Week 3: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Today, the Green Bay Packers begin a stretch of games in which they will play half of their division schedule in about 11 days: Detroit Lions today, Chicago Bears next Sunday, and the Minnesota ViQueens the following Thursday evening. Only the last is a home game. It's a tough and critical stretch. (Thank you, Captain Obvious!)

At 1-1, and with the first of these three divisional games on the schedule today, the Packers need to return home with a victory in Detroit. Despite the Lions being 2 to 2-1/2-point favorites -- home field advantage factor -- the Packers should win this game. Not that it probably won't be a shoot out (don't you hate double negatives in a sentence?). There are two good quarterbacks -- one better than the other, certainly -- who can put up points quickly and often if allowed to do so. One is also more prone to making bonehead throws. We'll let you figure out which is which between Lions QB Matthew Stafford and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. (Calling Captain Obvious, calling Captain Obvious...)

The Lions have a very fine defensive front which will likely make it difficult for the Packers to get a running game going today. That's something they haven't yet been able to do well this season, and it's unlikely RB Eddie Lacey, James Starks or DuJuan Harris will see much running room today. But Rodgers should have a big day passing as the Lions' secondary has injuries and was questionable to begin with.

On offense, the Lions have Calvin Johnson. He'll be working on the much smaller Sam Shields probably for most of the day. It will be a challenge for the Packers, as it is for every team, trying to defend Johnson. He'll score, certainly. The trick is not to let him score a lot. If the Pack can get a pass rush on Stafford, he will make bad throws into coverage. That will be the key on that side of the ball.

For the Packers, just taking a look at this infographic (courtesy of State Farm) should give you, dear reader, a clue as to how things should go...

With a win today, the Packers will have attained 700 wins in franchise history, joining Da Bearz as the only teams in the NFL to have ever reached this milestone. (Da Bearz?! How'd they get in there...?)

Rodgers is also 9-1 in games against the Lions. As the stats in the graphic indicate, he always seems to do well. We should expect another similar performance from Rodgers today. WR Jordy Nelson and the other receivers should have a big day going against the Lions secondary.

At the time of this writing, however, it's not yet clear whether RT Bryan Bulaga will start or we'll be relying on Derek Sherrod once again. That could be a big factor in the game. Last week, the Packers had to keep a tight end in to help Sherrod block, which effectively took away that threat in the passing game. Whether Bulaga plays or not is viewed here as more of a factor than rookie center Corey Linsley going against Ndamukong Suh. That won't be a cake-walk either, but Sherrod is certainly not a tackle you want to rely on for very long, especially without help.

Prediction
Without further ado (or needless blathering on about this or that...you can find enough of that as it is), today's prediction is: Packers 27 - Lions 24.

We hope it's not that close. The score for the Packers could well be more than 30 points. But if the Pack's defense is able to keep the Lions to 24 points or less -- as we expect -- the Packers will come away with a "W."

Go Pack Go!!!

2014 NFL Week 2: Packers vs. Jets Preview

First, let's toss out the records from Week 1 of the 2014 NFL Season as we consider today's game at Lambeau Field between the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. The Packers lost at Seattle to the defending Super Bowl Champions and the Jets won at home against a bad Oakland team. We can also throw out the fact that in head-to head competition, the Jets lead the series 8 to 3. Yes, really.

The Packers need a balanced offensive attack today, something that really wasn't clicking in the opener against the Seahawks. That means the offensive line needs to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers so that he can work his magic. Rodgers needs to get time to get to all of his receivers, over the middle and downfield.

It also means, hopefully, that Bryan Bulaga is able to start and play the entire game at right tackle. If he's unable to go with his reportedly torn MCL knee in a brace, that means third-stringer Derrick Sherrod will be tasked with performing far better than he did last game. His lack of foot speed, inability to get low and sustain blocks was a continual problem against Seattle's defense, leading in one glaring instance to a strip of the ball on Rodgers resulting in a safety. Given the very good three-man line the Jets will be bringing today, along with their linebackers, having to rely on Sherrod would not be a good thing. Let's hope Bulaga can play and play at a high level. The alternatives on an already-thin offensive line for the Packers are not many or great.

The offensive line will also need to create some openings for running backs Eddie Lacy, James Starks and DuJuan Harris. Lacy was held to less than 40 yards in the Seattle game on 12 carries before leaving with a concussion. Starks was actually the leading rusher for the Packers.

Balance. Balance.

As to the defense, as any Packer fan who watched the Seattle game is aware, it was a major disappointment considering all the preparation and changes that supposedly went into preparing for this season and that game. It looked like the same defense we've seen the last few seasons: missed tackles, lack of pressure, etc. It's time for this defense to show up and actually be a more physical unit just as they said they would be. Head Coach Mike McCarthy indicated that there was a real emphasis this week on fundamentals, especially tackling. What a concept!

There will also have to be better performance by the middle linebackers this week. Granted, going against Russell Wilson and his weapons is not the same as having to face Geno Smith and his crew. But if the Packers defense doesn't step up its performance, anything can happen.

One thing that won't happen this game is an appearance by middle linebacker Brad Jones. He was ruled out by injury. In his place, Jamari Lattimore will get the start. Lattimore has shown promise, but was hindered by a mystery illness last season. Now he gets the chance to show what he can bring as a healthy starter, and to hear McCarthy talk this week it sounds as if he and others on the coaching staff are hoping Lattimore seizes the opportunity. They need better performance over the middle and Lattimore has the potential to up the ante. Let's see what happens.

The Prediction
We could go on and on about this and that. But isn't that what pre-game TV is for?

Depending upon who you are looking at, the Packers are either 7-1/2 or 8-point favorites for this game. I think the Packers offense, at home, should get things rolling, at least eventually, against a very good Jets defense. I also think the Packers defense is a work in progress...still. That means an upgraded Jets offense will score points. But Rodgers and the offense will win the day...and the game.

We're calling this 34-24 in favor of the Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers beat Raiders in preseason home opener, lose Raji for the season

So the good news coming out of Friday night's win was that the Green Bay Packers offensive and defensive units were better, much better, than that of their Oakland counterparts. The Raiders picked up a couple of late touchdowns in garbage time to make the final score of 31-21 seem much more competitive than it really was. The Packers dominated on both sides of the ball all night long. Yours truly was in attendance and saw that firsthand.

QB Aaron Rodgers and the offense clicked on their first series in the no-huddle offense. And while the line seemed to sputter in the next few series, and some of the timing was off between Rodgers and his receivers, the first half showed what the offense will be able to do. Even a little of RB Eddie Lacy is a lot for defenses; he played only on the first series, and rushed six times for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Back up RB DuJuan Harris also got lots of touches and performed exceptionally well, finishing with 56 yards on 12 carries. He also had two receptions for 42 yards, with a long reception/run of 31 yards. He showed quickness and power. The Packers will need to find a way beyond just kickoff returns to get Harris on the field.

Rookie TE Richard Rodgers also had a good game. Back up QB Matt Flynn didn't have a particularly good or bad evening...it jwas ust kind of...meh. It appeared to this writer that he focused on each receiver he was going to throw to right from the start. QB Scott Tolzein came in just before the end of the third quarter and played very well. He was making quick reads and had zip on the ball. It's always been the opinion of this writer that Tolzein has the better arm between he and Flynn and if he could just get some more playing time he would be the primary back up to Rodgers. I've said it before here and will do so again: the Packers will keep three QBs on their roster. There is a much bigger upside to Tolzein than Flynn and the Packers need to hang on to that.

As for the defense, they acquitted themselves quite well, too, holding the Raiders -- who played many of their starters into the second half -- to just 7 points until garbage time. A couple players stood out, including Julius Peppers and Clay Matthews. No surprises there. The secondary seemed to do well, particularly Davon House. When back ups entered the game, it seemed as if Oakland was targeting rookie CB Demetri Goodson. He struggled. Given the competition in the secondary, I'd be surprised if he isn't released in the first round of roster cuts.

B.J. Raji leaves the field -- and the season -- after Friday night's game against the Raiders.
Photo copyright Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The major negative to come out of the game, we learned yesterday, was the loss for the season of NT B.J. Raji who tore his right biceps apparently during the first quarter. The implications for the Packers and Raji are big, as this story from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel indicates. The Packers younger players will have to fill the void. They certainly have good options there. As the article indicates, it would be surprising if the Pack were to re-sign either Ryan Pickett or Johnny Jolly at this point, relying instead on second-year players Josh Boyd, free-agent acquisition Letroy Guion (who has yet to even practice because of hamstring injury) and undrafted rookie Mike Pennel.

While not a nose tackle, another young player of note over the last several weeks has been rookie LB Jayrone Elliott, who had three sacks in four plays against St. Louis and followed that performance up with another game in which he made his presence known. I expect Elliott to be on the final roster given these performances.

What goes on at a Packers preseason game?
The Packers answered that question themselves, putting together this video.

I can also share that while fans were out in full force (more than 73,000 were in attendance!), along with all the tailgating, etc. that goes along with it, the crowd still felt a bit subdued. Attribute that to the fact that it was a game that didn't count, in which the starters didn't play very long, and the weather was a sultry 83 degrees around kickoff time with humidity in the vicinity of 80 percent or so, as well.

However, for the first time, yours truly was able to grab tickets inside the (relatively) new indoor club level. I have to tell you, it spoils you. For face value of $222 per ticket, it should. (Fortunately, what I paid through one of the online ticket exchanges was far less than that.) But for a night, my wife and I were able to share in a bit of the bounty of these seats. You enter through the Bellin Health gate on the north side of the stadium and take elevators up. Once there, there is an abundance of upscale food and drink choices, with prices to match, of course. You sit inside an air-conditioned seating area, in very comfortable and cushy seats, with order-takers and servers to make the food and beverage runs for you if you wish. There were a few glitches on that end, it seemed. After all, this was the working staff's first home game, as well, and there were some bugs in the system here and there. (One of the servers even told us this would be his first and last game doing this gig.) But the intentions are good, that's for sure.

One of the other pleasures of the indoor seating was flat-panel TVs which showed the live play as well as the replays, of course. Given that we were in the north endzone, it was nice to have that TV view. But instead of having to listen to the usual folks on TV coverage, we instead heard -- thankfully -- the play-by-play of 620WTMJ radio announcers Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren. That's as good as it gets.

One of the downsides of this seating level, however, is to get access to the Packers Pro Shop, you have to basically go half way back around the stadium, down and below the Atrium level. Not convenient. At all. For the money the team spent re-designing the Pro Shop and this stadium, this is terrible traffic flow and customer access. When I mentioned this to several red-vested Lambeau Field staff members, they each agreed. It was almost as if the architects were designing only with outside entry in mind; to heck with those trying to enter from within the stadium. Really poor planning in this regard.

I've posted a photo below of our view during the game. It really doesn't do it justice. If you haven't been to Lambeau Field since all the additions, you owe it to yourself to go. If you've never been there, definitely go. If the best you can do is to take a tour of the stadium, spring for the $20 version; a young couple we met from Toronto had done that a few days earlier and raved about it.

It's getting close, Packer fans. That first game against Seattle will be here in about 10 days or so. It looks as if the Pack is in good form going into that opener. But we know the Seahawks will be, too. They are the champs...for now.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers get to 75-man roster through injury listings

With the exception of the release of couple-day signee kicker, Zach Ramirez, the Green Bay Packers got down to the required 75-man roster limit yesterday primarily through placing players on various injury-related lists.

Ramirez was brought in to provide some late camp competition for Mason Crosby, who reportedly responded with his best showing of camp, locking up the kicking position. (Let us pray...)

Other than that move, OT Derek Sherrod, S Sean Richardson, T J.C. Tretter and DE Jerel Worthy were all placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. The Packers placed OT Bryan Bulaga, RB DuJuan Harris, WR Kevin Dorsey, and LB Jarvis Reed on injured reserve, meaning they are done for the season. Both Bulaga and Harris have knee injuries that require surgery. The others will either be waived when healthy or, more likely, will sign injury settlements and move on as free agents.

Next up for Packers General Manager Ted Thompson? Cutting 22 players by 5 p.m. Saturday to get down to the 53-man regular season roster. If you want to see an insightful analysis of how that might shake out, check out this article from a few days ago.

Sherrod? Who?? How long???
Derek Sherrod
(Photo by Gabriel Cervantes. This image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.)
The Packers first round draft pick in 2011, Derek Sherrod is still...a work in progress?

That might even be stretching it. Since breaking both the tibia and fibula in his right leg in a game in Kansas City late during his first season in what some have said was one of the worst leg injuries they'd ever seen, Sherrod has been a missing man. Even though he had surgery shortly after his injury, his recovery has been slow. Very slow. Complications -- in his ankle -- arose out of the initial surgery which required additional surgery. Some who have seen him at the practice field have said the muscle mass of his injured leg appears about 20 percent smaller than his healthy leg.

By virtue of being on the reserve/PUP list -- basically the same route the Packers took with him last season -- Sherrod will not be allowed to practice for the first six weeks of the season. After that, he is eligible for a 21-day period in which to practice with the team without him counting against the roster. The team has a five-week window after Week six of the season in which to initiate this designated practice period. However, by Week 11, the Packers will have to make a decision: activate him to roster, put him on season-ending injured reserve, or cut him outright.

There are many, including this pundit, who have a sense that Sherrod will never see the playing field again or, if he does, will not be able to perform at the level needed. A freak injury. We wish nothing but the best for the young man, but it might be best for both parties if the Packers just cut him and moved on. The team has done all it can do to allow him a recovery. If the injury had not occurred there is little doubt that Sherrod would be a key piece in the Pack's offensive line, protecting QB Aaron Rodgers' blind side for many years to come. But if "ifs, ands and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a really good time." (I dunno either...was just the first time it seemed even close to making sense in a post...sorry!) It's time for the Packers to move on. But we'll be waiting at least another couple months for that move to take place.

You can read more about Sherrod's family's take on the injury and his recovery here.

Packers lose to both Seahawks and injury bug

Friday evening's preseason game versus the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field was not a great one from the Green Bay Packers perspective. There was the final score, a 17-10 loss. Which is not a biggie in the preseason. Of more concern was the level of play and the rash of injuries that hit the Packers.

Let's start with the latter first.

Injury report
Morgan Burnett -- the Pack's starting safety and signal caller in the defensive backfield -- was lost to a hamstring injury. Inside linebacker Brad Jones, who registered a sack on the elusive Russell Wilson, also left with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Casey Hayward re-aggravated the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for most of training camp. RB DuJuan Harris, who got his first action of the preseason after being sidelined throughout camp, left during the first series after re-injuring his knee. All week, head coach Mike McCarthy was saying how excited he was to see Harris back in action. So much for that. OLB Jarvis Reed also sustained a knee injury.

While all of these injuries are a concern, of course, there is more depth at linebacker and running back than there is at safety. If Burnett is lost for any amount of time, M.D. Jennings, Jerron McMillian, or perhaps free agent Chris Banjo (who was in on several plays last night) will be called upon to fill the gap. A veteran free agent could also be added. The Packers could get by, but Burnett's return is key to the defensive backfield's performance.

These new injuries, of course, are on top of the current injury list: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Matthew Mulligan, Andy Mulumba, Tramon Williams, James Nixon and Jarrett Bush all sat out last night's game with injuries.

The season opener against the 49ers is just two weeks away. The Packers need to get all these guys healthy, and soon. With them, the Pack is a force to be reckoned with every week. Without them, the team becomes average.

Backup quarterback still up for grabs
Coach McCarthy was trying to get some clarity on the backup quarterback situation last night. He gave Graham Harrell every chance to solidify a hold on the number two spot behind Aaron Rodgers. Harrell worked for a good period behind the first team offense. His performance was less than stellar, although to be fair the penalties and entire lack of rhythm exhibited by the offense at that time were not totally Harrell's fault. His lack of passing precision downfield, however, was. He did not inspire confidence, despite his supposed knowledge of the offensive scheme.

Veteran QB Vince Young, though, did inspire confidence despite his lack of knowledge of the Packers' system at this point. He led two series in the second half, including an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. In addition, Young displayed the ability to break the pocket when needed; he scrambled three times for 39 yards. He's got the legs and he's got the instincts that Harrell doesn't have.

B.J. Coleman did mop up duty at the quarterback position and didn't generate much with the backups.

The early guess from this pundit is that Coleman gets cut or put on the practice squad, while Young and Harrell make the regular roster. And while the game plan for Young would of necessity be sparse early in the season compared to Harrell, the best option to win -- if, God forbid, something happens to Rodgers -- is for Young to be the first man in.

Level of overall play was not good
While the Packers were not as flat as for the first game, they didn't show the same level of performance as they did in beating the Rams last weekend. Of course, the Seahawks are much better than the Rams and it showed. They gave the Packers problems on both sides of the ball last night, despite the defense registering several sacks on 'hawks quarterbacks.

While it shouldn't be a concern given the weapons available, the fact that the Packers number one offensive unit has yet to score a touchdown is at least starting to be a discussion point. The unit moves the ball but stalls out without crossing the goal line. That leaves things on the leg of kicker Mason Crosby, who has been less than steady. You know this will get worked out. But it would be nice to see some TD production clicking with the first unit. So far, we haven't seen it.

RB Eddie Lacy wasn't able to get any running room last night. Even the best back needs blocking, and that wasn't readily present particularly with the backup line operating. On defense, there were some good individual moments, but there were often huge gaps up the middle on both running and receiving plays.

Bottom line: the Packers still have a lot to get straightened out before the start of the season. They also need to get their key players healthy again. That would go a long way to making things click.

Packers Preseason Game 3: Seahawks come to Lambeau Field

In their first meeting since the infamous "Fail Mary"game last September, the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks will meet Friday night in Lambeau Field. That "loss" in the regular season -- with replacement referees (one in particular) making mind-numbingly dumb calls -- had implications for both teams in the playoffs. Replays clearly showed that Packers defensive back M.D. Jennings had intercepted and had possession of the ball. Somehow, someway, a replacement official failed to see what the rest of the universe did. But, as head coach Mike McCarthy was quick to point out, to his credit, after the game, the final result should never have come down to that one play. There were other opportunities for the Packers to leave Seattle with a win. Never should have gotten to a judgement call by a ref incapable of making a competent decision about a close play.

OK, there...venting is good. Let's move on...

Going into this third game of the preseason, several things are clear:

• The Packers are nowhere near ready for the start of the regular season...but are getting closer.
• Special teams is very much in flux, particularly at the critical positions of kicker and returner. The rest of the unit will be filled out, as usual, with those who will primarily make the roster through their special teams play and as backups to the starters on both offense and defense.
• Speaking of kicker, Mason Crosby continues to have his ups and downs in camp. Despite a fairly good performance in last week's game, his sessions this week in camp reportedly have been spotty. Giorgio Tavecchio, Crosby's camp competition, seems to match Crosby's inconsistency. Several veteran kickers became available through cuts this week but the Packers -- if they had any interest -- didn't move quickly enough and each was signed by another team. Be worried, Packer fans...be very worried.
• The backup quarterback position is still in flux. Coach McCarthy is still waiting for one of the three candidates -- Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman or Vince Young -- to claim the number two spot. Harrell is going into his fourth year with the Packers and still doesn't inspire confidence. Young, signed after the start of camp, may or may not have anything left in the tank after being out of football for a year. He certainly hasn't had a chance to fully learn the Packers' offensive scheme. Coleman perhaps has the best arm among the three, certainly better than Harrell, but is still raw. If things can start to click for him sooner rather than later, he'd likely be the best long-term backup option in case something happened to Aaron Rodgers. In the meantime...pray for Rodgers' well-being.
• D-lineman Johnny Jolly -- a long shot at the start of camp to make the team -- now has a very good chance to do so and resume playing a key role on the defense. I hope you're rooting for him...I am.
• Rookie CB Micah Hyde, while not a speed burner, just seems to make plays and be around the ball more often than not. Yes, he'll still make rookie mistakes, but it looks as if he's a keeper.
• We haven't had a chance to see much of what rookie DE Datone Jones can do thanks to an ankle injury, which was re-aggravated earlier this week. Whether he sees action Friday night or not is uncertain.
• We also haven't had a chance to see much of rookie RB Johnathan Franklin. There are a number of talented backs in Green Bay this year; this is a situation the Packers haven't had to deal with much in recent years. Coach McCarthy has said he's anxious to see what penciled-in starter DuJuan Harris shows Friday evening. He knows what rookie RB Eddie Lacy can do...be very dangerous. Alex Green looks to regain his explosiveness and be part of the mix. James Starks may wind up being the odd man out, assuming the Packers actually retain four running backs on the roster rather than three. If it's three, which is the likely scenario, Alex Green may also be looking for work elsewhere. In fact, reports a week ago were that the Packers were shopping Green around for a possible trade.
• OT David Bakhtiari appears to have won the battle for starter at left tackle with his solid play. Right tackle, however, still seems to be a bit in question, although reports are that Don Barclay has the edge on Marshall Newhouse.

Oh, Seattle...well, yes, they'll play and give the Packers a very good effort. Coach McCarthy has said repeatedly this week that this is the time for players to step up. Those who do, will likely make the team; those who don't...well, cuts will be coming soon. Very soon.

There are many other observations to be made, but time runs short. So this will have to do as the pre-game post. Check back this weekend for post-game observations.

Go Pack Go!!

Packers 2013 Preseason Game 2: Green Bay butts heads with the Rams

As you may note if you are a regular reader of PackerFansUnited.com, it's been a week since our last post. That article was very long post-mortem of the Packers shut out loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Frankly, it took yours truly a week to recover. Man, that was a clunker no matter how you looked it. And I know...because I looked at it every which way, as you'll see if you look again at that post.

Anyway, in the interim between that post and this one, I hope you've been checking in on all the goings on related to the Packers via our Amazing 2nd Page. That's your one-stop channel for more than you'd probably ever need -- or want -- to know about the Packers, from both the pro sport writers and sports networks as well as the great fans who help make up Packer blogger-land.

So what's the prognosis about tonight's game, which kicks off in less than one hour? Well, with a nod to Jerry Seinfeld, it is not Prognosis Negative. Rather, I think you'll see a much more inspired team this evening. Last week, other than the first series from the starting offense, the game was a flat and uninspired performance on both sides of the ball. CB Davon House, who got burned a couple times on the night, manned up during the week and even said it was his worst performance ever. That's the kind of shock therapy realization that can serve someone well all season long. Good to get that after the first preseason game and not later on in the regular season.

Who needs to show something extra tonight?
Quite a few players, at least judging by last week's performance.

Backup QB Graham Harrell has to show a lot more than an ability to throw underneath to his check-down receivers every time he passes. He is going to have to open it up and look downfield more. A lot more. Expect to see the majority of snaps go to him and Vince Young tonight. With an extra week of practice under his belt, it will really be interesting to see how Young does. He had a few good moments -- and deep throws -- in practice this week, so it will be most interesting to see his progress in the Packers system. While B.J. Coleman may get a few snaps, it seems more and more evident that he's likely to be the odd man out in the backup race for quarterback. Our fan poll (see the righthand column) clearly showed a preference for Young being Aaron Rodgers primary backup...for what that's worth.

It's likely that rookie RB Eddie Lacy will be held out again this week with his hamstring issue. Penciled-in depth chart starter DuJuan Harris is also likely not to see much if any action, just coming off the PUP list. That leaves a lot of potential carry action for Alex Green and Johnathan Franklin, in particular. Green will be given a lot of opportunities to show that he still has his pre-ACL tear burst. It was rumored at times throughout the week that Green's name was being floated as possible trade bait; to whom and for whom were not clear.

WR Randall Cobb is nursing a bicep injury and likely will not play this evening. That opens up more room for backup receivers Jeremy Ross and rookie surprise Tyrone Walker, who made a positive impression against the Cardinals. The knock on Ross is his inconsistency. Talent is no question. Hanging on to the ball consistently...question. As a kick and punt returner, it's his job to lose; head coach Mike McCarthy does not want to be in a position to have to put Randall Cobb back as the primary returner. Let's see if Ross seizes the opportunity given to him tonight.

Johnny Jolly should again see a fair amount of playing time. The defensive line is a crowded place right now. He played well last week in his first game action in three years. But he's competing against some younger guys. He's got the know-how and, his teammates say, he's got the desire. Can he put that desire and physicality back on the field in a way even close to what he was a few years back? We'll see.

There are lots of places to look for insights tonight. Let's hope the good surprises outweigh the bad, whether or not the Packers come out with a "W". Oh, and also let's hope the Pack escapes without any injuries. That would be good too, wouldn't it?

GO PACK GO!!!

Packers 2013 Preseason Game 1: Cardinals visit Green Bay

In what will undoubtedly be a bit of a pleasant change of temperature from Arizona, members of the Cardinals football team will be luxuriating in the comfortable late summer temperatures of Green Bay this evening as they meet the Packers in the first preseason game of the 2103 NFL season.

At this writing, kickoff is about two hours away. Seventy-five hundred additional fans will be viewing the game from within the hallowed confines of Lambeau Field, courtesy of the expansion on the stadium's south side. Conversely, tens of thousands of Packer fans throughout southeastern Wisconsin will have to scramble to view the game on television courtesy of the ongoing dispute between WTMJ-4, the NBC affiliate in Milwaukee carrying the game, and Time Warner Cable, who for the past three weeks has had the channel off the air. Fans have been buying antennas, calling bars, restaurants and even long-lost family and friends to find someone who has the game on DirecTV, Dish, or otherwise is able to pick up the channel. For the rest of us, including yours truly, I'll be watching the telecast on Telemundo, which is picking up the WTMJ television feed for the second year in a row. (It's at this moment I wish I had kept up with my Spanish lessons.)

Anyway...to the game.

What shall we look for?

For one thing, probably not rookie RB Eddie Lacy. The big back who is expected to carry a large portion of the load at running back this season will likely sit out tonight's game with a hamstring issue. Supposedly not serious but no reason to aggravate it and cause long-term problems. DuJuan Harris, who is also listed as the starter as of now on the team's depth chart despite having not played all training camp, will also not play. Expect, then, to see a big dose of rookie Jonathan Franklin, plus James Starks, Alex Green, and rookie Angelo Pease.

Four -- count 'em, four -- quarterbacks are expected to see playing time tonight. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he wants to get all four QBs action this evening: Aaron Rodgers, Graham Harrell, B.J. Coleman and newly-signed Vince Young. The latter has obviously not had much time to assimilate the playbook, so expect things to be quite simple when and if he gets in the game. It's likely that the Pack will keep three quarterbacks on the final roster, although one will no doubt be inactive on game day. That said, the backup job and the number 3 spot are in play for Harrell, Coleman and Young. Someone will have to go. Tonight's game will be the start of that process -- at least on public display -- as to who will get those two spots. By the way, if you still haven't voted in our backup quarterback poll, please take a moment to do so. You'll find it in the righthand column next to this story.

The kicking game. Ah, the kicking game. With veteran Mason Crosby continuing his lackluster performance from last season into these early days of training camp, the Packers are hoping he gets his head -- and his field goal attempts -- straightened out. Fast. He and Giorgio Tavecchio will split the kicking duties tonight. At the Family Night scrimmage last Saturday evening, Crosby went just 3 for 8 on field goal attempts while Tavecchio connected on 6 of 7. Crosby has the stronger leg, but if he doesn't do better at putting the ball through the uprights, leg strength isn't much of a factor. If the Pack decides it has to go with Tavecchio, it's possible they might then also use punter Tim Masthay on kickoffs. Masthay has reportedly been booming his kickoff during training camp. On the other hand, will the Packers want to expose the best punter they've had in years to possible injury on the kickoff team? This area of the game will certainly be under the microscope tonight.

With WR Randall Cobb likely held out of the game tonight because of his bicep injury, the competition at receiver will be a bit more on display tonight than it might have been otherwise, particularly for the #5 spot. The Packers have a lot of talented receivers in camp -- QB Aaron Rodgers even said it was the most talented group since he's been in Green Bay -- although some have been battling injuries. Look for one or two of those youngsters to make a case for themselves tonight.

The offensive line...Now that Bryan Bulaga has elected surgery on his torn ACL, eyes will be on rookie LT David Bakhtiari to protect the quarterback's blind side. Everyone from coaches to fellow linemen are very high on Bakhtiari's abilities. But he's a rookie, protecting the franchise in Aaron Rodgers. Watch closely. Also, check out the backups at the various line positions and how rotations are handled. The Packers have only nine offensive linemen on the roster at this point. Who they use, and how they use them, is a study unto itself.

Defensively, let's see how rookie DE Datone Jones does during game conditions. Everyone has been very complimentary about Jones during camp, and rightly so; looks like he is the real deal. Let's see what a difference he can make on the D-line. Also, let's watch Johnny Jolly as he tries to come back after three years out of football. Seems as if many if not most fans are rooting for him (this writer included), and his teammates are saying how focused he is. But he has to show signs that he can get back to near his old playing performance. If it's any consolation, his position coach has been reminding folks that Jolly may now be 30 years old, but he's only had four years total of NFL wear-and-tear...fresh legs, fresh legs. But what else is in the tank? These preseason games are critical for Jolly's return to the roster. He can't get injured or his chances diminish greatly. Keep an eye on Jolly...and root for his success.

That should be enough for you to keep an eye on, don't you think? Bottom line, hope you are able to see the game one way or another. You can also stream the audio coverage of the game, as the flagship radio station for the Packers, 620WTMJ is now carrying the games online. Click here to listen live (5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. CT) to the station's Packers Gameday broadcast, including the game call by Voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, and former Packer center, Larry McCarren (in-game only on desktop computers). It's the next best thing to being there!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers training camp has begun!

At 8:20 a.m. CT this morning, Green Bay Packers coaches and players hit the practice field for the first time as summer training camp got underway. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated in talks with reporters that the reason for the 8:20 a.m. start time for nine of the team's initial morning practice sessions during camp is that he feels it will more closely approximate a typical game day schedule (at least in terms of getting the players up early) and help endurance. You can find a full training camp practice schedule here.

One of the initial observations coming out these early moments in camp is that instead of doing a jog through as is often the case, McCarthy reportedly had the number one offense going against the number two defense for a while. Nothing like jumping right into the fire.

PUP list
Starting camp on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) are seven players: OT Derek Sherrod (leg), DE Jerel Worthy (knee), RB DuJuan Harris (knee), S Sean Richardson (neck), OT JC Tretter (ankle), DE Mike Neal (abdomen) and S Chaz Powell (unknown). LB Jamari Latttimore was also placed on the non-football injury list.

There are no real shockers on this list other than Mike Neal, who was at and performed well during offseason OTAs and minicamp. No doubt more will come out about Neal's status as camp takes shape.

A disgruntled Greg Jennings?
It's not unusual for a pro athlete these days to bad mouth his former team, particularly if they felt they were not treated fairly or respected somewhere along the way. But Greg Jennings?

Now that he is with the ViQueens, Jennings has been mouthing off about the Packers and especially QB Aaron Rodgers. We won't dignify Jennings' comments by repeating them here as they are really not worthy of comment. Coach McCarthy said it best in his press conference yesterday when asked about Jennings' statements: "When you put on that purple, something happens to you." Yes indeed. And considering Minnesota is where some formerly great Packers players go to soon regret their new existence, it should be no surprise that Jennings is having his moment of ViQueen remorse by venting against his old team. That's OK, Greg. Good luck with that new guy throwing the ball in your general vicinity. What's his name? Oh yeah, Christian Ponder. Hope that works out well for you. I'm sure that will be much better for your career. (Insert sarcastic snort here.)

That's about all we have time for at the moment, Packer fans. But this is the beginning of the fun. Always great to see who emerges in training camp that is a total surprise. Wonderful to get the football juices flowing again, isn't it? You bet. It's great to be a Packer fan!

Say it with me: Go Pack Go!!!

Packers weekly wrap up

This time of year -- with less than 90 days to go to the start of the NFL season -- is one during which, well, many of us are engaged in activities other than obsessing about football and all-things Packers. I know, I know, that may be considered blasphemy in some circles. But the fact of the matter is, particularly here in Packerland, we've waited so-o-o-o-o long for summer to arrive that we want to savor it when it shows up for that all-too-brief time. So, forvive us, please, for the gaps between posts here at PackerFansUnited.com. It's not that we're not paying attention to what's going on in Green Bay, it's just that there really isn't too much of note going on. Wait until training camp starts. Then there will be some news now and then.

Having said that, let's recap recent happenings just for the heck of it, shall we?

Mini-camp over and done; second chance for Jolly begins
The mandatory mini-camp was held earlier this last week. An item of note included the attendance and participation by defensive lineman, Johnny Jolly. After three years out of football due to a well-documented legal matter and suspension by the league, the now 30-year-old Jolly has a second chance with the Packers. He was an up-and-coming force on the D-line when old friends and bad habits back in Houston scuttled his promising career. Now an older and hopefully wiser Jolly will focus on football. His teammates were said to be very happy to have him back. He's got a way to go to get into playing condition again. But if he's not motivated now he never will be. This writer is rooting for him. Many other Packer fans are, too.

Cornerback Sam Shields, who was a no-show at the optional OTAs, was also on hand, although complaining about not "getting paid." Sam, please. You're getting paid better than 99.9% of the people on this planet. You'll get paid more -- and appreciated more -- if you let your play this season do the talking.

LB Desmond Bishop had said he'd be back from his rehab in time for OTAs, at least the second one. He was at mini-camp but didn't participate in any team drills. Training camp -- which begins in a little more than six weeks from now -- is supposedly his new target.

The biggest move of note, of course, was the switching of the offensive line. Brian Bulaga was reported to be struggling a bit at left tackle, his old college position, after having been moved from the right side. But other players also making the switch indicated to reporters that it would take a while to get everything in sync. No doubt.

Oh, and what about the news that RB DuJuan Harris -- who came on late last season -- had a fist-sized cyst removed from his lung? It was discovered during a routine physical. Yowza.

Dodgeball winner
Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, typically likes to end his mini-camps with a fun team, non-football, activity. This last week, that activity wound up being dodgeball. It should go without saying that the guy with the golden arm (or should we say, Green 'n' Gold arm?) won. Yes, QB Aaron Rodgers prevailed. Read more about the details of that event here. It's worth a few minutes of your time to learn about Rodgers' dodgeball proclivities.

Favre finally fesses up
In a seemingly long-overdue admission that "I was at fault," former Packers QB and future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre, told Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550-AM during an interview in Buffalo. “It is what it is. It's over and done with. I was at fault,” he said. Although Favre did say that he felt "both sides had a part in it." For what it's worth, Favre said that "I think things will be fine in due time.” He and Packers President, Mark Murphy, have been in communication and that's a good thing for both parties. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers did something this season in terms of retiring Favre's number to get that out of the way before Favre goes into the NFL Hall of Fame. It's about time to get this out of the way and move on, don't you think?

Packers Draft Re-Cap

The Green Bay Packers came through the three days and seven rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft with 11 selections when it was all said and done. GM Ted Thompson started off on Thursday with eight picks, wound up at the end of that day with a total of 10 yet to be used for the remaining rounds; yes, that would make 12 overall. But he used one of those picks on Day 2 to move up a few spots in Round 4 to select RB Johnathan Franklin of UCLA. When the draft finally completed last evening, the Packers had 11 new players to add to the pre-season roster mix. (This writer, by the way, in a pre-draft post had noted that Thompson would wheel-and-deal his way to wind up with at least 10 picks when it was over. I was close.)

What can we say, first, about the draft overall and, secondly, the selections in particular? Let's get the first question out of the way. I'd give Thompson and the Packers an A- on this draft. As I said in a reply to someone on Twitter during the draft, I had high expectations and they were exceeded. In scanning some of the pundit and media reviews of the Packers' picks, it seems as if the overall grades range from A to B depending upon the reviewer's view, of course (and individual player ratings generally ranged from A to C). So let's just not get into too many details about the overall grade. The Packers did well. Very well.

In particular, it seems as if many sportswriters' views of the success of the Packers' picks focuses around the two running backs they selected: Eddie Lacy out of Alabama and the aforementioned Franklin. Lacy, to many, was arguably the highest-rated running back in the draft and a likely first-round pick. He was a great value pick for the Packers, falling to number 61 in the second round. Franklin was also viewed very positively by many and for the Packers to wind up with both apparently left many in awe. Not just for the caliber of the backs themselves, but for the fact that the Packers might -- after so many years of floundering in the running game -- finally have a duo in the backfield that provides a thunder-and-lightening combination that could give defenses fits. Especially in terms of what it will do to further open up the Packers' passing attack. Add in last season's late arrival and impact running back, DuJuan Harris, and the Packers might finally have something to provide balance in the offensive scheme that we haven't seen in a long, long time.

The Picks for the Pack
Without further ado, let's just list who the Packers picked up in the draft. We'll then take a look at the undrafted free agents signed by the Packers so far.

• Round 1 #26 DE Datone Jones, UCLA
• Round 2 #61 RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
• Round 4 #109 OT David Bakhtiari, Colorado
• Round 4 #122 OT J.C. Tretter, Cornell
• Round 4 #125 RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
• Round 5 #159 CB Micah Hyde, Iowa
• Round 5 #167 DE Josh Boyd, Mississippi State
• Round 6 #193 LB Nate Palmer, Illinois State
• Round 7 #216 WR Charles Johnson, Grand Valley State
• Round 7 #224 WR Kevin Dorsey, Maryland
• Round 7 #232 LB Sam Barrington, South Florida

UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

• QB Matt Brown, Illinois State
• S Ben Ericksen, Illinois State
• G Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M
• OLB Andy Mulumba, Eastern Michigan
• RB Angelo Pease, Kansas State
• NT Gilbert Pena, Mississippi
• TE Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State
• G Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
• CB Damond Smith, South Alabama
• S Cedrick Moore, Stony Brook
• C Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M

What Does it All Mean?
The general consensus among pundits seems to be that, after the Packers got shredded by the 49ers in the playoffs, changes needed to be made on both sides of the ball. And that's what the Packers have done with these signings and a few recent moves. "Bigger," "faster," "stronger" are descriptors which can apply favorably in most sports, but especially football. The Packers definitely got bigger and stronger with their selections. They may have also gotten faster, particularly with the addition of Franklin and Johnson, both of whom are speedsters. Hopefully, they also perhaps got a bit tougher. They'll need it all to go head to head against the 49ers again this season -- and every other team on a tough schedule -- beginning in the 2013 season week 1 re-match.

There's an excellent article on this very topic in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by sportswriter Tom Silverstein. I recommend you read it.

For now, it looks very good for the Packers going into their early pre-season OTAs and mini-camps. That's what we think. Tell us how you think the Packers did with their draft by taking our poll in the upper righthand column. Inquiring minds want to know: what grade would you assign?

Packers vs. 49ers: let's roll!

In less than three hours from the time of this posting, the Green Bay Packers meet the San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park for an NFC Divisional Playoff game. The Niners are favored by three points...home field advantage. San Fran had a bye last week by virtue of their Number 2 seed in the NFC playoffs. The Packers, as we know, beat the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field in the Wildcard round. The winner of tonight's game will meet tomorrow's winner of the Seattle vs. Atlanta game. If the Packers win -- and we know they will, right? -- and Seattle wins, the Packers will host the Seahawks at Lambeau Field next weekend in the NFC Championship Game; if the Falcons win, the Pack will travel to Atlanta next weekend for the Championship Game.

Those are the stakes.

What are the chances for a Packers' win?
In a word: very good. Of course, some might say the same about the 49ers' chances tonight. These two teams are arguably the best in the NFC, despite Atlanta's #1 seeding and the hot streak that Seattle is on behind Rookie of the Year candidate (and former Wisconsin Badgers star) QB Russell Wilson. The Packers have the best quarterback in the NFC, particularly come playoff time, in Aaron Rodgers. The Niners have a dangerous, second-year QB in the person of Colin Kaepernick. The edge goes to the Packers in this department. But only if the Pack's offensive line keeps pressures and sacks to a minimum. If Rodgers is sacked five or more times during the game, stats show the odds are that the Packers will lose the game. With the return of DE Justin Smith to the 49ers' lineup, and Aldon Smith coming from the other side, the Packers' O-line will have their collective hands full. The Niners linebackers could also make life difficult for Rodgers if protection fails.

A key part of keeping Rodgers upright this evening will be the ability of the Packers' running game to keep up the pace it has over the past month or so. In the first meeting of the season between these two teams, the leading rusher was Rodgers. If that happens again tonight, the Packers will lose. The Pack will once again likely have street free agent DuJuan Harris -- who seems to be turning into another Ted Thompson diamond in the rough -- as the starter at running back. He brings elusiveness, speed and surprising power in a Barry Sanders-sized package. If he is half as good as Barry tonight, it can be a very good evening for the Packers. An efficient running game, with more than 100 yards combined via the running-back-by-committee, will likely mean Rodgers will have the ability to work the passing game. And if Rodgers can work that, and distribute the ball as he did against the ViQueens (for example, to 10 different receivers), the Pack will likely come out on top. We have more offensive weapons than do the Niners. But that will matter little if Rodgers doesn't have the time to use them.

Thus, the biggest factors on offense likely affecting the chances of the Packers winning this evening will be control of the line by the Packers and the rushing game. Oh, that and no turnovers by the Packers. That's always good. Especially on the road and in a playoff game.

As to what the Packers need to do on defense, the key will be containing RB Frank Gore, shutting down WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis, and making QB Colin Kaepernick win the game. This will be a formidable task. Kaepernick has a strong arm. He can throw long and on target. He also can beat you with his feet. He can be 15 yards downfield very quickly when flushed from the pocket. Containing him from getting those types of breakaway runs will be key for the Pack. Facing a big running-type quarterback last week in the form of Joe Webb at least gave the Packers a chance to deal with a similar style. The difference is that Webb couldn't beat you with his arm if contained; Kaepernick could.

If the Packers defense plays at the level it did in last week's game, it bodes well for picking up the win. Especially if the Packers can generate a timely turnover or two and convert those into points.

The Prediction
To no one's surprise -- at least not to anyone who is a regular reader of this blog -- we're calling this in favor of the Packers, 27-24. I have a feeling that the Packers could actually win by a wider margin, but on paper it's a toss up and that's why we're keeping the score close. Let's hope it isn't as close when the actual game concludes.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers storm Vikings 24-10

The NFL Wildcard game at Lambeau Field last evening between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings unfolded a bit differently than expected. The outcome was the same: a victory, as most had predicted, including yours truly, by a final score of 24-10. But how it all played out was...different.

Ponder out, Webb in
First, and to the surprise of many, ViQueens QB Christian Ponder was declared inactive a mere few hours before the game. The injury to his passing arm elbow sustained when it hit Packers' defensive back Morgan Burnett's helmet in last week's game led to a bad case of bursitis. So bad, he couldn't throw.

Enter back up QB, Joe Webb, who hadn't taken a snap or thrown a pass the entire regular season. Playoff game. Primetime Saturday night. January. Lambeau Field. Against the Packers. Good luck with that, young man. To no one's surprise, Webb's efforts came up woefully short. He had 6 passing yards in the first half. He finished with 180 yards, 1 touchdown and one interception. Fifty of those total yards came on a blown pass coverage that went for a late TD. Webb was also stripped of the ball in the pocket by LB Clay Matthews who then recovered the fumble. He ran 7 times for 68 yards, usually being flushed from the pocket; his longest run was 17 yards.

The other key difference to this game as compared to the first two times these teams met was that the Packers defense was able to keep likely league MVP RB Adrian Peterson from having his usual breakout game. The Pack actually kept him to 99 yards...a good day for any normal running back, but about half his average against the Packers this season. By bottling up Peterson -- who carried 22 times with a long run of 18 yards -- the Packers put the game in Webb's hands. In this regard, the Packers' defensive scheme was the same as they had planned for going into the game. The difference was that it was Webb not Ponder who would then have to win the game for the 'Queens. That became an impossibility almost from the moment the game started, despite Minnesota's first drive which resulted in them going up 3-0.

The return of Charles Woodson
Another difference from both of the two prior games between these two teams was the presence this time of future Hall of Fame cornerback, Charles Woodson. After missing about two months of the regular season with a broken collarbone, Woodson returned last evening and was his usual relentless self. He made tackles, got after the quarterback...in short, all the things that Woodson does best. He also seemed to be quick last night, no doubt due to having fresh legs from the time off. For sports reporters, asked about the difference Woodson makes, compare him to LeRoy Butler late in Butler's career. He makes sure everyone is lined up correctly and has their assignments. He provides the real veteran leadership among a generally young defensive unit. If some Packers fans were wondering what difference Woodson would make given how well the young secondary has performed going down the stretch of the season, I think you saw it last night. And with another young and playoff un-tested QB coming up this Saturday in the person of 49ers rookie Colin Kaepernick (born in Milwaukee, by the way), Woodson can again play a big role in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' disruptive schemes.

A tale of two offenses
For as dominating as the Packers offense was in the first half and opening drive of the second half, it stalled out for most of the second half. In fact, the Pack only had one first down in roughly the final 25 minutes of the game, and finished with five three-and-outs on the team's final six possessions. Not great. What they were doing, some might argue, was protecting a three touchdown lead, being up 24-3 early in the third quarter. Others might say they took their collective foot off the pedal. Aaron Rodgers mentioned the latter in an on-field post-game interview. He alluded to not really throwing a knockout punch when you have a team on the ropes. Guard T.J. Lang mentioned it in an article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sportswriter, Tyler Dunne. Lang said, among other things, "Whenever you're not playing up to your capabilities, that's very disappointing, very frustrating. I'm just speaking for the line here, but we have to do a better job. We had way too much penetration, guys in the backfield, negative yardage. We have to make sure we clean up what we're doing up front."

For as moribund as the Packers offense was for most of the second half, it earlier was able to put the Minnesota defense back on its heels through a balanced run-pass attack. RB DuJuan Harris got the start last night and made the most of his opportunities, accounting for 100 yards in total combined yardage. Rodgers spread his passes around to 10 different receivers on the night, all of whom combined to give the Packers' QB 274 yards passing for the evening. The ViQueens defenders took away most of the deep threats, so Rodgers and company used swing passes and short routes to go underneath. Oh, and did we mention that FB John Kuhn had two rushing TDs on the night?

San Francisco here we come...
With the Wildcard victory the Packers now travel to San Francisco for a meeting with the 49ers next Saturday evening. The Packers are 4-1 all-time in playoff appearances vs. San Francisco, 2-1 at Candlestick Park, with the only loss being in 1998.

This is Aaron Rodgers' neck of the woods. He'll want to perform well, and all expectations are that he will. The Niners beat the Packers in this season's home opener at Lambeau. But Alex Smith was the quarterback then. Kaepernick is the QB now. He'll bring a different set of challenges to the Packers defense. But as a rookie starting his first playoff game, the Packers should be able to throw enough at him to benefit from any mistakes. How well the Packers offense can perform, for a full 60 minutes, against one of the best defenses in the NFL, will likely ultimately be the key to the game. Early odds have the Packers as 3 point underdogs going into the game.

We'll have more on this game as the week unfolds. Stay tuned...

Packers vs. Vikings: two out of three isn't bad

When it comes to this regular season's games between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, it's been a draw. Each team has won at home. Vikes' RB Adrian Peterson has been his superhuman self in both games, rushing for 409 yards combined...nearly as much as the Packers' leading rusher for the entire season. True (look it up!). Aaron Rodgers has been his stellar self in both games. His counterpart, Christian Ponder, was cold in the first game and quite good in the second, arguably accounting for the difference in that second game. (Well, that and the strip of Rodgers as he was attempting to throw which was eventually turned into 7 points for the Vikes. When the margin of victory is a last-second field goal to make the final margin 3 points...well, we all know turnovers can make the difference between a win and a loss.)

A view on the defensive needs
That's a very brief review of two hard-fought football games. What's on store for tonight's Wildcard game? Likely, more of the same. Figure Peterson to rack up big yards despite the Packers insistence that they will not let him run wild as in the first two games. Good luck with that. He may or may not get 200 yards. But if the Packers want to stay in control of this game, it needs to go more of the way of Game 1 in the series and less like Game 2. In the first, Peterson got big yards. But about 150 yards of his 210 yard total came on just three runs. In the second game, his 199 yards came on more than 30 carries. That difference allowed the Packers in the first game to put a lot of pressure on Ponder to win the game. He couldn't, and in fact had a very poor quarterback rating overall. In the second game, the Pack did not pressure Ponder and Ponder performed very well.

We're not sure which Ponder we'll see tonight or, in fact, how much of him we'll see tonight. The latest reports are that he's suffering elbow bursitis in his throwing arm from an injury sustained in last week's game, and might actually have to have it drained before the game. Reports say the team will work him out a few hours before the game to see how he looks. Given the temperature tonight, you can't imagine bursitis is going to help Ponder's passing game any. He has been performing better down the stretch than earlier in the season, but the Packers must get pressure on him if he plays. That pressure has to come from more than just LB Clay Matthews. With the Packers getting Charles Woodson back for this game, expect schemes to bring Woodson and others to pressure Ponder. It also has to be the case, unlike last week, that when the ViQueens are in third-and-long, that the Packers rush more than three linemen. Failure to do that last week burned the Pack on more than one occasion. They have to bring a rush or, given time, Ponder may again make plays...if he's able to play. If Ponder can't start or finish the game, back up Joe Webb was getting practice reps this week just in case. You can read more on Ponder's status here.

Pack needs to get up early
One of the real keys to this game will be a fast start by the Packers on offense. They need to get up on Minnesota early, by 10-14 points, and have the 'Queens play from behind. That will put the ball more in the hands of Ponder and not allow Minnesota to merely hand off every play to Peterson. If the Packers are able to do this, a victory should be in hand.

Getting up early should be possible especially considering that for the first time since Week 4 of the season all of the Pack's top four receivers will be available...and healthy. Combine the multiple wide receiver options with the rejuvenated play of TE Jermichael Finley and the steady running game being contributed by Alex Green, DuJuan Harris and Ryan Grant, and the Packers have the advantage.

The Pack must avoid turnovers and giving up the big play. Tackling has to be an emphasis, something they have not excelled in when playing the Vikes. Special teams play also has to be as good as it has been for most of the season. Again, last week's game saw the return teams allow Minnesota to start in far too good field position most times; a short field is not something you want to hand to Adrian Peterson.

Packers' kicker Mason Crosby seems to have put his struggles aside; he's 4 for 4 the last two games. May that continue. Kicking conditions will not exactly be ideal tonight. But Crosby has to come through when called upon. Let's hope the game doesn't come down to a field goal. Because the ViQueens have a good young kicker on their side, as well.

The prediction
The Packers are favored by 7-1/2 points. The game is at home, outdoors. The ViQueens have not won an outdoor game all season long. Everything points to a tough game, but a Packers win. The Packers have to play as they are capable of playing and not just think they'll win because of the Lambeau Field advantage. In fact, when you look at those stats, the Packers are 2-4 at home in the last six playoff games held at Lambeau, including losses to two dome teams, the Falcons and the Vikings, during that stretch. It's time the Pack gets its Frozen Tundra mojo back. That starts tonight. The Packers will finish this series winning two out of three from Minnesota this season.

We're calling it 27-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Season finale: Packers vs. Vikings preview

In week 17, the NFL regular season finale, the NFC North Division Champion Green Bay Packers travel across the Mississippi River to take on the Minnesota Vikings in the Humpty Dump. At stake for the Packers is nailing down the number two seed in the NFC playoffs and a first round bye. For the ViQueens, a win means -- in all likelihood -- getting the sixth seed in the playoffs. Do you think this game will be the gridiron equivalent of a cage match smackdown? Oh yes. Oh yes it will.

Keeping Peterson in check
In addition to the playoff implications, not only for the Packers and 'Queens but a few other teams as well, many will be watching today to see if Minnesota RB Adrian Peterson breaks Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. Peterson needs 208 yards to break the record. Recall that he ran for 210 yards against the Packers in their first meeting earlier in the month at Lambeau Field. He also ran for 212 yards on 24 carries in a win over the Rams on Dec. 16. Bottom line: Peterson has exceeded the yardage he needs today in two of his last four games. So, is it in the realm of possibility that he'll get the record? Definitely. Is it likely the Packers will let that happen? I don't think so. They don't want him to set the record against them.

But not wanting to let Peterson set the record against them and seeing to it that that doesn't happen are two different things. The Packers will have to tackle well -- something they haven't always done this season -- in order to keep Peterson from breaking off those big chunks of yardage he is known to get.

If the Packers at least keep Peterson somewhat in check, then the 'Queens will need QB Christian Ponder to play well. Ponder has been hot and cold this season...generally cold but seemingly warming up a bit as of late. The Pack will need a pass rush, good linebacker support and that tenacious secondary to play the way they did last week in the win versus the Titans. Granted, Minnesota is a far better team than Tennessee (all the more reason for the defense to step up big time), but if the defense plays the way it showed it was capable of last weekend, then the Packers offense can do what it does best: put more points on the scoreboard than the opponent.

The difference
The Packers have at least one key playmaker today they didn't have in the first game: the Claymaker...LB Clay Matthews. That will be huge for the Packers. And with WR and returner Randall Cobb likely sitting this game out with the ankle injury suffered last weekend, the Pack will gladly take the return of WR Jordy Nelson. Jeremy Ross will be assuming Cobb's return duties, at least on punts.

The Packers will also have Ryan Grant as part of the three-headed running attack along with Alex Green and DuJuan Harris. The running-back-by-committee approach is something that has served the Packers well late in the season. While the ViQueens' defensive front, led by Jared Allen, is one of the better ones in the division, the Packers' offensive line also seems to be getting into a groove in its new configuration. Having said that, if new starting center Evan Dietrich-Smith has difficulty today against the Minnesota front expect veteran Jeff Saturday to step back into the role.

The Prediction
Much, much more analysis could be given here. But time and the availability of that type of information elsewhere offers both you, the reader, and this writer the opportunity to forego that repetition.

The Packers are 3-1/2-point favorites today. That seems to be about right. This will in all likelihood be a tight game throughout. A key turnover, a blown coverage or a missed tackle by either side might well determine the final outcome. Oh, do I need to also mention a missed field goal? Unfortunately for both fans and the Packers, given K Mason Crosby's issues over the last couple months, we need to reference that as a possible factor in the final score, too.

We're calling it 27-24 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers trounce Titans 55-7

After watching the total beat-down of the Tennessee Titans by the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field yesterday, many have just one question: who were those guys and what did they do with our Packers?!

Was this dominating team, on both offense and defense, the same team we've seen struggling to put away lesser opponents throughout most of the season?

In the last regular season game of the 2012 season played at Lambeau, the Packers put together their most complete performance of the season. The game against Houston earlier in the schedule was also a very thorough performance against, at that point, an undefeated team. But this game yesterday was...different.

To be sure, there were a few miscues, especially in the first half, as QB Aaron Rodgers himself admitted after the game. He missed a few throws that could have easily been touchdowns. Still, when you tally 55 points there's not too much to complain about. There were touchdown passes to multiple receivers, there were three rushing touchdowns (I KNNNOOOOWWW!), two by veteran Ryan Grant and one by rookie free agent DuJuan Harris. Actually, you have to add a rushing TD by Rodgers, as well, for the first score of the day on a quarterback draw.

On defense, the Pack registered seven sacks on the day and 12 knockdowns. LB A.J. Hawk himself had two; the last time Hawk had two sacks in one game was in 2008. The defense didn't let Titan RB Chris Johnson get rolling...they didn't let anything happen until about 2 minutes left in the game when a blown coverage led to a pass reception at the 2-yard line and then a TD moments later to shatter the shutout...which would have gone down in Packers' history had it held up.

As for special teams, they also performed so well that even kicker Mason Crosby's consecutive game streak of eight (or was it nine?) games in which he had missed at least one field game game to an end. Crosby made his only two field goal attempts on the day, although for good measure he did clank the 48-yarder off the right upright before it went over. That's how good of a day it was.

Second-year phenom, Randall Cobb, featured prominently not only in the passing game where he reeled in a remarkable TD catch, but also in the return game. In one remarkable play which displayed Cobb's intelligence rather than physical ability, he was back to receive the kickoff to start the third quarter. The kick came up a bit short and began to roll...and stall...near the 4-yard line. If Cobb had picked up the ball in bounds, the play would be live where he picked it up. In all likelihood, because of the slow roll and kickoff coverage, the ball might very well have wound up right there. Instead, Cobb first put one foot out of bounds -- actually looking to make sure -- before he touched the live ball. Thanks to a rather arcane NFL rule, this made him an out-of-bounds player and which then -- by rule -- made the kick out of bounds...which, in turn, is an illegal procedure penalty on the kicking team. Rather than the ball being on the 4 or 5-yard line, this action by Cobb gave the Packers the ball on their own 40-yard-line. Six plays and 60 yards later, the Pack was once again in the Titans' endzone with a touchdown. Head coach Mike McCarthy said this morning, "It’s the first time I’ve seen that kind of play in a game. That’s something our guys are coached to do. We have video when you show guys what to do. It’s a great play by Randall." Indeed.

The downside about Cobb for the Packers is that he got an ankle injury in the third quarter on a punt return. This has stirred up a hornet's nest of discussion about whether and why the Pack should still have Cobb back on kickoff and punt returns given his overall value to the offense of the Packers. McCarthy had this to say on the matter of perhaps removing him from those duties: "No, Randall Cobb is a big part of our success on special teams. That’s been our most consistent unit of our football team. ... I don’t understand how you play scared in the game of football. I understand the risk involved. Some plays are higher risk than others, but you can’t sit here and say special teams is important if you don’t put a guy like Randall Cobb out for a return."

One of the other big changes for the Packers Sunday was starting Evan Dietrich-Smith at center in place of veteran Jeff Saturday. There was nothing wrong with Saturday but it seems as if McCarthy and the coaching staff have been itching to see what Dietrich-Smith could do at center going forward. By all accounts, he performed well. First test passed.

There were and are a lot of other issues coming out of the game, as well as the loss by San Francisco to Seattle last night, which moves the Packers into the Number 2 NFC playoff seed right now. The possibilities that arise for the playoffs coming out of the final week of the regular season will make your head explode. Given that it's Christmas Eve, we'll avoid that scene. For now.

Check back later in the week when we will review a few of the possibilities for the playoffs and the Packers.

Enjoy the gift we received yesterday, Packer fans. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Packers set to take down Titans

The 10-4 Green Bay Packers are set to take on the 5-9 Tennessee Titans in about 90 minutes' time. The weather in Wisconsin finally turned into a regular winter this last week. There was plenty of snowfall in Green Bay and surrounding areas Thursday. The team had to call for volunteer shovelers (who are paid $10 per hour, by the way) to help clear the snow from the seating areas. So no problems there. The weather today will see a high of about 27 degrees. Winds shouldn't be any problem. In short, perfect weather for The Frozen Tundra. And a Packers' victory.

The Packers are favored by 12-1/2 points. Yowza! The over-under is currently set at 45 points, seemingly in the middle of the pack for most of the games this weekend.

Keys to the game
What will be the keys to the game today? For the Packers, the one thing they have to do is stop the AFC's equivalent of the ViQueens' Adrian Peterson: Chris Johnson. He's rushed for 1,159 yards in 14 games. In 2009, he was a 2,000-yard runner. Like with Peterson, every time he touches the ball he can take it to the house. And, like Peterson, he's the kind of runner that typically has a field day with the Packers' defense. Let's not forget that Peterson ran for more than 200 yards in the meeting a few weeks ago between the Pack and the 'Queens. If the Packers haven't addressed some of their scheme issues -- and poor tackling techniques -- Johnson could also have a big day.

But just as in the game with Minnesota, the fact that Johnson might break one or two for huge yardage or scores will not be enough to secure a win for the Titans. What else have they got? Honestly, not much. Their quarterback, Jake Locker, is fast on his feet but doesn't have a great arm. Some say he's mismatched in the offensive scheme that would better utilize his abilities running more option plays. The receivers he has to throw to -- rookie Kendall Wright (who may not play because of a rib injury), Kenny Britt and Nate Washington -- are serviceable wideouts, but nothing that the Packers' improved secondary can't handle.

Defensively, LE Derrick Morgan and SLB Akeem Ayers are the best pass rushing threats the Packers will have to be sure to account for.

As for the Packers, the reconfigured -- again! -- offensive line might or might not look as originally planned for earlier in the week. Evan Dietrich-Smith was going to move to center in place of Jeff Saturday who got dinged up with a mild concussion in last week's game, with T.J. Lang moving back to his left guard slot and rookie Don Barclay continuing to hold down the right tackle slot; Marshall Newhouse continues at left tackle and Josh Sitton is at right guard, as usual. However, yesterday it was noted that Barclay may not be able to play today because of illness, which then moves everything around again. Will just have to see if Barclay can go or not. Then the thing to watch will be how well Dietrich-Smith handles the line calls from his new center position.

Running back Alex Green also sustained a mild concussion last week, so his availability is questionable, in which case DuJuan Harris will see a lot more playing time, as will Ryan Grant.

One would rightly expect Aaron Rodgers to have a good day, with Greg Jennings continuing his return, James Jones adding to his league-leading total in TD receptions, and Randall Cobb doing what he does from whatever position. One would be right to expect a big performance. Rodgers has thrown 25 TD passes versus three INTs in his last eight games vs AFC opponents (including Super Bowl XLV). Yes, it should be a good day in Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood.

Jordy Nelson will still be sitting this one out. But this may be the last regular season home game for veteran receiver Donald Driver. He knows it and everyone else pretty much knows it, too. This might also be the final regular season home game for Jennings as well, as some articles pointed out this week; has a lot to do with contracts, of course, his and that of other players. Would be a shame to lose Jennings. But with Nelson, Cobb and Jones, it may be the best the Pack can do. Worry about that after the season.

Defensively, the Packers just need to continue to display the toughness they did in Chicago last week. It was a very solid performance. But please, Clay, go back to your old Claymaker sack dance...don't care so much for the new one...although I know many of your female fans adored it. Still...be the beast, not the hoochie koochie man, OK?

Finally, what do we say about kicker Mason Crosby and his apparent relapse into field goal futility? Why head coach Mike McCarthy refuses to at least bring in someone who can put the ball through the uprights while letting Crosby kick off is beyond me and many others to fathom. Sticking with a player is one thing. Letting that loyalty cost you a playoff game and/or a Super Bowl win is another. And that's exactly where this seems headed unless Crosby gets his head on straight and regains his confidence. Luckily, today should not come down to needing 3 points to win the game. So figure McCarthy to continue to send Crosby out to kick 40-50-yarders-plus and probably have at least one miss on the day (that would then make nine straight games in which he's missed at least one field goal attempt); you just hope he's able to make one or two to help set himself up for the playoffs.

The prediction
So, after all this, what's the bottom line. I'm calling it 24-13 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers hold off Lions 27-20, lead NFC North

The Green Bay Packers did what they needed to do last night in the snow flurries at Lambeau Field: beat an inferior team in the guise of the Detroit Lions, 27-20 (my prediction was 24-17...close!). In the process, the Packers kept their Wisconsin winning streak over the Lions going, now at 22 games. The last time Detroit won a game in the Badger state was 1991. There might even be a player or two on one or both teams who wasn't alive at that time, that's how long it's been.

But that's not the key takeaway from the game. Nor was it comic actor Will Ferrell's sideline cheerleading for the Pack during the game.

With the win, the Pack also went up a full game over division rival and this coming Sunday's opponent, the Chicago Bears. The implication is that if the Packers win at Soldier Field on Sunday the team will clinch the NFC North by virtue of its record and beating Chicago twice. Easier said then done, and we'll preview that game a bit closer to game day.

But let's do a quick review of last night's win, shall we?

Game recap
Firstly, the final outcome of the game began to be seriously in question very early in the game as Detroit went out to a quick 14-0 lead. The Lions also dominated the time of possession in the first half: 22:41 compared to 7:19 for the Packers. Yikes! It was enough to give you heartburn...the kind which Prilosec OTC Wildberry can tackle, that's for sure. (Better keep some on hand for the games coming down the stretch and into the playoffs!)

Detroit strung together two long touchdown drives on its first two possessions, running the ball effectively and passing to generally open receivers. After going 80 yards in 12 plays to go up 7-0, the Packers put on a drive of their own, going 55 yards to the Lions' 12-yard line. But on second down, as QB Aaron Rodgers was pressured in the pocket and began to move, he was sacked and fumbled. The ball was recovered by the Lions, who then put together an 11-play, 79-yard drive to go up by two touchdowns.

The Packers were then able to put together another good drive before stalling out. Head coach Mike McCarthy decided to try to get some points on the board, even in the blustery conditions. To that end, he sent out K Mason Crosby who proceeded to drill a 49-yard field goal attempt to make the score 14-3.

(Photo by John Klein, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

On the next series, the Lions were again seemingly moving the ball at will and were in Packer territory when the football gods gave the Packers an early Christmas present: Lions QB Matthew Stafford dropped back to pass and as he began his throwing motion the ball slipped out of his hand. Rookie defensive end Mike Daniels scooped the ball up and scampered -- if that's a phrase that can be applied to a defensive lineman -- 43 yards to make the score 14-10. Coach McCarthy was quoted as saying, "Mike Daniels' play was the momentum shift we needed. That was the key." Indeed.

In the second half, Detroit was once beginning to move the ball, but on its first possession both quarterback and receiver were not on the same page. S Sam Shields, playing in his first game in about two months, intercepted Stafford. The Packers then put together a drive down to the Lions' 27, aided in no small part by a 15-yard roughing penalty against The Mad Stomper, Ndamukong Suh, for hitting Rodgers after a third-and-6 incompletion. Flushed from the pocket, Rodgers found running room and took it to the endzone untouched to put the Pack up 17-14 early in the third quarter.

Detroit picked up a Jason Hanson field goal to tie the game up at 17-17, aided by a very questionable blow to the head penalty to provide the extra yardage needed.

Mason Crosby had a miss from 51 yards out on his next attempt, as did Hanson shortly thereafter.

With 10:45 remaining in the game, the Packers played December football, rushing seven times for 59-yards, capped off with a 14-yard touchdown run by free agent RB DuJuan Harris to put the Pack up 24-17. (Harris actually had an explosive run in his first carry of the game in the first quarter which helped set the stage, perhaps, for this run. As Aaron Rodgers said about him in a post-game interview, Harris looks as if he might be "something special." Let us pray...)

Crosby added a 41-yard field goal with about 4 minutes remaining in the game to make the score 27-17. The Lions, out of time outs and much hope, hit a field goal with 7 seconds remaining to make the score 27-20. A pooched onside kick attempt wound up going out of bounds and finally securing the victory for the Packers.

Game synopsis
Merely looking at the stats you might well get the idea that Detroit won the game, or at least could have. Luckily, it's points not stats that give teams wins and losses. In first downs, third-down conversions, total yardage, total plays, and time of possession, the Lions bested the Packers. But on the scoreboard -- where it counts -- the Packers had the edge: 27-20.

As Rodgers said after the game, it was ugly but sometimes things break a certain way in a game and that's all that needs to happen. Daniels' fumble recovery and Shields' interception certainly helped a spotty defense hold its own. The rushing attack by committee -- Alex Green with 69 yards in 13 attempts, DuJuan Harris with 31 yards in 7 carries and even 1 carry by the recently-signed Ryan Grant for 13 yards -- worked well. And Mason Crosby's kicking problems have seemed to be resolved.

With the Pack set to get a few key players back in time for the game against Da Bearz, most notably Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews, the Packers look well-positioned to secure the NFC North title soon. Very soon.

Still time to enter the Sweepstakes!
Larry the Cable Guy was in Green Bay at last night's official tailgate party. You can check out what he got up to while in Green Bay at www.WildBerryFlavor.com. While there, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an out-of-this-world flavor adventure of your own by entering the Wild American Flavor Sweepstakes. From now until January 7, 2013, enter at www.WildBerryFlavor.com for a chance to win trips to three of America’s most flavorful cities, including tickets to some of the country’s biggest sporting events courtesy of new Prilosec OTC Wildberry. One winner will be chosen at random to receive the prize pack, including tickets to the big football game in New Orleans (February 3, 2013), the first big auto race of the year in Daytona Beach (February 24, 2013) and the basketball championship game in Atlanta (April 8, 2013), travel and accommodations (a two-night hotel stay and air transportation for each destination), and one $5,000 check to be used in any of these flavorful cities.

What are you waiting for, Packer fans? Git-R-Done!

Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

The streak
The last time the Detroit Lions beat the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin -- mid-December of 1991 -- Erik Kramer was their quarterback and Mike Tomczak was somehow quarterbacking the Pack. The Packers were playing out a 4-12 season and the Lions were preparing for the playoffs as NFC Central Division champs. Detroit won 21-17. Since then -- over the next 20 years -- the Lions haven't won another game in Wisconsin and have been favored just once.

As a great article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn points out, "The Packers' 20-game winning streak at home against the Lions is the longest in National Football League regular-season history." Amazing. And the Packers are favored again in tonight's game, by 7 points.

McGinn's article quotes former Packers General Manager, Ron Wolf, as reminding us that during this time span the Packers have had Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers -- both future Hall of Famers -- as the starting QBs. Detroit? Not. That does explain a lot. But still, the ball has to bounce your way sooner or later, right? Yes, but let's not start tonight, OK?

If you want to see my pre-preview of this game I wrote a few days ago, check out my prior post below. Or just click here to take you right there.

The challenges
The Packers will, as has been the case all season, be playing shorthanded with starters on both sides of the ball still out. But they will likely be getting a few folks back, as well, at least for spot duty. The return of WR Greg Jennings (last week) will again take up some of the slack for the missing Jordy Nelson.

The biggest challenge for the Packers will be the same as it was when the two teams met a few weeks ago: the offensive line vs. the Lions' defensive front. Detroit held down the Packers running game so that Rodgers was forced to pass more often, opening up the pass rush for the Lions. The Lions harassed Rodgers for a good part of the last game, even causing a fumble on a sack attempt. The Packers O-line has to step up. Given that undrafted rookie lineman, Don Barclay, will likely be getting the start at right tackle in place of injured T.J. Lang, and that the line will be fending off The Mad Stomper, Ndamukong Suh, it could once again be a long day for Rodgers...unless the Pack can get -- and keep -- its running game going.

To that end, and with RB James Starks being injured yet again, that effort will fall to Alex Green and newly-resigned veteran Ryan Grant. It's also possible that the Packers might try first-year player DuJuan Harris if the rushing game stagnates. He's a bit "undersized" at 5'8" but as has been shown in a few cases -- Barry Sanders (5'8") and Emmitt Smith (5'9") come to mind -- undersized is a relative term.

The bottom line prediction
As noted earlier, I wrote a pre-preview article a few days ago regarding this game, so you can get some further detail there.

The Lions are 4-8, have not won a game in the division, and have nothing to play for other than pride, and finally winning a game in Wisconsin after a generation. The Packers, at 8-4 atop the NFC North, must continue to win in order to control their own destiny.

Tonight's game will, according to forecasts, be cold, not too windy, but with anywhere fom 2-5 inches of snow predicted for the day...at the time of this writing, snow is already falling at Lambeau Field. This may very well mean more relianace on the rushing game or short passing attack. Fans would hope and expect that the "outdoors" Packers would have the advantage over the "indoors" Lions but we need to remember that the Packers haven't had to play in bad weather in quite a while either.

As noted earlier, the Pack is favored by 7 points. The over-under is 49 points, second highest for the weekend's games.

With the weather conditions being iffy at best, this is a game that could turn on turnovers and special teams play...that proverbial bounce of the ball we mentioned at the outset. If it's a close game, as the last game was into the fourth quarter with the Lions leading, anything could happen. But the Packers are the better team. The Packers are at home. The Packers have more to play for. The Packers will win.

I'm calling this one 24-17 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Still time to enter the Sweepstakes!
Larry the Cable Guy is in Green Bay tonight to crank up the official tailgate party. You can check out what he's been up to, and what he will have gotten up to while in Green Bay, at www.WildBerryFlavor.com. While there, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on an out-of-this-world flavor adventure of your own by entering the Wild American Flavor Sweepstakes. From now until January 7, 2013, enter at WildberryFlavor.com for a chance to win trips to three of America’s most flavorful cities, including tickets to some of the country’s biggest sporting events courtesy of new Prilosec OTC Wildberry. One winner will be chosen at random to receive the prize pack, including tickets to the big football game in New Orleans (February 3, 2013), the first big auto race of the year in Daytona Beach (February 24, 2013) and the basketball championship game in Atlanta (April 8, 2013), travel and accommodations (a two-night hotel stay and air transportation for each destination), and one $5,000 check to be used in any of these flavorful cities.

What are you waiting for, Packer fans? Git-R-Done!