This past week, the Green Bay Packers found their new center, Jeff Saturday, as they inked him to a 2 year deal worth $7.75 million. The former Colt, steps in and will try to replace Scott Wells, whom the Packers let walk because of high contract demands.
Former Packers Center Scott Wells 31, recently signed with the St. Louis Rams. After being drafted by the Packers in the 7th round in 2004, Wells has been demoted many times until finally taking over at the center position 2006. Wells was a durable player and was finally voted to his first, well-deserved Pro Bowl this past season. Wells wanted to be rewarded, but the Packers saw his contract demands to be too high.
Saturday, was expected by many to sign with the Denver Broncos to re-unite with his long-time Quarterback, Peyton Manning. Unfortunately for Bronco fans and Manning, Saturday felt the Packers wanted him that much more.
"I told him I don't think the Broncos wanted me as much as he did. They've got things going on that they're happy with and are moving forward with and I didn't think it was an exact fit. I always felt like in Green Bay I was their very first choice."
As a Packer fan, I am very much for this signing. Although Saturday is older, he has produced very solid seasons at center. He hasn't allowed more than 2 sacks in a season since 2006. This is nothing more than a place-holder for the Packers, as they will probably draft a center early in the draft next month. Although the Packers wanted to let Wells walk, despite his stellar place at center, it was important for them to sign somebody to fill in at that position, without creating a major weakness in the middle of the offensive-line. Saturday is also experienced in the no-huddle offense, and his biggest job is to keep Aaron Rodgers on his feet. If he could do that, I am satisfied.
http://packersnews.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120323/PKR01/120323088/Packers-sign-free-agent-center-Jeff-Saturday?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
I was surprised to see this post. One of the last topics I would have expected to read about was Jeff Saturday's signing with Green Bay, and then I read the phrase "As a Packer fan," which explained everything. Good job explaining not only the topic, but also why you're writing about it. That's the type of personal touch needed in blogs.
ReplyDeleteGood read. Saturday is great pick up. I'm a Titans fan and they just signed Steve Hutchinson, who was Peyton's other big offensive lineman. I feel a little bad for Luck because he's now going to an Indianapolis team that just lost two of their best guards and have a lot of work to do with the offensive line. The O-line is one of the most important positions on the field next to quarterback. In Tampa, Josh Freeman barely had a second to throw the ball this previous season without his pocket collapsing, forcing them to have a horrendous season. Drew Brees on the other hand had probably one of the best lines in football and he has so much time in the pocket to analyze coverage and then make the best throw. Rodgers and the Pack definitely got a great player in Saturday and Rodgers is a lucky man because he now has an outstanding man in front of him protecting him.
ReplyDeleteWow Jeff Saturday will be great! Like Faith and Media blog said, Rodgers is a lucky man to have him protecting him. The front 5 can make or break your offense. Just ask Chicago's Jay Cutler what its like to be sacked 8 times in a game! No man should have to endure that kind of punishment cause the Line can't block. Green Bay's line gets injured a lot, Saturday will provide a great and durable add
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