Packers outlast Ravens 19-17

It wasn't pretty, that's for sure. But the Green Bay Packers had just enough to beat the Ravens in Baltimore today. It was the first win for the Pack in Baltimore since MacArthur Lane was the running back and, coincidentally, the first time they had a 100-yard rusher in a game versus a Baltimore team since Jim Taylor against the Colts in 1963.

Those historical markers aside, the game was memorable on a few other counts...as well as forgettable on still others.

The nod to the memorable part of the game has to go to the defense which, for most of the game, held the Ravens in check with smash-mouth play. LB A.J. Hawk was a man possessed, seemingly everywhere on the field, responsible for three sacks on Ravens QB Joe Flacco. The defensive front on two separate occasions stopped Baltimore deep in the red zone, once with 1st and goal from about the 2-yard line. On the offensive side of things, Aaron Rodgers threw for more than 300 yards and Eddie Lacy rushed for his first 100-yard game as a professional.

(Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun, October 13, 2013)

One of the forgettable parts was the almost similar 4th quarter collapse (but not this time) as occurred against the Bengals, including a 63-yard pass completion on 4th-and-21 which brought the Ravens to within 2 points of the Packers late in the game. John Kuhn touching and muffing a blocked punt, which instead of giving the Packers the ball deep in Ravens' territory gave the Birds a first down, was another forgettable play.

Perhaps the most forgettable, however, were the injuries. Actually, we probably won't be able to forget these injures anytime soon. First, WR James Jones went down with a knee injury. He was out of uniform and walking stiffly on the sideline in the second half. Then, WR Randall Cobb went down after being hit low on the right knee after making a catch. He was taken to the locker room on a cart and was on crutches on the Packers sideline late in the game. In his post-game interview, head coach Mike McCarthy said he didn't know the severity of the injuries yet but should know more tomorrow.

So the Packers were down to two wide receivers for the second half of the game: Jordy Nelson and Jarrett Boykin.

The Packers now have a couple of starting linebackers sidelined and a couple starting receivers, as well. The injury bug has hit the Pack big early this season. And with the bye week already behind them, there's no time to "get healthy." GM Ted Thompson will have to figure out what to do to bolster the roster. Some pundits are already saying the Packers might have to become a serious contender in the trade market because of today's hits to the receiving corps.

It's not going to be easy. But the Packers have perhaps gone through the gauntlet of the toughest part of their schedule. Sure, there are 11 games left, no more byes and and it's all tough. But the Pack has already played three championship-caliber teams in their first five games and have come out with a 3-2 record. They have -- or had -- the talent to make a deep playoff run. In their last Super Bowl season, they also were plagued with injuries and found a way to win it all. Will that be possible this season? It remains to be seen.

All we can say right now is ... Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Colts preseason recap

First things first. It was a lackluster performance. I'm referring to my golf game in the charity scramble I played in yesterday. Guess that's what happens when you don't swing a golf club for two months. Good shot, bad shot, good shot, bad shot. Yikes. But at least the kitties and dogs at the shelter benefited from my angst-filled participation. And really, that's the important thing, right?

I guess in some ways, though, we could say this scenario played out a bit for the Packers in Indy last night. Now, to be honest, I saw only the very end of the first half and the first few minutes of the second half. Listened to more of the second half on the radio. But...and here's the important part...I missed the ending. And never heard the final score. I went to bed last night thinking the Packers had lost 21-13.

Soooooooo...imagine my shock -- and awe (wait, where have I heard that expression before???) -- when I hit the 'net this morning to find that the Packers WON 24-21. Huh? Really? What the heck did I miss?

Apparently, a great ending. and for the rest of the Packer fans out there who also missed out, allow me to quote the great Packers reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bob McGinn, who said in his article, "The Packers won it with their shock troops, scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard pass to tight end Ryan Taylor with 35 seconds left, a 2-point conversion on another pass to Taylor and a field goal from 50 yards by Mason Crosby as time expired."

I guess it didn't surprise me that the Packers scored a late TD and 2-point conversion. But when I read that Crosby hit a 50-yarder to win the game as time expired...? Especially after he missed a 41-yarder earlier? A 50-yarder at the end of the game to win? This has been the knock on Crosby. Strong leg. But like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, when it comes to Crosby with the game on the line you never know what you're going to get. To be honest, we still don't. But let's look at this kick as the proverbial glass-half-full type of thing: perhaps there is hope that Crosby can do this with the game on the line in the regular season. Coach Mike McCarthy never seems to hesitate to throw him out there for those 50+ yard kicks. So, fingers crossed on this front.

Other than QB Aaron Rodgers slicing and dicing the Colts from the no-huddle offense, and getting hit more times than you want to see because of the O-line (particularly Chad Clifton and Josh Sitton) having breakdowns, the other key observation that reports of the game make clear is that third-string QB Graham Harrell is showing that he may just have what it takes to be the backup to Rodgers when Matt Flynn is either traded or lost in free agency next season. While tossing an interception that led to the Colts going up 21-13, Harrell had the moxy (there's a word you don't hear every day, Edgar) to get his you-know-what together and engineer an 11-play, 73-yard TD drive that made the score 21-19 Colts. On both the TD pass and the ensuing 2-point conversion, Harrell connected with WR Ryan Taylor who, truth be told, is another one of those young receivers that is showing that he can play. If not in Green Bay, somewhere in the league.

And then, the Packers pulled off an onside kick. Cool. Well done.

Next up, Harrell gets the Packers close enough for Crosby to boot the game-winner as time experied. Even more cool.

But let's back up a second. Why, late in a preseason game, would Coach McCarthy go for a 2-pointer and an onside kick? Most coaches (e.g., Lovie Smith) would have mailed it in. Take the loss that doesn't count anyway and go home. Not McCarthy. He wants to set a tone with his players that winning matters. Always. Hmmm...sounds a great deal like another coach that walked the sidelines for the Packers once upon a time, doesn't it? That coach built a dynasty. And with the depth of personnel the Packers have now, especially at key skill positions, with the coaching staff, and with GM Ted Thompson working his magic, Coach McCarthy could also be creating a new Packers dynasty. Not as straightforward as it may have been in Lombardi's time; not that it was a piece of cake then, either. But it's still possible. And McCarthy's got the mindset, it seems, to draw the best from the players he has to work with.

Interesting stat: the Packers had 45 different players start last season. The Colts had 38. They were the two teams devastated by injuries more than any other last season. And yet, McCarthy and his staff got those players and guys off the street (in football terms anyway) ready to roll all the way to and through the Super Bowl.

That attitude has to permeate the entire organization and the players have to get it. Really get it. That starts in the preseason. And that's why Coach McCarthy played out the end of the game the way he did. And, apparently, to see the way the players reacted they definitely were taking this as not just another meaningless preseason game. They're getting it. To read a great article about McCarthy's choices at the end of the game, check out Rob Demovsky's piece at packersnews.com.

One other good outcome, at least as far as we know, is that there were no major injuries. However, both Jordy Nelson and Jermichael Finley did get nicked up a bit before halftime. Nelson had a knee bruise and Finley sprained an ankle. Neither of them were going to play in the second half and both stayed in the locker room for treatment.

Next up: the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night at Lambeau Field in the preseason closer.

Go Pack Go!!!

Quick takes on Packers' quick practice

For the third time in four years, the Packers' Family Night event at Lambeau was shortened due to stormy weather rolling through. In effect, the glorified practice before more than 43,000 fans amounted to three drives by the number one offense versus the number two defense. It lasted perhaps about 20 minutes. But at least after the storm cleared, fans were treated to the promised fireworks...not of the football variety...real fireworks.

So, what can we take from this all-too-brief team scrimmage?

Firstly, rookie T/G Derek Sherrod, at 6'5" and 321 lbs., looked huge playing left guard, where the Packers have been working him extensively the first week of camp. Looks as if he has good movement. Definitely has the size to play left tackle but that is still veteran Chad Clifton's job, although Marshall Newhouse filled in at that spot last evening.

Second-year running back James Starks looks a bit bigger -- supposedly he added about 15 pounds of muscle according to some reports -- and extremely quick. He had a couple runs last evening, one in particular, where he waited for the lane to open and with what seemed like two quick steps was through the defense. Very fast and explosive. Great to see veteran Ryan Grant back, as well. But if Starks continues to display this combination of explosive moves and speed it might be hard to keep the ball out of his hands. Combined with Grant and rookie Alex Green -- who the coaches are also high on -- defenses will be hard pressed to defend both the run and the Packers' passing game.

Speaking of the passing game, it was great to see James Jones back. Jordy Nelson made a nice catch on a fade route in the endzone for a TD. And rookie Randall Cobb -- another one the coaches are pleased with at this point -- made a nice move on an underthrown ball. He's going to add another element for defenders to worry about downfield.

QB Aaron Rodgers looked as if he was getting into rhythm with new receivers and never missed a beat with his long-time receivers.

Defensively, we didn't get a chance to see the number ones last night. So can't really say much on this side of the ball. Except that undrafted rookie free agent CB Brandian Ross made a nice read on Aaron Rodgers' first pass of the evening, jumped it, and wound up getting an interception return for a pick-6 TD. No Lambeau Leap, though...hey, he's a rookie. He said in post-scrimmage comments that Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and other veteran defensive backs had been helping him along. Appeared as if he was listening to whatever they were telling him. Given the logjam at cornerback, Ross might be a longshot to make the the team. But he's someone to keep your eye on. Seemed very thoughtful, respectful, and has instincts for the position. He'll have a job somewhere if not in Green Bay.

That's about all we could get out of last night's scrimmage. Unfortunately, especially for the rookies, they weren't able to get more repetitions. But Coach McCarthy and the Packers err on the side of keeping the players healthy and safe. The team is off today as, under the new collective bargaining agreement, they are only allowed to practice four days in a row. They'll be back to work Monday. Friday is an off day which will see the Super Bowl champs visiting the White House to be honored by the President (and Da Bearz fan). Saturday they'll be in Cleveland for the first preseason game of the new football year.

Football. You gotta love it. Glad it's back!

Go Pack Go!!!

Halftime: Packers 13 - Bills 7

This game has been a tale of two quarters. The Green Bay Packers dominated the first quarter while the Buffalo Bills dominated the second.

A very weird feeling to this game. If the Packers do not recover the zip they had in the first quarter this might just become this year's game equivalent of the debacle at Tampa Bay last season.

No doubt Coach McCarthy will be kicking some major you-know-what at halftime.

Packers preseason game #1 post-post-analysis

Hello, again, Packer fans! Great to be back from a little break to get refreshed and recharged for the upcoming season.

Of course, as any truly green-n-gold-blooded Packer fan knows by now, the Pack dropped their first preseason game 27-24 on a last-second field goal by the Browns. The Packers started off poorly and finished poorly. But in between, so-so.

I have to confess to not actually having seen the game. I was attending one of those ill-planned activities that, when the date was chosen, somehow failed to consider the fact that hey, it's football season! Weddings..harrumph! (I didn't get a "harrumph" out of that guy!...sorry, slight homage to a line from Blazing Saddles.) But I did hear the closing minutes of the game on radio and of course saw and heard many of the post-game reports and comments.

You can check out all the specifics of the game elsewhere, if you haven't already done so. The quick-take: Rodgers did great, defense didn't even qualify as "vanilla," special teams are still mediocre.

So, based on one preseason game, looks as if the season is...whoa, there, Packer fans! Let's not get ahead of ourselves. And this is the thing I find most amazing reading "fan" comments elsewhere. Holy shanked field goal, Batman! It's the first preseason game, for cryin' out loud! The Browns wanted to jack it up to impress new GM Mike Holmgren (remember him?); the Pack clearly just wanted to get through the game, run some of the offense, see some players, not get anyone hurt. Yet, to read some of the comments, some folks are ready to consign the Packers to a pathetic season based upon what they saw Saturday night. (I'm tempted to go into that Saturday Night Live bit about, "Really? Really?", but I will refrain.) People: get a grip. First of all, it's only a game. Secondly, it's only a preseason game! The Packers did exactly what they needed to do. Granted, a little more energy and fewer mistakes to start the game might have made for a more entertaining night. But given how hard Cleveland had to play -- blitzing (sending 5 or more players) more than 80 percent of the time when Rodgers was in the game...and how did that work out, by the way? -- just to pull it out on the leg of their robo-kicker as the clock hit zero, well, the Packers are just fine.

Now sure, adjustments still need to be made and players still need to be coached up (in coach-speak). But it's OK at this point. Yes, special teams is still a concern both in terms of coverage as well as returns. But that's really not much different than it's been since the year of Desmond Howard, let's be honest. Quite a contrast with Cleveland's approach, where they keep five players on the roster just for special teams play...and that does not include the punter and kicker. This is the one area in particular that we should keep an eye on for major progress from game #1 to game #3, which is generally considered the dress rehearsal for the regular season opener. If we don't see some improvement by then, settle in for yet another ho-hum special teams season under Coach Mike McCarthy.

But, again, back to the main point of this post: take a deep breath, Packer fans. Chill. No, not the kind you get at Lambeau in December and January. The kind you need now. The kind of chillin' that will keep you realistic. It was only preseason game #1.

Thanks for reading and checking back. We'll keep you posted on anything of interest as the Pack prepares for their next game at Seattle.

Another example of Coach McCarthy feeling the pressure?

No, this one is not Packers CEO Mark Murphy putting some subtle verbal screws to the coaching staff, as happened earlier this week. And it's certainly not GM Ted Thompson saying anything...when was the last time that happened? But as noted in an earlier post here this week, McCarthy is clearly feeling the heat by emphasizing that they are taking this upcoming game against the Cowboys as seriously as a heart attack (paraphrasing).

But perhaps some warning signs about the mounting pressure started to show a bit earlier.

There's a fascinatingly sad article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel about a part-time maintenance worker at Lambeau Field, who had worked there for more than 20 years, getting canned because of a comment he said never made to the coach.

On the Thursday before the game versus the ViQueens, the worker was sitting in a maintenance cart inside a stadium tunnel. According to the report, he says he yelled at McCarthy, "Hey coach, let's get the boys ready to kick some butt this weekend." That was it. The following day, it was work as usual. When the fellow showed up on Sunday, however, to begin his pre-game set up routine, it wasn't long before he was escorted out of Lambeau Field and was out of a job. McCarthy claimed that the worker said something along the lines of "don't lay an egg" in the game.

If he didn't say the latter, apparently even now shouting words of encouragement at the coach is seen as insubordination. Getting wound just a bit tight, eh, coach? Does the name Captain Queeg ring a bell?

The best cure is a win. I hate to quote Al Davis but, just win, baby, win!

For more of the sad story about the loyal part-time worker booted for daring to speak to the coach, click here.

Do the Packers players get it now?

With the youngest squad in the NFL for the fourth consecutive year, some analysts have wondered whether or not the youngsters understand the need to win now...that you can be playing today and out of the game tomorrow...that there is only today in the NFL. Old timers such as Charles Woodson, Donald Driver, Mark Tauscher, Ahman Green and Chad Clifton get it. The kids? Maybe not so much.

But perhaps that's about to change. Apparently after watching film of the Tampa Bay debacle on Monday, the offensive players had, as guard Daryn Colledge put it, "a come-to-Jesus meeting." According to at least one report, "With the coaches still in the room, the veteran leaders on offense, one by one, took turns addressing the rest of the unit...According to players who were in the room, Rodgers, tackle Mark Tauscher and receiver Donald Driver were the most powerful speakers."

While generally positive in tone, emphasizing what the squad is doing well -- they are ranked as the #7 offense, after all -- some blunt words were also spoken, so much so that word travelled quickly to the defensive unit and was received as a positive sign.

You can read more of the details via the link above.

Now, whether words alone can correct the plethora of mistakes that have plagued the Pack so far this season remains to be seen. But the Packers are apparently focused on this game versus the Cowboys in a way perhaps they haven't been yet this season for any other game...maybe not even the ViQueens games. In his news briefing with the media yesterday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said, "Our message is very clear. The head coach has to coach better, the coaches have to coach better, the players have to play better, and we have to win games. That's our focus. We're going to apply all of our energy into this Dallas game plan. ... That's about as far down the road as we're looking. We're going to pour everything that we have into winning at home against the Cowboys. That's our focus." If you were to see footage of this statement you'd know this is about as serious as you'd ever see Mike McCarthy. Clearly, he is feeling the heat and knows that if things don't turn around and fast he could be on his way out.

Unfortunately, the injury bug seems to be biting the Packers at an inopportune time. RT Mark Tauscher is still questionable for Sunday and Allen Barbre also now has an injury which required rookie T. J. Lang to shift over from the left side to the right for the first time in practice. On the defensive side of things, not only is Aaron Kampman still questionable with his concussion, but Brady Popinga, who had replaced Kampman, is also injured. That means either rookie Brad Jones or second-year player Jeremy Thompson might get the start at outside linebacker.

So, another offensive line shuffle against a very good defense, and perhaps some new starters in key positions on the defense. Going against a team on a 4-game win streak. Yikes.

The team hasn't done anything to this point in the season to give fans confidence they can beat a good team. And after the game Sunday, we don't even have confidence about beating a horrible team. Depending upon what spread source you are looking at the game is either a toss up (really???) or the Cowboys are favored by 3 as of the time of this posting.

We'll just have to wait to see if the players got religion this week and saved their season or if the descent into the Inferno of football mediocrity continues.

Stay tuned...

As if we didn't already know: sacks are not good

Stating what football fans -- and especially, Packer fans these days -- know all too well, sportswriter Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel today has a bit of an overview on what happens when a team's quarterback gets sacked too often. You get three guesses. And the first two don't count. Ding-ding-ding! You're correct, oh wise one! A lot of sacks on the QB translates to a lot of losses for the team. I know: who'da thunk it, right?

The article is worth checking out for the stats, as well as for the comments about the issue from Packers' coaches. For example, Head Coach Mike McCarthy insisting things are correctable. Hmmm...where have we heard that before? Gonna get things "cleaned up," eh, coach? As someone apparently responded on another blog (overheard it repeated on radio, just for attribution purposes), if Coach McCarthy was in charge of "cleaning up" the Lambeau Field bathrooms after games the place would be condemned.

So, with a league-high 37 sacks through 8 games the Packers are on track to come close to beating the record of 76 sacks set by the Houston Texans and David Carr in 2002. And with the Cowboys and LB DeMarcus Ware coming to town Sunday, and yet more shuffling on the offensive line because of injury if not performance, things don't look set for a turnaround anytime soon.

Post-game analysis, which was really more like mid-season review, brought out such points as the fact that various retired players (including a few QBs) have said that a review of all the Packers sacks shows that perhaps about half of them are due to Aaron Rodgers hanging on to the ball too long. That's another one of those obvious, "Ya think?!", statements. But part of that may also be due, as some of these same analysts suggest, because the Packers seem to be focused on a passing scheme that is all downfield, requiring deep drops by the QB and solid protection by the line for the play to develop. If the Packers worked more of a 3-step drop scheme, working slants and quick out pass plays, the line wouldn't have to protect as long and Rodgers wouldn't be holding the ball so long, i.e., less sacks overall. But as long as the scheme is what is, expect more of the same. And isn't that the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

If the Packers are to resurrect their season -- and it is not too late...yet -- they have to work with what they have. They have a very good young quarterback, they have a great receiving corps, and a serviceable running game. What they also have is a sub-par offensive line that gives sieves a bad name. That means they need to shorten up the passing game and go to more quick-hit plays, the ol' dink 'n' dunk that somebody by the name of Brett Favre learned and executed so well and built a Hall of Fame career upon.

The question is, will McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin go that route? We'll see if they are smart enough to make that adjustment...or continue doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Not only the Packers season but their jobs depend on the answer.

Packer fans united...and disgusted

The post-game call-in shows are brutal, the sports columns are dripping venom, and the blogs are ripping new you-know-whats all over the place.

In brief, Packer fans are united in disgust at where the Packers are halfway through this NFL season. And the tipping point for fan outrage was yesterday's loss to Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay! Great Ceasar's Ghost!

In what has to rank as one of the worst coaching performances in Packers' history, Head Coach Mike McCarthy and staff snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Showing a total inability to inspire a team to victory and correct mistakes that now go back a year-and-a-half, McCarthy at least had the honesty to tell reporters that the loss was on him. Well, at least you got that call correct, coach.

Some fans are beginning to make comparisons between the increasingly apparent coaching ineptitude of Coach McCarthy with that of the Bart Starr era (who, let's also say, was one of the great quarterbacks to ever play the game...just wasn't able to carry that over to coaching). That era began a long slide into the football netherworld for the franchise. The fear of many fans at this point is this: are we once again on the edge of a football abyss? The Ted Thompson haters in the crowd have been saying "yes" for some time because of personnel moves. Now, many fans are pointing the finger (which one, we won't say) at the coaching staff and saying "yes" as well.

The coaching staff's failures to address ongoing problems and witness them repeated week after mind-numbing week, is one element of this dissatisfaction. Failure to apparently make players accountable for their mistakes is another. Failure to put players in a position to succeed -- ala Aaron Kampman being taken totally out of his capabilities -- is yet one more. And special teams? Coach Shawn Slocum should be shown the door.

At least one of the Wisconsin sports pundits said that after yesterday's loss McCarthy is "on the clock." Fans shouldn't expect McCarthy to be booted during the season. But if the Packers don't make the playoffs -- which was a clear expectation going into the season -- and finish .500 or below (which looks like a distinct possibility at this point), McCarthy could be -- should be -- out.

Would Packers CEO Mark Murphy pull the trigger and also boot GM Ted Thompson at season's end? That's a bigger question. But it will also have to be addressed. Thompson's theory of building a team through the draft is one thing. Having the youngest team in the NFL four years in a row is another. Being fiscally responsible and having money available to sign free agents is one thing. Not using any of the nearly $20 million in cap room to sign free agents that could help improve a team is another.

There are no more loyal fans in football than Packer fans. That's because we know the game. And that's why the outcry about the current state of affairs is getting louder and louder. We expect more from players, coaches and the GM than we are getting.

Ahman Green gets the rushing record
Lost in yesterday's debacle was the fact that RB Ahman Green surpassed the great Jim Taylor's franchise rushing record of 8,207 yards which had lasted since 1966. Congrats to Ahman.

Packer bliss

Is it just me, or does the day after a Packers victory just have an afterglow that doesn't compare with anything. Well...OK...maybe there are a few things but that's a little TMI (too much information, for you acronym-challenged out there), thank you very much.

We are blissing out today not only because of the Packers win, but because we hit the trifecta yesterday: the victory by the Pack, a loss by Da Bearz (a humiliating loss...regrets to my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan...but even he knows that's true), and a heartbreaking loss by Ol' #4 and his fellow ViQueens. Ahhhhh....it's great to be a Packers fan!

We'll return later on to talk a bit, maybe, about yesterday's victory. But mainly, we'll be looking ahead to the game coming up on Sunday. The rematch. The game that will show whether the Packers are in fact to be counted among the better teams in the league, or whether they still have a ways to go.

But a few things to chew on in the meantime.

Head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters today that TE Jermichael Finley will likely miss the ViQueens game because of a knee sprain suffered yesterday. WR Brett Swain was apparently also injured yesterday and will have knee surgery; he's done for the season. WR and returner Jordy Nelson is still out "a couple more weeks" according to McCarthy with the knee sprain he suffered last week. So that takes the Pack down to just 5 healthy receivers and tight ends. Not much room for more knocks to the depth chart there. To that end, McCarthy said, "We'll acquire another receiver definitely. We're working through (that) right now. Personnel department is looking at their options. We'll probably make a decision in the next 24 hours." McCarthy noted that moving up Jake Allen from the practice squad is a "definite possibility."

The Packers will be getting Chad Clifton back into practice this week, and Jason Spitz will also be evaluated. Mark Tauscher and newly-signed Ahman Green will be evaluated to see how they fit into the game plan for the Vikes. McCarthy indicated that going into this week of practice the Packers will go with the offensive line that finished the Browns game: rookie LT T.J. Lang (who again acquitted himself quite well), LG Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, RG Josh Sitton and RT Allen Barbre. Of special note from yesterday was the fact that for the first time this year Aaron Rodgers was not sacked. Yes, you read that right. No sacks.

The Packers defense has been nothing short of great over the last several games. Granted, not exactly the highest calibre teams on the planet. But still. Here's a few stats to mull over.

• Against the ViQueens (and Adrian Peterson!) the Packers allowed just 63 yards rushing; against Detroit, 78 yards rushing; versus the Browns, 58 yards.
• Across those three games, the defense has allowed only 1 rushing touchdown.

Seems as if the rush defense is hitting its stride.

Is that enough of a mouthful to chew on for a while?

End of 1st quarter: Packers 0 - Browns 0

The Packers began the game kicking off to, and away from, Joshua Cribbs. The kick hit the endzone pylon -- deemed out of bounds -- and thus Cleveland began their first possession at the 40-yard line. The Packers held. They started their own drive from inside their own 20 and moved down to about the Browns 30, building on a series of successful runs and a pass to TE Jermichael Finley; Finley took a shot to the knee on the tackle and his return today is questionable. On 4th and about half-a-yard, though, the Packers ran a quarterback sneak and could not get the half-yard. Coach Mike McCarthy challenged the spot of the ball, as replays looked as if QB Aaron Rodgers had indeed picked up the first down; the call on the field, after viewing the replay, stood, however. Missed opportunity. Where we have seen this before?

The Browns built a potential scoring drive late in the quarter largely on a pass play onto which 15 yards was tacked because of a facemask penalty on Al Harris. The Browns took the ball down inside the Packers 5-yard line. On second and goal, QB Derrick Anderson fumbled the snap. Despite multiple Packers being around the ball, the Browns recovered. On the next play, LB Nick Barnett dropped what would have been an interception at about the 2-yard line, leaving the Browns to decide on a field goal or 4th-and-goal attempt as time ran out in the quarter.

There has been no pass rush on Browns' QB Anderson whatsoever. He went 5 for 6 on the Browns' scoring drive. Even a mediocre quarterback can be made to look good when he has all day to pass.

One of the unspoken fears of this game, coming off the flawed win versus Detroit and looking to the game against the ViQueens next weekend, is that the Packers would be flat for this game. Maybe. Maybe.

Penalties and other debris

The topic of ongoing penalties by the Packers under head coach Mike McCarthy's tenure is a topic of much discussion among Packer fans and sports pundits. Some of those thoughts were related in yesterday's post, including links to yet other articles about the topic.

Today, the online edition of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has a poll about the subject. At the time of this posting, here are the results:

Does Mike McCarthy show enough concern over the number of Packers penalties?

• Yes (8%)
• No (92%)

Total Responses: 1,788

Guess, coach, fans aren't buying the old song and dance that "we'll get it cleaned up." We've heard that for the last few years and the Packers are still among the most penalized teams in the league. And then, refs begin looking for chances to throw the flags. You think they aren't eyeballing Chad Clifton every time he goes to the line of scrimmage to see if he is actually on the line of scrimmage?

Coach McCarthy also got a bit testy during his news conference yesterday when he was pressed on the subject of penalties. It doesn't really get conveyed in the transcript, but if you listen to the audio you should be able to sense his growing unease talking about the subject. Just go here and then click on coach McCarthy's press conference from Oct. 19.

Flashback or flash forward?
Reports out of Green Bay yesterday are that the Packers had RB Ahman Green in for a tryout yesterday. Whaaaaaaa...??? Yep. Ahman Green. Great. About 10 years ago, that is. Was cut by Houston in February after two seasons of ongoing injuries. At age 32, should he even be considered as a backup? And that's what we're talking here. But isn't it a reflection on personnel and/or coaching decisions when this is where things are at in regards to that position after just five games?

Let's review, shall we?

The decision was to keep Brandon Jackson and DeShawn Wynn as the backups to Ryan Grant. Jackson is serviceable when healthy, which he hasn't been yet this season, being active for the first time against the Lions. Wynn has shown flashes on rare occasions when he's been healthy; his problem, however, is that he has never been healthy -- or willing play through minor injuries -- since he's been in the NFL.

As for the starter, Grant has been a non-factor in any form this season. He finally got off his longest run of the season -- 22 yards -- late in the game Sunday when the Lions had already been beaten. Not entirely his fault. The problems with the offensive line extend beyond giving up a league-leading sack count; there also just haven't been many holes to run through. (One wonders if even a back like Adrian Peterson could do anything given this current line. )

But back to personnel decisions. The Packers kept three fullbacks, which raised eyebrows at the time and perhaps is now coming back to haunt the team. Although this past Sunday, the team was down to only John Kuhn as both Korey Hall and rookie Quinn Johnson were out. But if the Pack had kept their leading rusher of the preseason, undrafted free agent Tyrell Sutton, the team might not now have to be looking at such alternatives as bringing in Ahman Green and Dominic Rhodes, another old-timer (age 30), as help in the running back department. Granted, Sutton might not have been the answer either. But at least he was fast and had fresh legs.

You can read more about this development here. Be sure to especially check out the reader comments afterward. Some priceless feedback.

Game Day Weather Link
In a continuing effort to provide at least some useful tools to Packer fans, I've recently added a "Packers 2009 Home & Away Weather Forecast" link in, appropriately enough, the "Links" section in the righthand column. Check it out there. Or here.

Tauscher IS back with the Pack!

The good news out of Packerland today is that veteran right tackle, Mark Tauscher, was signed to a contract, following about 11 months of rehab on his blown knee.

Here's the gist of the Packers' new release: "The Green Bay Packers have signed T Mark Tauscher and placed CB Will Blackmon on injured reserve. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transactions Monday. Tauscher played his first nine NFL seasons (2000-08) with the Packers. He saw action in 122 games, including 120 starts. Blackmon, a fourth-year pro, had seen action in three games in 2009."

Coach Mike McCarthy said in his press conference today that it will probably take Tauscher at least a week to get back into enough football shape to be able to play. So, apparently, don't look to see him much if at all against Detroit on Sunday. More likely to get playing time the following week at Cleveland so he's really ready to go in that big Nov. 1 rematch at Lambeau against the ViQueens and Ol' #4.

It's also possible that both LT Chad Clifton and S Atari Bigby will get playing time this week, although Bigby was still held out of practice today, according to report.

Halftime: Packers 23 - Rams 14

The second quarter had a few penalties for the Pack, including a needless 15-yard face mask penalty on Charles Woodson which helped the Rams in their TD drive. The Packers running game is still stuck in neutral, although the first TD of the game came on 1-yard run by fullback John Kuhn. The passing game turned it up a notch, with a long pass and great one-handed catch by Donald Driver early in the quarter to help set up the first TD, and later on a 50-yard pass play from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings. Not long after came a 21-yard TD pass to Donald Driver.

The Packers defense, sadly, allowed the Rams to march about 80 yards down the field in the last minute or so. They had one shot at the endzone with about 8 seconds left and got it on a TD pass, despite the Packers dropping 8 men into coverage. Unexcusable. And Coach Mike McCarthy did not look happy on the sidelines. Rightly so.

Packers 23 - Rams 14 at half. The Rams have scored twice the number of touchdowns in the first half as they did their entire two first games.

The Pack should be able to get this win. But they still are suspect on a number of fronts.

Pack Must Cherish This Win

Tough wins like this will lead to character development of this Packer team. I am very happy about the outcome and the learnings that can come from this game. They will have to realize that they are in a very difficult battle in the division this year.

Rodgers now remembers what it is like to be hit, hit often, and hit hard. I can not imagine a game in which it will be worse, though future Bear and Vikings games will likely be as tough.

Observations: running game was average - there is ample room and real potential for improvement; Donald Driver will not drop more than one pass in a game from here on out, and in most games he will have none; Rodgers needs to learn to escape to his left on occasion - he has a clear tendency to his right; Bears' players should be fined for Urlacher hit on Rodgers early in game and others for the hit on Rodgers during last drive; Barbre can only get better; O-line needs to do a pride-check regarding pass protection; McCarthy did not game plan Chicago's zone pass defense well-enough - he needs to prepare for new schemes that opponents will develop to stop the offense; Back Judge (or, whichever official) who threw the flag on Harris ought to be fined!; Woodson should be confident and not cocky - I think "cocky" cost him on Knox and Hester long plays; Collins needs to learn what it takes to stay hydrated - this is "professional" football and physical preparation like hydration is key.

Let's hope the Packers have fake field goal and punt plays that do not rely upon the center to make the call! I can't wait to hear the full explanation on the Bears call. There is no way the center should be allowed to make that call, for us!

Finally, as Packrphan likes to repeat, and is known to have chanted as far away as the Superdome in New Orleans after a Packer win against the Saints: "The Bears still suck!" (Inebriated Saints fans, and sober as well, did not understand the timing of this chant within the bowels of their stadium. But, Packrphan clearly explained to the uneducated that "the Bears suck, always and everywhere!)

Pack vs. Cards preview

The Pack goes to the Arizona desert tonight where the temperature today is supposed to be 114 degrees. But it's a dry heat.

Luckily, the game will be played indoors, where the temp will be modified juuuuusssst a bit.

What Packer fans are interested in seeing, though, is the temperature of the team. The third preseason game is typically viewed as the real final warm up before the regular season starts. Sure, there is one final preseason game. But some starters won't see any action at all in that game, or perhaps only a few tune up snaps. Don't want to risk injury, of course. Generally, that last game is a chance for the team to make their final determinations on bubble players. You know, those rookies, free agents and even veterans that just might not fit the Packers' plans, or find a spot on a highly competitive roster.

But back to tonight. Fans want to know whether or not the starting defense is for real. They haven't allowed a point in two preseason games while they have been on the field as a unit. OK, they've played the Browns and Bills, but still...

But against the NFC representative to last year's Super Bowl, it will be a bit different. The Pack's defense won't be a surprise to the Cardinals, as both the head coach and their running game coordinator come from the Steelers, where the 3-4 scheme arguably originated. And let's not forget the Cards starting QB is a grizzled veteran by the name of Kurt Warner, who has seen a few things in his day. Including regularly facing the 3-4 in practice.

So, this will be a good test of whether the defense is really as together as it has seemed to be, or whether they are pretenders at this point. Should be interesting.

As to the offensive side of things, head coach Mike McCarthy named his starting five linemen earlier this week. From left to right: Chad Clifton, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, and Allen Barbre. McCarthy wants some continuity there, rather than the shuffling that has gone on the last few seasons. He also wants some size. While still focused on the zone running scheme, the staff has apparently recognized they also need some power blocking...particularly when the majority of the running backs are primarily "north-south" type runners; rookie free agent Tyrell Sutton being the real lone exception to the rule (and a good reason to keep him on the roster!).

Back up QB Brian Brohm will once again see plenty of action tonight as #2 back up Matt Flynn will be sitting this one out with the shoulder sprain suffered in last week's game. Brohm needs to have a productive game to perhaps retain his roster spot. Rumors have been circulating that the Packers have an interest in Tampa Bay's back up, Luke McCown. Whether the Packers would go with just 2 QBs on the final roster or whether they'd release Brohm and try to pick up McCown we'll have to wait to see.

Should be an interesting game tonight. Especially with first cuts coming up soon.

Go Pack Go!!!

Rootin' for the little guy

Apparently the status of rookie RB and free-agent signee Tyrell Sutton with the Packers isn't what we -- or at least I -- thought it was. Turns out, he is still on the roster. He's currently listed on the Packers depth chart. It was erroneously noted in a post here last evening that he was not offered a contract after this weekend's rookie orientation camp. Turns out, he had one before he got there. Sorry about that, folks.

But the question still remains whether he will be able to make the squad. It's hard enough for a small back to make it in the league under usual circumstances, all the various OTAs, minicamps, etc. The problem for Sutton -- and the Packers --is that he has complications caused by Northwestern University's class schedule. Sutton is a senior. As a result, according to an article about him in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "He won't be allowed to rejoin the other rookies and veterans for the Packers' practices later this month and in June because classes and final exams extend into the second week of June. NFL rules prevent rookies from playing football until academic commitments are completed, except for three days after the draft." Yikes. The story continues, "Sutton's unique school obligation means he might make only the very last organized team activities practice on June 17. He then expects to attend the full mandatory minicamp June 22-24. If he and his agent can find any loopholes, he might try to scurry up to Green Bay for one of the earlier practices, but if not, he'll have to use the last weekend to make a lasting impression."

As noted in several posts here regarding the rookie camp, Sutton impressed head coach Mike McCarthy quite a bit. Seems as if they might try to find a way to get him on the squad. But it's still a long shot, especially given the school schedule complications.

But I'm rootin' for the little guy.

Read the article here to find out why.

The Packers' weekend for rookies

The first step on the path to an NFL career for many young men was last weekend's NFL Draft. For those not drafted, it was being signed immediately afterward as a free agent. And for still others, they were invited in for a tryout. All those players come together this weekend for the Packers in Green Bay. The rookie orientation camp began Friday and will run through tomorrow.

In addition to the eight players the Packers drafted, there are 11 rookie free agents along with 21 players in for tryouts. Four players from the Packers practice squad also are participating. This would be a fun weekend to be on hand. But it's not something open to the public, and only one of the three sessions is open to reporters. Still some serious business going on. Such as who among the free agents and/or tryout guys might actually have a shot at making it to the roster.

One of the players that caught Head Coach Mike McCarthy's eye according to a report was former Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton: "I think Tyrell Sutton jumped out. I don't know what everybody else thought but I thought he showed some ability...He definitely has some athletic ability." John Dorsey, the Packers director of college scouting, had this to say about Sutton: "He is Northwestern's second all-time leading rusher. He's a short guy, not a small guy. He's got some strength from his hip to his knee. He catches the ball really well. We don't have a guy like him." At 5'8" and 213 lbs, perhaps Sutton might be the type of change up or third down back the Packers haven't really had in the last year or two. Will be interesting to see how he comes through the weekend.

If you want to read a capsule summary of Dorsey's take on each of the free agents, you can do so here. You'll also find a list of the players in for tryouts...among whom there are even two punters! Oh...and a safety prospect whose nickname is "Pig." Long-time Packer fans will remember fondly the late, great player and coach Dave "Hawg" Hanner. There can only be one "Hawg." A "Pig" is a long-shot.

Ol' #4 to be a ViQueen?
We've known for almost a year now, especially when the relationship between Packers GM Ted Thompson and our former QB Brett Favre went south -- and I don't mean Mississippi -- that in Brett's mind the best way to stick it to Ted would be to play for the rival ViQueens. That's why the Pack had a poison pill clause in the deal with the Jets that if they traded Brett to anybody in the division the Packers would receive three first round draft picks. But the Jets released Brett this week which makes him a free agent eligible to sign with any team...including any team in the division. Well, let's see...Da Bearz draft, as even one Chicago sports writer mentioned on radio this last week, can be summarized as "Jay Cutler" (oh, and that summarizes next year's draft for Da Bearz too according to this same reporter)...and the woeful Lions of course spent what's left of the Motor City on a rookie QB from Georgia. That leaves...hmm...the ViQueens. And just to stir the pot, "During a minicamp news conference on Friday, Vikings coach Brad Childress said he likely would discuss that (Favre's availability) with his staff at some point."

Oy. Brett, buddy, will ya please retire already? Ride your lawn mower, work on your farm, go huntin' and fishin'. Enjoy your money. Don't do any more damage to your reputation by showing that your shoulder and/or arm isn't what it used to be. And worse: don't EVER wear that funky purple. Yes, we'd still love you. But it would kind go from that admiration and grateful kind of love to more of that love you have for your crazy old uncle who still thinks the government can listen in on your phone calls...well, wait...they did...bad example...well, you know what I mean.

Read more on the latest Favre soap opera here.

Draft musings

OK, Packer fans, it's time to start thinking about who the Pack will pick at #9 in the upcoming NFL Draft. Or, if they actually stick with that pick, given GM Ted Thompson's penchant for trading down to grab more players in exchange.

It's no surprise to any Packer fan that most folks -- including this folk -- see the defensive line as the number one area of need. Now, that whole "need" thing runs a bit contrary to Thompson's usual approach to taking the best available athlete. But this year might indeed be different, especially given the move to the new 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. The Pack's defensive line, due to injury and lack of depth, was mediocre at best last season. That can't happen again. The Pack will need stout players upfront and active players on the edges and across the middle.

But the Pack also has a need for a few folks on the offensive side of the ball, particularly on the line. As noted here and elsewhere before, it is questionable whether longtime veteran Mark Tauscher will be back as part of the team, given that he won't be totally rehabbed from his knee injury until several weeks into the season. The Packers have a number of good, young, versatile players across the line right now. But picking up at least one good tackle would be a plus.

Wide receivers? We should be covered. And the Packers just yesterday agreed to terms with tight end Tory Humphrey, who has always enamored the Pack with his potential but who can never seem to stay healthy. And what about running back? Hopefully, Ryan Grant won't take half the season to find his full stride. Head coach Mike McCarthy likes Brandon Jackson and would like to see more of what he can do, too. But if there is a good back available, the Packers could sure use one in the mix.

So, what are all the mock drafts saying about the Packers' #9?

The consensus at this point seems to OLB Everette Brown out of Florida State. Brown was a defensive end for the Seminoles and was extremely productive. Pro scouts, however, seem to be projecting him, because of his size, as a better option at OLB. And he may have to work against the bad experience several teams -- including the Packers -- have had with other highly touted defensive ends coming out of Florida State; does the name Jamal Reynolds ring a bell? (Shudder!)

But there are other names being tossed about, including:

• Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
  
• Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
  
• B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
  
• Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
  
• Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
  
• Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
  
• Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
  

That should be enough to set your head spinning. There are only a zillion or two mock draft sites you can check out which will give you more names, scouting reports, etc. No need to reinvent the wheel here.

As with any draft, much depends on what happens in front of you. B.J. Raji and Brian Orakpo would be excellent picks, but the likelihood of them lasting until #9 is questionable. The trade between Denver and Chicago last week also will impact things a bit. And then there is the distinct possibility that the Lions with the #1 overall pick, and even with new management, may still somehow throw a monkey wrench into things.

Of course, what happens in a draft sometimes depends on things that happen behind you, too. Would a team that picks a few slots behind the Pack and which sees a player they really want -- such as a QB -- wheel and deal with the Packers to move up? If Thompson thought he could still get the player he's targeting and nab an extra pick later, that would be a deal you just know Thompson would definitely take a look at if the past is any precursor.

So, stay tuned as things get closer to draft weekend, April 25-26. And, by the way, if you're looking to join in some fun and excitement, be sure to head to Lambeau Field for the Draft Day party.

It's official: Capers and the 3-4 now in Green Bay

The hire of Dom Capers as offensive coordinator seemed to come out of the blue. It was a fast and furious romance over the weekend between head coach Mike McCarthy and his new defensive coordinator. It must have been a magical weekend. Because not only did the Pack hire Capers, McCarthy also has already made the decision to run the 3-4 defensive scheme with which Capers is most well-versed.

But in McCarthy's press conference earlier this afternoon in which he made the Capers announcement official, he also gave indications that the team would use both 3- and 4-man fronts.

It will be worth your time to read the transcript of the press conference for more insights on the Capers hire, personnel considerations, other staff hires, etc. It's the whole enchilada right here.

Polls Underway
By the way, for about the next week we're running a pair of polls in the righthand column as to whether you like the move to hire Dom Capers or not, as well as your opinion of the 3-4 in Green Bay. Let us and other fans know what you think by taking a moment to respond to the polls. And best of all...they're FREE!!!