Rudy Ford has Packers starting job all but locked up
One of the biggest battles on the Green Bay Packers roster has been the one for the starting safety job opposite Darnell Savage. On Thursday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur essentially said Rudy Ford, a six-year veteran who started six games and finished third on the team with three interceptions last year, is the lead […]
One of the biggest battles on the Green Bay Packers roster has been the one for the starting safety job opposite Darnell Savage.
On Thursday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur essentially said Rudy Ford, a six-year veteran who started six games and finished third on the team with three interceptions last year, is the lead dog and it will stay that way as long Saturday's game against the Seattle Seahawks goes according to plan.
"He's done a nice job," LaFleur told reporters on Thursday. "I think he's going out there and executing his responsibility and he's playing physical. [He is] trusting in what he's seeing and playing fast, and he's done a really nice job. Communication is a big part of that position – making sure that everybody's on the same page. And I think he's handled that pretty well. So hopefully, he can put together another good practice today and then go out there and compete in the game at a high level."
It's a big win for the former sixth-round pick, who was back with the 1s on Tuesday after the Packers rotated safeties all summer long. Ford had an OK year last year, but still showed he had a ways to go before becoming a consistent starter. Therefore, the team threw everyone into the mix in order to see who came out on top.
"Rudy brings a different element because he's probably one of the more physical safeties, right now, honestly," Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander said Thursday. "He can come down and fill the gap. He made a hit on 'Zeke [Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliot] probably about two weeks ago that I enjoyed. It's always good to see a safety coming up and putting his pads on somebody, you know, even in "thud" period. So I like Rudy. He's super athletic, too."
That's why it's encouraging to see him take that next step. But at the same time, he's still going to have competition to fend off over these next few days.
And LaFleur and co. will certainly keep an eye on the full scope of the situation.
"We've got, obviously a practice today, we've got a game. And it could be pretty fluid throughout the course of the year," said LaFleur. "I mean, you never want to just say, 'Hey, this is it.' Guys are going to compete, and they're going to continue to learn and grow. And hopefully, it's a competitive situation throughout the course of the season. And that's not just with that position. That's got to be everybody's position. That's got to be the mindset. That's how you improve and get better as soon as get complacent, somebody's gonna pass you by."
"We go into it every game with an idea of what we are trying to see," he added later. "And I think that's why it's so important that in terms of the communication with myself, and "Gute" [Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst], making sure everybody's on the same page, making sure that we get the proper evaluation and put guys in a position where we get questions answered, quite frankly,"
Even if Ford falters, the Packers have capable guys that can replace him. None of them are Pro Bowl-level guys, but they are mostly veterans who know their strengths, as well as the Packers. Then add in the athletic, rangy rookie in Anthony Johnson Jr. and you have a good group.
But it doesn't sound like Ford is going lose his grip. Sure enough, we'll know on Saturday.
"I just feel like man, you know, I can say, I've been consistent, you know what I'm saying," said Ford. "I feel like I prove what I've always been capable of doing, anyways…
"… It's just showing them what I've been doing over the years, you know, just to capitalize. I just like to stay focused. I'm not shying away – I'm just staying focused on the goals that I've set. And I just keep my eye on that.
Aaron Jones’ and Jordan Love’s latest actions explain why Packers fans adore them
It’s the little things that typically mean a lot.
Featured image via Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
