Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,854
- 0
That’s one of the first things special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga noticed about Ervin, who played three years for Houston (2016-18) before joining Jacksonville this year. “Elusive” was the word LaFleur used to describe him, and the Packers are hoping he can provide a spark.
The rest of the units have to do their part, too, and Mennenga said he does see players improving on their blocking techniques even if it hasn’t shown up in the end results yet. One kickoff return by Tremon Smith against the Giants last week was close to breaking open.
Ervin has no touchdown returns in his career, but he did have a 57-yard punt return as a rookie, and Mennenga believes as a veteran player he should have no trouble stepping in and performing right away.
“He’s got experience running a lot of things we’ve run,” Mennenga said. “He’ll be ready to go. You show him where it’s designed to go and get a feel for the blocking and he’ll be fine.”
For a player getting a brand new opportunity, Ervin projected a sense of calm this week as he worked to get himself up to speed. Sure he’d love to make a great first impression on his new team, but he knows trying too hard isn’t the way to go.
“I’m just playing my game,” he said. “I try not to worry about too much other than that.
“It’s just a matter of making good decisions back there and trying to make the play when it’s there, try not to force anything.”
Ervin also has postseason experience from his rookie year with the Texans. Back then, he happened to miss what was the lone opportunity in his career to play at Lambeau Field, until now. He was inactive for the Week 13 game in 2016 due to a rib injury.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to come play at Lambeau,” he said. “So I’m excited, ready to get after it.”