Packernation has been waiting for word on Sam Shields and Tramon Williams after coach McCarthy
has said that neither’s injury was long term. But today, word came out that Sam Shields was out for Sunday’s game against Carolina and Tramon Williams is questionable. This, along with the absence of Datone Jones for a second game, make the Lambeau Field contest against the Carolina Panthers the first with major questions at the start position this year.
“We’re still going through the process. He’s better today than he was yesterday,” said coach McCarthy of Williams, who has played in 128 of 129 games in his career. The absence of Williams would mean the Packers can’t field either of their starting corners against Cam Newton and the Panthers.
The Panthers’ defense has struggled this season after being one of the best in the league last year. But Cam Newton and the Panthers’ offense scored 37 points on the Bengals last week in a 37-37 tie in Cincinnati. And this week, Jonathan Stewart is expected to play.
The absence of Shields and possible absence of Williams give Davon House and Casey Hayward a chance to shine. Both of these players have shown themselves as capable but need to put together full games against a good opponent.
This game may very well be a chance for backups to make a difference.
GO PACK!!!
While not having Shields and Williams would be a bummer I for one have total faith in House and Hayward they both are established corners on their own right. And if need be they can alway move Hyde over and let HHCD start at safety. My concern for this game with D. Jone out can Robinson step up his game to keep Cam sealed in the pocket and another big must is Mathews needs to show for this game he has been on vacation for six weeks now!
I’m not overly concerned about the CB situation. Hayward is a better ball hawk than Shields, and equal or better than Williams. House has played against Megatron and Marshall, and played extremely well. The Panthers receivers “should” be a walk in the park compared to what we face in our division.
I’m more concerned about Datone being out, and the fact that he seems to constantly have ankle problems. It looks like Boyd will be back, so that will help take some pressure off RDE and Guion in the middle.
I’m most concerned about our LBs defending the read option and containing Newton in the pocket. Matthews and Peppers need to hold their positions and bull rush, which disrupts the read option. If they try going inside or outside, they play right into the read option’s strengths. Our ILBs (hopefully Hawk and Lattimore) need to fill holes at the line. They can’t do that from 7 yards deep.
I know McCarthy said this is a different team than 2 years ago, when asked about defending the read option. And that’s true. But it’s the same coaches who were torched by it 2 years ago – even with plenty of time to prepare for it. Go pack go!