The Packers 1st pick in the 2009 NFL Draft - DT B.J. Raji arrived a few days after the Draft and participated in OTA's and Mini Camps. However, due to contract negotiations he has opted not to show up for Training Camp. We're on day 4 of Packers Training Camp and BJ Raji has been the only no-show on the entire team. All the other players have been there since day 1 and have been participating whether injured or not. BJ Raji needs ass in camp.He is losing valuable learning time in the 3-4 defensive scheme that Dom Capers is building in Green Bay. Raji is losing out on a golden opportunity to stay on track with the system and all the 'installments' during Training Camp. He should (if nothing else) be with the team in Green Bay so he can at least participate in Film Meetings, Weight Training, and watching from the sideline. Even if hes not 'playing' he could at least be there - just being there he can stay on top of things while the contract is being worked out. He is losing valuable learning time right now.
Packer Tidbits:
Aaron Kampman has been reported as doing well against the Run and Pass Rushing in the new 3-4 scheme.
Desmond Bishop (LB) who is the backup to AJ Hawk (LB) has been out-performing AJ Hawk thus far in Training Camp. Also I am hearing reports that AJ Hawk is struggling in the new 3-4 scheme. It seems as if Desmond Bishop may take that job. Good. I am no longer sold on Hawk and Ive seen Bishop play - the kid looks pretty damn good.
Al Harris & Charles Woodson (CB's) have been saying in locker room interviews so far that they feel the Defensive Players have been picking up the 3-4 pretty quickly and making the adjustments so far.
Donald Driver & Greg Jennings (WR's) have been saying in locker room interviews that the offense is close to getting back their chemistry they had last season.
Jermichael Finley (TE) has been showing great play making ability in camps this offseason - he has been making some strides and improving his game. I like that.
Nick Barnett (LB) has been a little bit upset about being held back a little longer. Apparently from what he said in the locker room interview the doctors tested him out and held him out of practice a little bit longer - but says their is no current 'target date'.
Clay Matthews Jr (LB) has been impressive in camps to date. He played in the 3-4 in college - and I think he will do just fine.
Cullen Jenkins (DE) says he feels wonderful but has a ways to go before hes back to where he used to be. Reports say hes started where he left off. So we'll see.
Aaron Rodgers (QB) - Is still the leader of the team, is still the man and is still working well with the players around him and looks good. Says that the wind in GB blows pretty hard and sometimes the ball wobbles a little bit in the air - and that he has to sometimes make a slight adjustment on the ball but that its no big thing.
Overall - it seems as if the Packers are quickly getting back into form and improving from last year. I like what I am hearing so far from Packers camps. I like what we did with the draft and the coaching changes. Dom Capers is historically a wonderful defensive coordinator having many top 10 defenses in his career - and even some #1's. And with Kevin Greene as the LB Coach and Darren Perry coaching up the safeties - I think this defense could be a top 15 - maybe a top 10 defense. Well, so I hope anyways.
But, for now, I will cross my fingers and pray and hope that everything works out and the Packers defense will be BETTER than last year and the offense continues to roll. Go Packers Go!!
