Packers - Ravens Preview

Seems like forever since we last saw our beloved Green Bay Packers take to the gridiron, doesn't it? It's a layoff the Packers have welcomed. Since dispatching the Lions on Thanksgiving, the Pack has been getting healthy for the stretch run of the season and the drive to the playoffs. Still, it hasn't exactly gone according to plan, as my post of Friday indicated.

A few injuries, namely to linebacker Jeremy Thompson and offensive tackle T. J. Lang, popped up. The injury to Thompson may or may not be season-ending. He suffered a neck sprain on Friday and was taken from the practice field by ambulance. Thompson was released from the hospital Saturday. You can read more about his status here. As for Lang, he suffered a concussion in practice and is listed as questionable on the injury report for the game tonight. As the guy who has become an effective and key backup on the offensive line in his rookie year, not having Lang to back up a possibly still gimpy Chad Clifton at left tackle means that Allen Barbre may be the primary backup at that spot if Clifton is unable to play or finish the game. C'mon, Clify!

But...to the game at hand...

The spread on the game (depending on what line you look at) is 3-1/2 points in favor of the Packers. Some prognosticators figure this to be a defensive battle, and well it might be. It will certainly be a physical game, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Packers, as we are now aware, are ranked as the number one defense in the league. But that means nothing week to week. It only matters if they are the number one defense tonight. The Packers will be at full strength on defense (understanding, of course, this means without Al Harris and Aaron Kampman). What they will have to do is pressure a somewhat shaky Ravens QB Joe Flacco who has not been throwing the ball well of late. Some say that's due to the pounding he took earlier in the season when the Ravens' offensive line was doing their imitation of the Packers' line. Flacco doesn't have many weapons to throw to. In fact, the Ravens' leading receiver is also their leading rusher, second-year running back Ray Rice. If the Packers are able to rattle Flacco, CB Charles Woodson could very well wind up with a pick or two again tonight for the Packers.

The diminutive Rice is one of the hottest players in the league right now. He gives opposing defenses fits because the Ravens are now able to use him in a number of different formations. At 5'8", he has a low center of gravity and is difficult to bring down. He packs a lot of wallop into his 205 pounds, and is deceptively fast. He will be the offensive weapon that the Packers should be keying on shutting down. They keep him in check and the Packers are on their way to a "W".

Of course, the Pack also needs to handle the Ravens defense. And that starts with veteran LB Ray Lewis. He may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but he generates the energy for the defensive unit and can still bring it. He's not as fast as he was before, so if you can get him on a running back in coverage there should be some opportunities. He also doesn't get off blocks as well as he used to. The other key defender to be aware of is safety Ed Reed; although he is listed as questionable on the injury report he is expected to play. He has 3 interceptions on the season. The rest of the defensive backfield is ripe for the picking.

But that depends upon on the weather tonight. Currently, the forecast is for temps in the 20s but no snow or other precipitation this evening. There will be a chance of snow showers during the day but supposedly nothing at game time. This is the time of year that the running game should be starting to come to the fore. But as a great article in Saturday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel points out, head coach Mike McCarthy has actually run less in December in two out of three of his previous seasons as coach than in the months before. Go figure. As the article notes, "The only time he ran more than he passed was 2007, when the Packers were 13-3 and winners of four of six games in December and beyond." OK...any lessons there? Hmmm... Anyway, Ryan Grant seems to have always rushed better later in the season. Somebody tossed out a stat that when he runs 22(?) or more times in a game the Packers are 10-1 (quick: someone double check that!). Ahman Green will be back tonight after missing a couple games. And Brandon Jackson is once again back in form as a reliable third down back and blocker. So the Packers can make the Ravens worry about the run, and that's a big help in letting Rodgers open things up in the passing game.

I think we should expect that the Pack will try to establish the run tonight to help keep pressure off QB Aaron Rodgers. But it will primarily be to loosen up the air game to exploit the Ravens' d-backs.

The wildcard in tonight's game will be the Packers special teams play. As we know all too well, the Packers' special teams is akin to Forrest Gump's box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get. And that's the scary part. If special teams helps keep the Ravens in the game goofy things can happen. Add in the fact that K Mason Crosby hasn't exactly been Mr. Reliable this season and points that should go on the board don't.

So, what's the bottom line on this game? Factoring all of the above into the prognostication blender, and that both teams are still playing for wildcard spots, we are calling this game Packers 20 - Ravens 16.

Go Pack Go!!!

A more physical team usually means more injuries

Just when there is talk of how the Packers might be moving from being perceived as a finesse team to more of a physical team, they get hit with a reminder that that type of play cuts both ways.

We all knew LT Chad Clifton was going to be a game-time decision with his hamstring injury from the game with the Lions, and that the dependable rookie T. J. Lang was preparing once again to fill in at left tackle. But today Lang was added to the injury report and missed practice with a concussion. Given the unavailability of both Clifton and Lang, Allen Barbre took the reps at left tackle today. Given how Barbre struggled in his trial at right tackle we can only hope Clifton or Lang is available Monday night.

But the more serious injury occurred today in practice as backup linebacker Jeremy Thompson tackled RB Kregg Lumpkin. According to Lumpkin, Thompson's head apparently hit his left shoulder pad when he tried to make the tackle. "When it happened, he just said, 'Oh no,' and just fell on the ground. After that, I was just standing there like, 'What really just happened.' All I could do was sit there and hope that he get back up." Thompson didn't, although he did have movement in his arms and legs. Still, he was taken from the field by ambulance to the hospital where he is being kept overnight for what is reported as a neck sprain.

Here's the official statement by the Packers: "Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson suffered a neck sprain near the end of Friday’s practice. There was no loss of consciousness and no paralysis at any time. Packers medical staff took customary precaution in treating the injury, including transport of Thompson to St. Vincent Hospital for a full battery of tests. He will be kept overnight at Bellin Hospital for rest and further evaluation."

Let's hope the young man makes a full recovery.

Do the Packers players get it now?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned...

Packers OTAs notes

The news coming out of Green Bay during the first part of the Packers organized team activities (OTAs) has been a bit sparse. I guess no news is good news. No major injuries. No big contract hassles (at least, yet). So we have to get our bits and pieces where we can.

The Green Bay Press-Gazette is often a good source for the latest goings on when other sources seem a bit too quiet.

So, here's a quick review in case you need a little Packers fix as we begin the month of June.

Jeremy Thompson or Clay Matthews?
While the assumption has been that rookie Clay Matthews will be the starter at right outside LB, second-year player Jeremy Thompson is excited by the change to the 3-4 defense and the opportunity it is giving him to make the change from defensive end to linebacker. As the Press-Gazette article points out, until Matthews Thompson was the only player Packers GM Ted Thompson had traded up to draft: "Ted Thompson sent a fifth-round pick to the New York Jets in order to move up 11 spots in the fourth round to take the defensive end from Wake Forest." But more importantly, especially for Thompson (that would be Jeremy, not Ted), "Instead of backing up left outside linebacker Aaron Kampman, Thompson worked as the starter on the right side during organized team activities that began last week." Granted, Matthews currently has a hamstring injury, but Thompson "was working ahead of Matthews even before the rookie pulled his hamstring near the end of the first practice last Wednesday." Anyway, read more about this linebacking competition here.

Harrell, Harrell, wherefore art thou, Harrell?
Actually, third-year player and injury magnet Justin Harrell has been present and accounted for all during OTAs and, apparently, doing well. Quoting defensive line coach Mike Trgovac, the Press-Gazette reports, “He’s been very focused. He has a look about him that he wants to succeed. He’s working extremely hard.” According to Harrell, he's feeling the best he has been since being in GB. Given his injury history, however, that might be a hard thing to judge. In addition, the young man -- whom all reports from the get-go have said is the type of guy you really want to root for -- is battling a weight issue currently. Still, Harrell realizes this is a do-or-die year for him with the Packers. As the #16 pick overall three seasons ago, Harrell has been a bust. But Trgovac and the new coaching staff also is giving him a fresh start. "He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. I know he’s had injuries in the past, but we haven’t seen them,” Trgovac is quoted as saying. Read more about Harrell here. At this point, if Harrell is able to get through the season uninjured and make contributions at all it will be a bonus that not many -- at least not many fans -- expected. If he can't stay healthy, Harrell will be out of chances and will remain the albatross around Ted Thompson's neck.

And what about Mr. Kampman?
One of the big mysteries of the offseason was and is how DE Aaron Kampman felt about making the switch to outside linebacker. Ordinarily, Kampman was very open with the media. But he hasn't been talking about this switch, which has led some to assume that he is not a happy Packer. Well, he spoke yesterday with the media in the locker room. Still didn't say much. And what he did say is hard to get a read on.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel provides the necessary quotes from Kampan: "New techniques. New terminology. All in all, it's learning the new system. It's all new." And . . ."I'm one of 11 in this defense. . . . This is a big transition for everyone. For whatever reason a lot of people want to know what I think." And . . ."I'm learning it. I don't have a whole lot else to say. I'm learning it."

So...is he happy? You decide. Kampan's a pro, a Pro Bowler to be exact. He was the best pass rusher the Packers have had over the last few seasons. Can he make the move? Coach McCarthy told the press that Kampman has been working very hard at learning the new position and scheme, as you'd expect of him. He's been working closely with new linebackers coach, Kevin Greene. And, as radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, said on 620WTMJ radio this morning, if anyone can assure Kampman of the possibility of making the switch effectively, it's Greene who himself had been a successful defensive end before being asking to also make the switch to linebacker...where he achieved perhaps even greater success later in his career. Good point. They are two different players, granted. But it has to be encouraging for Kampman to be able to tap into someone like Greene who can assure him that it can be done because he did too.

You can read another take on the Kampman situation -- as well as the non-story about Donald Driver's supposed desire for a new contract -- here.

And how's Mr. Rodgers doin'?
According to reports, QB Aaron Rodgers is looking just fine, thank you. He's looked very sharp in the OTA practices. And perhaps just importantly, he -- and his teammates -- know clearly that this is his team. After racking up the numbers he did last year, Rodgers clearly established himself as one of the best QBs (at least for his first season as a starter) in the league. The number of wins didn't reflect that performance, although that was more a result of the defensive collapses than Rodgers ability or lack thereof. If you want a quick update on Rodgers, check out this article.

So...is this enough to help you get your fix for the moment? If not, keep checking back here at PackerFansUnited.com. There will be more...as regular readers (that's you, isn't it???) know very well.

End of 1st quarter: Packers 0 - Texans 7

If the first quarter is any indication, this game has one of those "Uh-oh" feelings to it. The Texans took the opening kickoff and in three plays went 75 yards for a touchdown, the majority of that coming on a 58 yard pass that was underthrown. The receiver made a better adjustment to it than did Tramon Williams, who was then taken out by Nick Collins who overran the play. Made it look easy. That took all of about a minute-and-a-half.

The Pack also had big plays negated -- as has been the case so often this season -- by penalties. One was a ticky-tack offensive pass interference call on Donald Driver that wiped out his spectacular 42-yard catch. Another big first down was wiped out on a holding call on Chad Clifton against Mario Williams.

Our new punter's first punt was not so great, 25 yards. Steve Kapinos' next two were much better, 48 yards and 49 yards, the latter of which unfortunately just made into the endzone for a touchback.

Defensively, the Packers have had two chances to pick off Texans' QB Matt Schaub and weren't able to come up with the ball. But the Texans are converting third downs, the Packers are not.

At the end of the quarter, Houston rookie RB Steve Slaton knocked of a 34-yard run down to the Packers' 30. He is as advertised: explosive. And, as noted in my preview to the game, exactly the kind of back the Packers have been unable to defend most of the season.

If the Packers don't tighten things up, they can lose this game. It has that feel to it already. Not good.

Packers - Bears Preview Part 2

Contrary to my post of Wednesday, folks, I'm back. At least long enough to update my preview of the 175th meeting -- the longest rivalry in pro football -- between our beloved Packers and, a-hem, Da Bearz. I still won't be able to do my usual in-game postings but, hey, ya get what you pay for, right?

Mid-week, as noted in my Wednesday post, the Pack was favored by 4 points. As also noted, it was expected that that spread would close up by game time. It has, but not by much: the Pack is now favored by 3-1/2.

The only Packer definitely out, as we know, is Nick Barnett...and he's done for the season. Will Blackmon, who had a punt return for a TD last week, had a quadriceps injury that limited his practice until Friday. He's listed as probable, which means he'll play. He's given a spark to the return team, despite his ill-advised (a nice way of saying it) punt return out of his own endzone also last week. Judging from the brief conversation on the sideline between he and Coach McCarthy, caught by TV cameras, there probably is not much chance that will happen again. Hopefully, he can contribute a good return or two today.

DT Justin Harrell is questionable. Shocking, isn't it? Rookie DE Jeremy Thompson is doubtful. So the defensive line that has been unable for most of the season to get pressures on opposing QBs and stop running attacks may still find itself a bit short-handed.

For Da Bearz, QB Kyle Orton is listed as probable. Not sure whether he or Rex Grossman will get the start but most of the talk during the course of the week seemed to be that Grossman would once again start. If he struggles, Orton could see action.

What do the Packers have to do? For one thing, slow down Da Bearz' rookie RB, Matt Forte, who is averaging 21 attempts and 79.2 yards rushing per game. He is a strong and fast back...and given the Pack's struggles against the run this season, they really need to shut him down to put the pressure on Grossman. Chicago has a decent wide receiver in Rashied David and a good young tight end in Greg Olsen. But the Packers defensive backs are as good as they come and should be able to handle anything in the way of the air game. One other perpetual concern, of course, is return man Devin Hester.

But, bottom line, is the Packers desperately need a victory in order to not fall farther behind in the NFC North. They also need redemption from last week's heartbreaker in the Humpdome. The offensive line needs a real gut check...the kind that isn't measuring their girth but rather their heart. That goes for the D-line, too.

A complete game is called for. The Pack has been underachieving all season long. There's no better place to get things turned around than at home against Da Bearz.

Packers 27 - Da Bearz 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

A shocker: Packers release KGB

It was apparent that KGB -- Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila -- was not the same player as in years past, especially after his right knee surgery in May. He was primarily relegated to being a third-down specialist. But this season, he was pretty much a non-factor even then. That apparently made the Packers decision to release him easier. The move appears more than coincidental with making roster room for second-year player and last year's first round draft pick, Justin Harrell, to come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It will also allow younger players, such as Jeremy Thompson and Mike Montgomery, more opportunity. It's a business, folks. And when your skills are clearly on the decline and some young kids are looking to make their marks, your days are numbered. KGB is no longer a Green Bay Packer.

During his nine years with the Pack, KGB appeared in 124 games, with 74 starts. He is the the Packers' all-time sacks leader with 74½, passing Reggie White (68½) last season.

KGB issued the following statement through the Packers: “My nine years as a Green Bay Packer have been a blessing that is beyond words. I thank God for bringing me to this first-class organization and first-class community. During my time here, I’ve built relationships with a number of people in the Packer family. The front office executives, G.M.s, coaches, past and present players, the enormous support and administrative staff plus the greatest fans in football, all have helped make my time here truly special and I am thankful for that. It has been a very positive experience. I was able to build a family here and grow with a community that I call home. Again, I’ve been truly blessed. I don’t know what my football future holds, but one thing I’ve realized is that football is more than a game - it’s about building relationships and changing lives. One of the commitments I’ve had throughout my career has been to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and that is something that I intend on doing whether on the field or not. God bless the Green Bay Packers!”

Always a class guy, and one of those players you were glad represented the Packers on and off the field. He will be missed. But you can be sure we'll be seeing KGB back in a few years when he joins the Packers Hall of Fame.

Let's congratulate Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila for his career with the Pack. Good luck on whatever comes next, KGB!

Packers activate Harrell
As has been speculated recently, Justin Harrell is finally coming off the PUP list and will be active for tomorrow's game against the Titans. Apparently, he's looked good in practice this week and that confirmed the decision to activate him. How much action he'll see remains to be seen. The Packers now, for about the first time this season, have more than a handful of defensive linemen available to rotate. That should allow the coaches to find the best combination of players at any given time to pressure the Titans' offense. It's been a luxury they haven't had much this season and it is one of the reasons I think the Pack will pull off the upset against Tennessee.

But more on that tomorrow.

Packers take DE at start of fourth round

With the 102nd overall pick, the Packers selected DE Jeremy Thompson from Wake Forest. He led his team in sacks last year with 6.5. Had 112 tackles during his career.

It appears as if the Packers had targeted Thompson, as they traded up for this pick with the NY Jets, giving the Jets picks at #s 113 and 162.

You can learn more about Thompson here.