Packer Jennings tries to get past fateful call and secure starting job
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Packers safety M.D. Jennings stood in front of his locker and patiently answered every question about the final play in last year’s Seahawks game. Yes, that one, with the replacement referees and Golden Tate’s disputed touchdown.
For as much as others bring up the infamous call, Jennings isn’t stuck in the past. He’ll have more pressing matters on his mind when Seattle visits Lambeau Field for a pre-season game Friday night.
The post-Charles Woodson era is underway for the Green Bay secondary, where Jennings is locked in a training camp duel with Jerron McMillan at strong safety.
“It’s close, close enough that we haven’t made a decision yet,” safeties coach Darren Perry said. “It will probably come down to the end.”
Well, Friday night represents a chance for Jennings to create some separation — and maybe exorcise some bad memories, too.
“All the time, it’s something that’s stuck with me unfortunately,” Jennings said about the play. “It’s something that I’m trying to get over. I don’t want to be remembered by that play. I just try to go out there and play football.”
Jennings is in his third year out of Arkansas State.
He impressed enough last season that he started 10 games, and replaced Woodson in the lineup for the final nine regular-season contests. Perry called Jennings a “goget-the-ball kind of a guy and sure tackler.”
McMillan, in his second year out of Maine, played every game last year off the bench. “He’s effective up there near the line of scrimmage, a little bit more of a thumper. Mentally, both of those guys have been sharp,” Perry said.
Both players are expected to get more reps this Friday, in what’s considered the “dress rehearsal” for the regular season. Typically, NFL teams give starters limited — if any — playing time in the fourth preseason game, mostly to limit chances of injury.
Memories of last year’s Seahawks game are sure to linger among fans at Lambeau Field on Friday night even if the Packers themselves are downplaying questions about the play.
NOTE: Seattle Seahawks head
coach Pete Carroll said defensive tackle Jordan Hill has a strained biceps suffered during practice on Tuesday.
Carroll said they are treating it as a day-to-day injury at this stage. Hill will not play against Green Bay.