NFL Takeaways: Aaron Rodgers Can’t Buy Consistent Protection

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Don Barclay (67) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The annual trudge of bad news on the offensive line continues for Aaron Rodgers.  What are some other NFL takeaways?

Don Barclay torn ACL just the latest hit to Packers O-line woes

It seems like every year Aaron Rodgers has to watch his offensive line get shuffled around like a deck of cards.  Sadly, the 2014 edition offers little relief.  Don Barclay, who started 14 games for the Green Bay Packers at right tackle last season, will be watching the rest of this one from the sideline after tearing his ACL .  He was the one already replacing the often-injured Bryan Bulaga and his loss is a huge blow to the Packers depth.  Now Rodgers must hope (and pray) that Bulaga and fellow injury-prone lineman Derek Sherrod can somehow stay healthy enough to keep him upright in a season filled with high expectations.

Jordan Matthews could be the 2014 Keenan Allen

Despite being a 3rd round pick in the NFL draft last year, a lot of people forgot about wide receiver Keenan Allen of the San Diego Chargers.  It didn’t take long for him to remind them, as he finished the season as the leader among all rookies in receiving and was a huge boost to the Chargers’ playoff run.  So that begs the question.  Who could be the Allen of the 2014 class?  One name to watch very carefully is Jordan Matthews.  The Vanderbilt product is building a mountain of buzz at Philadelphia Eagles camp.  He has great size, a polished game and is playing under an offensive wizard in Chip Kelly.  All the elements appear in place for a big year.

Santonio Holmes faces tough call between Chicago and Cleveland

From rookies to veteran NFL free agents, a prominent name resurfaced in a big way this week when Santonio Holmes worked out for the Chicago Bears.  The former Super Bowl MVP hasn’t landed a gig yet, but this news coupled with rumors that the Cleveland Browns are also interested raises an interesting dilemma for Holmes  If both teams should make an offer, it will likely come down to money or winning.

The Bears are tight against the salary cap and can’t afford to offer much but are a team billed for a playoff run.  On the other hand, the Browns are breaking in a new coaching staff and may start a rookie quarterback, but have more cap space.  For Holmes, at age 30, it will come down to whether he wants to take another crack at the trophy or if he’s trying to make as much extra revenue as possible before he’s forced to retire.