PACKERS USE CHARGERS AS WARM-UP FOR DOLPHINS
Waldorf, MD. (AP) April 29th -- Coming off of last weeks dominating performance against the Seahawks, the Packers showed up to Chaney Field for a match-up against the Chargers this past Saturday. The coaching staff was doing everything it could not to allow the team to look ahead to next week�s opponent, the Dolphins. The buzz around the league has obviously been about the Dolphins and how they are just crushing everyone they play. However, the Packers have created their fair share of buzz with their high powered offense. Most coaches and fans from other teams are just amazed at the Packers� offensive efficiency and how they have such a diverse playbook and they seem to run their patterns flawlessly and always have someone open. A coach from another team, speaking on the condition of anonymity said, �The Packers� offense is as impressive as I�ve seen. The Dolphins are just superior to everyone athletically, they are bigger, faster and more talented than every team I�ve seen. But with the Packers� precision routes, they keep defenses off balance and march up and down the field relentlessly.� After last weeks win over the Seahawks, the Packers were hoping to come out strong and avoid any let down, and once again they came to play as they beat the Chargers 27-7.
Once again, the Packers� offense got off to a slow start, botching handoffs, snaps and passes. The Chargers had a rusher who resembled the jolly green giant. His quickness and size really threw off the Packers� passing attack at first. But a few adjustments were made with the play calling and all of a sudden the Packers hit their stride. The defense, which lately has been keeping the Packers in the games early until their offense catches stride, seemed to have had a bit of a let down early on. The Chargers attacked the left side of the defense and were able to break two long runs. Once again, the Packers had a play bottled up only to have a runner break free for a long gain. �I�m not sure why we struggle at pulling flags, but it seems to be a chronic problem�, said Coach Craig. �We have been getting better, but seemed to have taken a step back this week. We also had trouble �staying home� in our zone defense which led to a few instances of us being caught out of position�, he added. If it wasn�t for the incredible play of Vincent �The Flagman� Brunson, the packers could have found themselves in an early hole. But with the Chargers racing down the sideline for what seemed to be an easy TD, Vincent came from out of no where and dove and grabbed a flag, preventing the Chargers from scoring. Vincent actually did this twice during the game and the defense was able to come up with goal line stances to keep the Chargers from scoring. Vincent also led the team with 5 flag pulls and also contributed on offense with a catch and run. Chance Bikowski uncharacteristically struggled on defense, so the coaches had him play a more active role on offense, where he caught a pass and almost scored another TD.
Aaron �The Bus� Garcia again showed his versatility by not only playing defense, but again serving as a center and offensive threat. Aaron took a handoff around the left side for a long gain and many in attendance were astonished at the intensity in his eyes as he approached the sidelines. It took several Charger defenders to finally get Aaron�s flag but only after a nice long gain. James �The Silent Assassin� Brown again came prepared as he served as one of the primary centers on offense and pass rusher on defense. �I can always count on James no matter what assignment we give him�, said Coach Chris. �It�s nice to have a player that can do anything you ask, and is happy to do so. It makes coaching a lot easier�, he added. Evan �Mr. Improvement� Aragon continues his amazing progress on the field. �He has come so far with his skills it�s just amazing to watch�, said Coach Kelly. Evan serves primarily on defense as Coach Craig is able to use his coverage skills to help shutdown opposing receivers. On offense, Evan continues to improve in his route running each week and eventually, with his catching skills improving, hopes to have a TD catch soon! Nathan �Jukebox� Corsey again had a huge game with 4 pulled flags and 1 pass knocked down. On offense, Nathan had 2 catches, 1 for a touchdown and 2 runs, one for a touchdown. Nathan continues to be the ROCK for this team as each week his stat lines gets more and more impressive.
Jonathan �sweet feet� Campbell got back into the action both offensively and defensively. He had 2 flag pulls and a deflected pass and also was used as a speed rusher during crucial situations. On offense, Jonathon had 5 catches, 2 for touchdowns and one for an extra point. �This is the type of production we expect from Jonathon week in and week out. When he runs sharp patterns and catches the ball when thrown his way, he is near impossible to stop�, said Coach Chris. Jalen "The JET" Barnes again showed his value as he made big plays on both side of the ball. When one of the defensive starters began to struggle early on, Jalen was brought in to help shut down the Chargers. Jalen came in, got 3 flag pulls and 1 pass knock down on defense. On offense he had a catch and run for significant yardage. �Jalen again showed his versatility as he stepped in and helped stop the bleeding on defense. It�s comforting to have a player like Jalen who can come in at a moments notice and be one of the best on the field�, said Coach Craig. Ever since Curtis �Rocket� Dockett complained at practice that he �stunk� at defense, he has done nothing but impress as he was named the DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK. Curtis stepped up and made an interception at practice Thursday and carried that over to Saturday as he kept the teams� goal of one INT per game alive. He also had 3 flag pulls (1 for a loss) and a pass knock down. On offense, Curtis also had a TD catch and two long runs, one resulting in a TD. The team is looking for Curtis to step up and continue his play on defense as the schedule only gets tougher from here on out.
The Packers� offense wouldn�t be what it is without the league�s top QB, Alex �Zander Bomber� Hodge leading the way. �Alex has taken this playbook and made it his own�, said Coach Chris. �Sometimes you get the feeling he made the plays up because he runs them so smooth.� Alex had another tremendous day with 3 TD passes and 3 extra point passes along with a long run. Although Alex is an integral part of the teams� success on offense, he also fills in on defense to give other players some much needed rest. The Packers continued their impressive performance on offense and their defense has answered the wake up call given to them by the OT loss to the Broncos. This upcoming weeks� game against the Dolphins will be a good test for the Packers to see just how far they�ve come and how far they still need to go. When asked about the upcoming game, Coach Chris said, �Nobody expects us to win. Other teams� players and coaches all look at us as the next victim. We see the stats every week as the Dolphins seem to rack up huge wins. We hear what everyone is saying, that we are good, but not that good. But the only problem is our kids aren�t buying it. Someone forgot to tell them that the Dolphins are the best team out there. As far as they�re concerned, the Packers are the team to beat. And trust me, I�m not gonna doubt these kids for ONE SECOND.�