Training Camp Notebook: Javon Walker Provides Deep Threat
Walker Steps Up
Despite not participating in the offseason program, wide receiver Javon Walker has had a very strong training camp. He had one of his best days during Wednesday's practice.
His highlight reel included beating safety Earl Little on a crossing route to haul in a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brett Favre.
"That's what we look for as receivers," he said. "Any time we can get the defense backing up on a deep throw, it opens up what we're trying to do across the middle."
Walker said he tries to not to get excited about one day of practice. He knows that training camp is a marathon, not a sprint.
"Training camp's always hard. You're out there every day. You're practicing non-stop," he said. "It's a lot of strain on the muscles."
Looking Ahead To A Different Opponent
The Packers will welcome the Buffalo Bills for two practices and Friday's "Family Night" scrimmage.
"It's kind of neat to be able to share our fans with another club so they can see how special they are," head coach Mike Sherman said. "I'm anxious to share that with Buffalo."
The Bills used to practice with the Cleveland Browns each year, but the Browns' new administration put an end to that tradition this year. Bills head coach Mike Mularkey approached Sherman at the combine regarding his interest in a joint scrimmage.
After initial reluctance, Sherman warmed up to the idea of practicing against a different team.
"I thought it would be a great change up," he said. "Going against a different color jersey will spice things up for a bit. I know [the players] are excited about it."
Facing the Bills will give the Packers a chance to see some different alignments on both sides of the ball, helping them prepare for future preseason opponents. Unlike the Packers, the Bills play a lot of eight-man fronts on defense and employ more shifting and motion on offense.
"They're very multiple in their schemes," Sherman said. "The exposure that both the offense and defense are going to get from an Xs and Os standpoint is invaluable."
In addition, players have grown tired of cracking shoulder pads with their teammates.
"It's going to be nice," rookie free agent guard Joe Hayes said. "We get to beat up on the Bills a little bit."
Wisconsin Coaches Visit Practice
Forty-six members from the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame attended Wednesday's practice , carrying on a four-year tradition.
The group included assistants and head coaches and both active and retired coaches. After practice, they met with Coach Sherman and dined at Curly's Pub.
Quick Hits: In a beginning practice drill, the quarterbacks took turns trying to throw the football in a yellow trash can from 40-yards away. QB Brett Favre came the closest, hitting the can's rim. ... In the Wednesday morning session, offensive tackle Brad Bedell strained his hamstring and guard Matt O'Dwyer strained his shoulder/neck... Running back Ahman Green (back) returned to the practice field ran. Showing no affects, he ran very hard... Sherman said Nick Barnett (ankle) should practice on Thursday. ... Cornerback Ahmad Carroll injured his groin and hamstring on Wednesday.
Quote Of The Day: Offensive line coach Larry Beightol on the offensive line scheme: "This isn't brain surgery, believe me. It's not rocket science. We're not repairing the damn space shuttle."