Story Created:
May 18, 2009
Story Updated:
May 18, 2009
Packers Gameday at 3:00 p.m. on Newsradio 620 WTMJ and a live blog here.
Packers Gameday Coverage:
• Spotlight on Rodgers
• Aaron's Success "All In The Numbers"
• Packers Platter: Chef Tyler from the Milwaukee Ale House
Our Experts Predict
• Tonight vs. Vikings
• 2008 Season
2008 Season Preview:
• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Receivers
• Offensive Line
• Defensive Line
• Linebackers
• Defensive Backs
• Special Teams
More:
• Favre Makes Jets Debut
|
The Kicking Game
|
| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#2 Mason Crosby
 |
6' 1" 207 lbs.
2nd Year
Colorado |
XP: 48-48, 100%; FG: 31-39, 79.5%, 141 points |
The guy didn't miss a kick inside the 40 yard line, and he ended his first NFL game by kicking a game-winner. More than consistent, he's truly "money," a Pro Bowler in the making. |
| #6 Derrick Frost |
6' 2" 210 lbs.
5th Year
Northern Iowa
|
(w/Washington Redskins)
75 punts, 41.0 avg., 23 punts inside 20 yard line, 38.3 net
|
This looks like an experiment to simply have another body in the house instead of Jon Ryan, who proved too inconsistent. Frost is more of a directional punter, and has more success than the average at keeping the ball out of the end zone. |
| #61 Brett Goode |
6' 1" 261 lbs.
Rookie
Arkansas |
|
Well, the folks at Arkansas trusted this guy to consistenly act as a long snapper in the kicking game there. This ain't Arkansas, folks, but the SEC is the closest thing to the NFL, so I'm not monstrously worried. |
|
The Return Men
|
| Player |
Vitals |
'07 Stats |
Synopsis |
#27 Will Blackmon
 |
6' 0" 206 lbs.
3rd Year
Boston College |
8 punt returns, 13.3 average, 1 TD; 1 kickoff return, 3 yards |
The Packers have chosen him as their main return option, both on punts and kickoffs. He's explosive enough to run one back, as he proved in the Oakland game last year. |
#38 Tramon Williams
 |
5' 11" 191 lbs.
2nd Year
Louisiana Tech
|
6 punt returns, 19.7 average, 1 TD; 30 kickoff returns, 22.8 average |
Explosive on kick returns, he's the second punt return option and third on the kickoff return team, and he also has proved he can run one back (though in an unusual situation on a pooch punt). |
#87 Jordy Nelson
 |
6' 3" 217 lbs.
Rookie
Kansas State
|
(w/Kansas State)
returned two punts for touchdowns |
Adding depth not only to the receiving corps, this guy proved he can fly on returns as well, twice getting around end on punt returns. He'll need to learn the "up-the-middle" return to help his average when he realizes he can't always get the big play. |
Source: Green Bay Packers
