Key comments from Packers coordinators ahead of Week 2 vs. Colts

Some key comments from Packers coordinators ahead of Week 2 vs. the Colts.

Coordinators for the Green Bay Packers answered questions from media on Thursday. Among the key comments? The rotation at right guard will continue, rookie Evan Williams will get more snaps in Week 2 and Brayden Narveson’s impressed in his NFL debut.

Here are some important comments from the Packers coordinators from Thursday before Week 2:

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich

— Some familiarity and carryover for Malik Willis. “He’s working really hard, trying to get up to speed as much as possible.”

— Calling plays in the huddle is a hurdle for Willis. Still learning the verbiage, terminology. “Every day he’s getting better.” He’ll wear a wristband to help.

— Planning to evaluate right guard position week to week. Neither took hold of the job in the opener. Thought it was good for Jordan Morgan to get experience in a rotation. “I kind of like what we’re doing, to keep those guys involved.”

— On Zach Tom’s performance: “I’m not surprised by it.” Said it was business as usual for Tom in the opener.

On Tucker Kraft/Luke Musgrave snaps: “We definitely don’t want that. We want that more even.” Kraft out-snapped Musgrave 64-to-17 in the opener. Stenavich said the Packers need to do a better job managing snaps.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley

— Hafley loved the three takeaways but said “there should have been more.” Noted two potential sack-fumble opportunities on pressures and two near-miss interceptions. “I like the way we attacked the ball.”

— Hafley credited the defensive line for disciplined pass-rushing against Jalen Hurts. Said the plan was to keep Hurts in the pocket and limit scrambles. Hurts only had 33 rushing yards. Pass-rush operated differently against a mobile quarterback.

— On Evan Williams: “We do believe Evan deserves to play.” Said Williams will have a role going forward after not playing on defense in the opener. “We need to have 33 have a role.”

— On Colts QB Anthony Richardson: “Big, strong, threat of him running the ball on first and second down, and he can throw the ball as far as anyone I’ve seen in my entire life…he has some serious arm talent.”

— On Edgerrin Cooper: Just needs game reps to catch up after missing time in camp with an injury. “He gives us an explosive player that needs to play.”

— On Week 1 performance: “It wasn’t coached good enough, it wasn’t executed good enough.” Confident it will get better and better with experience. “You’ll see us evolve as we get going and do more.” Expecting a big jump in Week 2.

Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia

— On kickoffs: Too early to tell if most teams will just aim for touchbacks on kickoffs. Weather will be a factor.

— On Brayden Narveson’s debut: “We thought he played well.” Made 7-of-8 kicks, including a re-kick, on a big stage in Brazil.

— On Narveson’s leg strength: “He’s got a strong enough leg.” Said he’s hit some big kicks in practice.

–Bisaccia said he’s worried about Colts speed at returner and ability of Colts special teams to block punts and kicks. Colts do some exotic things in terms of blocking punts.

— Great quote on kickers: “Glory is fleeting.” All about the next kick. The Packers really like Narveson’s mental makeup.

Packers coordinators answer questions following first week of training camp

Hear from the Packers coordinators following the first week of training camp.

The coordinators of the Green Bay Packers met with the media on Monday to answer questions on the first week of training camp. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley were all available before the Packers embark on a second week of camp.

Hear from the Packers coordinators below:

Rich Bisaccia, special teams

Said it was a “big help” to have Clete Blakeman and other NFL officials in Green Bay to help learn some of the new kickoff rules and mechanics.

Bisaccia had Tyler Davis evaluate special teams film last year while he was recovering from a season-ending injury. Excited to have him back as a leader on special teams.

On the kicking competition: “It’s still a long process…we’ll just keep kicking.”

On Daniel Whelan: Big leg, improved as a holder. Likes his intelligence and athleticism. Wants better “field punts” in terms of directionality.

Bisaccia believes amendments will need to be made on kickoffs throughout the season. Season-long learning process for everyone.

Adam Stenavich, offense

On Jordan Morgan: You want to start them at a spot. You don’t want to move them around as much so they can hone in. When you look at the big picture, where he would compete best this year for a starting role, we looked and we thought the right guard position was the spot. We’ll focus there. Wants to keep him at one spot right now…I think he’s done a really good job so far. He’s got a bright future.

Sees Andre Dillard, Kadeem Telfort, Caleb Jones, Travis Glover and Luke Tenuta as the competition for the swing tackle role.

Thinks Josh Jacobs can run routes and catch the ball really well as a running back. Still figuring out his best role in the passing game. “He’s a threat in the passing game.”

Rasheed Walker has shown the Packers that they can trust him at left tackle.

On Jeff Hafley’s defense: More defensive backs in the box, less shell. More aggressive with defensive backs in run fits. “They play with a really good edge.”

On A.J. Dillon: “He’s been running the ball hard.” Thinks he’s in great shape. Excited to have Jacobs-Dillon as a 1-2 combo.

On Kadeem Telfort: “He’s been a good surprise. Been a steady guy.” Like his size, consistency, football intelligence.

Wants to keep working Andre Dillard on both sides. Thinks he’s more comfortable on the left side, needs more reps on the right side. Still learning the offense.

On Romeo Doubs: “The steps he makes every single year. His route running right now has been tremendous…the routes he’s putting on tape right now are impressive.”  Carrying over momentum from last year’s strong finish.

On Grant DuBose: Likes his speed, hands and blocking. “I’m liking what I’m seeing from Grant right now.”

Jeff Hafley, defense

On the rookie safeties: “We did a really good job drafting those guys.” Likes competitiveness, instincts, playmaking, work ethic. “They are in here late at night.”

In meetings after practice, Hafley always shows turnovers first. Wants to show the whole process of creating takeaways.

Said Rashan Gary asked to talk to the defense at one point in practice because he didn’t think the intensity was there. Credited Gary for the leadership.

On Eric Wilson: “I love the guy.” Said he’s great off the field, in the locker room, in the meeting room. Great special teams player. Multi-position player. Reliable. “Very pleased with him, big fan.”

On Eric Stokes vs. Carrington Valentine: “I like what I’ve seen from both of them…I think those guys are pushing each other, and that’s important.” Comfortable playing both.

On Quay Walker: “I think you’re going to see a confidence in him. He’s having fun out there. He’s playing fast.” Likes the way the linebackers are improving every day of camp.

On Kalen King: Trying to figure out guys who can play inside, and they think he can play slot.

Athlon Sports predicts Alabama to win the SEC West in 2023

Alabama expected to rise back up to the top of the SEC West in 2023.

The Crimson Tide are looking to reclaim their throne atop the SEC West in 2023 after coming up short last season to the LSU Tigers. The good news for Alabama fans is that they get their three toughest games in LSU, Tennessee and Texas all at home in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has won the SEC West in six of the past nine seasons and I expect that to be the standard for Nick Saban again this season. The Tide haven’t missed out on the SEC Championship Game in back-to-back years since 2010 and 2011. With two new coordinators and having to replace a Heisman Trophy winner, it won’t be a walk in the park, but the Tide has all of the tools in place to make it happen.

Steve Lassan of Athlon Sports predicts that Alabama will be the winner of the West in 2023 saying, “It’s a toss-up between Alabama and LSU at the top of the SEC West. With the game in Tuscaloosa next fall, a slight edge goes to the Crimson Tide at No. 1. But coach Nick Saban’s team also possesses more question marks than usual, so this won’t be an easy path to the SEC title game… Talent isn’t the issue for Saban’s team. How fast does this all come together?”

If Alabama can figure out the quarterback position and find some stability in the wide receiving room they immediately become the best team in the country. The offensive line and running backs will be outstanding in 2023 and I have a lot of optimism regarding Kevin Steele and the defensive pieces he has to utilize. Plus, it never hurts to have the best coach the game has ever seen.

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Texas Football: 2023 Longhorns boast consistency in key roles

Texas returns their head coach, both coordinators and starting quarterback.

Consistency has been a missing piece for the Texas football program since the days of Mack Brown dominating the Big 12 Conference.

A revolving door of head coaches, coordinators and quarterback play has made it difficult for the Longhorns to gain any traction towards competing at an elite level.

A major reason for optimism about Texas entering the 2023 season is the return of head coach Steve Sarkisian, offensive coordinator Kyle Flood, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and quarterback Quinn Ewers. Arguably the four most important roles inside a college program.

Texas is one of only 28 FBS teams and five Big 12 schools bringing back the core four this upcoming year.

The Longhorns now have the benefit of playing in the same system, under the same play-caller on both sides of the ball for three consecutive seasons. Players get the advantage of not being forced to learn a new playbook and can focus on development.

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Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb will not join Alabama staff after meeting with Nick Saban

Alabama OC search will continue after UW OC decides to stay put

Alabama Crimson Tide fans have been patiently waiting to see who head coach Nick Saban will bring in as his offensive and defensive coordinators for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, that answer will not be coming today.

Washington Huskies offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, emerged as a top target for Saban and his staff late last week. Grubb was an offensive coordinator for the first time in 2022 and was a key part of the Huskies’ 11-2 season.

However, after meeting with coach Saban in Tuscaloosa on Monday, Grubb will remain with the Huskies in 2022 and the Tide’s search will continue.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football and the program’s search for both offensive and defensive coordinators.

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Wild stat shows why 2022 is likely Alabama’s year to win it all

This has only ever happened twice in the last eight years, and Alabama won the National Championship both times. It’s happening in 2022.

[autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and his run with the Alabama Crimson Tide is among the greatest dynasties in the history of sports. What Coach Saban has done is far more difficult than just winning football games. Not only does he face the difficulties of losing collegiate players every three to four years, but he is constantly having to replace coaches who leave for other coaching opportunities.

Think of all the great coaches who have been assistants to Saban that ultimately left for coaching jobs: Jimbo Fisher, Lane Kiffin, Kirby Smart, Mario Cristobal and others.

For only the third time in the last eight years, Alabama will return both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Bill O’Brien remains responsible for the play-calling duties offensively while Pete Golding will continue to have full control over the defense.

The only other times that Alabama has returned its two coordinators was in 2015 and 2020. Alabama won the national title both of those seasons.

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Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!

Bryan Harsin unable to get clarity on next coordinator hire

Bryan Harsin is reportedly frustrated with one aspect, as he should be.

We sure aren’t feeling as good about the football program as the basketball program right now. Tension has reached a fever pitch under the watch of head coach Bryan Harsin down on the plains. The timing of what some are calling a witch hunt is a little odd.

The Tigers recently wrapped up their 2022 recruiting class on Wednesday, but Auburn didn’t sign any high school prospects on that day. The head coach was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl practices before heading out of the country on vacation. In his absence, the floodgates have opened. More specifically in regards to coordinator hires.

According to this report from ESPN (subscription required), Harsin was trying to get clarity on the pool of money for his next hire. The Auburn head coach is looking to replace his fifth coordinator after Austin Davis stepped down as the offensive coordinator. He lasted just 34 days on the job as Davis stepped away for personal reasons.

The report states that Harsin grew frustrated with the lack of transparency from the leadership at Auburn. When he was unable to get answers on salary parameters, he wanted to speak with the Auburn Board of Trustees but outgoing school president Jay Gogue didn’t think that was in the best interests of the coach.

As it always seems to be the case, it feels like the administration and athletic department are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

“Auburn is always going through transition in leadership,” said an industry source familiar with the school’s inner-workings. “Therefore there’s no way to ever tell who is in control.”

While the leadership at Auburn is trying to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the speculation surrounding Harsin, they have also tied his hands in being able to do his job.

There should be clarity coming soon but for now, it seems like there are far more questions than answers. The big question is who is really making the call here? We will just have to wait and see.