Barnett Out for the Season

According to the Green Bay Packers’ Head Coach Mike McCarthy, starting middle linebacker Nick Barnett is out for the season with a torn knee ligament.  Barnett injured his knee on the opening series of the second half of the game against teh Minnesota Vikings on 09Nov08 and did not return.

McCarthy further stated that surgery will be required, but has not yet been scheduled.

Not to add insult to injury, but Barnett has not had a very good season.  He was on pace for 72 tackles, 16 assists, and 2 passes defensed.  This is down from 102 tackles, 29 assists, 4 passes defensed and 2 interceptions last season.  He seemed disheartened over the last four games of last season and throughout this season since he was passed over for the 2007 Pro-Bowl.  Numerous times, this writer saw him a step out of position or giving up on pursuit.

Unfortunately, he was still the best man on the roster for the job.  Barnett’s replacement, Desmond Bishop was immediately torched for a 47 yard touchdown on his first play in the game.

Green Bay’s suspect run defense will apparently be even worse as the facts are that Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson had 124 of his 225 total yards from scrimmage after Barnett left the game.

Sources: JSOnline, Packers.com, NFL.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com

Photo Credit: Jim Biever, Packers.com

CheezerAll-Star

383 days ago

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The question is, will they move AJ Hawk to the middle? He has been another non-factor this season and some talk in Packerland is that he is already a bust. The move could re-energize him.

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TheruffianVarsity Captain

382 days ago

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I doubt that it will Cheez. I hate to say it but right now those two just look like busts, guys who had a few good years and then are through. Lots of player just have that one really good year, like a Roosevelt Colvin, and set an expectation when really it's an exception to the norm. And I had said in the preseason that Barnett would breakout to have a superstar type year, pffft! Sure move Hawk to the middle it can't be any worse than keeping him outside. And make Chillar the starter regardless of down and distance. He's more of an all-around asset than Desmond Bishop.

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CheezerAll-Star

380 days ago

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I'm with you. I thought that Barnett was due. Of course I also thought that he would be better as the Will. It would allow him to range around and make plays with his speed.

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EnyboDiv-I Stud

376 days ago

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And they still whooped the Bears. Damn Packers.

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