Packers mix it up during first day of padded workout
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels is taking it upon himself to motivate the other young defensive lineman on the team. He has been extra boisterous during the first week of training camp, making sure his teammates know he means business.
In what appeared to be a calculated move, Daniels got into a scuffle with offensive lineman Don Barclay on the fourth play of the first full-contact drill during Thursday’s padded practice.
Many of his teammates knew it would be Daniels that would likely blow up first and expect to see and hear more from Daniels before training camp ends.
Barclay is a neighbor of Daniels and claims the two are good friends. He certainly didn’t seem upset that he was the target for Daniels.
AUDIO: Don Barclay says his skirmish with Mike Daniels is no big deal :21
AUDIO: Don Barclay asked if this move was calculated :13
Mike McCarthy appreciates Daniels approach as well. The coach said Daniels is letting his personality be felt. McCarthy said Daniels has always been an excellent teammate and has the attention of the players.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy says Daniels has the attention of his teammates :19
If a player can’t back it up on the field, the message usually falls on deaf ears. But Daniels, who signed a new four-year contract ($41 million) in the offseason, ranked third on the team in quarterback hits and second in quarterback pressures.
Don’t expect Daniels motivational tactics go away either. While his skirmish with Barclay may or may not have been planned, if his teammates aren’t holding up their end of the bargain on the field, they’re going to hear about it.