There is no doubt that you Packer fans have a lot to cheer about this season. From Brett Favre returning from the dead to surpass Dan Marino for the "All Time Touchdown" record, to the team only losing one out of six games. Saying that it is a good time to be a Cheesehead is an understatement. But as with anything that's good, something bad is not too far behind.
Ladies and Gents I give you the bad. . . DeShawn Wynn.
To the average Packer fan Wynn has seemed like the answer to a lower than average running game in Green Bay. He has looked impressive on the field by being able to read a situation quickly and react. He has outstanding cutback agility, and he can read a blitz better than most. He also has the numbers to back it up. Wynn has rushed for two hundred and two yards (4.1 avg.) for four touchdowns.
But for those Packer fans who live and breath for this team and read any press mentioning their beloved Pack, well they will know exactly why I see Wynn as the bad. So for those of you that don't know I will explain. . . From the moment Wynn was drafted back on April 29th he has been plagued by a multitude of problems. Speaking of plagued, I am surprised that is not one of his numerous ailments!
Below I have laid out a nice little time line to prove my point.
* 4/30- DeShawn Wynn was drafted 228Th in the seventh round.
* 5/5- During Mini camp Wynn suffers a Calf Strain.
*7/7- Wynn finally returns after two months of nursing his Calf Strain.
*7/20- Packers sign Wynn.
*7/30- Wynn not practicing again due to a stomach virus.
*8/9 Wynn is out and not practicing because of Quad Injury.
*8/30- Wynn plays in a pregame against Tennessee. He drops a pair of passes and struggles in pass protection two of his strongest suits.
*9/23- In the game against the Chargers, Wynn calls a timeout with 10:30 seconds left on the clock because he has a twisted ankle.
*10/9- In the game against the Bears, Wynn left the game halfway through the first quarter due to cramps.
*10/14- During the game against the Redskins Wynn would be in and out due to small nicks here and there.
Now by looking at the dates above it is clear that this kid is his own worst enemy. He is one of those, "If it is not one thing, it's another" kind of players. And let's face it, in this modern day NFL with men who get injured one minute, get taped up the next, and run back on the field like a gladiator, Wynn does not stand a chance.
I can also promise you that it has not gone unnoticed by the Green Bay Coaching staff either. Let's look at the statement below given by Coach McCarthy after sundays game against the Redskins. . .
When asked if Brandon Jackson or DeShawn Wynn would be the starting running back, Head Coach McCarthy answered this way. . .
"I think Brandon has been very consistent. You could make the case he's the most consistent back as far as doing everything that's asked at that position. DeShawn has done some really good things running the football. He gets nicked a couple times during the course of the game, comes in and out. I'd like to see him fight through that."
That was only the latest in statements on how Coach McCarthy feels about Wynn. In the game against the Bears, McCarthy said about Wynn leaving the game after only one series in the first quarter. . .
"He was sweating pretty good there in pregame. I am sure that he was excited, because he was going to receive most of the opportunities on first and second down. The young man played in Florida. You wouldn't think that would happen, but it did and we need to learn from it. He was off to a strong start and never really right again."
Now with that statement one would think the temperature was a sweltering 99 degrees, but in fact, the temp was a whopping 79 degrees with 68% humidity. I don't know about you, but that is a nice night here in Virginia Beach, VA.
In their third game against the Chargers' Wynn called a timeout in the fourth quarter with 10:30 seconds because he had twisted his ankle. Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin was quoted as saying,
"If you think you are hurt get off the field or go down. Act like you are shot or something. We were all looking around wondering where that timeout came from. How did it happen?"
And what did DeShawn have to say for himself after burning a team timeout in the fourth quarter of the game?
" I got my ankle twisted the play before and we had a screen pass coming to me. So I had to figure out how to get myself out of there."
WHAT? Are you pulling my leg DeShawn? Why would you not fall down and scream, "Oh my God, I twisted my poor little ankle?" Seriously who does not know this rule? I mean I could understand if the kid never played football before, but that is certainly not the case.
Wynn was one of the Nation's top running backs during his Senior year at Reading H.S. in Cincinnati, OH. He then went on to play for the Florida Gators where he became well known for being a part of only the second trio in the history of the school to rush for more than 500 or more yards in one season. In his last two years with the Gators he was the leading ground rusher which helped the team make it to the NationalChampionship.
Here is my honest opinion on # 42 DeShawn Wynn. . .Unless someone steps in and saves this kid from himself, after all the work he has done to make it to the NFL, then I truly believe that not only will he never become a starter for the Packers', but he may well never make it as a starter anywhere. So save your money that you were thinking about spending on a Wynn jersey Packer fans. You would do better by going with a Favre or White jersey!
Good post and insight into what makes DeShawn Wynn tick (or get nicked up). He does show ability, but I think lacks the toughness to work through the injuries. There is a reason he was drafted in the seventh round. If he had the toughness and heart of Steve Smith of the Panthers, he'd have been drafted much higher.
Thank you. I tell you, you are right about his lack of toughness. While researching him, that is the one thing that continuously kept coming up. Yes he sure is not a Steve Smith. Should be interesting to see just what does happen to him.
Thanks for the comment, and the Good Luck for the 'Skins. They sure do need it! Good Luck to your Panthers as well. It seems they are back in it.
Great write-up! Personally I figured that the other rookie, Brandon Jackson would step up (or maybe I just hoped he would for the sake of my fantasy team). None of the backs, including Vernand Morency has stepped up. Mr. Ageless Wonder will get too ####ed up in the pocket trying to compensate for the lack of a running game.... Good Luck!
Great post. I was clearly more sympathetic to Mr Wynn. And here I thought I was one of them cynical #### bloggers. We'll see what happens. I think you certainly did enough to win.
Although part of the national championship team, overall, Wynn was a disappointment at Florida. Had he not had the notariety of winning a title, there's no way he would have been drafted that high.
I'm actually surprised he's doing as well as he is.
Yeah I kinda got that with his time with the Gators. Even though he had these records, I still noticed he was injured his last year there, and his freshman year he only made it to the practice squad. He never was a consistent starter either.
To be honest with you, I am surprised that he made the final cut for the Packers. Plus just think what he could be doing if he was not constantly in and out of the game.
Hey Ang,
Great post you got here. I realy enjoyed getting to know that Wynn is such a weasel. Maybe he should have tried playing a sport with less contact. All in all very good job you did here. Goodluck mon'ami.
Thanks so much gambitxxx. He sure does fit that weasel profile. His favorite past time sport is bowling, but I wonder how many times he has had to bow out due to a finger injury? lol!
I am glad you enjoyed this, because I sure did enjoy yours as well!
Good Luck to you "My Friend!" I like it better in french though. :0)
Very thorough write-up, Ang. I honestly didn't know that much about Wynn, other than he's a frustrating player to have on your fantasy team. Now I know why.
I don't know what it is about the Packers and bad luck with running backs, but they really could use some stability there.
It hasn't gone unnoticed by us Packer backers either, but hey, what's new? We haven't had a consistent healthy RB in years...Gado was 3rd string!
We Packer faithful have questioned a few of Ted Thompson's decisions...none more than in that position, but I'm counting my blessings right now at this point...5 and 1 with a bye this weekend and a QB with a chip on his shoulder which seems to be working for him this season. If we stink the rest of the year...oh well - I've been with them as long as I can remember...for better or for worse!
To be honest with you before I was given this assignment I only learned about Wynn during last Sundays game. I wanted to make sure that I got the whole picture on him, so I did a lot of research, and it did not take long to see his faults. I bet he is a frustrating fantasy player. I think that Jackson my be their answer, though he is going to need a year at least to mesh well.
Thanks for stopping in and thank you so much for the comment. I am glad you enjoyed it.
I know y'all have had it rough at the RB position, but that is just a drop in the bucket compared to the season you have already had. BTW, congrats on the win last Sunday. That was tough for me to say. :)
I know the Packer Faithful will be there through thick and thin. Just as I am for my 'Skins. I think that Brett will be just fine, and this season for y'all is not over by a long shot!
Just a very little. I would love to learn more. I just did check out Kevins, and man he is on top of his game! I am very proud of him. Plus, he always makes me laugh, but this time I was doubled over in hysterics.
Hey, have a great weekend Mon'ami! Talk with you soon. . .
BGL- That is too funny! I am sure Rev would love that, haha! I was sorry to hear about your Wildcats. They are still on a great roll. Just have to keep on going and leave FL. in the rearview mirror!
Take care, and talk with you soon,
Ang
Mike, Yes I am . I am in the middle of researching them both right now. I should have the article out within the next two days. Thanks for dropping in and checking on me!
Ang
Mike you are very sweet. I was out doing some running around, but TY for that. Did you get to see it? Did Jason show any frustration about being purposely kept of the field last week? That is what was said yesterday, the off. was kept off the field, because the o line is so bad.
Thank you very much. Yeah Wynn blew my mind for sure. I had did not have much of an opinion about him until I wrote this. I mean, of course I remembered his name from when we played them, but still it did come as a shock to see that he is such a baby.
Cygnus,
Thanks I am glad you enjoyed the post, and my pic. BTW, what is that on your pic?
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