CCQ #5: Who takes advantage of Harris' absence?

This is the eighth installment of our Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

Al Harris is a warrior. Everything about #31 is a testament to this, from his aggressive, attacking style of play to the seamless collage of tattoos that covers his body. His compelling journey through the ranks of professional football, from D-II prospect to nickel back to All-Pro, is proof of his resiliency and determination, as is the fact that he not only survived an exploded spleen, but was back on the field in a matter of weeks. It's not an exaggeration to say that Al Harris is one of the baddest mutha f#*&ers in the world, right after this guy (warning: adult language).

But unfortunately, it doesn't look like Al will be fully recovered from an obliterated knee in time for the beginning of the season. Despite his best efforts, it's most likely that Harris will end up on the PUP list (physically unable to perform), which will prevent him from participating in the Packers' first 6 games. One of the biggest concerns of the Packers this training camp is finding a corner back competent enough to fill the vacancy left by Harris.

CCQ #9: Does Harrell make the cut?

This is the fourth installment of our Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

"With the 16th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Justin Harrell..."

WHO?!?

"...defensive lineman, Tennessee."

WHAT?!!

This was basically my reaction after hearing the commish announce the Pack's first pick that year. I had never heard of this guy before. I thought there were definitely other more pressing needs other than defensive tackle. And he only played in THREE games his last year at Tennessee before suffering from a torn biceps that ended his season. I certainly questioned Ted Thompson's decision to take Harrell (although I must admit, I wanted Brady Quinn at 16. I was a young, naive Notre Dame fan ready to take Brady and deal Rodgers. I know. I am ashamed).

But despite these reservations, I found a way to be optimistic about this beefy Harrell guy. Going into his senior year before his injury he was rated a top-10 talent. Greg Jennings was a pleasant surprise the year before (I wanted Chad Jackson), so I wanted to believe TT knew something no one else did.

CCQ #11: Does Bishop finally make his move?

This is the second installment of our Camp Countdown Questions series. Each day leading up to July 31st, we'll be posing a crucial question the Pack need to answer in training camp.

Hello, JonBob readers! This is Bob here with my first post. My friend and fellow Packer-backer has set the bar high with his posts and will be a tough act to follow. I'll try not to disappoint/scare you readers away.

For the last couple years, I've developed a bit of a man-crush on Desmond Bishop, a back up linebacker who normally only sees the field on special teams. I realize that this sounds strange. Not many people get excited about second-string LB's. But there are two main reasons why I really like this guy.

Why losing Johnny hurts Justin

Well if you haven't heard the big news yet, you probably live under a rock...or you're actually having an enjoyable summer and don't spend the majority of your time glued to a computer screen.

But I digress.

Last Friday, Johnny Jolly was suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He'll be gone for at least the entire upcoming season, play-offs included.

Packers bloggers wasted absolutely no time in dissecting this story from nearly every possible angle. Jersey Al calls Jolly's suspension a blessing in disguise. Brian Carriveau vlogs that the Packers were well prepared for this loss. And John Rehor writes that Johnny Jolly is a moron.

I tend to agree with all of them. Having the suspension handed down now is good for two reasons: It prevents Jolly's court proceedings from becoming a headache during the season and it also allows the Packers to hang on to a player that they probably would've had to cut in favor of Jolly. Additionally, the Packers were definitely well prepared for this development, as they drafted two DEs in the 2010 NFL draft. Ted Thompson, your draft score has jumped up a whole letter grade. And yes, Johnny Jolly is a bit stupid for throwing away a career in the NFL for some drugs, no matter how much fun Grimace makes the Purple Drank appear.

But I want to take a look at this story in a different way. Instead of analyzing where the Packers go from here, or how well prepared they are to handle this loss, I want to take a look at a player whose hopes of making the roster may actually be hurt by the Jolly suspension. Because I believe someone on the current Packers roster is going to be adversely affected by Jolly leaving...and it may not be who you think.

I'm Calling It: A Sophomore Slump for Clay Matthews

Aside from Aaron Rodgers' MVP-caliber year and Charles Woodson's DOPTY campaign, no individual storyline from the 2009 season was quite as compelling as Clay Matthews' sensational rookie performance.

With it clear that Aaron Kampman was not ideally suited for the 3-4 scheme, the Packers were in desperate need of a playmaker in the front seven. Clay Matthews filled the void in a big way. He started by ripping the ball straight out of Adrian Peterson's hands and didn't relent until he'd racked up 10 sacks on the season and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. His tenacity and resiliency were exactly what the Packers needed off the edge. He was more or less a godsend.

However, as great as Clay's first year heroics were, and as much as I'd like to believe he'll only be more productive in 2010, I just can't convince myself that it'll play out that way. Basically, I'm expecting Clay Matthews to have a bit of a sophomore slump. Here's why.