The Offseason Has Officially Begun
Last Updated on Sunday, 14 February 2010 21:04 Written by John Rehor Thursday, 11 February 2010 20:17
Thursday, February 11, 2010. It is four days post Super Bowl and there is no NFL this weekend. No Pro Bowl (thank goodness), no playoffs, no games. The nadir of the NFL postseason has hit, and the only thing left to do is sit back and reflect on the season that was, or what could have been. Unless you’re a Green Bay Packer fan, we don’t have an offseason. There is always something going on. Free agency, Fan Fest, Draft Day, OTA’s. Each one of these is examined with a fine tooth comb for every nugget of information. Who will be the steal in the draft? Is Mike Mccarthy going to change up the offense? What will Dom Capers do to prevent another playoff breakdown like the one we experienced this year?
All valid points and they will all get their due time. But there is one question I have to ask, and it’s directed right at Ted Thompson:
Do you see how close this team is to winning it all?
So Close
Since 2005, he has made it a habit of building from the draft, except in the offseason leading into 2006, which happens to be the same time he signed two key players on the defense: Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett. They were inserted as the focal point of a defense which was, for all intents and purposes, terrible in 2005. New found hope began with these signings, and Packer fans around the globe saw the team show signs of life in 2006, after winning their final four games to finish 8-8. Progress continued into 2007, going 13-3 with the visit to the NFC Championship game. Since then I have continued to ask myself the same question: Why has Ted done nothing to improve the team other than draft and resign his own players since 2007?
I think I know the reason why. They’re good. They’re good on the verge of being very good. And they have become good by following the framework that Ted wants to follow: Build from the draft and take care of his own players. With that being said, I have a “To-Do” list for Ted Thompson which will bring this team from good, to very good:
Sign Nick Collins long-term. Safety play is often overlooked, and Nick is a two time Pro Bowler. Very difficult to find now a days unless that player’s name is Ed Reed.
Resign Ryan Pickett. He is the center of the D, and until BJ Raji can prove his Number 9 overall draft status, someone has to anchor the line. Who better than the guy who’s been there for four years.
Resign Mark Tauscher. Do we really want to experience the Allen Barbre disaster again in 2010? If nothing else, he is a more than serviceable backup. But we need a right tackle of the future. Breno Giacomini may be, but not yet.
Resign Chad Clifton/Sign Tra Thomas. TJ Lang may be the starter down the road if not this year, but if he is not the answer or gets injured, we need an immediate solution rather than holding “Training Camp” tryouts during the regular season. Note that neither Tauscher nor Clifton/Thomas should be guaranteed starting spots. Thomas was released by Jacksonville on 2/11/10.
Changes the Packers Need to Make
That takes care of the current Packers. But the major changes needed are in the area Thompson shuns away from the most: free agency. Two simple solutions can push our already strong defense over the top;
Sign an experienced OLB. I love Aaron Kampman. He is the definition of Packer People. A two time pro bowler, 54 career sacks, an every down hundred miles a minute guy. I love it-but he is NOT good in the 3-4. He was uncomfortable and looked awkward until he started putting his hand on the ground. That isn’t going to cut it in the 3-4. I wish him well (probably in Minnesota) but who to put opposite Clay Matthews. Brad Jones isn’t ready yet. The one name I think of…Karlos Dansby. That’s right, go get the guy who cost us the playoff game against Arizona. Young and experienced, I’d love to see it.
Cornerback. Sorry to say, but the CB situation is not good. Woodson, who is coming off a career year, is going to be 34 in October. Al Harris, is coming off ACL surgery, Tramon Williams is good, but not great. Will Blackmon is the definition of injury prone. Brandon Underwood played as well as you could expect a sixth round rookie to play. And Jarrett Bush-never mind. Dunta Robinson would be an improvement over half the guys I just listed, and he’s available.
That’s it. My free agency solutions for the 2010 Packers. Resign four current players and sign two mid range free agents. I am comfortable with everyone else on the roster without considering the draft in April. That is another topic for another day.
Do the right thing Ted, and make the moves you need to. It’s right there. The Lombardi Trophy is ready to come home.
John Rehor
