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Packers kicking operation trying to put “Family Night” behind them (AUDIO)

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Packers Special Teams Coach Ron Zook

Nobody is certain why the field goal unit struggled during Family Night last Saturday, but those involved, Mason Crosby, Derek Hart and Justin Vogel are looking for the next opportunity.

The next chance comes Thursday night when the Green Bay Packers open the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field.

Mason Crosby made 22 of 23 field goals during the first week of training camp, then made just 5 of 11 to close out Family Night on Saturday.

“I felt fine,” Hart said.  “I felt comfortable.  I think those guys felt comfortable, too.  I think it was just a chemistry thing.  We work on it every day in practice and stuff.  Maybe the setting had a little bit to do with it, but that’s why we do that.  So we can go through that and step into the game and feel fine.” [Read more…]

Janis out indefinitely with broken hand

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Jeff Janis watches practice Sunday with a wrap on his broken hand.

Jeff Janis watches practice Sunday with a wrap on his broken hand.

Things usually have a way of working out.  That’s why Mike McCarthy, or any other coach for that matter, spends time playing the roster game early in training camp and the preseason.  More times than not, the outcome is determined without the need to make a lot of difficult decisions.

When was saw Jeff Janis inside the Packers locker room, he had a big bag of ice on his hand and said he jammed his fingers during a drill and didn’t think the injury was serious. [Read more…]

Mortell is in familiar settings at Lambeau Field (AUDIO)

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Peter Mortell at Packers Orientation

Peter Mortell at Packers Orientation

Undrafted punters don’t normally draw a lot of attention, but circumstances are different for Green Bay Packers rookie Peter Mortell.

Mortell is from Green Bay.  He played his high school football at nearby Green Bay Notre Dame high school.  His grandfather was the team’s game clock operator for more than three decades before his father took over in 2000.

Mortell knows his way around Lambeau Field.  He’s been attending games since middle school and worked as a game-day assistant in the press box during high school.

After being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Minnesota, Mortell said he didn’t seem to be nervous with his surroundings while taking part in the teams rookie orientation last week.

Mortell will be battling with veteran Tim Masthay for the Packers’ punting job.  But Mortell said he isn’t looking at this as competing against Masthay, rather an opportunity to learn. [Read more…]

Is Ron Zook the answer for the Packers on Special Teams? (Video)

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Ron Zook

Ron Zook

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy announced a number of coaching changes this week.  Among the changes, Ron Zook was promoted to Special Teams Coordinator, replacing Shawn Slocum who was fired.

McCarthy, who also announced that he is giving up the play-calling this coming season, said he plans to play a much larger role in both defense and special teams this season.  He said he’ll be in the meeting rooms and be a part of the game planning, trying to avoid some of the issues that led to the Packers being ranked dead last in the league in special teams rankings this past season.

So is Ron Zook the answer?  He previously held one special teams coordinator position in the NFL, with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1996-98.  Those unites ranked 23rd in 1996, 24th in 1997 and 13th in 1998.

While at Illinois, Zook also involved himself in special teams with average results.

McCarthy gives up play calling to focus more on all phases of his team

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Tom Clements

Tom Clements

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Thursday that he had thought about giving up play calling before.  After the Packers coughed up the lead and fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, McCarthy could no longer hide from the fact that he needed to get more involved in all aspects of his football team.

To pull that off, McCarthy needed to give up the job that he loved, the job that required so much of his time and attention.

McCarthy and the Packers announced a number of staff moves on Thursday, first and foremost, the promotion of Tom Clements to Associate Head Coach/Offense, with play calling duties. [Read more…]

Packers new special teams coordinator likely to be Ron Zook

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Ron Zook - Photo/Packers.com

Ron Zook – Photo/Packers.com

There’s still no official announcement from the team, but Packers linebacker Sam Barrington broke the news via Twitter today.

Congratulations to our new Special Teams coordinator Ron Zook.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy fired Special Teams Coordinator Shawn Slocum last Friday.  The Packers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game and two costly special teams mistakes were the difference.

Zook came on board last season to serve as a special teams assistant under Slocum.  He was previously the special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1996-98.