2018 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Seahawks Preview & Prediction

The Green Bay Packers were home this past Sunday and, following their winning ways there, beat Miami 31-12. Our prediction had it 31-20, spot on on the offensive tally for the Pack but the defense really played extremely well, holding the Dolphins to field goals only, four of them, to be precise. Impressive performance!

Tonight, on the short turnaround of a Thursday evening performance made even shorter by having to play on the West Coast after a late Sunday afternoon game, the Packers take on the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

The road. Where the Packers haven't one a game yet this season. Seattle. Where the Packers haven't won in nearly a decade. Head coach Mike McCarthy is just 1-3 there. The losses, we don't need to remind Packers fans, have been extremely gut-wrenching. The horror...the horror... Weird things happen in Seattle. They just do. And usually not in the Packers favor.

But Seattle's famed Legion of Boom defense is no more. QB Russell Wilson is still dangerous outside of the pocket but not quite like he used to be. While there is a new offensive coordinator, the Seahawks have a very good running game and if the Packers aren't ready for that Seattle could rack up some big numbers there.

Packers RB Aaron Jones gets off to a fast start last Sunday against
the Dolphins on a 67-yard run. He'll need similar heroics tonight in Seattle
to help keep the Packers in the game.
(Photo: Dan Powers, Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

Conversely, the Packers have a good running game themselves emerging behind second-year RB Aaron Jones. McCarthy finally gave him the ball more than a handful of times against Miami and it resulted in an outstanding performance by Jones. Because the 'hawks secondary isn't quite what it used to be, McCarthy's penchant for the passing game may take him out of a more balanced approach. But the Pack needs to run the ball, run it well, and run it often to help take the crowd and the opponent down a notch or two. If you let Seattle take control or stick around, the crowd noise will also turn into an opponent, as has usually been the case in Seattle. And we know how that has typically worked out. Not well.

Prediction

The Packers are 2-1/2-point underdogs at the time of this writing, with the home field advantage being the difference between the 4-5 Seahawks and the 4-4-1 Packers. The Packers will be missing some key personnel this evening, with WR Randall Cobb out yet again, OLB Nick Perry out, S Kentrell Brice and CB Kevin King also out and apparently not even making the trip to Seattle. OG Lucas Patrick is doubtful with a concussion, with LB Blake Martinez and CB Bashaud Breeland listed as questionable. The Pack could definitely benefit from the play of the latter two. Seattle will likely be missing one if its better linebackers, K.J. Wright (listed as doubtful), as well as some secondary defenders who are listed as questionable.

But it seems as if the Packers' passing game is getting healthier along with QB Aaron Rodgers' left knee. He's got some good young receivers who are starting to make a mark and with whom he's developing a connection. With Jones in the backfield, Rodgers doesn't have to do it alone. If the Packers have a balanced game plan tonight, despite the travel and short turnaround time since Sunday, the Pack can come away with a win. They need it. While playoff hopes wouldn't be gone with a loss tonight, the window of opportunity definitely narrows. The Packers need to get this game in the win column.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Carolina aka The Return of Aaron Rodgers

It's been two months since we've seen the two-time NFL MVP, Aaron Rodgers, behind center for the Green Bay Packers. The Pack went 3-4 during that period behind the able, and occasionally outstanding, work of QB Brett Hundley and teammates. The Packers are sitting at 7-6 with three games left and paper-thin playoff hopes still alive.

The Packers hope the return of QB Aaron Rodgers reignites WR Jordy Nelson
and the rest of the Packers offense in their game against Carolina.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

It was a somewhat similar situation in 2013 when Rodgers returned after a long absence, also from a broken collarbone (non-throwing shoulder), to face Da Bearz. In that return, Rodgers showed rust early, throwing interceptions on his first two series. Then he got his mojo back, leading the Pack to a win over Chicago. Today, Packer fans hope for a similar result against the Carolina Panthers, who are ahead of the Packers in the playoff hunt. A win today -- and the next two weeks -- are essential for the Packers to have a shot, albeit a long one, at grabbing a wild card spot.

But first things first: what do things look like against the Panthers? Well, the oddsmakers have installed Carolina as a 3-point favorite at the time of this writing, i.e., home field advantage. Sure. Plus the freak of nature that is Cam Newton. And a really good defense. The Panthers should get the favorite designation today. The Packers will also be light in the defensive backfield once again, opening up potential downfield catches for Carolina receivers. And let's not forget Carolina's running game...which includes more than just Jonathon Stewart. You have to count Newton as a running back, as well, as he can take off and pick up huge yards if not kept in check. No quarterback in the league has more rushing yards this season than Newton.

So, Carolina presents huge challenges for the Packers defense. But, honestly, what team hasn't for this Packers team this season? Specifically, though, how do you keep Newton in check? It can be done. He can be an inconsistent quarterback who either gets frustrated or takes all he can get. You just hope the Pack is able to do enough today on defense to not let him take over the game. Will the Packers devote someone to shadow Newton? Some reports indicate that if the Packers take that approach, it might be that LB Blake Martinez gets the assignment. Martinez has had a great second season, and is perhaps best suited to assume that task.

For the Pack, it will likely take a few series for Rodgers to shake off the rust and get his timing back with his receivers. But, thankfully, over the past few months the Packers have been able to find a running game behind Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, so that will relieve some of the pressure on Rodgers to carry the whole load on his still-recovering shoulders.

The Prediction

We think this is going to be a close game. We're used to that, though, with three overtime wins this season including two in the last two games. But this game will have Rodgers at the helm and not Hundley (barring re-injury to Rodgers) and that means the odds just got better for a Packers win. Many pundits, however, are still picking Carolina for many of the reasons noted above. Can't blame them. Seems like a pick 'em game in many respects.

But we think the return of Rodgers will lift the play of the entire team just enough to sneak out of Carolina with a much-needed win.

We're calling this game Packers 31 - Panthers 30.

Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Buccaneers

So, Packers fans, we got a better Brett Hundley at quarterback last week vs. the Steelers. But still not good enough in other areas of the game, particularly on defense -- and, some may say, coaching -- to win the game. The Steelers are 9-2 for a reason, just as the Packers are now 5-6 overall and 1-5 since losing QB Aaron Rodgers at Minnesota.

The good news, looking ahead, is that Rodgers actually -- officially -- practiced yesterday...although he still can't come off injured reserve for the next two weeks...if he's ready. And, more good news, the Packers are still technically alive at 5-6 for a playoff spot. Technically. Win today at home against Tampa Bay and next week at Cleveland -- two winnable games (but wasn't Baltimore???) -- and it's likely the Pack will reactivate Rodgers for that stretch run, if his collarbone passes X-ray examination, of course. If the Pack loses today, that likelihood starts to narrow. But that's looking ahead, as we said. Let's stay focused on today, shall we?

The Packers need backup QB Brett Hundley to play like he did against the Steelers
for the team to have a chance to keep pace in the NFC Wildcard
playoff hunt before Aaron Rodgers returns.
(Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

Probably like most fans and pundits, we don't quite know what Packers team will show up: the one that played the Steelers nose-to-nose for 59 minutes and 56 seconds of the game last week, or the one that laid down and scored nothing against a mediocre Baltimore team...both losses. If Hundley actually progressed to the degree we saw against the Steelers, the Packers have a chance for a win. If he plays as he did vs. the Ravens, probably not.

It's not all on Hundley, of course, Aside from LB Blake Martinez and a few others on defense, tackling has generally been abysmal, the pass rush non-existent and the secondary a sieve. Is it the players or the coordinator and scheme (here we go again on that annual conversation, right?)? Whatever the situation, the Packers need to win every game from here on out. Likely? No. But you can't win 'em all before you win the first one. And that's today.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 3.5 points at the time of this writing. With Buccaneers' QB Jameis Winston in his first game today after a 3-game hiatus, there will have to be some rust. Still, he's a dangerous runner and could give the Pack's defense fits if they don't get to him early and often. The Bucs will be missing 2 starters from their offensive line, which should benefit the Packers pass rush...at least, theoretically. On defense, the Bucs should give Hundley opportunities in the secondary. And if Packers RB Jamaal Williams can reprise his effort of last week, that will also help open things up for Hundley and the receivers.

This game was once referred to as the "Bay of Pigs' game when it was a twice-per-season division meeting. Neither team was good back in those days, as the name implies. While it's not a return to those times, the game could devolve to poor play if players don't play like the season is the line, which it is for the Packers. Weather will not be a factor today, as it will be a positively balmy December 3 game at Lambeau Field.

After it's all said and done, we believe the Pack will do enough to win.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Buccaneers 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers find lost mojo in 27-13 win over Eagles

With a day or two to reflect upon the Green Bay Packers' 27-13 win Monday night over the Philadelphia Eagles, what are your thoughts, Packer fans? Here are a few from yours truly, in no particular order of importance.

According to prognosticators, pundits and oddsmakers, the win was an upset as Philly was as much as a four-point favorite ahead of the game. Yes, that's how low expectations were for the Pack going into this game. And why not? They hadn't won in a month, were on a four-game losing streak that showed no signs of letting up, and had many opining that this was the season in which Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy crashed the team and, as a result, changes needed to be made after the season's close. The latter may still hold true, although I for one wouldn't bet the farm -- or even a farmette -- on that happening. As Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly told 620WTMJ radio in Milwaukee the day of the game, the reputation of both Thompson and McCarthy around the league is that they are one of the best GM-head coach combinations there is. He reminded us that getting to the playoffs even a few years in a row in the NFL is no small feat, and the Packers have been there seven years in a row. Let that sink in, folks. Oh yeah, a couple NFC championship games in there, as well (where arguably the Packers should have won at least one or two more than they did), plus a Super Bowl win. Not bad. But, still, it might be a good time to make some changes; that's this writer's opinion, by the way, not that of Arkush.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was dialed in during
the Pack's win vs. the Eagles.
Photo by Jim Matthews, USA Today Network-Wisconsin
Secondly, and more to the point of the game itself, QB Aaron Rodgers looked like the Rodgers of old. We haven't really seen him this sharp from the get-go to the end of the game for about the last year-and-a-half. He made two remarkable throws to Davante Adams, who made equally remarkable catches on those passes. His other throws, just as good overall. He finished with more than 300 yards passing and a 116.7 passer rating. He also ran effectively to extend drives, at least until a hamstring issue seemed to halt that aspect of his game. But for anyone who had begun to think that Number 12 had lost "it"...he didn't. And by showing that he also reminded folks that as long as he's good to go, so are the Packers. For more on Rodgers' performance, check out this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Let's also give credit to Rodgers' receivers who seemed to be making up for all of their drops during this season. There was also just enough of a rushing game, coming out of multiple personnel formations, to keep the Eagles from concentrating entirely on the Pack's passing attack. Give coach McCarthy credit for designing and executing a great game plan that kept the Eagles off balance all night long.

Credit must also be given to the Packers defense who finally came to play. After being shredded to the tune of historically bad proportions in recent weeks (not hyperbole, fact), they held the previously unbeaten-at-home Eagles to just 13 points. A pass rush was present and apparently the return of Damarious Randall to the defensive backfield gave the Pack enough confidence to take care of business versus Philly's receivers.

The Packers had their backs against the wall going into this game and came out with an energy on both sides of the ball that we hadn't seen in quite a while. It was the closest to a complete-game performance we've seen going back probably to early last season. This despite still having to deal with injuries to key players: JC Tretter, T.J. Lang, Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez, Sam Shields, Eddie Lacy and more. Give the coaching staff credit for creatively using their personnel and getting the team ready to play.

Still, we must also recall that the Packers -- even with this inspiring win -- are still one game below .500 and are two games behind NFC North Division leader Detroit. At 5-6 and with five games remaining, including the final three against division rivals Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit, the Pack can't allow any more games to slip through their grasp. Next up is the Texans at home followed by Seattle also at Lambeau Field. Then it's off to Chicago to beat Da Bearz, back to Lambeau for a Christmas Eve tilt against the ViQueens and then a regular season New Year's Day finale in Detroit. If the Pack can "run the table" as Rodgers predicted prior to the Eagles game, or even come out of these five games at 4-1, it's possible that January 1 game against the Lions could be for the division championship.

That's a long way away. Perhaps overly optimistic. And the Pack's problems aren't necessarily solved by the win in Philadelphia. But there's a glimmer of hope. Each week from here on out requires the same level of performance we witnessed Monday night. Clearly, the Packers are capable of that level of performance, even with all the injuries. It's up to the players to bring it each week. We'll see if they are up to the challenge -- and the reward -- beginning this Sunday against the Texans.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers lose at Washington and other Thanksgiving musings

So, Packer fans...we've had to let the debacle in D.C. pass for a few days before writing about it. You know, the Sunday night fiasco in which the Pack was exposed in ways we didn't imagine were possible. But possible it was...and is going forward, too, with no relief immediately in sight.

Let's look at the reality of it, shall? The Packers' injuries -- which all teams admittedly experience throughout the course of a long season -- have particularly impacted the defense. Hence our witnessing something on the order of a billion points or so being given up during this current losing streak. Well, OK, perhaps not a billion points, but certainly of sieve-like proportions. The result is a secondary lacking coverage speed and teams going deep for huge gains time after time. The linebacking corps has now also been hit, with the real possibility that Clay Matthews may have to slide back inside because of the lack of depth at that position now with injuries to Jake Ryan and Blake Martinez. The lack of pass rush from the defensive line, however, is hard to figure out. It's somewhat inexplicable, although explanations are offered in the form of coaching catch-phrases on the order of "We'll get it fixed." With no pass rush, and the other issues on defense, getting it fixed isn't something we're likely to see any time soon.

As for the offense, it is finally putting up some points. But the slow starts and the playing from behind mode in which the offense has been operating for most of this season also doesn't bode well. The woes on the offensive side of the ball are well documented, chief among them no running game and receivers who fail to get open. Plus there's the Aaron Rodgers question: what is up with Number 12? He's put up some good numbers the last few weeks in losing efforts but something still doesn't seem right as evidenced by the 9-12 record going back through 21 games into last season.

A team that was a pre-season pick to go to and possibly win the Super Bowl, a team that was favored to win every game it would play, this team is now two games behind in the NFC North with six games to go. Making the playoffs seems like an impossibility at the moment; only two teams in the NFC are behind the Packers at this point: Chicago and San Francisco. How's that for a reality check? Ewwww!!! Lot of teams are ahead of the Pack. Winning the division will be the only sure bet to get into the playoffs and anyone who would put his/her money on that happening this season...well, I have some marshland in central Wisconsin I'd like to sell you.

Still things to be thankful for today
Still, it's Thanksgiving. And despite all the woes which the Packers are dealing with this season, this writer, for one, is still able to give thanks that I am a fan of the most-storied franchise in football: the Green Bay Packers. I'm thankful that I am an owner of this team...yup, a shareholder in the only community-owned team in American professional sports. I'm thankful for all the wins, all the great players, all the magical moment. Yes, not too happy at present with the state of things. But we need to take the long view. When we do, we can all say proudly...Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 1 2016: Packers vs. Jaguars Preview and Prediction

Welcome to the start of the 2016 NFL season, Packers fans! There are high expectations for this team. More on that in a minute, and specifically as regards today's game.

But first, I invite you to take a moment and remember all those lost, injured and impacted with the events of September 11, 2001...

Thank you.

Now, to the Packers. Some oddsmakers and prognosticators are projecting the Packers to not only be in the Super Bowl but to win it; from their stat sheets to God's ears, to turn a phrase if not a theological point. Some, such as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's great writer, Bob McGinn, don't think the Packers helped themselves in this regard with the shocking release of Pro Bowl left guard Josh Sitton. His article on how the Pack "blew it" with this clumsily handled roster move is definitely worth reading.

Be that as it may, fourth-year player Lane Taylor is now your starter at this position. He's demonstrated his ability as a servicable run blocker, but there is a great deal of skepticism as we start the season about his pass-blocking abilities. He also had what can only be described as a disappointing game, with three penalties including two back-to-back, in the preseason finale. Given that he's one of the two guys essentially protecting the franchise's (that would be QB Aaron Rodgers, of course) blind side, Taylor is going to have to raise the level of his play in that regard quite quickly.

The Packers secondary will be challenged by the Jags receiving corps.
(Photo: Joe Robbins, Getty Images)
How we see it
As game time rapidly approaches, we need to get to the heart of the conversation, don't we?

The first game of the season is a lot like the proverbial box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get. This will be the first time that starters on both sides of the ball for both teams are called upon to play a full 60 minutes. Expect some rustiness, some blown plays, and probably more penalties than we'll see later on in the season. Having said that, there should be no reason that Aaron Rodgers isn't able to lead the Pack to victory today. He's got a great group of receivers, although the Pack might very well choose to use Jory Nelson sparingly depending upon how he's feeling coming off his injury from last season. Expect to see a great deal of the Packers tight ends, especially Jared Cook. He can stretch the field and coverage in a way we haven't seen since the days of Jermichael Finley. Also expect a heavy dose of Eddie Lacy and James Starks. The running game will have to exert itself early and often in order to allow Rodgers the time he'll need to open up the passing game. One unknown at least at the time of this writing is whether left tackle David Bakhtiari will start or even play at all today; he was listed as "questionable" on yesterday's injury report. Under the new labelling system, this puts him roughly somewhere between 50.1 and 99 percent likelihood to play. If he's unable to go, rookie Jason Spriggs will take his place and then that entire left side of the Packers offensive line will be new...not ideal in protecting Rodgers' blind side, especially against what could be a good Jaguars defensive line and pass rush.

As for the Packers defense, the line is thin for various reasons. The inside linebackers are young -- including rookie starter Blake Martinez who will be relaying the plays called in from Dom Capers et al. The secondary should be the strength of the defense early on and probably throughout the season. The d-backs will be challenged today with a very good corps of Jag receivers. If QB Blake Bortles gets in rhythm it could be a challenging day. If the Packers defensive front can make him uncomfortable, the secondary may have opportunities for multiple interceptions. Let's hope that's the way it plays out.

Our prediction
The Packers are 5-1/2 point favorites. That's a pretty good spread for any time of the season, but particularly on the road in a "Let's see what we all got" type of game. Despite what is reported to be perhaps the third-hottest game the Packers will have ever played in -- and remember, Jacksonville opted for their white jerseys today, making the Packers play in the darker and hence warmer green jerseys -- the Pack is the better team.

We're calling it 27-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Leroy Butler: Sports brings us together, the way it should be
We have to highly recommend to you this special article that Packers great Leroy Butler wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today. Given the current political and cultural environment in which we seem to be immersed, Butler advocates for the lessons we all can learn from sports as a way to be unified rather than divided. Amen. Read it.

After the NFL Draft, Packers get ready to welcome rookies

As Packer Fans United, we know that the 2016 NFL Draft finished up its three-day extravaganza on Saturday evening. The Green Bay Packers went big. Head coach Mike McCarthy had said in comments long before the draft that he liked big guys. Check. What he didn't say, but that also apparently was part of the criteria this time around, was also get big smart guys. To that end, two of the Pack's seven picks are from Stanford and one is from Northwestern; both schools have a reputation for nurturing brainiacs. In his comments after the draft, General Manager Ted Thompson said, essentially, that big guys are great but big smart guys are even better. Check.


The 2016 Packers Draft Picks

By way of a quick recap, here are the Pack's picks...


NT Kenny Clark (left); OT Jason Spriggs, OLB Kyler Fackrell and ILB Blake Martinez (top row, left to right); DE Dean Lowry, WR Trevor Davis and OL Kyle Murphy (bottom row, left to right).
Photo from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

• 1st Round (#27): NT Kenny Clark, UCLA
• 2nd Round (#48): OT Jason Spriggs, Indiana
• 3rd Round (#88): OLB Kyler Fackrell, Utah State
• 4th Round (#131): ILB Blake Martinez, Stanford
• 4th Round (#137): OT Dean Lowry, Northwestern
• 5th Round (#163): WR Trevor Davis, California
• 6th Round (#200): OL Kyle Murphy, Stanford

Of course, acquisitions don't stop there. Reportedly, the Packers have the following undrafted free agent signings:

• QB Joe Callahan, Wesley College
• P Peter Mortell, Minnesota
• ILB Manoa Pikula, BYU
• RB Brandon Burks, Troy
• OLB Reggie Gilbert, Arizona
• RB Don Jackson, Nevada
• CB Josh Hawkins, East Carolina
• WR Geronimo Allison, Illinois
• S Demond Smith, Georgia Tech
• CB Brandon Gatewood, Alcorn State
• CB Randall Jette, UMass
• S Kentrell Brice, Louisiana Tech
• ILB Beniquez Brown, Mississippi State
• CB Makinton Dorleant, Northern Iowa
• WR Dennis Parks, Rice
• WR Devonte Robinson, Utah State
• OT Josh James, Carroll (MT) College
• WR Herb Waters, Miami (FL)
• TE David Grinnage, North Carolina State
• DL Brian Price, UT-San Antonio
• DL Tyler Kuder, Idaho State

A number of players have also been invited in for tryouts. Perhaps most intriguing among that list is WR Patrick Donahue from the German Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns. While you probably haven't heard of Donahue, you had to have heard of his teammate, Moritz Boehringer. MoBo generated a lot of pre-draft interest because of his story as well as his speed and apparent skills as a receiver. He wound up being the first player to be drafted from Europe -- and not an American college -- as the Minnesota Vikings selected him in the sixth round of the draft.

There could be other additions or deletions, of course. This is a period of time in which things are greatly in flux.

Rookie minicamp, by the way, will be held May 8-9. It will be a make or break time for some of these young men looking for their shot at a career in the NFL. Good luck, gentlemen.

Packers Shareholder Meeting Scheduled

Yes, we know you are more interested in the OTA and minicamp schedules -- May 23, 24, 26 (with open practice on May 24), June 1-3 (open practice June 2), June 6-9 (open practice June 6), and minicamp on June 14-16 (open practice every day) -- but we wanted to alert you to the Annual Shareholders Meeting scheduled for July 21 beginning at 11 a.m. In Green Bay, of course.

Now's the time when we can start to once again feel the juices flowing, eh Packer fans? Ohhh yeah.

Go Pack Go!!!