Yardbarker: Vernand Morency

Just In Case You Were Wondering, Benson and Alexander Were in Town, But They Signed Nothing

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:15:10 -0500

Blurb from the Freep.com: A report that running back Cedric Benson was about to sign with the Lions was inaccurate. Benson visited the Lions on Tuesday along with former NFL most valuable player Shaun Alexander and Vernand Morency. But the Lions were just looking at running backs in case they need one

The Detroit Lions look to make personnel moves...that make no sense whatsoever!

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:12:05 -0500

The Lions continue to stumble along like a drunk on a weekend bender. The latest news to come out of Allen Park is a total head scratcher...

Former Pro Bowler Shaun Alexander was one of several running backs to meet with the Lions on Tuesday. Alexander, a former Seattle Seahawks star, worked out for the coaching staff at the team's practice facility.

Former Chicago Bears runner Cedric Benson, a first-round draft pick in 2005, and free-agent Vernand Morency, who previously played for the Packers, were also in town to meet with coaches and front office personnel.

I have a one word question: WHY?

The interest in signing a running back makes absolutely NO SENSE. None whatsoever. Even so, odd as this may be, let's look at the candidates:

Benson: Almost as big a 1st round draft bust as Mike Williams. Chicago couldn't unload him fast enough. Benson's out of football for a reason...He SUCKS! (Listen! Do you hear that? It's the sound of laughter coming out of Chi-town)

Alexander: Rudi Johnson redux. Like Rudi, Alexander is a once great back who is just as washed up. Overuse and injury left has the former Seahawk a shadow of the All-Pro he once was. Alexander's out of football for a reason...He's old and busted!

Morency: Who the fuck is this? Honestly, I have no idea. After looking Morency up, his stats SCREAM "journeyman!" If the Lions need a career backup so badly, then why not bring back Artose Pinner? At least he's a journeyman who already knows the offense. Morency is out of football for a reason...His type of player is dime a dozen.

Even stranger, the article states there's word out of Texas the Lions are on the verge of signing one of those backs. Which one?

According to Austin, Texas, city council member Mike Martinez, Benson is about to sign with the Lions.

Another one word question: WHY?

Out of the 3 backs brought in, why on earth would the Lions want, of all people, BENSON? In Chicago, "BENSON" is considered a 4 letter word. Signing a running back would be bad enough. But signing Cedric Benson? That's one of the seven signs of the fast oncoming apocalypse, Detroit Lions style.

Rather than sign another skill position player, I have a couple suggestions for the Lions.

First off, cut a few of the 35 defensive linemen you kept on the roster, to give you a little more roster flexibility. Then look for help at more than one position, not just running back...which isn't in all that bad of shape! Why not look at offensive linemen? Maybe at a run stopping linebacker? How about a proven QB, say Daunte Culpepper? All of these are positions of much greater need.

But the Lions are instead working out running backs, despite drafting Kevin Smith in the 3rd round, who's shown a fair amount of potential. What does this say to him? It says the Lions think they can do better, and wasted a 3rd round pick, while Smith must be thinking he did something wrong. (Actually, the kid did do something wrong. Terribly wrong. He agreed to a contract with the Lions)

Here's the Lions' thinking in a nutshell: "We have some gaping roster holes, we could really use a linebacker and an offensive lineman. I know, let's sign another running back! That will fix EVERYTHING!"

This is Lions' logic at it's most clueless and frustrating. I gave up trying to figure out the Lions' thought processes a long time ago, as it's impossible to figure out a front office that should be considered clinically insane.

Packers Take It Somewhere Unpleasant from 49ers

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 15:13:34 -0500

Last night the Packers took it hard in your favorite body cavity from the San Francisco 49ers. But guess what? I don't really care. The porous offensive line, despicable backup quarterback play, lack of a rushing attack, and inability to stop the San Francisco 49ers(!) offense should concern me.

Packers Offense Goes Flat, San Francisco Destroys Green Bay 34-6

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:41:27 -0500

J.T. O'Sullivan is if anything else making the race for the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback job competitive; he had an impressive performance on Saturday as he led the 49ers on consecutive touchdown drives, leading the 49ers to an impressive 34-6 thrashing of the Green Bay Packers in San Francisco. O'Sullivan led the 49ers on consecutive touchdown drives while throwing the team's first passing touchdown of the preseason while Alex Smith clearly struggled during his stint during the third quarter. On the other hand, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers wasn't very sharp, as he couldn't get the Packers into the end zone during his time on the field during the first half while getting sacked 4 times and a pair of passes were dropped. O'Sullivan led all 49ers quarterbacks as he went 8-of-17 for 154 yards with a TD and an interception, while Smith struggled, going 5-of-12 for only 62 yards. Rodgers led the Packers' QB trio who saw action, going 9-of-16 for 58 yards while Brian Brohm went 4-of-9 for 33 yards. DeShaun Foster led all 49ers rushers with 37 yards on 11 carries with a TD while Frank Gore added 6 rushes for 29 yards. Kregg Lumpkin led all Packers rushers with 51 yards on 10 carries while Noah Herron added 35 yards on 6 rushes. Rookie wide receiver Josh Morgan led all 49ers receivers with 5 receptions for 114 yards and a TD while Jason Hill added 46 yards on 2 catches; Dominique Zeigler added 42 yards on 4 receptions. Vernand Morency led the Packers receivers with a catch for 20 yards. The 49ers play again on August 21 as they visit Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears while the Packers play on August 22 as they visit Invesco Field as they challenge the Denver Broncos.

O’Sullivan’ s Passing Helps 49ers Destroy Packers 34-6

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:28:23 -0500

What To Watch For: Green Bay @ San Francisco

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 13:08:42 -0500

When Green Bay traveled to San Francisco to play the San Francisco 49ers in the past, it was always a duel between Brett Favre and Steve Young. These two teams played some great games: the 1998 NFL Championship Game, which the Packers won to play the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII and the 1999

Camp Battle Heats Up

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:31:30 -0500

As of right now, it appears that the top two running backs for Green Bay in 2008 are set. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson seem to have the top two spots locked up, but behind them, fourth-year veterans Vernand Morency and Noah Herron are in a tough battle for the third-string running back spot. According

Camp Battle Heats Up

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:31:30 -0500

NFC NORTH POSITION BATTLES

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:24:11 -0500

The Chicago Bears can't say for sure who will start at quarterback, receiver or running back. That makes for a few position battles, don't you think? No. 1 and No. 2 receiver: Devin Hester vs. Marty Booker vs. Mark Bradley vs. Brandon Lloyd The Bears bid farewell to 2007 starters Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, leaving this position wide open for competition. They envision Hester as their top receiver, but an unexpected holdout -- not to mention his inexperience at the position -- could curtail their plans. Otherwise, the position is a completely up in the air. Booker is a trusted veteran but not exactly a game-breaker, while Bradley has had trouble staying healthy. Lloyd, meanwhile, is on his third NFL team in six years. There isn't usually much to read into this, but for those interested: On the first practice of training camp Wednesday, the Bears had Booker and Bradley working with the starters. Intensity index: Red hot Running back: Matt Forte vs. Kevin Jones vs. Adrian Peterson The Bears have all but anointed Forte as the successor to the Cedric Benson/Thomas Jones era, but Forte will still have to prove himself in training camp. He has the size and speed to be a 20-carry back in the NFL, but the Bears might ultimately choose to take it slow with him. To that end, they signed Jones to provide depth and to hedge their bets a bit. Jones is less than seven months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee and isn't ready to practice yet. But in a best-case scenario, he could be ready to contribute a few weeks into the regular season. Should the Bears need help before then, veteran Adrian Peterson will be available, as always. The Bears prefer to limit him to a backup role, but he is in position to bail them out if necessary. Intensity index: Hot WANT TO SEE REST OF NFC NORTH BATTLES? CLICK THAT LINK

Jackson’s New Look

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:52:39 -0500

According to PackersNews.com, Packers running back Brandon Jackson has showed up to offseason practices with a whole new look. According to this article, Jackson showed up to camp at 220 pounds, up from 212 last year. Jackson called the added weight "the right kind of weight." The Packers coaching staff has raved about Jackson's response to a rather disappointing rookie season win which he missed time with a shin injury and was disappointing when he did receive playing time. Since the season ended, Jackson has dedicated himself to the weight room and the playbook. According to Packers running backs coach Edgar Bennett, Jackson has been "tremendous." Many, including myself, had Jackson forecasted to be a special teams player in 2008. His name has been dropped into the kick return competition and played well on the punt coverage team in 2007. The Packers are hoping to emulate the Super Bowl-champion New York Giants, who had a trio of running backs who played during the season, Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs, and Ahmad Bradshaw, and then had Jacobs and Bradshaw step up during the postseason. With the other candidates to back up starting running back Ryan Grant being DeShawn Wynn, Vernand Morency, Noah Herron, Corey White, and Kregg Lumpkin, it is hoped that Jackson can emerge and reach the potential the Packers thought he had when they drafted him in the second round out of Nebraska in 2007. Packers strength and conditioning coach Rock Gullison has ranked Jackson among the top five most improved Packers in 2008.

KR Competition Heats Up

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:11:27 -0500

Heading into training camp, a void vacated by departed wide receiver Koren Robinson exists on special teams. Right now there are eight Packers vying for the two kick returner spots. The incumbent Tramon Williams appears to have a very tight grip on the spot, as the special teams coaches were working with him during the OTAs to help him adjust to reading blocking schemes and make better decisions on his returns. Last year he seized the job after a strong preseason. He returned 30 kickoffs for 684 yards, a 22.8-yard return average, and had a long of 65 yards against the Chicago Bears. Williams also worked on punt returns, returning one for a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. Punt returns are a different story for a different day, however. The experience gained in 2007 by Williams in 2007 will hopefully parlay over into more success in 2008: "At one point I didn't think experience mattered that much, but I came in this year a lot more relaxed," Williams said. "I feel like the defense and special teams are second nature to me now, and I'm just ready to go out and play. I just can let my ability take over and I know the coaches have confidence in me that I can do that." Also competing with Williams is a foursome of running backs. Brandon Jackson, Vernand Morency, DeShawn Wynn, and rookie Kregg Lumpkin are all looking to get a firmer grasp on their roster spots by making a mark on special teams. Jackson developed into a special teams ace during the latter part of 2007. Special teams coordinator Mike Stock really wants to see some improvement or development in Jackson: "Brandon returned kicks a little bit at Nebraska, and he really exploded offensively late in the season last year after going through some trial and errors early in the season," Stock said. "This year I think he's going to show even more progress in what he is able to do for us offensively and in the kick return game. I am hoping that he is going to be a factor." Wynn and Morency are backup running backs who will most likely be backups for kick returner. Wynn showed occasional explosiveness as starting running back last season while Morency was primarily used as a third down back and rarely showed explosiveness, at least in my opinion. Lumpkin is an undrafted free agent signee out of Georgia and special teams appears to be the only way he will be able to make the roster, because of the depth currently at running back. Two rookies are also looking to make an impact in 2008 on special teams. Second-round pick Jordy Nelson and seventh-round pick Brett Swain are both hoping to have a positive effect on Packers special teams. Swain, who attended college at San Diego State, is an undersized Wes Welker-type player who could be an asset in the return game. With the release of Robinson, the chance of him making the roster seems to be a little clearer, but it is still up in the air. Nelson, the Packers' first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft from Kansas State, never returned a kick in his college career. He did return five punts in 2007, averaging 52.8-yards per return and returning two for touchdowns. Nelson seems thrilled about the possibility of returning kicks as well: "I definitely would like to do it (return kicks)," Nelson said. "It's just another way to help out the team, and I would be able to get out on the field and play. Kickoff return is not maybe as wide open as a punt return might be, but for the most part it's just reading the blocks and going where you are supposed to go." The final candidate for the kickoff return team is Will Blackmon, a third-year cornerback out of Boston College who has been haunted by foot injuries during his career with the Packers. Blackmon is not participating in OTAs, still nursing a foot injury, but will become a factor in the competition in July and August, when training camp starts. Right now, Stock says the players are just concentrating on the fundamentals: "We want them to square up with the ball, anticipate the catch, and move forward in a controlled manner so they are moving forward on the catch and they can go ahead and take that ball up the field behind the wedge," Stock said. "It is just the basic fundamentals of catching and delivering themselves up behind the wedge and finding daylight." The Packers will need their kickoff return team to be very successful in 2008, as the offense will struggle to find its identity for the first few weeks of the season. Good field position from special teams would obviously help the adjustment to Aaron Rodgers for the team and provide a short field so they can, duh, score points. Right now, I'm putting my money on Williams and Nelson to be the kick returners come September 8 against Minnesota, but Blackmon will spell Nelson occasionally. Williams, Nelson, and Blackmon: kick returners, 2008.

Saturday: Week 2 Injury Report

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 18:26:03 -0500

Saturday's FIO weekly fantasy football column deals with the injury report for the coming weekend - co-founder & editor Matt Hinzpeter lists those players who may be in question for their respective games in Week 2. Check this article each and every week on Saturdays.

Fantasy Football Podcast: NFC North

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:11:46 -0500

Hosts Marc Caviglia and Mb>Corey Koehler fire up the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Podcast by discussing the offseason player movement within the NFC North. Prepare for your fantasy football draft by getting answers to the following questions; Will Rex Grossman find consistency with the addition of a quarterbacks coach and a few new weapons? Will a retooled line and Calvin Johnson help the Detroit Lions light up the scoreboard? Who will replace Ahman Green in Green Bay and will they be enough to help keep Brett Favre productive for fantasy teams? Are there any Vikings that can help your team make a run at the title? Tune in and follow along as we start in the NFC North and work our way through the entire NFL a division at a time.

Green Bay Packers - One Banged Up Team

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:46:51 -0500

It may only be training camp, but already the Green Bay Packers are showing a lot of wear. With player injuries at most positions, will the Pack be healthy for opening day?

'Pack' Tops In NFC?

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 15:40:07 -0500

One thing is for sure, Brett Favre will ...Will the Packers compete for a playoff spot in the NFC this season?