FB: New Jersey Athletic Conference

[Div3Fan]

Ski,

Salisbury played Widener University of the MAC.

Who will Wesley face off against?

[Teamski]

I will find out tonight!   

-Ski

[Teamski]

Wesley scrimmaged against Albright tonight.   After a really slow start, the half of play ended with Wesley on top 35-16.  Once Wesley got started, Baynard and Shade put on a show.  The defense shows a lot of promise as well.  I can tell you that I see a lot of talent on the benches right now.  When they played the second teams, the Wesley's offense was really putting on the yards.  I still have no clue on who the starting QB will be.  Both Falkenberg and Kesak can run and throw once they get warmed up.

I got home just in time to watch Joe Callahan against San Francisco (it is halftime right now).  The 49ers announcers were really impressed and mentioned the fact he was from Wesley.  Devante Adams dropped a perfectly thrown bomb in the endzone thrown by Callahan on the run.  It must have been at least 38 yards and it was a laser.   You can tell the Packers like him a lot.  I think we will see the first Wesley player ever signed by an NFL team in the regular season.  So proud.

-Ski

[ITH radio]

Great opportunity for Joe and he made the most of it - went 16-24 for 167 yards and a TD. That 51 yard scramble and bomb is going to be ob Sportscenter all weekend.

[Teamski]

Great opportunity for Joe and he made the most of it - went 16-24 for 167 yards and a TD. That 51 yard scramble and bomb is going to be ob Sportscenter all weekend.

No doubt!  The 49er announcers continued to be really impressed with his ability to scramble and throw the ball with accuracy.  A great night for Wesley and DIII!

-Ski

p.s.  The first question to McCarthy at the press conference was whether or not Callahan was going to be his #2 QB if Hundley continues to be hurt at the start of the season!  Love it!

[Teamski]

http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Packers-QB-Callahan-hits-WR-Allison-for-55-yards/280b5d5e-47fe-4ebb-acd0-35f26248cb51

http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Packers_QB_Callahan_hits_WR_Abbrederis_for_TD/17ca3cf5-6a20-47ae-9202-6dfd08a2682a

Says it all! 

-Ski

[ExTartanPlayer]

http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Packers-QB-Callahan-hits-WR-Allison-for-55-yards/280b5d5e-47fe-4ebb-acd0-35f26248cb51

http://www.packers.com/media-center/videos/Packers_QB_Callahan_hits_WR_Abbrederis_for_TD/17ca3cf5-6a20-47ae-9202-6dfd08a2682a

Says it all! 

-Ski

Thanks for posting.  Great stuff from Callahan.  Really think he has a good shot to make the opening day roster.  At the very least, he's putting down some quality game film and should stick around somewhere for another look!

[BoBo]

Great opportunity for Joe and he made the most of it - went 16-24 for 167 yards and a TD. That 51 yard scramble and bomb is going to be ob Sportscenter all weekend.

No doubt!  The 49er announcers continued to be really impressed with his ability to scramble and throw the ball with accuracy.  A great night for Wesley and DIII!

-Ski

p.s.  The first question to McCarthy at the press conference was whether or not Callahan was going to be his #2 QB if Hundley continues to be hurt at the start of the season!  Love it!

How did he answer that question, Teamski? Obviously the writers and broadcasters covering the game have eyes and see that Joe has impressed and improved with each preseason game, but MM's answer, like any professional coach would say after the third preseason game was "...we're not picking a team tonight." He went on to say he did a lot of good things, showed continued poise, but like all young players, still has a lot to learn. That's why I think its the Packers hope that they can stash him away on the practice roster for the year and let him develop further. It would be to his advantage in the long run to do just that.

This is what the respected Pro Football writer, Bob McGinn for the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel wrote in his game story that's currently posted on jsonline.com:

"The status of backup Brett Hundley remains unsettled after he wasn't in uniform after reinjuring his left ankle last week against Oakland. Rookie Joe Callahan turned in his best outing, but if Hundley isn't physically able to be effective against Jacksonville do the Packers want a free agent from NCAA Division III Wesley (Del.) one play away from having a game in his hands?"

The rhetorical question to end that section is meant, IMO, to bring a little trepidation to loyal Packer fans. I think his answer is no, they do not. McGinn's just trying to temper the enthusiasm slightly and remind us it is still preseason and the regular season is a different kind of beast. It's still a great story and I'm surprised the national media (i.e. ESPN and the like) haven't got caught up with it yet. I'm glad they haven't...hope they can keep this a secret a little longer.

Furthermore, it's completely understandable for the 49'ers broadcast team to have high praise for Callahan considering their pitiful QB situation (I'm rather certain they are jealous of Ted Thompson for finding this guy!).

Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com had this to say in his evaluation of Kaepernick and Gabbert in his game analysis, "Kaepernick wasn't expected to steal the starting position away from Gabbert on Friday night, but with Gabbert struggling to cement his case, Kap's proverbial egg-laying is made all the more disappointing.
It says a lot about the quarterback situation by the Bay that both Niners quarterbacks were outperformed in the third preseason game by a third-string Packers quarterback named Joe Callahan."

Links:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2016/08/27/unsettled-play-marks-rodgers-2016-debut/89422312/
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691022/article/kaepernick-blaine-gabbert-mediocre-in-49ers-tuneup

[Teamski]

How did he answer that question, Teamski? Obviously the writers and broadcasters covering the game have eyes and see that Joe has impressed and improved with each preseason game, but MM's answer, like any professional coach would say after the third preseason game was "...we're not picking a team tonight." He went on to say he did a lot of good things, showed continued poise, but like all young players, still has a lot to learn. That's why I think its the Packers hope that they can stash him away on the practice roster for the year and let him develop further. It would be to his advantage in the long run to do just that.

Points taken.  I know that Green Bay usually only has two QB's on the roster each year so that could count against Callahan for sure.  That said, I think Callahan has a very rare quality that NFL teams crave for in a QB: Stoicism.  Callahan doesn't get flustered and it showed last night.  He goes out on the field and is able to keep a clear head and get the job done.....and he did it on national TV to boot.  Regardless of what happens at the end of the preseason, Callahan showed the kind of talent that DIII provides and that is the best advertising we could ever get.

-Ski

[dedragon]

Great opportunity for Joe and he made the most of it - went 16-24 for 167 yards and a TD. That 51 yard scramble and bomb is going to be ob Sportscenter all weekend.

No doubt!  The 49er announcers continued to be really impressed with his ability to scramble and throw the ball with accuracy.  A great night for Wesley and DIII!

-Ski

p.s.  The first question to McCarthy at the press conference was whether or not Callahan was going to be his #2 QB if Hundley continues to be hurt at the start of the season!  Love it!

How did he answer that question, Teamski? Obviously the writers and broadcasters covering the game have eyes and see that Joe has impressed and improved with each preseason game, but MM's answer, like any professional coach would say after the third preseason game was "...we're not picking a team tonight." He went on to say he did a lot of good things, showed continued poise, but like all young players, still has a lot to learn. That's why I think its the Packers hope that they can stash him away on the practice roster for the year and let him develop further. It would be to his advantage in the long run to do just that.

This is what the respected Pro Football writer, Bob McGinn for the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel wrote in his game story that's currently posted on jsonline.com:

"The status of backup Brett Hundley remains unsettled after he wasn't in uniform after reinjuring his left ankle last week against Oakland. Rookie Joe Callahan turned in his best outing, but if Hundley isn't physically able to be effective against Jacksonville do the Packers want a free agent from NCAA Division III Wesley (Del.) one play away from having a game in his hands?"

The rhetorical question to end that section is meant, IMO, to bring a little trepidation to loyal Packer fans. I think his answer is no, they do not. McGinn's just trying to temper the enthusiasm slightly and remind us it is still preseason and the regular season is a different kind of beast. It's still a great story and I'm surprised the national media (i.e. ESPN and the like) haven't got caught up with it yet. I'm glad they haven't...hope they can keep this a secret a little longer.

Furthermore, it's completely understandable for the 49'ers broadcast team to have high praise for Callahan considering their pitiful QB situation (I'm rather certain they are jealous of Ted Thompson for finding this guy!).

Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com had this to say in his evaluation of Kaepernick and Gabbert in his game analysis, "Kaepernick wasn't expected to steal the starting position away from Gabbert on Friday night, but with Gabbert struggling to cement his case, Kap's proverbial egg-laying is made all the more disappointing.
It says a lot about the quarterback situation by the Bay that both Niners quarterbacks were outperformed in the third preseason game by a third-string Packers quarterback named Joe Callahan."

Links:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2016/08/27/unsettled-play-marks-rodgers-2016-debut/89422312/
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691022/article/kaepernick-blaine-gabbert-mediocre-in-49ers-tuneup

I heard the same answer from MM and thought the same thing concerning Joe's chances on making the team. But that is what coaches are supposed to say when asked about an UDFA from Division III Wesley College.

I really don't think that loyal Packers fans think too much beyond AR, as they are smart enough to realize that if he goes down, so does their season, regardless on who is waiting to play.

Also, I'm not sure so much credit should be heaped on Bob McGinn, it seemed as though 90% of the comments were anti Bob and pro Packers.

Here's how I sum up the Joe Callahan situation. OPPORTUNITY

How is it, that a kid from Wesley College gets a chance to be an UDFA at all? Pretty slim. Then, get into camp and impress enough to stay ahead a UDFA from North Carolina who by NFL standards is more prototypical. Then, the solid #2 QB (Hundley) rolls his ankle, bad enough to keep him from practicing and playing in games he should be taking a majority of the snaps, leaving mop up time for the 3 and 4. Then Callahan gets the starting nod in the HOF game, only to be canceled for a freak field painting event. Then still get the starting nod for the next preseason game and do well enough (not perfect) to help guide his team to a victory. Then continue to operate the offense in subsequent games to 1. not turn over the ball, 2. produce scoring drives.

We have already seen much hyped quarterbacks around the league look far worse than Joe in similar situations. For me, I am just happy that what I saw from the box for 3 years at Drass Field, is the same stuff I am now seeing the NFL (Preseason).

I can tell that you share some of these same sentiments, as you want the secret to stay with the Packers, and I think most around Dover and the Wesley program will agree that Joe's time with the Packers has been absolutely magical, and if it lasts past the final cuts, then we can all float through this fall is little lighter and happier, knowing that one of us made it just that much further.

[dlippiel]

Great post dedragon! +k!

[CNU85]

SU scrimmage went OK. The offense performed in typical fashion: run, run, run, big pass, run, big run off the pitch. Defense looked lost and got blown off the ball for awhile, but they did eventually settle and seemed to contain WU. Too many personal fouls on both sides though. It was quite disappointing.

Any word on CNU/Wesley scrimmages?

Everyone is tight lipped about CNU scrimmages. I know they scrimmaged Randolph-Macon but have no clue of how that went or any idea of other scrimmages. Less than a week away for opening kickoff and tailgating!

[rams1102]

NJAC 206 Pick EM'S For Week #1 Are Posted On The Pick EM Board. Good Luck To All.

[rams1102]

Here we go again for my Red Hawks. SOS. Read the Montclair Capsule in the D3 Magazine and sounds like the recruiting as usual leaves a lot to be desired. It is now 8-28-16 and the 2016 Roster is not even on the Montclair web site. What does a fan do? Sounds like another year of hoping to get to .500%. Please prove me wrong.

[emma17]

Congrats to Joe Callahan and Wesley.  I just finished watching the recorded game, it was an absolute joy to watch Joe play.  It was especially cool watching Aaron Rodgers giving advice during a time out, as I felt it was obvious AR was really pulling for Joe to get it done. 

I find the comments of Bob McGinn "but if Hundley isn't physically able to be effective against Jacksonville do the Packers want a free agent from NCAA Division III Wesley (Del.) one play away from having a game in his hands?" to be complete hogwash and borderline idiotic.  Hey Bob, question for you.  How many NFL teams are feeling all warm and fuzzy about being "one play away from having the game in the hands" of the D1 backups they have on their rosters?
The Bears' backup is Brian Hoyer.  I'll take Joe in a heartbeat please.