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Don't just follow Railbird Central on Twitter. Make sure to follow credentialed reporters like Greg Bedard and Tom Pelissero as well. They're giving awesome live updates from the first OTA practice open to the public and media. Me? I'm just some hack regurgitating what someone else wrote. Highlights so far today:
From Pelissero, "O line tough to read because wells, Clifton and giacomini aren't doing anything."
From Bedard, "Underwood sutton and dekker not here b/c of school."
Mike Spofford of the Packers' official website wraps up his OTA preview with special teams and new coordinator Shawn Slocum. In an interview Slocum said, "My idea of us playing good special teams is to be a unit that's
unpredictable, that's very aggressive, and that creates problems for
our opponent, in both our play style and the things that we do. To create that aggressive mindset, ... we're going to set the
bar high.
"I think it's very important that we get off to the right start. I want to create an air of accountability among one another." Accountability. I love that word.
Pelissero also wraps up his position by position preview of OTAs with the specialists and thinks Durant Brooks will win the punting job. "Brooks gets the edge here because he had enough talent to be a
sixth-round pick and showed what he can do when healthy at Georgia Tech
(average gross of more than 45 yards in last two seasons, ranked fourth
nationally as a junior)," writes Pelissero. If I had to guess right now, that's what I'd guess too.
Bedard reports that there were no shocking "no-shows" in yesterday's OTA practice. In fact, the most the most surprising news might have been who actually showed up. "The return of defensive tackle/end Justin Harrell to the
field was probably the biggest surprise," writes Bedard. "It is not clear how much
Harrell practiced, but his inclusion means the Packers passed him on
his physical and feel better about his chronic back problems."
USA Today takes a look into how the offseason has gone for the Packers, and gives some insight what goes into the offseason workout program before OTAs started. There's a new acronym for everyone to learn as well. "During the offseason, (A.J.) Hawk has been part of a group of defensive
players who meet Mondays and Tuesdays for individual position workouts
(IPWs) and to learn the intricacies of the 3-4," according to the article. "They meet with the
entire defense for about 90 minutes, meet with their position coach for
about 30 minutes, participate in walk-throughs with the defense for
about 30 minutes, lift weights and then go out onto the field."
Total Packers takes a look the cornerbacks in an article. While I certainly appreciate the plug for Railbird Central, I respectfully disagree with their argument that Pat Lee, Brandon Underwood and Jarrett Bush might fight for one roster spot. In fact, I can see a scenario where all three make the roster. Total Packers argues, "The smart money says that Lee, a second round pick last year gets that
spot. Conventional logic says you simply don’t give up on a second
round pick after one year. Lee, however, needs to show something in
training camp to assure conventional logic."
We learn the family issue Nick Collins has been hinting at involved the recent death of his father. Our condolences go out to Collins and his family. I guess with this in the rearview mirror, we'll be finding out whether his family issue or the desire for a new contract is the reason for his "hold out" within the next couple days.
Tony Walter of the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes about how Wisconsin's new no-smoking law will include Lambeau Field. Also included in the article is the possibility of a World Cup soccer qualifier being played at Lambeau and also a college football game between Michigan Tech and Winona State. I'm all for having events at Lambeau Field other than the Packer, but who the heck is going to go to a Michigan Tech/Winona State football game in Green Bay? The attendance will be like 1,000 people.
The Packer tickets set aside for Brown County residents are sold out.
Packers board member Jack Koeppler passed away.
Railbird endorsed video: Enjoy "Deep Sun" by the New Deal. For the techno fans...
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