it's at least conceivable he could part ways with Seattle next year

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Is Matt Flynn really better than Graham Harrell?

 

[Warhogs]

I would love to see Green Bay improve the backup QB situation because I don't think Harrell is ready to step in and win games if Rodgers were to get hurt. I would not be looking for an inexperienced Josh Johnson type if he becomes available. I think if an experienced veteran becomes available that they would take a look at that player. I don't see Green Bay as willing to trade very much though.

 

[sho nuff]

Is Matt Flynn really better than Graham Harrell?

Yes...and its not close.