Packers playoff scenarios ... and other cosmic debris

As we knew going into this last weekend's game, if the Packers beat the Steelers and either Dallas or the Giants lost, the Pack would have locked up a playoff spot. As Week #15 of the NFL concluded last evening, we now know that...none of that happened. The Packers lost in a heartbreaker, Dallas upset the Saints in New Orleans, and the Giants handled the 'skins in D.C.

So, what do the scenarios look like now? Here ya go, Packer fans. The Pack makes the playoffs with any of the following:

• A win (vs. Seattle) and a N.Y. Giants loss or tie (vs. Carolina)
• Or a win and a Dallas loss (vs. Washington)
• Or a tie and a N.Y. Giants loss

Defensive second-guessing continues...but not by the coaches
The local and national airwaves were and are full of fans and pundits second-guessing the Packers defensive approach on the Steelers' game-winning drive. But despite giving up an Al Bundy-like bajillion yards passing to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (OK, more like 503 yards to be exact), failing to prevent big plays on the drive, failing to just tackle a receiver before they got out of bounds, failing to blitz, and committing three penalties which kept the Steelers alive -- including one which negated an interception that would have ended the game with a Packers win -- both head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers say they wouldn't have done anything differently. Not even keep blitzing LB Clay Matthews who had been wreaking havoc all day long.

And why oh why didn't the coaches instruct the defensive backs that it would be preferable to take a pass interference penalty (something we all know they are already quite adept at) rather than allow a catch in the endzone? CB Josh Bell -- the defensive back who got beat on the last play -- would have been better off just pushing the receiver out of bounds and then taking a last-stand chance at the 1-yard line. Might have wound up with the same result. But you at least would have stayed alive to make that last stop and get a different result.

Anyway...woulda, coulda, shoulda, right? You can read more of the coaches' assessments here.

Crosby is still safe
Coach Mike McCarthy isn't one to make quick personnel change decisions. With many fans and sports commentators saying they don't know how the Packers can't now bring in some kickers to tryout after K Mason Crosby's now seeming every-game miss streak (sorry...a bit wordy there), McCarthy said yesterday, "Mason Crosby is our kicker. He will be our kicker moving forward. Zero interest in bringing in a kicker. I have all the confidence that Mason will fix the issue that he's had with missing the one kick a game."

So, get over it, Packer fans. It just may be that the team's playoff fortunes live or die on the leg of Mason Crosby. That's more of a generic description, granted. Because there is no problem with the strength of Crosby's leg. The problem is that dang right hash mark, from which Crosby pushes everything right. According to Crosby, as reported in an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "When the ball goes right, I'm not finishing my right side enough. I have to make sure I finish that and get through the target." The change in holders this past Sunday from backup QB Matt Flynn to punter Jeremy Kapinos didn't seem to matter. Kapinos did bobble the snap on an extra point but got the ball down and Crosby was still able to get it through the uprights. According to the article, special teams coach Shawn Slocum said the hold by Kapinos on the missed field goal was good. Just...another push by Crosby.

What is concerning, as mentioned here in prior posts, is that Crosby is now missing relatively short kicks. Prior to Sunday, most if not all his wide-right misses have occurred from 40-45 yards out (he has only made one kick out of five attempts of over 50 yards this season, a 52-yarder). Against the Steelers, his miss was from 34-yards.

Clearly, McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson have determined that they've got too much invested in Crosby at this point and that the fix is as simple as a mechanical tweak. While true, you just have to believe that with a miss in -- what, 5 or 6 of the last 7 games? -- this has to be messing with Crosby's psyche. It's just like that one hole on the golf course, ya know? Wide open fairway on the left, woods all down the right; you can be aiming 180 degrees away from the trees into wide open space and before you even tee off you know that ball is going to go...right...into the dang trees! (Wait...did I just reveal too much about my golf game???)

Anyway, you get the point, or points. The key one being, you better be on your knees praying every time Crosby attempts a field goal from here on out. Especially if the game is on the line. That missed kick in the first half Sunday would have made Roethlisberger's end-of-game heroics moot if Crosby had just done what he says he's been working to do since this problem started: finish.

If Crosby doesn't figure out a way to do that, and soon, the Packers might also find themselves finished off all-too-soon.

Pack vs Cards wrap up ... and more!

As has been the case all through the preseason, the Packers' first string offensive and defensive units were once again outstanding in the team's victory over the Cardinals Friday night. If you didn't see the game or hear it on the radio you've no doubt read the details by now. So no need to rehash what is now old news. The Pack kicked butt. The final score was in no way reflective of what the first stringers did. All we can hope as fans is that the team isn't peaking in preseason. And that the players that sustained injuries are ready to go for the season opener against Da Bearz.

At the top of that list, of course, is receiver Greg Jennings who was the subject of a nasty sandwich tackle. He was back in uniform, but mostly on the sidelines at Sunday's practice, according to reports. His prognosis is good, although coach McCarthy has already said Jennings will not play in Thursday night's game versus the Titans. Good decision. Will Blackmon and Brandon Jackson are also likely to sit out this upcoming game. Mike Montgomery might be able to play with his broken hand, but no decision for sure yet.

The Packers also released 3 players over the weekend, with the most notable name being punter Durant Brooks. Brooks, as you may recall, was supposed to be in a heated battle for the punting job with Jeremy Kapinos. But Brooks had essentially been out of the running with a hip injury since the second preseason game.

Backup QB Matt Flynn, who was held out of Friday's game because of his shoulder sprain, threw a little bit Sunday and hopes to be able to play Thursday.

Barring any additional injuries in the final exhibition game -- and don't expect most starters to play very long or at all -- the Packers can head into that season home opener against Da Bearz feeling very good about what they have achieved so far. The thing to remember about that, though, is that none of that counts. Game 1 versus Chicago is where the road to the playoffs begins!

Training camp insights

It has finally arrived, Packer fans: summer training camp! As most all of you know, workouts began Saturday. Reports out of Green Bay are that in the first few practices things appear to be much more physical on both sides of the ball than in prior camps under head coach Mike McCarthy. Certainly this was a weakness the past season. Perhaps new defensive coordinator Dom Capers, long known as a task master, has something to do with it. In fact, it has been reported by on-site observers that the defensive play is making the offense play with a more physical approach, as well. That can only bode well long-term.

There were even reports of a few tussles here and there between some offensive and defensive linemen. Nothing serious. Just enough shirt grabbing, etc. to demonstrate an intensity that might not have been there last year. Defensive players seem to be jumping on board the new 3-4 scheme. Al Harris has noted that the team definitely has the players to make the scheme work. Others have said that they enjoy playing in a scheme that has some unpredictability to it...something that couldn't be said last season. The only member of the defense remaining unsigned is first round pick B. J. Raji. He's a lineman, so not critical he be in at the moment. He is in Green Bay, according to fellow first-rounder, Clay Matthews, and is itching to get to camp. But until some of the other first rounders sign and set salary ranges don't expect much movement soon. If he can get into camp at least a week before the first preseason game (Aug. 15), he should be able to play in that game.

On the offensive side of things, the main goal of the camp is to settle on a starting line. So there is still a bit of shuffling going on, with perhaps the main competition coming at center where incumbent Scott Wells is in a battle with Jason Spitz for the starting job.

While Ryan Grant is still the starting running back, there is strong competition for that "change of pace" back the Packers haven't really seen much of the last few years. Brandon Jackson showed flashes late last season. Third-year back, DeShawn Wynn has come in a bit lighter than past camps; whether he can finally demonstrate the toughness to go with his speed remains to be seen. Rookie free agent Tyrell Sutton out of Northwestern is apparently also showing great speed on the field and, according to radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, has the smarts to pick up blocking assignments, etc., and could make a real push to be part of the final roster. Rookie fullback Quinn Johnson has reportedly been delivery crushing blocks. And speaking of blocks, and back to the more physical nature of camp so far, offensive linemen have been sustaining blocks as far as 10 yards downfield, whereas in the past perhaps a 5 yard push would have been the extent of things.

On the receiving side, the Pack retains one of the best receiving groups in the league. Yay! And, as we saw last year, we have a QB in Aaron Rodgers that can get the ball to them anywhere on the field. Perhaps this year that will also include more catches by second-year TE Jermichael Finley. Putting behind him a dismal rookie season in which he basically didn't understand what it took to be a pro, Finley is saying all the right things this year, as well as so far bringing that new attitude to the practice field. If the Pack can continue to operate at the same high level it did last year with the wide receivers, get the running game going, and then toss in a real tight end threat...man oh man! It's an offense that could create real havoc on opposing defenses.

Apparently the only area of the squad at present that seems to be a problem is punting. So what else is new, right? That has basically been the case since Craig Hentrich was allowed to shuffle off to Tennessee in 1997. Old news, true. But not being able to (a) find a reliable punter and/or (b) keep him, has been an ongoing problem. Neither Durant Brooks or Jeremy Kapinos seems to be pleasing coach McCarthy. And the problem is, there really aren't many alternatives at the moment. Keep your fingers crossed on this front.

Just a word about Justin
That would of course be a reference to former first round pick, Justin Harrell. He was a surprise choice at #16 three seasons ago. And his entire career at this point with the Packers has essentially been one of injury.

By all reports, Harrell is a fine young man and would be a real asset on the field...if he is healthy. Perhaps for the first time since he's been in Green Bay, that might finally be the case. At least he is on the practice field and is what coach McCarthy calls "a full-go participant." It would be great to see him live up to his potential, or even come close, for that matter.

If you want to get a better appreciation for the trials he's been through physically, as well as the work he's put in to get back on the field this summer, check out this great article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. It's worth the read. Good luck, kid. Hope it works out for you...and the Packers.

For the Pack, four come in and one goes out

Following the rookie orientation weekend, which draftees, free agents, practice squad and tryout players attended, the Packers announced the signing of four players: cornerback Trevor Ford, punter Adam Graessle, nose tackle/defensive end Dean Muhtadi and tackle Dane Randolph. All these players were in on a tryout basis this past weekend.

According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, perhaps the most intriguing of the signings is that of the punter Graessle. That puts three punters on the Packers roster: Graessle, Jeremy Kapinos and Durant Brooks. You may recall that the punting situation was basically, hmm, not good last season. And this is why some, including yours truly, thought the Packers might actually pop a draft pick on a punter. But perhaps there is still such a bad taste in the collective mouth after Mike Sherman's drafting B. J. Sander in 2004 (shudder) that no one can yet contemplate actually drafting another punter. So, they go the free agent and tryout route.

In this case, it seems Kapinos and Brooks will have a good challenge on their hands from Graessle. If you want to read why, check out the article here.

This same article also details a surprise move that was made in the release of veteran LB and special teams standout Jason Hunter, who appeared in 42 games with the Pack since 2006. The Packers were looking to upgrade the linebacking corps and apparently felt that their new acquisitions trumped Hunter, even though the team had given him the $1.01 million restricted free-agent tender, which usually means you'll be sticking around. Nope.

One of the names which had been mentioned extensively over the weekend as a player who was really popping out was RB Tyrell Sutton. While not offered a contract, it might be that the Packers still keep an eye on him for the future. He intrigued coaches and reporters alike, according to both print and radio reports of the weekend. He was described as a short back (5'8") who didn't play small. He displayed quickness and good hands and was talked about as a third-down/situational type back. Will be interesting to see where he lands.

Packers - Titans preview

There's only about 30 minutes or so to kickoff at what will be a chilly Lambeau Field. The Packers and Titans are expected to be playing in game time temps of somewhere in the low teens. Nippy, as they say. Which should be to the Packers' advantage over a team coming in from Houston.

The Packers also have more to play for. Even with the mediocre 5-7 record they are currently sporting, the Pack still has a chance at the playoffs. But they have to win their remaining 4 games. And that means they have to win today.

Houston comes in with Matt Schaub returning to the starting QB spot. He's been out 4 games after arthroscopic knee surgery. One would expect him to be rusty. And shaking off rust in bitterly cold temperatures is perhaps not the best place to return to the game. Those hits are going to feel all that much more nasty in the cold and on a semi-frozen field. Schaub won't be very mobile. So the Pack will try to bring not only Aaron Kampman on the pass rush but are also going to be playing Brady Poppinga on some downs at defensive end. Poppinga played some at DE in college and actually played a few downs at that spot in last week's game versus Carolina, as the Packers try to do something -- anything -- to get a pass rush from someone besides just Kampman. The Pack will, however, have to keep Texans rookie RB Steve Slaton in check. He was supposed to be a fill-in for Ahman Green. But when Green went down for the season, Slaton became the featured back. He's exactly the kind of back that has given the Packers fits this season: fast and explosive, especially to the outside. The other big threat for the Texans comes in the form of receiver Andre Johnson. Former Wisconsin Badgers tight end Owen Daniels is also a favorite of Schaub's. With Packers LB Brandon Chillar -- arguably their best cover LB -- out today, Desmond Bishop gets the start in his place. No mistaking it: the Texans do have some weapons if the Pack doesn't do what they are capable of doing on defense.

Speaking of defense, the Texans also have "Super" Mario Williams on their defensive line. He will be moved to both sides of the line, so both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher will have to be on the top of their games.

What the Packers will need to do, especially in these weather conditions, is run the ball. Ryan Grant came out of the game last week with a thumb injury which caused concern about his ability to hang on to the ball. The thumb is still hurting, and it won't feel any better today. So it will be interesting to see how much work Grant gets versus Brandon Jackson, who filled in quite well for him last week.

We haven't really seen how well Aaron Rodgers plays in cold weather. But we will today. This will be his first really cold cold weather game. Hopefully, he won't have to throw 30-40 times today for the Pack to stay in the game. But if he does, we'll know a lot about him either way.

We also get a chance to check out our new punter, Jeremy Kapinos. Keep your fingers crossed. Also, the Pack moved up three players from the practice squad this week. A signal was perhaps being sent to some of the guys on the kick coverage units that they can be replaced if they don't get their act together immediately. Another game like the last 2 for the kick coverage units and this game could be much closer than it should otherwise be.

Houston is a lousy road team. But the Pack has been so-so at home this season. Still, this is a game the Packers should win. More importantly, it is a game they must win to stay alive. The green'n'gold kool-aide is coming out again, Packer fans. The Packers are favored by 6. I'm taking the Pack 27 - 17 over the Texans.

Go Pack Go!!!

Pack's new punter a hit...so far

According to reports, the first day of new punter Jeremy Kapinos with the Packers went well. The Green Bay Press-Gazette says, "New punter Jeremy Kapinos drew some cheers and applause when his first practice punt as a Packer spiraled near the ceiling of The Don Hutson Center." The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel provides more details: "When Kapinos launched his first punt inside the Don Hutson Center 50 yards downfield with lots of hang time, he drew a number of loud 'Woooo's from the players. When he did it again on his second punt, this time dropping it along the sideline, the cheers from the gallery got even louder."

But was every punt today a winner? Not quite. The Journal-Sentinel continues, "Most of the rest of his punts were between 45 and 50 yards, but he only got the same hangtime on one other punt. In all, he punted eight times and of those eight two would be classified as low liners." Apparently, that was still good enough for his teammates. According to the Press-Gazette, "it was clear by the reaction of his new teammates that Kapinos' arrival has been well-received." Guess the fans weren't the only ones who were glad to see former punter Derrick Frost hit the road.

But as both of these reports note, Frost also was apparently a good practice punter; he just couldn't carry it over to games. So until we see Kapinos in a game, we won't know for sure what we have. Still, the Packers liked him enough to sign him to a two-year contract.

Oh, Kapinos is a left-footed punter, too. Which puts a different spin on the ball than most punt returners are used to...which could perhaps lead to a muff. At this stage of things, we'll take whatever advantage we can get, right?

Kapinos will not hold for kicker Mason Crosby's place kicks. That duty will fall to backup QB Matt Flynn.

The Packers official website has a nice write-up on Kapinos. You can find it here. The Press-Gazette and Journal-Sentinel reports can be found here and here respectively.

Let's hope the Pack uncovered a gem in the punting game ala Craig Hentrich. That would make up for the last left-footed punter we had (does the name B.J. Sander ring a bell?) as well as the roughly 9 or so others the Packers have tried since they let Hentrich walk away.

Packers pick new punter

The Packers have picked their third punter since the preseason, going with Jeremy Kapinos who beat out three other punters during tryouts yesterday and today. Kapinos was a Ray Guy Award finalist at Penn St. in 2007 and spent a little time with the Jets. He'll be at practice as part of the team tomorrow. No word on whether he will be the new holder for Mason Crosby or not.

Given the state of the punting game this season, Coach Mike McCarthy's expectations seem pretty reasonable. McCarthy said, "I want him to punt the ball in the right direction." Yeah, that would be good.