As speculated in a post here yesterday, the Green Bay Packers did indeed reach an injury settlement with offensive lineman Allen Barbre and today released him from the team. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Greg Bedard confirms this news.
Stay tuned for further developments on the roster front. Lots of action with the Pack and throughout the league to come in the next few hours. There are quality players getting the axe across the NFL, some of whom might very well be waiver pick ups for the Pack. Maybe.
Showing posts with label Allen Barbre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Allen Barbre. Show all posts
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Monday, December 07, 2009
Packers - Ravens Preview
Seems like forever since we last saw our beloved Green Bay Packers take to the gridiron, doesn't it? It's a layoff the Packers have welcomed. Since dispatching the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Pack has been getting healthy for the stretch run of the season and the drive to the playoffs. Still, it hasn't exactly gone according to plan, as my post of Friday indicated.
A few injuries, namely to linebacker Jeremy Thompson and offensive tackle T. J. Lang, popped up. The injury to Thompson may or may not be season-ending. He suffered a neck sprain on Friday and was taken from the practice field by ambulance. Thompson was released from the hospital Saturday. You can read more about his status here. As for Lang, he suffered a concussion in practice and is listed as questionable on the injury report for the game tonight. As the guy who has become an effective and key backup on the offensive line in his rookie year, not having Lang to back up a possibly still gimpy Chad Clifton at left tackle means that Allen Barbre may be the primary backup at that spot if Clifton is unable to play or finish the game. C'mon, Clify!
But...to the game at hand...
The spread on the game (depending on what line you look at) is 3-1/2 points in favor of the Packers. Some prognosticators figure this to be a defensive battle, and well it might be. It will certainly be a physical game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Packers, as we are now aware, are ranked as the number one defense in the league. But that means nothing week to week. It only matters if they are the number one defense tonight. The Packers will be at full strength on defense (understanding, of course, this means without Al Harris and Aaron Kampman). What they will have to do is pressure a somewhat shaky Ravens QB Joe Flacco who has not been throwing the ball well of late. Some say that's due to the pounding he took earlier in the season when the Ravens' offensive line was doing their imitation of the Packers' line. Flacco doesn't have many weapons to throw to. In fact, the Ravens' leading receiver is also their leading rusher, second-year running back Ray Rice. If the Packers are able to rattle Flacco, CB Charles Woodson could very well wind up with a pick or two again tonight for the Packers.
The diminutive Rice is one of the hottest players in the league right now. He gives opposing defenses fits because the Ravens are now able to use him in a number of different formations. At 5'8", he has a low center of gravity and is difficult to bring down. He packs a lot of wallop into his 205 pounds, and is deceptively fast. He will be the offensive weapon that the Packers should be keying on shutting down. They keep him in check and the Packers are on their way to a "W".
Of course, the Pack also needs to handle the Ravens defense. And that starts with veteran LB Ray Lewis. He may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but he generates the energy for the defensive unit and can still bring it. He's not as fast as he was before, so if you can get him on a running back in coverage there should be some opportunities. He also doesn't get off blocks as well as he used to. The other key defender to be aware of is safety Ed Reed; although he is listed as questionable on the injury report he is expected to play. He has 3 interceptions on the season. The rest of the defensive backfield is ripe for the picking.
But that depends upon on the weather tonight. Currently, the forecast is for temps in the 20s but no snow or other precipitation this evening. There will be a chance of snow showers during the day but supposedly nothing at game time. This is the time of year that the running game should be starting to come to the fore. But as a great article in Saturday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel points out, head coach Mike McCarthy has actually run less in December in two out of three of his previous seasons as coach than in the months before. Go figure. As the article notes, "The only time he ran more than he passed was 2007, when the Packers were 13-3 and winners of four of six games in December and beyond." OK...any lessons there? Hmmm... Anyway, Ryan Grant seems to have always rushed better later in the season. Somebody tossed out a stat that when he runs 22(?) or more times in a game the Packers are 10-1 (quick: someone double check that!). Ahman Green will be back tonight after missing a couple games. And Brandon Jackson is once again back in form as a reliable third down back and blocker. So the Packers can make the Ravens worry about the run, and that's a big help in letting Rodgers open things up in the passing game.
I think we should expect that the Pack will try to establish the run tonight to help keep pressure off QB Aaron Rodgers. But it will primarily be to loosen up the air game to exploit the Ravens' d-backs.
The wildcard in tonight's game will be the Packers special teams play. As we know all too well, the Packers' special teams is akin to Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. And that's the scary part. If special teams helps keep the Ravens in the game goofy things can happen. Add in the fact that K Mason Crosby hasn't exactly been Mr. Reliable this season and points that should go on the board don't.
So, what's the bottom line on this game? Factoring all of the above into the prognostication blender, and that both teams are still playing for wildcard spots, we are calling this game Packers 20 - Ravens 16.
Go Pack Go!!!
A few injuries, namely to linebacker Jeremy Thompson and offensive tackle T. J. Lang, popped up. The injury to Thompson may or may not be season-ending. He suffered a neck sprain on Friday and was taken from the practice field by ambulance. Thompson was released from the hospital Saturday. You can read more about his status here. As for Lang, he suffered a concussion in practice and is listed as questionable on the injury report for the game tonight. As the guy who has become an effective and key backup on the offensive line in his rookie year, not having Lang to back up a possibly still gimpy Chad Clifton at left tackle means that Allen Barbre may be the primary backup at that spot if Clifton is unable to play or finish the game. C'mon, Clify!
But...to the game at hand...
The spread on the game (depending on what line you look at) is 3-1/2 points in favor of the Packers. Some prognosticators figure this to be a defensive battle, and well it might be. It will certainly be a physical game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Packers, as we are now aware, are ranked as the number one defense in the league. But that means nothing week to week. It only matters if they are the number one defense tonight. The Packers will be at full strength on defense (understanding, of course, this means without Al Harris and Aaron Kampman). What they will have to do is pressure a somewhat shaky Ravens QB Joe Flacco who has not been throwing the ball well of late. Some say that's due to the pounding he took earlier in the season when the Ravens' offensive line was doing their imitation of the Packers' line. Flacco doesn't have many weapons to throw to. In fact, the Ravens' leading receiver is also their leading rusher, second-year running back Ray Rice. If the Packers are able to rattle Flacco, CB Charles Woodson could very well wind up with a pick or two again tonight for the Packers.
The diminutive Rice is one of the hottest players in the league right now. He gives opposing defenses fits because the Ravens are now able to use him in a number of different formations. At 5'8", he has a low center of gravity and is difficult to bring down. He packs a lot of wallop into his 205 pounds, and is deceptively fast. He will be the offensive weapon that the Packers should be keying on shutting down. They keep him in check and the Packers are on their way to a "W".
Of course, the Pack also needs to handle the Ravens defense. And that starts with veteran LB Ray Lewis. He may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but he generates the energy for the defensive unit and can still bring it. He's not as fast as he was before, so if you can get him on a running back in coverage there should be some opportunities. He also doesn't get off blocks as well as he used to. The other key defender to be aware of is safety Ed Reed; although he is listed as questionable on the injury report he is expected to play. He has 3 interceptions on the season. The rest of the defensive backfield is ripe for the picking.
But that depends upon on the weather tonight. Currently, the forecast is for temps in the 20s but no snow or other precipitation this evening. There will be a chance of snow showers during the day but supposedly nothing at game time. This is the time of year that the running game should be starting to come to the fore. But as a great article in Saturday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel points out, head coach Mike McCarthy has actually run less in December in two out of three of his previous seasons as coach than in the months before. Go figure. As the article notes, "The only time he ran more than he passed was 2007, when the Packers were 13-3 and winners of four of six games in December and beyond." OK...any lessons there? Hmmm... Anyway, Ryan Grant seems to have always rushed better later in the season. Somebody tossed out a stat that when he runs 22(?) or more times in a game the Packers are 10-1 (quick: someone double check that!). Ahman Green will be back tonight after missing a couple games. And Brandon Jackson is once again back in form as a reliable third down back and blocker. So the Packers can make the Ravens worry about the run, and that's a big help in letting Rodgers open things up in the passing game.
I think we should expect that the Pack will try to establish the run tonight to help keep pressure off QB Aaron Rodgers. But it will primarily be to loosen up the air game to exploit the Ravens' d-backs.
The wildcard in tonight's game will be the Packers special teams play. As we know all too well, the Packers' special teams is akin to Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. And that's the scary part. If special teams helps keep the Ravens in the game goofy things can happen. Add in the fact that K Mason Crosby hasn't exactly been Mr. Reliable this season and points that should go on the board don't.
So, what's the bottom line on this game? Factoring all of the above into the prognostication blender, and that both teams are still playing for wildcard spots, we are calling this game Packers 20 - Ravens 16.
Go Pack Go!!!
Friday, December 04, 2009
A more physical team usually means more injuries
Just when there is talk of how the Packers might be moving from being perceived as a finesse team to more of a physical team, they get hit with a reminder that that type of play cuts both ways.
We all knew LT Chad Clifton was going to be a game-time decision with his hamstring injury from the game with the Lions, and that the dependable rookie T. J. Lang was preparing once again to fill in at left tackle. But today Lang was added to the injury report and missed practice with a concussion. Given the unavailability of both Clifton and Lang, Allen Barbre took the reps at left tackle today. Given how Barbre struggled in his trial at right tackle we can only hope Clifton or Lang is available Monday night.
But the more serious injury occurred today in practice as backup linebacker Jeremy Thompson tackled RB Kregg Lumpkin. According to Lumpkin, Thompson's head apparently hit his left shoulder pad when he tried to make the tackle. "When it happened, he just said, 'Oh no,' and just fell on the ground. After that, I was just standing there like, 'What really just happened.' All I could do was sit there and hope that he get back up." Thompson didn't, although he did have movement in his arms and legs. Still, he was taken from the field by ambulance to the hospital where he is being kept overnight for what is reported as a neck sprain.
Here's the official statement by the Packers: "Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson suffered a neck sprain near the end of Friday’s practice. There was no loss of consciousness and no paralysis at any time. Packers medical staff took customary precaution in treating the injury, including transport of Thompson to St. Vincent Hospital for a full battery of tests. He will be kept overnight at Bellin Hospital for rest and further evaluation."
Let's hope the young man makes a full recovery.
We all knew LT Chad Clifton was going to be a game-time decision with his hamstring injury from the game with the Lions, and that the dependable rookie T. J. Lang was preparing once again to fill in at left tackle. But today Lang was added to the injury report and missed practice with a concussion. Given the unavailability of both Clifton and Lang, Allen Barbre took the reps at left tackle today. Given how Barbre struggled in his trial at right tackle we can only hope Clifton or Lang is available Monday night.
But the more serious injury occurred today in practice as backup linebacker Jeremy Thompson tackled RB Kregg Lumpkin. According to Lumpkin, Thompson's head apparently hit his left shoulder pad when he tried to make the tackle. "When it happened, he just said, 'Oh no,' and just fell on the ground. After that, I was just standing there like, 'What really just happened.' All I could do was sit there and hope that he get back up." Thompson didn't, although he did have movement in his arms and legs. Still, he was taken from the field by ambulance to the hospital where he is being kept overnight for what is reported as a neck sprain.
Here's the official statement by the Packers: "Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson suffered a neck sprain near the end of Friday’s practice. There was no loss of consciousness and no paralysis at any time. Packers medical staff took customary precaution in treating the injury, including transport of Thompson to St. Vincent Hospital for a full battery of tests. He will be kept overnight at Bellin Hospital for rest and further evaluation."
Let's hope the young man makes a full recovery.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Do the Packers players get it now?
With the youngest squad in the NFL for the fourth consecutive year, some analysts have wondered whether or not the youngsters understand the need to win now...that you can be playing today and out of the game tomorrow...that there is only today in the NFL. Old timers such as Charles Woodson, Donald Driver, Mark Tauscher, Ahman Green and Chad Clifton get it. The kids? Maybe not so much.
But perhaps that's about to change. Apparently after watching film of the Tampa Bay debacle on Monday, the offensive players had, as guard Daryn Colledge put it, "a come-to-Jesus meeting." According to at least one report, "With the coaches still in the room, the veteran leaders on offense, one by one, took turns addressing the rest of the unit...According to players who were in the room, Rodgers, tackle Mark Tauscher and receiver Donald Driver were the most powerful speakers."
While generally positive in tone, emphasizing what the squad is doing well -- they are ranked as the #7 offense, after all -- some blunt words were also spoken, so much so that word travelled quickly to the defensive unit and was received as a positive sign.
You can read more of the details via the link above.
Now, whether words alone can correct the plethora of mistakes that have plagued the Pack so far this season remains to be seen. But the Packers are apparently focused on this game versus the Cowboys in a way perhaps they haven't been yet this season for any other game...maybe not even the ViQueens games. In his news briefing with the media yesterday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said, "Our message is very clear. The head coach has to coach better, the coaches have to coach better, the players have to play better, and we have to win games. That's our focus. We're going to apply all of our energy into this Dallas game plan. ... That's about as far down the road as we're looking. We're going to pour everything that we have into winning at home against the Cowboys. That's our focus." If you were to see footage of this statement you'd know this is about as serious as you'd ever see Mike McCarthy. Clearly, he is feeling the heat and knows that if things don't turn around and fast he could be on his way out.
Unfortunately, the injury bug seems to be biting the Packers at an inopportune time. RT Mark Tauscher is still questionable for Sunday and Allen Barbre also now has an injury which required rookie T. J. Lang to shift over from the left side to the right for the first time in practice. On the defensive side of things, not only is Aaron Kampman still questionable with his concussion, but Brady Popinga, who had replaced Kampman, is also injured. That means either rookie Brad Jones or second-year player Jeremy Thompson might get the start at outside linebacker.
So, another offensive line shuffle against a very good defense, and perhaps some new starters in key positions on the defense. Going against a team on a 4-game win streak. Yikes.
The team hasn't done anything to this point in the season to give fans confidence they can beat a good team. And after the game Sunday, we don't even have confidence about beating a horrible team. Depending upon what spread source you are looking at the game is either a toss up (really???) or the Cowboys are favored by 3 as of the time of this posting.
We'll just have to wait to see if the players got religion this week and saved their season or if the descent into the Inferno of football mediocrity continues.
Stay tuned...
But perhaps that's about to change. Apparently after watching film of the Tampa Bay debacle on Monday, the offensive players had, as guard Daryn Colledge put it, "a come-to-Jesus meeting." According to at least one report, "With the coaches still in the room, the veteran leaders on offense, one by one, took turns addressing the rest of the unit...According to players who were in the room, Rodgers, tackle Mark Tauscher and receiver Donald Driver were the most powerful speakers."
While generally positive in tone, emphasizing what the squad is doing well -- they are ranked as the #7 offense, after all -- some blunt words were also spoken, so much so that word travelled quickly to the defensive unit and was received as a positive sign.
You can read more of the details via the link above.
Now, whether words alone can correct the plethora of mistakes that have plagued the Pack so far this season remains to be seen. But the Packers are apparently focused on this game versus the Cowboys in a way perhaps they haven't been yet this season for any other game...maybe not even the ViQueens games. In his news briefing with the media yesterday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said, "Our message is very clear. The head coach has to coach better, the coaches have to coach better, the players have to play better, and we have to win games. That's our focus. We're going to apply all of our energy into this Dallas game plan. ... That's about as far down the road as we're looking. We're going to pour everything that we have into winning at home against the Cowboys. That's our focus." If you were to see footage of this statement you'd know this is about as serious as you'd ever see Mike McCarthy. Clearly, he is feeling the heat and knows that if things don't turn around and fast he could be on his way out.
Unfortunately, the injury bug seems to be biting the Packers at an inopportune time. RT Mark Tauscher is still questionable for Sunday and Allen Barbre also now has an injury which required rookie T. J. Lang to shift over from the left side to the right for the first time in practice. On the defensive side of things, not only is Aaron Kampman still questionable with his concussion, but Brady Popinga, who had replaced Kampman, is also injured. That means either rookie Brad Jones or second-year player Jeremy Thompson might get the start at outside linebacker.
So, another offensive line shuffle against a very good defense, and perhaps some new starters in key positions on the defense. Going against a team on a 4-game win streak. Yikes.
The team hasn't done anything to this point in the season to give fans confidence they can beat a good team. And after the game Sunday, we don't even have confidence about beating a horrible team. Depending upon what spread source you are looking at the game is either a toss up (really???) or the Cowboys are favored by 3 as of the time of this posting.
We'll just have to wait to see if the players got religion this week and saved their season or if the descent into the Inferno of football mediocrity continues.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Clifton & Tauscher to start?
Does working as the main offensive tackles during practice mean those same players will start the upcoming game? Why not, especially if they are veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Clifton replaced rookie T. J. Lang and Tauscher replaced Allen Barbre for most of the snaps Wednesday with the #1 offense.
With the state of the O-line being similar to a sieve so far this season, let's hope that these veterans -- both coming off injuries, including one major knee rehab in the case of Tauscher -- are able to help keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright. Rodgers, BTW, did not practice yesterday as he is still gimping around with a sprained foot and a sprained toe on the other foot. With the pounding he's taken in the form of 31 sacks it's a wonder that's all that's injured.
Clearly, if Rodgers doesn't get better protection from here on out he won't last the season. Clifton and Tauscher can hopefully give him a fighting chance...as long as they stay healthy, that is. And, longer term, Ted Thompson must address the offensive line situation which has been a problem basically since Thompson's been in the GM seat. But that's a story for another day.
The score that never happened before
According to ProFootballTalk.com, as reported by 620WTMJ radio (got that reporting lineage?), the 38-26 final score of Sunday's game has never occurred before in the history of the NFL. In this case, not the kind of first a team really wants to be part of, is it?
With the state of the O-line being similar to a sieve so far this season, let's hope that these veterans -- both coming off injuries, including one major knee rehab in the case of Tauscher -- are able to help keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright. Rodgers, BTW, did not practice yesterday as he is still gimping around with a sprained foot and a sprained toe on the other foot. With the pounding he's taken in the form of 31 sacks it's a wonder that's all that's injured.
Clearly, if Rodgers doesn't get better protection from here on out he won't last the season. Clifton and Tauscher can hopefully give him a fighting chance...as long as they stay healthy, that is. And, longer term, Ted Thompson must address the offensive line situation which has been a problem basically since Thompson's been in the GM seat. But that's a story for another day.
The score that never happened before
According to ProFootballTalk.com, as reported by 620WTMJ radio (got that reporting lineage?), the 38-26 final score of Sunday's game has never occurred before in the history of the NFL. In this case, not the kind of first a team really wants to be part of, is it?
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pack vs. Cards preview
The Pack goes to the Arizona desert tonight where the temperature today is supposed to be 114 degrees. But it's a dry heat.
Luckily, the game will be played indoors, where the temp will be modified juuuuusssst a bit.
What Packer fans are interested in seeing, though, is the temperature of the team. The third preseason game is typically viewed as the real final warm up before the regular season starts. Sure, there is one final preseason game. But some starters won't see any action at all in that game, or perhaps only a few tune up snaps. Don't want to risk injury, of course. Generally, that last game is a chance for the team to make their final determinations on bubble players. You know, those rookies, free agents and even veterans that just might not fit the Packers' plans, or find a spot on a highly competitive roster.
But back to tonight. Fans want to know whether or not the starting defense is for real. They haven't allowed a point in two preseason games while they have been on the field as a unit. OK, they've played the Browns and Bills, but still...
But against the NFC representative to last year's Super Bowl, it will be a bit different. The Pack's defense won't be a surprise to the Cardinals, as both the head coach and their running game coordinator come from the Steelers, where the 3-4 scheme arguably originated. And let's not forget the Cards starting QB is a grizzled veteran by the name of Kurt Warner, who has seen a few things in his day. Including regularly facing the 3-4 in practice.
So, this will be a good test of whether the defense is really as together as it has seemed to be, or whether they are pretenders at this point. Should be interesting.
As to the offensive side of things, head coach Mike McCarthy named his starting five linemen earlier this week. From left to right: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, and Allen Barbre. McCarthy wants some continuity there, rather than the shuffling that has gone on the last few seasons. He also wants some size. While still focused on the zone running scheme, the staff has apparently recognized they also need some power blocking...particularly when the majority of the running backs are primarily "north-south" type runners; rookie free agent Tyrell Sutton being the real lone exception to the rule (and a good reason to keep him on the roster!).
Back up QB Brian Brohm will once again see plenty of action tonight as #2 back up Matt Flynn will be sitting this one out with the shoulder sprain suffered in last week's game. Brohm needs to have a productive game to perhaps retain his roster spot. Rumors have been circulating that the Packers have an interest in Tampa Bay's back up, Luke McCown. Whether the Packers would go with just 2 QBs on the final roster or whether they'd release Brohm and try to pick up McCown we'll have to wait to see.
Should be an interesting game tonight. Especially with first cuts coming up soon.
Go Pack Go!!!
Luckily, the game will be played indoors, where the temp will be modified juuuuusssst a bit.
What Packer fans are interested in seeing, though, is the temperature of the team. The third preseason game is typically viewed as the real final warm up before the regular season starts. Sure, there is one final preseason game. But some starters won't see any action at all in that game, or perhaps only a few tune up snaps. Don't want to risk injury, of course. Generally, that last game is a chance for the team to make their final determinations on bubble players. You know, those rookies, free agents and even veterans that just might not fit the Packers' plans, or find a spot on a highly competitive roster.
But back to tonight. Fans want to know whether or not the starting defense is for real. They haven't allowed a point in two preseason games while they have been on the field as a unit. OK, they've played the Browns and Bills, but still...
But against the NFC representative to last year's Super Bowl, it will be a bit different. The Pack's defense won't be a surprise to the Cardinals, as both the head coach and their running game coordinator come from the Steelers, where the 3-4 scheme arguably originated. And let's not forget the Cards starting QB is a grizzled veteran by the name of Kurt Warner, who has seen a few things in his day. Including regularly facing the 3-4 in practice.
So, this will be a good test of whether the defense is really as together as it has seemed to be, or whether they are pretenders at this point. Should be interesting.
As to the offensive side of things, head coach Mike McCarthy named his starting five linemen earlier this week. From left to right: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, and Allen Barbre. McCarthy wants some continuity there, rather than the shuffling that has gone on the last few seasons. He also wants some size. While still focused on the zone running scheme, the staff has apparently recognized they also need some power blocking...particularly when the majority of the running backs are primarily "north-south" type runners; rookie free agent Tyrell Sutton being the real lone exception to the rule (and a good reason to keep him on the roster!).
Back up QB Brian Brohm will once again see plenty of action tonight as #2 back up Matt Flynn will be sitting this one out with the shoulder sprain suffered in last week's game. Brohm needs to have a productive game to perhaps retain his roster spot. Rumors have been circulating that the Packers have an interest in Tampa Bay's back up, Luke McCown. Whether the Packers would go with just 2 QBs on the final roster or whether they'd release Brohm and try to pick up McCown we'll have to wait to see.
Should be an interesting game tonight. Especially with first cuts coming up soon.
Go Pack Go!!!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Packers smash the ViQueens 34-0
On the 'Queens first possession of the fourth quarter, they mounted their second drive of the game, down to inside the Packers 10. A pass to the end zone by Brooks Bollinger was tipped by the receiver and intercepted by Charles Woodson, who took it back out to the 4-yard line. Shutout preserved so far.
To give you a real good idea how bad things were for the 'Queens, on this Packers drive with just under 6 minutes to go, Brett threw a 30-something yard pass to Ruvell Martin in the end zone (after an earlier long completion to James Jones down the sidelines). The pass was underthrown and thrown late. Defensive back Cedric Griffin went up for the interception and had it his hands before fellow defender Darren "used to be" Sharper came flying across and slammed into him, causing the ball to pop up and right into the hands of Packers receiver Ruvell Martin. Score: Pack 34 - 'Queens 0. When it's going your way...
Brett passed for more than 300 yards for the sixth time this season, and got his 100th career home field win. Only John Elway has more wins at home, with 104.
One injury note -- although to what extent is unknown at this time -- is that right tackle Mark Tauscher got hurt near the end of the third quarter. He was seen walking to the locker room with a bit of a gimpy leg/ankle with about 3-1/2 minutes to go in the game. During the quarter, the Packers shifted Jason Spitz to Tauscher's position and rookie Allen Barbre moved into Spitz' right guard spot. Seemed like things didn't miss much of a beat. In the last Packers series of the game, back up QB Aaron Rodgers made an appearance. The Pack had to punt with about 2 minutes left.
The 'Queens then had a 49-yard gain on a simple screen pass to Chester Taylor, with a few players missing tackles, which took the ball down to the Packers 30-yard line. The Pack then followed that up with their second sack of the day, this one by Johnny Jolly. The Packers got another sack to take the 'Queens to 4th and 7. A short pass to former Packer Robert Ferguson was stopped short of a first down, allowing the Packers to take over and preserve the shut out. This is the first time the 'Queens have been shut out since they were beaten by New Orleans 26-0 in 1991. And, to cap it off, this is the worst defeat of the 'Queens by the Pack -- ever! Gotta like that.
BTW, Adrian Peterson never returned to the game after his injury near the end of the third quarter and was held to just 45 yards on 11 carries.
Important Packers stats: Brett was 33 of 46 for 351 yards, 3 TDs and no INTs; Ryan Grant rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries. Oh, and Coach Mike McCarthy is now 16-9 in his first 25 games as head coach of the Packers -- no other coach in Packers history has won as many as quickly. Of course, when you win 12 of your last 13 games going back to last season...
This was a tremendous effort by the defense, holding the ViQueens to under 100 yards total rushing for the day. And it was nearly perfect execution -- but not quite -- by the Packers offense. The Pack is humming along nicely. Next up is Carolina, followed four days later by a trip to Detroit for Thanksgiving. That's a quick turnaround. But the flip side of that is that the Packers will then have 10 days to get ready for their showdown with the Cowboys in Dallas.
It's great to be a Packers fan! 8-1 is mighty sweet.
To give you a real good idea how bad things were for the 'Queens, on this Packers drive with just under 6 minutes to go, Brett threw a 30-something yard pass to Ruvell Martin in the end zone (after an earlier long completion to James Jones down the sidelines). The pass was underthrown and thrown late. Defensive back Cedric Griffin went up for the interception and had it his hands before fellow defender Darren "used to be" Sharper came flying across and slammed into him, causing the ball to pop up and right into the hands of Packers receiver Ruvell Martin. Score: Pack 34 - 'Queens 0. When it's going your way...
Brett passed for more than 300 yards for the sixth time this season, and got his 100th career home field win. Only John Elway has more wins at home, with 104.
One injury note -- although to what extent is unknown at this time -- is that right tackle Mark Tauscher got hurt near the end of the third quarter. He was seen walking to the locker room with a bit of a gimpy leg/ankle with about 3-1/2 minutes to go in the game. During the quarter, the Packers shifted Jason Spitz to Tauscher's position and rookie Allen Barbre moved into Spitz' right guard spot. Seemed like things didn't miss much of a beat. In the last Packers series of the game, back up QB Aaron Rodgers made an appearance. The Pack had to punt with about 2 minutes left.
The 'Queens then had a 49-yard gain on a simple screen pass to Chester Taylor, with a few players missing tackles, which took the ball down to the Packers 30-yard line. The Pack then followed that up with their second sack of the day, this one by Johnny Jolly. The Packers got another sack to take the 'Queens to 4th and 7. A short pass to former Packer Robert Ferguson was stopped short of a first down, allowing the Packers to take over and preserve the shut out. This is the first time the 'Queens have been shut out since they were beaten by New Orleans 26-0 in 1991. And, to cap it off, this is the worst defeat of the 'Queens by the Pack -- ever! Gotta like that.
BTW, Adrian Peterson never returned to the game after his injury near the end of the third quarter and was held to just 45 yards on 11 carries.
Important Packers stats: Brett was 33 of 46 for 351 yards, 3 TDs and no INTs; Ryan Grant rushed for 119 yards on 25 carries. Oh, and Coach Mike McCarthy is now 16-9 in his first 25 games as head coach of the Packers -- no other coach in Packers history has won as many as quickly. Of course, when you win 12 of your last 13 games going back to last season...
This was a tremendous effort by the defense, holding the ViQueens to under 100 yards total rushing for the day. And it was nearly perfect execution -- but not quite -- by the Packers offense. The Pack is humming along nicely. Next up is Carolina, followed four days later by a trip to Detroit for Thanksgiving. That's a quick turnaround. But the flip side of that is that the Packers will then have 10 days to get ready for their showdown with the Cowboys in Dallas.
It's great to be a Packers fan! 8-1 is mighty sweet.
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