Pondering Green Bay's A.J. Hawk as a bust
by Mocking Dan on Oct 23, 2009 5:30 PM EDT
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The struggles of Green Bay fourth-year linebacker are becoming troublesome.
In Green Bay's last game, Hawk only played on nine snaps. In 125 plays over the last two games, Hawk has only been on the field for 31 snaps.
Hawk's playing time dipped earlier this season when the Packers took him out of their nickel formations. While Hawk towed the company line about his reduced role at first, he's clearly become a frustrated player.
He rarely talks to the media now and immediately left the field following the Detroit game.
"If I was A.J. Hawk, I'd be disappointed I wasn't playing either," Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters this week. "Yeah, he hasn't played a whole lot the last two weeks, but I don't really think anything's going on. . . . He just doesn't have a lot of opportunities right now."
When Hawk came out of Ohio State, he was largely viewed as a can't-miss inside linebacker. He had a very good rookie season with 121 tackles, three and a half sacks and two interceptions.
But his play has dropped since then. While injuries can be attributed to his struggles last season, he's healthy this year.
Green Bay's new 3-4 scheme just doesn't suit Hawk's strength of being a straight-ahead run stopper. Hawk is best when a play develops in front of him, not when he has to work through blocks and make plays.
He has trouble flipping his hips and moving laterally and struggles mightily in pass coverage.
Because of where he wad drafted and that he's on pace for the worst season of his career, in a contract year no less, Hawk has to be considered a possible bust.
Not helping his cause is the play of fellow 2006 middle linebackers DeMeco Ryans and D'Qwell Jackson. Each has lead the NFL in tackles while Hawk, picked a whole round higher, is struggling.
Can Hawk still find success in his career? Absolutely. But it just might not be in Green Bay.
This is the first part of a five-part mini-series contemplating big-name players who might be busts.
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Hope to see things pan out.
Hawk, like Campen are not putting up the numbers they did with the 4-3. Both are exceptional athletes who play with alot of heart. I would like to see them work things out in this new defense and contribute while enjoying it as much as the 4-3. No one likes to see such talent have to move on. I have to admire Hawk for avoiding the media while he is going through this.
by Embries on Oct 23, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the eagles should have traded for Hawk
although it probably would have cost them more
by CardsDefense on Oct 23, 2009 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I was thinking the same thing when I read this.
If hip hop is dead, then it happened the day that Dilla died.
-Akrobatik
by Bestjagfan on Oct 23, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also though, Clay Matthews has played outstanding in his rookie year.
FIRE BRUCE BOCHY NOW!!!!!!
AND TAKE BRIAN SABEAN WITH HIM!!!!!
by 49er16 on Oct 23, 2009 6:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow so Hawk and Barbie Carpentar are OSU LB's who can't seem to get on the field
Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
by Bezekira on Oct 27, 2009 3:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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