2024 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

The Lions come to Lambeau.

But first, a quick recap of last weekend's win at Jacksonville. Real quick. Because I was traveling and unable to actually see the game. (I know, I know...) Only heard afterwards that QB Jordan Love left the game with a groin injury and backup extraordinaire Malik Willis stepped in and implemented a game-winning field goal drive in the closing seconds. Kicker Brandon McManus booted his second game-winning field goal since being signed to the Packers a few weeks ago. In other words, a win. And that's what it's all about.

The Packers are now 6-2 and the above-mentioned 6-1 Detroit Lions visit Lambeau Field today with the NFC North lead on the line, as well as potential playoff seedings down the road. Not a disaster if the Pack drops this one. But we all know a win is better than a loss no matter at what point of the season.

A blast from the past: Packers running back Ryan Grant takes it to the Lions in 2007 at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 34-13. The running game will factor strongly into today's game as windy and rainy weather is expected and QB Jordan Love may be limited in his mobility.

(Photo by Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Arguably, the two top teams in the NFC face off at Lambeau Field in Green Bay today for the first of their two divisional games. Both come into this game on winning streaks; the Packers have won four straight games, the Lions five. So something will give there.

Both teams have injuries at key positions. The Lions top defensive player, DE Aidan Hutchinson, is out for the season after suffering a broken leg against Dallas a couple weeks ago. The Packers QB, Jordan Love, after sustaining a sprained MCL in his left knee in the season opener and missing two games, last week sustained a groin injury during the game at Jacksonville and had to be replaced by backup Malik Willis who has done nothing but win in his three appearances for the Pack. Love is listed as questionable and a game-time decision. Also listed as questionable for the Packers are CB Jaire Alexander (knee), RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (ankle). C Josh Myers (wrist) is doubtful to play and S Evan Williams (hamstring) is out. Myers being out will require a shift of players along the O-line and that could be of benefit to Detroit.

The Lions have top-level, tough, offensive and defensive units and are a reflection of their head coach, Dan Campbell. They have been putting up points behind QB Jared Goff. Getting pressure on him today will be key to the Packers being in and winning this game. One point of note is that (if memory serves) this is Goff's first outdoor game this season. And the conditions are not going to be conducive (according to weather forecasts) even to a QB such as Love who plays outdoors most of the time. This could also open up opportunities for the Pack's very opportunistic defense to generate a takeaway or two, which could be the difference in today's game. But the Packers defense also needs to be on-guard against the Lions trick plays; no team does them more often — or goes for first downs on fourth downs — like Detroit. Be ready!

Regardless of Love's mobility today, the O-line is going to need to keep him upright and in the pocket so he can make his reads and on-target throws. And if Love can't go today, Willis — and a separate game plan — will have to step up as he has in all three of his prior appearances. That effort, for either quarterback, will be aided greatly by having a balanced run-pass game plan and giving the ball to RB Josh Jacobs to chew up yardage and the clock as often as circumstances allow.

Bottom line is that this game will be a grinder, especially for the Packers. Need to prevent turnovers and generate a takeaway or two. With a bye next weekend, the Pack can leave it all on the field today and have an extra week to get healthy.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Lions are favored by 2-1/2 over the Packers with the over-under set at 45-1/2 points. Both sound about right. And, really, who are we to argue?

We think the weather will hold down scoring a bit, which seems to be factored into the total points for the over-under.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Lions 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers' Lambeau Field now third largest stadium in NFL

With today's dedication of roughly 7,000 new seats in the south end zone of Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers now boast the third largest stadium in the National Football League, with seating for approximately 81,000 fans. When Lambeau Field opened in 1957, it was then known as City Stadium and had a seating capacity of 32,500 (the name was changed in 1965, when it was renamed in memory of Packers founder, player, and long-time head coach, Curly Lambeau, who died earlier in that year).

This latest expansion is the ninth since the stadium opened. It is now the largest stadium in Wisconsin, surpassing Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The height of the new viewing terrace, roughly 300 feet up in the stadium, makes it the highest point in Brown County, according to reports. One might well expect that there will be some differences in how the wind is experienced within the stadium, not to mention the sound of 81,000 Packer fans cheering the Pack on to another victory!

Today, the fans who were lucky enough get their seats in this new area and have their names removed from the waiting list, had a chance to meet their seats in person. Many took the opportunity to do so following the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Here's a video from WKOW-TV, Madison, about today's dedication...Go Pack Go!!!

Packers training camp restores balance to the universe

Does that headline seem a little over the top? If you are a true Green 'n' Gold fan of the Green Bay Packers...nah, nothing but the truth in that statement.

During the offseason, Packer fans find themselves doing anything to distract themselves from the reality that things are just not right. How could they be? There's no Packers football for Pete's sake! Or anyone else's sake for that matter. We have to "entertain" ourselves with (shudder) basketball, baseball (well, OK, I guess), golf (fine to play and also a good way to get a nap in if watching on TV), soccor (don't dare call it football or futball...I don't care if you are European!), tennis (c'mon, who cares really?), or who knows what else?

Yes, it really is a cultural wasteland, isn't it?

But that's about to change this week, Packers fans! After new Packers' shareholders get to attend their first meeting inside Lambeau Field, the players will return to St. Norbert College and the Packers' training facilities for the start of camp. Yay! (By the way, if you are curious about St. Norbert College's connection with the Pack, check out this brief article for more.)

What's the outlook?
We are well aware of the fact that the Packers are, at least according to the early line in Vegas, favorites to not only win the NFC North and NFC Championship, but to also win the 2013 Super Bowl. It's good to be favored. But as we also know, even going 15-1, as the Packers did last season, is no guarantee of bringing another Lombardi Trophy back to where it rightfully belongs: Green Bay -- TitleTown USA.

There are some question marks, of course. First among them: things haven't started yet so who the heck knows what will happen? An injury in training camp or early in the season to a key player and the outlook changes dramatically. Beyond that, the sieve that was the defense last season has got to be improved. It was the team's Achilles Heal last season and prevented them from going to the big game. A couple of the new draft picks will be expected to step in and perform almost from the get-go. With Nick Collins now gone in the secondary, someone else will have to pick up the slack. There are a number of candidates, but all are unproven at this point. Getting a pass rush will do a great deal to help the secondary.

On offense, the line will have to gel after some key departures. Again, the Pack seems to have a number of players that can fill the gaps. The question is: how well? There are no questions at QB where we have the best player in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers. We also have the best receiving corps in the league, loaded at wide receiver and tight end. The question mark is at running back. Ryan Grant is unsigned and may or may not see another snap as a Packer. James Starks is slotted as the starter, with second-year player Alex Green coming off injury as his primary back up. Another second-year player, Brandon Saine, also stands to get a chance at showing what he can do. It will likely be running back by committee especially in this pass-happy offense. Fullback John Kuhn will likely resume his steady roll, although he might not be ready for training camp even after six months of rehab from his MCL injury...so that slot may wind up being a bit more wide open than expected, too.

Bottom line?
What all this translates into is apparently what the oddsmakers see: a talented and well-coached team that, despite some issues, looks like the best bet to go all the way. Granted, there's a long way to go especially when things haven't started yet. But, really, who would you rather put your money on right now?

Yes, with training camp almost here, balance to the universe is once again restored.

Say it with me: it's great to be a Packers fan!!!

Packers vs. Saints: Season Opener Preview

Alrighty then, Packer fans...this is the moment we've waited for since our beloved Green Bay Packers hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLV: kickoff to the 2011 season and a run at back-to-back Super Bowl championships.

It's obviously not going to be easy. Only a handful of teams have accomplished such a feat. But this Packers team is loaded with talent. Most of the names were on last season's championship roster. The difference this year is that quite a few of those names were also on injured reserve for much or all of last season and were not able to contribute; they are hungry. They want to have their moments in the Super Bowl limelight. Well and good. A bit of incentive is a always a motivator.

So is playing the champs from the prior season.

Hence, a meeting between two of the top teams in the NFL, let alone the NFC to kick things off. As many in the local media are pointing out, this is about as close as the city of Green Bay will get to hosting a Super Bowl. Festivities galore to entertain the masses both on site and on TV. Even Matt Lauer and Al Roker from The Today Show were broadcasting live from Lambeau. Big bands and big jets flying overhead. As David Letterman would say, it's an extravaganza. Indeed.

But back to the game.

The teams are very similar in style, with wide open offenses. But I give the edge to the Packers defense, especially since defensive coordinator Dom Capers has kept his "D" totally under wraps in the preseason. Expect lots of twists and turns tonight. Reading between the lines of some player comments, they may bring pressure from the outside in the form of blitzes and try to collapse the pocket up the middle. After all, as one player noted, QB Drew Brees is only 6 feet tall. Now, that little genetic issue hasn't prevented him from having quite a career. But if anyone can scheme to disrupt a particular quarterback, it's Capers. Brees and the Saints will make their plays and score some points. But the Packers have more to draw upon on both sides of the ball. And they have the home crowd who will be at frenzied pitch throughout the game.

The only area of concern for this game, and for the season at this point, is the lack of depth on the offensive line. The Packers kept only eight O-lineman. Once you get past the starters, it gets a bit iffy. Hopefully, no one goes down.

By the way, the Packers are 4-point favorites at the time of this writing. The over/under is 47.5 points, the highest of any of the first week games. Oddsmakers are figuring on these teams scoring, obviously. So, given everything, our first prediction of the season is this: Packers 31 - Saints 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

Season Prediction
It's that time of year when any Packers fan worth their salt (what the heck does that saying mean, anyway???) comes up with their predictions for the Packers win-loss record this season. I don't know how much salt I'm worth, but I'm still willing to toss out my prediction.

First, however, I have to offer the usual proviso that there will be a couple games that the Packers should win that they may lose, and vice versa.

Secondly, I tend to break out the schedule into blocks before the bye week and after the bye week. So, in looking at the Packers schedule, I think the Pack will be 6-1 going into their bye. After the bye, I think the Packers will go 7-2 for an overall record of 13-3.

The team is loaded and if they stay healthy they will not only win the NFC North but advance through the playoffs to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. I have hunches as to who the AFC opponent might be but it really serves no purpose at this point to toss out a name. Let's wait till we get there.

But in the meantime, say it with me: It's great to be a Packers fan!

Packers set 2011 roster and practice squad

Saturday was the day the Green Bay Packers decided on the 53 players that will take them back to the Super Bowl. In the process, 27 players were either cut, traded or put on injured reserve. Today, Sunday, was the day some of those players got a reprieve by clearing waivers and getting signed to the Packers' practice squad.

In case you haven't already seen the roster elsewhere, here is the 53-man roster that GM Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy are going to war with this season. It has a familiar look in many respects to the team that brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Lambeau Field following last season's campaign.

• QBs: Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn
• RBs: Ryan Grant, James Starks, John Kuhn and Alex Green
• TEs: Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless, Tom Crabtree, Ryan Taylor and D.J. Williams
• WRs: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb
• OL: Chad Clifton, T.J. Lang, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton, Bryan Bulaga, Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod and Evan Dietrich Smith.
• DL: B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Mike Neal, Howard Green, Jarius Wynn and C.J. Wilson
• LBs: Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, Erik Walden, Frank Zombo, Vic So'oto, Jamari Lattimore, Brad Jones, Robert Francois and D.J. Smith.
• DBs: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins, Morgan Burnett, Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, Charlie Peprah, M.D. Jennings and Davon House.
• K: Mason Crosby
• P: Tim Masthay
• Long Snapper: Brett Goode

Undrafted rookie wide receiver/returner Shaky Smithson and rookie defensive end Lawrence Guy were placed on injured reserve.

Quick takes on this roster: long on linebackers, defensive backs and tight ends, a bit light on offensive linemen and running backs.

Practice Squad
Going into the season with only eight offensive linemen doesn't allows too much room for error...or injury. Perhaps that's why the Packers re-signed a couple of the offensive linemen they cut to the practice squad. And speaking of same, here are the practice squad signings of today:

• QB: Graham Harrell
• WRs: Chastin West, Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel
• RB: Brandon Saine
• OGs: Ray Dominguez and Sampson Genus
• CB: Brandian Ross

Still, having two unproven rookies as your only O-line backups for depth leads many in the sports world to believe that Ted Thompson will pick up a veteran, perhaps before the season opener against the Saints on Thursday.

I and many others are likely of the view that having Harrell, West, Gurley and Saine on the practice squad gives the coaches a bit of security and flexibility they were hoping to have available as the season commences. Both Harrell and West have been on the practice squad, and West certainly demonstrated this preseason the ability to be a good number five receiver should one of the other receivers go down. The Packers were also intrigued by Gurley's potential and probably gave a sigh of relief that he wasn't claimed on waivers. To a certain degree, they may have felt the same about rookie OG Ray Dominguez who, while raw, has the attitude and talent potential to play on the O-line, given a little seasoning, of course.

Turning coal into diamonds
Another observation I'd like to pass along, and which is attributable to Bill Huber's fine article at Packer Report, is that more than half of the Packers current roster is comprised of players found in the sixth round, seventh round or who weren't drafted at all. That's right: 27 of the 53 players on this season's roster were found by GM Ted Thompson and his scouts near the bottom of the draft, or even as undrafted free agents. Can you say "Value!"?

Huber has a few other choice tidbits for you, so I encourage you to hop over there and check out his article.

For now, let's just close by saying that the Packers escaped the preseason without any significant injuries. They have key players returning to the practice field today who were on injured reserve last season. A talented team with an explosive offense and disruptive defense is set to go after another Lombardi Trophy.

As coach McCarthy says: the Packers aren't defending anything; they are hunting for another Super Bowl win. You bet. It's great to be a Packer fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers set for a real ring-ding tonight

Members of the World Champion Green Bay Packers will tonight receive the individual keepsake that every NFL player and coach longs for: their Super Bowl ring. In a private ceremony at Lambeau Field, members of the Super Bowl winning squad, as well as coaches and staff, will finally receive their prize. Yes, there was of course the money winnings. But the ring is what they all want. The final design has been a closely-guarded secret; word is that it will somehow represent all four of the Pack's Super Bowl wins as well as the franchise's NFL record 13 overall championships.

The Lambeau Field Atrium, typically open to the public year-round during regular business hours, will reportedly be closed at about 4 p.m. today to allow for preparations, with the ring ceremony set to start around 7 p.m.

To get a flavor of what the rings mean to current as well as former players, you'd do well to read this great article in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Lori Nickel. While the players tonight are filled with anticipation, the players of past Packers championship teams are full of appreciation. LeRoy Butler, legendary safety from the Super Bowl XXXI championship team, is quoted in the article as saying, "When you actually put it on, you feel like you're not even worthy of it."

I won't detract from the rest of the article by trying to paraphrase it here. It's too good. Be sure to read it for some real insights into what this piece of jewelry really means to the players. And just know that, as each of the players, coaches and staff receive their rings, the great winning tradition of the best franchise in sports -- the Green Bay Packers -- continues.

Say it with me: It's great to be a Packers fan!

Packers' shareholders meeting and training camp in week ahead

Here it is, Packer fans, the week we've waited for since the end of last season's great run. In the coming week, Packers' shareholders will gather on Thursday morning (and, yes, you need a ticket to get in) at the currently un-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field to hear from Packers' management and coaches about the status of the team on and off the field. They'll also hear a bit from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell who'll be on hand, as well. No doubt, a major area of interest will concern the current and upcoming contract negotiations with the NFL Players Association.

While the annual shareholders event certainly is an important part of things, what most fans wait for, of course, is the start of training camp. That gets under way Saturday, July 31, at 2 p.m. with players in full pads on Ray Nitschke Field and is open to the public. If weather doesn't allow outdoor practice, things move inside to the Don Hutson Center where, because of space limitations, the practice is closed to the public. You can check out a day by day practice schedule here. You can also download a PDF version of the schedule here.

Now, if your green 'n' gold juices aren't flowing already, check out this article in today's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel which begins the talk about the Packers' Super Bowl hopes and chances this season. The key, which is the same every year, really, is to start fast. No surprise there. With a tough schedule and questions on defense given Johnny Jolly's year-long (indefinite) suspension and Al Harris' return from his major knee injury, that means the offense has to come out with guns blazing. Barring injury, that will be a given.

But with camp a week away from today, it sure is nice to be able to realistically talk about the goal: Super Bowl.

Oh boy...troubles, troubles

Before hitting the news of the day, I should make note of the fact that the reason there has been no post here in a few weeks is because I was off celebrating the 1,200th post of PackerFansUnited.com! That occurred with the May 17 post and it's been nothing but non-stop festivities ever since. 1,200 posts! Woo-hoo!!!

OK. That's not true. Well, the 1,200 posts part is. But the celebrating part is not. The reason there has not been a post is I was just waiting to get around to it. Problem was, just like the car keys, I couldn't find that darn round tuit (I know, bad pun, but it's all I got).

Anyway, as the summer rolls on with OTAs, minicamps and finally summer training camp on the horizon, you can be assured we will be back in full coverage mode (or as close as we can get) here at PackerFansUnited. You've come to expect...well, whatever it is you've come to expect from PackerFansUnited.com...and we plan to do our best to deliver...whatever that is.

So, without further ado, let's get to the stories of the day. Unfortunately so, in this first instance.

Brandon Underwood joins Johnny Jolly on the watch list

Fans are well aware -- going back to last season -- of D-lineman Johnny Jolly's run-in with the law back home in Texas. He's had trials delayed, and the latest development is that the prosecutor is ramping up the charges against Jolly, to include, according to reports, that Jolly "bought, sold, funded, transported and aided in the buying, selling, funding and transportation of illegal narcotics including cocaine and marijuana" in Harris County (TX) from 2006 through May 2008." To make his case, the prosecutor has even decided it's worthwhile to use a convicted felon still sitting in prison to testify against Jolly. Read about that here. The prosecutor seems determined to bring down Jolly any way possible. Of course, Jolly didn't help himself any by failing a polygraph test, appearing "deceptive" about matters related to his bond stipulation (apparently related to alcohol). Regardless of how this turns out, no doubt Jolly is facing a league suspension of some kind. Which makes Ted Thompson's addition of two rookies -- second-rounder Mike Neal and seventh-rounder C.J. Wilson -- along the defensive line seem most wise indeed. The Packers obviously had some misgivings about Jolly's availability both short and, perhaps, even long-term, But one of the things that is most curious is that Jolly has yet to sign his one-year tender offer. If Jolly doesn't sign it by June 15 the Packers are essentially allowed to decrease their tender offer to 110 percent of last year's salary, thereby handing a major decrease in money to a restricted free agent such as Jolly. So...facing perhaps career-threatening legal matters...and still not signing a tender in time to make more money? OK...good luck with all that, Mr. Jolly. So much potential...let's hope you haven't thrown it away.

Now another Packers player may be in hot water.

The news broke yesterday afternoon that seven Packers players had been interviewed by Lake Delton, WI police in conjunction with an alleged sexual assault. Six of the players were found to have had no involvement with the incident. But police said a seventh player, identified today by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as second-year safety, Brandon Underwood, was still under investigation. He says it was consensual, the two women (yes, two), said it wasn't. You can read about the Underwood situation here. According to the article in today's Journal Sentinel, "(Lake Delton) Police Chief Tom Dorner said he doesn't expect to conduct more interviews. He said he would take the case to the district attorney on Monday or Tuesday to consider charges." You can view the actual police report of the incident from within the linked article; just scroll down and click on the graphic link you'll see. As with the Jolly case, it would be likely that regardless of outcome a league sanction of some kind against Underwood may be forthcoming. The league doesn't like this kind of publicity, let alone activity, as Commissioner Roger Goodell has demonstrated in a few other recent incidents.

The players were in Lake Delton, which adjoins the Wisconsin Dells resort area, to participate in a charity golf tournament hosted by LB Clay Matthews. Some of the players interviewed are among the many Packers scheduled to participate today in a charity softball game hosted by WR Donald Driver in Grand Chute, south of Green Bay.

This flurry (OK, just two that we know of) of behavioral problems is starting to remind us of the bad ol' days of the 1980s when Mossy Cade and James Lofton made news for all the wrong reasons. Let's hope these matters get resolved justly for all parties concerned and we can get back to focusing on football.

Lambeau changes?
The Packers have been holding focus groups in Green Bay and Milwaukee to talk with fans about the possibilities of expanding Lambeau Field. The whole idea, of course, is to somehow generate more in-stadium revenue for the team as that revenue stream does not have to be shared with other teams. In order for the Packers to stay close to big city teams with new stadiums such as the Cowboys and Giants, they will have to look at every way possible to generate needed revenues. You can read about the variety of ideas the team is considering here. Of course, being the fan friendly -- and shareholder owned -- team that they are, if you have any better ideas you think the team should consider, be sure to send them on to the team.

Another topic that has popped up since the awarding of the 2014 Super Bowl to the The New Meadowlands Stadium jointly owned by the Giants and Jets is the possibility of a Super Bowl ever being played in Green Bay. After all, if a Super Bowl can be played in one cold weather venue then why not another? Esteemed sports pundits have waxed wistfully about how there would be no better place than Lambeau Field to host a Super Bowl...it's the best place to watch a football game, Lombardi, history, the Ice Bowl, etc. But then the realities of a Super Bowl kick in. It is noted that a Super Bowl today is more about what goes on off the field than on it. There needs to be plenty of off-field party space, hotel rooms, etc., etc. Green Bay and its surrounding area is just not set up to handle such an event, they say.

As a Packer fan, I have mixed feelings about this. Yes, it would be great to see Lambeau Field host a Super Bowl. I'd probably try to be there myself if I could. However, as a realist, I also have to say...nope. Sitting outdoors at Lambeau Field in late December or early January is a battle of survival against the elements. People are dressed in parkas and snowmobile suits, each doing their best imitation of the Michelin Man. And for those who have never been to Lambeau, let me share with you that the seating -- apart from your luxury box digs -- is on metal benches with numbers marked on them...yep, just like most college or high schools stadiums. With 70,000+ fans crammed onto these benches, attired as they are, you're lucky to get one cheek (if you know what I mean) on that bench...and you better have a blanket or two under that cheek to keep it from going numb by the end of the first quarter. It takes a tough breed to stand up to that kind of weather. Packer fans know how to deal with it. Unfortunately, many if not most of those who would likely be attending a Super Bowl wouldn't have a clue how to stay at least moderately unfrozen in such circumstances. Remember, we're looking at around the beginning of February for the 2014 Super Bowl. The mean temperature for Feb. in East Rutherford, NJ is 30 degrees; in Green Bay it is 20 degrees. Oh, and yeah, there is that thing called snow, too.

To Packer fans, Lambeau Field will always be the premier stadium in football. It doesn't need a Super Bowl to add to that status.

Lambeau Field to host Vietnam Vets tribute

On the weekend of May 21-23, Lambeau Field will become "LZ Lambeau™," as in" Landing Zone Lambeau."

According to the press release, this event is "part of the larger Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories project, (and) will honor the service and sacrifice of thousands of Vietnam veterans, and finally, formally, thank them and welcome them home." An estimated 100,000 Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans, their families and members of the public are expected for a weekend of reunions, exhibits and activities.

The press release states: "The events will culminate in a tribute inside Lambeau Field Saturday evening, May 22, 2010. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the Saturday evening event will feature military flyovers, music, excerpts from the new public television documentary Wisconsin Vietnam War Stories, a tribute to the 1,244 KIA and MIA Wisconsin soldiers and a formal 'Thank you and welcome home' from Gov. Jim Doyle.

"For safety and security, tickets are needed to attend the Saturday evening tribute inside Lambeau Field. Tickets are free to Vietnam veterans and $10 for others. There is a $2 charge for processing each ticket. For tickets, call 1.800.895.0071 or visit LZLambeau.org.

"All other activities for the LZ Lambeau™ weekend are free and open to the public. Those activities include:

• On Friday, May 21 a motorcycle honor ride of Wisconsin Vietnam veterans will travel across the state from La Crosse to Green Bay arriving at Lambeau mid-afternoon. Vietnam-era aircraft will fly cover over the bikers as they make their way along the final stretch of the ride.
• The Moving Wall™ - the traveling replica of the Vietnam War Memorial
• Education Day on Friday, May 21 - High school classes visit The Moving Wall™ and museum exhibits set up on the grounds and in the Lambeau Field Atrium
• Exhibits of Vietnam-era military ground vehicles and aircraft
• Music, speakers and reunions"

If you are in the area, or moved to support this effort in some way, check out the LZLambeau.org website, or call 1.800.895.0071 for more information.

NFC North: Da Bearz and Lions try to improve

I know, I know, that really is a bit of an oxymoron, isn't it? Talking about Da Bearz and Lions in the same sentence as the word "improve." C'mon, right?

Well, there is no doubt after the early days of free agency signings that the playing field will have changed when the Packers meet their division foes to the south and east this Fall. Da Bearz management somehow got ownership (i.e., the McCaskeys) to pry open their wallet and fork over what reports say could be up to $121 million for three players: defensive end Julius Peppers, tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor. So, perhaps we'll see improved defensive line play in Chicago. Taylor was primarily a 3rd down back with the ViQueens and will spell Matt Forte at running back. Still, they have Jay Cutler at QB (how'd that big signing work out last season, by the way? Oh...right...) and still nobody for him to throw to. A shame, really, given that bucketload of money they gave to Cutler last season...and then there were all those draft choices they traded away as part of that deal, too. You can almost smell the desperation coming out of Chi-Town, can't you?

As for the Lions, the perennial bottom feeders of the division and league, they signed defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and receiver Nate Burleson. They also traded a couple late-round draft picks for defensive tackle Corey Williams and cornerback Chris Houston. Interesting moves that should help the rebuilding process in Detroit. But they still have a long way to go.

As regards the ViQueens, the only thing that matters there -- or in the division, really -- is whether Ol' #4 decides to come back. Given that the 'Queens will let him come dancing back in for a few weeks of training camp prior to the season, my bet is we'll see Brett Favre under center for one mo' go 'round in that funky purple.

The Pack, of course, has really done little in the way of outside free agency signings. GM Ted Thompson seems to be more focused on keeping the best of his own roster on board, resigning LT Chad Clifton and S Nick Collins and letting DE Aaron Kampman walk away.

The only true free agent signing so far came yesterday in the form of WR Charles Dillon. Who? From the Packers own press release: "The Green Bay Packers have signed WR Charles Dillon. Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson announced the signing Tuesday. A 6-foot, 202-pound first-year player, Dillon spent time with the Indianapolis Colts during training camp in 2008. A former Washington State letterman, he spent the 2009 season with the Spokane Shock in af2. He will wear No. 17." Ah, now we know.

A wide receiver issued #17. Kind of like a baseball pitcher being issued #91. Likelihood of sticking? You got it, not much, particularly with the Pack's already exceptional receiving corps as your competition. Unless, that is, Dillon's exceptional speed and apparent ability to find the endzone (at least on shortened arena league fields) gives him a shot as a returner on special teams. Ya never know.

Packers to unveil a third uniform this weekend
Perhaps some of the biggest news to potentially emerge this weekend during the Packers Fan Fest at Lambeau Field will be the unveiling of the official third "alternate" jersey and uniform for this season and perhaps beyond. The only scuttlebutt so far, confirmed on the Packers website, is that the look will derive from the Pack's first decade of existence. For those not up on their Packers history, that would be the 1920s. According to an article at packers.com, "In their first decade, the Packers wore navy blue jerseys with golden or canvas-colored pants and a brown leather helmet. The uniform to be unveiled Friday will be a re-creation of a uniform from that era, modified to adhere to current NFL guidelines regarding elements like jersey numbers and names."

Of course, there will also be merchandising opportunities galore that come along with the new look: "The third jerseys, as well as the accompanying sideline apparel that the coaches and support staff will wear during the game, will be available to fans in the Packers Pro Shop at a later date. Murphy anticipated that would be sometime around training camp or the start of the regular season."

So...keep an eye out...what's old is new again for Packer fans everywhere.

Packer predictions and more

Even though the NFL season officially kicked off last Thursday night, for most fans it starts today. And for Packer fans, it comes Monday night, when the Pack meets the ViQueens at Lambeau Field and retire Brett Favre's number...no, wait...forgot...that last part was supposed to be on the agenda but, well, things happen as they say. The number retirement thing will have to wait a year or two. Never mind.

So, as we root for Brett's success in that funky Jets uniform beginning today against Miami -- after all, the better he does and the Jets do, the higher the draft pick the Packers receive next year -- we might also want to take a few moments to take a look at what some of the pundits are saying.

Might as well take first things first, which would be tomorrow night's game. Adam Duerson's "Inside the NFL" feature for Sports Illustrated has the Pack vs 'Queens game as the Game of the Week. He has a number of things to watch for in the game. But his bottom line? "I see Rodgers getting tossed around in this one, maybe even handing Minnesota a few defensive points. Add a score for A.P. (Adrian Peterson) and I've got the Vikings winning 14-9."

Admittedly, this game will be a tough one, as most games are these days between the Pack and 'Queens. Minnesota has arguably the best defensive front in the league. And the Packers' O-line is a bit nicked up with center Scott Wells questionable for the game. Factor in that the Pack's #3 receiver, James Jones, is also questionable and the ability of the Pack to use the passing game -- as it did last year against Minnesota -- to open up the run is a big question mark. Throw in the new QB and this will be a challenging opener. If the Packers defense can bottle up Peterson and force 'Queen's QB Tarvaris Jackson to win the game, the home field advantage may do the trick for the Pack.

I'll take the Pack 17-14 in a game that goes down to the wire.

You can read Duerson's SI.com article here.

Season overviews

While we have addressed the first game, there is plenty to be said about the entire season, of course. Most pundits are predicting the ViQueens to come out on top of the NFC North Division. Detroit, as usual, doesn't have much. Da Bearz still suck. Expectations are that, without Favre, the Pack will have a precipitous fall from the top, which basically leaves Minnesota on top by default.

If you care to read one reporter's opinion (again) of how the Packers blew it by letting Favre escape, and how this will affect the Packers fortunes this season, go here.

If you want to enter into a whole section of articles about virtually every aspect of the Packers -- beginning with Rodgers, to the defense, to the running game, etc. -- go here, and then check out the links in the righthand column for the individual stories of interest.

In particular, be sure to check out Bob McGinn's article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Rating the 2008 Packers." McGinn is the Journal-Sentinel's longtime Packers beat reporter. He conducted the interview with Coach McCarthy linked to in yesterday's post. He's been around awhile and is well respected for his observations and insights. That's why it's a bit disturbing to have McGinn rate the Packers as having anywhere from a 4 to 8 game drop off in wins versus a season ago (in an article available in the print edition of the paper and the subscription-only Packers Insider online edition...if you are really quick on your browser stop/refresh buttons you may be able to see the entire article here before you get the "pay up" screen if you are not a subscriber).

In fact, in looking at all the Journal-Sentinel's sportswriters' predictions, McGinn is the most pessimistic, giving the Packers a 6-10 final record. Two of the others give the Pack a 10-6 final record and the remaining two give the Pack an 11-5 record.

PackerFansUnited.com season prediction
In looking at the Packers' schedule, I have to concur with those who are giving the Pack a final 10-6 record. There will be perhaps two games the Packers loose that they should have won. Conversely, there will be two games the Pack shouldn't win that they do. So those games are a wash. They will win the series with both Da Bearz and the Lions. There's four wins. I think they will split with the ViQueens, that's five wins. They beat Atlanta and Tennessee...we're up to seven wins. Ditto for the Saints and Texans. There's nine wins. Take your pick for (at least) one more against Tampa Bay, Seattle, Carolina or Jacksonville.

Packers. 10-6. Playoffs. Whether as division champ -- if they can pull off a sweep of the 'Queens -- or as a wild card team remains to be seen.

As always, a lot depends upon injuries. The Pack goes in to the opener a bit banged up. But if key players can stay healthy, our prediction is a good one. On the other hand, a lot of this depends upon whether new starting QB Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy and play in all 16 games. If he goes down early -- or often -- McGinn's 8-game drop off from last year could come into play quite easily. But it's the start of the season and we're thinking nothing but positives here.

Go Pack Go!!!

Nearly 200 show up for Favre rally

As noted in a post yesterday, a couple of Favre fans were calling for a rally today at Lambeau in support of Brett. According to an AP wire report on SI.com, about 200 people showed up. According to the article, the organizers "plan to hold another (rally) Monday night in the Milwaukee area and then every Sunday until the team reinstates Favre."

Of course, what these folks apparently don't realize -- or at least don't seem to care to acknowledge -- is that it is not the team's job to "reinstate" Brett. That's the NFL Commissioner's job. But only after he receives a letter from Brett saying that's what he wants...which, to this point in time, hasn't happened.

Maybe these guys should travel to Hattiesburg and hold a rally outside Brett's place and chant, "Write the letter!" "Write the letter!" Since that's what has to be done first...yeah, you're right...just much easier to ignore the facts...what the heck was I thinking?

You can read the entire article here.

Rally at Lambeau Sunday for Favre

A pair of brothers from Wisconsin (of course), and die hard fans of Brett (of course), created a website overnight and are trying to get the word out that there will be rally in support of Brett at Lambeau Field on Sunday, July 13, beginning at noon. So if you happen to be in the area...or want to be in the area to show your support...that's the place to be Sunday. Also, be sure to bring a can of food as the organizers are also having a food drive to help area flood victims. For more info, go here.

You know it's slow when...

Zzzzzz...Zzzzzz...Zzzzzz...

That's pretty much been the sound around Packerland these days. Not much going on. As is evidenced when a couple of the stories reporters are writing these days have to do with Herbert "Whisper" Goodman (remember him?) and the defunct NFL-Europe. Really. That's been about it. Oh, there was also former Packers center Frank Winters talking about Favre's retirement. And then there was an announcement about the Packers Hall of Fame banquet. So...I know you're on the edge of your seat...without further ado...

Whisper
If you are starved for news that is even remotely tied to the Packers, then you'll be glad to know that a former Packers RB -- the one with arguably the best nickname ever -- is now setting his sights on becoming a world mixed martial arts (MMA) champion. Herbert "Whisper" Goodman is a rising star in the MMA world. He has an 8-3 record and, if you want to see him in action and happen to be near Milwaukee, you can see him headline tonight (Sat. May 17) at State Fair Park in a MMA event called Gladiators Fighting 52 "Thunderdome." Or, you can just read about ol' Whisper here.

NFL-Europe
As to the demise of NFL-Europe -- which for the last 15 years gave us hardcore football fans a fix in Spring and early Summer -- and its impact upon Packers' scouting and player personnel programs, you can read more here.

"Bag-a-Donuts"
Former Packers center Frank Winters was interviewed on 620WTMJ radio recently about Favre's retirement, etc. Worth a listen. And, by the way, Winters' "Bag-a-Donuts" nickname isn't bad either is it? That was a fave of John Madden, too.

Favre & Starr at Packers Hall of Fame banquet
Speaking of Frankie Winters, he's going to be inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame along with Gilbert "The Gravedigger" Brown -- man, there's another great nickname! -- and video director Al Treml, who regrettably has no nickname...as far as we know. Winters' snap partner, Brett Favre, will do the honors of presenting him for induction. Bart Starr will be presenting Al Treml. Santana Dotson will do the honors for Gilbert. Another Packers Hall of Famer (that's the Packers Hall of Fame not the NFL, to be clear), center, and now radio game analyst Larry "The Rock" McCarren will emcee the event, which will be held July 19 at the Lambeau Field Atrium. By the way, if you were planning on getting tix...nope. Already sold out.

In addition to the induction of Winters, Brown, and Treml, this year's FAN honoree, Richard 'Ike' Eisenhauer, will also be recognized.

Geez, is there anyone that doesn't have a nickname?

Kickoff is only hours away and questions abound

OK, Packer fans...this is it...kickoff is about two hours away. We finally get the Eagles at Lambeau. That may or may not assure victory as it almost seemed to do "in the old days," but it is sure a heckuva lot better than having to go to Philly and come back with what usually has been a loss in recent years. The Eagles have become in this decade what the Cowboys were to the Pack in the early/mid-1990s: a pain you-know-where. But at least this gets us to the point where we are only 3 point underdogs going into today's game.

As every Packer fan probably suspects, this will be an interesting game on several fronts. It will provide an early insight into how good the Packers defense might in fact be. Also, whether or not the special teams -- which were so dreadful the last few years -- have actually improved. How well the Packers offense handles what will likely be a lot of blitzes from a lot of places throughout the game will also be key. And Brett doesn't exactly have a good record against Philly...in fact, his stats against the Eagles are among the worst he has against any other team; that's gotta change.

Perhaps the largest unknown, as has been addressed here at packerfansunited.com and countless others sites as well, is the running game. Will it be acceptable? Or will it be there at all? No one knows. And that applies to not only running the ball but being able to pass protect as well. If those young and untried backs aren't able to pick up the blitzes that will be coming all day long, and especially if there is no running game to speak of, Brett may have another long day against Philly.

But there are questions for the Eagles, too. Is QB Donovan McNabb all the way back from last season's injury? What about some of their key players who were basically out most of training camp with their own injuries? If you have to play the Eagles, this is probably the best time to do it.

Questions, questions. By about 3:15 p.m. Central time today, we will know which team came up with better answers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Some Words from Bob Harlan

Packers outgoing Chairman and CEO Bob Harlan was a guest on Bill Michaels' radio show on 620WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee this evening. Harlan, who has been with the Packers organization for 36 years, has just written a book entitled, "Green And Golden Moments," and was talking to Michaels about it, as well as a host of other topics, including Ted Thompson, Brett Favre, Lambeau Field, Vince Lombardi...quite a wide ranging interview. You can listen to it here.

For those in or around the Milwaukee area, or willing to travel there, Harlan is signing copies of his book this Sunday, May 19, at two Harry W. Schwartz Bookstores. You can get more info here. You can also order the book from them online (it's good to support the local booksellers whenever possible, and Harry W. Schwartz is one of the best!).

The Ol' Gray Tundra, She Ain't What She Used to Be...

The hallowed "Frozen Tundra" of Lambeau Field is...no more. Let's pause for a moment of silence, please ... ... ... Thank you.

Since the end of the season, a major renovation has been taking place in terms of the famous playing surface. If you're digging down 3 feet in an effort to get better drainage, a better in-ground heating system and a better playing field, that's major. Especially at Lambeau. The only thing that fans will see, of course, is a beautiful green field that will hopefully be as good in December as it is in September. The key to that is a field replanted with a mix of real and synthetic blades of grass.

This is not the first time the Packers have tweaked the field. For Packer purists who might decry this modernization of the sacred tundra, talk to Vince. Lombardi was the first to try to improve the playing field at Lambeau by installing an in-ground heating system. Over the years, the Packers have tried a few different types of improvements to the surface, without great success. In the late 1990s, a similar blend of real and synthetic grasses was tried on a mesh bed. It was removed after a few years as players complained about footing. This new surface is the same one the Packers installed on one of its practice fields a couple years ago. Players apparently love it. This is also the same type of system that is already used in Denver, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The key is that, late in the season when the real grass dies off, players are still able to get good footing.

If you want to read more about this, and also see a few photos of the renovation, click here.

The Ho-Hum Time

So, Packer fans...it's that time of year: the ho-hum time. No playoffs for the Packers. Not much in the way of exciting news, unless you count the fact that the tundra at Lambeau is being torn out in preparation for the new synthetic "reinforced" grass surface, drainage and heating system which will be installed. If that doesn't get you excited...OK, if it did get you excited we'd be worried about you.

Anyway, not much going on. Yes, there is the now annual rite of the Brett Favre "tractor watch." Will he retire or won't he? My bet is still that he won't. Someone created a semi-entertaining clip about this on YouTube. If you care to check it out, click here.

Oh, there is also the search for a new offensive coordinator, with some reports indicating Head Coach Mike McCarthy might bring aboard his friend and mentor, Paul Hackett, who is winding up his contract as quarterbacks coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hackett hired McCarthy at the University of Pittsburgh in 1989 and then took him along for the ride to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993. According to a report in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "Hackett, who specializes in handling quarterbacks, learned the West Coast offense from legendary coach Bill Walsh while serving as an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers from 1983-'85 and taught it to McCarthy. In addition to an extensive career coaching in the college ranks, Hackett has coached for the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, 49ers, Chiefs and Buccaneers."

Sounds good to me. However, in an early tally of the Journal-Sentinel's sports poll of the day, fans still seem to prefer someone else. Literally. That is the candidate in the lead at the time of this post, "someone else", 43 percent to 35 percent, over Hackett. Probably just a reflection of the fact that...well...who knows. If we have to get excited about offensive coordinator searches and new turf for the tundra then...never mind...

Of course, we can also turn our attention to the upcoming draft. Yes, this is what fans of 8-8 teams that miss the playoffs are doing this time of year. The Packers have the 16th pick overall in the first round. Can't be any more middle of the road than that. Who are the candidates at that position? Will GM Ted Thompson trade down for additional picks, something he seems very good at doing with a fair amount of success? Discuss among yourselves.

What else? There is that upcoming playoff game this weekend between Da Bearz and Holmgren's Seahawks. Of the top-slotted teams, this writer believes -- as many do -- that Da Bearz have the greatest chance of losing this weekend. I just know it would crush the spirit of my misguided Bearz-fan friends were that to happen. As Seinfeld would say, "That's a shame."

Have a great weekend, Packer fans.

Whew! Packers 17 - Lions 9

OK, the Packers won an ugly game 17-9. But they WON! Two wins in a row. And -- finally -- their second home win!

Detroit had 3 turnovers, the Packers 4 (3 interceptions and a fumbled snap). The Packers also had 9 penalties vs. 2 last week in San Francisco. The offense just didn't look in sync most of the day but, when they needed it, they came up with enough first downs and enough points. The defense really won this game, with 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. But they also had 6 sacks and kept the Lions out of the endzone all day long, even after one of the Pack's interceptions (a bobble by Ahman Green) gave them the ball on the Packers' 12-yard line. Al Harris covered the Lions' best receiver, Roy Williams, all day long and only allowed 1 catch for 11 yards in the first half. Charles Woodson had another pick, tying him for the league lead in takeaways with 7.

So, my pick on the score was a bit off. That's what I get for listening to all those pundits. But the Pack beat the spread -- for those who care about such things. And they go to 6-8 on the season, keeping them on the "Still Alive" playoff board. The ViQueens are up next on Thursday evening, again at Lambeau. That's a big game. The Packers will have to play much better on both sides of the ball to win that game. Something tells me, they will.

Packers vs. Lions? Please...

With less than an hour to go until kickoff, it's time we make the call on today's
game at Lambeau. Granted the Packers are 1-5 at home this year...an amazingly disturbing stat
which gets even worse if you look at the last couple years.

So, the Packers are favored by 5 points. It should be more. The Lions are banged up. But, honestly, as long as Matt Millen is the GM the Lions won't be very good no matter what. The Packers may get right tackle  Mark Tauscher back today, although he is still listed as questionable. And, to be honest, the Packers' receiving corps came out of the San Fran game pretty banged up, too. Donald Driver (shoulder), Gregg Jennings (ankle) and Ruvell Martin (chest) all were nursing injuries this last week. It wasn't immediately revealed but Martin wound up spending the night in the hospital after the game after he apparently landed on the ball in the fourth quarter injurying his chest. But, this is the 13th game of the regular season. Guys are banged up. As some say, you have to know the difference between injury and pain...at least if you want to play football, that is.

The Packers have an opportunity to sweep the Lions and the Vikings if they can win the last two home games. They then can go to Chicago on New Year's Eve day and play Da Bearz, who in all likelihood will be resting a good number of their starters in preparation for the playoffs. Who'da thunk it? The Pack could wind up going 5-1 in the division if they can win these next three games, and finish at 8-8 overall. Perhaps it's too much to ask. But it is the Christmas season. Santa can make any dream come true. Well, OK, except for that Ferrari he never brought me, but other than that...

This is a game where a lot of the Packer pundits are saying the Pack scores at least 30 today, with the Lions maybe scoring 10 to 17 tops. So, let's go with that. Packers 30 - Lions 10.

Note to readers: Blogger has recently switched over to a new system and, as you can see, there are some glitches in formatting that just seem to come out of nowhere at times. Go figure. I do my best to make things readable. So where you see strange line breaks, for example, even working directly with coding doesn't seem to resolve the problem. I hope Blogger/Google gets things straightened out soon. In the meantime, I hope you'll overlook these glitches. Thanks for reading!