On a blocked Packers field goal attempt with 18 seconds remaining, the Packers and Da Bearz are going to overtime.
Sickening.
Toss of the coin hits Urlacher in the head...Packers called tails and it came up heads...off Urlacher's head! Not a good omen. Momentum is with Da Bearz.
If you're a Packers fan, you've just got that sick feeling in your gut right now...
Monday, December 22, 2008
Halftime: Packers 14 - Da Bearz 3
The Packers dominated the first half of tonight's game, holding the ball for nearly 20 minutes, and generating 221 total yards of offense compared to Da Bearz 48 total yards. And doing it not through the run, as originally thought, but through the air. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has been very sharp. Yes, Rodgers had an interception on a batted ball at the line of scrimmage. But other than that, he really looks on.
The first quarter went by without a score by either team. In the second quarter, starting from about their own 10 yard line, the Pack drove the length of the field and scored on a laser-like TD pass from Rodgers to Greg Jennings. The key play, though, was a fake punt by the Pack to keep the drive alive. Backup QB Matt Flynn was slotted as the up man and he took the snap directly and ran for the first down.
However, as has happened so many times this season, the special teams unit once again allowed Da Bearz right back in the game on the ensuing kickoff following the TD. They proceeded to give up a 70+ yard kickoff return. The defense, fortunately, was able to hold Da Bearz to just a field goal. How many times has it happened? The Packers go up in a game, get momentum, and the special teams unit gives it right back.
But not for long.
The Pack put together another strong drive. And with about a minute left in the half, the Pack got their second TD on a screen pass to Grant, who took it 20 yards, running over a defensive back in the process.
On Da Bearz final possession of the half, Nick Collins had an interception thrown right to him that he couldn't handle. The Pack would have had the ball at about mid-field. As it was, the defense held and got the ball back one last time at about their own 16-yard line. Rodgers took a knee and the half ended to the boos of Da Bearz' fans for their team. No sweeter sound!
The downside to the half was Donald Driver being assisted off the field, not putting any weight on his left leg, after just missing a great reception on a long pass play. Didn't look good.
Gotta give it to Rodgers and his receivers, though. They are so far catching the ball without any problems. And that's with a -12 degree wind chill. Ryan Grant is also starting to make some good runs. Maybe it's use the pass to set up the run tonight? Either way, the offensive line is holding up for the most part against Da Bearz defense. And the defense is holding up, too, so far. If they can handle both for another half...who knows what might happen?
Go Pack Go!!!
The first quarter went by without a score by either team. In the second quarter, starting from about their own 10 yard line, the Pack drove the length of the field and scored on a laser-like TD pass from Rodgers to Greg Jennings. The key play, though, was a fake punt by the Pack to keep the drive alive. Backup QB Matt Flynn was slotted as the up man and he took the snap directly and ran for the first down.
However, as has happened so many times this season, the special teams unit once again allowed Da Bearz right back in the game on the ensuing kickoff following the TD. They proceeded to give up a 70+ yard kickoff return. The defense, fortunately, was able to hold Da Bearz to just a field goal. How many times has it happened? The Packers go up in a game, get momentum, and the special teams unit gives it right back.
But not for long.
The Pack put together another strong drive. And with about a minute left in the half, the Pack got their second TD on a screen pass to Grant, who took it 20 yards, running over a defensive back in the process.
On Da Bearz final possession of the half, Nick Collins had an interception thrown right to him that he couldn't handle. The Pack would have had the ball at about mid-field. As it was, the defense held and got the ball back one last time at about their own 16-yard line. Rodgers took a knee and the half ended to the boos of Da Bearz' fans for their team. No sweeter sound!
The downside to the half was Donald Driver being assisted off the field, not putting any weight on his left leg, after just missing a great reception on a long pass play. Didn't look good.
Gotta give it to Rodgers and his receivers, though. They are so far catching the ball without any problems. And that's with a -12 degree wind chill. Ryan Grant is also starting to make some good runs. Maybe it's use the pass to set up the run tonight? Either way, the offensive line is holding up for the most part against Da Bearz defense. And the defense is holding up, too, so far. If they can handle both for another half...who knows what might happen?
Go Pack Go!!!
Packers - Da Bearz preview
Soooooooo...here we are. Week 16. One team still alive with playoff hopes. The other, not. And somehow, in a game where the temps will be in single digits and the wind chills below zero, in a stadium appropriately referred to as the "Mistake by the Lake" since its ill-conceived renovation, we still care. While we haven't quite reached the depths of the '70s and '80s teams, those of us old enough to remember know that the one thing that was essential back then -- even if the Pack couldn't beat anyone else -- was to beat Da Bearz. Twice. We still have that chance tonight.
In the longest running rivalry in the NFL, the Packers take on Da Bearz in Chicago this evening. The last time the teams met, in Green Bay, the Pack played their most complete game of the season and walloped Da Bearz, 37-3...37-3!!! They got back to 5-5 and looked as if they were finally putting it all together for yet another late season run. But there was a kink in that plan. Namely, four straight losses. Wow. We all know the story.
So what can we expect tonight? Da Bearz not only have revenge as a motive this evening, but after the ViQueens once more pulled their late season choke-a-rama by losing at home yesterday to the Falcons, they also still are playing for the playoffs.
Given the weather conditions, it's expected that the team that runs the ball best and stops the run best will win the game. OK. Well, believe it or not, Packers RB Ryan Grant has gone over 1,000 yards for the season; he's 10th in the NFL actually with 1,036 yards, and a 3.9 yards per carry average. His counterpart on Da Bearz, Matt Forte, who everyone seems to be ga-ga over, is eighth in the league with 1,115 yards rushing and a 4.0 yards per carry average. Now, Grant actually has some incentives in the contract he signed this season that could earn him another $500,000 or so...you know, when you're talking that kind of money, "or so" is just fine. So, even if no one else on the Packers has anything to play for -- and that's a false assumption, by the way -- Mr. Grant should want the ball and be running like a madman every chance he gets.
Now, as to stopping the run, which is the better team? Ooops, sorry I asked. Never mind.
While it's not expected that there will be much of a passing game tonight given the weather conditions, the Packers defense still has to be aware of shutting down TE Greg Olsen. If they do that, whether or not Da Bearz try to use Devin Hester as a deep threat should become a moot point.
This is the Packers vs. Da Bearz. THE rivalry in the NFL, regardless of records. Chicago is favored by 4 points. If we were bettin' folk, we might be tempted to take those points.
And while my head tells me Da Bearz have more to play for -- revenge and playoffs -- my heart still pumps that green'n'gold blood through my veins. Gotta take the Pack. Especially in this game. It's against Da Bearz, after all. I'm expecting a low scoring game. Turnovers could and probably will play a factor as well. If the Packers can get up early maybe just once the defense can hang on, aided by the elements. I'll go 13-10 Packers.
Go Pack Go!!!
In the longest running rivalry in the NFL, the Packers take on Da Bearz in Chicago this evening. The last time the teams met, in Green Bay, the Pack played their most complete game of the season and walloped Da Bearz, 37-3...37-3!!! They got back to 5-5 and looked as if they were finally putting it all together for yet another late season run. But there was a kink in that plan. Namely, four straight losses. Wow. We all know the story.
So what can we expect tonight? Da Bearz not only have revenge as a motive this evening, but after the ViQueens once more pulled their late season choke-a-rama by losing at home yesterday to the Falcons, they also still are playing for the playoffs.
Given the weather conditions, it's expected that the team that runs the ball best and stops the run best will win the game. OK. Well, believe it or not, Packers RB Ryan Grant has gone over 1,000 yards for the season; he's 10th in the NFL actually with 1,036 yards, and a 3.9 yards per carry average. His counterpart on Da Bearz, Matt Forte, who everyone seems to be ga-ga over, is eighth in the league with 1,115 yards rushing and a 4.0 yards per carry average. Now, Grant actually has some incentives in the contract he signed this season that could earn him another $500,000 or so...you know, when you're talking that kind of money, "or so" is just fine. So, even if no one else on the Packers has anything to play for -- and that's a false assumption, by the way -- Mr. Grant should want the ball and be running like a madman every chance he gets.
Now, as to stopping the run, which is the better team? Ooops, sorry I asked. Never mind.
While it's not expected that there will be much of a passing game tonight given the weather conditions, the Packers defense still has to be aware of shutting down TE Greg Olsen. If they do that, whether or not Da Bearz try to use Devin Hester as a deep threat should become a moot point.
This is the Packers vs. Da Bearz. THE rivalry in the NFL, regardless of records. Chicago is favored by 4 points. If we were bettin' folk, we might be tempted to take those points.
And while my head tells me Da Bearz have more to play for -- revenge and playoffs -- my heart still pumps that green'n'gold blood through my veins. Gotta take the Pack. Especially in this game. It's against Da Bearz, after all. I'm expecting a low scoring game. Turnovers could and probably will play a factor as well. If the Packers can get up early maybe just once the defense can hang on, aided by the elements. I'll go 13-10 Packers.
Go Pack Go!!!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Levens and Freeman get the nod
Two Packers from the great '90s teams are going to be the latest players enshrined in the Packers Hall of Fame. Running back Dorsey Levens and wide receiver Antonio Freeman will be officially inducted next July.
Both Levens and Freeman played huge roles in the Packers Super Bowl runs in 1996 and 1997. With 3,937 yards rushing from 1994-2001, Levens is the all-time fifth-best rusher in Packers history. He also had 271 receptions for 2,079 yards. Freeman is the Packers' all-time sixth-best receiver. He racked up 6,651 yards on 431 receptions from 1995-2001 and 2003. His 57 touchdowns rank him third most in team history for receivers.
You can read more about both players here. Congrats to both for their well-deserved honor.
Both Levens and Freeman played huge roles in the Packers Super Bowl runs in 1996 and 1997. With 3,937 yards rushing from 1994-2001, Levens is the all-time fifth-best rusher in Packers history. He also had 271 receptions for 2,079 yards. Freeman is the Packers' all-time sixth-best receiver. He racked up 6,651 yards on 431 receptions from 1995-2001 and 2003. His 57 touchdowns rank him third most in team history for receivers.
You can read more about both players here. Congrats to both for their well-deserved honor.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Woodson & Collins go Pro Bowling
Charles Woodson is going to his first Pro Bowl as a Green Bay Packer. Ditto for Nick Collins. And both will be starters.
This will be Woodson's fifth Pro Bowl appearance overall in his 11-year career and his first since 2001. He's tied for the league lead in interceptions and has a career high this season with three sacks.
Collins is in his fourth year in the league, all with the Packers. He's tied with Woodson for the NFL lead in interceptions, and leads the league with three returned for touchdowns.
It's the first time since 1974 that the Packers have had two players named to the defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Willie Buchanon and Ken Ellis were the last Pro Bowl duo for the Pack.
Greg Jennings -- with more than 1,000 yards in receptions -- was named a first alternate. Go figure. Al Harris and Aaron Kampman were also named as alternates.
Oh yeah. Ol' #4 also got a Pro Bowl spot for the AFC.
This will be Woodson's fifth Pro Bowl appearance overall in his 11-year career and his first since 2001. He's tied for the league lead in interceptions and has a career high this season with three sacks.
Collins is in his fourth year in the league, all with the Packers. He's tied with Woodson for the NFL lead in interceptions, and leads the league with three returned for touchdowns.
It's the first time since 1974 that the Packers have had two players named to the defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Willie Buchanon and Ken Ellis were the last Pro Bowl duo for the Pack.
Greg Jennings -- with more than 1,000 yards in receptions -- was named a first alternate. Go figure. Al Harris and Aaron Kampman were also named as alternates.
Oh yeah. Ol' #4 also got a Pro Bowl spot for the AFC.
Monday, December 15, 2008
What good can come of this Packers loss?
OK, Packer fans, let's look to the silver lining of this tarnished 2008 season. Yes, there are some good things to be said about it, with two games remaining. Among them:
Now I'm sure there are more positives to all this. There has to be, right? I mean, when you are looking at only the second losing season since 1992, something good has to come of it all. If there is a God.
Now I'm sure there are more positives to all this. There has to be, right? I mean, when you are looking at only the second losing season since 1992, something good has to come of it all. If there is a God.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Packers lose...again. Pack 16 - Jags 20
My halftime comments came back to bite the Packers you-know-where. They had two chances in the first half with first and goal situations and only got 6 points. And all they could muster the second half was another field goal, while letting the Jags score 2 TDs in the fourth quarter (they missed a 2-point conversion).
The key points, arguably, in the second half were: a dropped pass by Ryan Grant that he likely could have walked into the endzone with to put the Pack up either 20 or 21 (depending upon whether they would have gone for 2 or not) to 14; the failure of the Packers offense to get about a half yard on 4th down, which then gave the Jags the ball at almost mid-field and help set up their second TD; and a wide open receiver for the Jags on a 41-yard pass play in the last minutes of the quarter that set up Jacksonville's final TD.
All the problems the Packers have exhibited on their slide this season were on display once again: no pass rush, no ability to stop the big play when needed, penalties, sacks, dropped passes, turnovers in key situations, an inability to close out a game late in the 4th quarter or generate a game-winning drive in the closing moments of a game.
Toss in some questionable play-calling and losing to a team that virtually everyone had said had already packed it in and, as I said in my preview, if the Packers lost it would be a dysfunctional low point for this team. We've officially hit it, Packer fans. A real low. Well, technically, the worst we can wind up is 5-11, which is still one game better than the 4-12 record we had a few years back, even with ol' #4 at the helm. But does it really matter? This is officially, in the jargon, a not very good team. Have now lost 4 in a row and 6 out of their last 7.
Breakdowns on both sides of the ball. The same kind of breakdowns which we have seen all season long. And while the players have to play, when you see the same problems over and over and over, that falls back on the coaches who are supposed to get these problems fixed. Hasn't happened.
Painful. Painful.
Oh, for those who are counting, the Packers are 0-6 this season in games decided by 4 points or less.
The key points, arguably, in the second half were: a dropped pass by Ryan Grant that he likely could have walked into the endzone with to put the Pack up either 20 or 21 (depending upon whether they would have gone for 2 or not) to 14; the failure of the Packers offense to get about a half yard on 4th down, which then gave the Jags the ball at almost mid-field and help set up their second TD; and a wide open receiver for the Jags on a 41-yard pass play in the last minutes of the quarter that set up Jacksonville's final TD.
All the problems the Packers have exhibited on their slide this season were on display once again: no pass rush, no ability to stop the big play when needed, penalties, sacks, dropped passes, turnovers in key situations, an inability to close out a game late in the 4th quarter or generate a game-winning drive in the closing moments of a game.
Toss in some questionable play-calling and losing to a team that virtually everyone had said had already packed it in and, as I said in my preview, if the Packers lost it would be a dysfunctional low point for this team. We've officially hit it, Packer fans. A real low. Well, technically, the worst we can wind up is 5-11, which is still one game better than the 4-12 record we had a few years back, even with ol' #4 at the helm. But does it really matter? This is officially, in the jargon, a not very good team. Have now lost 4 in a row and 6 out of their last 7.
Breakdowns on both sides of the ball. The same kind of breakdowns which we have seen all season long. And while the players have to play, when you see the same problems over and over and over, that falls back on the coaches who are supposed to get these problems fixed. Hasn't happened.
Painful. Painful.
Oh, for those who are counting, the Packers are 0-6 this season in games decided by 4 points or less.
Halftime: Packers 13 - Jaguars 7
The Jags took the opening kick off and marched downfield for a touchdown. 7-0, Jags. The Packers then put together their own answer in the form of a field goal, set up on a long 46-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to James Jones. The Pack eventually had first and goal from about the 9-yard line. Three plays later...nope, no TD...a field goal. Pack 3 - Jags 7.
The Pack got their only TD of the half on a short pass from Rodgers to Greg Jennings. 10-7 Packers. James Jones came up big again on another long sideline pass late in the second quarter, this one a 40-yarder. The Pack soon got another first and goal, this from the 10-yard line. Once again, they had to settle for a field goal. On third down from the 5, after a timeout by the Jags, rookie TE Jermichael Finley seemed to be totally confused as where to line up. The play call was seemingly a forward pitch to Donald Lee which got stuffed at the line. A very odd play call. And with all the confusion and the play clock winding down -- and 2 timeouts left in his pocket -- Coach McCarthy, or Rodgers, should have called a timeout to get things straight. Two trips inside the 10 with first and goal and only 6 points to show for it? Not acceptable. This is how you set yourself up to lose late in the game. The Pack could and should be up 21-7. Instead, the Jags can take the lead with one TD. They're still in the game, and the Packers are keeping them there.
The Packers defense is surprisingly holding up against the run for the most part -- at least in terms of not yet giving up the big play. They have had virtually no pressure on Jags QB David Garrard throughout the half, though. Still, no further points...which is also partially due to the Jags kicker bouncing off a 51-yard field goal attempt on the left upright.
Anyway, the Pack should win this game. But it will be closer -- is already closer -- than it should be.
The Pack got their only TD of the half on a short pass from Rodgers to Greg Jennings. 10-7 Packers. James Jones came up big again on another long sideline pass late in the second quarter, this one a 40-yarder. The Pack soon got another first and goal, this from the 10-yard line. Once again, they had to settle for a field goal. On third down from the 5, after a timeout by the Jags, rookie TE Jermichael Finley seemed to be totally confused as where to line up. The play call was seemingly a forward pitch to Donald Lee which got stuffed at the line. A very odd play call. And with all the confusion and the play clock winding down -- and 2 timeouts left in his pocket -- Coach McCarthy, or Rodgers, should have called a timeout to get things straight. Two trips inside the 10 with first and goal and only 6 points to show for it? Not acceptable. This is how you set yourself up to lose late in the game. The Pack could and should be up 21-7. Instead, the Jags can take the lead with one TD. They're still in the game, and the Packers are keeping them there.
The Packers defense is surprisingly holding up against the run for the most part -- at least in terms of not yet giving up the big play. They have had virtually no pressure on Jags QB David Garrard throughout the half, though. Still, no further points...which is also partially due to the Jags kicker bouncing off a 51-yard field goal attempt on the left upright.
Anyway, the Pack should win this game. But it will be closer -- is already closer -- than it should be.
Packers - Jaguars preview
It's game day in Florida. Jacksonville, to be precise. But when you have a 5-8 team going against a 4-9 team, about the only folks who really care are the fans of those two teams. That's reflected in the fact that of the 6 games being played first today, the game between the Pack and the Jags will be broadcast to only about 3 percent of national viewers. So, it's the bottom-feeders game, folks. That's where we're at.
The Packers have lost 3 straight and 5 of their last 6 since the bye week. Four of those losses have come -- as we all too painfully know -- by a combined total of 11 points, and typically all within the last minute or two of those games. But that fifth loss in the group, which was the blow out 51-29 loss at New Orleans in week 12 was probably the back-breaker for this young Packers team. They haven't been able to get their bearings since.
And that speaks to a leadership void. There's an interesting article on this very subject in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. You can check it out here.
But leadership aside, this is a game the Pack must have. I know. We've been saying that now for each of the last few weeks. And this isn't about the playoffs. While still statistically possible, the probability of the Packers winning out and both Da Bearz and ViQueens losing all their remaining games...doubtful. So, why must the Pack have this game? Pride. Yes, it does matter. There are reports out about Jacksonville that say they are a team that has given up. I hope so. It's the kind of help the Packers could use right now. If it helps build pride to win over a team that has given up, so be it. We'll take what we can get at this point.
It's also important, as the article mentioned above notes, to see where the Pack's leadership is now. But it will also be important in setting up the leadership for next season as well.
In Christmas party and other conversations with fellow fans, the thing that keeps popping up is that it's hard to figure out why the team is not closing out these games. Arguably, talent exists on this team with the exception of obvious voids, especially on the defensive line. So why can't they exert that force of will that can make even teams of mediocre talent -- oh, let's say, Da Bearz for example -- win. Some of that comes from the coaching staff. But ultimately, players need to hold themselves and each other accountable. Whether that has happened for with the Packers coming down the last weeks of the season...? Radio pundits on 620WTMJ radio -- the Packers flagship station -- pointed out this morning that even such normally available veterans as Aaron Kampman, Charles Woodson and Donald Driver did not make themselves available for interviews after the game last week. As to why they didn't wish to speak, who knows? Maybe they were saving it for the locker room with teammates only.
Anyway...back to the specifics of this game. Sorry for the detour...
The Packers are favored by 1-1/2 points. Of course, last week the Packers were favored at home by 6. So much for that.
The threat the Packers have to face this week comes in the form of a little big man, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who will now be the featured running back given that Fred Taylor was lost for the season last week with a thumb injury. He's exactly the kind of running back that has given the Pack fits all season: someone with power and enough elusiveness to break big plays. Sound familiar? The Jags are 4-0 when they run 35 or more times per game; they are 0-9 when they don't. As if the Packers weak link -- a rush defense ranked 27th in the league -- wasn't bad enough, here we go again against a team that basically has the run as it's potential strong suit on offense.
The Jags don't have much going for them. But Houston, as a road team, didn't either before gashing the Pack for more than 500 yards in offensive output and stealing a win.
Pride. Do the Packers still have it? We'll see. If they lose to Jacksonville they have reached a major dysfunctional low that might take a lot of off-season tweaking to fix.
But fill up that glass with more green'n'gold kool-aide. I'm taking the Pack 24-23. It shouldn't be that close. But it may very well be.
Go Pack Go!!!
The Packers have lost 3 straight and 5 of their last 6 since the bye week. Four of those losses have come -- as we all too painfully know -- by a combined total of 11 points, and typically all within the last minute or two of those games. But that fifth loss in the group, which was the blow out 51-29 loss at New Orleans in week 12 was probably the back-breaker for this young Packers team. They haven't been able to get their bearings since.
And that speaks to a leadership void. There's an interesting article on this very subject in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. You can check it out here.
But leadership aside, this is a game the Pack must have. I know. We've been saying that now for each of the last few weeks. And this isn't about the playoffs. While still statistically possible, the probability of the Packers winning out and both Da Bearz and ViQueens losing all their remaining games...doubtful. So, why must the Pack have this game? Pride. Yes, it does matter. There are reports out about Jacksonville that say they are a team that has given up. I hope so. It's the kind of help the Packers could use right now. If it helps build pride to win over a team that has given up, so be it. We'll take what we can get at this point.
It's also important, as the article mentioned above notes, to see where the Pack's leadership is now. But it will also be important in setting up the leadership for next season as well.
In Christmas party and other conversations with fellow fans, the thing that keeps popping up is that it's hard to figure out why the team is not closing out these games. Arguably, talent exists on this team with the exception of obvious voids, especially on the defensive line. So why can't they exert that force of will that can make even teams of mediocre talent -- oh, let's say, Da Bearz for example -- win. Some of that comes from the coaching staff. But ultimately, players need to hold themselves and each other accountable. Whether that has happened for with the Packers coming down the last weeks of the season...? Radio pundits on 620WTMJ radio -- the Packers flagship station -- pointed out this morning that even such normally available veterans as Aaron Kampman, Charles Woodson and Donald Driver did not make themselves available for interviews after the game last week. As to why they didn't wish to speak, who knows? Maybe they were saving it for the locker room with teammates only.
Anyway...back to the specifics of this game. Sorry for the detour...
The Packers are favored by 1-1/2 points. Of course, last week the Packers were favored at home by 6. So much for that.
The threat the Packers have to face this week comes in the form of a little big man, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who will now be the featured running back given that Fred Taylor was lost for the season last week with a thumb injury. He's exactly the kind of running back that has given the Pack fits all season: someone with power and enough elusiveness to break big plays. Sound familiar? The Jags are 4-0 when they run 35 or more times per game; they are 0-9 when they don't. As if the Packers weak link -- a rush defense ranked 27th in the league -- wasn't bad enough, here we go again against a team that basically has the run as it's potential strong suit on offense.
The Jags don't have much going for them. But Houston, as a road team, didn't either before gashing the Pack for more than 500 yards in offensive output and stealing a win.
Pride. Do the Packers still have it? We'll see. If they lose to Jacksonville they have reached a major dysfunctional low that might take a lot of off-season tweaking to fix.
But fill up that glass with more green'n'gold kool-aide. I'm taking the Pack 24-23. It shouldn't be that close. But it may very well be.
Go Pack Go!!!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Packers - Texans post-mortem
With the space of a day between the loss on Sunday and today, Packer fans have had time to reflect. Although judging by the sports pundit and fan call-in commentary, it didn't take long to assess the situation. And it has been essentially what we've been realizing since about mid-season, if not sooner: the Packers, while having some good individual talent, are not a good team. Why that is still seems to be a matter for dispute.
Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers, said on 620WTMJ radio (the Packers flagship radio station in Milwaukee) yesterday that basically the Packers season changed with the loss at New Orleans. After stifling Da Bearz the week prior and looking like world beaters, the defense got lit up. Larrivee noted that since then the defense has seemed to lack any confidence or swagger. And that is certainly born out by the results since that game, the most recent evidence being giving up more than 500 yards to the Texans, including more than 400 yards passing to Matt Schaub who hadn't played a game in a month.
The lack of pass rush has been well documented, as has the related inability to stop the run. And the recurring tendency to give up big plays has absolutely killed the Packers coming down the stretch.
Pundits and fans alike seem to agree that GM Ted Thompson is going to have to go against his own tendency to try to do everything with draft picks. He's going to have to open up the coffers -- and the Pack has plenty of money to spend in free agency if they want to do so -- and go after some major defensive line help, whoever might be available. Minnesota did it this past season by going after Jared Allen, and that has obviously added to an already good defensive front. The Packers need to similarly reemphasize the D-line as they did in building their Super Bowl teams of the 1990s.
Another area that has seemingly gone from what was a perceived strength at the beginning of the season to an area of obvious weakness is the linebacking corp. A.J. Hawk has not had a productive season. Nick Barnett, of course, is out and his absence is felt. Brady Poppinga, while he has a motor that won't stop, can't cover. Backup Brandon Chillar is the best cover backer but now plays a back up role. He was out of Sunday's game due to injury and that absence was felt; Desmond Bishop, who took his place, got burned in the Texans' game-winning drive by not being able to cover TE Owen Daniels.
Offensively, there are receiving weapons aplenty and QB Aaron Rodgers is having a better-than-expected first year. Some folks say that he hasn't had that 4th quarter game-winning drive yet. Not true. He had it against Minnesota, Carolina and Houston, if not others. The problem has been the defense has not been able to close the deal. (As someone remarked about this failure to get the big stop with the clock winding down, the Packers have been playing with a "break don't bend" approach.) The consensus emerging among many callers and pundits is that while Ryan Grant is a good running back, he is not a great one. Many callers want to see more of Brandon Jackson, although some felt that because of his build he's more of a change of pace back than someone who can play every down. But regardless of who is carrying the ball, there has to be guys up front to open the holes, as well as provide sufficient pass protection for Rodgers. The Packers sustained a huge loss in that area when veteran RT Mark Tauscher was lost for the season, sustaining a torn ACL is his left knee, the same knee he injured earlier in his career. Give that he's 31 years old and in the final year of his contract, seeing Tauscher carted off the field Sunday might be the parting memory we have of him. And that's sad. He's a Wisconsin native, a University of Wisconsin graduate, and a player who has arguably been the most consistent offensive lineman the Packers have had during the time he's been there. You can read more about Tauscher here.
Given what should be a sufficient offense to generate points -- which they have -- one of the big mysteries is still why the Packers are so inconsistent with their third down conversions. On Sunday they were a miserable 1 for 10 on third downs...that is a recipe for failure.
Whether it's calling plays, penalties or failure to execute, a team's preparation, energy and performance largely falls to the coaching staff. That's why a lot of fan and pundit commentary these days is also being directed at the coaches, of course, beginning with head coach Mike McCarthy. Some are saying his post-loss press conferences are starting to sound eerily similar to those of former coach Ray Rhodes. That would not be a good model to follow. McCarthy's playcalling has been called into question. But that's going to happen with any coach. Although some sets in some situations, for example, empty backfield on a certain down/distance, pretty well tells the defense what the play is going to be. The predictability of many of the calls in certain situations is a growing concern.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders and special teams coach Mike Stock are considered to be likely targets to be fired at the end of the season. Interestingly, there is also some speculation now that if Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy don't reverse this season's decline next year they may find themselves on the chopping block at the end of next season.
The Packers are going to have make some dramatic improvements next season, particularly on defense. How well Thompson handles personnel maneuvers in the offseason will not only dictate the Packers success next year but for years to come. Yes, it will be that critical.
Wayne Larrivee, the radio voice of the Packers, said on 620WTMJ radio (the Packers flagship radio station in Milwaukee) yesterday that basically the Packers season changed with the loss at New Orleans. After stifling Da Bearz the week prior and looking like world beaters, the defense got lit up. Larrivee noted that since then the defense has seemed to lack any confidence or swagger. And that is certainly born out by the results since that game, the most recent evidence being giving up more than 500 yards to the Texans, including more than 400 yards passing to Matt Schaub who hadn't played a game in a month.
The lack of pass rush has been well documented, as has the related inability to stop the run. And the recurring tendency to give up big plays has absolutely killed the Packers coming down the stretch.
Pundits and fans alike seem to agree that GM Ted Thompson is going to have to go against his own tendency to try to do everything with draft picks. He's going to have to open up the coffers -- and the Pack has plenty of money to spend in free agency if they want to do so -- and go after some major defensive line help, whoever might be available. Minnesota did it this past season by going after Jared Allen, and that has obviously added to an already good defensive front. The Packers need to similarly reemphasize the D-line as they did in building their Super Bowl teams of the 1990s.
Another area that has seemingly gone from what was a perceived strength at the beginning of the season to an area of obvious weakness is the linebacking corp. A.J. Hawk has not had a productive season. Nick Barnett, of course, is out and his absence is felt. Brady Poppinga, while he has a motor that won't stop, can't cover. Backup Brandon Chillar is the best cover backer but now plays a back up role. He was out of Sunday's game due to injury and that absence was felt; Desmond Bishop, who took his place, got burned in the Texans' game-winning drive by not being able to cover TE Owen Daniels.
Offensively, there are receiving weapons aplenty and QB Aaron Rodgers is having a better-than-expected first year. Some folks say that he hasn't had that 4th quarter game-winning drive yet. Not true. He had it against Minnesota, Carolina and Houston, if not others. The problem has been the defense has not been able to close the deal. (As someone remarked about this failure to get the big stop with the clock winding down, the Packers have been playing with a "break don't bend" approach.) The consensus emerging among many callers and pundits is that while Ryan Grant is a good running back, he is not a great one. Many callers want to see more of Brandon Jackson, although some felt that because of his build he's more of a change of pace back than someone who can play every down. But regardless of who is carrying the ball, there has to be guys up front to open the holes, as well as provide sufficient pass protection for Rodgers. The Packers sustained a huge loss in that area when veteran RT Mark Tauscher was lost for the season, sustaining a torn ACL is his left knee, the same knee he injured earlier in his career. Give that he's 31 years old and in the final year of his contract, seeing Tauscher carted off the field Sunday might be the parting memory we have of him. And that's sad. He's a Wisconsin native, a University of Wisconsin graduate, and a player who has arguably been the most consistent offensive lineman the Packers have had during the time he's been there. You can read more about Tauscher here.
Given what should be a sufficient offense to generate points -- which they have -- one of the big mysteries is still why the Packers are so inconsistent with their third down conversions. On Sunday they were a miserable 1 for 10 on third downs...that is a recipe for failure.
Whether it's calling plays, penalties or failure to execute, a team's preparation, energy and performance largely falls to the coaching staff. That's why a lot of fan and pundit commentary these days is also being directed at the coaches, of course, beginning with head coach Mike McCarthy. Some are saying his post-loss press conferences are starting to sound eerily similar to those of former coach Ray Rhodes. That would not be a good model to follow. McCarthy's playcalling has been called into question. But that's going to happen with any coach. Although some sets in some situations, for example, empty backfield on a certain down/distance, pretty well tells the defense what the play is going to be. The predictability of many of the calls in certain situations is a growing concern.
Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders and special teams coach Mike Stock are considered to be likely targets to be fired at the end of the season. Interestingly, there is also some speculation now that if Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy don't reverse this season's decline next year they may find themselves on the chopping block at the end of next season.
The Packers are going to have make some dramatic improvements next season, particularly on defense. How well Thompson handles personnel maneuvers in the offseason will not only dictate the Packers success next year but for years to come. Yes, it will be that critical.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Packers are toast - Final: Packers 21 - Texans 24
As the Packers radio broadcasters noted during their telecast of this game, so many times this season the game has come down to the Packers defense needing to make a stop late in the 4th quarter. And, just as has happened in each of those instances, the defense has failed to do so.
Getting the ball at their own 3 yard line with less than 2 minutes to go, the Texans proceeded to go 75 yards on 9 plays to take the ball down to the Packers' 22 yard line. With 4 seconds to go, the Texans' kicker puts it through the uprights from 40 yards out to win the game for Houston, 24-21.
Not much more to be said than this: season over. The Pack falls to 5-8.
After obliterating Da Bearz, the Pack has lost 3 in a row, including 2 at home.
In a game they had to have, they did what they have done all season. Which is not much. It was uninspired play for most of the game. When you get 4 turnovers from your opponent you're supposed to win the game. Yes, the Pack scored 21 points off those turnovers. But somehow -- against a warm weather team coming into your own house -- it wasn't enough.
The Packers' have had 2 Achilles heals all season long: not being able to stop the big play, and not being able to get the big stop when needed.
Better start looking at possible draft picks from now on, fans. The best the Pack can do is 8-8. And it is seriously in question at this point whether that is even possible.
Sad. Very sad. I hate to say I said so...but this game had "Uh-oh" written all over it from the start. And that's what happened.
Getting the ball at their own 3 yard line with less than 2 minutes to go, the Texans proceeded to go 75 yards on 9 plays to take the ball down to the Packers' 22 yard line. With 4 seconds to go, the Texans' kicker puts it through the uprights from 40 yards out to win the game for Houston, 24-21.
Not much more to be said than this: season over. The Pack falls to 5-8.
After obliterating Da Bearz, the Pack has lost 3 in a row, including 2 at home.
In a game they had to have, they did what they have done all season. Which is not much. It was uninspired play for most of the game. When you get 4 turnovers from your opponent you're supposed to win the game. Yes, the Pack scored 21 points off those turnovers. But somehow -- against a warm weather team coming into your own house -- it wasn't enough.
The Packers' have had 2 Achilles heals all season long: not being able to stop the big play, and not being able to get the big stop when needed.
Better start looking at possible draft picks from now on, fans. The best the Pack can do is 8-8. And it is seriously in question at this point whether that is even possible.
Sad. Very sad. I hate to say I said so...but this game had "Uh-oh" written all over it from the start. And that's what happened.
End of 3rd quarter: Packers 7 - Texans 13
The Packers took the 2nd half kickoff and went three and out on three incomplete passes. Great way to start.
Another one of those "Uh-oh" moments came when the Pack had stopped the Texans, only to have Wisconsin native, UW-Whitewater alumnus and Texans' punter Matt Turk run for 19 yards on 4th down to keep the drive going. The Texans had their drive going. Yet another one of those moments there have been too many of today when the receiver fumbled the ball to have it recovered by the Pack...except the play had been called dead because his forward progress was stopped and it was thus non-reviewable. Great.
We got that one back though. On the very next play, Texans' RB Slaton was stripped of the ball and it was recovered by DT Johnny Jolly.
It didn't take long for the Packers to move the ball. On the last play of the quarter, Aaron Rodgers connected with Greg Jennings on a rainbow 64-yard pass play down to the Texans' 6-yard line. Jennings caught the ball between 2 defenders. This was the longest play - pass or run -- by the Pack all season.
Another one of those "Uh-oh" moments came when the Pack had stopped the Texans, only to have Wisconsin native, UW-Whitewater alumnus and Texans' punter Matt Turk run for 19 yards on 4th down to keep the drive going. The Texans had their drive going. Yet another one of those moments there have been too many of today when the receiver fumbled the ball to have it recovered by the Pack...except the play had been called dead because his forward progress was stopped and it was thus non-reviewable. Great.
We got that one back though. On the very next play, Texans' RB Slaton was stripped of the ball and it was recovered by DT Johnny Jolly.
It didn't take long for the Packers to move the ball. On the last play of the quarter, Aaron Rodgers connected with Greg Jennings on a rainbow 64-yard pass play down to the Texans' 6-yard line. Jennings caught the ball between 2 defenders. This was the longest play - pass or run -- by the Pack all season.
Halftime: Packers 7 - Texans 10
The Pack avoided going down 14-0 near the start of the 2nd quarter when a wide open TE Owen Daniels was stripped of the ball by Desmond Bishop as he was about to go into the endzone. The ball was recovered by Tramon Williams at the 3. The Pack did get a drive going but it was ended by a sack on third down. Also on that series, RT Mark Tauscher was injured and needed help to get to the sidelines. He was taken to the locker room for X-rays. Tony Moll replaced him in the line.
Following a punt to the Texans 8 yard line, and an eventual sack on Schaub, the Texans appeared to get something going when they converted on a 3rd-and-13 on a screen pass to Slaton. Soon afterward, however, Williams got an interception and set the Packers up for their first touchdown, which came on a 20-yard pass from Rodgers to Donald Lee. Packers 7 - Texans 7.
On the following series, though, Williams got beat on another long pass, 46 yards, again to Matt Walter, who was the same receiver that earlier caught the Texans' 58-yard TD pass.
After the 2-minute warning, the Packers held the Texans at the 11 on 3rd and 7, setting up their field goal to put Houston up 10-7.
Will Blackmon then had his 99-yard kickoff return called back on a holding call on Jason Hunter. This is the kind of day it is. And this is why it has "Uh-oh" written all over it.
The Packers had a final drive going, down to the Texans' 48, when Rodgers rolled out to the left on third down and was intercepted with 33 seconds left. (Sigh.)
The Texans then managed to move the ball the last half minute and got a 21-yard pick up on a third down slant across the middle when the receiver beat Desmond Bishop. It set up a 41-yard filed goal attempt with 1 second left on the clock. A glimmer of hope, though, as the kicker pushed it wide right.
The Packers were 0 for 5 on 3rd down conversions in the half, by the way.
It was uninspired play on both sides of the football by the Packers. For a team that must have this game, they sure aren't playing like it.
Following a punt to the Texans 8 yard line, and an eventual sack on Schaub, the Texans appeared to get something going when they converted on a 3rd-and-13 on a screen pass to Slaton. Soon afterward, however, Williams got an interception and set the Packers up for their first touchdown, which came on a 20-yard pass from Rodgers to Donald Lee. Packers 7 - Texans 7.
On the following series, though, Williams got beat on another long pass, 46 yards, again to Matt Walter, who was the same receiver that earlier caught the Texans' 58-yard TD pass.
After the 2-minute warning, the Packers held the Texans at the 11 on 3rd and 7, setting up their field goal to put Houston up 10-7.
Will Blackmon then had his 99-yard kickoff return called back on a holding call on Jason Hunter. This is the kind of day it is. And this is why it has "Uh-oh" written all over it.
The Packers had a final drive going, down to the Texans' 48, when Rodgers rolled out to the left on third down and was intercepted with 33 seconds left. (Sigh.)
The Texans then managed to move the ball the last half minute and got a 21-yard pick up on a third down slant across the middle when the receiver beat Desmond Bishop. It set up a 41-yard filed goal attempt with 1 second left on the clock. A glimmer of hope, though, as the kicker pushed it wide right.
The Packers were 0 for 5 on 3rd down conversions in the half, by the way.
It was uninspired play on both sides of the football by the Packers. For a team that must have this game, they sure aren't playing like it.
End of 1st quarter: Packers 0 - Texans 7
If the first quarter is any indication, this game has one of those "Uh-oh" feelings to it. The Texans took the opening kickoff and in three plays went 75 yards for a touchdown, the majority of that coming on a 58 yard pass that was underthrown. The receiver made a better adjustment to it than did Tramon Williams, who was then taken out by Nick Collins who overran the play. Made it look easy. That took all of about a minute-and-a-half.
The Pack also had big plays negated -- as has been the case so often this season -- by penalties. One was a ticky-tack offensive pass interference call on Donald Driver that wiped out his spectacular 42-yard catch. Another big first down was wiped out on a holding call on Chad Clifton against Mario Williams.
Our new punter's first punt was not so great, 25 yards. Steve Kapinos' next two were much better, 48 yards and 49 yards, the latter of which unfortunately just made into the endzone for a touchback.
Defensively, the Packers have had two chances to pick off Texans' QB Matt Schaub and weren't able to come up with the ball. But the Texans are converting third downs, the Packers are not.
At the end of the quarter, Houston rookie RB Steve Slaton knocked of a 34-yard run down to the Packers' 30. He is as advertised: explosive. And, as noted in my preview to the game, exactly the kind of back the Packers have been unable to defend most of the season.
If the Packers don't tighten things up, they can lose this game. It has that feel to it already. Not good.
The Pack also had big plays negated -- as has been the case so often this season -- by penalties. One was a ticky-tack offensive pass interference call on Donald Driver that wiped out his spectacular 42-yard catch. Another big first down was wiped out on a holding call on Chad Clifton against Mario Williams.
Our new punter's first punt was not so great, 25 yards. Steve Kapinos' next two were much better, 48 yards and 49 yards, the latter of which unfortunately just made into the endzone for a touchback.
Defensively, the Packers have had two chances to pick off Texans' QB Matt Schaub and weren't able to come up with the ball. But the Texans are converting third downs, the Packers are not.
At the end of the quarter, Houston rookie RB Steve Slaton knocked of a 34-yard run down to the Packers' 30. He is as advertised: explosive. And, as noted in my preview to the game, exactly the kind of back the Packers have been unable to defend most of the season.
If the Packers don't tighten things up, they can lose this game. It has that feel to it already. Not good.
Packers - Titans preview
There's only about 30 minutes or so to kickoff at what will be a chilly Lambeau Field. The Packers and Titans are expected to be playing in game time temps of somewhere in the low teens. Nippy, as they say. Which should be to the Packers' advantage over a team coming in from Houston.
The Packers also have more to play for. Even with the mediocre 5-7 record they are currently sporting, the Pack still has a chance at the playoffs. But they have to win their remaining 4 games. And that means they have to win today.
Houston comes in with Matt Schaub returning to the starting QB spot. He's been out 4 games after arthroscopic knee surgery. One would expect him to be rusty. And shaking off rust in bitterly cold temperatures is perhaps not the best place to return to the game. Those hits are going to feel all that much more nasty in the cold and on a semi-frozen field. Schaub won't be very mobile. So the Pack will try to bring not only Aaron Kampman on the pass rush but are also going to be playing Brady Poppinga on some downs at defensive end. Poppinga played some at DE in college and actually played a few downs at that spot in last week's game versus Carolina, as the Packers try to do something -- anything -- to get a pass rush from someone besides just Kampman. The Pack will, however, have to keep Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton in check. He was supposed to be a fill-in for Ahman Green. But when Green went down for the season, Slaton became the featured back. He's exactly the kind of back that has given the Packers fits this season: fast and explosive, especially to the outside. The other big threat for the Texans comes in the form of receiver Andre Johnson. Former Wisconsin Badgers tight end Owen Daniels is also a favorite of Schaub's. With Packers LB Brandon Chillar -- arguably their best cover LB -- out today, Desmond Bishop gets the start in his place. No mistaking it: the Texans do have some weapons if the Pack doesn't do what they are capable of doing on defense.
Speaking of defense, the Texans also have "Super" Mario Williams on their defensive line. He will be moved to both sides of the line, so both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will have to be on the top of their games.
What the Packers will need to do, especially in these weather conditions, is run the ball. Ryan Grant came out of the game last week with a thumb injury which caused concern about his ability to hang on to the ball. The thumb is still hurting, and it won't feel any better today. So it will be interesting to see how much work Grant gets versus Brandon Jackson, who filled in quite well for him last week.
We haven't really seen how well Aaron Rodgers plays in cold weather. But we will today. This will be his first really cold cold weather game. Hopefully, he won't have to throw 30-40 times today for the Pack to stay in the game. But if he does, we'll know a lot about him either way.
We also get a chance to check out our new punter, Jeremy Kapinos. Keep your fingers crossed. Also, the Pack moved up three players from the practice squad this week. A signal was perhaps being sent to some of the guys on the kick coverage units that they can be replaced if they don't get their act together immediately. Another game like the last 2 for the kick coverage units and this game could be much closer than it should otherwise be.
Houston is a lousy road team. But the Pack has been so-so at home this season. Still, this is a game the Packers should win. More importantly, it is a game they must win to stay alive. The green'n'gold kool-aide is coming out again, Packer fans. The Packers are favored by 6. I'm taking the Pack 27 - 17 over the Texans.
Go Pack Go!!!
The Packers also have more to play for. Even with the mediocre 5-7 record they are currently sporting, the Pack still has a chance at the playoffs. But they have to win their remaining 4 games. And that means they have to win today.
Houston comes in with Matt Schaub returning to the starting QB spot. He's been out 4 games after arthroscopic knee surgery. One would expect him to be rusty. And shaking off rust in bitterly cold temperatures is perhaps not the best place to return to the game. Those hits are going to feel all that much more nasty in the cold and on a semi-frozen field. Schaub won't be very mobile. So the Pack will try to bring not only Aaron Kampman on the pass rush but are also going to be playing Brady Poppinga on some downs at defensive end. Poppinga played some at DE in college and actually played a few downs at that spot in last week's game versus Carolina, as the Packers try to do something -- anything -- to get a pass rush from someone besides just Kampman. The Pack will, however, have to keep Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton in check. He was supposed to be a fill-in for Ahman Green. But when Green went down for the season, Slaton became the featured back. He's exactly the kind of back that has given the Packers fits this season: fast and explosive, especially to the outside. The other big threat for the Texans comes in the form of receiver Andre Johnson. Former Wisconsin Badgers tight end Owen Daniels is also a favorite of Schaub's. With Packers LB Brandon Chillar -- arguably their best cover LB -- out today, Desmond Bishop gets the start in his place. No mistaking it: the Texans do have some weapons if the Pack doesn't do what they are capable of doing on defense.
Speaking of defense, the Texans also have "Super" Mario Williams on their defensive line. He will be moved to both sides of the line, so both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will have to be on the top of their games.
What the Packers will need to do, especially in these weather conditions, is run the ball. Ryan Grant came out of the game last week with a thumb injury which caused concern about his ability to hang on to the ball. The thumb is still hurting, and it won't feel any better today. So it will be interesting to see how much work Grant gets versus Brandon Jackson, who filled in quite well for him last week.
We haven't really seen how well Aaron Rodgers plays in cold weather. But we will today. This will be his first really cold cold weather game. Hopefully, he won't have to throw 30-40 times today for the Pack to stay in the game. But if he does, we'll know a lot about him either way.
We also get a chance to check out our new punter, Jeremy Kapinos. Keep your fingers crossed. Also, the Pack moved up three players from the practice squad this week. A signal was perhaps being sent to some of the guys on the kick coverage units that they can be replaced if they don't get their act together immediately. Another game like the last 2 for the kick coverage units and this game could be much closer than it should otherwise be.
Houston is a lousy road team. But the Pack has been so-so at home this season. Still, this is a game the Packers should win. More importantly, it is a game they must win to stay alive. The green'n'gold kool-aide is coming out again, Packer fans. The Packers are favored by 6. I'm taking the Pack 27 - 17 over the Texans.
Go Pack Go!!!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Pack's new punter a hit...so far
According to reports, the first day of new punter Jeremy Kapinos with the Packers went well. The Green Bay Press-Gazette says, "New punter Jeremy Kapinos drew some cheers and applause when his first practice punt as a Packer spiraled near the ceiling of The Don Hutson Center." The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel provides more details: "When Kapinos launched his first punt inside the Don Hutson Center 50 yards downfield with lots of hang time, he drew a number of loud 'Woooo's from the players. When he did it again on his second punt, this time dropping it along the sideline, the cheers from the gallery got even louder."
But was every punt today a winner? Not quite. The Journal-Sentinel continues, "Most of the rest of his punts were between 45 and 50 yards, but he only got the same hangtime on one other punt. In all, he punted eight times and of those eight two would be classified as low liners." Apparently, that was still good enough for his teammates. According to the Press-Gazette, "it was clear by the reaction of his new teammates that Kapinos' arrival has been well-received." Guess the fans weren't the only ones who were glad to see former punter Derrick Frost hit the road.
But as both of these reports note, Frost also was apparently a good practice punter; he just couldn't carry it over to games. So until we see Kapinos in a game, we won't know for sure what we have. Still, the Packers liked him enough to sign him to a two-year contract.
Oh, Kapinos is a left-footed punter, too. Which puts a different spin on the ball than most punt returners are used to...which could perhaps lead to a muff. At this stage of things, we'll take whatever advantage we can get, right?
Kapinos will not hold for kicker Mason Crosby's place kicks. That duty will fall to backup QB Matt Flynn.
The Packers official website has a nice write-up on Kapinos. You can find it here. The Press-Gazette and Journal-Sentinel reports can be found here and here respectively.
Let's hope the Pack uncovered a gem in the punting game ala Craig Hentrich. That would make up for the last left-footed punter we had (does the name B.J. Sander ring a bell?) as well as the roughly 9 or so others the Packers have tried since they let Hentrich walk away.
But was every punt today a winner? Not quite. The Journal-Sentinel continues, "Most of the rest of his punts were between 45 and 50 yards, but he only got the same hangtime on one other punt. In all, he punted eight times and of those eight two would be classified as low liners." Apparently, that was still good enough for his teammates. According to the Press-Gazette, "it was clear by the reaction of his new teammates that Kapinos' arrival has been well-received." Guess the fans weren't the only ones who were glad to see former punter Derrick Frost hit the road.
But as both of these reports note, Frost also was apparently a good practice punter; he just couldn't carry it over to games. So until we see Kapinos in a game, we won't know for sure what we have. Still, the Packers liked him enough to sign him to a two-year contract.
Oh, Kapinos is a left-footed punter, too. Which puts a different spin on the ball than most punt returners are used to...which could perhaps lead to a muff. At this stage of things, we'll take whatever advantage we can get, right?
Kapinos will not hold for kicker Mason Crosby's place kicks. That duty will fall to backup QB Matt Flynn.
The Packers official website has a nice write-up on Kapinos. You can find it here. The Press-Gazette and Journal-Sentinel reports can be found here and here respectively.
Let's hope the Pack uncovered a gem in the punting game ala Craig Hentrich. That would make up for the last left-footed punter we had (does the name B.J. Sander ring a bell?) as well as the roughly 9 or so others the Packers have tried since they let Hentrich walk away.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Packers pick new punter
The Packers have picked their third punter since the preseason, going with Jeremy Kapinos who beat out three other punters during tryouts yesterday and today. Kapinos was a Ray Guy Award finalist at Penn St. in 2007 and spent a little time with the Jets. He'll be at practice as part of the team tomorrow. No word on whether he will be the new holder for Mason Crosby or not.
Given the state of the punting game this season, Coach Mike McCarthy's expectations seem pretty reasonable. McCarthy said, "I want him to punt the ball in the right direction." Yeah, that would be good.
Given the state of the punting game this season, Coach Mike McCarthy's expectations seem pretty reasonable. McCarthy said, "I want him to punt the ball in the right direction." Yeah, that would be good.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Poll: how many games will the Pack win down the stretch?
At the three-quarters mark of the 2008 season, and with the Packers sitting in third place (shudder!) in the NFC North with a 5-7 record, it might be of interest to see how many folks out there -- or at least those who care to voice an opinion -- think the Pack will win out...or not.
So, for any readers who care to participate, check out the poll in the righthand column underneath the link for our PackerFansUnited.com store (which, in the interest of a shameful plug, you will really want to visit to get some great gifts for family and friends for Christmas!). We'll keep the poll open until game time on Sunday.
Do you think the Pack will run the table and come up with a 9-7 final record? Or will it be something else? How many more games will the Packers win? Coming up are games against the Texans (at Lambeau), the Jaguars (away), Da Bearz (away), and the Lions (at Lambeau).
What say you? Vote today!
Breaking News: 2 ViQueens Suspended!
Well now here's a piece of breaking news that just might affect Minnesota's ability to hang on to it's #1 spot in the NFC North. Defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams (not related, as you know) were part of the six players suspended by the NFL today for four games -- that's the rest of the season, folks -- without pay for violating the league’s anti-doping policy. They were suspended for using a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids. It's likely that there might be legal maneuvering of some kind to try to delay the suspensions.
But if the Williams' are done for the season, it would hit the ViQueens' defense hard and perhaps put their division lead in jeopardy as they head down the home stretch of this season. The 'Queens schedule winds up with the next two games on the road at Detroit and Arizona followed by their last two games at home against Atlanta and the NY Giants. According to an article in The Sporting News carried by Yahoo Sports, "The schedule was tough enough with the Williamses in the lineup. A 3-1 December likely would be good enough to win the weak NFC North, but the Vikings, based on the matchups, are now more likely to go 1-3."
As Seinfeld might say, "That's a shame."
As that same article also states, "What does that mean? It’s now a good bet the Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field in Week 16 will decide the division. Green Bay is the biggest beneficiary of the Vikings’ suspensions, because of all the teams in the NFC North, it has the best chance of running the table."
It ain't over yet, Packer fans. Not yet.
So, for any readers who care to participate, check out the poll in the righthand column underneath the link for our PackerFansUnited.com store (which, in the interest of a shameful plug, you will really want to visit to get some great gifts for family and friends for Christmas!). We'll keep the poll open until game time on Sunday.
Do you think the Pack will run the table and come up with a 9-7 final record? Or will it be something else? How many more games will the Packers win? Coming up are games against the Texans (at Lambeau), the Jaguars (away), Da Bearz (away), and the Lions (at Lambeau).
What say you? Vote today!
Breaking News: 2 ViQueens Suspended!
Well now here's a piece of breaking news that just might affect Minnesota's ability to hang on to it's #1 spot in the NFC North. Defensive linemen Kevin and Pat Williams (not related, as you know) were part of the six players suspended by the NFL today for four games -- that's the rest of the season, folks -- without pay for violating the league’s anti-doping policy. They were suspended for using a diuretic, which can serve as a masking agent for steroids. It's likely that there might be legal maneuvering of some kind to try to delay the suspensions.
But if the Williams' are done for the season, it would hit the ViQueens' defense hard and perhaps put their division lead in jeopardy as they head down the home stretch of this season. The 'Queens schedule winds up with the next two games on the road at Detroit and Arizona followed by their last two games at home against Atlanta and the NY Giants. According to an article in The Sporting News carried by Yahoo Sports, "The schedule was tough enough with the Williamses in the lineup. A 3-1 December likely would be good enough to win the weak NFC North, but the Vikings, based on the matchups, are now more likely to go 1-3."
As Seinfeld might say, "That's a shame."
As that same article also states, "What does that mean? It’s now a good bet the Bears-Packers game at Soldier Field in Week 16 will decide the division. Green Bay is the biggest beneficiary of the Vikings’ suspensions, because of all the teams in the NFC North, it has the best chance of running the table."
It ain't over yet, Packer fans. Not yet.
At least we're #1 in something right now
While the Packers may be sitting in 3rd place in the mediocre NFC North at the moment, we are first in something: brand strength in our home market. And not just in football. In all sports!
Huh?
According to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, a sports marketing company, has released its team brand index, and the Packers are No. 1 in all of sports. Last year, the index ranked the Packers 10th." Len Perna, president and chief executive of the New Jersey-based company behind this index, explains it this way: "What this is saying is the following the Packers have is more intensely loyal to supporting the Packers than any other team. What this basically says is that all other things being equal, a sponsor gets more value in sponsoring the Packers than any other team."
Like we Packer fans didn't already know that, right?
Granted, the survey behind this index was completed last June. The Pack was coming off a 13-3 season. Perna says in the article that a lot of this loyalty had to do, not surprisingly, with Brett Favre. Big mistake from the brand standpoint of letting him go, Perna points out. Yep, we knew that too, thank you.
Anyway, you can read the article here for more info.
Guess we could probably project a drop in the Pack's index spot next year. But for now, say it with me, "We're number one!!!"
At least we have that goin' for us.
Huh?
According to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, a sports marketing company, has released its team brand index, and the Packers are No. 1 in all of sports. Last year, the index ranked the Packers 10th." Len Perna, president and chief executive of the New Jersey-based company behind this index, explains it this way: "What this is saying is the following the Packers have is more intensely loyal to supporting the Packers than any other team. What this basically says is that all other things being equal, a sponsor gets more value in sponsoring the Packers than any other team."
Like we Packer fans didn't already know that, right?
Granted, the survey behind this index was completed last June. The Pack was coming off a 13-3 season. Perna says in the article that a lot of this loyalty had to do, not surprisingly, with Brett Favre. Big mistake from the brand standpoint of letting him go, Perna points out. Yep, we knew that too, thank you.
Anyway, you can read the article here for more info.
Guess we could probably project a drop in the Pack's index spot next year. But for now, say it with me, "We're number one!!!"
At least we have that goin' for us.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Packers boot punter Frost
After 12 games of mediocre punting -- and that's being generous -- punter Derrick Frost has been released by the Packers, according to an official news release from the team. Curiously, the release doesn't indicate who, if anyone, has now been signed as the punter for the rest of the season. It spends more time talking about the Pack finally placing LB Nick Barnett and DE Kenny Pettway on injured reserve and the signings of DT Alfred Malone and CB Joe Porter from the practice squad to take their roster spots.
Frost was booed handily after 3 of his 4 punts yesterday at Lambeau.
Frost ranked 23rd in the league in overall punting. Jon Ryan, who was released the week before the start of the regular season -- at the behest of special teams coach, Mike Stock (and who should also get the boot at the end of the season, by the way) -- to make room for Frost, is currently ranked 5th overall in the league. Nice call, coach Stock.
There are not currently that many good free agent punters available to be picked up, so it will be interesting to see exactly who GM Ted Thompson has in the wings to replace Frost before Sunday's game against the Texans. Hopefully, he won't be taking any more of coach Stock's suggestions. According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Packers are going to work out three punters tomorrow: Paul Ernster, Durant Brooks and Jeremy Kapinos. Check out the article for more details.
The Frost departure also means that K Mason Crosby is going to have to get used to yet another holder for his place kicks. This will be his third holder since the last week of preseason.
You can read the full Packers news release here.
Frost was booed handily after 3 of his 4 punts yesterday at Lambeau.
Frost ranked 23rd in the league in overall punting. Jon Ryan, who was released the week before the start of the regular season -- at the behest of special teams coach, Mike Stock (and who should also get the boot at the end of the season, by the way) -- to make room for Frost, is currently ranked 5th overall in the league. Nice call, coach Stock.
There are not currently that many good free agent punters available to be picked up, so it will be interesting to see exactly who GM Ted Thompson has in the wings to replace Frost before Sunday's game against the Texans. Hopefully, he won't be taking any more of coach Stock's suggestions. According to a report in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Packers are going to work out three punters tomorrow: Paul Ernster, Durant Brooks and Jeremy Kapinos. Check out the article for more details.
The Frost departure also means that K Mason Crosby is going to have to get used to yet another holder for his place kicks. This will be his third holder since the last week of preseason.
You can read the full Packers news release here.
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