Is the Green Bay Packers’ head coaching job really less appealing than the opportunity to lead the Cleveland Browns? Some would have you
believe that is the case. In Friday’s Cheese Curds
http://www.packerslockerroom.com/authentic-jk-scott-jersey , APC broke down a few sources that made that argument.Meanwhile, the SB Nation
FanPulse survey results from across all NFL fans are pretty split, but with a
slight 54-46 edge favoring Cleveland:Quality of the job aside, SB Nation also
asked Packers fans about who their preferred candidate would be in the
APC-specific FanPulse surveys, and found that there is no single individual who
stands out above the rest. Each of four specific candidates lost out to the
field as follows:Josh McDaniels (Patriots OC): 27%Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma HC):
27%Mike Pettine (Packers DC): 10%John DeFilippo (Vikings OC): 2%Other: 34%As
time goes on and names begin to emerge as front-runners, we will continue to ask
readers how they feel about the top names. But for now, there does not seem to
be any one name that stands out above the rest in the minds of Packers fans.Let
us know who your top choice would be in the comments below! Over a two week
span, Acme Packing Company takes a look at each position group on the Green Bay
Packers and provides grades and insight on how they performed in the 2018
season. Today, we examine the cornerbacks.The Green Bay Packers’ defense
struggled in 2018 as Mike Pettine took over for Dom Capers, but as much as Dom’s
system was simply stale, the underlying issuesthis season were much more about
talent level and health. While the Packer defense is stacked up front (When
healthy), everything behind Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark was questionable at
best entering 2018. Fortunately, one of the few positive developments on defense
came at corner, and while the Packer pass defense still struggled, there are, at
least, a few building blocks in place. Preferred StartersJaire Alexander13 games
played, 11 starts11 passes defended, 1 interception, 66 tackles (61 solo), 3
TFL, 0.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveriesThe Packers spent a first round pick at their
weakest position, and the results paid immediate dividends as Alexander
immediately became the team’s top corner. He was the single best Packer
secondary player across the board, elite in coverage, in tackling, and in run
support. While some lament that the team missed out on safety Derwin
James
Kevin King Jersey , an elite player in his own right, it’s likely that Alexander ends up as the more valuable player, locking down a side of the field
for the foreseeable future. For a team that started Lenzy Pipkins as their top
corner in a playoff game two years ago, Alexander is just about the biggest
upgrade imaginable. Bashaud Breeland7 games played, 5 starts4 passes defended, 2
interceptions, 20 tackles (16 solo), 1 TFL, 1 fumble recoveryBreeland became
available this offseason because Washington has no clue as to what they are
doing and let him walk in free agency. After he failed his physical with
Carolina once he signed a free agent deal, Breeland signed with the Packers.
Returning from a bizarre leg infection, there was bound to be some rust on his
game, but once he shook it off he was excellent opposite Alexander. We should
not ignore the rust entirely, as it did lead to a few penalty-filled games early
on in his brief stint with the team, but the real Breeland showed himself late,
and there is enough positive history here to give some confidence in his game
going forward. Only 26, and still in his prime, he should rightly be one of the
most attractive corners on the free agent market. Hopefully he’s willing to
return to Green Bay. Kevin King6 games played, 6 starts2 passes defended, 1
interception, 17 tackles (14 solo), 1 TFL, 1 fumble recoveryThe legend of the
Fisher King holds that the final guardian of the Holy Grail has suffered a leg
or groin malady, and can only move enough to fish, and that the health of the
land waxes and wanes with his own health. Such is the legend of Kevin King, who
is forever injured, seemingly the missing piece on the field when he is not, and
the health of the defense waxes and wanes with his presence. King is maddening
as a very good
Marquez Valdes-Scantling Jersey White , very physical cover corner who rivals Alexander in production on a per play basis. Unfortunately, he just can’t
stay on the field, and while he remains an intriguing prospect, time is running
out on King. After playing in just 15 games over his first two seasons, King
needs to show up in 2019, or he might not be a Packer in
2020.Backups/Fill-insJosh Jackson16 games played, 10 starts10 passes defended, 0
INT, 49 tackles (39 solo), 1 TFLThe Packers’ second-round pick kicked things off
with a bang, with a nice game in limited action against the Bears, but it was
mostly downhill from there. Opponents began to realize that Jackson lacked the
raw speed to keep up with most NFL receivers, and capitalized when he was in
one-on-one situations. Jackson’s performance seemed to spiral when he was
successfully picked on, and in his better moments he still showed the technique
and tackling that landed him in the second round. If he’s going to stick at
corner, that technique is going to have to become rock solid. But he may be
better served in terms of fit and confidence with a move to safety, where Green
Bay could certainly use the help.Tramon Williams16 games played, 16 starts (7 at
cornerback)2 passes defended, 0 interceptions, 54 tackles (40 solo), 0
TFLSpeaking of which, Tramon Williams — veteran, Super Bowl hero, and all around
great player — returned to shore up the corner position. But while the brain was
game, the body unfortunately was not. Williams would often be in perfect
position to make a play, only to see a younger, faster receiver run right by him
as if stuck in quicksand. Williams was moved to safety around the middle of the
season where he was a much better fit. He’s not a banger anymore, but he can
still shut down tight ends and running backs
Womens Corey Linsley Jersey , and he’s adequate if unspectacular in run support. Williams is an underrated Packer, and one of the better corners in team
history. If he loses another step, it’s probably over for him.Tony Brown11 games
played, 3 starts5 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 0 interceptions, 34 tackles
(30 solo) 1 TFL.At some point Brian Gutekunst just started collecting athletes,
and Brown is example 1A. One of Brown’s closest physical comparables is none
other than Jaire Alexander, and it’s not as crazy as it sounds. Brown’s issues
weren’t as much about play as they were discipline, as he was repeatedly flagged
for unnecessary, late hits. When he wasn’t committing game-killing penalties he
put that athleticism to good use, staying with receivers as well as just about
anyone. Brown is raw, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him turn into a very
good corner in the near future. Davon House3 games played2 tackles (1 solo)There
was no reason to bring House back, and in his very limited playing time, he
showed why. His second stint as a Packer has been an unmitigated disaster as
House was one of the worst players in the league. Originally intended as a
steady hand while Damarious Randall, Quentin Rollins, and Kevin King developed,
House instead spent most of his time getting torched, and being caught out of
position. He’s a free agent, and if he lands another job it would be a surprise.
The restNatrell Jamerson, Deante Burton, Will RedmondFormer Badger Natrell
Jamerson had a cup of coffee on special teams, and impressed. Jamerson suffered
a gruesome broken leg in college, but recovered well and put on a show at the
Combine and at Wisconsin’s Pro Day. He was officially a corner for the Packers,
but would be well-served by a move to a position that lets him head downhill
with more abandon. Will Redmond served as special teams fodder in a few games,
and was nothing to write home about. Deante Burton was Moonlight Graham’ed and
never got on the field.
