NFL Combine underway

The 2008 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis. It's the place where prospects can make or break their spots in the draft. If you're a hardcore fan -- and I'm guessing if you're reading this blog you qualify -- you can check out all the goings on on the NFL Network. If, also like most fans, you don't have access to the NFL Network you can check things out online here.

It's interesting to ponder what the Packers might do in the draft. Our online poll here at PackerFansUnited.com is almost evenly split between those who see the Pack's greatest need in the draft as an offensive lineman and those who see the greatest need at defensive back.

A few of the mock draft sites that are up and running have the Packers selecting DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE, a cornerback out of Tennessee State. Yes, he is a cousin to Antonio Cromartie, cornerback with the Chargers. "DRC's" stock apparently went up with a standout performance at the Senior Bowl. He would not be forced into a starting spot with the Pack, but could learn behind two of the best in the game, Charles Woodson and Al Harris. One of the scouting reports on him says that "even though he has to bulk up he is a rare athlete with terrific height, leaping ability and ball skills." While both Woodson and Harris have been great, both are also aging; Woodson just turned 31 and Harris will be 33 by the time next season ends.. For as good as Harris played most of the season, we may have also gotten a glimpse of the start of his decline during the NFC Championship Game. The Pack will definitely have to find a top-notch replacement and Rodgers-Cromartie might in fact be a great pick if he is available when the Packers pick at #30. Some mock drafts have Rodgers-Comartie moving all the way to be a top 10 pick. If he's gone, and the Packers are targeting a CB, other names mentioned in this selection for the Packers are Aqib Talib out of Kansas (also noted in at least one mock draft as a possible top 10 pick), Reggie Smith from Oklahoma, Tracy Porter from Indiana, and Antoine Cason of Arizona, who was mentioned in several mock drafts. Very interesting, the number of drafts that have the Packers going with a cornerback with their first selection.

As to other possibilities, various mock drafts have the Packers selecting: underclassman Felix Jones, the "other" RB out of Arkansas; Dan Connor, LB from Penn State; Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh; Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College; Sam Baker, OT, USC; Pat Sims, DT from Auburn ...among others. Our friends over at Packer Chatters have the Pack taking Erin Henderson, OLB, out of Maryland based on the assumption that all the top defensive backs will be gone by the time #30 is on the clock.

One of the possibilities which hasn't been widely discussed, at least in terms of a first-round pick, is tight end. Now that Bubba is gone and Donald Lee essentially the only legitimate tight end on the squad, and with this draft apparently deep in tight end talent (albeit with no exceptional standouts), the Packers could indeed pick up a TE in the second round; the first round might be a stretch. Of course, GM Ted Thompson always says he goes for the best player available not need. Maybe there will be an exception to that rule this draft. There is a good article about the tight end possibility at PackersNews.com. It also has a sidebar article profiling seven of the top TE prospects.

Brett and Ted talk

After reports emerged that Brett might be a bit miffed that he hadn't heard from GM Ted Thompson since the end of the season -- even though Brett and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have spoken -- Ted apparently picked up the phone and called Brett. Of course, Ted isn't saying much about the conversation other than to say Brett still hasn't made his decision to return and, further, that he's earned the right to take his time with the decision. Last season, Brett decided by Groundhog's Day. A couple years ago, things went into April. Let's hope Brett decides soon so the Pack knows how to proceed in free agency and plan for the draft. Odds still have him coming back for one more run.

Breaking News from GB: Williams gets Franchise tag, Bubba released

The offseason moves are now officially in gear. In what comes as a true surprise -- especially after virtually no contact with his agent -- the Packers slapped the franchise player tag on DT Corey Williams. It was almost a forgone conclusion that the Pack would not want to come up with the coin needed to re-sign Williams as he became eligible for free agency. By being designated with the franchise tag, according to the Packer's website, "Williams has a one-year contract tender offer at the defensive tackle franchise number set by the NFL. The Packers maintain a right of first refusal to match any team's offer received by Williams." The Pack has been increasingly impressed with Williams over the last two seasons. And, given Williams'reaction after the Pack's upset loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game -- where he knelt on the frozen tundra for a while as if to take it all in, just in case it was his last game in a Packers uniform -- it would seem he'd like to stay. It will be interesting to see what the final salary numbers are when the dust settles.

In the other move of the day, and one which fans could probably see coming, eight-year veteran TE Bubba Franks was released. Always a sentimental favorite, Bubba was not the same player over the last few seasons that he had been early in his career, although this last season was a bit of a redemptive one for him. He was again a solid blocker and also showed the good hands which made him such a red zone threat for so many years. Bubba's stats show that he was one of the most productive tight ends in Packers' history. Thanks and farewell, Bubba. We will miss you.

You can read more of the details about both of these personnel moves here.

Four Packers named to NFC Pro Bowl first team, 14 overall

Quarterback Brett Favre, wide receiver Donald Driver, defensive end Aaron Kampman and cornerback Al Harris were all named as first team Pro Bowl selections by the NFL today. All have been named to the Pro Bowl before (now nine times for Brett and two apiece for Driver and Kampman) except for Al Harris who, in his 10th season, finally gets the honor he deserves with his first selection.

Named as first alternates were linebacker Nick Barnett, tackle Chad Clifton and cornerback Charles Woodson. Other alternates include safety Nick Collins, tight end Bubba Franks, running back Ryan Grant, linebacker A.J. Hawk, wide receiver Greg Jennings, tight end Donald Lee and center Scott Wells.

Congratulations, gentlemen! Well deserved. You make all us Packer fans proud.

See the official Packers news release here.

Packers - Raiders preview

It's less than 2 hours to game time at Lambeau. And this time of year, one has to take a closer look at the weather forecast. So, courtesy of The Weather Channel, here's what might be expected: "Snow showers. High 22F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 70%." Welcome to Green Bay, Raiders.

A couple of points to ponder. The Pack go into this game as 10-1/2 point favorites. That's a big spread, even against a team such as Oakland, which really probably isn't as bad as their 4-8 record might indicate. OK, their rushing defense is 30th in the league, their QB is...who?...and...that's about it. So, not great.

But, the Packers are still dinged up. Most importantly, ol' #4 is still nursing some hurts from the Dallas game, although he will start the game, of course. (That's 250 consecutive regular season starts...but who's counting?) What might that mean as far as the game? Probably a lot more handoffs than we've seen to this point in the season. It's possible that Ryan Grant might have a career high in rushing attempts today. That would be just fine if those rushes moved the chains and resulted in points. The other thing that might be expected is far fewer 7-step drops...you know, the kind that really worked against the Pack in the first half of the Dallas game? But I digress. The point is that in order to minimize the exposure of Brett to hits from old friends such as Warren Sapp, passes will probably be more of the 3- and 5-step variety, slants and quick timing passes. If the Packers were able to build a substantial lead in the second half, we shouldn't be surprised if Brett gave way late to Craig Nall in mop up duty. Brett should only be left in as long as absolutely necessary.

Charles Woodson practiced Friday and would love to play against his old team. On the other hand, it might be better for the Pack to hold him out unless he is absolutely recovered from his toe injury, which he is not. Having Woodson healthy for the playoffs is more important than any grudge match he may be wishing for today.

KGB will be back today. Bubba is still doubtful. Johnny Jolly is still out and probably will be the next player to be put on injured reserve when the Packers need to make a roster move. And, as noted in a post here earlier this week, QB Aaron Rodgers is out with a hamstring injury following his admirable performance in relief of Brett against the Cowboys.

So, what does all this add up to? A Packer win. Although the Packers still have to show up. If they do that and take care of business, the Pack clinches the division today. I don't expect a high-scoring game. For the sake of argument, let's call it 24-14 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers banged up

It's that time of the NFL season when team depth starts to show, well, how deep it is. (Is that a redundancy?) Fortunately for the Packers, they have so far been able to fill every hole that has opened up. Some folks questioned the reasoning in keeping 11 defensive linemen. Not any more. Example: yesterday Colin Cole was not only activated for one of the few games this season but saw a lot of action because of the injury the prior week to Johnny Jolly. Cole wound up fracturing his forearm during the game and he is definitely out for the game against the Cowboys and perhaps longer if surgery is required. Mike Montgomery came in and was involved in several pressures and tackles. This coming week, with both Jolly (out indefinitely) and Cole definitely out, that means first round pick Justin Harrell and Daniel Muir, another rookie, will move up in the D-line scheme.

Others who came out of the game nicked up include: Charles Woodson, who apparently has a jammed toe suffered on his 34-yard punt return; KGB, who hurt his ankle; Aaron Rouse, who was starting in place of the injured Nick Collins, came out with a knee injury; Mark Tauscher's already injured ankle made him give way late in the game for Tony Moll; Donald Driver appeared to have a sore ankle after getting rolled up on while blocking on a rushing play.

Of course, some players have already been out for a while: Bubba Franks and Will Blackmon among them.

So, as we go into this showdown of 10-1 teams next Thursday night -- only the fifth time in the last 60 years that two teams with 10 wins or better have matched up in the regular season -- it might be important to keep an eye on the injury reports for both teams. If you want to keep up to date on the Packers injury status, go here. If you care to keep an eye on the Cowboys injuries, go here.

The Pack needs as many of their topline players available as possible come next Thursday. Given that veteran players like Woodson, Driver, and Tauscher will want to be in that game, count on adrenalin to help carry them onto the field if at all possible. The Pack will need to be firing on all cylinders for the entire 60 minutes of the game. If the starters can't go, the back ups have to be ready. So far this season, they have been. And they'll have to take their game to another level. This game could very well determine home field advantage throughout the playoffs. It will be the Pack's biggest challenge yet. They have the team -- and the coaching -- to get it done. Let's get ready to r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-umble!!!

Justin Harrell sighting! In a game! Doing something!

Remember the Packers first round draft pick this year? You know, number 16 overall? Ol' jersey #91? No? Not surprising. Justin Harrell has been just about invisible in his rookie year. Not even active for a few games and when he is, well, does anyone really notice?

Apparently, yes. At least once. And the person noticing just happens to be head coach Mike McCarthy. In this week's episode of the Mike McCarthy TV show, while showing the replay of the fumble recovery by Charles Woodson -- who also was the player guest on the show -- McCarthy made a point to not only show the initial strip of the ball by Corey Williams but to replay the replay, from two different angles, showing how -- you guessed it! -- Justin Harrell actually made a key crushing block to likely eliminate the only early tackle threat on Woodson. Have to admit, there were so many things happening so quickly on that play that the only way you would actually see it would be in slo-mo replay...but it was a heckuva block.

So, let's give a pat on the back to Mr. Harrell for actually making a key contribution to the Packers win on Sunday. Still, as a defensive lineman, blocking isn't what it's about. It would be nice if he is eventually able to make more than the two tackles he is credited with so far this season.

Let's also remind GM Ted Thompson that, oh, I dunno, maybe a running back like Marshawn Lynch might have been worth moving up a few spots for. Adrian Peterson would have been nice, too. (Sigh)

Bubba might be out

One of the negatives coming out of the win on Sunday was seeing Bubba Franks heading to the locker room on the cart. Turns out he has a sprained knee and will likely miss the game against Denver on Oct. 29. He is still undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury, although in an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel it's noted that "a source close to the situation said it was a sprain of the posterior cruciate ligament."

This leaves the Packers with Donald Lee as the team's only tight end. So look for a practice squad call up for...someone.

Koren Robinson reinstatement decision soon

Today is the one-year anniversary of WR Koren Robinson's league suspension for violations of its substance abuse policy. Robinson has applied for reinstatement and league sources, according to reports, indicate Commissioner Roger Goodell will make a decision soon. Apparently, Robinson and the Packers will be notified and then the decision will be publicly announced. Given that Robinson has been serving his suspension quietly and working out to be ready for his return, we can only hope the decision comes quickly. QB Brett Favre has been perhaps the loudest voice on this matter, stating more than once that he just doesn't understand the league policy which does not allow these players, who need support, any contact whatsoever with their team during the time of the suspension. Have to agree with Brett on that one. You have a feeling, too, that Brett is anxiously looking forward to adding Mr. Robinson into the mix with the rest of his outstanding receivers.

Pack vs. 'Skins Recap

Yesterday was one of those win-ugly games that the Pack seems to be turning into an art form this season. They might not be pretty games to watch, but the results are sure pretty darn good. 5-1. There's lucky. And there's good. Sometimes, both is the way to be. That may describe the Pack so far.

While there were certainly enough problems that could have cost the Pack this win, the fact that the defense basically won this game is a good sign. The 'Skins came in with a hot young QB, a proven running back, and as things would have it, a tight end that was their best offensive weapon all day long. They also had a pretty darn good defense. The combination of all those things led to two interceptions by the 'Skins, although there could just as easily have been as many as five. There also could have a been a few fumble recoveries. Missed opportunities on the part of the 'Skins. Perhaps that's why Chris Collinsworth -- on whatever network he's on these days -- was nearly apoplectic when describing how Washington had "given the game away." They certainly did help, granted, especially with that 57-yard fumble recovery for a TD by Charles Woodson.

But give the game away? How did the 'Skins give the game away when the Pack had two missed field goals, two interceptions, and two touchdowns nullified by bad calls by the refs? In the case of the latter, Bubba Franks got one foot down in the end zone before being pushed out. On a similar play last week, the Bears receiver was deemed to have been forced out and Da Bearz got their winning points. On the second non-TD, it was called back on a phantom holding penalty against Mark Tauscher, who is one of the least-penalized players not only on the team but probably the entire NFL. Replays, and commentary by the crew calling the game, failed to indicate exactly where the penalty was. And -- in one of those "oh-oh" moments -- after the Pack recovered a fumble at the 'Skins own 9-yard line, they failed to even convert a field goal. So, let's see...the Pack leave up to 20 points on the field and Collinsworth says the 'Skins "gave the game away"? Right. Brilliant insights, Mr. Collinsworth. Yes, the 'Skins did help with dropped passes and those fumbles. But the Pack was doing its best to give the game away, too.

Still, as noted at the outset, it was the "D' that won this game. Charles Woodson had an interception and that fumble-recovery return for the winning touchdown -- his first ever fumble recovery TD, by the way. Huge game. Aaron Kampman put pressure on the 'Skins QB all day, including some clutch sacks. Nick Barnett had a couple huge stops, including a critical fourth-down play. Cullen Jenkins, KGB, Johnny Jolly, Corey Williams, A. J. Hawk, Atari Bigby, Al Harris...the entire defense all came up big. Game balls for everyone!

Brett didn't have a particularly good day although, again, he had two TD passes called back. He passed George Blanda for the #1 spot in all-time interceptions. Special teams didn't have a good day either, with rookie kicker Mason Crosby making one field goal while missing two. And, of course, the running game...well, you can't even say it sucks because that would imply there was something there to actually suck. The running game is non-existent, although it did account for an actual rushing TD early in the game. Who'da thunk it?

So, going into the bye week, the Packers are tied with the Cowboys for the best record in the NFC. They have a lot to work on. But if the defense can maintain its high level of play, and the offense can somehow find some balance, i.e., even a hint of a running game -- which is critical going into the bad weather months -- the Packers should be a lock for the playoffs. Let's just leave it at that for now.

Next stop: Monday Night Football, Oct. 29, at Denver.

1st Quarter: Packers 3 - Chargers 7

The first quarter of the game was noteworthy for a penalty that wasn't called and one that was.

The Packers took the kickoff and drove down to the Chargers 42. On fourth-and-two, Brett threw a pass to Donald Driver where he was clearly interfered with. No call. The Chargers then took the ball and marched down the field, scoring their first first-half touchdown of the season on a well-covered pass to the end zone over Al Harris.

The Pack then generated a drive of their own, helped in part by a roughing penalty on a vicious helmet to helmet hit on Donald Driver. The Packers drove down to inside the red zone, which included a nice catch-and-run by James Jones, but were unable to convert on 3rd and 6; a pass went just off the fingertips of Bubba Franks in the end zone. Mason Crosby kicked the field goal, although it appeared as if a defender nearly came free up the middle to block it.

Helped by a holding penalty on the return, and a delay of game penalty on third down, the Packers defense stopped the Chargers at their own 7 yard line for three and out. Following the punt, the Pack then started their last drive of the quarter from the Chargers 49.

First quarter observations: aside from the last series, LaDainian Tomlinson seems to be finding running room -- not good; Phil Rivers is getting time to throw -- also not good in combination with the LT trend; the Pack is moving the ball both through the air and even a bit on the ground, and Brett is getting great pass protection -- all very good.

Pack vs Giants recap

The Pack is now 2-0 for the first time since 2001. Brett was lighting it up. In fact, he started the second half 14 for 14. Finished the day 29 for 28 with 3 TDs and 1 INT. Not bad for an ol' gunslinger who is just supposed to "manage the game." R-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ght.

Due to some technical difficulties on this end, I wasn't able to provide the 3rd and 4th quarter wrap ups that I try to do when possible. So, let me just provide a few observations about the second half, where the Packers broke the game wide open. You can obviously find more game detail and stats elsewhere. This is just one fan's take on a few of the key moments, along with some comments.

3rd quarter...a 2-yard TD pass to Bubba Franks put the Pack ahead 14-10 The Giants eventually kicked another field goal to make the score 14-13. At this point, it still looked like it might be a close game.

Brett opened the 4th quarter going 9 for 9 for nearly 80 yards and a TD pass to Donald Lee in the corner of the end zone to put the Pack up 21-10. The ensuing kickoff return was fumbled by the Giants and recovered by special teams demon Tracey White at the Giants 22. The Packers were soon up 28-10 on a TD pass to Donald Driver at the back of the end zone. With about 6-1/2 minutes to go in the game, Eli Manning was pressured out of the pocket, panicked, and instead of throwing the ball out of bounds threw it back into the field directly into the arms of lineman Corey White at the Packers 47-yard line. A few plays later, rookie RB DeShawn Wynn bounced a run to the outside and turned what probably should have been a 4-yard gain into a 38-yard touchdown run. Packers 35-Giants 13. Manning was replaced by the Giants' back up QB with a little more than 4 minutes left in the game. He was injured not long thereafter, but stayed in as long as he could before giving way to the Giants emergency QB with a little more than 2 minutes to go. The Giants did mount a little drive, and threw to the end zone on 4th down. DB Jared Bush broke up what would have been a sure TD, preserving the margin of victory. Game over.

A few reflections

Brett looked great, and it looked like he was having a lot of fun both on the field and on the sideline. He might be gaining confidence in some of the kids around him. And that's a very good thing. In addition to becoming the winningest (is that a word?) QB of all time, he is now only 4 TD passes away from setting the all time TD pass record. And, oh yeah, his teammates gave him the game ball.

The offensive line...still needs dramatic improvement. Better than last week, but still not anywhere close to creating a sufficient running game. Pass protection was better, but on the other hand, the Giants defensive line was patchwork...which also makes the line's inability to generate a rushing game disappointing. Although they did go from 47 yards rushing last week to 83 today...yeah, you're right, it still sucks. And even that figure is misleading because Wynn's TD run accounted for 38 of the 83...so, yeah, sucky.

Speaking of Wynn, his two TD runs -- one for 6 and and the other for 38 -- both demonstrated why the Packers picked him. They may have gotten a diamond in the rough. His "issues" caused him to drop to the 7th round where the Packers decided to take a shot on him. After missing a lot of training camp with injury, he's only now actually getting back into playing form. If he continues to work hard, he could wind up being a key factor in the Pack's backfield this year. He has speed, he can cut with the best of them, and he has power. The jury is still out, but you have to like these little flashes you see.

Special teams continues to make a difference. And Tracey White is really excelling in this area. So is returner Tramon Williams, who had a couple nice returns today, including a 42-yarder.

Charles Woodson missed more than a handful of tackles today. It reminds one of what we saw out of him early in the season last year. He has to do a better job. Pride and experience indicate he will.

The Giants helped the Packers a great deal today. Not only with the turnovers, but with several key penalties that stopped their own drives or kept Packers drives going. That's part of the game too. We'll take it.

The Pack returns to Lambeau next week to take on the Chargers, who smacked Da Bearz around in week #1 and are, as I write this, trailing the New England Pilferers, er, Patriots, 17-0 in the first half. The Packers have shown that they are a team with a good defense, a good special teams unit, and an offense that maybe is coming together. There are no easy games. And given that the Bolts are expected by some to go to and perhaps win the Super Bowl this season, this will be a tough game. But one which maybe will show whether the Packers are for real this season.

But hey, we're 2-0. And Da Bearz aren't. That still feels mighty fine! So does winning 6 in a row going back to last year. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Pack vs. Jags: 1st half review

Quick observations from the first half of tonight's game versus the Jaguars, where the Packers lead 10-0:

• The running game is still basically non-existent.


• The defense looked very good, coming up with a few fourth down stops, a sack or two, and lots of pressure on Jags QB Byron Leftwich with only a four-man front.


• Brett looked a bit out of sync with receivers early -- or, more likely, the receivers (with the exception of Donald Driver) were not where they should have been.


• For as out of sync as the passing game looked early, Brett looked very sharp in the second quarter before giving way to Aaron Rodgers. He led a great drive, throwing to at least 6 different receivers on the drive, only to have a sure touchdown pass tipped at the line of scrimmage; the Pack had to settle for a field goal, which continued that disturbing red zone trend from last year.


• Rookie receiver James Jones really came on strong in the second quarter, with more than 80 yards in receptions.


• Bubba Franks continues his path back to reliability, coming up with a couple big catches.


• Aaron Rodgers, taking over for Brett in the second quarter, led a TD-scoring drive, finished off by a short run by rookie RB Brandon Jackson.


• The big hit of the first half -- probably the entire preseason -- was made by backup linebacker, Desmond Bishop. He hit the Jag receiver on the slant route so hard that the receiver's helmet was knocked off and the receiver "de-cleated" (as John Madden might say).


• The down side to the first half was seeing Pro Bowl receiver Donald Driver carted off the field with an unspecified ankle injury. It appeared from replays that his ankle was rolled up when he was tackled trying -- what would you expect? -- to pick up additional yardage after the catch. The Pack can't afford to lose Driver. He's the glue of the receiving corps. Let's hope it's a minor sprain. Driver looked in pain on the field. But if there is anyone on this team that rivals Brett for toughness and playing with injuries, it's Driver. But an injured ankle on a receiver is never a good thing. Hold your breath...cross your fingers...and hope...

Here's something you haven't seen since...

The Packers defeat last evening of the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 48-13 was the most points scored by the Pack in an exhibition game since...oh...1938, to be exact. Against the Cedar Rapids Crush. Remember them? And, the game was played in Escanaba, Michigan. Why the Packers were playing a team from Iowa in Michigan...well...that's another story for another time by another writer who really cares.

As for us, we can be happy that there was some definite progress from the week before. Brett looked like Brett...the really good Brett. Let's face it, a passer rating of 104.2 is really good...even if you don't understand what a passer rating is. And seeing Bubba Franks catch more than a few passes was also encouraging. Brandon Jackson looked good. James Jones continues to impress. The defense...very impressive, scoring twice in the first half. And Atari Bigby, who didn't look too sharp last week looked very solid this time around.

Special teams, however, suffered a loss when return man Shaun Bodiford left with an unspecified knee injury. Will Blackmon filled in and wound up having an 83-yard kickoff return as well as a nice punt return. Hopefully, Bodiford will return without a significant injury or time away.

All in all, an excellent preseason game #2. But, remember, it is still just preseason.

Packers 13 - Steelers 9

The Packers won their first preseason game versus the Steelers last night. Was it a great game? No. It's preseason, after all. Was it interesting? Yes. Not because there were a lot of fantastic plays -- there weren't -- but because there was an opportunity to see some of the many young players on this squad compete. Last year, the Pack had the youngest roster in the NFL. This year they are still young. But, it's that youth which makes things interesting. Will players emerge and make names for themselves? Will this young team be able to build off the momentum of last season's four straight wins down the stretch? Lots of questions. No real answers at this point.

But...some observations of the game, in particular order:

• The first string offense looked awful. Brett was 2 of 7 for 7 yards, in four three-and-out situations. The running game was non-existent. Receivers were unable to get separation on their defenders (which might explain Brett's completion stats). Not good.


• The first string defense looked in fairly good form, especially the line and linebackers. Neither Al Harris or Charles Woodson played, so the team was able to get a good look at the plethora of defensive backs looking for work. Atari Bigby did not have a good night, giving up a couple big plays and missing tackles.


• Individually...Aaron Rodgers looked...actually very good. He ran the two-minute drill with authority, setting up a 32-yard field goal by Dave Rayner to close out the first half, Steelers 9 - Packers 3. He moved well in -- and out of -- the pocket. He wound up the night 18 of 27 for 168 yards and 1 TD, a nice fade route pass in the endzone to Carlyle Holiday.


• Bubba Franks -- carrying on a disturbing trend from last year -- dropped a wide open pass for a first down. He was visibly upset, as he should have been. If Tory Humphrey hadn't been lost for the season already, and with the emergence of Donald Lee, Bubba might be looking for work elsewhere. As it is, the Packers are pretty thin at tight end and Bubba might wind up sticking by default.


• Rookie RB Brandon Jackson, filling in at starter for the injured Vernand Morency (and the departed Ahman Green...sigh), had mixed results. He did next to nothing with the first string offense against the first string Steelers' defense. Although to be fair, no one else did much either. However, in the third quarter and against second and third string defenders, Jackson made some nice cuts, broke some tackles and had runs of 16 and 14 yards after having only 14 yards total on eight carries in the first half; Jackson wound up with 16 carries for 57 yards, or a 3.6 yards-per-carry average.


• Rookie receiver James Jones appears to be the real deal. Made some nice moves, showed great hands, and had six first-half receptions for 58 yards.


• Defensive end Cullen Jenkins had two sacks, KGB had one, as did rookie DE Larry Birdine. Jenkins also stripped Pittsburgh starting QB Ben Roethlisberger of the ball as he dropped back to pass and recovered the fumble. First round draft pick Justin Harrell also got one, and showed flashes of being able to generate a real pass rush. Nice to see.


• Special teams -- both coverage and returns -- still seemed to be where they were last year. In other words, not good. This is an area that HAS to shape up, and soon.


• The kicking game still looks like a draw. Dave Rayner made a 32-yarder at the end of the first half, and Mason Crosby drilled a 52-yarder in the third quarter that had room to spare. He was also nailing his kickoffs. Perhaps a slight edge to Crosby on the night


• Best news: no major injuries...at least that are known of at this time.

Next up: Seattle and ol' Coach Holmgren return to Lambeau on Saturday.

Driver Back, Jones Impresses, Bubba Redux

News out of Packers training camp (Reader's Digest version...RD is a registered trademark of...well, look it up):

• WR Donald Driver was cleared by the team docs to resume practice. He had failed his physical because of a shoulder problem going back to last season. Apparently, problem is now resolved or otherwise managed. Driver returned to practice and began doing what he does best: catching passes and providing leadership to the rest of the receivers.


• Rookie WR James Jones is making a great impression at camp, catching everything in sight. In the first seasonal edition of the televised Mike McCarthy Show, a fan who had attended several days of practice gave the coach his favorable impressions of Jones and asked what the coach thought about his newest receiver. McCarthy told the fan he agreed totally with his assessment. But he also acknowledged that these are practices and it remains to be seen what can be done in actual game situations. Still, if last year's rookie sensation, Greg Jennings, is able to pick up where he left off and Jones is also the real deal, the Pack could have a dynamite 1-2-3 receiving group. There's a good article about Jones here.


• Bubba Franks is looking to be the Bubba of old. That would be as opposed to just an old Bubba. After being hurt in 2005 and having a horrible 2006 season, Bubba changed his diet and workout regimen to better fit the Packers' zone blocking scheme. He had bulked up to provide extra blocking ability in the pre-McCarthy days; now, he will be asked to do less of that in this new scheme. He reported lighter and leaner than in past years. While Bubba will never be one to stretch the field, it would be nice if he would at least return to being the reliable set of hands he once was, especially in the red zone where the Pack had problems last year.

It will likely be a quiet day today. It's a designated off day in the training camp schedule.

...And the starters are...

We're just on the eve of training camp and already the starting lineup is in place. At least it is in the form of an "unofficial" depth chart approved by Coach Mike McCarthy and release to the media today. Two items of note: first round draft pick Justin Harrell is listed as the starter on the defensive line ahead of Corey Williams, who had a bit of a break out year last season; secondly, Donald Lee is listed as the starting tight end ahead of Bubba Franks who had an admittedly dismal 2006 season.

Here is the depth chart as it was released today:
OFFENSE
WR Greg Jennings, LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, RG Jason Spitz, RT Mark Tauscher, TE Donald Lee, WR Donald Driver, QB Brett Favre, RB Vernand Morency, FB Brandon Miree.

DEFENSE
LE Aaron Kampman, LDT Ryan Pickett, RDT Justin Harrell, RE Cullen Jenkins, SLB Brady Poppinga, MLB Nick Barnett, WLB A.J. Hawk, LCB Charles Woodson, RCB Al Harris, SS Marquand Manuel, FS Nick Collins.

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Dave Rayner, P Jon Ryan, PR Charles Woodson, KR Vernand Morency, LS Rob Davis.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
WR Ruvell Martin, LT Orrin Thompson, LG Allen Barbre, C Tyson Walter, RG Junius Coston, RT Tony Moll, TE Bubba Franks, WR Robert Ferguson, QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Brandon Jackson, FB Ryan Powdrell.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
LE Michael Montgomery, LDT Corey Williams, RDT Colin Cole, RE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, SLB Spencer Havner, MLB Abdul Hodge, WLB Tracy White, LCB Patrick Dendy, RCB Jarrett Bush, SS Atari Bigby, FS Aaron Rouse.

While Vernand Morency is listed as the starting running back, reports have McCarthy indicating he really doesn't have a preference as to whether there is a featured back or running back by committee; what he wants is production. Hard to argue with that logic. Although one hopes that eventually a dominant back does emerge from the young group on the roster.