This game started well. The Packers took the opening kickoff, looked efficient, and got a 25-yard TD pass from Aaron Roders to Greg Jennings. Then, things started to turn. Some costly and questionable penalties on the defense that kept Bucs' drives alive, sloppy tackling, sacks on Rodgers, and two interceptions on the part of Rodgers...although to be fair, the first one shouldn't have been. It was an easily catchable ball thrown to Brandon Jackson; ball popped out of his hands and right into the defender's. A score was not far behind. The second interception was just a bad throw.
The Packers' last drive of the half was pretty typical. On third and one from about mid-field and with about 10 second left, Greg Jennings dropped a wide open pass at the Bucs' 30-yard line which would have given the Packers a first down and a reasonable chance of throwing at least once into the endzone before perhaps having to settle for a field goal attempt. Instead, a fourth and one was caught out of bounds. No points.
For as much of the momentum that the Packers had initially it has all shifted to the Bucs. Warrick Dunn, as feared, started to have an impact both running and on pass routes against the Packers linebackers. Bucs QB Brian Griese, as expected, has been smart and efficient, exploiting the Packers over the middle on match ups with the linebackers.
Packers' field position has been horrible most of the half. Combined with a lack of any consistency on offense, the Pack turned the ball over to the Bucs inside their own territory on the last three drives of the half for Tampa Bay.
On the Bucs' last drive of the half, Nick Collins had an interception clearly in hand and could have had a great return. Instead, his drop kept the Bucs alive and allowed them to get their second field goal of the half.
Being down 13-7 going into half time, considering how the half turned, is actually probably a blessing. It could and probably should be worse.
If you are a Packers fan -- and I will assume are if you are reading this -- and if you are also a Wisconsin Badgers fan -- which you may or may not be -- then you may have the same feeling about now that you had watching the Wisconsin-Michigan game yesterday. In other words, if they don't get their act together at halftime this is a game that could slip away. It is, as I noted in my preview, the kind of game that the Pack could lose. Unfortunately, there are a lot of indicators emerging that that could be more of a reality than we'd care to deal with.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Pack vs Bucs preview
September in Tampa. Supposed to feel like about 99 degrees there today. Packers players have been hydrating all week in preparation. Combine the humid conditions with Packer injuries and this game could be one of those -- particularly after the loss to Dallas -- that the Packers lose in ho-hum fashion.
But don't bet on it. Even if the Buccaneers are favored by 1-1/2 points and are also 2-1 coming into this game.
Yes, Al Harris will be out today and for some time to come. Tramon Williams will have to avoid getting burned the way he did against the Cowboys after coming in to relieve Harris. While Bucs QB Brian Griese is smart, he doesn't have Tony Romo's arm. The likelihood of going deep often is just not that great, unless Packers D-backs totally blow coverages. Griese may be able to throw it around a lot -- as he did (67 times!) in last week's comeback against Da Bearz -- but hopefully the Packers pass rush will keep him under enough pressure so he will make the mistakes that he is also prone to do. The Bucs have enough offensive weapons to make things interesting if the Packers defense doesn't step up. Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett pose real running threats. So far this season, the Packers ability to stop the run has been questionable. While this pair of backs isn't the equal of Marion Barber and Felix Jones, run defense has to tighten up or it could be a long day. Bucs WR Joey Galloway is out. But Michael Clayton, starting in his place, is starting to show signs of regaining his outstanding rookie form of 2004.
The Packers need to get their own running game in gear. Ryan Grant needs to be turned loose, along with Brandon Jackson. The Pack had early success running outside on the Cowboys and some analysts -- John Madden among them during the course of the game -- speculated that the play calling went away from the run way too soon in that game. Stick with the run, open up the passing game, and Aaron Rodgers could have another big day.
We're taking the Packers 24-17. Go Packers Go!!!
Da Bearz play at home tonight vs. Philly. The Eagles are favored by 3. Go Birds. The ViQueens play at Tennessee. The Titans are favored by 3. Go Titans. The Matt Millen-less Lions will not lose this week. They have a bye, which has come to be known as a win in Detroit.
Bottom line: the Packers will stay atop the NFC North at 3-1.
Draft decisions
If you are either a subscriber to the Packers Insider at jsonline.com or are very quick on your browser load/stop buttons, you can read a very interesting commentary by sports columnist Bob McGinn. He talks about Packers GM Ted Thompson and his draft decision which, on the whole, McGinn and most would agree have been good in terms of building a young and talented team. But McGinn also takes Thompson to task for perhaps being too conservative in his approach and as a result not improving the team as much as might be possible. Risk taking on questionable players -- ala Justin Harrell -- is not the kind of approach McGinn is talking about. In fact, it's the exact opposite.
McGinn cites the Harrell pick, as a matter of fact, as an example of missed opportunities on a couple fronts. Without going into all the details here, McGinn lays out a very realistic scenario in which -- if the Packers had traded their 16th pick last year, ultimately used for the injury-prone Harrell, to Cleveland which had made an offer to the Packers for their first round pick this year -- the Packers not only would still have Corey Williams shoring up a so-so defensive line at present, but might very well have also been able to have RB Felix Jones in a Packers uniform. Imagine that!
So, if you're ready to have your head explode with what might have been, check out McGinn's article here. Remember, though, you'll either need to subscribe to the Insider or be very quick on your load buttons to see the entire article. Barring that, see if you can get your hands on a print copy of today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel where the article is also printed in its entirety.
But don't bet on it. Even if the Buccaneers are favored by 1-1/2 points and are also 2-1 coming into this game.
Yes, Al Harris will be out today and for some time to come. Tramon Williams will have to avoid getting burned the way he did against the Cowboys after coming in to relieve Harris. While Bucs QB Brian Griese is smart, he doesn't have Tony Romo's arm. The likelihood of going deep often is just not that great, unless Packers D-backs totally blow coverages. Griese may be able to throw it around a lot -- as he did (67 times!) in last week's comeback against Da Bearz -- but hopefully the Packers pass rush will keep him under enough pressure so he will make the mistakes that he is also prone to do. The Bucs have enough offensive weapons to make things interesting if the Packers defense doesn't step up. Warrick Dunn and Michael Bennett pose real running threats. So far this season, the Packers ability to stop the run has been questionable. While this pair of backs isn't the equal of Marion Barber and Felix Jones, run defense has to tighten up or it could be a long day. Bucs WR Joey Galloway is out. But Michael Clayton, starting in his place, is starting to show signs of regaining his outstanding rookie form of 2004.
The Packers need to get their own running game in gear. Ryan Grant needs to be turned loose, along with Brandon Jackson. The Pack had early success running outside on the Cowboys and some analysts -- John Madden among them during the course of the game -- speculated that the play calling went away from the run way too soon in that game. Stick with the run, open up the passing game, and Aaron Rodgers could have another big day.
We're taking the Packers 24-17. Go Packers Go!!!
Da Bearz play at home tonight vs. Philly. The Eagles are favored by 3. Go Birds. The ViQueens play at Tennessee. The Titans are favored by 3. Go Titans. The Matt Millen-less Lions will not lose this week. They have a bye, which has come to be known as a win in Detroit.
Bottom line: the Packers will stay atop the NFC North at 3-1.
Draft decisions
If you are either a subscriber to the Packers Insider at jsonline.com or are very quick on your browser load/stop buttons, you can read a very interesting commentary by sports columnist Bob McGinn. He talks about Packers GM Ted Thompson and his draft decision which, on the whole, McGinn and most would agree have been good in terms of building a young and talented team. But McGinn also takes Thompson to task for perhaps being too conservative in his approach and as a result not improving the team as much as might be possible. Risk taking on questionable players -- ala Justin Harrell -- is not the kind of approach McGinn is talking about. In fact, it's the exact opposite.
McGinn cites the Harrell pick, as a matter of fact, as an example of missed opportunities on a couple fronts. Without going into all the details here, McGinn lays out a very realistic scenario in which -- if the Packers had traded their 16th pick last year, ultimately used for the injury-prone Harrell, to Cleveland which had made an offer to the Packers for their first round pick this year -- the Packers not only would still have Corey Williams shoring up a so-so defensive line at present, but might very well have also been able to have RB Felix Jones in a Packers uniform. Imagine that!
So, if you're ready to have your head explode with what might have been, check out McGinn's article here. Remember, though, you'll either need to subscribe to the Insider or be very quick on your load buttons to see the entire article. Barring that, see if you can get your hands on a print copy of today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel where the article is also printed in its entirety.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
No surgery for Harris
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Friday that veteran cornerback Al Harris will not need surgery to repair the lacerated spleen he suffered in the game against the Cowboys. Apparently, all four doctors Harris saw for opinions were unanimous in their conclusion that surgery would not be necessary. How fast Harris is able to return to play is still the question. McCarthy stated, "I'd say it's going to be at least three to four weeks. I don't have an exact time frame for you." It could be longer than that, as these types of spleen injuries can threaten not only a player's season but also career.
According to McCarthy, Harris will begin conditioning work on Monday. From there, McCarthy said, it will be a wait and see approach in terms of how fast Harris' injury heals. He'll have additional CT scans in a few weeks to see how his injury is healing. From there...?
Come back soon, Al!
According to McCarthy, Harris will begin conditioning work on Monday. From there, McCarthy said, it will be a wait and see approach in terms of how fast Harris' injury heals. He'll have additional CT scans in a few weeks to see how his injury is healing. From there...?
Come back soon, Al!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Do YOU belong in the Packers Hall of Fame?
Well, not THE Packers Hall of Fame. That's for the player greats only, of course. We're talking about the Packers FAN Hall of Fame. The Packers are seeking their 11th fan enshrinee. So if you think you are deserving of the honor, or know someone who is, here's your chance.
According to the Packers news release, "The nomination phase for the 11th honoree, which began Sept. 21, will continue through Thursday, Oct. 16. Fans again are being asked to nominate themselves for the honor - or a relative or friend - in an essay of 500 words or less, telling why they should be recognized. Each nomination should be accompanied by a photo - a copy of the original photo should be submitted in case of damage or loss."
But that's just for starters. There's a selection committee who'll pick the 10 finalists, followed by an online vote of fans to choose the final honoree. To get started, mail nominations to: Green Bay Packers FAN Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or drop them off at the Lambeau Field Atrium (1265 Lombardi Avenue) or at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53201.
What does the winner get? "The honoree's selection will be announced Dec. 12, 2008. He or she will receive four club seats to a Packers home game, at which he or she will be recognized on the Lambeau Field TundraVision video boards; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2008 Packers away game, including game ticket, air fare and hotel accommodation; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus and Packer Insider. The honoree also will have his or her name permanently displayed in a place of honor in the Packers Hall of Fame."
Pretty good perks, eh?
If you want to find out more, check out the details here. And you can find the official rules and more here.
Good luck, Packer fans! May the best fan win!
According to the Packers news release, "The nomination phase for the 11th honoree, which began Sept. 21, will continue through Thursday, Oct. 16. Fans again are being asked to nominate themselves for the honor - or a relative or friend - in an essay of 500 words or less, telling why they should be recognized. Each nomination should be accompanied by a photo - a copy of the original photo should be submitted in case of damage or loss."
But that's just for starters. There's a selection committee who'll pick the 10 finalists, followed by an online vote of fans to choose the final honoree. To get started, mail nominations to: Green Bay Packers FAN Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or drop them off at the Lambeau Field Atrium (1265 Lombardi Avenue) or at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 333 W. State Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53201.
What does the winner get? "The honoree's selection will be announced Dec. 12, 2008. He or she will receive four club seats to a Packers home game, at which he or she will be recognized on the Lambeau Field TundraVision video boards; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2008 Packers away game, including game ticket, air fare and hotel accommodation; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus and Packer Insider. The honoree also will have his or her name permanently displayed in a place of honor in the Packers Hall of Fame."
Pretty good perks, eh?
If you want to find out more, check out the details here. And you can find the official rules and more here.
Good luck, Packer fans! May the best fan win!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Harris might not be done yet
While saying that Packers cornerback Al Harris has a "serious" spleen injury, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy also said, "I’m hopeful he’ll be back. The time frame just hasn’t been established." McCarthy also said, "I think that’s obvious to everybody (that it's a serious injury). And really, as we move forward, it’s a different type of injury. And we will take a cautious approach, and everything we’ll do will be in his best interests.”
Harris is definitely out this week. But how long before he returns is the question. According to McCarthy, Harris got at least three medical opinions this week and there’s a “good chance” he can avoid surgery. If so, he might be able to return before the end of the season; if not, not only is Harris' season done but his career might also be in jeopardy given his age.
In Harris' absence, Tramon Williams will get the start against the Buccaneers. You can be sure Tampa Bay will test him often on Sunday. And Williams knows it. While he's performed well as the nickel back, he has been burned a few times already this season, by Calvin Johnson in Detroit and Miles Austin in the Dallas game. But remember that Williams has only played in 11 games going back to last season. So one expects to see more of the good plays and less of the bad as he gets more playing time. Will Blackmon will take Williams' spot in the nickel scheme. It's possible that intriguing rookie Patrick Lee might also get some playing time in dime packages.
No doubt about it, this injury to Harris -- apart from the personal health and career aspects for Harris himself, which are of the most concern, of course -- means the defense has to perform at an even higher level than before. But after the game against the Cowboys, that should have been one of the results anyway.
You can read more on this situation here and here and here.
Harris is definitely out this week. But how long before he returns is the question. According to McCarthy, Harris got at least three medical opinions this week and there’s a “good chance” he can avoid surgery. If so, he might be able to return before the end of the season; if not, not only is Harris' season done but his career might also be in jeopardy given his age.
In Harris' absence, Tramon Williams will get the start against the Buccaneers. You can be sure Tampa Bay will test him often on Sunday. And Williams knows it. While he's performed well as the nickel back, he has been burned a few times already this season, by Calvin Johnson in Detroit and Miles Austin in the Dallas game. But remember that Williams has only played in 11 games going back to last season. So one expects to see more of the good plays and less of the bad as he gets more playing time. Will Blackmon will take Williams' spot in the nickel scheme. It's possible that intriguing rookie Patrick Lee might also get some playing time in dime packages.
No doubt about it, this injury to Harris -- apart from the personal health and career aspects for Harris himself, which are of the most concern, of course -- means the defense has to perform at an even higher level than before. But after the game against the Cowboys, that should have been one of the results anyway.
You can read more on this situation here and here and here.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Report: Harris may be out for season
According to reports starting to hit the media, veteran Packers cornerback Al Harris ruptured his spleen in last night's game versus the Cowboys and may be lost for the season.
The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting the following:
"Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after the game that blood was detected in Harris’ urine. At his Monday afternoon press conference, McCarthy said the team was conducting further tests on Harris. The Web site National Football Post first reported the severity of Harris’ injury today and said the team was seeking a second opinion before declaring Harris out for the season. Harris’ agent, Jack Bechta, is one of the founding members of that Web site."
If Harris can't play, backup Tramon Williams -- who got burned on the long back-breaker TD pass from Cowboys QB Tony Romo to backup receiver Miles Austin last night -- will likely get the start.
Yikes!
The Green Bay Press-Gazette is reporting the following:
"Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after the game that blood was detected in Harris’ urine. At his Monday afternoon press conference, McCarthy said the team was conducting further tests on Harris. The Web site National Football Post first reported the severity of Harris’ injury today and said the team was seeking a second opinion before declaring Harris out for the season. Harris’ agent, Jack Bechta, is one of the founding members of that Web site."
If Harris can't play, backup Tramon Williams -- who got burned on the long back-breaker TD pass from Cowboys QB Tony Romo to backup receiver Miles Austin last night -- will likely get the start.
Yikes!
Coach McCarthy: "The Dallas Cowboys are farther ahead than we are right now."
In the post-game post-mortem of the Packers' 27-16 loss to the Cowboys last night at Lambeau Field, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy stated, "The Dallas Cowboys are farther ahead than we are right now. And that's the facts. And it's Week 3. How far ahead? Time will answer that question."
Well, for starters, the Cowboys racked up over 200 yards rushing between the "thunder and lightening" duo of Marion Barber and Felix Jones. The 'boys huge offensive line continually got a push on the Packers, exposing what some have said is a lack of depth on the defensive line. The Cowboys were able to generate an average of 6.2 yards per carry on 35 rushes. They also got 13 of their 22 first downs via the run. Time of possession wasn't as large a gap as one might expect, however: 32:12 for Dallas and 27:48 for the Pack. But it's what each team did with their time that made the difference. And Dallas clearly did more.
The Cowboys converted 50 percent of their 3rd downs, while the Pack only converted 29 percent. The Packers "D" couldn't get the 'boys off the field and the Packers "O" couldn't stay on the field. That about sums up the game.
Aaron Rodgers didn't play badly and truth be told, he was under pressure for a good chunk of the game and was sacked five times. He finished 22 of 39 for 290 yards, with 0 TDs and 0 INTs. Rodgers also lost receiver James Jones to a sprained knee while one of his favorite targets, Ruvell Martin, wasn't even active for the game because of a fractured finger suffered during last week's game. That effectively short-circuited much of the Packers' passing attack options, forcing them into three-receiver sets while they prefer to use four as often as circumstances allow.
As pointed out several times by NBC commentator, video game guru, and Frank Caliendo character John Madden, the Packers had some early success on runs but got away from it, perhaps too soon. The Packers were able to run outside early, but then...? Brandon Jackson had a couple nice runs substituting for Ryan Grant. But it just didn't seem as if there was a commitment to the run at any point in the game.
The early warning indicator, though, on the outcome of the game came on its second play. Ryan Grant fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Cowboys at the Packers' 14. Fortunately, the defense was able to hold the 'boys to a field goal. Still, things like this always seem to be a precursor of things -- usually bad -- to come.
The Pack also come out of this game a bit banged up. In addition to Jones, Al Harris, Nick Collins, and Nick Barnett all got dinged up. Jones is perhaps the one with the biggest question mark for next weekend against Tampa Bay.
More on the upcoming game later.
But, let's give props where they are due. Congrats to the 'boy from Burlington, Wisconsin, Tony Romo. With last night's road win, he goes to 13-2 in his first 15 road games as a starter. That ties him for the best ever number of wins (in this same stat category) with Daryle "The Mad Bomber" Lamonica. (More trivia: Lamonica was actually drafted by the Packers in the 12th round of the 1963 NFL draft. He was also drafted in the 24th round of the AFL draft that same year. He chose Buffalo. Guess he figured he'd have greater opportunity backing up Jack Kemp than Bart Starr. Still, it wasn't until Lamonica was traded to the Raiders in 1967 that he really flourished. Things do have a way of coming full circle though in an odd sort of way: Lamonica was the losing QB in Super Bowl II...to the Packers, as I'm sure you'll recall.)
Well, for starters, the Cowboys racked up over 200 yards rushing between the "thunder and lightening" duo of Marion Barber and Felix Jones. The 'boys huge offensive line continually got a push on the Packers, exposing what some have said is a lack of depth on the defensive line. The Cowboys were able to generate an average of 6.2 yards per carry on 35 rushes. They also got 13 of their 22 first downs via the run. Time of possession wasn't as large a gap as one might expect, however: 32:12 for Dallas and 27:48 for the Pack. But it's what each team did with their time that made the difference. And Dallas clearly did more.
The Cowboys converted 50 percent of their 3rd downs, while the Pack only converted 29 percent. The Packers "D" couldn't get the 'boys off the field and the Packers "O" couldn't stay on the field. That about sums up the game.
Aaron Rodgers didn't play badly and truth be told, he was under pressure for a good chunk of the game and was sacked five times. He finished 22 of 39 for 290 yards, with 0 TDs and 0 INTs. Rodgers also lost receiver James Jones to a sprained knee while one of his favorite targets, Ruvell Martin, wasn't even active for the game because of a fractured finger suffered during last week's game. That effectively short-circuited much of the Packers' passing attack options, forcing them into three-receiver sets while they prefer to use four as often as circumstances allow.
As pointed out several times by NBC commentator, video game guru, and Frank Caliendo character John Madden, the Packers had some early success on runs but got away from it, perhaps too soon. The Packers were able to run outside early, but then...? Brandon Jackson had a couple nice runs substituting for Ryan Grant. But it just didn't seem as if there was a commitment to the run at any point in the game.
The early warning indicator, though, on the outcome of the game came on its second play. Ryan Grant fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Cowboys at the Packers' 14. Fortunately, the defense was able to hold the 'boys to a field goal. Still, things like this always seem to be a precursor of things -- usually bad -- to come.
The Pack also come out of this game a bit banged up. In addition to Jones, Al Harris, Nick Collins, and Nick Barnett all got dinged up. Jones is perhaps the one with the biggest question mark for next weekend against Tampa Bay.
More on the upcoming game later.
But, let's give props where they are due. Congrats to the 'boy from Burlington, Wisconsin, Tony Romo. With last night's road win, he goes to 13-2 in his first 15 road games as a starter. That ties him for the best ever number of wins (in this same stat category) with Daryle "The Mad Bomber" Lamonica. (More trivia: Lamonica was actually drafted by the Packers in the 12th round of the 1963 NFL draft. He was also drafted in the 24th round of the AFL draft that same year. He chose Buffalo. Guess he figured he'd have greater opportunity backing up Jack Kemp than Bart Starr. Still, it wasn't until Lamonica was traded to the Raiders in 1967 that he really flourished. Things do have a way of coming full circle though in an odd sort of way: Lamonica was the losing QB in Super Bowl II...to the Packers, as I'm sure you'll recall.)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Packers drop game to Cowboys 27-16
In the end, the Packers offense couldn't take advantage of the early opportunities it had inside the Dallas red zone and couldn't generate enough multi-play series' in the second half to rest their defense. Result? Field goals instead of touchdowns, and a a worn down defense that allowed an unknown receiver by the name of Miles Austin to rack up more than 100 receiving yards and a touchdown. You make those kind of mistakes against a team like Dallas and you're going to lose. And the Packers did. For the first time in five trips to Lambeau, the Cowboys finally score a win, 27-16. They go to 3-0 and the Packers go to 2-1.
The Pack didn't play their best. Neither did the Cowboys. The Packers had opportunities early and didn't capitalize. There were crucial penalties, often on the return team that left the Pack in poor field position for a good chunk of the game.
The details become somewhat irrelevant at this point. We can review them at a later time if need be. But when you play flat on national TV and lose one at home against the hated Cowboys, what more detail do you really need to know?
The Pack still sit atop the NFC North. As predicted here in the preview post, Da Bearz lost (in OT) to the Bucs and the Lions bit the dust in San Francisco; the ViQueens, however, messed up the day with a win against the Panthers.
The Packers head to Tampa Bay next weekend. More on that game as the week moves along.
This was one the Pack could have been in more than they were. Why they weren't will be the point of conversation this week.
The Pack didn't play their best. Neither did the Cowboys. The Packers had opportunities early and didn't capitalize. There were crucial penalties, often on the return team that left the Pack in poor field position for a good chunk of the game.
The details become somewhat irrelevant at this point. We can review them at a later time if need be. But when you play flat on national TV and lose one at home against the hated Cowboys, what more detail do you really need to know?
The Pack still sit atop the NFC North. As predicted here in the preview post, Da Bearz lost (in OT) to the Bucs and the Lions bit the dust in San Francisco; the ViQueens, however, messed up the day with a win against the Panthers.
The Packers head to Tampa Bay next weekend. More on that game as the week moves along.
This was one the Pack could have been in more than they were. Why they weren't will be the point of conversation this week.
Halftime: Packers 6 - Cowboys 13
Courtesy of a fumble and a misdirection running play that went for a 60-yard touchdown, combined with some sloppiness on offense, the Packers find themselves behind at halftime by a score of 13-6. The Packers had one good drive stall out in the red zone, where they had to settle for a field goal. The Pack did dodge a bullet when Nick Collins picked off a Tony Romo pass in the endzone and returned it to the Cowboys' 43-yard line. Unfortunately, the Pack was again unable to keep a drive going and had to settle for another field goal.
While the Packers defense was able to hold the Cowboys out of the endzone after the Packers turned the ball over on a fumble by Ryan Grant on the second offensive play of the game, they have really not been able to get much pressure on Romo. Charles Woodson (not Al Harris) has been able to keep Terrell Owens in check so far. But running back Marion Barber has been able to keep drives going with his hard-hitting running. And Felix Jones popped that 60-yarder.
The ball seems to be bouncing Dallas' way, which always gives one that sinking feeling. Case in point: a Cowboys pass reception that was fumbled up into the air and caught by another Cowboy for a first down. Another: a fumble by Romo on a rare sack with about 17 seconds left in the half inside the red zone would have been a big stop for the defense...if we'd been able to recover. Instead, the 'boys kept the ball and were able to rack up another field goal.
The Packer offense must be much sharper and much more productive on the ground in the second half in order to open up the air game. The defense has kept the Packers in the game, only down by a touchdown. The score could be much higher on the part of the 'boys. So even though the ball has been bouncing their way, the Packers are still very much in this game. But they have to get the offense in gear.
While the Packers defense was able to hold the Cowboys out of the endzone after the Packers turned the ball over on a fumble by Ryan Grant on the second offensive play of the game, they have really not been able to get much pressure on Romo. Charles Woodson (not Al Harris) has been able to keep Terrell Owens in check so far. But running back Marion Barber has been able to keep drives going with his hard-hitting running. And Felix Jones popped that 60-yarder.
The ball seems to be bouncing Dallas' way, which always gives one that sinking feeling. Case in point: a Cowboys pass reception that was fumbled up into the air and caught by another Cowboy for a first down. Another: a fumble by Romo on a rare sack with about 17 seconds left in the half inside the red zone would have been a big stop for the defense...if we'd been able to recover. Instead, the 'boys kept the ball and were able to rack up another field goal.
The Packer offense must be much sharper and much more productive on the ground in the second half in order to open up the air game. The defense has kept the Packers in the game, only down by a touchdown. The score could be much higher on the part of the 'boys. So even though the ball has been bouncing their way, the Packers are still very much in this game. But they have to get the offense in gear.
Packers vs. Cowboys preview
First of all, apologies for no posts since Sunday's victory at Detroit. Where did the week go?
Anyway...on to today's game, or rather tonight's game at Lambeau versus the Cowboys.
Both teams enter the game 2-0. The 'boys are coming off a short week, following a hard-won game against the Eagles. This faux (look it up) "America's Team" has been touted as the odds-on favorite to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. They are loaded with talent, including the pride of Burlington, Wisconsin, QB Tony Romo. And, they are 3-point favorites.
But...the real "America's Team" (there is only one Title Town, after all) also has a swagger. For the first time this season, all the usual starters and primary backups on the offensive line should be available. That will be important in a game where Dallas -- despite their base 3-4 defense -- typically will rush 5. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers really hasn't had too much pressure in the first two games, but when flushed from the pocket Rodgers has certainly responded well. In addition, the coaches are sure to have schemed a game plan to use Rodgers' mobility to buy time against the rush. The Packers' running game must be respectable enough to open up the potent passing attack. If that happens, it could be another high scoring game. Add in perhaps a key punt or kickoff return by Will Blackmon and that could be the difference in the game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers will need to get to Romo early and often; he is prone to make mistakes when pressured. Other concerns for the Packers will be stopping running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones, which will be a challenge but not an impossibility. Keeping TE Jason Witten from tearing up the middle of the Pack's pass defense as he did last year, and Terrell Owens from lighting it up downfield (ditto last year), will also be key to a Packers victory. Al Harris can't roll over against T.O. like last time around or it will be a long game. Thankfully, Charles Woodson will play this year and that can only help the defensive backfield scheme. Starting safety Atari Bigby, however, is said to be out for this game, giving backup Aaron Rouse the start. Rouse always seems to be around the ball and this is a game where that will be a needed quality.
What does all this boil down to? A close game, but likely a high scoring game. Only one team will come out unbeaten. You know who I'm going with. Packers 34 - Cowboys 30.
If the Packers are able to beat the 'boys, they will be sitting pretty in the NFC North. Expect the ViQueens to lose at home against the Panthers, the Lions to lose on the road against San Fran, and Da Bearz to be beaten at home by their former QB Brian Griese and the Buccaneers. Let's see, that would mean the Packers at 3-0, Da Bearz at 1-2 and both the 'Queens and Lions at 0-3.
Go Pack Go!!!
Anyway...on to today's game, or rather tonight's game at Lambeau versus the Cowboys.
Both teams enter the game 2-0. The 'boys are coming off a short week, following a hard-won game against the Eagles. This faux (look it up) "America's Team" has been touted as the odds-on favorite to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. They are loaded with talent, including the pride of Burlington, Wisconsin, QB Tony Romo. And, they are 3-point favorites.
But...the real "America's Team" (there is only one Title Town, after all) also has a swagger. For the first time this season, all the usual starters and primary backups on the offensive line should be available. That will be important in a game where Dallas -- despite their base 3-4 defense -- typically will rush 5. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers really hasn't had too much pressure in the first two games, but when flushed from the pocket Rodgers has certainly responded well. In addition, the coaches are sure to have schemed a game plan to use Rodgers' mobility to buy time against the rush. The Packers' running game must be respectable enough to open up the potent passing attack. If that happens, it could be another high scoring game. Add in perhaps a key punt or kickoff return by Will Blackmon and that could be the difference in the game.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers will need to get to Romo early and often; he is prone to make mistakes when pressured. Other concerns for the Packers will be stopping running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones, which will be a challenge but not an impossibility. Keeping TE Jason Witten from tearing up the middle of the Pack's pass defense as he did last year, and Terrell Owens from lighting it up downfield (ditto last year), will also be key to a Packers victory. Al Harris can't roll over against T.O. like last time around or it will be a long game. Thankfully, Charles Woodson will play this year and that can only help the defensive backfield scheme. Starting safety Atari Bigby, however, is said to be out for this game, giving backup Aaron Rouse the start. Rouse always seems to be around the ball and this is a game where that will be a needed quality.
What does all this boil down to? A close game, but likely a high scoring game. Only one team will come out unbeaten. You know who I'm going with. Packers 34 - Cowboys 30.
If the Packers are able to beat the 'boys, they will be sitting pretty in the NFC North. Expect the ViQueens to lose at home against the Panthers, the Lions to lose on the road against San Fran, and Da Bearz to be beaten at home by their former QB Brian Griese and the Buccaneers. Let's see, that would mean the Packers at 3-0, Da Bearz at 1-2 and both the 'Queens and Lions at 0-3.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Packers beat Lions 48-25
The final score was really not reflective of how close the game actually was. For a brief moment.
The Lions made a game of it in the fourth quarter, to actually take a 25-24 lead with 7:41 left in the game.
How did it get that way? The Packers play calling seemed to get conservative. Field position was also not good most of the time. A fine return by Will Blackmon to the Packers 40-yard line was negated by a penalty on Jarrett Bush. On the ensuing series, the Pack went three and out, only to have the snap go through the punter's hands and out of the endzone for a safety. This made the score 24-18 Packers, but momentum was clearly turning the Lions way.
After getting good field position on the ensuing free kick, Lions' QB Jon Kitna connected with WR Calvin Johnson on a 50-yard catch and run for a TD to put the Lions up 25-24 with 7:41 remaining. Johnson beat cornerback Tramon Williams badly as a result of Williams' poor arm tackling approach and Aaron Rouse's whiff tackle attempt.
On the next series, however, on 2nd and 13 (thanks to the sixth offensive penalty of the day by the Pack), Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers hit WR Greg Jennings on a quick slant over the middle , who turned it into a 60-yard gain to the Lions' 24. On third down, RB Brandon Jackson dropped a wide open pass at about the 5-yard line. The Pack had to settle for another Mason Crosby field goal to regain the lead, 27-25.
On the first play of the first series after the kickoff, Charles Woodson picked off a Kitna pass at the Lions' 40-yard line. On 3rd and one from the 19, Brandon Jackson made up for earlier drop by rushing for a touchdown to increase the lead to 34-25 with 3:31 remaining in the game.
On the Lions' next series, Woodson again intercepted Kitna's pass and returned it about 42 yards for a touchdown. Packers 41 - Lions 25 with 3:09 left.
Having to continue to go to the air, Kitna was again picked off, this time by Nick Collins who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Packers 48 - Lions 25.
And that's where the game wound up. How fast things can change. The Packers had it in hand and got a bit complacent and conservative after the half. The Lions, to their credit, kept trying to exploit the passing lanes over the middle and ultimately found success. But the Packers' defense took care of business when it needed to as well, accounting for 14 of the Packers' final points.
Aaron Rodgers finished the day 24 of 38 for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Greg Jennings finished with his best receiving day yet, catching 6 passes for 167 yards.
Packers atop the division...as predicted here
So the Packers are 2-0. What about the other teams? Well, we know that the Lions are now 0-2. What about Da Bearz? Lost in a comeback victory to Carolina, 20-17. Ohhhhhh. They're now 1-1. And the ViQueens? Lost to the Colts 18-15. Ohhhhhh. Actuallly, make that 0-2.
So, as predicted here in our pre-game preview, the Packers now sit alone atop the NFC North at 2-0, followed by Da Bearz at 1-1 with the 'Queens and Lions bringing up the bottom at 0-2.
Da Bearz play Tampa Bay in Chicago next week, while the Panthers visit Minnesota. The Lions go to San Francisco. The Packers are at home next Sunday night against the Cowboys in what could be a precursor to a possible NFC Championship Game later in the season.
But for now...let's just enjoy this one. The team looked really good at the beginning and the end. Some of the middle looked a bit iffy, but in the end talent prevailed.
Ah, it's good to be a Packers fan!!!
The Lions made a game of it in the fourth quarter, to actually take a 25-24 lead with 7:41 left in the game.
How did it get that way? The Packers play calling seemed to get conservative. Field position was also not good most of the time. A fine return by Will Blackmon to the Packers 40-yard line was negated by a penalty on Jarrett Bush. On the ensuing series, the Pack went three and out, only to have the snap go through the punter's hands and out of the endzone for a safety. This made the score 24-18 Packers, but momentum was clearly turning the Lions way.
After getting good field position on the ensuing free kick, Lions' QB Jon Kitna connected with WR Calvin Johnson on a 50-yard catch and run for a TD to put the Lions up 25-24 with 7:41 remaining. Johnson beat cornerback Tramon Williams badly as a result of Williams' poor arm tackling approach and Aaron Rouse's whiff tackle attempt.
On the next series, however, on 2nd and 13 (thanks to the sixth offensive penalty of the day by the Pack), Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers hit WR Greg Jennings on a quick slant over the middle , who turned it into a 60-yard gain to the Lions' 24. On third down, RB Brandon Jackson dropped a wide open pass at about the 5-yard line. The Pack had to settle for another Mason Crosby field goal to regain the lead, 27-25.
On the first play of the first series after the kickoff, Charles Woodson picked off a Kitna pass at the Lions' 40-yard line. On 3rd and one from the 19, Brandon Jackson made up for earlier drop by rushing for a touchdown to increase the lead to 34-25 with 3:31 remaining in the game.
On the Lions' next series, Woodson again intercepted Kitna's pass and returned it about 42 yards for a touchdown. Packers 41 - Lions 25 with 3:09 left.
Having to continue to go to the air, Kitna was again picked off, this time by Nick Collins who returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Packers 48 - Lions 25.
And that's where the game wound up. How fast things can change. The Packers had it in hand and got a bit complacent and conservative after the half. The Lions, to their credit, kept trying to exploit the passing lanes over the middle and ultimately found success. But the Packers' defense took care of business when it needed to as well, accounting for 14 of the Packers' final points.
Aaron Rodgers finished the day 24 of 38 for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns. Wide receiver Greg Jennings finished with his best receiving day yet, catching 6 passes for 167 yards.
Packers atop the division...as predicted here
So the Packers are 2-0. What about the other teams? Well, we know that the Lions are now 0-2. What about Da Bearz? Lost in a comeback victory to Carolina, 20-17. Ohhhhhh. They're now 1-1. And the ViQueens? Lost to the Colts 18-15. Ohhhhhh. Actuallly, make that 0-2.
So, as predicted here in our pre-game preview, the Packers now sit alone atop the NFC North at 2-0, followed by Da Bearz at 1-1 with the 'Queens and Lions bringing up the bottom at 0-2.
Da Bearz play Tampa Bay in Chicago next week, while the Panthers visit Minnesota. The Lions go to San Francisco. The Packers are at home next Sunday night against the Cowboys in what could be a precursor to a possible NFC Championship Game later in the season.
But for now...let's just enjoy this one. The team looked really good at the beginning and the end. Some of the middle looked a bit iffy, but in the end talent prevailed.
Ah, it's good to be a Packers fan!!!
End of 3rd quarter: Packers 24 - Lions 9
The Lions scored a field goal on their first possession of the half to make it a 21-6 game. The Packers only error of the game so far came when QB Aaron Rodgers held the ball a bit too long in the pocket and had the ball stripped from him; it was recovered by the Lions at about the Packers 30-yard line. Fortunately, the Packers defense held and the Lions again had to settle for a field goal. Packers 21 - Lions 9.
The Packers then were able to generate a drive to make it first and goal from just inside the Lions' 10-yard line. For the first time in four such occasions in this game, though, the Packers were unable to score a touchdown. They settled for a Mason Crosby 26-yard field goal to go up 24-9 with a little over 2 minutes remaining in the quarter.
Packers sacks in the quarter came courtesy of A.J. Hawk and Cullen Jenkins.
Fifteen minutes to be 2-0.
The Packers then were able to generate a drive to make it first and goal from just inside the Lions' 10-yard line. For the first time in four such occasions in this game, though, the Packers were unable to score a touchdown. They settled for a Mason Crosby 26-yard field goal to go up 24-9 with a little over 2 minutes remaining in the quarter.
Packers sacks in the quarter came courtesy of A.J. Hawk and Cullen Jenkins.
Fifteen minutes to be 2-0.
Halftime: Packers 21 - Lions 3
The Packers totally dominated the Lions in the first half. Following on their 1st quarter score, the Pack continued to exploit the Lions' pass defense. The Packers moved down field quickly at one point in the 2nd quarter on a 62-yard bomb from QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Greg Jennings. It was Rodgers' longest pass of his career. Jennings was wide open and the only thing that prevented him from scoring on the play was that he had to wait for the ball. It didn't take long after that, though, for the Pack to get into the endzone for their second score. On another 3rd-and-goal, Rodgers connected for a TD pass, this time to Donald Driver. Packers 14 - Lions 0.
The Packers' next score came on 29-yard TD from Rodgers to rookie WR Jordy Nelson who went in untouched for not only his first NFL catch but his first NFL touchdown. Packers 21 - Lions 0.
The Lions finally got a drive going in the last few minutes of the half as the Packers' defense basically went into a prevent-style defense, which of course never prevents much of anything. Detroit had to settle for a 38-yard field goal after stringing together a series of first downs.
The Packers defense registered three sacks on Lions' QB Jon Kitna in the half, two of them courtesy of Aaron Kampman. Aside from the final Lions' drive of the half, the defense acquitted itself well, albeit helped by some first quarter drops by Lions' receivers on what should have been some very easy catches that could have changed the tone of the half.
As it is, look for the Lions to come out throwing most of the second half. If the Packers' defensive front can keep getting to Kitna, and the Packers' offense can keep clicking the way it did in the first half, the Pack will be putting this one in the "W" column in another 30 minutes of game time.
The Packers' next score came on 29-yard TD from Rodgers to rookie WR Jordy Nelson who went in untouched for not only his first NFL catch but his first NFL touchdown. Packers 21 - Lions 0.
The Lions finally got a drive going in the last few minutes of the half as the Packers' defense basically went into a prevent-style defense, which of course never prevents much of anything. Detroit had to settle for a 38-yard field goal after stringing together a series of first downs.
The Packers defense registered three sacks on Lions' QB Jon Kitna in the half, two of them courtesy of Aaron Kampman. Aside from the final Lions' drive of the half, the defense acquitted itself well, albeit helped by some first quarter drops by Lions' receivers on what should have been some very easy catches that could have changed the tone of the half.
As it is, look for the Lions to come out throwing most of the second half. If the Packers' defensive front can keep getting to Kitna, and the Packers' offense can keep clicking the way it did in the first half, the Pack will be putting this one in the "W" column in another 30 minutes of game time.
End of 1st quarter: Packers 7 - Lions 0
Thanks to a 15-play, 86-yard drive, the Packers took a 7-0 lead on the Lions with about 2 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter. The touchdown came on a 3rd-and-goal play from the Lions 9 as QB Aaron Rodgers scrambled and found James Jones in the endzone. It was the first TD of Jones' NFL career.
Unfortunately, starting FB Korey Hall injured his left knee in the quarter. His return today is doubtful, according to the sideline reporter for Fox.
Unfortunately, starting FB Korey Hall injured his left knee in the quarter. His return today is doubtful, according to the sideline reporter for Fox.
Packer - Lions preview
It's a few hours to kickoff and what can we say? Looking at Week #1: the Lions, on the road, got ripped a new one, as they say, by Atlanta's -- yes, Atlanta's! -- running game and a rookie quarterback; the Packers, at home, played a strong game and won against a bitter divisional rival which many pundits were saying perhaps had Super Bowl possibilities. The Packers negated the ViQueens vaunted defensive line. QB Aaron Rodgers, making his first NFL start, looked like an old pro. Not only did he pass with alacrity (look it up), but he used his legs to continue drives and add another dimension to the Packers offense when needed.
OK, I said more about the Packers in Week #1 than the Lions. Well, this is a Packers blog, after all. And the Lions are -- sorry, Lions fans -- the Lions. Meaning not so good. Still a home opener might provide the Lions with enough of a spark to pull an upset. The players and coaches might feel that their backs are against the wall. It might be just enough for them to...naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
One of the best lines in print about the prospects for the Lions in this game came from sports columnist Michael Hunt in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "The Lions could win if (Lions GM) Matt Millen shows up on the sideline and angry fans storm the field and trample Aaron Rodgers in the process." (Yes, it is one of those mysteries of life that Millen is still employed after compiling a pathetic 31-82 record during his tenure as GM. You have to wonder exactly what it is that he's got on the Ford family? But we digress...) Hunt goes on to predict that the Packers will beat the Lions 27-20.
The Packers are favored by 3. Barring injury to Rodgers via trampling, we pick the Packers 27-17 over the Lions.
This should leave the Packers alone atop the NFC North. The ViQueens are host to the Colts in their home opener. One of those teams is going to start the season 0-2 and my guess is that it's not going to be the Colts. Da Bearz play at Carolina; they may have caught Indy off guard last week but don't expect the Panthers to lay an egg in similar fashion.
With all that said, and without looking ahead to next week (wait, doesn't even the mentioning of that mean that we are looking ahead...?), let's just say, Go Pack Go!!
OK, I said more about the Packers in Week #1 than the Lions. Well, this is a Packers blog, after all. And the Lions are -- sorry, Lions fans -- the Lions. Meaning not so good. Still a home opener might provide the Lions with enough of a spark to pull an upset. The players and coaches might feel that their backs are against the wall. It might be just enough for them to...naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
One of the best lines in print about the prospects for the Lions in this game came from sports columnist Michael Hunt in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: "The Lions could win if (Lions GM) Matt Millen shows up on the sideline and angry fans storm the field and trample Aaron Rodgers in the process." (Yes, it is one of those mysteries of life that Millen is still employed after compiling a pathetic 31-82 record during his tenure as GM. You have to wonder exactly what it is that he's got on the Ford family? But we digress...) Hunt goes on to predict that the Packers will beat the Lions 27-20.
The Packers are favored by 3. Barring injury to Rodgers via trampling, we pick the Packers 27-17 over the Lions.
This should leave the Packers alone atop the NFC North. The ViQueens are host to the Colts in their home opener. One of those teams is going to start the season 0-2 and my guess is that it's not going to be the Colts. Da Bearz play at Carolina; they may have caught Indy off guard last week but don't expect the Panthers to lay an egg in similar fashion.
With all that said, and without looking ahead to next week (wait, doesn't even the mentioning of that mean that we are looking ahead...?), let's just say, Go Pack Go!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Remembering Dave "Hawg" Hanner
It was with sadness that we learned today that one of the all-time great players, coaches and scouts in Packers' history passed away yesterday. Not to mention, of course, that he was also the holder of one of the best nicknames in football. Dave "Hawg" Hanner, a resident of Land O' Lakes, FL, suffered a massive heart attack on Tuesday before succumbing yesterday. He was 78.
Hanner's career with the Packers spanned 44 years. As an article about him in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel states, "Hanner's career had no equals in Green Bay for his years of service."
Indeed. Hanner played defensive tackle for the Pack from 1952-64. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice. He and the late Henry Jordan were named defensive tackles on the Packer's all-time "modern era team." Hanner was part of the fourth induction class to the Packers Hall of Fame in 1974. Following his playing career, he joined Lombardi's coaching staff. Dan ("Don't shoot my dog!") Devine named Hanner defensive coordinator in 1972 -- the first in club history. He remained coordinator for the next eight years before being fired by then coach Bart Starr after the 1979 season, an event which hurt Hanner deeply. Hanner returned as a scout in 1981, spent the next year in quality control, and finally became a Packers scout for good in 1983. He retired in 1996.
Hanner was a humble man, despite his accomplishments. In an interview just prior to his retirement, he told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "I guess I hope people remember me as a damn good player and coach because I worked and gave everything I knew to it. Not the greatest or anything like that, but to the best of my ability. That's all you can ask."
You bet, Dave. You bet. Thanks for being a Packer through and through.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Ark.
You can read more about Dave "Hawg" Hanner here.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A few more thoughts on the Pack's Monday night win
A couple random thoughts about the win and more...
The Pack's jury-rigged offensive line did not allow a sack on QB Aaron Rodgers. This, despite the fact that the ViQueens were supposed to have the best defensive line in the league. You know, with the half-ton of Williams' in the middle and the $75-million-man, Jared Allen, on the end. Guess what? Allen never got close to putting his helmet in Rodgers' spine, as Allen said he was looking forward to; Chad Clifton -- despite a couple of false starts -- took care of Allen this year as he did last year when Allen was with KC. Cliffy made Allen a non-factor. The Williams' also weren't much of a problem. In fact, not only did the Packers' O-line not allow a sack on Rodgers, they also were able to generate a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. Granted, a good chunk of that came on the late 57-yard run by Ryan Grant. But still...a very good first effort. Get ready of the penalties...and get Scott Wells back at center (as he is expected to be this week) and this is as solid a line as the Packers' could hope for. A key element of this line has been the ability to rotate players. But special kudos need to go to Jason Spitz, who filled in capably at center for Wells. In this regard, he's picking up right where he left off last year when he started games at all three of the interior line positions. You can read a good article on Spitz here.
Ryan Grant is still bothered by a sore hamstring. Yes, he rushed for 92 yards despite not seeing any action in the preseason. But he was reportedly sore at halftime and was being told by coaches and trainers on the sidelines not to go full speed. No doubt he'll be rehabbing and nursing this for a while. If Brandon Jackson can break off a few runs and ease the load on Grant that would be a help until Grant is fully recovered.
For any fans interested, there are apparently still about 4,000 tickets available for Sunday's game between the Lions and Packers in Detroit. If not sold out by tomorrow afternoon, the game could be blacked out in the Detroit TV market. Apparently, losing to the Atlanta Falcons on the road doesn't give long-suffering Detroit fans much incentive to see them also lose to the Packers in their home opener. In fact, they already seem to be in a win-or-else mode after one game. Check out the Lions' dire straights here.
The Pack's jury-rigged offensive line did not allow a sack on QB Aaron Rodgers. This, despite the fact that the ViQueens were supposed to have the best defensive line in the league. You know, with the half-ton of Williams' in the middle and the $75-million-man, Jared Allen, on the end. Guess what? Allen never got close to putting his helmet in Rodgers' spine, as Allen said he was looking forward to; Chad Clifton -- despite a couple of false starts -- took care of Allen this year as he did last year when Allen was with KC. Cliffy made Allen a non-factor. The Williams' also weren't much of a problem. In fact, not only did the Packers' O-line not allow a sack on Rodgers, they also were able to generate a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. Granted, a good chunk of that came on the late 57-yard run by Ryan Grant. But still...a very good first effort. Get ready of the penalties...and get Scott Wells back at center (as he is expected to be this week) and this is as solid a line as the Packers' could hope for. A key element of this line has been the ability to rotate players. But special kudos need to go to Jason Spitz, who filled in capably at center for Wells. In this regard, he's picking up right where he left off last year when he started games at all three of the interior line positions. You can read a good article on Spitz here.
Ryan Grant is still bothered by a sore hamstring. Yes, he rushed for 92 yards despite not seeing any action in the preseason. But he was reportedly sore at halftime and was being told by coaches and trainers on the sidelines not to go full speed. No doubt he'll be rehabbing and nursing this for a while. If Brandon Jackson can break off a few runs and ease the load on Grant that would be a help until Grant is fully recovered.
For any fans interested, there are apparently still about 4,000 tickets available for Sunday's game between the Lions and Packers in Detroit. If not sold out by tomorrow afternoon, the game could be blacked out in the Detroit TV market. Apparently, losing to the Atlanta Falcons on the road doesn't give long-suffering Detroit fans much incentive to see them also lose to the Packers in their home opener. In fact, they already seem to be in a win-or-else mode after one game. Check out the Lions' dire straights here.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Packers win! Packers win!! Packers win!!!
The Packers defeated the ViQueens 24-19 in the season opener at Lambeau Field tonight. Aaron Rodgers threw for one TD pass and scored another on a QB sneak. He completed his last 10 passes in a row, and in the process established himself as the person with the second highest completion percentage in NFL history for a QB in his first NFL start, with 81.8 percent.
Key plays on the Packers side were a 56-yard completion to Greg Jennings to set up the first score; a great one-yard TD pass -- yes, there are such things -- from Rodgers to FB Korey Hall; a 76-yard punt return for a TD by Will Blackmon; a 50-something-yard run by Ryan Grant to set up the final TD; and an interception with under a minute to go by Atari Bigby to preserve the win. Key plays on the 'Queens side...who cares.
Rodgers looked very good. He made all the throws: deep, sideline, over the middle, improvised. He also used his legs to scramble for three first downs.
There were a couple of negatives. Actually quite a few on the penalty front. The Pack had 12 for 118 yards, including a costly lineman downfield penalty that negated a beautiful throw and catch by Rodgers and Donald Driver that would have been a 75-yard TD play. There was also a blocked field goal at the end of the first half, which was the result of a questionable coaching decision. With perhaps 20-some seconds remaining, around the 'Queens redzone, and a timeout available, instead of going once or twice to the endzone, Coach McCarthy opted to run the clock down and try the field goal. OK, folks worry about the possible interception. But what about the possible blocked field goal? Which is exactly what happened. Missed opportunity. Another series of questionable calls by McCarthy came as the clock wound down to about the 2 minute mark. He called three straight handoffs. Punt. Fortunately, Bigby and the defense preserved the victory.
The ViQueens have now lost the last five games against the Packers. Ya gots to like it!
More analysis and commentary in the days ahead. For now, enjoy this victory. And, perhaps even more so, be comfortable knowing the new QB can handle the job just fine.
Life is good when you're a Packers fan!
Key plays on the Packers side were a 56-yard completion to Greg Jennings to set up the first score; a great one-yard TD pass -- yes, there are such things -- from Rodgers to FB Korey Hall; a 76-yard punt return for a TD by Will Blackmon; a 50-something-yard run by Ryan Grant to set up the final TD; and an interception with under a minute to go by Atari Bigby to preserve the win. Key plays on the 'Queens side...who cares.
Rodgers looked very good. He made all the throws: deep, sideline, over the middle, improvised. He also used his legs to scramble for three first downs.
There were a couple of negatives. Actually quite a few on the penalty front. The Pack had 12 for 118 yards, including a costly lineman downfield penalty that negated a beautiful throw and catch by Rodgers and Donald Driver that would have been a 75-yard TD play. There was also a blocked field goal at the end of the first half, which was the result of a questionable coaching decision. With perhaps 20-some seconds remaining, around the 'Queens redzone, and a timeout available, instead of going once or twice to the endzone, Coach McCarthy opted to run the clock down and try the field goal. OK, folks worry about the possible interception. But what about the possible blocked field goal? Which is exactly what happened. Missed opportunity. Another series of questionable calls by McCarthy came as the clock wound down to about the 2 minute mark. He called three straight handoffs. Punt. Fortunately, Bigby and the defense preserved the victory.
The ViQueens have now lost the last five games against the Packers. Ya gots to like it!
More analysis and commentary in the days ahead. For now, enjoy this victory. And, perhaps even more so, be comfortable knowing the new QB can handle the job just fine.
Life is good when you're a Packers fan!
Packers kickoff just minutes away
For the first time since Lynn Dickey in 1983, a quarterback other than Brett Favre will be under center for the Packers on Monday Night Football. That is the historic nature of tonight's game for Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau against the ViQueens.
Those fans attending will have a rather unique memento of the occasion, too: their ticket has the face of ol' #4 staring back at them. Why? You may recall that when Brett decided to retire -- before he decided to unretire -- tonight's game was scheduled to retire his number. Great festivities. Etc. Now...not. Well, of course there will still be the excitement and thrills of the season opener at home. Then throw in the extra buzz that comes with Monday Night Football and it does still warrant our attention. Even without you-know-who who just happened to throw a couple TD passes yesterday in a winning effort for the NY Bretts...er, Jets, sorry.
But, let's get to tonight's game. Center Scott Wells and wide receiver James Jones are both inactive tonight. But A.J. Hawk and KGB are active. Those are probably the biggest names of note for the Packers whose absence or presence could affect the game. RB Ryan Grant will literally see his first carry of this season, having been active for a mere one play in the final preseason game. Don't expect him to carry the ball 20-30 times. Instead, expect to see a fair share of Brandon Jackson. How well the offensive line can open a lane for either back will also then determine to a degree how good a night QB Aaron Rodgers will have. And, as MNF commentator Tony Kornheiser said during a brief on-air interview with WTMJ radio in Milwaukee this afternoon, the pressure on Rodgers just increased exponentially given Favre's performance yesterday. It's bad enough to have to replace a legend, he said; it's even worse when that same guy threw a couple TD's and won the day before.
So...let's go. Packers 17 - Vikings 14.
Go Pack Go!!!
Those fans attending will have a rather unique memento of the occasion, too: their ticket has the face of ol' #4 staring back at them. Why? You may recall that when Brett decided to retire -- before he decided to unretire -- tonight's game was scheduled to retire his number. Great festivities. Etc. Now...not. Well, of course there will still be the excitement and thrills of the season opener at home. Then throw in the extra buzz that comes with Monday Night Football and it does still warrant our attention. Even without you-know-who who just happened to throw a couple TD passes yesterday in a winning effort for the NY Bretts...er, Jets, sorry.
But, let's get to tonight's game. Center Scott Wells and wide receiver James Jones are both inactive tonight. But A.J. Hawk and KGB are active. Those are probably the biggest names of note for the Packers whose absence or presence could affect the game. RB Ryan Grant will literally see his first carry of this season, having been active for a mere one play in the final preseason game. Don't expect him to carry the ball 20-30 times. Instead, expect to see a fair share of Brandon Jackson. How well the offensive line can open a lane for either back will also then determine to a degree how good a night QB Aaron Rodgers will have. And, as MNF commentator Tony Kornheiser said during a brief on-air interview with WTMJ radio in Milwaukee this afternoon, the pressure on Rodgers just increased exponentially given Favre's performance yesterday. It's bad enough to have to replace a legend, he said; it's even worse when that same guy threw a couple TD's and won the day before.
So...let's go. Packers 17 - Vikings 14.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Packer predictions and more
Even though the NFL season officially kicked off last Thursday night, for most fans it starts today. And for Packer fans, it comes Monday night, when the Pack meets the ViQueens at Lambeau Field and retire Brett Favre's number...no, wait...forgot...that last part was supposed to be on the agenda but, well, things happen as they say. The number retirement thing will have to wait a year or two. Never mind.
So, as we root for Brett's success in that funky Jets uniform beginning today against Miami -- after all, the better he does and the Jets do, the higher the draft pick the Packers receive next year -- we might also want to take a few moments to take a look at what some of the pundits are saying.
Might as well take first things first, which would be tomorrow night's game. Adam Duerson's "Inside the NFL" feature for Sports Illustrated has the Pack vs 'Queens game as the Game of the Week. He has a number of things to watch for in the game. But his bottom line? "I see Rodgers getting tossed around in this one, maybe even handing Minnesota a few defensive points. Add a score for A.P. (Adrian Peterson) and I've got the Vikings winning 14-9."
Admittedly, this game will be a tough one, as most games are these days between the Pack and 'Queens. Minnesota has arguably the best defensive front in the league. And the Packers' O-line is a bit nicked up with center Scott Wells questionable for the game. Factor in that the Pack's #3 receiver, James Jones, is also questionable and the ability of the Pack to use the passing game -- as it did last year against Minnesota -- to open up the run is a big question mark. Throw in the new QB and this will be a challenging opener. If the Packers defense can bottle up Peterson and force 'Queen's QB Tarvaris Jackson to win the game, the home field advantage may do the trick for the Pack.
I'll take the Pack 17-14 in a game that goes down to the wire.
You can read Duerson's SI.com article here.
Season overviews
While we have addressed the first game, there is plenty to be said about the entire season, of course. Most pundits are predicting the ViQueens to come out on top of the NFC North Division. Detroit, as usual, doesn't have much. Da Bearz still suck. Expectations are that, without Favre, the Pack will have a precipitous fall from the top, which basically leaves Minnesota on top by default.
If you care to read one reporter's opinion (again) of how the Packers blew it by letting Favre escape, and how this will affect the Packers fortunes this season, go here.
If you want to enter into a whole section of articles about virtually every aspect of the Packers -- beginning with Rodgers, to the defense, to the running game, etc. -- go here, and then check out the links in the righthand column for the individual stories of interest.
In particular, be sure to check out Bob McGinn's article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Rating the 2008 Packers." McGinn is the Journal-Sentinel's longtime Packers beat reporter. He conducted the interview with Coach McCarthy linked to in yesterday's post. He's been around awhile and is well respected for his observations and insights. That's why it's a bit disturbing to have McGinn rate the Packers as having anywhere from a 4 to 8 game drop off in wins versus a season ago (in an article available in the print edition of the paper and the subscription-only Packers Insider online edition...if you are really quick on your browser stop/refresh buttons you may be able to see the entire article here before you get the "pay up" screen if you are not a subscriber).
In fact, in looking at all the Journal-Sentinel's sportswriters' predictions, McGinn is the most pessimistic, giving the Packers a 6-10 final record. Two of the others give the Pack a 10-6 final record and the remaining two give the Pack an 11-5 record.
PackerFansUnited.com season prediction
In looking at the Packers' schedule, I have to concur with those who are giving the Pack a final 10-6 record. There will be perhaps two games the Packers loose that they should have won. Conversely, there will be two games the Pack shouldn't win that they do. So those games are a wash. They will win the series with both Da Bearz and the Lions. There's four wins. I think they will split with the ViQueens, that's five wins. They beat Atlanta and Tennessee...we're up to seven wins. Ditto for the Saints and Texans. There's nine wins. Take your pick for (at least) one more against Tampa Bay, Seattle, Carolina or Jacksonville.
Packers. 10-6. Playoffs. Whether as division champ -- if they can pull off a sweep of the 'Queens -- or as a wild card team remains to be seen.
As always, a lot depends upon injuries. The Pack goes in to the opener a bit banged up. But if key players can stay healthy, our prediction is a good one. On the other hand, a lot of this depends upon whether new starting QB Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy and play in all 16 games. If he goes down early -- or often -- McGinn's 8-game drop off from last year could come into play quite easily. But it's the start of the season and we're thinking nothing but positives here.
Go Pack Go!!!
So, as we root for Brett's success in that funky Jets uniform beginning today against Miami -- after all, the better he does and the Jets do, the higher the draft pick the Packers receive next year -- we might also want to take a few moments to take a look at what some of the pundits are saying.
Might as well take first things first, which would be tomorrow night's game. Adam Duerson's "Inside the NFL" feature for Sports Illustrated has the Pack vs 'Queens game as the Game of the Week. He has a number of things to watch for in the game. But his bottom line? "I see Rodgers getting tossed around in this one, maybe even handing Minnesota a few defensive points. Add a score for A.P. (Adrian Peterson) and I've got the Vikings winning 14-9."
Admittedly, this game will be a tough one, as most games are these days between the Pack and 'Queens. Minnesota has arguably the best defensive front in the league. And the Packers' O-line is a bit nicked up with center Scott Wells questionable for the game. Factor in that the Pack's #3 receiver, James Jones, is also questionable and the ability of the Pack to use the passing game -- as it did last year against Minnesota -- to open up the run is a big question mark. Throw in the new QB and this will be a challenging opener. If the Packers defense can bottle up Peterson and force 'Queen's QB Tarvaris Jackson to win the game, the home field advantage may do the trick for the Pack.
I'll take the Pack 17-14 in a game that goes down to the wire.
You can read Duerson's SI.com article here.
Season overviews
While we have addressed the first game, there is plenty to be said about the entire season, of course. Most pundits are predicting the ViQueens to come out on top of the NFC North Division. Detroit, as usual, doesn't have much. Da Bearz still suck. Expectations are that, without Favre, the Pack will have a precipitous fall from the top, which basically leaves Minnesota on top by default.
If you care to read one reporter's opinion (again) of how the Packers blew it by letting Favre escape, and how this will affect the Packers fortunes this season, go here.
If you want to enter into a whole section of articles about virtually every aspect of the Packers -- beginning with Rodgers, to the defense, to the running game, etc. -- go here, and then check out the links in the righthand column for the individual stories of interest.
In particular, be sure to check out Bob McGinn's article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Rating the 2008 Packers." McGinn is the Journal-Sentinel's longtime Packers beat reporter. He conducted the interview with Coach McCarthy linked to in yesterday's post. He's been around awhile and is well respected for his observations and insights. That's why it's a bit disturbing to have McGinn rate the Packers as having anywhere from a 4 to 8 game drop off in wins versus a season ago (in an article available in the print edition of the paper and the subscription-only Packers Insider online edition...if you are really quick on your browser stop/refresh buttons you may be able to see the entire article here before you get the "pay up" screen if you are not a subscriber).
In fact, in looking at all the Journal-Sentinel's sportswriters' predictions, McGinn is the most pessimistic, giving the Packers a 6-10 final record. Two of the others give the Pack a 10-6 final record and the remaining two give the Pack an 11-5 record.
PackerFansUnited.com season prediction
In looking at the Packers' schedule, I have to concur with those who are giving the Pack a final 10-6 record. There will be perhaps two games the Packers loose that they should have won. Conversely, there will be two games the Pack shouldn't win that they do. So those games are a wash. They will win the series with both Da Bearz and the Lions. There's four wins. I think they will split with the ViQueens, that's five wins. They beat Atlanta and Tennessee...we're up to seven wins. Ditto for the Saints and Texans. There's nine wins. Take your pick for (at least) one more against Tampa Bay, Seattle, Carolina or Jacksonville.
Packers. 10-6. Playoffs. Whether as division champ -- if they can pull off a sweep of the 'Queens -- or as a wild card team remains to be seen.
As always, a lot depends upon injuries. The Pack goes in to the opener a bit banged up. But if key players can stay healthy, our prediction is a good one. On the other hand, a lot of this depends upon whether new starting QB Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy and play in all 16 games. If he goes down early -- or often -- McGinn's 8-game drop off from last year could come into play quite easily. But it's the start of the season and we're thinking nothing but positives here.
Go Pack Go!!!
Saturday, September 06, 2008
A moment with McCarthy
As the Packers head into their season opener Monday night at Lambeau Field against the ViQueens, Head Coach Mike McCarthy had a one-on-one interview with Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Packers reporter, Bob McGinn.
It's worth a read. It covers a lot of territory that Packer fans will be interested in. Check it out here.
It's worth a read. It covers a lot of territory that Packer fans will be interested in. Check it out here.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Center Scott Wells doubtful for opener
Just when you thought it was safe to have a solid starting offensive line geared up for Monday night's opener against the ViQueens...bam! (to quote Emeril). Not so fast. Seems as if center Scott Wells' lower back muscle injury reared its ugly head again. After being held out of practice for 16 days and seeing a specialist recently, it turns out the back is still causing problems. Wells says he can deal with the pain but, as he says in this article, "it’s just sometimes when you have back pain you get weak in your legs and so on and so forth. So that’s the whole thing we’re trying to avoid.” Yeah, weak legs on the center would not be a good thing.
So, if Wells is unable to go Monday night, the lineup that started against the Titans in the last preseason game would be called upon again: LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Jason Spitz, RG Tony Moll and RT Mark Tauscher. Pretty darn good, usually, thanks in no small measure to the Packers' penchant for shuffling players at multiple positions. If Spitz gets injured, Colledge would be next at center. Still, given that the 'Queens D-line is one of the best in the league, it would be best if Wells could play, but only if he is at 100 percent.
So, start saying those novenas for healing, Packer fans. We could use a fully healthy O-line going into the opener. A number of other players are also sore in various places, so maybe make it a blanket type thing. And, of course, be sure to ask for special intercessionary help from St. Vince.
So, if Wells is unable to go Monday night, the lineup that started against the Titans in the last preseason game would be called upon again: LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Jason Spitz, RG Tony Moll and RT Mark Tauscher. Pretty darn good, usually, thanks in no small measure to the Packers' penchant for shuffling players at multiple positions. If Spitz gets injured, Colledge would be next at center. Still, given that the 'Queens D-line is one of the best in the league, it would be best if Wells could play, but only if he is at 100 percent.
So, start saying those novenas for healing, Packer fans. We could use a fully healthy O-line going into the opener. A number of other players are also sore in various places, so maybe make it a blanket type thing. And, of course, be sure to ask for special intercessionary help from St. Vince.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Packers punt Ryan, name Flynn #2 QB
News came late yesterday that the Packers released their punter of a couple years, Jon Ryan, and replaced him with former Redskins' punter, Derrick Frost. This was one of those possibilities that seemed to fly under the radar most of training camp. Ryan had a poor opening preseason game against Cincinnati, but boomed his way back to a 54.8 yards per punt average in the last two games.
Apparently, though, it was this inconsistency issue that doomed Ryan's stay with the Packers. There has never been a question about his leg strength. But, to paraphrase Forrest Gump, Ryan's punting was like a box of chocolates: you never knew what you're going to get.
The same, it would seem, could also be said about Frost, however. According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Last season, Frost started like gangbusters, averaging 45.9 yards per punt in the first three games, but his season gradually went south, starting with a poor performance against the Packers Oct. 14. He went from fourth in the league in gross average and seventh in net after three games to 28th and 16th after seven weeks." The article continued with the comparative stats: Ryan ranked ninth in gross average (44.4) and 11th in net (37.6) while Frost was 28th (41.0) in gross and 22nd in net (36.4).
So, why the move? Apparently, like many jobs, it's who you know. In this case, Packers' special teams coach, Mike Stock, had coached at Washington when Frost was first trying to land a position as an undrafted free agent. He liked Frost then. In fact, according to the above-mentioned article, "When Stock was special teams coach in Washington, he tried to get Frost to sign as an undrafted rookie, but Frost wound up signing with Philadelphia. Later, Frost attended a tryout camp for NFL Europa where he worked with Stock. 'If it makes any sense, Mike Stock is the special teams coach I know the most and haven’t played for,' Frost said."
Stock was apparently able to convince GM Ted Thompson that Frost was a safer pick to go forward with than Ryan.
Frost will also take over the holding duties on field goals and extra points from Ryan. He held for kickers all four of his seasons in the NFL and also in college at Northern Iowa.
Given that the Packers also now have a new long snapper, Brett Goode, and Frost as the new holder, and less than a week to get in sync with kicker Mason Crosby, things could be quite an adventure for the kicking game early on. Expect opposing special teams units to test things with additional pressure.
Not a situation one would have hoped for less than a week before the regular season kickoff.
Flynn named #2 QB
Not too surprisingly based upon performances in the preseason, seventh-round pick Matt Flynn was named yesterday by Coach Mike McCarthy as the immediate backup to starting QB Aaron Rodgers. He beat out the more highly regarded Brian Brohm.
According to a report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Coach McCarthy said, “We just felt Matt was a little more productive than Brian in the preseason. But it’s a competition that will continue. Matt has to hold the spot, and Brian will have an opportunity to get the spot back. Competition is healthy. They’re both young. I’ve said it all along, they just need to play; they just need reps.” But, as the article points out, most of Brohm's reps now will come with the scout team while the few backup QB snaps with the first team offense will go to Flynn.
It was clear to those watching the preseason games that -- barring the Pack picking up a veteran QB to back up Rodgers -- Flynn should have the job. Particularly in the last game against the Titans, leading an excellent two-minute drive that brought the Pack within a 2-point conversion of tying the game, Flynn reminded at least a few fans of another young gun once upon a time. What was that guy's name? Oh, yeah...Brett Favre.
Congrats, Mr. Flynn. And, Mr. Brohm...keep on keepin' on. Many Packer fans thought you were a steal in the draft. You didn't perform up to even your own expectations so far. But that's so far. There are many miles to go...
Apparently, though, it was this inconsistency issue that doomed Ryan's stay with the Packers. There has never been a question about his leg strength. But, to paraphrase Forrest Gump, Ryan's punting was like a box of chocolates: you never knew what you're going to get.
The same, it would seem, could also be said about Frost, however. According to an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Last season, Frost started like gangbusters, averaging 45.9 yards per punt in the first three games, but his season gradually went south, starting with a poor performance against the Packers Oct. 14. He went from fourth in the league in gross average and seventh in net after three games to 28th and 16th after seven weeks." The article continued with the comparative stats: Ryan ranked ninth in gross average (44.4) and 11th in net (37.6) while Frost was 28th (41.0) in gross and 22nd in net (36.4).
So, why the move? Apparently, like many jobs, it's who you know. In this case, Packers' special teams coach, Mike Stock, had coached at Washington when Frost was first trying to land a position as an undrafted free agent. He liked Frost then. In fact, according to the above-mentioned article, "When Stock was special teams coach in Washington, he tried to get Frost to sign as an undrafted rookie, but Frost wound up signing with Philadelphia. Later, Frost attended a tryout camp for NFL Europa where he worked with Stock. 'If it makes any sense, Mike Stock is the special teams coach I know the most and haven’t played for,' Frost said."
Stock was apparently able to convince GM Ted Thompson that Frost was a safer pick to go forward with than Ryan.
Frost will also take over the holding duties on field goals and extra points from Ryan. He held for kickers all four of his seasons in the NFL and also in college at Northern Iowa.
Given that the Packers also now have a new long snapper, Brett Goode, and Frost as the new holder, and less than a week to get in sync with kicker Mason Crosby, things could be quite an adventure for the kicking game early on. Expect opposing special teams units to test things with additional pressure.
Not a situation one would have hoped for less than a week before the regular season kickoff.
Flynn named #2 QB
Not too surprisingly based upon performances in the preseason, seventh-round pick Matt Flynn was named yesterday by Coach Mike McCarthy as the immediate backup to starting QB Aaron Rodgers. He beat out the more highly regarded Brian Brohm.
According to a report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Coach McCarthy said, “We just felt Matt was a little more productive than Brian in the preseason. But it’s a competition that will continue. Matt has to hold the spot, and Brian will have an opportunity to get the spot back. Competition is healthy. They’re both young. I’ve said it all along, they just need to play; they just need reps.” But, as the article points out, most of Brohm's reps now will come with the scout team while the few backup QB snaps with the first team offense will go to Flynn.
It was clear to those watching the preseason games that -- barring the Pack picking up a veteran QB to back up Rodgers -- Flynn should have the job. Particularly in the last game against the Titans, leading an excellent two-minute drive that brought the Pack within a 2-point conversion of tying the game, Flynn reminded at least a few fans of another young gun once upon a time. What was that guy's name? Oh, yeah...Brett Favre.
Congrats, Mr. Flynn. And, Mr. Brohm...keep on keepin' on. Many Packer fans thought you were a steal in the draft. You didn't perform up to even your own expectations so far. But that's so far. There are many miles to go...
Monday, September 01, 2008
Packers snap up snapper
OK, it's a bit of a trite headline, but sans the morning cuppa java...well, anyway...
Who would have thought that one of the biggest pieces of news coming out of the weekend's roster moves would be the naming of a long snapper? But that's what happened after J.J. Jansen was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained Thursday night against the Titans. The prevailing wisdom was that the Pack would put in a waiver claim on Thomas Gafford who had been in two Packers' training camps and had been released by the Bears. Instead, for the first time in his tenure as the Packers’ GM, Ted Thompson didn't put in a waiver claim on any player released by another team.
As noted in a post here yesterday and reported widely in the media, the Packers were holding a three-way tryout for snapper. And the winner? Brett Goode. He won a snap-off (copyright!!!) against Tim Bugg and Ryan Senser. According to the online edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Goode was a four-year letterman at Arkansas, where he snapped on punts for four years and placements his final three. Goode was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007 and lasted until Aug. 21. He was signed by the Jaguars again in the spring but was released June 19." He is 6 feet 1 inch tall and claims he weighed in at 260.
What was he doing since being released by the Jags? Remember in yesterday's post that I suggested if you happened to be driving near Green Bay you might want to just stop in and try out? Well, it wasn't quite like that. But not far from it. Goode is quoted as follows in the Journal-Sentinel article: "We were forming up a driveway, getting ready to pour concrete and my agent called and said they were wanting to bring me in for a workout,” Brett Goode said Sunday night. “It wasn’t too hard of a decision to quit doing that. Just headed on the way.” So, he was pouring concrete. A noble profession indeed...where would we be without it after all? But, when given the chance to snap a football in Green Bay or pour concrete in Arkansas, what would you do? Exactly.
So, Mr. Goode has until next Monday night to work with placekicker Mason Crosby and punter Jon Ryan, who had previously had four months working with J.J. Jansen. Let's hope -- get ready for the mundane cliche! -- that Goode is in fact good. We'd all hate to see the season opener with the ViQueens come down to how a long snap is handled.
The flip side of this roster addition, of course, is that somebody on the existing squad has got to go. Among the "bubble" players that could be released to make room for Goode are said to be LB Tracy White, S Charlie Peprah, OT Breno Giacomini or CB Jarrett Bush.
Who would have thought that one of the biggest pieces of news coming out of the weekend's roster moves would be the naming of a long snapper? But that's what happened after J.J. Jansen was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained Thursday night against the Titans. The prevailing wisdom was that the Pack would put in a waiver claim on Thomas Gafford who had been in two Packers' training camps and had been released by the Bears. Instead, for the first time in his tenure as the Packers’ GM, Ted Thompson didn't put in a waiver claim on any player released by another team.
As noted in a post here yesterday and reported widely in the media, the Packers were holding a three-way tryout for snapper. And the winner? Brett Goode. He won a snap-off (copyright!!!) against Tim Bugg and Ryan Senser. According to the online edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Goode was a four-year letterman at Arkansas, where he snapped on punts for four years and placements his final three. Goode was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007 and lasted until Aug. 21. He was signed by the Jaguars again in the spring but was released June 19." He is 6 feet 1 inch tall and claims he weighed in at 260.
What was he doing since being released by the Jags? Remember in yesterday's post that I suggested if you happened to be driving near Green Bay you might want to just stop in and try out? Well, it wasn't quite like that. But not far from it. Goode is quoted as follows in the Journal-Sentinel article: "We were forming up a driveway, getting ready to pour concrete and my agent called and said they were wanting to bring me in for a workout,” Brett Goode said Sunday night. “It wasn’t too hard of a decision to quit doing that. Just headed on the way.” So, he was pouring concrete. A noble profession indeed...where would we be without it after all? But, when given the chance to snap a football in Green Bay or pour concrete in Arkansas, what would you do? Exactly.
So, Mr. Goode has until next Monday night to work with placekicker Mason Crosby and punter Jon Ryan, who had previously had four months working with J.J. Jansen. Let's hope -- get ready for the mundane cliche! -- that Goode is in fact good. We'd all hate to see the season opener with the ViQueens come down to how a long snap is handled.
The flip side of this roster addition, of course, is that somebody on the existing squad has got to go. Among the "bubble" players that could be released to make room for Goode are said to be LB Tracy White, S Charlie Peprah, OT Breno Giacomini or CB Jarrett Bush.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Packers sign 8 to practice squad
From the official Packers' press release:
"The Green Bay Packers signed eight players to the practice squad Sunday. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signings.
Signed to the practice squad were wide receiver Jake Allen, center Brennen Carvalho, tight end Joey Haynos, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Brett Swain and running back DeShawn Wynn."
"The Green Bay Packers signed eight players to the practice squad Sunday. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signings.
Signed to the practice squad were wide receiver Jake Allen, center Brennen Carvalho, tight end Joey Haynos, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Brett Swain and running back DeShawn Wynn."
Herron and Morency released among Packers' cuts
One or the other was expected to be part of the running back corps. Actually, the likelihood seemed to be that both would make the club. In the end, both veterans Noah Herron and Vernand Morency were cut as the Packers got down to their 53-man roster. Along with DeShawn Wynn, released earlier in the week, these three backs were beaten out by undrafted rookie free agent Kregg Lumpkin. As part of their backfield decisions, the Packers kept two fullbacks -- a rarity in the league these days -- in the persons of Korey Hall and John Kuhn.
The roster at this time contains no long snapper, although that will likely change soon. Rookie snapper, J.J. Jansen, was one of three players placed on the injured reserve list after his knee injury in Thursday night's final preseason game. The Packers are expected to put in a claim on Thomas Gafford, who was waived by the Bears a few days ago. Gafford was in the Packers' '06 training camp and again this summer, before being waived Aug. 3 because the team needed a roster spot. The Packers reportedly are also holding tryouts today for at least three long snappers...so, if you happen to be driving near Green Bay today...what the heck...stop on in...especially if you can precision snap a football five to fifteen yards. For more on the snapper situation, check out this story.
The Packers did keep seven linebackers...for now. One of those players, possibly special teams standout Tracey White, might be the odd man out when the Pack adds a long snapper.
There will be a few more moves likely made this morning. Teams have until 11 a.m. to make claims on waived players. Teams will be informed by the league in early afternoon whom they have been awarded as part of the process.
For a story on the running backs and other moves, check out this article. For commentary on the players kept, check out this article.
For the Packers official notice of cuts, etc., check it out here. If you prefer to get the same news here, the following is from the official notice:
"The Green Bay Packers released 19 players and placed three on injured reserve. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Saturday.
Released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, running back Noah Herron, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, running back Vernand Morency, defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Johnny Quinn, wide receiver Taj Smith, wide receiver Brett Swain, tackle Orrin Thompson and fullback Corey White.
Defensive tackle Rodney Allen, center Junius Coston and long snapper J.J. Jansen were placed on injured reserve."
The roster at this time contains no long snapper, although that will likely change soon. Rookie snapper, J.J. Jansen, was one of three players placed on the injured reserve list after his knee injury in Thursday night's final preseason game. The Packers are expected to put in a claim on Thomas Gafford, who was waived by the Bears a few days ago. Gafford was in the Packers' '06 training camp and again this summer, before being waived Aug. 3 because the team needed a roster spot. The Packers reportedly are also holding tryouts today for at least three long snappers...so, if you happen to be driving near Green Bay today...what the heck...stop on in...especially if you can precision snap a football five to fifteen yards. For more on the snapper situation, check out this story.
The Packers did keep seven linebackers...for now. One of those players, possibly special teams standout Tracey White, might be the odd man out when the Pack adds a long snapper.
There will be a few more moves likely made this morning. Teams have until 11 a.m. to make claims on waived players. Teams will be informed by the league in early afternoon whom they have been awarded as part of the process.
For a story on the running backs and other moves, check out this article. For commentary on the players kept, check out this article.
For the Packers official notice of cuts, etc., check it out here. If you prefer to get the same news here, the following is from the official notice:
"The Green Bay Packers released 19 players and placed three on injured reserve. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Saturday.
Released Saturday were wide receiver Jake Allen, cornerback Scorpio Babers, defensive tackle Conrad Bolston, center Brennen Carvalho, safety Tyrone Culver, linebacker Spencer Havner, tight end Joey Haynos, running back Noah Herron, guard Ryan Keenan, linebacker Danny Lansanah, defensive tackle Alfred Malone, running back Vernand Morency, defensive tackle Daniel Muir, cornerback Joe Porter, wide receiver Johnny Quinn, wide receiver Taj Smith, wide receiver Brett Swain, tackle Orrin Thompson and fullback Corey White.
Defensive tackle Rodney Allen, center Junius Coston and long snapper J.J. Jansen were placed on injured reserve."
Friday, August 29, 2008
Packers 21 - Titans 23
The Packers' offensive starters were expected to play about 10 plays last evening. Ryan Grant was supposed to get a carry or two as at least a bit of a warm up to the regular season. Didn't happen. It was one and done. After taking the opening kick off, Aaron Rodgers connected with Greg Jennings on a sideline pass between double coverage that wound up turning into a 68-yard touchdown. Take a seat, boys, grab the baseball caps, you're done for the evening. And basically, the Packers were as well, losing 23-21 and settling for a preseason record of 1-3.
After the departure of the first team offense, it was fairly uneventful from the Packers' side of the ball for quite a while, as coach McCarthy shuffled in the two rookie quarterbacks and a host of other players. The most compelling note of the night, perhaps, was that Tennessee's first string offense played into the third quarter against the Pack's second and third stringers, got into the red zone at least four times with no TDs to show for it all. The biggest damage was done by Titans' QB Vince Young who used his running ability to gash the Packers repeatedly. The Titans first string defense played the entire first half against the Packers' backups.
McCarthy alternated back up QBs Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn every couple series. Flynn clearly looked better not only last night, but throughout the preseason. Flynn directed the Packers second and third scoring drives, with the last being a final second TD pass to bring the Packers within two points. The two point conversion pass to the corner of the end zone was caught but the receiver was only able to get down one foot before being pushed out of bounds (a rule change now allows the defensive back to push out the receiver, so no more judgement calls as to whether he would or wouldn't have gotten a foot down). Anyway, Flynn looked very good in directing the two-minute offense and helped himself and his team considerably with his scrambling ability. Brohm, on the other hand, looked like a deer in the headlights on occasion, failing to get rid of the ball under pressure several times and getting sacked instead.
Still, coach McCarthy wasn't ready to say after the game who would be the Number Two QB behind Rodgers. When interviewed on local radio this morning, he also left the radio hosts with the clear impression he was leaning toward Brohm. Based upon performance, one doesn't see how that would be justified. It is also unclear as to whether GM Ted Thompson will look to pick up a veteran QB to go into the season, just in case. Wayne Larrivee, the radio "voice of the Packers," said on-air this morning that while he has no way of knowing, he believes the Packers will start the season with Rodgers and the rookies. That's a pretty big chance to take. Although McCarthy is reported to have said that if Brohm or Flynn had to step in for Rodgers that the team would help pick them up. Sounds good for part of a game or two. But if something happened that sidelined Rodgers for the season? Hmmm...we'll see. Or better yet, hope we don't see. You can read an article about the two QBs here.
The other areas where competition is keen -- linebacker and running back -- were especially so again last night. LB Desmond Bishop had a great game last night and was seemingly all over the field. Abdul Hodge played well. Tracey White was solid before leaving with an ankle injury in the second half. At running back, Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and Kregg Lumpkin again all made statements as to why they should remain on the roster although it is likely only two of the three will do so.
There will be some tough decisions coming for the Packers staff over the next day or so as they trim down to the 53-man roster.
One of those decisions might be what to do about a long snapper. After about a zillion years -- give or take -- with Rob Davis at that slot, the Packers had undrafted rookie from Notre Dame, J.J. Jansen, at that spot. During the fourth quarter, after making a high punt snap to Jon Ryan, Jansen injured his left knee during Ryan's scramble. Depending upon the nature of Jansen's injury, the Pack might be looking for a replacement on the waiver wires this weekend. Of course, Rob Davis is still with the Packers, just at a desk job now. Could he be talked into "unretiring" if need be? Hey, it happened with Brett so why not? This is one to watch. Long snappers are like the Ed Nortons of football. When they do their job, you don't even know they are there. When they don't they really stink up the place. (Hopefully, there's enough readers out there to, first, know who Ed Norton is, and, second, to remember his occupation to make that "stink" reference meaningful.)
Another injury of note last night was to offensive lineman Junius Coston, who was carted off the field in the second quarter after taking a blow to the knee. In a deju vu type moment, Coston was also injured in the preseason finale against Tennessee in 2006, sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury.
One reporter's roster
And, no, that wouldn't be this humble poster. Rather, it's from Mike Vandermause, sports editor of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He has an intriguing line up, and it might not be that far off from what Ted Thompson winds up doing. You can check it out here.
After the departure of the first team offense, it was fairly uneventful from the Packers' side of the ball for quite a while, as coach McCarthy shuffled in the two rookie quarterbacks and a host of other players. The most compelling note of the night, perhaps, was that Tennessee's first string offense played into the third quarter against the Pack's second and third stringers, got into the red zone at least four times with no TDs to show for it all. The biggest damage was done by Titans' QB Vince Young who used his running ability to gash the Packers repeatedly. The Titans first string defense played the entire first half against the Packers' backups.
McCarthy alternated back up QBs Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn every couple series. Flynn clearly looked better not only last night, but throughout the preseason. Flynn directed the Packers second and third scoring drives, with the last being a final second TD pass to bring the Packers within two points. The two point conversion pass to the corner of the end zone was caught but the receiver was only able to get down one foot before being pushed out of bounds (a rule change now allows the defensive back to push out the receiver, so no more judgement calls as to whether he would or wouldn't have gotten a foot down). Anyway, Flynn looked very good in directing the two-minute offense and helped himself and his team considerably with his scrambling ability. Brohm, on the other hand, looked like a deer in the headlights on occasion, failing to get rid of the ball under pressure several times and getting sacked instead.
Still, coach McCarthy wasn't ready to say after the game who would be the Number Two QB behind Rodgers. When interviewed on local radio this morning, he also left the radio hosts with the clear impression he was leaning toward Brohm. Based upon performance, one doesn't see how that would be justified. It is also unclear as to whether GM Ted Thompson will look to pick up a veteran QB to go into the season, just in case. Wayne Larrivee, the radio "voice of the Packers," said on-air this morning that while he has no way of knowing, he believes the Packers will start the season with Rodgers and the rookies. That's a pretty big chance to take. Although McCarthy is reported to have said that if Brohm or Flynn had to step in for Rodgers that the team would help pick them up. Sounds good for part of a game or two. But if something happened that sidelined Rodgers for the season? Hmmm...we'll see. Or better yet, hope we don't see. You can read an article about the two QBs here.
The other areas where competition is keen -- linebacker and running back -- were especially so again last night. LB Desmond Bishop had a great game last night and was seemingly all over the field. Abdul Hodge played well. Tracey White was solid before leaving with an ankle injury in the second half. At running back, Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and Kregg Lumpkin again all made statements as to why they should remain on the roster although it is likely only two of the three will do so.
There will be some tough decisions coming for the Packers staff over the next day or so as they trim down to the 53-man roster.
One of those decisions might be what to do about a long snapper. After about a zillion years -- give or take -- with Rob Davis at that slot, the Packers had undrafted rookie from Notre Dame, J.J. Jansen, at that spot. During the fourth quarter, after making a high punt snap to Jon Ryan, Jansen injured his left knee during Ryan's scramble. Depending upon the nature of Jansen's injury, the Pack might be looking for a replacement on the waiver wires this weekend. Of course, Rob Davis is still with the Packers, just at a desk job now. Could he be talked into "unretiring" if need be? Hey, it happened with Brett so why not? This is one to watch. Long snappers are like the Ed Nortons of football. When they do their job, you don't even know they are there. When they don't they really stink up the place. (Hopefully, there's enough readers out there to, first, know who Ed Norton is, and, second, to remember his occupation to make that "stink" reference meaningful.)
Another injury of note last night was to offensive lineman Junius Coston, who was carted off the field in the second quarter after taking a blow to the knee. In a deju vu type moment, Coston was also injured in the preseason finale against Tennessee in 2006, sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury.
One reporter's roster
And, no, that wouldn't be this humble poster. Rather, it's from Mike Vandermause, sports editor of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. He has an intriguing line up, and it might not be that far off from what Ted Thompson winds up doing. You can check it out here.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Packers vs. Titans preview
The Packers take on the Tennessee Titans tonight - less than 30 minutes from now actually -- at Lambeau Field. Starters are expected to play about 10 plays for the Packers, while the Titans' starters, according to head coach Jeff Fisher, may play into the second half.
The key for tonight's game is the number of players playing for roster spots. Teams have to be down to the league-mandated 53-man squad by Saturday. That means about 20 players will be cut within the next two days.
As has been noted here in prior posts, the most competitive area is at running back where there are reportedly two spots open, with three players competing for them. Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and Kregg Lumpkin will be looking to perform well tonight. Another area where tough cuts will likely be made is at linebacker. Again, too many players available for one too few spots.
One area that was originally thought of as a place of depth was defensive line. But with lots of injuries, some of the lesser-knowns need to step up. In doing so, they may also be earning a spot long term. Particularly if they can exhibit a pass rush, as well as stop the run...neither of which the Packers have shown much of an ability to do yet this preseason.
It will also be intriguing to watch the two rookie backup quarterbacks. Neither Brian Brohm nor Matt Flynn have provided much confidence that, should something happen to starter Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will still have an effective offense. One or the other needs to demonstrate consistency tonight, and they both will be given plenty of opportunity to do so given Rodgers' limited playing time.
The final score won't matter. Getting starters out without injuries and having players -- especially for the 6 spots which head coach Mike McCarthy says are still up in the air -- step up and claim their spot decisively will be the key outcomes tonight.
The key for tonight's game is the number of players playing for roster spots. Teams have to be down to the league-mandated 53-man squad by Saturday. That means about 20 players will be cut within the next two days.
As has been noted here in prior posts, the most competitive area is at running back where there are reportedly two spots open, with three players competing for them. Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and Kregg Lumpkin will be looking to perform well tonight. Another area where tough cuts will likely be made is at linebacker. Again, too many players available for one too few spots.
One area that was originally thought of as a place of depth was defensive line. But with lots of injuries, some of the lesser-knowns need to step up. In doing so, they may also be earning a spot long term. Particularly if they can exhibit a pass rush, as well as stop the run...neither of which the Packers have shown much of an ability to do yet this preseason.
It will also be intriguing to watch the two rookie backup quarterbacks. Neither Brian Brohm nor Matt Flynn have provided much confidence that, should something happen to starter Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will still have an effective offense. One or the other needs to demonstrate consistency tonight, and they both will be given plenty of opportunity to do so given Rodgers' limited playing time.
The final score won't matter. Getting starters out without injuries and having players -- especially for the 6 spots which head coach Mike McCarthy says are still up in the air -- step up and claim their spot decisively will be the key outcomes tonight.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Harrell to have surgery
Following on the heels of yesterday's announcement that last year's first round draft pick, Justin Harrell, was being placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, word came that Harrell would be having arthroscopic back surgery to hopefully repair the damage from the weightlifting injury he incurred this Spring. He had surgery in April, but apparently aggravated the injury in July, requiring this second surgery. This situation continues Harrell's history of injuries while an undergrad at Tennessee, a situation which many fans and pundits alike believed should have been a red flag to anyone considering drafting him...especially in the first round (a-hem...Ted, are you listening???)
An article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette relates the following:
Harrell said last week there had been no recent discussions about further surgery, but that apparently changed in the past day or two after he received a second opinion.
“He’s gotten himself in remarkable shape. I think our guys have done a great job in the rehab,” General Manager Ted Thompson said of Harrell. “But we've reached a point where we’ve sort of plateaued, and looking out over the timeline, we felt like it was going to take a few weeks without doing anything, but maybe doing a little extra procedure might hurry things along.”
Any player placed on the PUP list is barred from practicing or playing for a minimum of six weeks, after which the team has three weeks to evaluate the player and decide whether to restore him to the active roster.
Putting Harrell on the list buys the Packers as much as 2½ months to make a decision on whether he’ll play this season. He won’t count against the 53-man limit, which teams must reach by 3 p.m. Saturday. He’ll become eligible to practice on Oct. 14, two days after the Packers’ sixth game, and could be reinstated as late as Nov. 11, two days after the ninth game.
Without getting into specifics, Thompson said the latest surgery would be a little different than the one Harrell underwent in April and would be done soon.
“The quicker the better, obviously, because then you can kind of start back on the whole recovery thing,” Thompson said.
“It’s too bad. He’s worked very hard, and I know being a high-profile pick, a No. 1 pick, there’s a lot of pressure put on that and expectations of fans. It’s not his fault, and he’s trying his best to get back, and we’re still counting on him to help us this year.”
You can read the entire article here.
When the announcement broke yesterday, several local media outlets started to toss out the word "bust" in reference to Harrell. While it still might be too early to come to that conclusion, pending the results of the surgery and Harrell's ability to rehab, it appears that things are headed in that direction. One can only hope that the young man is able to get healthy, whether or not he plays for the Packers. But we'd also like to see what he could do on the playing field. Particularly given the current depleted situation on the defensive line, a healthy and productive Harrell would be a plus. Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But at least as concerns Harrell in year number two, that's all we've got.
An article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette relates the following:
Harrell said last week there had been no recent discussions about further surgery, but that apparently changed in the past day or two after he received a second opinion.
“He’s gotten himself in remarkable shape. I think our guys have done a great job in the rehab,” General Manager Ted Thompson said of Harrell. “But we've reached a point where we’ve sort of plateaued, and looking out over the timeline, we felt like it was going to take a few weeks without doing anything, but maybe doing a little extra procedure might hurry things along.”
Any player placed on the PUP list is barred from practicing or playing for a minimum of six weeks, after which the team has three weeks to evaluate the player and decide whether to restore him to the active roster.
Putting Harrell on the list buys the Packers as much as 2½ months to make a decision on whether he’ll play this season. He won’t count against the 53-man limit, which teams must reach by 3 p.m. Saturday. He’ll become eligible to practice on Oct. 14, two days after the Packers’ sixth game, and could be reinstated as late as Nov. 11, two days after the ninth game.
Without getting into specifics, Thompson said the latest surgery would be a little different than the one Harrell underwent in April and would be done soon.
“The quicker the better, obviously, because then you can kind of start back on the whole recovery thing,” Thompson said.
“It’s too bad. He’s worked very hard, and I know being a high-profile pick, a No. 1 pick, there’s a lot of pressure put on that and expectations of fans. It’s not his fault, and he’s trying his best to get back, and we’re still counting on him to help us this year.”
You can read the entire article here.
When the announcement broke yesterday, several local media outlets started to toss out the word "bust" in reference to Harrell. While it still might be too early to come to that conclusion, pending the results of the surgery and Harrell's ability to rehab, it appears that things are headed in that direction. One can only hope that the young man is able to get healthy, whether or not he plays for the Packers. But we'd also like to see what he could do on the playing field. Particularly given the current depleted situation on the defensive line, a healthy and productive Harrell would be a plus. Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But at least as concerns Harrell in year number two, that's all we've got.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Packers make first roster moves
To get to the the NFL-mandated 75-player limit of this week, the Packers have made 5 roster moves as of today. According to the Packers official website, they released RB DeShawn Wynn -- who started 4 games last season but couldn't seem to stay healthy then or now -- and FB Ryan Powdrell, along with WR Chris Francies and OL Ryan Considine. The Packers also placed last season's first round draft pick, DT Justin Harrell, on the reserve/physically unable to perform list meaning he can't be placed on the active roster during the first six weeks of the season. According to the info on the Packers official site, "After that time, they (the players) are eligible to practice with the club for up to three weeks. If a player is activated from the reserve/PUP list to the active roster, a subsequent roster move must be made to maintain the 53-man active roster limit."
So, what this all seems to indicate is that the running back situation is coming down to Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson, both locks, and perhaps a three-way battle for two spots between Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and the fast-rising rookie free agent, Kregg Lumpkin. Lumpkin leads the Packers with 17 carries for 87 yards this preseason, while Herron has 10 carries for 52 yards, Jackson nine for 54 and Morency one for 1. The Packers have always liked Herron's reliability, if not durability, and Morency's third down play catching passes out of the backfield. But Lumpkin has been intriguing. Check out this article to find out more about this young man from Georgia.
It also means, speaking of Justin Harrell, that the Ted Thompson doubters/haters out there will continue to fault him for making this pick last season. Certainly, the longer it takes for Harrell to even make it onto the playing field -- if he ever does -- the more he's going to have to show to mitigate the skepticism Packer fans will likely have.
So, what this all seems to indicate is that the running back situation is coming down to Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson, both locks, and perhaps a three-way battle for two spots between Noah Herron, Vernand Morency and the fast-rising rookie free agent, Kregg Lumpkin. Lumpkin leads the Packers with 17 carries for 87 yards this preseason, while Herron has 10 carries for 52 yards, Jackson nine for 54 and Morency one for 1. The Packers have always liked Herron's reliability, if not durability, and Morency's third down play catching passes out of the backfield. But Lumpkin has been intriguing. Check out this article to find out more about this young man from Georgia.
It also means, speaking of Justin Harrell, that the Ted Thompson doubters/haters out there will continue to fault him for making this pick last season. Certainly, the longer it takes for Harrell to even make it onto the playing field -- if he ever does -- the more he's going to have to show to mitigate the skepticism Packer fans will likely have.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Pack picks up first preseason win
The Packers beat the Broncos last evening in Denver, 27-24. While it was only a preseason game, players and coaches alike all said it was basically a must-win game, especially after the fall-on-your-face performance at San Fran last weekend. And because the final preseason game will not have the starters playing very long. So, this was basically the starters chance to perform.
The Packers' first team offense, led by QB Aaron Rodgers, came out clicking and scored a TD on an opening 80-yard drive. Rodgers was 4 out of 5 passing, for 69 yards and a TD pass to Donald Driver. His passes looked sharp, and he also looked comfortable rolling out of the pocket and throwing. Playing into the third quarter, Rodgers was 18 for 22, 193 yards, 1 TD passing and 1 TD rushing on a goal line QB sneak. (He had a passer rating of 118.4 for the stat geeks out there.)
Basically, Rodgers and the first team offense were pretty much everything they weren't against the 'Niners. The Pack scored in four out of five possessions under Rodgers, gaining 217 yards and picking up 15 first downs. This was what we were waiting to see.
The game was in doubt, though, until about the last 3 minutes of the game when rookie free agent RB -- and someone who is starting to catch attention -- Kregg Lumpkin took it in for the go-ahead score on fourth down from the 1-yard line. This followed a turnover by the Broncos at their own 10-yard line when DE Jason Hunter hit QB Patrick Ramsey just as he was attempting a pass; his pass was knocked into the air and LB Tracy White was waiting with open arms for the interception.
For as good as the starting offense looked, the same could not be said for the starting defense. In particular, Denver's running game gashed the Pack time after time for 91 yards rushing (a 6.1 yd. per carry average) and 206 total yards. And that was just in the first half. There was also no pass rush to speak of. Again. Like in the prior two games. No sacks and only two knockdowns coming from Aaron Kampman. Granted, the defense was without LB A.J. Hawk. But...c'mon...
Injuries mounting up
In addition to Hawk being out with a chest injury suffered in the last game -- and reportedly not even being day to day but week to week -- several players got injured in last night's game. Rookie RG Josh Sitton and safeties Nick Collins and Atari Bigby were all injured in the first half and didn't return to the game. WR James Jones injured his right knee in the second half and also didn't return, although he didn't seem to be bothered by it later on judging by his sideline behavior.
In addition to these in-game injuries, eight Packers didn't even make the trip: the aforementioned A.J. Hawk, RB Ryan Grant, C Scott Wells, DT Ryan Pickett, S Charlie Peprah, RB DeShawn Wynn, DT Justin Harrell (yeah, shocking, isn't it?) and DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. As reports note, Grant, Harrell, Pickett and Gbaja-Biamila have not played a down during the exhibition season.
"A Few Seconds of Panic"
No, this is not what you may feel when asked by your doctor to...well, OK, that is what you feel when your doctor asks you to do...anything. But that's beside the point. In this case, the reference is actually the title to a new book by sportswriter Stefan Fatsis. Subtitled “A 5-Foot-8, 170-Pound, 43-Year-old Sportswriter Plays in the NFL," the book chronicles Fatsis' experience as part of the Denver Broncos training camp where he worked out and practiced with the kickers. The NFL, however, wouldn't even let him kick an extra point in an exhibition game. Still, he came away learning a lot about the game and especially how the players view their chosen profession.
Fatsis was interviewed in this week's broadcast of "Only a Game" on NPR. You can read a brief book review here. If you want to listen to the on-air interview, go here and then scroll down to the bottom of the page where you can click on the player for that segment. It's worth a listen.
The Packers' first team offense, led by QB Aaron Rodgers, came out clicking and scored a TD on an opening 80-yard drive. Rodgers was 4 out of 5 passing, for 69 yards and a TD pass to Donald Driver. His passes looked sharp, and he also looked comfortable rolling out of the pocket and throwing. Playing into the third quarter, Rodgers was 18 for 22, 193 yards, 1 TD passing and 1 TD rushing on a goal line QB sneak. (He had a passer rating of 118.4 for the stat geeks out there.)
Basically, Rodgers and the first team offense were pretty much everything they weren't against the 'Niners. The Pack scored in four out of five possessions under Rodgers, gaining 217 yards and picking up 15 first downs. This was what we were waiting to see.
The game was in doubt, though, until about the last 3 minutes of the game when rookie free agent RB -- and someone who is starting to catch attention -- Kregg Lumpkin took it in for the go-ahead score on fourth down from the 1-yard line. This followed a turnover by the Broncos at their own 10-yard line when DE Jason Hunter hit QB Patrick Ramsey just as he was attempting a pass; his pass was knocked into the air and LB Tracy White was waiting with open arms for the interception.
For as good as the starting offense looked, the same could not be said for the starting defense. In particular, Denver's running game gashed the Pack time after time for 91 yards rushing (a 6.1 yd. per carry average) and 206 total yards. And that was just in the first half. There was also no pass rush to speak of. Again. Like in the prior two games. No sacks and only two knockdowns coming from Aaron Kampman. Granted, the defense was without LB A.J. Hawk. But...c'mon...
Injuries mounting up
In addition to Hawk being out with a chest injury suffered in the last game -- and reportedly not even being day to day but week to week -- several players got injured in last night's game. Rookie RG Josh Sitton and safeties Nick Collins and Atari Bigby were all injured in the first half and didn't return to the game. WR James Jones injured his right knee in the second half and also didn't return, although he didn't seem to be bothered by it later on judging by his sideline behavior.
In addition to these in-game injuries, eight Packers didn't even make the trip: the aforementioned A.J. Hawk, RB Ryan Grant, C Scott Wells, DT Ryan Pickett, S Charlie Peprah, RB DeShawn Wynn, DT Justin Harrell (yeah, shocking, isn't it?) and DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. As reports note, Grant, Harrell, Pickett and Gbaja-Biamila have not played a down during the exhibition season.
"A Few Seconds of Panic"
No, this is not what you may feel when asked by your doctor to...well, OK, that is what you feel when your doctor asks you to do...anything. But that's beside the point. In this case, the reference is actually the title to a new book by sportswriter Stefan Fatsis. Subtitled “A 5-Foot-8, 170-Pound, 43-Year-old Sportswriter Plays in the NFL," the book chronicles Fatsis' experience as part of the Denver Broncos training camp where he worked out and practiced with the kickers. The NFL, however, wouldn't even let him kick an extra point in an exhibition game. Still, he came away learning a lot about the game and especially how the players view their chosen profession.
Fatsis was interviewed in this week's broadcast of "Only a Game" on NPR. You can read a brief book review here. If you want to listen to the on-air interview, go here and then scroll down to the bottom of the page where you can click on the player for that segment. It's worth a listen.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Brett is one happy Jet
Although our focus here at PackerFansUnited.com is and will always be the Packers, of course, we also have to mention from time to time those players who have moved on elsewhere. Particularly when that player happens to be ol' #4.
According to an AP article carried on Yahoo Sports, Brett's one happy camper in Jet-land. Good for him. Nothing but the best to him now and always. And, especially this year, the better he does the better for the Pack in terms of the conditional draft pick we get next season. So...Go Brett Go!!!
He's got his moment now as Broadway Brett. And Jets fans can rejoice and marvel at his performance -- and agonize over some of his bonehead plays, as well -- just as we Packers fans have done for so long. But when Brett goes into the Hall of Fame, it won't be as a Jet. It will be as a Packer. So let's just consider this whole thing as a loan. We'll get him back in the Green 'n' Gold. Looks much better on him anyway.
According to an AP article carried on Yahoo Sports, Brett's one happy camper in Jet-land. Good for him. Nothing but the best to him now and always. And, especially this year, the better he does the better for the Pack in terms of the conditional draft pick we get next season. So...Go Brett Go!!!
He's got his moment now as Broadway Brett. And Jets fans can rejoice and marvel at his performance -- and agonize over some of his bonehead plays, as well -- just as we Packers fans have done for so long. But when Brett goes into the Hall of Fame, it won't be as a Jet. It will be as a Packer. So let's just consider this whole thing as a loan. We'll get him back in the Green 'n' Gold. Looks much better on him anyway.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Packers flop at San Fran
For as many of the good things that were apparent even in the Packers loss at home last week, there were as many or more bad things that occurred in last night's defeat in San Francisco. It was ugly. The 'Niners whooped the Pack to the tune of 34-6.
The offense looked inept, allowing 6 sacks on the QB, with 4 of those coming against starter Aaron Rodgers. There were 3 turnovers. Receivers dropped passes, including what would have been an easy TD catch by TE Donald Lee following an interception by Charles Woodson deep in the 'Niners red zone. The running game was inept. The Packers didn't even hit 200 yards in total offense.
The defense was sloppy against the run and appeared uninspired. DB Jarrett Bush was -- as last year -- picked on repeatedly, and aided the 'Niners efforts with a critical pass interference play which helped set up a 'Niners TD.
About the only bright spot was a resurrected kicking game by punter Jon Ryan, who averaged about 50 yards per kick on the night. That, and a couple long returns by rookie receiver Jordy Nelson, were about the only highlights. Nelson had a 56-yard kickoff return in the third quarter and a 58-yard return in the fourth.
Coach McCarthy will have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks to pull this team together. It's loaded with talent. But it certainly wasn't on display in the city by the bay.
The offense looked inept, allowing 6 sacks on the QB, with 4 of those coming against starter Aaron Rodgers. There were 3 turnovers. Receivers dropped passes, including what would have been an easy TD catch by TE Donald Lee following an interception by Charles Woodson deep in the 'Niners red zone. The running game was inept. The Packers didn't even hit 200 yards in total offense.
The defense was sloppy against the run and appeared uninspired. DB Jarrett Bush was -- as last year -- picked on repeatedly, and aided the 'Niners efforts with a critical pass interference play which helped set up a 'Niners TD.
About the only bright spot was a resurrected kicking game by punter Jon Ryan, who averaged about 50 yards per kick on the night. That, and a couple long returns by rookie receiver Jordy Nelson, were about the only highlights. Nelson had a 56-yard kickoff return in the third quarter and a 58-yard return in the fourth.
Coach McCarthy will have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks to pull this team together. It's loaded with talent. But it certainly wasn't on display in the city by the bay.
Friday, August 15, 2008
The $20 million deal Favre walked away from
According to a report in today's edition of The Sporting News' online newsletter, the $20 million offer the Packers put on the table for Brett Favre -- prior to his trade to the Jets -- included clothing, a merchandise line, collectibles, and even a blog. There was also a requirement for 10 personal appearances per year by Brett, including two private hunting and golfing trips. In addition, the Packers Pro Shop would become the exclusive distributor for autographed Favre memorabilia. Brett would also autograph 300 items each year for the Packers use.
Many fans and pundits thought Brett was, hmmm, a bit misguided in not taking $20 million for 10 years to basically show up and lend his name to things. But it's never been about the money with Brett, and he seemed to actually be insulted at the time that the Packers were tyring to "buy me off," as he put it, with such an offer.
Well, guess what? The Packers intend to make Brett a similar offer once he officially retires. Again.
As Packers president Mark Murphy stated, "We will want to have a long-term relationship with him. He will always be a Packer. It is similar to Joe Montana. Who remembers that he played with the Chiefs?"
In another article about this report at Yahoo Sports, it states, "In a chat with fans on packers.com last week, Murphy said he intends to reach out to Favre 'at the appropriate time' to finalize a formal relationship. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said last week that he would consider bringing Favre back to work with the team’s quarterbacks in training camp after his playing days are over. 'He’s a Green Bay Packer,' McCarthy said. 'He wants to come back here, he wants to be welcome back here.'"
You can read The Sporting News article here and the Yahoo Sports entry here.
Many fans and pundits thought Brett was, hmmm, a bit misguided in not taking $20 million for 10 years to basically show up and lend his name to things. But it's never been about the money with Brett, and he seemed to actually be insulted at the time that the Packers were tyring to "buy me off," as he put it, with such an offer.
Well, guess what? The Packers intend to make Brett a similar offer once he officially retires. Again.
As Packers president Mark Murphy stated, "We will want to have a long-term relationship with him. He will always be a Packer. It is similar to Joe Montana. Who remembers that he played with the Chiefs?"
In another article about this report at Yahoo Sports, it states, "In a chat with fans on packers.com last week, Murphy said he intends to reach out to Favre 'at the appropriate time' to finalize a formal relationship. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said last week that he would consider bringing Favre back to work with the team’s quarterbacks in training camp after his playing days are over. 'He’s a Green Bay Packer,' McCarthy said. 'He wants to come back here, he wants to be welcome back here.'"
You can read The Sporting News article here and the Yahoo Sports entry here.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Packer fans seem to say, "Rodgers looked great"
OK, it was only one game. Actually, only about a quarter or so of one preseason game. But the microscope that new Packers starting QB Aaron Rodgers was under had to be...wait...that metaphor won't work. Never mind. The point is, Rodgers performed well and, according to the poll of the day going on at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asking fans what their initial impressions were of Rodgers, here are the results at the time of this posting:
What were your impressions of Aaron Rodgers Monday night?
He looked great (51.5%)
He’ll do (32.1%)
Can Brett come back? (16.4%)
Total votes: 4,196
For more on the view of Rodgers and the game, check out this story and this one. You can also find another view of things at the ESPN site. The report, by the way, on the Sports Illustrated site, is the same AP story.
What were your impressions of Aaron Rodgers Monday night?
He looked great (51.5%)
He’ll do (32.1%)
Can Brett come back? (16.4%)
Total votes: 4,196
For more on the view of Rodgers and the game, check out this story and this one. You can also find another view of things at the ESPN site. The report, by the way, on the Sports Illustrated site, is the same AP story.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Rodgers looks good in preseason debut
Aaron Rodgers was cheered to the tune of a standing ovation by Packer fans at Lambeau Field when he took over the huddle tonight. And he rewarded that encouragement by going 9 of 15 for 117 yards in a little more than a quarter of work, with one TD pass and one interception (which, to be fair, slipped through the hands of the receiver). Not bad. Good command.
Backups Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn went 8 for 17 for 70 yards and one interception, and 12 for 21 for 97 yards and one TD respectively.
Final score: Bengals 20, Packers 17.
More tomorrow.
Backups Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn went 8 for 17 for 70 yards and one interception, and 12 for 21 for 97 yards and one TD respectively.
Final score: Bengals 20, Packers 17.
More tomorrow.
It's Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood now
That would be Aaron Rodgers, of course. The new starting QB for the Green Bay Packers. The Favre era has sadly and badly ended for both Brett and the Packers organization. But with every end comes a beginning (is that too New Agey for this discussion?).
The Aaron Rodgers era officially (pre-season version anyway) begins against the Bengals in Green Bay tonight at 7 p.m. Central time. The game will be carried on ESPN as well as local TV and radio channels in the Wisconsin market.
Well, perhaps "era" might be a bit of a stretch. If Rodgers makes it 10 years as the starter -- heck, five years -- that might be considered an "era." Right now, it's game number one, and not even the regular season number one. But it's a start. Of course, Rodgers will only play one or two quarters before giving way to his two rookie backups, who are having a battle of their own in training camp to see who will claim the #2 spot. Initially, it was almost a certainty that would be Brian Brohm. But apparently, seventh-rounder Matt Flynn has begun to tighten the game and give coaches something to think about, according to reports.
Anyway, back to our main man. Check out this story for more.
Go Pack Go!!!
It's not his fault
Regrettably some fans of Brett -- supposedly also Packers fans -- have taken it upon themselves to boo, deride and even curse at Rodgers for no other reason that he happens to be the poor shlub who has to try to replace a legend. Not to mention the fact that he had nothing personally to do with any of the Favre mess. In fact, Rodgers stayed well out of the fray despite what also must have been a bit of a trying time for him personally.
Green Bay Press-Gazette sports reporter Mike Vandermause has written a great column on this sad situation with some fans entitled, "Too bad some fans aren't as classy as Rodgers." All Packer fans should read this. And if you are angry or resentful at Aaron Rodgers just because he's now "the guy," guess what? He is the guy now. He is the guy that will either help guide this team to the playoffs or not. He is the guy that we now must encourage and cheer for. Why boo a player for the mere fact that it's now his time to play? If you are a true Packer fan, you know what? Rodgers was right in that Sports Illustrated story: get on board or shut up. The train has left the station. Deal with it. You can still root for Brett and the Jets. Get an NFL TV package and watch every single Jets game if you must. The better Brett and the Jets do, the higher the draft pick the Packers will get because of it. The Jets will be this writer's second favorite team this season.
But we need to support the Packers. And that means especially supporting Aaron Rodgers. His teammates do. Now we need to as well.
Go Aaron Go!!!
The Aaron Rodgers era officially (pre-season version anyway) begins against the Bengals in Green Bay tonight at 7 p.m. Central time. The game will be carried on ESPN as well as local TV and radio channels in the Wisconsin market.
Well, perhaps "era" might be a bit of a stretch. If Rodgers makes it 10 years as the starter -- heck, five years -- that might be considered an "era." Right now, it's game number one, and not even the regular season number one. But it's a start. Of course, Rodgers will only play one or two quarters before giving way to his two rookie backups, who are having a battle of their own in training camp to see who will claim the #2 spot. Initially, it was almost a certainty that would be Brian Brohm. But apparently, seventh-rounder Matt Flynn has begun to tighten the game and give coaches something to think about, according to reports.
Anyway, back to our main man. Check out this story for more.
Go Pack Go!!!
It's not his fault
Regrettably some fans of Brett -- supposedly also Packers fans -- have taken it upon themselves to boo, deride and even curse at Rodgers for no other reason that he happens to be the poor shlub who has to try to replace a legend. Not to mention the fact that he had nothing personally to do with any of the Favre mess. In fact, Rodgers stayed well out of the fray despite what also must have been a bit of a trying time for him personally.
Green Bay Press-Gazette sports reporter Mike Vandermause has written a great column on this sad situation with some fans entitled, "Too bad some fans aren't as classy as Rodgers." All Packer fans should read this. And if you are angry or resentful at Aaron Rodgers just because he's now "the guy," guess what? He is the guy now. He is the guy that will either help guide this team to the playoffs or not. He is the guy that we now must encourage and cheer for. Why boo a player for the mere fact that it's now his time to play? If you are a true Packer fan, you know what? Rodgers was right in that Sports Illustrated story: get on board or shut up. The train has left the station. Deal with it. You can still root for Brett and the Jets. Get an NFL TV package and watch every single Jets game if you must. The better Brett and the Jets do, the higher the draft pick the Packers will get because of it. The Jets will be this writer's second favorite team this season.
But we need to support the Packers. And that means especially supporting Aaron Rodgers. His teammates do. Now we need to as well.
Go Aaron Go!!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
What in the world was Thompson thinking?
That's a nice way of putting it, especially for the Ted-bashers out there. What was Packers GM Ted Thompson thinking during the Favre mess, about Aaron Rodgers, and other topics too numerous to mention here? Thankfully, those topics are all covered in this great interview between the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's main Packers reporter, Bob McGinn, and Thompson.
Check it out and make your own conclusions. Love him, hate him. But I still think you have to admire the guy -- Thompson, that is -- for sticking to his guns. How will it all work out? Everyone, including Ted, is now waiting to see.
Check it out and make your own conclusions. Love him, hate him. But I still think you have to admire the guy -- Thompson, that is -- for sticking to his guns. How will it all work out? Everyone, including Ted, is now waiting to see.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Words from others on the Favre trade
Packer fans, sometimes it helps us gain perspective on a situation by hearing what others on the outside have to say. Sometimes we're too close to things, too emotionally invested on one side or another. That certainly was the case with the whole Favre melodrama. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel compiled a number of comments from other sports pundits around the country regarding this matter. They seem to represent a good cross-section of thought, and might help all of us digest what has just transpired a bit better. You can read that compilation here.
Does Brett have a clue?
One of the side topics which has arisen since this trade was concluded was whether or not Brett really understands that, well, New York ain't Green Bay. We're not talking about the city here, obviously. We're talking about the fans, the franchise, the media, that sort of thing. And, yes, there are stereotypes involved. Sorry. But there are also hard facts. The Jets as a franchise has, how shall we say, not be good for a long, long time. Just remember all those draft day images at Madison Square Garden where Jets fans boo nearly every pick Jets' management makes. Which leads to the fans, of course. Brett, get ready to here the boos every time you throw another bonehead interception. Green Bay fans learned to cringe and then wait for your next brilliant play. We had the long-term perspective. Jets fans are going to expect that team to go to the playoffs now because you're at the helm. In that respect, it's no different than Green Bay. What's different, though, is the reaction you're going to get from the fans, Brett. Surrounded by questionable talent -- certainly far less than what you had to work with in Green Bay -- I and many others wonder how long it will take for you to really wonder why you didn't take that $20 million the Packers offered you to go off and ride your lawn mower. You're going to get some honeymoon time in New York, and be the star of the city for a while in a way that will stroke your ego the way you want. But if things go south for you and the Jets, you can be sure you wish you were back south in Mississippi.
Here's a great essay on this same topic from one of the writers at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The Packers' mea culpa
Packers' management admitted in their press conference yesterday that they made lots of mistakes in handling the Brett Favre situation. For a small town franchise that relies on its history of integrity, etc., not to mention the good will of its fans locally and across the nation and globe, it is sad to see the Packers come through this tarnished in any way. But they have been. Short, medium and long-term you have to wonder how players around the league will now view their own dealings with the Packers in terms of potential signings, trades, etc. People wanted to play with Brett Favre. He's gone. Who or what is now going to be the draw that brings top-level players to the Packers and keeps the winning tradition alive? Winning will do that, of course. And so the pressure is on the starting QB, Aaron Rodgers, to win. Anything short of getting to the playoffs would be seen as a major downfall brought on by Ted Thompson's handling of Brett Favre. Get to the playoffs and fans will be on board with the decision to move on. In this respect, Rodgers will be under as much scrutiny as Brett throughout the season. And you can almost see week-by-week stats reports comparing the performance of the two.
But at least it is instructive that the Packers admitted publicly to their part in helping this fiasco fester. That's something. And maybe it will prevent similar meltdowns in the future. Read more here.
Does Brett have a clue?
One of the side topics which has arisen since this trade was concluded was whether or not Brett really understands that, well, New York ain't Green Bay. We're not talking about the city here, obviously. We're talking about the fans, the franchise, the media, that sort of thing. And, yes, there are stereotypes involved. Sorry. But there are also hard facts. The Jets as a franchise has, how shall we say, not be good for a long, long time. Just remember all those draft day images at Madison Square Garden where Jets fans boo nearly every pick Jets' management makes. Which leads to the fans, of course. Brett, get ready to here the boos every time you throw another bonehead interception. Green Bay fans learned to cringe and then wait for your next brilliant play. We had the long-term perspective. Jets fans are going to expect that team to go to the playoffs now because you're at the helm. In that respect, it's no different than Green Bay. What's different, though, is the reaction you're going to get from the fans, Brett. Surrounded by questionable talent -- certainly far less than what you had to work with in Green Bay -- I and many others wonder how long it will take for you to really wonder why you didn't take that $20 million the Packers offered you to go off and ride your lawn mower. You're going to get some honeymoon time in New York, and be the star of the city for a while in a way that will stroke your ego the way you want. But if things go south for you and the Jets, you can be sure you wish you were back south in Mississippi.
Here's a great essay on this same topic from one of the writers at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The Packers' mea culpa
Packers' management admitted in their press conference yesterday that they made lots of mistakes in handling the Brett Favre situation. For a small town franchise that relies on its history of integrity, etc., not to mention the good will of its fans locally and across the nation and globe, it is sad to see the Packers come through this tarnished in any way. But they have been. Short, medium and long-term you have to wonder how players around the league will now view their own dealings with the Packers in terms of potential signings, trades, etc. People wanted to play with Brett Favre. He's gone. Who or what is now going to be the draw that brings top-level players to the Packers and keeps the winning tradition alive? Winning will do that, of course. And so the pressure is on the starting QB, Aaron Rodgers, to win. Anything short of getting to the playoffs would be seen as a major downfall brought on by Ted Thompson's handling of Brett Favre. Get to the playoffs and fans will be on board with the decision to move on. In this respect, Rodgers will be under as much scrutiny as Brett throughout the season. And you can almost see week-by-week stats reports comparing the performance of the two.
But at least it is instructive that the Packers admitted publicly to their part in helping this fiasco fester. That's something. And maybe it will prevent similar meltdowns in the future. Read more here.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Packers brass addresses the media on Favre trade
You can find an audio clip of the press conference held today by Packers GM Ted Thompson, head coach Mike McCarthy, and President Mark Murphy discussing the Brett Favre trade here.
If you want to get a minute-by-minute report of what went on and who said what, check out this running commentary from the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
If you want to get a minute-by-minute report of what went on and who said what, check out this running commentary from the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
When Favre's a Jet he's a Jet all the way
Happyguy already broke the news: Brett Favre has officially been traded to the NY Jets.
The greatest QB in the history of the Packers is gone. Aaron Rodgers is the starting QB of the Packers. The king is dead. Long live the king.
OK...sorry for the melodrama. But this is big, isn't it?
While most eyes were fixed on a deal with Tampa Bay, the Jets were always rumored to be part of the possible scenario. And, as reported here yesterday, news reports were indicating that the Jets were offering the Packers a sweeter deal for Favre than were the Buccaneers. And that's ultimately what it came down to.
Here are the details as we have them now. The Packers receive -- no matter what -- a 4th round draft pick for Brett. If he plays at least 50% of the offensive snaps during the season (seems quite reasonable barring injury), the Pack will receive a 3rd round pick. If he plays at least 70 % of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, the Pack will get a 2nd round pick. If -- through the sheer majesty and will of our once great ol' #4 -- the Jets somehow make it to the Super Bowl, the Packers will receive a 1st round draft choice. So, Packer fans, you can still root for Brett! Go Brett Go!!!
Now, one of the other negative possibilities the Packers have reportedly addressed in this deal is a back-door trade from the Jets to ViQueens. You know, behind the scenes Minnesota may have been working with the Jets so the Jets could acquire Favre and then trade him to the 'Queens, right? While that still could be a possibility, the Jets would pay a heavy price. One of the poison pill type conditions being reported as part of this deal is that the Jets would have to give the Packers three 1st round draft picks if they trade Brett to the ViQueens. Ouch. For the Jets, anyway.
Brett has nearly gone full circle. The Jets -- and an employee there at the time by the name of Ron Wolf -- wanted to draft Favre in 1991. They didn't have a 1st round pick. Hoped he'd make it to the 2nd round. He did. Only problem was that the Atlanta Falcons selected him one pick before the Jets selection came up. Wolf moved from New York to Green Bay about a year later and swung his first deal for the kid from Mississippi and re-built a dynasty and helped build a football legend in the process.
But that was then. This is now. The Jets finally get Brett 17 years late. And the Packers -- and we, the fans -- got the best of his years.
The drama is over. Now we can get on to talking about what's actually going on: summer camp, preseason games and, quite possibly, who the veteran QB is that the Packers might try to pick up to back up Aaron Rodgers...you know...just in case...
You can read more about this deal, well, probably anywhere and everywhere. But here's a link to get you started.
The Packers Official Statement
A joint statement from Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy and General Manager Ted Thompson read:
“Brett has had a long and storied career in Green Bay, and the Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the field and for the impact he made in the state. It is with some sadness that we make this announcement, but also with the desire for certainty that will allow us to move the team and organization forward in the most positive way possible.
“We respect Brett’s decision that he could no longer remain here as a Packer. But there were certain things we were not willing to do because they were not in the best interest of the team. We were not going to release him nor trade him to a team within the division. When Brett ultimately decided that he still wanted to play football, but not in Green Bay, we told him that we would work to find the best solution for all parties involved. We wish Brett and his family well.
“We appreciate the tremendous passion shown by our fans. We, like them, always will see Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer and our respect for him never will change. Moving forward, we are dedicated to delivering a successful 2008 season for all Packers fans.”
Murphy, Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy are expected to address the media today at noon Central Time.
You can watch the press conference live on Packers.com by clicking here. (A live video window will appear on that page approximately 5 minutes before the scheduled live event.)
The greatest QB in the history of the Packers is gone. Aaron Rodgers is the starting QB of the Packers. The king is dead. Long live the king.
OK...sorry for the melodrama. But this is big, isn't it?
While most eyes were fixed on a deal with Tampa Bay, the Jets were always rumored to be part of the possible scenario. And, as reported here yesterday, news reports were indicating that the Jets were offering the Packers a sweeter deal for Favre than were the Buccaneers. And that's ultimately what it came down to.
Here are the details as we have them now. The Packers receive -- no matter what -- a 4th round draft pick for Brett. If he plays at least 50% of the offensive snaps during the season (seems quite reasonable barring injury), the Pack will receive a 3rd round pick. If he plays at least 70 % of the snaps and the Jets make the playoffs, the Pack will get a 2nd round pick. If -- through the sheer majesty and will of our once great ol' #4 -- the Jets somehow make it to the Super Bowl, the Packers will receive a 1st round draft choice. So, Packer fans, you can still root for Brett! Go Brett Go!!!
Now, one of the other negative possibilities the Packers have reportedly addressed in this deal is a back-door trade from the Jets to ViQueens. You know, behind the scenes Minnesota may have been working with the Jets so the Jets could acquire Favre and then trade him to the 'Queens, right? While that still could be a possibility, the Jets would pay a heavy price. One of the poison pill type conditions being reported as part of this deal is that the Jets would have to give the Packers three 1st round draft picks if they trade Brett to the ViQueens. Ouch. For the Jets, anyway.
Brett has nearly gone full circle. The Jets -- and an employee there at the time by the name of Ron Wolf -- wanted to draft Favre in 1991. They didn't have a 1st round pick. Hoped he'd make it to the 2nd round. He did. Only problem was that the Atlanta Falcons selected him one pick before the Jets selection came up. Wolf moved from New York to Green Bay about a year later and swung his first deal for the kid from Mississippi and re-built a dynasty and helped build a football legend in the process.
But that was then. This is now. The Jets finally get Brett 17 years late. And the Packers -- and we, the fans -- got the best of his years.
The drama is over. Now we can get on to talking about what's actually going on: summer camp, preseason games and, quite possibly, who the veteran QB is that the Packers might try to pick up to back up Aaron Rodgers...you know...just in case...
You can read more about this deal, well, probably anywhere and everywhere. But here's a link to get you started.
The Packers Official Statement
A joint statement from Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy and General Manager Ted Thompson read:
“Brett has had a long and storied career in Green Bay, and the Packers owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for everything he accomplished on the field and for the impact he made in the state. It is with some sadness that we make this announcement, but also with the desire for certainty that will allow us to move the team and organization forward in the most positive way possible.
“We respect Brett’s decision that he could no longer remain here as a Packer. But there were certain things we were not willing to do because they were not in the best interest of the team. We were not going to release him nor trade him to a team within the division. When Brett ultimately decided that he still wanted to play football, but not in Green Bay, we told him that we would work to find the best solution for all parties involved. We wish Brett and his family well.
“We appreciate the tremendous passion shown by our fans. We, like them, always will see Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer and our respect for him never will change. Moving forward, we are dedicated to delivering a successful 2008 season for all Packers fans.”
Murphy, Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy are expected to address the media today at noon Central Time.
You can watch the press conference live on Packers.com by clicking here. (A live video window will appear on that page approximately 5 minutes before the scheduled live event.)
Favre traded to Jets
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?id=3522971
The Brett Favre era in Green Bay officially came to an end late Wednesday night as the longtime Packers star quarterback was traded to the New York Jets, the Packers announced.
The exact compensation wasn't immediately available, but it is believed to be a fourth-round draft pick that increases in value depending upon how the Jets perform during the 2008 season.
The Brett Favre era in Green Bay officially came to an end late Wednesday night as the longtime Packers star quarterback was traded to the New York Jets, the Packers announced.
The exact compensation wasn't immediately available, but it is believed to be a fourth-round draft pick that increases in value depending upon how the Jets perform during the 2008 season.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Favre has left the building
Actually, Brett, his wife Deanna, and agent James "Bus" Cook have all left Green Bay. And they likely won't be back for a looooooooong time.
They all hopped on Brett's private plane at about 12:30 p.m. headed back to Hattiesburg to apparently wait out the imminent trade between the Packers and either Tampa Bay or the New York Jets.
Reports early this morning indicated that Brett and Deanna both were on board with a deal with Tampa, although the Buccaneers' owner refuted a story in the local press there saying that a deal had been worked out. Brett would prefer to go to Tampa because he knows head coach Jon Gruden and could get up to speed on the offensive system quickly. Reports also indicated, however, that the Jets were apparently offering the Packers a sweeter deal than the Bucs for Brett, which could evolve into yet another circus if Brett doesn't want to play there. Oh boy.
A deal of some kind seems to be likely within the next 24 hours. But this story has had so many twists and turns...well...you know...
They all hopped on Brett's private plane at about 12:30 p.m. headed back to Hattiesburg to apparently wait out the imminent trade between the Packers and either Tampa Bay or the New York Jets.
Reports early this morning indicated that Brett and Deanna both were on board with a deal with Tampa, although the Buccaneers' owner refuted a story in the local press there saying that a deal had been worked out. Brett would prefer to go to Tampa because he knows head coach Jon Gruden and could get up to speed on the offensive system quickly. Reports also indicated, however, that the Jets were apparently offering the Packers a sweeter deal than the Bucs for Brett, which could evolve into yet another circus if Brett doesn't want to play there. Oh boy.
A deal of some kind seems to be likely within the next 24 hours. But this story has had so many twists and turns...well...you know...
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Favre: from Green Bay to Tampa Bay???
Late reports coming out of Green Bay are that disgruntled QB Brett Favre is now willing to consider being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In fact, talks between his agent and the Bucs are apparently heating up.
Read it and weep, Packer fans. Brett's going to be hitting the road soon. And Tampa Bay may be the place. Hey, at least it ain't the ViQueens.
Read it and weep, Packer fans. Brett's going to be hitting the road soon. And Tampa Bay may be the place. Hey, at least it ain't the ViQueens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
