Packer Report: Cole Making Presence Known

The career thus far for Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Colin Cole could be summed up in two rather simple words: injuries and potential. Finally, the latter is starting to shine through in 2008.

After Cole was injured for most of 2007, Packer fans had reason to start doubting his place on the current 53-man roster. However, the undrafted tackle has made considerable strides this season, and those improvements have caught the eye of Packer coaches.

"He's taken advantage of his opportunities this year and has made the most of them," defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn said. "He's made some big plays in some key moments, and I'm extremely proud for Colin."

Cole is third on the Packers' line, with over 50 percent of defensive snaps played, mostly on first and second downs, and has recorded 26 tackles (17 solo) so far. While normally only used on running downs, Cole has started to become a more efficient pass-rusher, as evident on numerous hurries that have resulted in Packer sacks.

And although he has yet to record a sack, several have been directly because of his initial pressure. 

After breaking his arm in 2007, Cole says he is "as close to 100 percent health-wise as he could be", and that he feels no ill-effects from the injury that ended his campaign a year ago.

But the recent success isn't only a product of Cole being healthy, either.

Undrafted out of Iowa in 2004, Cole was never expected to be more then a fill-in, but he has consistently made it hard for Packer coaches to keep him off the field. His solidified roster spot has made things much easier on the sturdy tackle.

“That uncertainty caused me to feel like, ‘Well, if I get in, I have to make a play,’ ” said Cole. “ ‘If I don’t, they’re going to take me out, or whatever.’ This year, not having that pressure and not putting that pressure on myself, I can just be cool, calm and let stuff come to me.”

A free agent after this season, Cole is making a strong push towards getting a multi-year contract, and he'd be more then happy if it was Green Bay who gave it to him.

“Right now, I’m just happy being in the NFL,” Cole said. “I wasn’t drafted coming out, so I know what it’s like to not have an opportunity and not have a job. I hope to be here with the Packers for the rest of my career.”

McCarthy Named Motorola NFL Coach of the Week

Packers coach Mike McCarthy was named Week Seven's Coach of the Week by Motorola and the NFL.

McCarthy beat out Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable, who got his first career win against the New York Jets, and St. Louis Rams coach Jim Haslett, who is 2-0 since taking over for Scott Linehan.

McCarthy's Packers beat the Colts 34-14 on Sunday, controlling the ball for over 34 minutes with no turnovers.

The award is the first for McCarthy this season.

Lighter Wallet for Safety Rouse

Packers safety Aaron Rouse was fined $7,500 dollars Friday for an unnecessary roughness penalty in the Packers win over Indianapolis.

The penalty came when Rouse dragged Colts receiver Anthony Gonzalez to the ground by his facemask while attempting to make the tackle.

It is unknown at this time if Rouse will appeal the fine.

For more on the Packers:

Week Eight NFC Power Rankings

Packer Report: Collins Impresses Former Packer, Harris "Ready to Go"