Yardbarker: A.J. Hawk

Capers praises Hawk's performance

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:15:00 -0500

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers is pleased with the play of linebacker A. J. Hawk.“I think A.J.’s a good football player,” said Capers. “I think he’s good in the huddle. He’s done a nice job of calling the signals when he’s in there. He had some physical plays (Sunday) night.”Capers said the linebackers played a big role in stopping the Bears’ running attack, which produced just 86 yards and a minuscule 2.8 yard average per carry.“Part of that run defense, our linebackers got to the ball pre...

The Dilemma of First Round Money: A. J. Hawk and The Green Bay Packers

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 01:56:10 -0500

First, he has a name fans love: HAWK, HAWK, HAWK. He played on a college team always in the mix and in the running. But Green Bay Packer linebacker A. J. Hawk just does not have the sideline to sideline speed and instincts demanded of a top linebacker. Hawk, drafted No. 5 overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2006, and given a $37 million contract, doesn't have the abilities required of a first round draft pick. He is another of Packer GM Ted Thompson's draft mistakes on defense. Hawk s...

Packers Draft Board, v.1

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 23:44:37 -0500

Every week I?ll rank the Top 5 to Top 10 prospects for the Packers first round pick, the ninth overall, in the 2009 NFL Draft.? Also, there are no offensive players in here.? Some more will probably work their way in when free agency sorts out some of the defensive question marks, but right now ...

Hawk to Move to the Mike LB Spot in the Packers New 3-4

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:57:02 -0500

In the Packers? new 3-4 scheme, linebacker A.J. Hawk will play the Mike middle linebacker position, which concentrates on stopping the run, with Nick Barnett playing the Will middle linebacker position, which will give him more coverage responsibility, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Let's MOCK IT UP!

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:15:44 -0500

Almost a month has gone by since we last mock drafted the first five picks in this April's NFL Draft. All NFL head coaching vacancies have been filled. The New England Patriots have placed the teams franchise tag on back up quarterback Matt Cassel. A new Super Bowl Champion has been crowned. Oh yea, all underclassmen who want to return to the ranks of college football, have declared one way or the other, including my former expected top pick: Oklahoma QB, Sam Bradford.

With all that has happened, I'm forced to release the second installment of my NFL mock draft, which will include picks 6-10 then picks 1-5, several days earlier that originally expected.

www.LynchyRightNow.com

The "Golden Boys" Of The 2006 NFL Draft: They Aint Who We Thought They Were

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:12:36 -0500

The report that Kerry Collins will be the Tennessee Titan's starting quarterback in '09 is the icing on the cake for anyone looking to label the "golden boys" of the 2006 NFL Draft as busts. Lucky for you, we're looking to do just that. And lucky for us, it won't be very hard. And since hindsight is 20/20, we'll tell you who the teams that got caught up in the hype should have taken instead.

FWG: A Formal Introduction

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:38:54 -0500

Lets try this again. My reception to this site was about as well received as when your sister brings home?well...some one like me from college. Only instead of staring across the kitchen table imagining at what this 285lb baldheaded freak does to you "lil sis" (probably how Brady Quinn looks at ...

Packers Pound Bears in Lambeau 37-3

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:01:00 -0500

Packers Trounce Chicago 37-3

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:03:39 -0500

With an absolutely astounding running game and some help from the defense, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears, 37-3 at Lambeau Field. Ryan Grant passed the 100 yard mark in the first half, and the struggling Bears offense simply couldn't make anything happen on their side of the ball. A second quarter field goal was all that Kyle Orton and crew were able to generate all day. The first quarter was all Packers, with the offense holding on to the ball for 8:44 total possession time. This wisdom continued for the entire game, with the Bears total possession time for the game coming to 22:32 as opposed to 37:28 for the Pack. Aaron Rodgers was picked off once, and Kyle Orton fumbled once. The only difference was that Rodgers' interception, midway through the second quarter, only led to a punt, but the Orton fumbled yielded yet another Packers touchdown. Obviously the offensive line has found a rhythm, and the changes at linebacker apparently were positive, as well. Another key change was that Green Bay was only penalized 6 times for 55 yards, while Chicago was backed up 8 times, for a total of 65 yards. I had mentioned earlier this week that this game was pivotal. Obviously the Pack took note, because they really came through. Rodgers still threw the ball very well - 23 of 30 for 227 - but the game was much less dependent on his arm due to 200 yards of rushing from Grant, Brandon Jackson, and John Kuhn. Packers fans have much to be pleased with today. The team will now look to a big Monday night game next week at New Orleans.

Hawk to play Mike

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:09:11 -0500

It's official - AJ Hawk will play middle linebacker starting Sunday, replacing Nick Barnett, who is out for the season.A Brady Poppinga will apparently play the strong side, and Brandon Chillar gets the weak side spot. With one of the worst ranked run defenses in the NFL right now, the Packers need to make good changes at linebacker.A Hopefully, a shift in personnel will cause some sparks and result in good things happening.

Middle Linebacker Barnett Out for the Rest of 08

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:05:37 -0500

The Pack are going to have to go at it for the rest of the season without middle linebacker Nick Barnett.A The MLB tore a ligament in his right knee in Sunday's loss in Minnesota.A "He's very disappointed," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "It's unfortunate. But we need to have the other guys step up."A The team will have to come up with a plan with Barnett out. One of the options is to promote backup Desmond Bishop, or move one of the outside LB's - A.J. Hawk or Brandon Chillar to the middle.A "We'll probably make that call (Tuesday)," McCarthy said.A Bishop played after Barnett went down Sunday.A He was hurt trying to make a tackle on Vikings back Adrian Peterson on the first series of the second half.

Week 1 Gridiron IDP Roundup

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 10:20:50 -0500

After the success of this weekly column last year, coupled with the rising popularity of IDP fantasy leagues, FIO has once again returned with the IDP Roundup. These are the names you should know for this coming week in IDP.

LB Hawk Suffers Chest Injury

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:07:41 -0500

When the Packers take on the 49ers in an exhibition game on Saturday, they'll be without the services of linebacker A.J. Hawk. Coach Mike McCarthy has been vague about Hawk's chest injury. He was hurt in the third quarter of Monday night's loss to the Bengals. McCarthy says he doesn't have an answer as to when Hawk will be back.

Green Bay Packers (NFL Mocks)

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:05:12 -0500

Team MVP: Ryan Grant. How can it be anyone else? With Aaron Rodgers inexperienced at the helm of the offense the Packers will rely on their running game heavily and their defense to help Rodgers get coaxed into the starting role, especially early in the season. Another great choice here would be Greg Jennings since Rodgers will need a go to receiver he is comfortable with, but I expect Grant to be the big man in Lambeau this year. Break-Out Player: James Jones. Brett Favre, yes I finally mentioned him (took long enough), loved Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and combined they were arguably the top receiving core in the NFC last season. Now a new sheriff is in town and Rodgers will play no favorites. I expect the 24 year old Jones to become a threat in the Packers offense this season due to the quarterback change. Biggest Disappointment: Brett Favre won't be taking the field in a Packers jersey this year. It's sad but it won't be happening for the first time in 17 years. I'm glad we moved on though, it was time for Favre to leave after he retired. He was amazing while he was here and will be greatly missed, but the Packers made the right decision by moving on. Fantasy Stud: Grant. Running backs dominate fantasy football and Grant averaged 5.1 yards per carry last season in his first year as a starter in the NFL. He should be relied on even more heavily this season since Favre won't be slinging the ball around anymore. Offensive Outlook: This season's offense is a little less potent than last season's on paper due to the big hole left by Favre. I believe Rodgers can be great for Green Bay but he is unproven so let's not count our chickens before they hatch. The receiving core looks solid with Jennings, Driver, and Jones. The right side of the offensive line looks solid led by Mark Tauscher at tackle, as does the left side with Chad Clifton there. I don't mean to sound repetitive but quarterback is really the biggest question mark on the offense for the first time since the early 90s. Defensive Diagnosis: Once again the defense looks like it can be counted on for big stops, with no big weaknesses on paper. Charles Woodson and Al Harris can shut down any wide receiver in the league, which takes a lot of pressure off of young safeties Atari Bigby and Nick Collins. The linebackers are coming together nicely with Nick Barnett and A. J. Hawk. At left outside linebacker the Packers are trying to decide on their starter between Brady Poppinga and Brandon Chillar, the only hole I see anywhere on this side of the ball. The defensive line is as good as any in the conference, especially on the left side where Aaron Kampman and Ryan Pickett roam. "Red Letter" Game: The Dallas game (our third of the season) on September 21st looms very large to me. We have a real tester against Minnesota out of the gate and Detroit follows. In the worst case scenario we should be 1-1 before the NFC regular season champs come to Lambeau. Other pretty big games include Tampa Bay (week 4), Indianapolis (week 7), and New Orleans (week 12). Projected Record/Outlook: The Packers will go 10-6 this season. With Minnesota, Dallas, and Tampa Bay as three of our first four games this could be very interesting. If we survive that stretch at .500 or better then we get rewarded with Seattle and Indianapolis as two of our next three games. Thanks NFL schedulers. That means in our first seven games we get four playoff teams from last season, and the one team that was arguably the best team not to make the playoffs last season (Minnesota). Then after the bye week we get Indianapolis, the NFL's best team in my opinion, and the Vikings again followed by New Orleans two weeks later. That stretch could destroy our playoff hopes but only one playoff team from last season is in our final five games, Jacksonville. Parting Smack: After all the talk about Favre and everything it's sort of amazing that we are the only team in our own division that actually knows who their starting quarterback of the future is. Bring on Bears, Lions, and Vikings. Especially Minnesota! Chicago Bears: The Bears can't even decide who their quarterback is, why would we be scared of them? Then at running back they have an unproven rookie with Matt Forte. - Daniel Evans