Defensive Coordinators Rankings: Bob Babich
Windy City Gridiron — ... DE Jared Allen joining the team last year, the blitz package is a thing of the past, though it could return if the Williams Wall misses significant time. 5. Dom Capers, Packers. He is a diehard believer in the 3-4 defense. We wonder whether Green Bay has the pieces to make the change in '09. Capers knows the scheme inside and out and has been through the transition before. He can guide players like Aaron Kampman, A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett through struggles ...

Position Analysis: Linebackers
Acme Packing Company — ... In honor of the signing of 7th round draft choice OLB Brad Jones, it seemed a good time to look ahead at the linebackers. And this post does have another boring post title. I do try and spice up the post title on Twitter. This group was the biggest disappointment last season. There was the promise that LB A.J. Hawk and LB Nick Barnett would make a bigger impact last season, but instead each had his worst season as a pro. Now the Godfather, Dom Capers, is in town. He's brought with him the ...

Top 10 Players in 2009: #5 - CB Al Harris
Acme Packing Company — ... on a collision with LB A.J. Hawk. Even that only kept him out 4 games, and he still made the aforementioned Pro Bowl. Despite the presence of CB ...

Top 10 Players in 2009: #4 LB Aaron Kampman
Acme Packing Company — ... If for no other reason, LB Aaron Kampman is in the top 10 because he is their pass rush. He had 9.5 sacks last season, followed by LB A.J. Hawk and CB Charles Woodson with 3 apiece. And Hawk only had 1 sack in the last 14 games. And Kampman was even better with 15.5 sacks in 2006 and 12 sacks in 2007. As a defensive end, he was a true two-way player. As good as he is at getting after the QB, he's a solid run stopper too. Unfortunately, he won't be playing defensive end full-time starting this season because the ...

Playoffs?!? You Want To Talk About Playoffs?!? - Part Two: NFC
Hogs Haven — ... saved my fantasy football season two years ago. This team was one bad throw away from getting to the Super Bowl two years ago. I think what happened last year was more about karma than anything else. Not that they necessarily deserved to go 6-10, but all of the off-season crap as well as a few injuries conspired to suppress their chances on the field. I really like this defense. A.J. Hawk can make plays. Their cornerback combo of ...

Training Camp Sunday Practice Roundup
Acme Packing Company — ... The Green Bay Packers had two practices on Sunday. Some players started in the first one that didn't start in the other; some sat out one practice if they had surgery during the offseason. Reading through the recaps from the Journal-Sentinel and the Press Gazette, a few players stood out: LB A.J. Hawk. Jobe read that Greg Bedard noticed it, and so did Tom Pelissero; Hawk looked good on the pass rush and in pass coverage. Although the defense had a big advantage, at least on Saturday, because gusting wind was altering ...

Packers Training Camp Resumes; B.J. Raji Is Still Unsigned
Acme Packing Company — ... A big problem on defense last season that generally went unnoticed was the poor play of LB A.J. Hawk. He played through some injuries, so I've been willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But injuries might not have been the problem. The No. 5 overall pick in 2006 draft might be just an ordinary player. From Greg Bedard's  ...

Football Outsiders on LB A.J. Hawk
Acme Packing Company — ... My third question: The linebacker stat that jumped out at me was the 4.7 yards/carry allowed by LB A.J. Hawk. Is that unacceptable for a middle linebacker or does he have a chance at turning his career around? ...

Monday Packers Practice: Barnett, Raji, Hawk, and Harrell
Acme Packing Company — ... his Twitter: And shot out to the fans who cheered me out today thanksq a lot.. Even the hater who sad Nick you better be worried about your spot lol... I just got done watching the film I must say I am really proud of myself.. I know it's the first day but man I put in a lot of work Also it was the first training camp practice for DT B.J. Raji.  Is LB A.J. Hawk a part-time player? I've been pulling for the guy, but 2008 was a ...

Thursday Practices: Matthews vs. Thompson, Rouse, Bishop, and Hawk
Acme Packing Company — ... a while. He had no chance at beating out either S Atari Bigby or S Nick Collins for a starting job, but he is the top backup. I'm not sold on free agent S Anthony Smith yet, but at least he provides more depth then they had last season. LB Desmond Bishop has been one of the stars in training camp. Something was bothering him during practice, but apparently it was nothing serious. We've been discussing whether LB A.J. Hawk has reached bust status. The stats have shown ...

Preseason Preview: Buffalo at Green Bay
Acme Packing Company — ... games. WR James Jones and WR Jordy Nelson. For what it's worth, Jones seems to have made more noise in training camp. He also had 3 catches in the first preseason game. Nelson has been very quiet this preseason. I put Nelson ahead at the start of the preseason for the No. 3 WR spot, but Jones is probably ahead at this point. DT B.J. Raji. He should play, so we'll finally get to see him in action. LB A.J. Hawk. We've been discussing the bust label this week, and ...

So How Good Are The Packers, Really?
Acme Packing Company — ... We can expect a lot of movement in the defensive front seven.  While that doesn't seem nearly as definitive as my other expectations, look at what that 3-4 defense has produced: 7 sacks, 6 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 21 points allowed over 2 games.  Sure, there's questions about A.J. Hawk being a bust, or ...

Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Bills 31-21
Acme Packing Company — ... It was a nice play by DE Johnny Jolly, but I can't say enough how about unimpressed I was by Buffalo's offensive line. They played back on their heels the entire game. The 1st string defense killed them with speed from the linebackers and power from the defensive lineman. On the sack, LB A.J. Hawk and LB Brandon Chillar just ran right around the offensive lineman in a second. QB Trent Edwards was either running for his life or throwing quick 5 yard outs to avoid the rush. Buffalo's O-line wasn't good last season and they jettisoned three starters, including ...

A Plea To Curb Your Enthusiasm
Acme Packing Company — ... While it might be a by-product of the passing game's explosiveness, the offense hasn't fully exhibited the type of ball control offense needed to hang onto close games.  Maybe it's because Ryan Grant has only gotten 21 carries, or because the offensive line has just ended the position battles.  All I know is that I wanted to see some strong running, and the only back that's shown it consistently is Tyrell Sutton, who should but might not make the roster. 3. A.J. Hawk.  There's been a lot of talk about ...

Preseason Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Arizona 44-37
Acme Packing Company — ... I'd like to use this play to give a shout out to LB A.J. Hawk. He wasn't worth the No. 5 overall pick and shouldn't start ahead of either LB Desmond Bishop or LB Brandon Chillar, but he can still play. He came up the middle on a blitz that was picked up by the running back which left Woodson unblocked from around the left tackle.  ...

Monday Practice; Flynn is Back, Jackson is Hurt, and Who Will Start
Acme Packing Company — ...  LB A.J. Hawk, but I'm not a fan anymore. The 2008 season was too disappointing. LB Desmond Bishop is better against the run, and LB Brandon Chillar is better in pass coverage, so Hawk should start because...? ...

The Season Is Upon Us!
Acme Packing Company — ... the tackles if the ILBs can't disengage from blocks.  However, if Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji, and Ryan Pickett penetrate just one or two yards in the backfield, they can short-circuit any rushing attempts the Bears throw at us.  When Forte gets to the linebackers, the only real concern is Nick Barnett's ability to make tackles after the long rehab from an ACL tear.  Brady Poppinga, Aaron Kampman, Brandon Chillar, and A.J. Hawk are all adept tacklers and will slow down Forte as he makes ...

Analysis: Green Bay Packers defeat Bears 21-15
Acme Packing Company — ... For everyone looking for a breakout performance from TE Greg Olsen, it sure didn't happen in this game. This was his only catch. Hardly his worst game against the Packers, he had a two fumble disaster a couple seasons ago, but he either kills the Packers or sucks. He's just inconsistent. (6:34) 6-J.Cutler pass short left to 37-J.McKie to GB 15 for 8 yards (31-A.Harris). I couldn't figure out the Packers linebacker rotation. LBs A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, and Brandon Chillar all played ...

Chapter 2, Game 3 - vs. Green Bay Packers (Sept. 27th)
Turf Show Times — ... per carry, but 20th in yards per game.  With so many truncated drives, the Rams aren't getting the ball to Steven Jackson nearly enough.  One might argue that his explosiveness in terms of YPC might drop if he were used more, but I'd be willing to see his yards per drop if his total yards jumped.  Defensive fatigue is a statistic that isn't measured but has a huge impact.   Defensively, Green Bay boasts an enviable 3-4 LB group anchored by the trio of ILBs A.J. Hawk & Nick Barnett, and LOLB Aaron Kampman.  ...

Recap: Green Bay Packers Defeat Rams 36-17
Acme Packing Company — ... held by the defender. (9:55) 30-J.Kuhn up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. It was like the Rams completely ignored FB John Kuhn on the play, although he had a wide open running lane due to a great block by Colledge.  (9:42) 39-S.Jackson right end to SL 22 for no gain (56-N.Barnett). LB Nick Barnett is still the best of the inside linebackers. LB A.J. Hawk gets shoved around too much. LB Brandon Chillar always ...

Analysis: More on the Green Bay Packers Win Over the Rams
Acme Packing Company — ... It drove me crazy trying to find out which linebackers were on the field. I tracked the linebacker rotation, and on some plays I kept seeing every middle linebacker on the field. LB A.J. Hawk, LB Brandon Chillar, and LB ...

The Fight For First Place: Round One
Acme Packing Company — ... 's before him because a) Jackson managed to break off some big gains (including a 20-yarder), b) he had weaker blocking than Cincinnati has, and c) the linebackers played well on Sunday.  A.J. Hawk, ...

More On The Shutout Against The Lions
Acme Packing Company — ... Yes! Every time I saw LB Brady Poppinga playing at right OLB I wondered why. I didn't notice him on Sunday, except on special teams, but I wasn't exactly taking a roster count on every play either. Big thanks to Rob Demovsky for confirming it. Not that I think Matthews was personally responsible for the shutout, but he's clearly outplayed Poppinga. Also ILB Nick Barnett played on every defensive snap, to the detriment of ILB A.J. Hawk. But that might be a good thing. From the Press-Gazette ...

A Most Delicious Matchup
Acme Packing Company — ... had a small coming-out party last week, and A.J. Hawk has been relegated to the bench for over 75% of the defensive snaps.  ...

Recap: Green Bay Packers Dominate Browns 31-3
Acme Packing Company — ... and DE Cullen Jenkins played. The Browns aren't a great running team, but they did even worse than usual against the Packers defense. LB A.J. Hawk and Barnett were left unblocked a lot, and they led the team in tackles. ...

That's More Like It
Acme Packing Company — ... consistently got penetration, which opened up plays for the linebackers.  Jenkins also recorded a sack and a forced fumble.  A.J. Hawk and ...

The Fight For First Place: Round Two
Acme Packing Company — ... have managed to get consistent penetration and break up plays as they develop.  The linebackers, most notably A.J. Hawk, have been streaky, but I attribute that more to having a surplus of contributors (Hawk, ...

Midseason Report: the Cleveland Browns' Offense
Dawgs By Nature — ... In this situation, it is better for Cribbs to block the "wrong" guy, but to be wrong decisively.  Instead he waits and waits, and even lets RILB A.J. Hawk run right by him... ...

Midseason Report: the Cleveland Browns' Offense (Part II)
Dawgs By Nature — ... relase to block ILB A.J. Hawk at the second level.  Jamal Lewis wouldn't face a potential tackler for 10 yards. ...

Recap: Vikings Defeat Green Bay Packers 38-26
Acme Packing Company — ... . Luckily they've got a solid backup in LB Desmond Bishop, and it meant more playing time for LB A.J. Hawk too. We'll have to wait until later this week to see whether Chillar can have it placed in a cast and so he can continue to play. Even in the best case scenario, he should miss next week. ...

LB Brandon Chillar Out For "A Couple of Weeks"
Acme Packing Company — ... game against the Bucs. From Mike McCarthy: We had a number of players banged up from the game, but the one significant injury, Brandon Chillar had a broken hand. He will have surgery today, and with the information that will come out of the surgery, the forecast will probably be a couple of weeks, and I think he'll then be able to play with a club. Although the coaches obviously prefer him over LB A.J. Hawk or LB Desmond Bishop, his absence for 1 or 2 games is ...

McCarthy On: Rodgers, O-Line, LB, The Blitz, ILB, and Spencer Havner
Acme Packing Company — ... LB A.J. Hawk "will take the majority of the reps in both the base and nickel" in place of LB Brandon Chillar, as he  ...

Tex's Friday Preview - Tampa
Acme Packing Company — ... , someone (I'm looking at you, A.J. Hawk) will need to step up and play well against the run this Sunday. Hawk showed flashes of his potential against a lesser team in Cleveland. Can he do it again in Tampa? I hope so. Then again, he vanished against Minnesota, proving that the Browns can literally make anyone look good on the right day. Hopefully Hawk will earn some extra confidence this week in the same way the O-line does. ...

Analysis: Packers Allow 21 Points In 13 Minutes
Acme Packing Company — ... A lot has to go wrong for a 21 point swing in a span of 13 minutes. I can't think of a single good play during that stretch. The only ones that come to mind are QB Aaron Rodgers's scramble for a 1st down and LB A.J. Hawk's INT, but of course those were both called back by penalties. ...

The VRR: Cowboys (6-2) @ Packers (4-4)
Blogging The Boys — ... defense is and how well it plays than a tough schematic matchup. "I think it's each team and each game," Phillips said. "Denver played really good on defense against us up there. The only other game we lost was a 4-3 team (Giants). We made a lot of yards against Kansas City, we didn't produce as many points early as we would like to have." The Packers, in the first year of their 3-4 metamorphosis, are fourth in the league defensively. A.J.Hawk and Erik Kramer break down the matchup in this FoxSports vid ...

Friday Injury Report: Cowboys at Green Bay Packers
Acme Packing Company — ...  Chillar will play with a club on his hand. It's unknown whether Chillar will replace LB A.J. Hawk or just play part of the game. ...

The Day After Dallas: Injuries, Challenges, Punting, and Brad Jones
Acme Packing Company — ... had 7 tackles and 1 for a loss. I'm a big fan of his, but I was disappointed he couldn't bring more of a pass rush against the Cowboys' backup RT. A good game, but those are LB A.J. Hawk type numbers. So I'm surprised that  ...