Despite his terrible 2009 season, Green Bay Packers left guard Daryn Colledge appears to have the inside track on the left guard spot he was supposed to compete with Jason Spitz for.
As much as anything, the situation seems to be a symptom of the coaching staff shuffling Spitz between multiple positions, which is something Colledge has complained about in the past. Colledge’s complaints seem to have done him some good, as he’s practiced at left guard exclusively thus far in training camp.
Spitz, as we mentioned, hasn’t been as fortunate and you have to wonder if he feels like he’s getting a fair shake at getting back into the starting lineup. Spitz was the starting center last season before injury elevated Scott Wells to the position, a spot he hasn’t relinquished.
Allen Barbre, who was an abject failure at right tackle last season, has also been in the mix at left guard.
“It’s made me feel like it’s more or less my job to lose,” Colledge said. “But (Allen) Barbre’s competing for the job, and Spitz is competing for the job. If they perform better than me, it will be their job.”
Whether or not the competition is legitimate, Colledge has extra incentive to play well this season. He’s playing on a one-year deal and desperately wants a long-term deal.
“I think any player wants to know he’s going to play in one place for a long time, that he’s going to play for a great organization,” Colledge said. “I’m not worried about a deal. All I’m worried about is getting better.”
If nothing else, the Packers have apparently given Colledge the motivation he needs to bust his ass and stay focused.
Spitz will remain a valuable backup even if he isn’t given a real shot at winning a starting spot because he can play both guard positions and center. I can’t imagine he’s too happy with the way things have transpired thus far, however.
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They should give the spot to Spitz…what is he injured or something? Colledge has never stepped up and played particularly well in actual game situations. He sux and should ride the bench.
Spitz had back surgery. I think it is likely they want to ease him back into things.