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Name: BigE
Email: BigE@idatasports.com
Date: Tue Sep 3 9:37:09 2002

Headline: NALL Leads Packers to Victory

The Green Bay Packers outlasted the Tennessee Titans 21-20, to finish the pre-season with a 3-1 record. Rookie Craig Nall showed veteran poise in directing the Packers offense to 18 second half points. Most of the yardage came through the air, as Nall showed Packer fans that he just might be the quarterback of the future.

With the Packers trailing 7-3, Nall took over for Doug Peterson in the second series of the third quarter, and promptly moved the offense into scoring position. The drive ended with a 27-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell that cut the Titans lead to 7-6. The big play on this drive was a 15-yard bullet to fellow rookie Javon Walker. Not only did Nall make the great throw; he calmly stepped up and avoided getting sacked to make the completion.

Early in the fourth quarter, after a Neil Donnell fumble, Nall was back to work hitting Karsten Bailey for 14 yards on 3rd and 10. On the very next play, Charles Lee was hardly a step behind his man, when Nall lobbed a perfect pass to him for the touchdown.

Later in the fourth quarter Nall directed the offense on a 7 play, 82-yard drive, that was capped by Charles Lee's 25-yard touchdown catch. By far the biggest play of the drive came on a 44-yard completion to Javon Walker. The play was a seam route, and Nall put the ball right on Walker's fingertips without the gifted rookie-breaking stride.

Nall displayed a strong arm throwing both outs, and slants. What was even more impressive was the fact that he made some great throws with the pocket collapsing. The rook could have a bright future at in the pros.

Still, the Packers first team offense looked sluggish in the pre-season, and Friday night was no different. The Titan first team defense dominated the line of scrimmage despite missing two starters on the defensive line, including Jevon Kearse. But the Titans have a talented front seven and were stacked up against the run. Subsequently the Packers could not run the ball. Keep in mind that the Packers ran a vanilla offense, which was very predictable. They ran on first down and passed on third down, but offensive coordinator Tom Rossley will open things up next week and keep the defense more honest.

The Packer first team defense was sturdy during the pre-season, giving up only two touchdowns and one field goal in 15 total possessions. The first unit surrendered no points, and only after Packer substitutions, were the Titans able to put points on the board.

The Packers seem to have a problem with depth in the secondary, but the back-ups on the defensive line are making good strides. Jamal Reynolds was finally visible on film, causing a fumble, and looking like he’s regaining the burst he showed in college. Steve Warren, who is coming off a major injury, has consistently gotten penetration at the point of attack. Rookie Aaron Kampman is relentless, and has played well in the pre-season. He did nothing but help himself with his consistent pass rush and stellar run support. Kampman will surely make the team.

The kick coverage gave up a touchdown for the second week in a row. The Packers just aren't getting the kind of play on special teams, that the coaches would expect. Marginal players must perform at a high level on special teams in order to make the team, so it looks as though there are going to be some changes amongst the back ups.

Charles Lee seems to be the odd man out, because third year receiver Karsten Bailey has picked up the offense and excels as a special team's player. Paris Lenon also seems to have the edge on Rob Holmberg. Lenon played well on Friday, and he will also be a solid contributor on special teams.

Not much can be taken from the four pre-season games the Packers played. It was a chance for Mike Sherman and his staff to evaluate and develop the young players. The Packers showed they are still a work in progress, and with a little luck and no injuries, this team could be special. The question isn't whether the play-offs are in reach? The question is how far will this team go? We will find out soon when the real games begin, on Sunday!

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