Thursday, September 30, 2010

Pack getting ready for the Lions

After a day off Tuesday to soothe the emotional and physical pains from the loss to Da Bearz Monday evening in ChiTown, the Green Bay Packers watched film yesterday (that must have also been painful) and then had a no-pads practice walk-through. Today, a bit more of the game planning took place.

If you want to get the inside scoop, probably more than you care to know about the Packers vs. Lions rivalry -- although it certainly hasn't had that feel in recent years at all -- check out the Packers "Dope Sheet" here. Yeah, that is really what it's called. Here's why: "Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet, which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24. Honoring Calhoun, the first publicity director, the Packers are running this weekly feature as their release, which is being made available to fans exclusively on Packers.com." There you have it.

Matthews and Zombo
A few things popped up over the last few days. LB Clay Matthews was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month. He led the NFL in sacks (6) and the team in solo tackles (15) with one forced fumble. Yep, it was a good month for Mr. Matthews. May it continue. No reason to think it won't. He is, after all, the Claymaker. You can read more about Matthews' award here.

And news about another Packers' linebacker also emerged in the last few days: undrafted rookie Frank Zombo will get the start against Detroit as outside linebacker. This follows what coaches deemed a successful debut as a starter in Chicago. You can read a great article about Zombo's progress in the online Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Check it out here.

The other thing you can do is check back Sunday morning for my preview of the game, and my pick. (Hint: yes, it's the Packers...so check for my score prediction...which I have been doing pretty well with so far this season.)