NFL Week 17: Packers vs Lions ... The End.

Week 17 of the 2017 NFL season brings with it, mercifully, the end of the Packers waylaid season. Striving to finish at 8-8 today against the Lions in Detroit, after beginning the season with Super Bowl hopes, the Pack will be hard-pressed to make that happen being without at least 7 starters. This will be essentially a preseason game for the Packers with lots of youth on display and probably not much else. Backup QB Brett Hundley needs all the help he can get and then some to score points; that will be in short supply today. The only thing that creates a possibility for avoiding another shutout is that the game is on the road where Hundley somehow performs marginally better.

The Prediction

Yes, we're getting this out of the way early for those who wish to move along quickly. While some players might be playing for contracts, or auditioning for other teams, playing for pride just doesn't seem to matter much lately. If it did, we wouldn't have seen the level of play -- even from back ups -- that we've seen over the last several weeks. Whether that's a coaching problem or player problem or even a general manager problem, the effect has been the same: poor play. Why would we expect that to change today? Don't.

The Lions are favored by 6-1/2 points. Let's see: Matthew Stafford at QB vs. Brett Hundley at QB? C'mon.

We're calling it Packers 10 - Lions 24.

Still...Go Pack Go!!!

After the Game...After the Season...

The now well-documented demise of this season began with the broken collarbone to QB Aaron Rodgers and an ongoing rash of injuries decimating virtually every other unit on the team. As we know, though, injuries don't explain all of the problems.

The autopsy of the 2017 Packers has been underway for weeks and will continue long into the post-season. It's not shocking. Word already has it the long-suffering (at least on the part of Packers fans) defensive coordinator Dom Capers is out once the season is over. Who will head coach Mike McCarthy choose to replace him? There are many good options, as this article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's great writer, Tom Silverstein, points out.

Some talk has been floating that it's time for GM Ted Thompson to move on, despite one year remaining on his contract. We would be shocked if Packers President Mark Murphy were to force Thompson out before the end of that contract, even though there are mounting reasons it would be a wise move to make at this time. Expect Thompson to be pulling the trigger for the 2018 NFL Draft and free agency.

Thompson did get an early start on the offseason in the last several days signing WR Davante Adams and C Corey Linsley to contract extension. Wise moves, although the money for a three-times-concussed Adams might be a bit on the high side. Time will tell.

Again, we'll have plenty of time to dissect this past season and project our collective hopes onto next season in the weeks and months ahead. We'll be seeing you around. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for more real-time commentary!  :-)

NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Vikings

For the last time in this disappointing 2017 season, the Green Bay Packers will don their home uniforms and play at Lambeau Field tonight. The opponent is the rival NFC North Division Champions, the Minnesota ViQueens. Don't expect any Christmas Eve eve miracles. Or even a Festivus miracle. That tank ran dry much earlier in the season.

The Packers play their last home game of the season tonight,
with backup QB Brett Hundley executing the play calls.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

After a one-game return against Carolina in a losing effort, QB Aaron Rodgers became the Pack's Elf on the Shelf by being placed on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season. A wise move by the powers that be. After this season, there will need to be a number of other wise moves made by the Packers organization, including whether it's time to move GM Ted Thompson down the road (doubtful) or kick defensive coordinator Dom Capers to the curb (more likely). But those are conversations for another time.

For now, let's consider that the Packers, despite a plethora of injuries over the course of the season, have truly underperformed...especially when compared to their purple-clad counterparts. Minnesota, through drafts and free agency, have put together one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. And they are starting their third option at quarterback -- Case Keenum -- and still lighting things up.

The Packers...well...haven't done much this season, particularly after Rodgers went down. Not that there's not talent on the Pack's defense, but it doesn't take much to see how week after week this Packers defense has been out of position, out-schemed, and out-hustled. Granted, losing Aaron Rodgers for half the season exposed just how much he was able to cover up on both sides of the ball. But he didn't play defense. That's on Thompson and the coaching staff. And especially the players for not getting it done. Is it any wonder there were no Packers players voted to the Pro Bowl? (Although, clearly, LT David Bakhtiari got...what's the expression? Oh, yes...hosed!)

For tonight, backup QB Brett Hundley will once again be the starter, as he will in the finale at Detroit. Without his favorite target, Davante Adams, it will be interesting to see who he decides to target. Expect a lot of the run game. Also, expect many young players to see time tonight. In some respects -- even though the Pack says they are playing for pride right now with playoffs off the table -- this will be like a winter preseason game for the Pack, at least in our view. For the Vikes, they are still playing for a first-round bye so expect them to have a bit more incentive than do the Packers. They also want to be the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium should they actually make it through the NFC playoffs. That's also a conversation for another time.

The Prediction

We could spend a lot more time going into who's playing, who's not, etc. But really, let's just cut to the chase. At the time of this posting, Minnesota is listed as an 8-1/2-point favorite over the Pack.

We're calling this one Packers 17 - ViQueens 30.

We hope we're wrong. But on this given day in this given season, it pains us to say that Minnesota is the better team.

Still...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 14: Packers vs. Browns

Oh, boy. Nothing like going up against an 0-12 team in their home stadium with a hot-and-mostly-cold backup quarterback at the helm of your team...and a secondary down to back-ups to back-ups, as well. That's what the Green Bay Packers are dealing with today. And if they think that it's an automatic win given the prior record of the Browns, well, the Pack might just hand the lowly team in Cleveland their first victory of the season. Wouldn't that be depressing?

Cleveland has been close in many of its games, yet their rookie quarterback, DeShone Kizer, has been a turnover machine, helping keep the team winless. On the other hand, the Browns defense is eighth overall against the run. They are a better team overall than the record indicates. They are close. In an Aaron Rodgers-led Packers pass-happy offense, none of this would be a concern. But given that the resurgent running game has now become a big part of the Pack's offense, this could present problems for the Packers if QB Brett Hundley isn't able to complete at least a few passes downfield to soften up the rush a bit. Given Hundley's penchant for performing better on the road than at home, perhaps we get the "good" Hundley today. Let us pray.

The Browns do have a big receiving threat in WR Josh Gordon. But, again, their rookie QB may provide the Pack's defense with interception opportunities. Given that the Packers secondary is missing some key pieces today, bad quarterback play would certainly be a help in mitigating a passing threat.

Late news: Packers cornerback Davon House is active for the game but outside linebacker Nick Perry is out.

In years to come, the Browns may actually have themselves a good organization due to the hiring late this week of former Packers linebacker and front office man -- and recent Kansas City Chiefs General Manager -- John Dorsey. He's a good one -- wouldn't have minded seeing him come back to the Pack to replace Ted Thompson -- and he'll do what he can to build a winning organization. But that won't be in time for today's game.

The Prediction

We're getting right to this, Packer fans, as game time is fast approaching.

The Packers are favored by 3 points at the time of this post. We think the game will be ugly. But this is a must-win game for the Pack if they wish to not only keep their paper-thin playoff hopes alive but retain any sense of football dignity; you can't be the one that gives a winless team its first win for the season. Just. Can't. Do. It.

We're calling this Packers 24 - Browns 17.

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!!!

2017 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Steelers

OK, Packers fans...due to a variety of circumstances of interest to no one but yours truly, this post is being made only about 15 minutes before kickoff. As a result, we're going to do something different to save time and space: i.e., get to the point.

Tonight's game will not be pretty. The Steelers are 8-2 and the Packers are 5-5. Pittsburgh is a 14-point favorite. While the Packers defense has shown some signs of life, the offense under backup QB Brett Hundley is moribund (look it up).

The Prediction

So let's get to that aforementioned point. We're calling this one Packers 13 - Steelers 31.

We really hope we're wrong. Because if we're not, the Pack will have jumped the shark this season and we can start looking to the offseason.

With that...Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Ravens

First, let's just acknowledge that the Green Bay Packers did what they needed to do last weekend in Chicago: win. In doing so, the Pack stopped a three-game losing streak and beat a team that -- with or without Aaron Rodgers at quarterback -- the Packers should beat. They also kept alive playoff hopes, staying alive at 5-4 and two games behind the ViQueens in the NFC North. In doing so, we also perhaps saw some glimpses of what QB Brett Hundley can do...at least occasionally. But the Packers also lost two running backs, Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones, as well as their starting right tackle, Bryan Bulaga.

Which brings us to today's game at Lambeau Field against the Baltimore Ravens. It's a bit of a mixed bag meets a bit of a mixed bag. That's because, like the 5-4 Packers, the 4-5 Ravens have a little bit of this going for them and a little bit of that, too.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco isn't having a great year, but he still has a great arm and, lest we forget, is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. In short, against a porous secondary and a defensive front without a pass rush, Flacco could display the arm that sees him earning the big -- and some would say, overpaid -- bucks.

Damarious Randall and the rest of the Packers secondary
will have to play exceptionally well today to keep
Ravens' QB Joe Flacco and his receivers in check.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Ravens defense, especially coming off a bye week, is a good one and will certainly throw everything it can at the still-inexperienced Brett Hundley. The Packers will need Jamaal Williams, the now starter at running back, and Devante Mays -- getting his first NFL carries -- to take pressure off Hundley with a solid rushing attack. At the same time, Hundley will need to be more decisive early in the game than he's shown to date. It seems that in his first outings as starting QB, Hundley does better in two-minute drills and pressure situations. A sense of urgency needs to kick in much sooner or this could be a game that gets away from the Packers early.

The Prediction
The Ravens are favored by 2 points at the time of this writing. We do think this is a toss up game. The Packers are inexperienced in the offensive backfield and the Ravens big defensive front and experienced secondary would seem to be able to cause enough problems for both the running and passing games of the Packers.

But...if the Packers are able to keep this game close, we think that they will make one more play than will the Ravens.

We're calling this Packers 20 - Ravens 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. How 'bout them Wisconsin Badgers?! 11-0! Go Badgers! On Wisconsin!

2017 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Bears

This is it, Packer fans. We're back to the days of saying, "If we can only win two games (or one, in this case today), let it be against Da Bearz." And today, folks, is one of those days when it matters perhaps more than other times.

After losing QB Aaron Rodgers (likely for the season, in our view) and the game at Minnesota, the Pack have gone on a three-game losing streak -- losing at home to both New Orleans and Detroit -- and now sit at 4-4, just one game ahead of the bottom-feeding Chicago Bears in the NFC North. Packers backup QB Brett Hundley has so far shown us...well...not much. Part of that might be head coach Mike McCarthy's game plans for him, as well as perhaps overrating Hundley's ability. Part of that might be Hundley himself and this is going to be as good as he gets...which isn't good enough to help right the ship and keep the Packers in the playoff hunt this season.

But, perhaps a bigger issue than the lack of offensive production we've seen with Hundley at the helm -- which is certainly bad enough, granted -- has been the collapse of the Packers defense time after time and especially on third downs. The defense's inability to stop the opposition on third down, to execute a pass rush of any kind, and to muster any kind of mojo lies both with the players as well as defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

Packers defensive end Mike Daniels hasn't had a QB sack in 5 games.
The entire Packers defense must play at a high level today against Chicago.
(Photo: Jim Matthews/USATODAY NETWORK-Wi)

In the latter regard, local sports writers are starting to opine -- perhaps for the first time since Capers has been on staff -- that his job may be on the line. Finally. Head coach Mike McCarthy is extremely loyal to his staff, and seemingly to Capers in particular. But if the defense does not get turned around, this may be Capers' swan song...to the delight of Packer fans near and far who have wanted to see him gone for years. With all the draft picks that GM Ted Thompson has provided on defense over Capers' tenure, to see the same results year after year is maddening. Wait, what? The Packers have been winning and going into the playoffs, right? Yes, but perhaps what we are all now seeing is just how much the play of Aaron Rodgers has covered up some glaring weaknesses in other areas of the team. When Rodgers is under center, you always have a chance to score points and win...a chance to overcome bad play by your defense. When Rodgers is gone...? Not. So. Much.

Coach McCarthy publicly called out his team this week saying that since Rodgers went down no one on the team has stepped up their play. Some pundits are even speculating that players, again, especially those on defense, may no longer be listening to their main man, Capers. Today would be a good day for at least a few players on each side of the ball to play with some passion. To show that they don't want to flush this second half of the season down the toilet, but at least try to win enough to stay in the playoff hunt. If the Packers don't somehow win today against Chicago, the likelihood of being able to get to even 9-7, let alone 8-8, dims significantly.

The Prediction

While we would normally feel good about going into Chicago and getting a win against a not-very-good Bears team, particularly one with a rookie quarterback, these are not normal times for the Green Bay Packers. Da Bearz defense could well pose problems for Hundley and the Packers' sputtering offense. While neither Chicago's QB or receivers are much to be worried about based upon stats, the way the Packers defense has been a sieve gives us the sense that the Pack could make these guys look like All Pros by the end of the game. Chicago does have a good running back combo and that could create enough problems on its own given the Pack's level of play recently.

Still, even with all that, and playing in what might very well be sloppy weather conditions, our heart of hearts (as opposed to our gut of guts...is that a thing, btw?) tells us that somehow, someway, the Packers are going to win this game. It won't be pretty. And we expect it to be close, despite the oddsmakers favoring Da Bearz by 5-points at the time of this writing. We hope and believe that there is some measure of Packer pride left that will do just enough to come away with a win today.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Bears 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Lions

Coming off a two-game losing streak (at Minnesota and home against the Saints) following the likely season-ending loss of QB Aaron Rodgers and the team's bye week, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has declared that the team is prepared with a game plan on both sides that will put its players in a position to succeed. Bottom line: Packers will win this game at Lambeau Field vs. NFC North Division rival Detroit.

That's the head coach's view. You wouldn't expect him to say anything else. The oddsmakers favor the Lions by 2 points at the time of this writing.

How are you feeling, Packers fans? Be honest. Probably not great. With Rodgers out, it seems as if the Pack becomes just another one of the teams that perhaps will be fighting to be .500 by the end of the season. Perhaps be able to roughly split their games and sneak into the playoffs somehow at 9-7. But that's all for later. For now, the team has to find a way to win with Brett Hundley at quarterback against Detroit.

The Packers will need QB Brett Hundley to step up big time in order for the Packers to beat Detroit tonight.
(Photo: Steve Apps, State Journal Archives)

Here's hoping that a couple weeks of practice and coach McCarthy figuring out ways to actually help Hundley use his abilities might give the Pack a shot tonight. Going back a few years, OK, decades, the Lions are 25-1 at Lambeau Field. On the other hand, Detroit QB Matthew Stafford has thrown 15 touchdown passes at Lambeau, the most of any opposing quarterback, but is still only 1-5 overall on the Frozen Tundra.

Voice of the Packers Wayne Larrivee was just on radio giving some interesting stats about the Packers before and after Rodgers and it wasn't pretty. The Pack was 4-1 with Rodgers at quarterback. They scored something like 24+ points per game, while holding opponents to an average of about 22 points a game. With Hundley, they are 0-2 (technically 0-1 as Hundley has only started 1 game so far, coming in relief in the Minnesota game). The Pack has only averaged a little more than 13 points per game in those two losses while giving up almost 25.

Regardless of how the offense is doing, it's clear that the biggest factor in the Packers' season-sans-Rodgers is the defense. So far this season -- and how many other seasons now??? -- the defense has been in about the bottom quarter of the league statistically. The defense may got some new production out of rookies Montravius Adams and Vince Biegel, both of whom may seems some action this evening.

If the defense doesn't hold Stafford and some of his fine receivers in check tonight, and the offense sputters as it did against the Saints (despite a second straight huge running game courtesy of rookie Aaron Jones), this game could be over before it gets started. We certainly expect more out of Hundley than we've seen so far. But until he has a break out game, you have to look at which sideline the better quarterback is on. And tonight, that's on the Lions' side of the field.

The Prediction

That last paragraph above gives a good lead-in for our prediction tonight. And we hope we're wrong.

But we're calling this game Lions 31 - Packers 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 7: Packers vs Saints aka Week 1 of Life After Rodgers

We're in generally unfamiliar territory this weekend, Packers fans, and we will likely be so for the rest of this season: no more Aaron Rodgers. The horror...the horror...

Now we get to see how the other half lives. Or perhaps more accurately, how the other 75 percent of the NFL lives without a top-notch quarterback.

As football fans of every variety know, the Green Bay Packers QB was injured early in last week's loss at Minnesota. A broken right collarbone to make a bookend to the left collarbone broken several years ago. Rodgers was able to come back at the end of that season to help the Pack in the playoffs. This season? It's his throwing arm, folks. He just had surgery this past week, is on injured reserve for the next 8 weeks and all medical personnel are saying he can't begin throwing again for at least 6 weeks, which would coincide with the earliest he could begin practicing with the team because of his IR status. The likelihood of his returning this season is slim. And it would not only depend upon how quickly he is able to recover and regain his throwing ability but where the Packers would stand at the time in the playoff hunt.

Packers QB Brett Hundley got thrown in the deep end
at Minnesota last weekend after the early injury to
Aaron Rodgers. Today, he gets his first start
against the Saints.
(Photo: Jim Matthews/USATODAY NETWORK-Wi)

While now-starting QB Brett Hundley has been in the Packers' system for 3 years, has good size, arm strength and athletic ability, this will be his first NFL start today. Can 1 week of practice get him in sync with his receivers? Perhaps it's the case, likely the case, that he will be more so with the back up receivers and tight ends because those are the players he has worked with most. They may become his security blanket today and for a few games to come until he gets timing down with the starters.

Having said that, more than a few sports pundits, including Voice of the Packers Wayne Larrivee, have noted that despite whatever ability Hundley may bring to the position, his success is perhaps even more dependent upon those he has blocking for him. As Packer fans know all too well, the offensive line has been a MASH unit all season long. Today, it appears as both tackles will at least start the game; whether they are able to finish is another thing. There are injuries at every position on the line and having a consistent presence, having continuity in front of him, will be key to Hundley's success this season.

So will a running game. Particularly today, as the weather forecast calls for rain during the game, complicating the pass route timing, etc. Not ideal for one's first NFL start. But it is what it is. Of course that running game needs blockers, as well...so we're back to the issue with health of the offensive line. The upcoming bye week certainly comes at a good time for that group.

The Saints defense isn't as strong as Minnesota's, so that will help some. Unfortunately 38-year-old Saints QB Drew Brees doesn't show any signs of slipping. The Saints offense is average a bit more than 29 points a game through the first 6 weeks of the season. Toss in the fact that he and the Saints have typically owned Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers over the years. With injuries in the defensive backfield for the Pack, trying to contain Brees and his receivers is going to be a huge challenge.

The Prediction

Given all the conditions that are present going into the game -- the weather, a young quarterback's first NFL start, injuries on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield for the Packers, and a someday-Hall-of-Fame QB on the opposite side of the field and Saints' schemes on both sides of the ball to give the Packers problems -- this is going to be a difficult game for the Pack, despite it being played at Lambeau Field. The oddsmakers have determined that the Saints are favored by 3.5 points at the time of this writing.

While we hope that the Packers rise to the occasion across the board, and we hope that Hundley rises to near Rodgers' level performance, we think we will see growing pains this weekend. Give him and the team the bye week and another week to come together and things may be back to close to normal...or as close as they can be until Rodgers is able to return, whether this season or next.

We're calling this one Saints 31 - Packers 17.

Go Pack Go!!! Make us wrong today!

2016 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

In what might be the coldest meeting ever between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears in their storied rivalry (think about that for a moment), the Packers look to keep their three-game winning streak going at Soldier Field today and, in the process, get to all-square in terms of wins with Da Bearz. Not wins this season, of course. Overall wins. That would be 94 each. Chicago has held the edge for the last 83 years. That ends today.

It won't be easy given the cold and the wind. The air temperature is supposed to be somewhere around zero...a degree or two either way, really, at this stage of things does it even matter? Nope. Throw in what are expected to be wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph coming off Lake Michigan and the wind chill will feel like -30.

Much of the Packers' success today against Chicago will depend
upon how long QB Aaron Rodgers can stay on the field.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
While these conditions are tough on one and all, they are especially so for a quarterback nursing both hamstring and calf injuries. That would be Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers had essentially no practice this week as the choice was made to help his body recover as much as possible. But as a sign of possible uncertainty as to how much he might be able to go today -- and, even though listed as questionable on the injury report, make no mistake: Rodgers will play -- the Packers elevated QB Joe Callahan to the active roster. Brett Hundley is the backup to Rodgers. But if something were to happen to him? So, Callahan gets activated and LB Carl Bradford is released to make room.

There are many angles to today's game. But as game time fast approaches (an hour to game time!), we need to get onto the prediction. So here it is...

The Prediction
The Packers are favored by either 4-1/2 or 5-1/2 points depending upon what source you are looking at. Total-points of 38-1/2, the lowest of the weekend, means the pundits are factoring in the weather, as they should. The Packers are finding their game just in time. As long as they play the way they have the last few weeks -- last week in particular -- the Packers should win this game. But adjustments will need to be made for the cold and wind. That means more reliance, one would imagine, on the running game. Da Bearz have a legitimate running back in rookie Jordan Howard out of Indiana. The Packers? Well, we have a receiver-turned-running-back in Ty Montgomery, journeyman running back Christine Michael and FB Aaron Ripowski. Advantage, one would imagine, Chicago in this aspect of the game. But in a quarterback match up between Aaron Rodgers and Matt Barkley...c'mon...it's Rodgers...as long as he can stay on the field, of course. The Pack's defense is coming into form, finally, and that means good things today. A few turnovers should be there for the taking.

Alright, alright (and a third alright for any Matthew McConaughey fans out there), to the prediction...

We're calling it 24-13 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers beat Saints in final 2015 preseason game, 38-10

After a slow start to a game once again, down by 10 points early, the Green Bay Packers' second, third and etcetera-string players rallied to score 38 unanswered points and beat the visiting New Orleans Saints by a final tally of 38-10 in the last preseason game of the 2015 NFL season. Yay.

Even more "yay" that it seems as if for at least last night the Pack escaped without another injury to a key player. Perhaps that was because few key players actually saw any action. QB Aaron Rodgers was once again in sweats along the sideline, as was his entire starting offensive line...well, maybe not all in sweats but along the sideline. You get the point. The Pack's top two running backs, Eddie Lacey and James Starks, were also not exposed to possible injury before the first game. FB John Kuhn, DE Mike Daniels and OLB Mike Neal were actually and factually the only regular starters seeing action. So it went. The night, instead, was given over to the backups. Many young men were playing if not for their football careers at least for their place on the final 53-man roster or, perhaps, the practice squad or a team elsewhere.

Packers rookie QB Brett Hundley continues to impress during last night's game against the Saints.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Hundley impresses again
One of the clear standouts in last night's action was rookie QB Brett Hundley. While Scott Tolzein is Rodgers' primary backup, the performance of Hundley in these preseason games confirm what the Packers braintrust knew about him in the draft. That's why they traded up in the fifth round to get him, amazed that he was still there. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, "We knew when we drafted him there was a lot there to work with. He has a lot to learn, but it's been exciting watching him get off to a good start." You bet. He had a passer rating of 142.4 against the Saints, pushing his four-game mark to 129.7 which, by the way, is one of the best in Packers' history. The young man looked very poised, in control, and -- dare we say -- Rodgers-esque at times in his movement within the pocket and his scrambling ability.

Other positives

• WR Jeff Janis continuing to progress and perhaps develop (quickly, we hope) into a serious downfield threat that can somewhat mitigate the loss of Jordy Nelson for the season.
• WR Myles White making a strong case to be part of the receiving corps again.
• RBs Rajion Neal and John Crockett having strong performances once again...although Crockett may be a casualty of too many good backs ahead of him when cut-down time comes.
• Solid play from the backup offensive linemen.
• A much-needed good punting performance by veteran Tim Masthay.
• Another good outing by undrafted DB LaDarius Gunter, making a strong case to be on the opening day roster.
• Finally getting to see former Wisconsin Badger Jared Abbrederis take the field in the game both as punt returner and wide receiver. He only had once catch, but averaged more than 11 yards per return on punts...with -- oh-oh -- a fumble (recovered by the Packers). Coach McCarthy likes him, but he's more likely a candidate for the practice squad than the 53-man roster just because he's missed so much training camp with the concussion sustained in the first practice of camp. Let's also remember he missed all of his rookie season with an ACL injury sustained during last year's camp. He could bring a lot to the table, but he's got to stay healthy enough to actually be on the field. (Can you tell I'm rooting for him?).

Note that I haven't said much about the defensive line or the linebacking corps. That's because we really haven't seen much of the starting defense. With all the players that the Packers are trying to look at, it's a bit of a crap shoot on that front right now. But it will get sorted out in short order, that's for sure. The season opener against Da Bearz in Chicago is only about 9 days away. The Pack will be ready. Oh yeah.

Keep checking back for details on our Packers house flag giveaway contest!
Within the next few days we'll post the details for our first-ever Packers flag giveaway contest. So keep checking back or follow us on Twitter @packfansunited.

The flag's a beauty, as you can see in this image.

The contest will be run in conjunction with CollinsFlags.com.

So...stay tuned! In the meantime...Go Pack Go!!

Packers vs. Eagles Preseason Game #3 Re-cap...One Word: Ugly!

The Green Bay Packers played their first home game of the 2015 preseason last night at Lambeau Field against the Philadelphia Eagles. The sell-out crowd was treated to an exhibition of offensive firepower. There was total domination of inept and penalty-prone special teams, and full exploitation of a defense that seemed stuck in slow gear. Oh, to be clear, we're talking about the Eagles as the dominating team, winning with a final score of 39-26.

Yes, the birds from Philly took it to the Packers early and often last evening. It was a woeful performance by the Packers' special teams and defense. To be fair, the Packers' first-team offense was not really on display; three of the starting linemen were out due to various injuries, QB Aaron Rodgers was not going to get exposed to injury and wasn't even dressed for the game, and number one wideout Jordy Nelson is of course out for the season with the ACL injury he suffered in last week's game in Pittsburgh.

But the drubbing the Packers' defense and special teams received was only compounded by more injuries besetting the Pack. New number one receiver Randall Cobb sustained a shoulder sprain early in the first quarter and was done for the night. How long he will be out is subject to further tests today. Don't expect to see him back until -- if we're lucky -- the first regular season game against Da Bears in Chicago. Defensive back, Micah Hyde, left the game in the second half with a neck injury of undetermined variety at this point. Even starting right tackle, Bryan Bulaga, wound up with ice on a sprained ankle.

Were there any good moments?
With most of the starters out for various reasons, players fighting for roster spots were on display. The first cut-down date is Tuesday, when the Pack has to go from 88 to 75 players; the second cut date is Saturday, Sept. 5, when the final 53-man roster has to be set. A practice squad of 10 players can be established the next day for those players cut who don't get picked up elsewhere.

Green Bay Packers rookie QB Brett Hundley was one bright spot in the Packers' loss to the Eagles in preseason game #3.
Photo by Evan Siegle/P-G Media/@PGevansiegle, PackersNews.com
QB Brett Hundley made a strong case for sticking on the active roster. While QB Scott Tolzein, who didn't play last evening, is the current number two behind Aaron Rodgers, Hundley showed why GM Ted Thompson pulled the trigger on him in the draft. He performed extremely well, starting and playing about three-fourths of the game. He has a quick release, made his reads, scrambled and created plays. In all, he threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Not a bad night for a rookie. Even QB Matt Blanchard, from UW-Whitewater, passed for a touchdown and posted a passer rating of 88.1 in his fourth-quarter stint, also showing a strong arm. It would be nice to keep him on the practice squad. Head coach Mike McCarthy likes both of these young QBs.

Wide receivers Jeff Janis, Ty Montgomery and Myles White all had good nights on the receiving end. RB Rajion Neal showed nice receiving and running ability coming out of the backfield...a good third-down type back.

Having said all that...there were still plenty of problems for the Packers coaches to address. Maybe we'll address those in a later post. Let's stick for the moment with what little positives came out of what was othersise a rather lackluster showing for a consensus Super Bowl contender.

Packers 2015 NFL Draft Wrap-up

It's taken a few days for fans of the Green Bay Packers to take in the events of the 2015 NFL Draft, as well as the signings of the undrafted free agents (UFAs) that occurred following the completion of the draft. What do we make of it all? What, if any, surprises were there? How would you grade it? Take our poll in the upper righthand column (below our Welcome message).

To begin, let's review the Packers' picks.

Packers 2015 NFL Draft Selections

• DB Damarious Randall, Arizona State
• DB Quinten Rollins, Miami-Ohio
• WR Ty Montgomery, Stanford
• LB Jake Ryan, Michigan
• QB Brett Hundley, UCLA
• RB Aaron Ripkowski, Oklahoma
• DL Christian Ringo, Louisiana-Lafayette
• TE Kennard Backman, Ala.-Birmingham

Packers fifth-round draft pick, UCLA QB Brett Hundley
Photo via Packers.com

Pundits who grade such things seem to have given the Packers a B- to C grade on this draft. Certainly, there were no big names among the selections, other than QB Brett Hundley who some had pegged as second or third round talent. But he was the only player that the Packers moved up in the draft to take. So clearly they saw something there -- in addition to the value of getting a talented QB in the fifth round -- that they liked. Clearly, also, he can be groomed for trade bait in two or three years if that's the way things shake out behind Aaron Rodgers.

Stanford WR Ty Montgomery, with some reportedly questioning his hands as a receiver, apparently drew the Pack's attention as a returner. He could add a big dimension to that part of the Packers special teams game...a dimension which has been seriously lacking the last few years.

While Michigan LB Jake Ryan may not have been a household name in college, he could become one with the Packers. It would seem that if anyone was ever made to play linebacker, it's this guy. He could make an immediate impact in the linebacking corps. And that would be something that everyone would be glad to see...at least if you're a Packers fan, that is.

With the top two picks being defensive backs, Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, obviously the Packers were taking care of the glaring needs in that area of the defense. Yay.

The selection of Oklahoma fullback Aaron Ripkowski raised eyebrows...not because it was a bad pick but because if he pans out he could be the successor -- or perhaps even replacement -- to current FB and fan fave, John Kuhn. While it's unlikely the Pack would keep two fullbacks on the roster, they have done it before. Whether this year is one of those years or not remains to be seen.

Let's not forget the UFAs
The Packers in recent years have done more with undrafted free agents than any other team in the league. There have been more UFA players on the roster and more snaps played by UFAs. Somehow, some way, GM Ted Thompson and his scouting staff find those proverbial diamonds in the rough. Here's what things look like in that regard so far:

• John Crockett, RB, North Dakota State
• Raymond Maples, RB, Army
• Alonzo Harris, RB, Louisiana Lafayette
• Malcolm Agnew, RB, Southern Illinois
• Adrian Coxson, WR, Stony Brook
• Larry Pinkard, WR, Old Dominion
  
• Ricky Collins, WR, Texas A&M-Commerce


• Jimmie Hunt, WR, Missouri


• Javess Blue, WR, Kentucky


• Mitchell Henry, TE, Western Kentucky


• Fabbians Ebbele, OL, Arizona


• Matt Rotheram, OL, Pittsburgh


• Marcus Reed, OL, Fayetteville State


• James Castleman, OL, Oklahoma State


• Lavon Hooks, DT, Mississippi


• James Vaughters, OLB, Stanford


• Jermauria Rasco, OLB, LSU


• Tavarus Dantzler, ILB, Bethune-Cookman


• Bernard Blake, CB, Colorado State


• Ladarius Gunter, DB, Miami (FL)


• Anthony Wooding, S, Wake Forest

Minicamp Tryout Invites

• Blake Sims, QB, Alabama
• Chris Mallott, WR, Southeastern Louisiana
• Jake Silas, OT, Buffalo
• Josh Bredl, OT, Colorado State-Pueblo
• Andy Phillips, OG, Central Michigan
• Mitch King, TE, Penn
• Uona Kaveinga, ILB, BYU
• Skye Povey, DB, BYU
• JD Rousell, DB, Sacred Heart

The names among the reported UFAs and tryout invitees that seem to garner a mention as strong candidates to potentially make the squad (regular season or practice) are RB John Crockett, WR Jimmie Hunt, OL Matt Rotheram, QB Bernard Blake, and QB Blake Sims. But given oppportunities, who really knows who will make the most of their opportunity to make the Packers? As both Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy have both said in their post-draft interviews, the expectations for the draftees are that they come in and play behind the veterans. The Packers are a deep team where it counts, but they definitely had needs. Whether those needs were met or not in a way which can help elevate the Packers, particularly on defense, we'll have to wait to see. Regarding how we'd grade this draft, we'd give it a "B+" taking all the players noted above into account. How would you grade it? Take our poll in the upper righthand column (right below our Welcome message).