Lance Allan: Sports Glance with Lance
The Packers Made A Mistake
They Won't Admit It, But Their Moves Do
Sure, Anthony Smith freelanced a little too much. And talked a little too much as well.
But he was a playmaker.
And after the Packers tried to trade Aaron Rouse before the final cutdown, it showed they had lost confidence in Rouse to be consistent.
So why keep him on the final roster? And with Atari Bigby's injury history, why not keep Smith, who pushed Bigby in camp? And with Nick Collins getting dinged up from time to time, why not protect yourself there too?
The trade for Derrick Martin make this all the more obvious. And once Aaron Rouse went back to his inconsistent ways, the Packers knew they had to make a move.
One NFL scout gave one of the best quotes ever when saying Rouse "looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane." Mike McCarthy hinted at this when saying lack of consistency and "factors of availability," in the coach's words. I've heard Rouse didn't like playing hurt. And at 6'4", Rouse had problems bending and turning with receivers.
Clearly, the message was sent throughout the locker room....even if you're a starter, if you're not available and accountable, you're out. It's just the message could have been sent...with the replacement in your locker room...not on the opposing sideline, as Anthony Smith now suits up for the Rams against the Pack this Sunday.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.