NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Just a few days following a demoralizing 30-16 defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers (3-2) will host the archrival Chicago Bears (1-5) this evening. The Pack will tonight be without seven players, including running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks, as well as defensive backs Sam Shields, Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. Shields -- who is still in the league's concussion protocol -- was actually placed on injured reserve to open up a roster spot; he could return in Week 14. Wide receiver Jared Abbrederis, TE Jared Cook, and S Chris Banjo are also out. Wide receiver Davante Adams is listed as questionable.

As bad as it is for the Packers, Da Bearz' injury report is even longer. We wish we could feel bad about that, but given the current state of affairs in Green Bay, we don't. We'll take all the help we can get even if it's a banged-up opponent. Although, we did so hope Bears QB Jay Cutler could have played. That's always a factor in the Pack's favor.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and the offense
must be in sync to beat Da Bearz tonight.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Given the condition of both teams, it's likely this game could be mediocre at best. Despite how out-of-sync the Packers seemed on Sunday, they need to somehow find the will -- and the ways and plays -- to beat what is arguably one of the worst teams in the league at this stage of the season.

It used to be the case that after a poor personal performance, QB Aaron Rodgers would light up the following week's opponent. But given the 17-game slump that Rodgers seems to be in in terms of personal performance, we're not sure what to count on any longer. Without a sure-fire running attack to take the pressure off him, play at the level we've seen recently would not be unexpected.

The Packers did finally decide to provide some help in this regard with the acquisition via trade Monday (a trade!!!) of Kansas City running back, Knile Davis. While Davis became expendable for the Chiefs, he might at least fill a temporary need for the Packers. Don't expect much tonight, other than perhaps a few basic plays. But the other option was to keep running wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb out of the backfield...which, let's just say it...is no solution and, well, a bit nuts, right? The Packers did have one other option, activating practice squad RB Don Jackson to the active roster. For this game, at least, the Pack will try to make it with Davis, et al. (By the way, Milwaukee Journal Packers beat writer extraordinaire, Bob McGinn, has a great article today about Davis; it's highly suggested reading.)

Prediction
Depending upon your source, the Packers are currently favored by 7-1/2 to 9-1/2 points. We'd like to think that's how things will roll tonight. But are we confident based upon what we've seen so far this season? Not really.

Still, we need to make a prediction. We're calling it 24-13 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers lose in OT to Cardinals, season ends with a thump

The injury-plagued Green Bay Packers took arguably the best team in the NFC -- the Arizona Cardinals -- to overtime in a Divisional playoff game Saturday evening in Arizona. But as quickly as the exhilaration of a last-second comeback occurred, it was gone in a final score of 26-20, in favor of Arizona. It was, amazingly, disappointingly, the fifth time in seven playoff games that head coach Mike McCarthy's team has lost on the final play of the game. Wrap your heads around that, Packers fans. Geesh.

Getting the game to overtime itself involved a miracle on the order of what we shall call Hail Mary #2 by Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and second-year receiver Jeff Janis. With five seconds remaining in regulation and no timeouts left, and the ball on the Cardinals' 41-yard line, Rodgers scrambled under pressure to his left and launched a remarkable throw to the endzone from the Packers own 45-yard line. Janis was the only Packer near the ball. He lept, high-pointed it and came down with a TD to make the score 20-19. Mason Crosby's extra point tied the game at 20-20 and sent it to overtime. By the way, not to be lost in the loss is the fact that Crosby set an NFL record for most consecutive field goals made in postseason play with 20. Congratulations, Mr. Crosby.

Oh, and all this happened without WR Randall Cobb who was lost for most of the game with a lung contusion following an amazing one-handed catch near the Cardinals' goal line that was wiped out by penalty; he actually spent Saturday evening in a Phoenix hospital until being released Sunday morning. Do you think not having Cobb affected the game? You bet it did.

Packers WR Jeff Janis is congratulated by fellow WR Jared Abbrederis after catching QB Aaron Rodgers' Hail Mary pass to send the Division playoff game vs. the Cardinals to overtime.
(Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
As noted above, the amazement of that tying score was short-lived. After winning the coin toss (actually, the second as the first "flip" never actually flipped), Arizona took three plays, featuring future Hall of Fame WR Larry Fitzgerald, to extinguish the Packers' hopes of going to a second straight NFC Championship Game.

The first play appears to have been a blown coverage after a blitz by the Packers' defense flushed Cardinals QB Carson Palmer to his right. Just missed being sacked, Palmer looked back to the left and found a wide open Fitzgerald...let's say that again: wide open. How the Packers defenders do not cover the best receiver on the field in a situation such as this is remarkable in itself. How Fitzgerald was then able to take that reception 75 yards to the Packers five-yard line is another matter; he eluded five tacklers on the way, all of whom could have and should have made tackles. You can read all about this collapsed defensive series here.

Arguably, the game shouldn't have come down to this. The Packers had opportunities to turn the game totally in their favor. In fact, the Packers did have the lead at one point. And for about 56 minutes, the Packers defense performed admirably. CB Sam Shields, returning after being inactive for several weeks due to a concussion, had not just one but three opportunities for interceptions. In fact, he had an opportunity late in the game near the Packers' goal line to pick off Palmer and return the ball about 97 yards the other way for a 14-point swing and, likely, putting the game solidly in the Packers' favor. But, not.

It wasn't just Shields, of course. Was veteran LB Julius Peppers out of position on the blown coverage play...or was it rookie Damarious Randall who seemed to drop to a zone when everyone else was in man-to-man coverage? Or was it the rushers not getting to Palmer? And those are just the questions related to a couple plays in overtime.

This is yet another game that will stick in the craw of Packers fans for what might have been. Head coach McCarthy said himself in post-game comments that he saw this game as a "microcosm" of the season as a whole. Glimpses of greatness, yet too many missed opportunities and outright failures. How much of that is on the coaching staff and how much on the players is a conversation that will go on and on. Bottom line is that it is another lost year and chance of a Super Bowl with one of the best quarterbacks in the league under center.

How many of the players on this year's team will be back? How many will move on or be forced to move on? It will be an interesting offseason for the Packers. There are many questions after yet another bitterly disappointing end to the season.

Still, we remain...Packer Fans United.

We'll be continuing our coverage of all things Packers during the coming days and offseason. So please be sure to keep stopping in. We appreciate your readership. Also, be sure to keep checking out our Amazing 2nd Page (link also at the top of this page) which is a non-stop feed of Packers coverage from all over the Packersphere. It's always current.

Now...Go Pack Go!!!

Divisional Playoff Game: Packers vs. Cardinals

Fast update on last Sunday's Wildcard game versus Washington (for those who may be unaware...but, c'mon...really???): Packers won. Handily. In a manner on all sides of the ball we haven't seen since the Packers were 6-0.

Great. Restored hope and confidence -- kinda -- to many if not most of the Packers faithful.

But that was then. This is now. And that means the Green Bay Packers are in the desert to face the high-flying Arizona Cardinals. You know...that team that dismantled the Pack just a couple weeks ago. (Gulp!)

The Packers will need constant pressure by Mike Pennel and others on AZ QB Carson Palmer tonight in order to stay in the game.
(Photo by Getty Images)

Defensive pressure will be key for the Packers
It could be argued that the Packers' defense has been the surprise -- and unexpected savior -- of the Packers 2015 season. It was clearly in evidence in the Wildcard win over Washington. It will need to be equally aggressive and persistent in tonight's game against the Cardinals. Why? This great article by Milwaukee Journal Packers writer, Bob McGinn, puts it all in context. Among the points made, Palmer is a drop-back quarterback, not mobile. If the Packers can get to him with a four-man rush, it could make the difference. Arizona's offensive scheme is built upon deep drops by Palmer in the pocket and protection from his line so that the Cards' fleet of speedy receivers can get open deep. If Palmer's allowed to stay upright without pressure, it's going to be a long game...especially for the Packers' secondary.

The entire Packers squad was flat in the first match up. They had nothing. Got behind early. Only got two sacks on Palmer; clearly that's not going to do the trick. Likewise, if and when there are opportunities for takeaways, the Packers have to come up with them. They've been pretty middle of the road in that regard this season. Big games are times for big plays. The defense will have to make a few.

Offense needs to get -- and stay -- in rhythm
The Packers' patchwork offensive line was beat like a rented mule last time around (metaphor only, animal lovers!), leading to two turnovers that led immediately to touchdowns for the Cardinals. You can't give away fourteen points to a team like this and expect to win. You can't let Aaron Rodgers get sacked eight times and expect to have a chance to win.

Early indicators are that LT David Bakhtiari will be able to start the game tonight, meaning all the regular starters should be on the line. How long he will be able to last...who knows? We saw last week, however, after giving up that early sack leading to a safety, that J.C. Tretter is a battler and could provide serviceable protection to Rodger's blind side if needed.

Having the full line ready to go should also help the run game. When the Packers run at least 25 or more times a game, they have a great shot at winning. LG Josh Sitton is even more insistent: run it at least 30 to 35 times during the game, he says. It opens up the passing game. Although, to be fair, some say it's the other way around with the Packers: if the passing game is fast and furious it can open up the running game. Well, however they do it, the Packers will need both the running and passing attacks to be in championship form tonight. Anything less and we could be looking at the end of this NFL season for the Pack.

Packers WR Jared Abbrederis catches a 2-point conversion in the game vs. Washington. He'll need to come up big tonight against the Cardinals.
(Photo by Nick Wass, Associate Press)

The passing game will affected by the absence of second-year WR Davante Adams. Adams was having a good game against Washington until he sustained an MCL sprain. This means WR Jared Abbrederis becomes the third wide receiver, with Jeff Janis bumping up to the fourth spot. Abbrederis has shown glimpses of greatness in the little playing time he has had. Rodgers likes him and has confidence in him, to the point of saying several weeks ago he thought Abbrederis deserved more playing time. Now he'll get it. Having all week to work on their timing together, Rodgers and Abbrederis could combine for some great plays tonight. They'll need to, perhaps out of the slot and via quick-hitting slant routes. If Janis can run disciplined routes downfield to stretch the defense that would be a bonus, as well. But Abbrederis might wind up being an unsung hero tonight, as this article suggests.

The Prediction
The Packers come into this game as 7-point underdogs. If someone watched the first game between these two teams they might question why it's not larger than that. And, certainly, listening to and reading many of the predictions for this game you get the clear sense that most aren't giving the Packers much of a chance. Does that sound similar to last week? You bet.

Now, the Cardinals have had a week off and the Packers are coming in off a short week. Advantage would seem to go to the Cardinals, especially with the home field advantage. But sometimes that week off can throw off a team's own rhythm. Been known to happen. And for a team such as the Packers that limped into the playoffs following a disappointing NFC North Championship loss at Lambeau Field to the ViQueens, getting a bit of mojo back with the win in D.C. (or Maryland or wherever Washington plays) is just what the doctor ordered. They believe in themselves...even when no one else does.

Call us believers. We're calling this game: Packers 27 - Cardinals 26.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 5 Packers vs. Rams Preview and Prediction

So, let's get this out of the way first (since I was negligent in writing a follow-up earlier in the week): the Packers beat the 49ers. Let's repeat: the Packers beat the 49ers. In San Francisco. And throttled heretofore Packers-killer QB Colin Kaepernick in the process behind a great defensive effort by the Pack. 'Bout time. Yay.

Now..on to today's game: the Packers vs. (the once-and-future Los Angeles) Rams.

Packers DE Mike Daniels and the rest of the "D" have been playing lights out lately.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Packers come into this game as either 9 or 9-1/2-point favorites depending upon whom you believe for that sort of thing. Either way, Holy Schnikey, Batman, that's a big spread. Yes, the Packers are at home. And are 4-0. And have the best quarterback in the NFL. Even have the third best rushing game in the league (true!) and a vastly-improved defense from the last few years. What do the Rams have to offer? Well, to hear the pundits tell it, probably the best front four defensive linemen in the league. A young and dangerous running back. A speedy receiver. A head coach who will have his team well prepared. And a not-all-that-bad QB in Nick Foles...who, by the way, has beaten the Packers...at Lambeau...when he was with the Eagles.

But that was then, this is now.

The Rams seem to be a Jeckyll-and-Hyde type team so far this season, winning two big games within their division -- at home against Seattle and at Arizona last weekend against the previously undefeated Cardinals -- but who don't seem to do as well against teams outside their division. So they're a bit like Forrest Gump's proverbial box of chocolates: you never know what you're going to get.

But whatever team shows up for the Rams, we know what team will show up for the Packers: very good special teams, an attacking defense (tied with the Rams for the league lead in sacks at 17) and a powerful offense when running on all cylinders. Whether or not the Packers have starting RT Bryan Bulaga back on the line today will be a gametime decision apparently. He did practice this week and said he felt he'd be ready to go. If not, Don Barclay will once again have to hold his own. The tackle positions -- left and right -- have been an issue so far this young season for the Packers. But Aaron Rodgers' mobility is the difference maker if there is pressure. He may be sacked a few times given his tendency to sometimes hold on to the ball a bit too long. But, conversely, his ability to scramble and find receivers downfield, or to break off a run himself, is something which defenses have a hard time defending against...as we've seen through the first four games.

One of the knocks on the Packers' offense right now is that, without Jordy Nelson, the Packers lack a downfield threat to stretch the defenses. Well, the short and intermediate type passes seem to be working quite well. One has to believe, too, that sooner or later one of the young, fast receivers -- Jeff Janis or Jared Abbrederis, perhaps -- will gain Rodgers' trust and start to emerge as at least an occasional threat. That may or may not happen today. But, regardless, the Packers will have all they need to dispatch the Rams despite being without WR Davante Adams and S Morgan Burnett for today's game.

The Prediction
Here it is, gang, the moment you've all been waiting for: our prediction.

While we thought the Packers would easily handle the 49ers last week, things were much closer than expected as the offense just wasn't as in sync as usual. That will have gotten corrected this week. We don't say this will be a blow out. But we do see the Pack winning comfortably.

We're calling it...31-17 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Other notes from this last week

Former Packers head coach -- and Coach of the Year in 1989 -- Lindy Infante passed away this last week at age 75 in Florida. Infante coached the Packers from 1988-1991. He was an offensive genius and universally regarded as one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet. RIP, Coach. Read more here.

Safety and special teams standout Sean Richardson was reported to have sustained a second neck injury -- a herniated disk -- which is likely not only season-ending but career-ending. You can read more here about that. We wish the young man well whatever transpires for him going forward. We admired his play.

Packers 2015 final roster cuts; now await practice squad designations

Along with all the other teams in the NFL yesterday, the Green Bay Packers had to make some tough choices about who to keep on the final 53-man roster and who to let go. There were only a few surprises along the way.

Second-year player and WR Jared Abbrederis was one of the cuts.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
RB Rajion Neal was perhaps the biggest surprise cut given his very good performance during preseason. In the end, though, the Packers decided to go for more of a power back behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks than the third-down-type back which Neal is. Given that the Packers also kept two fullbacks on the roster, veteran John Kuhn and rookie Aaron Ripkowski, it was a crowded backfield.

Another cut, although perhaps not as surprising, was Wisconsin native and former UW Badger WR and returner Jared Abbrederis. Seeing his first live action during a game since college because of injuries, the deck against Abbrederis was not stacked in his favor given a deep receiving corps, even with the season-long absence of Jordy Nelson. It is hoped by many, including likely the Packers given how much head coach Mike McCarthy seems to like his potential, that Abbrederis will clear waivers today and be able to be signed to the Packers practice squad.

As for all the cuts, here's the list:

• DL Khyri Thornton
• LB Carl Bradford
• WR Jared Abbrederis
• DL Christian Ringo
• RB Rajion Neal
• RB John Crockett
• WR Larry Pinkard (waived/injured)
• WR Ed Williams
• TE Justin Perillo
• TE Mitchell Henry
• OL Matt Rotheram
• OL Garth Gerhart
• OL Andy Phillips
• OL Jeremy Vujnovich
• LB Joe Thomas
• LB James Vaughters
• LB Jermauria Rasco (waived/injured)
• CB Tay Glover-Wright
• CB Ryan White
• S Jean Fanor

The Packers also placed DL Datone Jones and DL Letroy Guion on the reserve/suspended list, with Jones getting one game and Guion three per NFL rulings. This means, of course, the Packers roster will change after the first game when Jones returns and after the third game when Guion comes off suspension; a couple players will have to go or be placed on the practice squad and one or two of those players released.

The Packers can begin assembling their practice squad at noon central time today once all released players clear waivers. Sometimes seeing who makes the practice squad is nearly as exciting as who gets the final spots on the 53-man roster.

Stay tuned, kids...more to come.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packer Flag Giveaway Contest!
Keep checking back, Packers fans, because we'll be announcing the details of our first-ever Packers flag giveaway contest soon! It's a beauty (as shown below). Don't miss out on the chance to get in on this!

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

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

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

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

Other positives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loss to Steelers in Preseason Game #2 is the Least of Packers' Problems

Yes, the Packers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday in Game #2 of the 2015 NFL Preseason, 24-19.

Big whup.

The only loss that mattered yesterday, on the field, in the locker room, and across the Packersphere was the probable season-long loss of the Pack's number one receiver, Jordy Nelson, to a torn ACL. While the word is not final until the MRI results are reported, the mood in the locker room after the game pretty much said it all, as this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes.

Photo of Jordy Nelson before Sunday's game
Photo by Associated Press
What now?
With Nelson out for at least an extended period of time, if not the entire season, it falls to Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and, most probably, rookie Ty Montgomery to form the starting trio of the receiving corps. But who will get the fourth spot in the lineup? And the number five backup spot?

Jeff Janis shows so much promise at times and, as demonstrated yesterday, also presents so many questions...the whiffed punt catch being a primary example. The Packers may very well use TE Richard Rodgers in passing schemes more than just as a tight end. Myles White seems to be a likely candidate, his already-good training camp performances and chances now bolstered with Nelson's absence. There's Larry Pinkard and Ed Williams, whom we haven't seen much of and know even less about. The coaching staff and fans alike would love to see Jared Abbrederis get back on the field and make an impact but whether that will happen or not depends upon Abbrederis' ability to stay healthy enough to actually make it into even a preseason game.

Or will GM Ted Thompson go the free agent receiver route as Ron Wolf did when number one receiver Robert Brooks was lost in the 7th game of the 1996 Super Bowl-run season? With Brooks out and Antonio Freeman banged up, Wolf picked up veteran WR Andre Rison to help pick up the slack...and, boy, did he with that 54-yard touchdown reception on the Packers' second offensive play in Super Bowl XXXI. It remains one of the top moments in team Super Bowl history.

Still, the only thing we can be sure of is that as long as Aaron Rodgers is behind center the Packers will be a threat to every opponent and still is an odds-on favorite to make it to the Super Bowl.

So...we have that going for us...which is nice.

Let's hope that Nelson's condition is not as dire as suspected. But if it is, the Packers still have enough offensive weapons to be the envy of many if not most other teams in the league. If you don't believe me, check out this great article by Packers beat reporter, Bob McGinn.

Let's also take a moment to note that starting guard T.J. Lang left the game yesterday with a concussion. He'll be back for the season opener, if not before. Let's also hope LT David Bakhtiari's knee injury from the prior week heals soon; his replacement, Don Barclay -- who is himself coming back from injury last season -- struggled mightily in his first start at left tackle.

With all that said ... Go Pack Go!!!

Packers select DB Damarious Randall with 30th Overall Pick in 2015 NFL Draft

After several hours of waiting to see what would happen, fans of the Green Bay Packers finally learned last evening that they have a new defensive back to help fill the holes left by the departures of Tramon Williams and Davon House. With the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Packers chose Arizona State safety Damarious Randall.


While he played safety at Arizona State, Packers GM Ted Thompson said last night that he'd probably play cornerback in the Packers scheme. Although, as Thompson added, because of defensive coordinator Dom Caper's variations, Packers defensive backs play all over the place. In this regard, Randall will probably be well suited to the Packers defense. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr., said he really "loved" this pick for the Packers. Another draft pundit said that Randall was "the best cover guy" in the draft.

Randall plays a bit bigger than his size according to draft reports. He tackles well and has very good closing speed: he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Draft guru Mike Mayock said this before the draft: "Randall is what today's free safety is all about. He is by far the best cover safety in this draft. Randall can play man-to-man; he has cornerback-level cover skills. You give up some physicality, but his coverage ability is where the NFL is going. Remember Jimmie Ward was a first-rounder last year (to the 49ers) with a similar skill set."

In addition, Randall can play special teams and also has spent a little time as a returner. With that kind of speed, and the need to preserve WR Randall Cobb for receiving duties, we can only imagine that Randall will get plenty of opportunities to win a returning role as well as time in the defensive backfield. Imagine having WR/R Jared Abbrederis, who was lost to injury prior to the start of the regular season last year, and Randall back on returns. That could be a dynamic returning duo that would give opponents' special teams fits.

We like this pick although, frankly, it's not one we had on our radar, as our prior post will attest in terms of draft possibilities. Guess that's why we're here writing and Ted Thompson is up in Green Bay making the picks. For the latter, we should all be grateful.

What will days 2 and 3 of the draft bring the Packers way? We have to believe additional depth in the defensive backfield, as well as inside linebacker, tight tend, and perhaps offensive and defensive line depth. Also, it wouldn't shock us if Thompson drafts a quarterback along the way.

It's great to be a Packers fan, isn't it, folks?

Go Pack Go!!!

It's Packers 2014 preseason football time: Pack vs. Titans!

Oh, baby...at long, long last...Green Bay Packers football is about to get underway. The road to the Super Bowl, fellow Packer fans, begins this evening in Tennessee. Our Pack take on the Titans in the first of four preseason games. Expect not to see much of any of the projected starters. Particularly those named Aaron Rodgers.

Tonight, we'll get our first glimpse of the 2014 edition of the Packers. On display will be the work of the two fellows competing to be the primary backup to Rodgers: Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzein. The Packers know what Flynn can do: provide a knowledge of the system and even win games now and then. But we suspect they are more interested in seeing what Tolzein can do now with a bit more experience. They know he has a stronger arm than Flynn. The question is can he be a consistent leader on the field and win. Flynn's steady, Tolzein has a better chance to make a big play. What will shake out by the time the final roster decisions need to be made? This game starts to make that picture come into focus.

The same, of course, can be said for many other players and positions. Safety has been one getting a lot of attention in training camp. Given the lack of production from that unit last season, expectations are much higher this season. Morgan Burnett missed most of this week's camp with a strained oblique and will be held out tonight. As a result, second-year player Micah Hyde and first-round draft pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are expected to start, and much focus will of course be placed upon how Clinton-Dix adapts to the pro game.

But don't be surprised if you see third-year player Sean Richardson in the mix with the starters. During his Thursday press conference, head coach Mike McCarthy had this to say about Richardson: "I'll tell you what, Sean Richardson is having a hell of a training camp." Any number of pundits and reporters have noted that Richardson has been very impressive in camp. The coaching staff has taken notice. Richardson was an undrafted free agent who made the team in 2012, but that rookie season was cut short with injuries and he played in only five games. In 2013, he played in just six games. The Packers are anxious to see what a healthy Richardson can do. At 6'2" and 216 lbs., he is an imposing presence in the defensive backfield. I'm one of those rooting for him to stay on the field and make many contributions this season. He's an intriguing player.

Other young players will also be getting a close look tonight. Second-year player J.C. Tretter is slated to be the starting center if all goes according to script. McCarthy says he likes what he has seen from Tretter in practice, so we'll see what happens in live game action. Rookie Corey Linsley will also get a good look at center.

On offense, tight end is a position of interest with the apparent final departure of Jermichael Finley. Jake Stoneburner looks to take a step up in his play, while rookie Richard Rodgers has also received a lot of positive reviews in camp. In the wide receiver corps, expectations are high for rookie Davante Adams who has apparently been nothing but spectacular in camp.

But don't count out rookie Jeff Janis. Janis missed the first week of camp with an illness and practiced for the first time on Wednesday. During that first practice, Janis made a one-handed touchdown catch in the back-left corner of the end zone of a pass from Tolzein. Not to be outdone, Adams followed Janis’ catch with a one-handed touchdown grab of a Matt Flynn pass.

These are just a few of the players to keep an eye on, of course.

A big part of these preseason games for fans is just getting used to new players and new numbers. "Who is that?" will be a common statement tonight, whether on a good or poor play.

For coaches, they want to see what the new young guys may be able to contribute to make this team better. It's a fun and exciting time of the year. Hopes from fans and coaches alike are that no one gets seriously injured. The Pack has already lost wide receiver and returner Jared Abbrederis and offensive lineman Don Barclay to torn ACL's. The Packers have seemed a bit snake-bitten in recent seasons with injuries. Let's hope this early trend doesn't continue.

Packers 2014 Draft Review: Rounds 4-7

The 2014 NFL Draft for the Green Bay Packers (and the rest of the league, of course) wound down this afternoon. The Packers had nine picks going into the draft; they made four yesterday (see prior post) and five today. Contrary to form, GM Ted Thompson stayed pat with the selections the team started with...no wheeling and dealing, no moving up or down, no Trader Ted. How unusual. But, all in all, it looks as if Thompson and the Packers' brain trust had very good reasons for sticking with their allotted selections. All the players selected -- even the later round picks -- could potentially make the team. They were the best available athletes available, and they met needs. The only real need going into the draft that was not addressed was inside linebacker. When asked about that in his post-draft press conference, Thompson reportedly replied that "It just didn't work out." So it goes.

So who are the latest additions to the team?

Top row L-R: Carl Bradford, Corey Linsley.
Bottom row L-R: Jared Abbrederis, Demetri Goodson, Jeff Janis.

ROUND	NUMBER	PLAYER	POSITION	SCHOOL
4	121	Carl Bradford	OLB	Arizona St.
5	161	Corey Linsley	C	Ohio State
5	176 (compensatory)	Jared Abbrederis	WR	Wisconsin
6	197	Demetri Goodson	CB	Baylor
7	236	Jeff Janis	WR	Saginaw Valley State

Analysis on each player can be found here; kudos to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for providing a great overview of the newest Packers.

Our take?
In general, we like the Packers' picks very much. Given where the Pack was picking and the depth available, these picks makes sense. And, as noted earlier, it would seem at least on paper that each of these players from top to bottom has a chance to make the final roster. A lot of things will obviously play out between now and the start of the season. But we grade this an A- draft, given that inside linebacker was not addressed. But other than that...?

We especially like the fact that, for the first time in his tenure as Packers GM, Thompson finally drafted a player from the University of Wisconsin. Finally! Jared Abbrederis, some felt, dropped a bit in the draft because of his conussion history. But sitting there at number 176 -- a compensatory pick, that cannot be traded, by the way -- Abbrederis was just too good to pass up. Personally, we're very happy he got the call from 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Another former Badger we would have liked to have seen the Packers get was ILB Chris Borland. Unfortunately, he wound up going about eight selections ahead of the Packers in the third round...to the (ew!) 49ers. Dang!

Next up for all teams is signing undrafted free agents. These players are much more of a long-shot to make a team, but they can and do. Let's see if Thompson gets an inside linebacker and quarterback in that group. Here's betting he does.

Ah...football! Nothing better. And especially nothing better than being a Packer fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

If you have anything to say about this draft, here's your chance. We don't open up for comments very often, so make it good.