Can Barclay Play Left Tackle? and other questions to be answered today vs Steelers
Want to stay awake during today's Packers vs. Steelers exhibition game? Then keep an eye out for these 5 things.
By adamczech
Exhibition games are boring. Even when they involve the Green Bay Packers. If you're looking to be a little less bored during today's Packers vs. Steelers exhibition snoozefest, keep an eye out for these five things:
Can Don Barclay play tackle?
Even when Barclay got the nod at right tackle after Bryan Bulaga's injury in 2013, I remained unconvinced that Barclay was a tackle. To me, his body type and playing style are much better suited inside. Now Barclay's a year removed from an ACL injury. In the exhibition opener, he didn't hold up very well at tackle. With David Bakhtiari likely out today, Barclay will get another shot to show improvement coming off an injury and re-assert himself as the Packers sixth offensive lineman.
Ladarius Gunter
Just watch him. See if you still think he's for real. See if you think his slow 40 time will be exposed come the regular season. See if you think he's got a legit shot of making the team and making some noise.
Can Jayrone Elliott put together another good game?
Ideally, I'd like to see Clay Matthews spend most of his time inside during early downs. That fantasy is much closer to being reality if there's a credible outside linebacker to play opposite Julius Peppers. I don't think Nick Perry and Mike Neal are the answer. I'm not sure Elliott is either, but he sure had a good game against New England.
The medical cart
Watch the medical cart closely. Make sure it stays on the sideline, where it belongs. If it fires up and moves, that means a Packers players has been injured. We don't want any Packers players injured during silly exhibition games.
What's up with Christian Ringo?
By all accounts, the Packers draft pick with the coolest name was going to be a project, one of those late-round flyers you take, stash on the practice squad for a season, and hope to get something out of them two years down the road. With all the injuries and suspensions the Packers are facing along the defensive, might Ringo be needed earlier than planned? It's a long shot, but it's something to keep an eye on. If the Packers are short-handed up front, they might need someone like Ringo to step up. Word is, Ringo's been improving lately.
Comments (11)
NickPerry
August 23, 2015 at 06:34 am
When Rodgers is in the game I'm watching Barclay. I've been a little nervous about this all week. Barclay wasn't very good last week and I get it coming off a Knee injury. If he struggles this week too the Packers might have to rethink who the backup T might be.
Be a good test for Randell and Rollins this week too. Like to see Rollins pickup where he left off last week and Randell to play like a 1st rounder. Also watch Hayward against the Steelers starting WR's. The Steelers have a good bunch so it will be a decent test for all the Packers CB.
Cwoodson21
August 23, 2015 at 07:27 am
I am a little worried about Pitt's speedy WR's vs Hayward as well.
NickPerry
August 23, 2015 at 08:29 am
Should be a excellent test for all the Packers CB. Brown we all know about but Martavis Bryant is really a WR to watch. He's a second year guy Pittsburgh is counting on like the Packers are counting on Adams. Plus he's 6' 4" and ran a 4.41 40. Someone somewhere brought up a interesting point this week. It's Pittsburghs 3rd Preseason Game, do the starters play into the 3rd quarter like a team might normally do?
WKUPackFan
August 23, 2015 at 10:10 am
Bryant is a beast. He didn't play until mid-season last year. Looking for a big year this season.
AZPack
August 23, 2015 at 11:14 am
I'm pretty certain this is more of a trial run for Barclay at LT. If an injury occurred w/ Bahktiari that kept him out a few games, they would certainly move Bulaga to LT and Barclay to RT. Think of this as more of a trial to see if Barclay can hold up for the remainder of a game w/o having to shake up the entire OL.
Regular season and more than a game and the Packers would move Bulaga. But its preseason and a short term injury. I really doubt regular season and more than a game the Packers would want Barclay at LT.
NickPerry
August 23, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Trial run for Barclay at LT verdict in: Barclay Sucks at either Tackle position!!!
JDH1313
August 23, 2015 at 08:01 am
Personally I would rather see Tolzien start this game just to see if Barclay is up to the task at hand protecting the blind side, Why risk Rodgers in a preseason game?
Ibleedgreenmore
August 23, 2015 at 08:34 am
I would like to see great play with 0 injuries. I know that is a lot to ask for but we do not need anyone hurt at this point.
TKWorldWide
August 23, 2015 at 09:11 am
Or at any point, really.
hybridauth_Facebook_100004084225446
August 23, 2015 at 01:35 pm
No don can't play LT give up 2 sacks not good
PaulRosik
August 23, 2015 at 04:20 pm
Put Barclay inside, he's going to make me miss Marshall Newhouse if he keeps playing tackle.
Jayrone Elliot continues to be unblockable by second and third string NFL players. Now we just need to see if he disappears against first stringers.
Gunter still makes plays and looks good. Right on there.