Wisconsin Football (2009 & Beyond!)

[Sacrafice]

This will be a dual team diary using the two Wisconsin football teams both professional & from the college ranks. The Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. I will be playing them on NCAA Football 10 & Madden NFL 10 converting my draft classes from college over to the pros. Both teams are fairly young and both stand about in the middle of the pack as far as how good they are. So I am going to try and build them both back into the power houses they were in the 90's. I will run the diary on a calender schedule. Meaning I will have reports on every Monday of the week so both games will be reported along with around the league reports and any press conferences and other stuff. I may do them once in a while like every month or so, maybe. For both games I will be using real rosters as of August 19th, 2009 and both games I will be playing on the 2nd hardest difficulty to thwart CPU BS with sliders to up the difficulty to try and keep it as real as possible. So... Let's get on with it!!!

"Prologue"
The Wisconsin Badgers have not been to the Rose Bowl since 2000 and have only three Rose Bowl victories in their long history (1994, 1999 & 2000). The Badgers made a a big push to win the National Championship for the first time ever in 2006, but a early season loss to Michigan was too much to overcome as they finished the season 12-1. Outside of that 2006 season the new century has been a rough one for the Badgers. Even though they have made a bowl game every year, but 2001 they have not had the success they once had in the 1990's. In 8 seasons they have a record of 67-37 and a bowl record of 4-3. Now one would say that's not too bad right? It is quite good, but it could be better. Excluding the first 3 years of the 1990's the Badgers compiled a 59-22-4 record with a 5-1 bowl record including those 3 Rose Bowl victories.

A big part of that Rose Bowl success is due to the NCAA all-time leading rusher and Heisman Trophy winner, Running Back, Ron Dayne. Wisconsin only has two Heisman Trophy winners in it's lifetime. It's time to change that!

The Wisconsin Badgers have only competed for the National Championship once in the past 60 years and is never really a contender, but they have been perennial top 25 contenders since the 90's. Entering the 2009 season though that goal is up in the air as they are ranked 48th by the pre-season polls. So can the Badgers show the press wrong by finishing the season in the top 25 or can they shock the sporting world by competing for a National Championship in 2009? Stick around to find out!!!



"Wisconsin Badgers 2009 Schedule"

September 5th, 2009 - Northern Illinois
September 12th, 2009 - Fresno State
September 19th, 2009 - @ North Carolina
September 26th, 2009 - Michigan St.
October 3rd, 2009 - @ Minnesota
October 10th, 2009 - @ Ohio St.
October 17th, 2009 - Iowa
October 24th, 2009 - Bye Week
October 31st, 2009 - Purdue
November 7th, 2009 - @ Indiana
November 14th, 2009 - Michigan
November 21st, 2009 - @ Northwestern
November 28th, 2009 - Bye Week
December 5th, 2009 - @ Hawaii


"Wisconsin Badgers 2009 Pre-Season Awards & Notes"

Pre-Season NCAA 1st & 2nd Team All-Americans:
1st Team:
None

2nd Team:
None

Pre-Season Big 10 1st & 2nd Team All-Americans:
1st Team:
HB - John Clay
WR - David Gilreath
TE- Garrett Graham

2nd Team:
LT - Gabe Carimi
RT - Josh Oglesby
OLB - Jaevery McFadden
SS - Jay Valai
K - Philip Welch

Projected Big 10 Conference Finish:
1. #7 Ohio St.
2. #8 Penn St.
3. #22 Iowa
4. Minnesota
5. Michigan St.
6. Illinois
7. Wisconsin
8. Northwestern
9. Michigan
10. Purdue
11. Indiana


"Wisconsin Badger Team & Player Stats History"

Miscellaneous Team Records:
All Time Record: 604-462-53
All Time Bowl Record: 10-10
Conference Championships: 11 (1999)
National Championships: 0

Single Game Player Records:
Passing TD's: 5 - Darrell Bevell (1993)
Passing Yards: 423 - Darrell Bevell (1993)
Rushing TD's: 5 - Brian Calhoun (2005)
Rushing Yards: 339 - Ron Dayne (1996)
Receiving TD's: 5 - Lee Evans (2003)
Receiving Yards: 258 - Lee Evans (2003)
Receptions: 13 - Matt Nyquist (1995)
Interceptions: 4 - 54 DB (1954)
Sacks: 6 - Bill Lobenstein

Single Season Player Records:
Passing TD's: 21 - John Stocco (2005)
Passing Yards: 2,390 - Darrell Bevell (1993)
Rushing TD's: 22 - Brian Calhoun (2005)
Rushing Yards: 2,109 - Ron Dayne (1996)
Receiving TD's: 13 - Lee Evans (2003)
Receiving Yards: 1,545 - Lee Evans (2001)
Receptions: 75 - Lee Evans (2001)
Interceptions: 11 - Jim Leonhard (2002)
Sacks: 22 - Tom Burke (1998)

Career Player Records:
Passing TD's: 59 - Darrell Bevell (1992-1995)
Passing Yards: 7,686 - Darrell Bevell (1992-1995)
Rushing TD's: 71 - Ron Dayne (1996-1999)
Rushing Yards: 7,125 - Ron Dayne (1996-1999)
Receiving TD's: 27 - Lee Evans (1999-2003)
Receiving Yards: 3,468 - Lee Evans (1999-2003)
Receptions: 202 - Brandon Williams (2002-2005)
Interceptions: 21 - Jamar Fletcher (1998-2000)
Sacks: 33 - Tarek Saleh (1993-1996)


NCAA Pre-Season Awards & Notes"

Pre-Season Top 25 Coaches Poll:
1. Florida
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. USC
5. LSU
6. Alabama
7. Ohio St.
8. Penn St.
9. Oklahoma St.
10. Virginia Tech.
11. Ole Miss
12. Oregon
13. Georgia
14. Boise St.
15. Cal
16. North Carolina
17. BYU
18. Georgia Tech.
19. TCU
20. Florida St.
21. Nebraska
22. Iowa
23. West Virginia
24. Utah
25. Kansas

Pre-Season 1st Team All-Americans:
QB: Tim Tebow - Florida
HB: Charles Scott - LSU
HB: Jahvid Best - Cal
FB: Jonathan Dwyer - Georgia Tech.
WR: Dez Bryant - Oklahoma St.
WR: Arrelious Benn - Illinois
WR: Julio Jones - Alabama
TE: Jermaine Gresham - Oklahoma
LT: Ciron Black - LSU
LG: Rodney Hudson - Florida St.
C: Josh McNeil - Tennessee
RG: Sergio Render - Virginia Tech.
RT: Sam Young - Notre Dame
LE: Carlos Dunlap - Florida
RE: George Selvie - USF
DT: Terrence Cody - Alabama
DT: Gerald McCoy - Oklahoma
LOLB: Mark Herzlich - Boston College
MLB: Brandon Spikes - Florida
ROLB: Travis Lewis - Oklahoma
CB: Alterraun Verner - UCLA
CB: Randall Burden - Kentucky
FS: Major Wright - Florida
SS: Taylor Mays - USC
K: Kai Forbath - UCLA
P: Zoltan Mesko - Michigan
RET: A.J. Jefferson - Fresno State


"NCAA Team & Player Stats History"

Single Game Team & Player Records:
Team:
Interceptions: 10 - UCLA
Passing Yards: 771 - Houston
Points Scored: 103 - Wyoming
Rushing Yards: 768 - Oklahoma
Sacks: 15 - TCU
Total Offense: 1021 - Houston

Player:
Interceptions: 5 - Lee Cook - Oklahoma St. (1942)
Longest Field Goal: 65 - Martin Gramatica - Kansas St. (1998)
Longest Fumble Return: 100 - Paul Rivers - Rutgers (1995)
Longest Interception Return: 87 - Anthony Henry - Wisconsin (2009)
Longest Kick Return: 90 - Jeremaine Copeland - Tennessee (1996)
Longest Pass: 75 - Drew Brees - Purdue (2000)
Longest Punt: 99 - Pat Brady - Nevada (1950)
Longest Punt Return: 80 - 97 HB - Bowling Green (1997)
Longest Run: 75 - 90 HB - Kansas (1990)
Passing TD's: 11 - David Klingler - Houston (1990)
Passing Yards: 716 - David Klingler - Houston (1990)
Receiving Yards: 405 - Troy Edwards - Louisiana Tech. (1998)
Receptions: 24 - Tyler Jones - Eastern Michigan (2008)
Rushing Yards: 406 - LaDainian Tomlinson - TCU (1999)
Sacks: 6 - Ameer Ismail - Western Michigan (2006)
Tackles: 34 - Mike Singletary - Baylor (1980)

Single Season Player Records:
Field Goals: 31 - Billy Bennett - UGA (2003)
Interceptions: 14 - Al Worley - Washington (1968)
Passing TD's: 58 - Colt Brennan - Hawaii (2006)
Passing Yards: 5,833 - B.J. Symons - Texas Tech. (2003)
QB Rating: 183.3 - Patrick Ramsey - Tulane (1998)
Receiving TD's: 27 - Troy Edwards - Louisiana Tech. (1998)
Receiving Yards: 2,060 - Trevor Insley - Nevada (1999)
Receptions: 142 - Manny Hazard - Houston (1989)
Rushing TD's: 37 - Barry Sanders - Oklahoma St. (1988)
Rushing Yards: 2,628 - Barry Sanders - Oklahoma St. (1988)
Sacks: 27 - Derrick Thomas - Alabama (1988)
Tackles: 211 - Tom Cousineau - Ohio St. (1978)

Career Player Records:
Field Goals: 87 - Billy Bennett - UGA (2000-2003)
Interceptions: 29 - Al Brosky - Illinois (1950-1952)
Passing TD's: 134 - Graham Harrell - Texas Tech. (2005-2008)
Passing Yards: 17,072 - Timmy Chang - Hawaii (2000-2004)
Receiving TD's: 59 - Jarett Dillard - Rice (2005-2008)
Receiving Yards: 5,005 - Trevor Insley - Nevada (1996-1999)
Receptions: 316 - Taylor Stubblefield - Purdue (2001-2004)
Rushing TD's: 73 - Travis Prentice - Miami (OH) (1996-1999)
Rushing Yards: 7,125 - Ron Dayne - Wisconsin (1996-1999)
Sacks: 52 - Derrick Thomas - Alabama (1985-1988)
Tackles: 545 - Tim McGarigle - Northwestern (2002-2005)

Career Coaches Records:
Bowl Appearances: 35 - Joe Paterno - Penn St. (1966-2008)
Bowl Victories: 23 - Joe Paterno - Penn St. (1966-2008)
Career Victories: 383 - Joe Paterno - Penn St. (1966-2008)
Games Coached: 548 - Amos Alonzo Stagg (1890-1946)
Longest Win Streak: 47 - Bud Wilkinson - Oklahoma (1953-1957)
National Titles: 6 - Amos Alonzo Stagg (1890-1946)
Years Coached: 57 - Amos Alonzo Stagg (1890-1946)
Years at a School: 43 - Joe Paterno - Penn St. (1966-2008)

"Prologue"
The Green Bay Packers returned to glory in the 1990's with the hiring of Head Coach, Mike Holmgren. He along with General Manager, Ron Wolf built a team destine for greatness and that payed off as the 1996 season ended with a Super Bowl victory. The next season the Packers returned to the Super Bowl, but were unable to become the 2nd team in Super Bowl history to win back-to-back Super Bowls twice. Soon after Mike Holmgren left the team and after one season under Ray Rhodes, Mike Sherman was hired in 2000. Sherman lead the Packers to three strait division titles and won over 10 games in 4 of his 6 season as Head Coach, but was unable to reach the NFC Championship game. After a 4-12 record in 2005 Sherman was let go of his duties and another Mike assumed control. Mike McCarthy became the Packers 14th Head Coach. Under McCarthy the Packers have been up and down, but each season they have fought hard and have come close. In 2008 the Packers finished 6-10 and was just their 2nd losing record in the last 17 seasons. Recent history shows that 2009 will be a good year for the Packers, but will that trend continue?

After the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl in the 2008 season all you ever hear about history wise anymore is Super Bowl victories. The Steelers have the most Super Bowl victories, 6 in 7 tries. They are also the only team to win back-to-back twice. No team has ever won the Super Bowl 3 times in a row, but no one talks about how the Packers are the only team to win 3 Championships in a row. Not once, but twice they did it in their history. So what if it was done in the pre-Super Bowl era. If the Super Bowl had happened one year sooner then they very well could have won 3 in a row right? No one also talks about how the Packers have the most Championships of any team with 12. I'm all for giving teams their due, Like the 49'ers of the 80's & the Patriots of the 00's, but you also gotta give credit where credit is due! So, if what it takes is Super Bowl victories, then by golly the Packers are here to take that next step and try and produce those trophies. With one of the youngest and most talented teams in the NFL that bold prediction just might not be that far fetched!



"Green Bay Packers 2009 Schedule"

September 13th, 2009 - Chicago Bears
September 20th, 2009 - Cincinnati Bengals
September 27th, 2009 - @ St. Louis Rams
October 5th, 2009 - @ Minnesota Vikings (MNF)
October 11th, 2009 - Bye Week
October 18th, 2009 - Detroit Lions
October 25th, 2009 - @ Cleveland Browns
November 1st, 2009 - Minnesota Vikings (Good Luck buying these tickets!)
November 8th, 2009 - @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
November 15th, 2009 - Dallas Cowboys
November 22nd, 2009 - San Francisco 49'ers
November 26th, 2009 - @ Detroit Lions (Thanksgiving)
December 7th, 2009 - Baltimore Ravens (MNF)
December 13th, 2009 - @ Chicago Bears
December 20th, 2009 - @ Pittsburgh Steelers
December 27th, 2009 - Seattle Seahawks
January 3rd, 2009 - @ Arizona Cardinals


"Green Bay Packers 2009 Pre-Season Awards & Notes"

QB, Aaron Rodgers, WR, Donald Driver & CB, Charles Woodson named team captains.

Pre-Season Scores:
Cleveland Browns 26 @ Green Bay Packers 10
Buffalo Bills 23 @ Green Bay Packers 15
Green Bay Packers 36 @ Arizona Cardinals 27
Green Bay Packers 13 @ Tennessee Titans 14


"Green Bay Packers Team & Player Stats History"

Miscellaneous Team Records:
All Time Record: 643-513-36
All Time Playoff Record: 25-15
Division Championships: 21 (2007)
NFL Championships: 12 (1996)

Single Game Team & Player Records:
Team:
Interceptions: 9 - 1943
Passing Yards: 423 - 1942
Points Scored: 57 - 1945
Rushing Yards: 366 - 1947
Sacks: 9 - 1965
Total Offense: 628 - 1962

Player:
Passing TD's: 5 - Cecil Isbell (1942)
Passing Yards: 418 - Lynn Dickey (1983)
Rushing TD's: 4 - Jim Taylor (1961)
Rushing Yards: 218 - Ahman Green (2003)
Receiving TD's: 4 - Don Hutson (1945)
Receiving Yards: 257 - Billy Howton (1956)
Receptions: 14 - Don Hutson (1942)
Interceptions: 4 - Bobby Dillon (1953)
Sacks: 5 - Vonnie Holliday (2002)

Single Season Team & Player Records:
Team:
Most Points Allowed: 439 - 1983
Fewest Points Allowed: 210 - 1996
Sacks: 52 - 2001
Interceptions: 42 - 1943
Total Offense: 6,357 - 2004

Player:
Passing TD's: 39 - Brett Favre (1996)
Passing Yards: 4,458 - Lynn Dickey (1983)
Rushing TD's: 19 - Jim Taylor (1962)
Rushing Yards: 1,883 - Ahman Green (2003)
Receiving TD's: 18 - Sterling Sharpe (1994)
Receiving Yards: 1,497 - Robert Brooks (1995)
Receptions: 112 - Sterling Sharpe (1993)
Interceptions: 10 - Irv Comp (1943)
Sacks: 19.5 - Tim Harris (1989)

Career Player Records:
Passing TD's: 442 - Brett Favre (1992-2007)
Passing Yards: 61,655 - Brett Favre (1992-2007)
Rushing TD's: 81 - Jim Taylor (1958-1966)
Rushing Yards: 8,207 - Jim Taylor (1958-1966)
Receiving TD's: 99 - Don Hutson (1935-1945)
Receiving Yards: 9,656 - James Lofton (1978-1986)
Receptions: 595 - Sterling Sharpe (1988-1994)
Interceptions: 52 - Bobby Dillon (1952-1959)
Sacks: 74.5 - Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (2000-2008)


NFL Pre-Season Awards & Notes"

Nothing special to note.


"NFL Team & Player Stats History"

Single Game Team & Player Records:
Team:
Interceptions: 9 - Green Bay (1943)
Passing Yards: 554 - St. Louis (1951)
Points Scored: 72 - Washington (1966)
Rushing Yards: 426 - Detroit (1934)
Sacks: 12 - Dallas (1966)
Total Offense: 735 - St. Louis (1951)

Player:
Interceptions: 4 - Deltha O'Neal - Denver (2001)
Longest Field Goal: 63 - Tom Dempsey - New Orleans (1970)
Passing TD's: 7 - Joe Kapp - Minnesota (1969)
Passing Yards: 554 - Norm Van Brocklin - St. Louis (1951)
Receiving TD's: 5 - Jerry Rice - San Francisco (1990)
Receiving Yards: 336 - Willie Anderson - St. Louis (1989)
Receptions: 20 - Terrell Owens - San Francisco (2000)
Rushing TD's: 6 - Ernie Nevers - Arizona (1929)
Rushing Yards: 296 - Adrian Peterson - Minnesota (2007)
Sacks: 7 - Derrick Thomas - Kansas City (1990)

Single Season Player & Team Records:
Team:
Most Points Allowed: 589 - New England (2007)
Fewest Points Allowed: 38 - Detroit (1942)
Sacks: 72 - Chicago (1984)
Interceptions: 49 San Diego (1961)
Total Offense: 7,075 - St. Louis (2000)

Player:
Field Goals: 40 - Neil Rackers - Arizona (2005)
Interceptions: 14 - Dick Lane - St. Louis (1952)
Passing TD's: 50 - Tom Brady - New England (200)
Passing Yards: 5,084 - Dan Marino - Miami (1984)
QB Rating: 121.1 - Peyton Manning - Indianapolis (2004)
Receiving TD's: 23 - Randy Moss - New England (2007)
Receiving Yards: 1,848 - Jerry Rice - San Francisco (1995)
Receptions: 143 - Marvin Harrison - Indianapolis (2002)
Rushing TD's: 28 - LaDainian Tomlinson - San Diego (2006)
Rushing Yards: 2,105 - Eric Dickerson - St. Louis (1984)
Sacks: 22 - Michael Strahan - N.Y. Giants (2001)

Career Player Records:
Field Goals: 565 - Morten Andersen - Atlanta (1982-2007)
Interceptions: 81 - Paul Krause - Minnesota (1964-1979)
Passing TD's: 464 - Brett Favre - N.Y. Jets (1989-2008)
Passing Yards: 65,127 - Brett Favre - N.Y. Jets (1989-2008)
Receiving TD's: 197 - Jerry Rice - Seattle (1985-2004)
Receiving Yards: 22,895 - Jerry Rice - Seattle (1985-2004)
Receptions: 1,549 - Jerry Rice - Seattle (1985-2004)
Rushing TD's: 164 - Emmitt Smith - Arizona (1990-2004)
Rushing Yards: 18,355 - Emmitt Smith - Arizona (1990-2004)
Sacks: 200 - Bruce Smith - Washington (1985-2003)

Career Coaches Records:
Playoff Appearances: 19 - Don Shula (1963-1995)
Playoff Victories: 20 - Tom Landry - Dallas (1960-1988)
Career Victories: 328 - Don Shula (1963-1995)
Games Coached: 497 - George Halas - Chicago (1920-1967)
Longest Win Streak: 18 - Bill Belichick - New England (2003-2004)
Championships: 7 - Paul Brown (1946-1975)
Years Coached: 40 - George Halas - Chicago (1920-1967)
Years at Same team: 38 - George Halas - Chicago (1922-1967)

[BCBF]

Being from Wisconsin, I'm following this for sure.

[Hushroom]

Being a die hard Packers fan, and love watching Big Ten football, I am following. Should be very fun to watch

[Sacrafice]

Quote: Originally Posted by BCBF

Being from Wisconsin, I'm following this for sure.

Quote: Originally Posted by DyNaStY JOSH

Being a die hard Packers fan, and love watching Big Ten football, I am following. Should be very fun to watch

Thank you guys for the support! I hope to be able to deliver with it!

Brett Bielema's thoughts on the 2009 Wisconsin Badger Roster & Depth Chart.


(Red = Red Shirted)

Quarter Backs:
It was a bitter fight between Senior Dustin Sherer and Junior Scott Tolzien for the starting job. Scott Tolzien won the job even though Dustin has been with the team longer. Tolzien seems to have the better grasp of running the plays leading to better decisions. Curt Phillips is the fastest of the quarterbacks, but being a Freshman will leave him at #3 on the depth chart with hopes that he will see time when the game is all, but over.


Running Backs:
Sophomore John Clay has won the job at running back which is one of the better jobs in all of college football. Wisconsin is a run 1st, pass 2nd team and Clay will see a lot of carries in each game. Zach Brown will also see a lot of time in the backfield to spell Clay here and there and will will play extended amounts of time when the game is out of hand. Sophomore Bradie Ewing will also get some play time, but it will be limited as he is #3 on the depth chart. Dex Jones will start at fullback and being a Freshman will for sure force the team to run more 2 tight end and 1 running back sets to move him into the offense slowly.


Wide Receivers:
Wisconsin has 4 pretty decent wide receivers for Tolzien to throw too. David Gilreath will be the main target at wide receiver, but Sophomore Nick Toon will no doubt get his looks as he has the most talent, but the youngest of the 4. Kyle Jefferson will be the slot receiver, but he may get chances to start or see extended time on the field as he is the more possession type guy. Look to see him in during a lot of must need 3rd down conversions. Isaac Anderson will be the #4 receiver and will not see much time on the field, but his return ability will get him in there any way possible.


Tight Ends:
Garrett Graham is the best weapon the Badgers have on offense. The Senior is expected to make waves this season and move his stock up in the NFL draft next year. Lance Kendricks will also see quite a bit of time on the field. He is very fast, but not much of a blocker. Matchups will be his strengths as well as a change of pace.


Offensive Line:
The hogs are a staple of Wisconsin football. Wisconsin is known for producing quality offensive linemen for the NFL and this group is no different. If all goes well this group will still be around in tact next season aswell.


Defensive Line:
This is the area where the most experience is, but it's not the strongest area of the team. O'Brien Schofield and Jeff Stehle are the main cogs, but there is also a Freshman starting at right end which will hinder the rush defense until he can get up to speed.


Linebackers:
Arguably the weakest part of the team. Jaevery McFadden will be the driving force of the linebackers and everyone else is there to just try and not make mistakes. It will be a tough time for Wisconsin if they can't hold their own through out the season.


Secondary:
The secondary for the Badgers is not great or flashy, but they are deep at every position. If one guy goes down there will be someone that can step in and the ability to rotate will keep this group fresh through out the season.


Special Teams:
This group will be able to give the offense short fields quite often. Marcus Cromartie & Isaac Anderson have the explosiveness to take any return to the house at any given time.

[Sacrafice]

Mike McCarthy's view of the Green Bay Packers 2009 Roster & Depth Chart.

Quarter Backs:
Aaron Rodgers is the future!!! As long as he is playing in Green Bay and is healthy there will be no quarter back controversy. Matt Flynn is a viable back up and Brian Brohm may be out of town to try and get a better shot at playing somewhere else.


Running Backs:
Ryan Grant has been one of the better running backs in the league since he became the starter. Brandon Jackson is a good change of pace back and can catch out of the backfield. The rest is pretty much roster fillers and will see little time on the field this season.


Wide Receivers:
Ties with the secondary as the strongest group on the team. Lead by veteran Donald Driver and the emerging star Greg Jennings. James Jones will play in the slot and Jordy Nelson will also see plenty of time. Ruvell Martin is a solid performer, but too many bodies are ahead of him. Kenny McKinley has a huge upside and will be on the return team.


Tight Ends:
Donald Lee has the starting job for now, but JerMichael Finley is going to be pushing hard for that spot in the near future. Double tight ends sets will be a big part of the offensive game plan this season.


Offensive Line:
The weakest link. The Packers front office will have to make big changes here if they are to continue to improve. They must keep Aaron Rodgers healthy and that will be their sole job this season while one or two of these guys could emerge into a good player in the future.


Defensive Line:
Another weak link. Cullen Jenkins is a solid player and #1 draft pick, B.J. Raji should turn into a solid player. Justin Harrell is a former #1 pick that hasn't panned out, but he will get his chance to start this season and try and prove his worth. Ryan Pickett is a solid backup and Johnny Jolly don't have all the flash and flair, but he works as hard or harder than anyone else on the team.


Linebackers:
Aaron Kampman in his 1st season as a linebacker will for sure have to deal with learning the new position. A.J. Hawk also moves inside, but he got some playing time in the middle last year due to Nick Barnett's injury. The other 1st round pick, Clay Matthews Jr. Mans the other outside linebacker position and should grow into that role well.


Secondary:
Arguably the best group on the team. Veterans, Al Harris & Charles Woodson are two of the best in the business. Tramon Williams is an emerging star at nickle back while Nick Collins and Atari Bigby are also showing a big upside after a couple years in the starting role.


Special Teams:
Will Blackmon is one of the better return men in the NFL today and should continue to prove it this season. Mason Crosby is a well regarded kicker while Jeremy Kapinos is still wet around the ears.


Side Notes:
Both Kabeer Gbaja Biamila and Aaron Kampman will be used in many different packages through the season. Both will probably line up as defensive ends in nickle & dime packages as well as play line backer in base sets. The defensive players will be lining up where the match ups present themselves. Boss Bailey and Brandon Chillar will see a lot of time in nickle and dime packages instead of Barnett & Hawk as they are a little bit faster and a little bit better in coverage.

[Sacrafice]

September 5th, 2009 (Week #1 - Wisconsin Badgers) (Week #0 - Green Bay Packers)

[Wenkinator]

Just letting you know this is looking awesome and that I'm following

[BCBF]

looking good

John Clay for Heisman