We’ve been writing a lot about the player-organized workouts going on across the league, from the big get together in New Orleans to smaller affairs elsewhere.
Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk has heard about them too, and wonders how much good they are doing.
“I’ve heard that different guys’ workouts from different teams have just been a disaster. They’re working out at bad high school fields and equipment and all that kind of stuff,” Hawk told Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Hawk, who says he will be fully recovered from wrist surgery in time for training camp, doesn’t see a great value to the practices for defensive players.
“The most the defense can do when we get together is seven-on-seven. I can understand quarterbacks throwing to receivers and stuff like that. I think it’s more of a camaraderie thing. . . . We’re all ready to come back. We never got out of shape. The player gatherings are a good thing to get together and be with your teammates - that’s the most I would take from it.”
Hawk’s point is well taken; this isn’t the 1970’s. Most players are going to stay in condition and you can’t simulate the installation of schemes without coaches.
Some flowery stories will probably be written after the fact about how lockout practices forged special bonds and led to victories.
Talent and continuity will matter a lot more to teams when the lockout ends. The Packers have plenty of both.