The Green Bay Packers have a problem at cornerback, but it’s one of those good problems.
Too many talented guys, not enough slots to play them in.
Casey Hayward is about to come back from the hamstring injury that’s kept him out all season. Hayward practiced on Wednesday, which is the first time he’s done so since the season began. If he doesn’t return this week, he’s almost certain to be back next week.
But where do you put him?
Hayward was the Packers’ leading interceptor last season with six. He obviously has a knack for getting his hands on the ball.
That being said, both Davon House and rookie Micah Hyde have played well in Hayward’s absence. House has been covering the outside receiver in the nickel and Hyde was a beast against Baltimore.
We know Sam Shields isn’t going anywhere. Tramon Williams, meanwhile, has moved from the outside — and the Packers No. 1 corner — to the slot in the nickel.
When Hayward comes back, that means House, Hyde, Hayward or Williams is off the field in the nickel. Williams seems like the obvious option to sit, with House or Hyde on the outside and Hayward in the slot.
The upside of this is the Packers can replace Jerron McMillian with one of those guys in the dime.
Hayward is the ball hawk. Hyde is the sure tackler and a good blitzer. House is the physical guy you want on the outside receiver. Williams is the proven veteran.
If you’re Dom Capers, who do you want on the field?
Hyde would probably be the best one to replace McMillian. He’s more of a utility guy than anyone else. Either way, the most important thing is for McMillian to stay OFF the field.
“If you’re Dom Capers, who do you want on the field?” Anybody BUT McMillian, hell I would rather have my mother-in-law play in the secondary opposed to #22
Your mother-in-law is a real ballhawk is she?
Well played, sir
Hahaha
I really think you have to be sure Hayward is better than your other options before playing him.
If he does play, he likely gets limited snaps. Therefore, you probably leave everything as it is and have him switch off with Hyde for now.
Surprisingly, I think the 3 H’s might be your future. You can drop a lot of salary by letting Shields and Williams move on next season. That leaves you with House and Hayward on the outside and Hyde in the slot.
There is no question that McMillian gets the boot from your dime package and Hyde takes his place.
Shields isnt going anywhere, he’ll be getting Tramons money, because Tramon won’t be here next year..Thank God
She made his wife didn’t she!
The only thing Williams has proven is he still can’t tackle or make plays.
Casey Hayward had six picks, did not commit a single penalty, and kept opponent’s passer rating down to 31.1 when they threw at him which was the best of any cornerback in the NFL. You can bet your left arm that Hayward will be starting this year.
Good research. And great stats. Hayward is a stud. Can’t wait to have him back.
great problem to have – too many good players!