Alles Andere » lowed (372.3), 25th in rushing yards allowed (12

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Ted Thompson is happy to have Julius Peppers in the fold. But the Packers general manager insisted Thursday that landing the eight-time Pro Bowl defensive end from the rival Chicago Bears wont have an effect on what Green Bay does with its nine selections in next weeks NFL draft. In his first public comments since Peppers surprising signing on March 15, Thompson said he believes the 34-year-old lineman has plenty left in the tank and that he expects him to have an impact on the Packers up-and-down defence. "Theres no evidence of any decline in his play, in our opinion," Thompson said Thursday. "He still has the same athletic traits that he had coming out (of college). Hes had a remarkable history in the NFL in terms of durability. Were looking forward to it. I think he is, too." The 6-foot-7, 287-pound Peppers certainly has been durable, playing in 186 of a possible 192 games. Hes also been productive, registering the second-most sacks (118.5) in the NFL and forcing the fifth-most fumbles (39) since he entered the league. He leads all NFL defensive linemen with nine interceptions over that span. But playing 855 snaps for the Bears last season, Peppers managed only 7.5 sacks, the third-lowest total of his 12-year NFL career. The Packers envision him as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker in their 3-4 defence, and their hope is that by playing him fewer snaps, they will not only increase his production but give opposing offences another pass-rushing threat to worry about opposite four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Clay Matthews. Matthews, who missed six games last season with a twice-broken thumb, is expected to be fully healthy for training camp. "When I view him as a football player, hes an individual youd like to create targeting problems," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said of Peppers in March. "He has the ability to play from the two-point stance, has the ability to play on the move." In 10 career games against the Packers with Carolina and Chicago, Peppers has recorded 9.5 sacks, his fourth-highest total against a specific opponent. The Packers finished tied for eighth in the 32-team NFL last season in sacks with 44 despite Matthews absence. Their hope is that Peppers, who reported for the first day of the off-season program last week, will have an impact on more than just that one category. Last season, the Packers finished tied for 24th in scoring defence (26.8 points per game), 25th in yards allowed (372.3), 25th in rushing yards allowed (125.0), 24th in passing yards allowed (247.3) and tied for 20th in takeaways (22). "Its fun to see Julius. Hes a specimen. He looks great," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said last week. "Itll be fun to get him really into the fold and get him feeling like hes part of the team, encouraging him to be a leader for us. I think he brings a lot to the table -- on the field and in the locker room. Im just excited about not having to run away from him anymore." As hopeful as the Packers are of Peppers contributions, Thompson insisted that he wont approach the No. 21 overall pick - or any of his other picks - differently with Peppers on board. "We talked about this before. I might sound like a broken record, but we feel that the draft is a long-term investment," said Thompson, whose teams most immediate needs appear to be at safety, linebacker, tight end, offensive line and cornerback. "We dont get too carried away with what our perceived needs are at the moment. We think thats good business. If you can marry those things up thats fine but if you stretch to try to fill quote unquote need somewhere then you end up messing up a couple of spots, so we try to stick to the best player available." 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Mike Wagner Jersey . -- Jose Bautista never worries about hitting homers during the regular season.Guus Hiddink was pleased with his players for showing pride in their 4-1 victory at Bournemouth on Saturday. Chelsea have nothing left to play for this season, but put on an impressive attacking display as Pedro, Eden Hazard (2) and Willian netted at the Vitality Stadium.[It was] very pleasing. [There was] nothing at stake but we talked about our pride and how we like to play football and I think we showed it, Hiddink told Sky Sports. Both teams made an entertaining game with chances at both sides. Second half we changed some positions and controlled from there on, a less open game but from our side a very attack-orientated game and it was very enjoyable to watch.We didnt want the season to fade away, thats now what we want and thats why we talked and practiced a lot for this game. Our pride and the pride of the club is at stake, and they responded very well. Eden Hazard felt it was good to be back on the pitch and scoring goals after his brace against Bournemouth Hazard was also delighted to net twice on his return, making his first appearance since last months Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain, and scoring his first Premier League goals of the season.ddddddddddddThe boys did very well, we scored four good goals and we deserved to win today, he told Sky Sports. Its good to be back on the pitch and to score again. It was so long, now I am happy and I hope for the future Ill be back.After two defeats you have to score and to win the games again and we did today, we have four games to play and to enjoy. Cesc Fabregas was pleased with Chelseas second half performance in their victory over Bournemouth While man-of-the-match Cesc Fabregas, who assisted Chelseas first three goals and played a big role in the fourth, is hoping they continue to impress in their final few games of the season.We just want to finish with dignity and try to make the fans a little bit proud, he told Sky Sports. Obviously its been a disappointing season, but lets try and play our best and finish well. Also See: Hazard double downs Bournemouth As it happened Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseys discount uswnt jersey Wholesale AC Milan Jerseys Wholesale Arsenal Jerseys Wholesale A.S. 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