NFL 2022 Draft - 1st Round Predictions

As you may have noticed, it's been pretty quiet around here since our last post. We predicted that the Packers would beat the Niners in the playoffs ... at Lambeau Field ... in January. Because.

But...not. (sigh) It was really a gut-punch, wasn't it, Packers fans? There just wasn't all that much to say. Yeah, there was that very brief Davante Adams drama. But other than that...meh.

Tonight, however, is a bit like Christmas for us fans. Not just in Green Bay but across the league. For it is the first round of the NFL 2022 Draft! Woo-hoo!!!

Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst looks as confused

as the rest of us going into the Draft.

(Photo by Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

What will Gutey do???

That is the question for the entire seven rounds of the Draft, isn't it? But it's especially so tonight. Armed with two picks — 22 and 28 — in the first round, and 11 overall, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst not only has a plethora of needs but an abundance of options. Thankfully, as you've no doubt read and heard countless times already, this draft seems deep in those areas of most need for the Pack, beginning with wide receiver.

After basically being forced to trade Davante Adams and losing MVS (you can spell it out if you wish) in free agency, the Packers find themselves in need of major help at receiver. While taking a flyer on veteran free agent Sammy Watkins to see if he can get back to early-career form, the Packers need at least a pair of dynamic young receivers to come out of this draft and make an almost immediate impact. You've seen the names bandied about: Chris Olave, Treylon Burks, George Pickens, Skyy Moore, Christian Watson, Jahan Dotson. These (or at least a few) are expected to perhaps be available at #22 when the Packers make their first selection ... assuming they don't trade up or down, of course. It's quite possible that Olave will go earlier and if Gutey thinks he is the guy, he could certainly attempt a trade of picks to move up to get him. On the other hand, pundits tend to think this draft is deep enough where the Packers won't have to do that to get a difference-making receiver.

In fact, there are arguments to be made that the receiver pool is so deep that the Packers can take a very good receiver with their second pick in the first round, #28, and use their higher pick for another area of need. Along these lines, we are really talking lines: offensive and defensive. You can never have too many versatile O-linemen available to protect your Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, as we saw especially this past season. One name that surprisingly has been showing up here in a number of mock drafts is Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. It's also the case that it would be most helpful to give Kenny Clark some assistance in the middle of the defensive line, or along the edges. If the latter, George Karlaftis is a name that pops up often.

The tricky thing with this draft in particular, as Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher said this morning on his Wilde & Tausch radio program, "Nobody really knows." Amen. Yes, it's always fun to read through the seemingly endless mock drafts that are put out...especially the seven round ones...c'mon, really?...but this year there doesn't even seem to be a consensus number one pick. And top quarterbacks typically go in the first few picks...yet, apparently that won't happen here.

Our Prediction

We like Tauscher's take on things: "Nobody really knows." That includes yours truly.

So what will Gutey do? Our guess is he will stand pat with his #22 and #28 picks and take a wide receiver with one of the two while using the other for an offensive lineman or edge rusher (particularly if Karlaftis is available for the latter pick). We're not going to bother with names. Who knows? (We have hopes...but that's it.)

The Packers have a history of getting great receivers especially in the second round of drafts. So it wouldn't surprise us if Gutey looks to other needs which he sees as equally or more pressing than getting a first-round receiver. The fanbase will, of course, go nuts if the Packers don't draft at least one receiver tonight. Aaron Rodgers also might not be pleased. But, unlike the 2020 Draft, we have to believe that Rodgers will at least be aware of why the team made the decisions it did. Rodgers can make nearly any receiver a good one, and a good one a great one. It'll be OK. 

Channeling #12 from a few years ago, and applying to tonight and the subsequent rounds of the Draft: R-E-L-A-X.

And, as always, Go Pack Go!!!

Thoughts on Packers' Chandler, White House visit, and more

News hit on Thursday that kicker Don Chandler, from the legendary Lombardi teams of the 1960s, had died in Tulsa, OK, after fighting cancer. He was 76 years of age.

As the great article in yesterday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel by Tyler Dunne noted, Chandler was instrumental in the Glory Years teams' playoff and championship runs. He may not have received all the credit he was due at the time, but his fellow teammates knew exactly how important he was to the teams' successess, especially in clutch situations. Read the article for comments from Chandler's teammates such as Zeke Bratkowski and Carroll Dale which reiterate that fact.

On a personal note, I remember as a kid that there was some kind of Don Chandler kicking instruction booklet being marketed (does this date me???). As a regular Punt-Pass-Kick participant (and sometime winner) back in the day, I remember reading, studying and practicing that straight-on kicking style until my leg hurt. But...it helped. Didn't get me to the pros. But still...it was like taking personal instruction from a member of the Green Bay Packers. Didn't get any better than that. Well, except for meeting Ray Nitschke and other Packers when they'd do their winter basketball games versus local high school teachers. (Wouldn't it have been nice if that was part of the new collective bargaining agreement? Players must play at least three charity benefit basketball games within their locale during the offseason. Ah, to dream...)

Pack visits White House
Today was the long-awaited official visit of the Super Bowl Champions to the White House. It was somewhat of a scenic route journey for the Pack as they head to Cleveland for their first preseason game of this new season Saturday night.

Of course, this visit was especially sweet as President Obama is a fan of Da Bearz. Which, for those with short-term memory issues, is the team the Packers beat in the NFC Championship -- in Chicago -- to earn the trip to the Super Bowl. QB Aaron Rodgers presented the President with a Packers jersey with the number "1" on it and "CommanderinChief" as the name on the back. CB Charles Woodson, who declared in the Packers locker room that if the President wouldn't come to see them in the Super Bowl (as he had said he'd do if Da Bearz had won the NFC) then the Packers would go see him. And thus it came to pass. Woodson presented the President with a minority shareholder certificate for the Packers. Upon receiving it, the President joked (as he did frequently during the visit) that now that he was an owner he'd like to trade Aaron Rodgers to Da Bearz. Ouch! That had to hurt, eh, Jay Cutler? Major dis from the Prez. Gotta love it.

One ex-Packer makes the White House cut, one current player doesn't
One nice touch by the Packers was including recently-released veteran Mark Tauscher as part of the travelling party. Tauscher, as all fans know, spent his entire professional playing career with the Packers. He's apparently undecided yet as to whether he will try to resume his career elsewhere or retire. If there's any player that deserved to be there -- even if he's not currently on the roster -- it's Tauscher. Nice move, Packers.

But one current Packers player, Desmond Bishop, was not allowed in the White House even though he made the trip. The glitch, according to a Tweet by Bishop, was that he had forgotten his photo ID on the plane. Without it, there was no admittance past the White House security. Oops! Well, Bishop took it in stride, noting that he'd be sure to have it with him the next time the Packers visit the White House. Which all Packer fans, of course, believe will be at the end of this football season.

Ahman Green retires
Some may have thought this already happened, given Green's waning career in lesser leagues. But he wanted to retire as a Packer. To that end, the Packers signed Green to a one-day contract, as is usual in these situations, so Green could go out in style with the team for which he is the all-time leading rusher. Congrats, Mr. Green. See you in the Packers Hall of Fame.

For Packers, it's ch-ch-ch-changes

Since the moves recounted in the last posts here at PackerFansUnited.com on Thursday, the Green Bay Packers have:

• Released 11-year veteran right tackle and Wisconsin native son, Mark Tauscher. (Thank you, Tausch, for being a great Badger and Packer. Look forward to seeing you in the Packers Hall of Fame!)
• Released veteran linebacker Brandon Chillar, who had the bad misfortune of apparently sustaining a serious hamstring injury 2 weeks before the start of camp
• Lost DE Cullen Jenkins in free agency to the Eagles
• Lost FB Korey Hall in free agency to the Saints
• Did not re-sign S Atari Bigby as demonstrated by the team awarding his #20 to rookie RB, Alex Green.
• Signed their remaining draft picks, OL Derek Sherrod, RB Alex Green, and DB Davon House
• Re-signed TE Spencer Havner and WR Brett Swain
• Commenced training camp, held their first meetings, scheme installation, and evening practice

Even head coach Mike McCarthy added to his personal roster: his wife gave birth to their second daughter Thursday evening...think he's a little sleep deprived right now?

About the only key Packer free agent left on the board is James Jones (yes, John Kuhn is still unsigned as well, but will likely return to the Pack). According to reports, and following Minnesota's signing today of former Atlanta receiver, Michael Jenkins, Jones is now being pursued by the Jets and Cardinals, as well as the Packers. But you just don't know how much GM Ted Thompson is going to be willing to pay. I'd still say the odds are Jones does not return to the Pack.

One advantage of the new CBA and the whirlwind week of training camp start-up activity is that player holdouts, whether veteran or rookie draft picks, are virtually nil as far as the Packers goes. Given the changes on the squad already, and with many players coming back off injured reserve, there is a real awareness that there's not much time to compete for a job. Players have to make the most of every moment they have right now. The Packers will field the best players, of course, for the final squad. To make it onto that elite, defending Super Bowl Champion roster, they have to shine...now. Expect one of the most competitive training camps you've ever seen.

Stay tuned to PackerFansUnited.com for ongoing updates. And follow us on Twitter for even more timely news flashes and commentary.

Tauscher on IR, Havner re-signed

Given the outstanding play of rookie offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, the Green Bay Packers have opted to place veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher on the injured reserve list for the remainder of the season. Out since sustaining a shoulder injury in week #4 against the Lions, this move not only ends Tauscher's season but perhaps also his career...at least with the Pack.

Tauscher is an 11-year veteran, with all his career spent with his home state Packers. But at age 33, and with several severe injuries already under his belt, plus a scheduled $4.1 million salary set to kick in next season, it would seem doubtful the Packers would bring him back at that price.

Last year, Tauscher had his second reconstructive knee surgery before finally being re-signed and helping turn around an offensive line that looked more like a sieve in his absence. This season, though, even before the shoulder injury, it sometimes seemed as if the years might finally be catching up with this sure-fire future Packers Hall of Fame member. We'll have to see how things play out in the off-season. But whichever way the cards fall, we have to thank Mark Tauscher for being a true Packer for so long and so well, and wish him the very best in the future.

The other news of the day was that the Packers re-signed TE/LB Spencer Havner. This was rumored to be a strong possibility and was, actually, projected here and many other places. No big surprise, really. When the Packers tight end corps thinned greatly, it was likely that management started to regret their decision at final cut-down to release the reliable Havner. The kid could not only catch passes -- he was a red zone touch down machine last season -- but could also fill in on the defense and play special teams. It didn't make sense to many fans when he was released. Havner was picked up by the Lions but sustained a hamstring injury in mid-October and was waived. The Pack, thankfully, picked him up. Good to have Havner back in the fold.

Packers - Cowboys Preview: Sunday Night Showdown

Two teams headed in different directions. That pretty well sums up the contest Sunday evening between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. After giving away a couple games they should have won, and sitting at a mediocre 3-3, the Pack put together great wins over the ViQueens and the Jets.

Both of those wins can be attributed more to the Packers' defense -- which, lest we forget, is the unit that has been hurt the most with injuries -- than the offense. At the mid-point of the season, the Packers' offense still has yet to play a complete game. Sunday night against the 'boys would be as good a time as any to put a complete game together.

The offense will be without veteran WR Donald Driver for the first time in...oh...forever, it seems. He was on crutches late in the practice week just to give some added relief to his quad injury. That means, likely, that Greg Jennings will take Driver's spot in the slot and has the potential for some big plays. As radio voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee points out about Dallas in his blog, "There is a gap of coverage between the linebacking corps, the safeties and cornerbacks that is wide open" because "Dallas will blitz a lot and they like to play quarters coverage behind those blitzes." Jennings and fellow receivers James Jones and Jordy Nelson should be chompin' at the bit to against the Dallas secondary. Let's just hope that they and their QB, Aaron Rodgers, are a bit more in sync than they seem to have been over the last few games. And that they hold on to the passes that come their way. If so, the Pack could rack up some points.

Rookie TE Andrew Quarless was battling a shoulder problem throughout the week and he is listed as questionable for the game. It was clear in some of head coach Mike McCarthy's comments during the week that he was less than satisfied with Quarless' ability to work through the discomfort and be on the practice field. McCarthy noted that the players that practice are the ones who will get the nod on game day...hint, hint, Mr. Quarless.

On the Packers' offensive line, rookie Bryan Bulaga will once again get the start at right tackle in place of the still gimpy Mark Tauscher. LG Daryn Colledge missed a bit of practice during the week with a bad back and it wasn't certain he'd be available for the game. Jason Spitz and T. J. Lang would be the backups if Colledge couldn't go. But he did practice Friday and says he'll be ready.

On defense, it was announced late Saturday afternoon that S Atari Bigby was activated off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and now fills the last open roster spot which was made available earlier in the week when the Packers cut DE Michael Montgomery. Rookie Morgan Burnett had filled Bigby's starting spot at the beginning of the season until he was lost to season-ending injury. Charlie Peprah has been filling the role well the last few weeks. It will be interesting to see just how much play Bigby gets in the game against Dallas.

It will also be interesting to see if CB Al Harris is activated before game time. Ditto for the other member of the PUP list, rookie RB James Starks. The Packers have until Monday to decide what to do with them. There is some speculation that CB Pat Lee might be placed on IR after sustaining a high ankle sprain in the game against the Jets. Lee is listed as out for the Dallas game. If that's the case, and the prognosis on the sprain is not good, it would make sense that the Packers put him on IR opening up a roster spot for Harris. The consensus on Starks seems to be that the Packers will put him on IR for the rest of the season and then see what they have with him next year.

As for the Cowboys, at 1-6 they are, to say the least, underperforming given the talent on the roster. But a lot of talent doesn't necessarily add up to a team. The 'boys seemingly are in disarray, much like that team in the funky purple. But as a character in a Monty Python sketch reminds us (please say with an Australian accent), "There's nothing as dangerous as a wounded mosquito."

What has cost the Cowboys this season has been turnovers and penalties. If the Packers can create turnovers and convert them into points, that will help seal the deal for a win. If the Packers allow veteran QB Jon Kitna -- replacing the injured Tony Romo -- time to find any among the band of talented receivers, things could get interesting. The running backs seem good enough, but they have been underutilized it would seem. The special teams have a dangerous returner in Dez Bryant, who is also the receiver Kitna seems to have developed a quick rapport with. The Pack will have to shut him down.

Bottom line is if the Packers defense plays the way it has been playing, the special teams continues its fine turn-around, and the offense finally gets it in gear and can get up early on the 'boys, the Pack should come out of this game with a win and be at 6-3 going into the bye week. That would also leave them well in charge of the NFC North. And given what a mess there is in Minnesota right now, what some (or many) figured might be a loss in the Humpty Dump in two weeks could very well be the Pack's seventh victory. But we'll worry about that game then. Gotta take care of business at Lambeau against the Cowboys first.

The Packers are favored by 7-1/2 points (depending upon who you tend to be looking at for that type of info). I'm calling this game 30-20 in favor of the Pack.

Go Pack Go!!!

Hard week ahead for decimated Packers

Coming off a heartbreaking -- and injury-riddled -- loss in overtime to the Washington Redskins, the Green Bay Packers this week are probably going to be spending as much time getting medical evaluations as practicing.

The Pack limped into the game already having a couple starters lost for the season, namely RB Ryan Grant and S Morgan Burnett, while a decision about season-ending wrist surgery is still in the air concerning LB Nick Burnett (and just for good measure, let's remember Justin Harrell, as well, while we're on the subject). A few other players were out for the game, including RT Mark Tauscher, LB Brandon Chillar, S Sam Shields, and FB Quinn Johnson.

By the end of the game, they had lost TE Jermichael Finley (possibly for 2-3 weeks...and that's the optimistic view!), TE Donald Lee, DE Ryan Pickett, LB Clay Matthews, CB and special teams demon Derrick Martin (may be the most serious with an ankle injury), and LB Frank Zombo.

Oh yes, let's not forget the concussion which QB Aaron Rodgers sustained supposedly on his last throw (intercepted) where he clearly had head-to-head contact from the defender (with no flag at all, of course...just like the blow to the head no-call in the playoff game loss at Arizona). So in order for Rodgers to be available for the upcoming game against Miami, he's going to have to clear a number of tests before he gets the OK to play.

Ryan Pickett was quoted as saying, "I've not been part of anything like this that so many guys are injured...It's never been this bad. I've never experienced it in my 10 years."

The bottom line right now is that a team which many picked to go not only to but to win the Super Bowl based upon its talented roster now seems like it's on life support. The injuries are everywhere. Not what you want as you head into one of the toughest stretches of the schedule: Dolphins, ViQueens, Jets, and Cowgirls. It's a month before the Packers get their bye week. And, even without any other players going down, the Pack might be hard pressed to win another game before that bye week.

Yes, injuries played a big part in yesterday's loss by the Packers. You can't lose two of your top playmakers -- Finley and Matthews -- and not have it affect the outcome. But the Packers just left too many opportunities on the field. Failing to push it into the endzone when you have 1st and goal from the 2-yard line, with a chance to go up 14-0 early, just left the door open for the 'skins to hang around. It never should have come down to K Mason Crosby needing to hit a 53-yarder at the close of regulation to win that game. Never. Yes, he was 2 of 4 on the day and needs to make those kicks. But the Pack also needs to convert 3rd downs -- they didn't -- and not give their opponent multiple 1st downs through penalties.

And when, oh when, will the Packers ever get their special teams together?!

The consistent pattern we see emerging in and across games is not the pattern we want to see: fast start, followed by tailing off in the second half, little to no commitment to the running game by head coach Mike McCarthy, and continued penalties and lapses at critical junctures of a game.

Yes, as the players say, they feel they should be 5-0 right now instead of 3-2. But truth be told, they could also just as easily be 1-4 right now. The Buffalo game was the only game that has been a complete, or nearly complete, game by this team. By the time you hit game #5 of the schedule you should know who you are and what you can do and do it in a consistent way. The Packers just aren't.

Granted, the injuries started taking their toll early and often this season on the Pack. And now, it's gotten even worse. The prognosis for the immediate future is not a good one. There are still 11 games remaining. But it's possible, given the injuries let alone other problems which seem to be plaguing this team, that the Packers could go into their bye week at 3-6. They would likely have to win out in order to have a shot at the playoffs. And that's not a position in which you wish to find yourself.

The mettle of this team, coaching staff and management is going to be tested this week and over the coming month. The Packers' season could very well be riding on what happens in these next four games.

Packers vs. Redskins Preview

The Green Bay Packers go into Sunday's game with the Washington Redskins as a wounded team. A rash of injuries beginning in game #1 has led any number of pundits who were onboard the Packers Super Bowl train to now say...well, maybe not. Two starters, RB Ryan Grant and S Morgan Burnett, are done for the year. LB Nick Barnett is out for Sunday's game and may be done for the season pending the decision on wrist surgery. Barnett Tweeted Saturday afternoon that, "Just finished another scan.. We are getting very close to putting together a plan... Meet with dr.. So.. Things are getting closer". Hmmm...

Other injured starters and key backups on both sides of the ball mean the eight-cylinder engine is now firing on six (not exactly a football metaphor, but you get the point). LB Brandon Chillar, FB Quinn Johnson, CB Sam Shields are all listed as out for Sunday, as well. T Mark Tauscher is listed as doubtful, but most reports are projecting rookie Bryan Bulaga will get the start. To fill the other spots, such players as Desmond Bishop, Charlie Peprah and others who usually get their playing time on special teams will be called upon to fill mighty big shoes. It's their chance to show what they can do. And it will likely be that way for a while. Bishop, for his part, says he's ready.

As the Pack goes into a stretch of games starting with an improved Washington team, followed by Miami and Minnesota at Lambeau, then at the Jets, and finally back home to face the Cowboys before heading into their bye week, this game shapes up as a rather pivotal game. If the Packers can play even a semblance of a complete game on offense, they should win this game against the 'skins. Because it's likely going to take lots of points to do so given the state of the defense.

With a depleted secondary and linebacking corps, the Packers are exposed against Washington's underneath passing game using their tight ends, as well as the downfield passing game when QB Donovan McNabb wants to take his shots with their limited wide receiver corps. And, let's not forget the problem that the Packers have trying to corral scrambling quarterbacks. McNabb has generally played well against the Packers in the past and there is no reason to suspect he won't play well Sunday. The question is whether he'll have an emotional letdown after the 'skins big victory in Philly last weekend.

Washington comes in much healthier than do the Packers. The only starter out for the 'skins is RB Clinton Portis. DT Albert Haynesworth will also reportedly miss the game; his younger brother, Lance, was killed in a motorcycle accident late this last week. (Our sincere condolences to the Haynesworth family.)

The current line on the game has the Packers favored by 2-1/2 points. This is a difficult game to predict given the Packers' narrow victory at home over the Lions last weekend. Yes, the Lions are an improved team. But the Pack played very poorly in almost every phase of the game. Fortunately, the Packers were finally able to get a grind-it-out running game going to eat up the clock at the end to preserve the victory. According to all reports and comments from coaches and players alike, the feeling in the locker room afterward was one where they had to be reminded that they won the game. Perhaps that will be the motivation they need to start playing the type of football they are capable of playing, and which we have yet to see this season. Even with the injuries, players need to step up. Coaches have made it clear they are not going to change schemes because of who is and who isn't available. Do we really buy that?

The Pack will have to make to do. Whether that will be good enough to get them a win in Washington or not...?

Check here for the complete Packers "Dope Sheet" on the match up.

Check back here Sunday morning to get my final prediction. This is one I definitely need to sleep on.

Packers vs. Da Bearz Monday Night Preview

Yesterday, we offered an overview of the well-known rivalry between our beloved Green Bay Packers and that team from south of the border, Da Bearz. Today, with less than 10 hours to kickoff, we offer our take on what we might expect to go down tonight in ChiTown.

Yesterday's pre-preview concluded with the statement that this will be one of those old fashioned smash-mouth games. Players on both sides will be hitting the whirlpool and ice tub heavy tomorrow. There is a lot on the line tonight: not only leadership atop the NFC North but also the NFC...whichever team wins tonight will be the only 3-0 team in the conference. Now really, should that be Da Bearz? Of course not. And it won't be.

So let's break this down a bit.

Packers offense vs. Bearz defense -- edge to the Pack. Da Bearz defense, especially the front 7, isn't bad. They are good at stopping the run. But since the running game is not what the Packers rely on anyway, that advantage for Chicago basically goes by the board. Julius Peppers can create problems, although he also is known to take plays off. Expect him to rotate to both sides of the line. But Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are veteran tackles who have played against him before and know what to expect. In general, especially during those games when Peppers was with Carolina, both Cliffie and Tausch have held up well. One of the question marks tonight, however, is how well Clifton's ailing knee will hold up. According to the injury report, he's listed as probable for tonight which means he will likely get the start. But if Peppers starts to get to QB Aaron Rodgers through Clifton, look for head coach Mike McCarthy to pull the plug quickly and insert rookie Bryan Bulaga. Da Bearz linebacking corps, especially with Urlacher back in the middle, can also create problems of course. It's Da Bearz secondary that is really questionable, which bodes well for the Pack's air attack which we all know can cause opponents fits. The Packers receivers and tight ends, as well as running backs, can all open up opportunities. The key will be to protect Rodgers so he and the receivers can shred Da Bearz secondary.

Bearz offense against Packers defense -- edge to the Pack. Da Bearz offensive line, so far, has protected QB Jay Cutler better than expected. Note that the operative phrase there was "so far." They haven't come up against a defense like the Pack yet this season. So while Cutler is off to a better start than anyone expected, he'll come back to earth tonight. Those 5- and 7-step drops that offensive coordinator Mike Martz has him making might work well against some teams. But against the Pack, it just means that his O-line is somehow going to have to hold their blocks longer against the Pack's pressure defense. By the way, this is the very first time that Bearz offensive coordinator Mike Martz has come up against Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers. Imagine that! In all the years and various positions, including head coaching gigs, this is the first time the two have met up. Sets the stage for a great chess match. But Capers has more artillery to bring to the game. Look for LB Clay Matthews to continue his sack-a-thon. As the Pack defense pressures Cutler he'll start to force things, which means turnover opportunities. Matt Forte is a good running back, who is also Da Bearz leading receiver coming into this game. TE Greg Olsen is a very good tight end. But the Packers "D" will hold Da Bearz in check.

Special teams -- edge Bearz. This is close to a draw. The Pack upgraded its punter this season, K Mason Crosby regained his confidence, and the return game got an unexpected boost from Jordy Nelson. The Pack's coverage units, to date, have also generally performed well. But Da Bearz also have a good punter and kicker, and the slight edge has to go to Da Bearz returners.

So, two out of three segments of the game favor the Pack, with nearly a draw in terms of special teams.

The Packers are favored by 3 points and the over/under for the game is listed at 46. Most pundits are picking the Pack to win, and I've seen predictions of anywhere from a 1- to 13-point winning margin.

The score which has been rolling around in my head consistently for a couple days has been Packers over Da Bearz 24-20. So I'll go with that. But if the Packers play up to what they are capable of, that margin could be wider by at least another touchdown.

Go Pack Go!!!

Colledge signs & other Packers news

Playing a bit of catch up here, folks. Basically, other than the rookie orientation weekend and tryouts, not much happening since the conclusion of the NFL Draft as far as the Pack goes.

Yes, guard Daryn Colledge signed his tender offer with the team yesterday, which means he will finally re-join his teammates in offseason workouts. As a restricted free agent, the deal keeps Colledge around for one more year. After that, it's possible some of the new kids picked up in this year's draft may make Colledge expendable unless he ramps up his performance.

Colledge was arguably considered the weakest link on the starting O-line, at least after Clifton and Tauscher resumed their play at left and right tackles respectively. It is possible that Colledge will also be in a battle to keep his current starting role this season as reports are that the Pack want to try Jason Spitz at left guard. You'll recall that last season Spitz beat out then-starter Scott Wells for the center spot before sustaining an injury that took him out of the line up. If Wells is back at center, Spitz could definitely challenge Colledge for the starting slot at left guard. And with the depth of current and new players across the line, Colledge's days may be numbered unless his play lives up to his talk. It's also possible that a team in need of a serviceable guard might be willing to make a trade for Colledge at some point, probably for a lower round draft pick. If GM Ted Thompson feels there is sufficient depth on the line if and when such a possibility arises don't be surprised to see Ted add to his future draft pick war chest...we all know how much he likes those.

After Colledge's signing, the only remaining restricted free agents left unsigned are safety Atari Bigby, defensive end Johnny Jolly and cornerback Tramon Williams. Because the April 15 deadline for them to sign offer sheets with other teams came and went, they are bound to the Packers unless the team releases them. That won't happen, obviously.

Post-Draft Tidbits
Following the rookie weekend and free agent tryouts, a couple stories for you to check out.

One has to do with the import from north of the border...Canadian border, that is: Shawn Gore. The rookie receiver came in for a tryout with the Packers, despite the fact that he was at the same time being drafted in the second round of the Canadian Football League draft. He would have been a sure fire first-rounder except for the fact that all the CFL teams knew he was trying out with the Pack and didn't want to waste a first round pick on someone that might be playing in the NFL instead.

Gore's bet paid off: he was one of only three players offered a contract by the Packers following the tryout weekend. And based upon his size, speed and ability, Gore has a good chance of sticking with the team, even in a highly competitive receiving corps. Read more about him here.

Shields a returner?
Seemingly since...who can remember?...the Packers have been searching for a reliable and effective punt and/or kickoff returner. They may have found one in undrafted rookie free agent CB Sam Shields out of Miami. Very fast. Check out the story here.

OTAs begin May 17
The Packers' first organized team activities (OTAs) of the 2010 season begin next week. While optional, expect most all players to attend. We'll update you on anything of importance that happens during that week.

Packers Tailgate Tour underway
The four-stop 2010 Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour hits the road tonight (May 11) in Rhinelander and ends Friday May 14 in Milwaukee (at the Harley-Davidson Museum, no less) with stops in Chippewa Falls and Reedsburg in between. The tour gets players and execs out to the fans "with evening tailgate parties held in each city to support a local non-profit organization," as the press release goes.

You can learn more -- and still get tickets at least in one or two instances -- here.

Packers 2010 schedule coming Tuesday

Just ahead of the fan frenzy that is now the three-day NFL Draft extravaganza, the NFL will announce team schedules on Tuesday, April 20. The preseason schedule and times were set the last week, and come Tuesday we will know the Pack's schedule versus the team's designated opponents.

For those needing a refresher, here are the Packers' 2010 Home and Away opponents:

Home
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins

Away
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots
New York Jets

Wayne Larrivee's draft prognostications
The radio voice of the Green Bay Packers, Wayne Larrivee, spoke on flagship station 620WTMJ (Milwaukee) this morning about this year's NFL Draft. His opinion is that it is not as deep overall as many media types suggest. Still, he said in the areas that the Packers have needs, good options should exist. In particular, he said offensive tackle, outside linebacker and cornerback are the areas where the Packers will need to bolster the roster...in short, pretty much what everyone knows.

Where his comments became very interesting, however, was the order in which Larrivee thought the Pack's first picks might fall. Rather than the conventional wisdom of selecting an offensive tackle with their first round pick (assuming the Pack stays at #23 rather than tradiing out of it, which could also be a real possibility given GM Ted Thompson's tendencies), Larrivee said he believed the Packers would select an outside linebacker to provide a pass rushing complement to last year's draft sensation, Clay Matthews. Larrivee then said the Pack would address their offensive tackle needs in the second round.

This does seem to make sense as there is a greater opportunity for an outside linebacker to make an immediate impact, as Matthews did. A rookie offensive tackle will sit behind Chad Clifton or Mark Tauscher to learn the trade, and perhaps won't have the possibility of starting for at least another year. Given that scenario, and the apparent equality of tackle prospects beyond those that will likely go in the first 20 picks, Larrivee's scenario might indeed be the one that plays out.

On the other hand, it could also very well be that the Packers would pop for a cornerback in the second round -- or even first -- if one of their key targets is still on the board. There are several good corner prospects in which the Packers would no doubt have interest. A few could not only provide key backup support initially -- or perhaps move into a starting spot depending upon how 35-year-old Al Harris returns from his injury -- but also have kick/punt return capabilities as well, which is also something the Packers have needed for about the last decade now.

Ah, the draft...great to be able to start talking and thinking football again, isn't it, kids? You bet!

Tauscher back with the Pack!

According to an article on ESPNmilwaukee.com by Jason Wilde and citing NFL sources, and as hinted to Friday by head coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have reached agreement with veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher on a reported two-year deal that will likely allow "Tausch" to finish his career with the team that drafted him, his home state team.

Returning to the Packers late last season after coming off a serious knee injury and rehab, Tauscher helped reestablish solid offensive line play down the stretch. He may not be flashy, and he may be getting a bit long in the tooth at age 33 (as of this June), but he is solid. Combined with the re-signing of LT Chad Clifton last week, the Pack have returned their starting tackles to the roster, giving them the opportunity to bring in and nurture the necessary replacements for either this year or a year or two down the line. QB Aaron Rodgers will have good security blankets on both ends of the line for at least this season and hopefully beyond.

You can read Wilde's report here.

NFL Combine spurs O-line draft dreams

As the NFL Scouting Combine churns away in Indy, thoughts naturally turn to what the Packers will do in the draft. And, especially, what they'll do with their first round pick.

Packer fans know all too well that the number one priority is the offensive line, with tackle a key need on both ends of the line. Venerable veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of the road, unfortunately. Clifton may be able to hold up one more season, and where would the Packers have been without Tauscher coming back late in the season to bolster the right side? But, clearly, there are needs sooner rather than later.

That's why it's encouraging to read this article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. It begins thusly: "It's a deep, talented draft for offensive linemen, exactly what the Green Bay Packers needed as they plot their strategy for the first two rounds."

Yeah!

The article notes that there are probably five tackles that are guaranteed first round picks and that, unless the Packers trade up (not likely, given GM Ted Thompson's tendencies), the top three will be gone by the time the Packers pick at number 23. A number of mock drafts have the Packers selecting Iowa junior Bryan Bulaga (6'5"-1/2, 314 lbs). He's also the fourth highest ranked tackle according to an informal assessment by four NFL personnel wonks, as noted in the article. This despite the specs: Bulaga’s arms were measured at 33-1/4 inches (tied for 28th among the 45 O-linemen tested) and his hands at 9-1/4 inches (tied for last). That concerns some personnel folks because of reach, etc. But remember other physical specimens who didn't exactly measure up one way or another? Oh yes, there was that Mark Tauscher kid from Wisconsin who wasn't drafted until the seventh round.

Stories abound for every team of highly touted picks who were a bust and late rounders who weren't supposed to do much who became longtime stalwarts on a team. Until it's game time, you never know for sure.

But as Packer fans, we can only hope that there is enough of the veteran component on the offensive line to balance off the rookie play. The key, whoever is lining up, is to protect one of the best young QBs in the league, Aaron Rodgers, and open some holes for Ryan Grant and whoever else may be carrying the ball. Given the depth of the draft for offensive linemen, the Pack should be able to pick up a gem or two for next year and beyond...just what they need.

Packers - Cardinals post mortem: Part 1

The morning after doesn't feel any better than the night before, does it, Packer fans? Nope. Not at all. Overtime is called sudden death and that's what it felt like.

Lots of things to dissect. Which at this point serves nothing more than a therapeutic purpose, but at this point that's exactly what Packer fans need.

This will not be the loser's lament of bad officiating being responsible for the loss...although that can certainly be argued. To the Packers' credit, though, it's not the Packers arguing that point. It's other analysts.

Take, for example, Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com, discussing the non-call of the face mask penalty on the final play of the game in overtime. In an entry entitled, "After further review, Packers got screwed," Florio states, "As one league source said via e-mail, 'It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay.'" He goes on to further state, "And we agree, completely." You can read all of Florio's comments here, including a link to the video clearly showing the play.

Even ESPN and the New York Times got into discussing the issue. The Times' article is entitled, "When Is Grabbing the Face Mask Not a Face-Mask Penalty?" You can read it here.

But it's the call that wasn't. Just like the non-call a play earlier where there was clear helmet-to-helmet spearing on Aaron Rodgers by the Cardinals' defender. Or the two times that Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald pushed off -- or to be more precise, ran over -- Charles Woodson to catch TD passes without being flagged for offensive pass interference.

Again, the Packers themselves are not blaming the officials. As Woodson and others said after the game, they all get away with things...that's the game. And as one radio sports talk host noted, it wasn't the officials that allowed the Cardinals to score 51 points.

In case there's any question about the latter, he was referring to the total absence of Packers defense throughout the game.

And that might be the hardest thing to explain. TV announcers were saying late in the game that Kurt Warner had said before the game that they thought they could exploit the Packers defense over the middle. And that's what he did all day long. He exposed the Packers secondary just as Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger had done weeks ago. The loss of personnel to injury in the defensive backfield -- first among them, Al Harris -- came back to roost in the worst way possible yesterday.

As defensive coordinator Dom Capers apparently said after the game, it's clear there is a long way to go in making this defense solid on all fronts. Close...but not quite there yet. Yesterday's game was not a good way to find that out.

Aaron Rodgers also made mention in his post-game news conference that next year's team will not be the same as this year's. He mentioned being unsure about what the status of Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher would be. While acknowledging that that's part of the business, you could also tell that Rodgers really felt the impact of those two veterans perhaps not being along for the ride next season. He noted it would be a long plane ride home. Yep. For a variety of reasons.

5 reasons for loss

In his blog on 620wtmj.com, sports reporter Jay Sorgi outlines five "same old reasons for Packers loss." In order, he lists: offensive line, secondary, penalties, drops and fumbles by receivers, kicker's lack of accuracy.

All this is fleshed in much more detail -- and very much worth the read -- here.

And so...the offseason discussions and speculations will begin. Just a lot sooner than we wanted.

More to come. Stay tuned...

Packers to play next Saturday?

According to an article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, it seems as if the Packers coaching staff is preparing for the prospects of playing their wildcard playoff game next Saturday rather than Sunday. Head coach Mike McCarthy is quoted as saying, "Yes, I think we have a high probability of playing on Saturday."

As the article notes, "One NFC and one AFC game will be played next Saturday, and one NFC and one AFC game will be played next Sunday. Kickoff times are 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 9, noon and 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 10.

"As best the Packers can determine, they probably will be playing the late game next Saturday if not next Sunday. Dates and times will be announced Sunday night."

As this same article also notes, going into play tomorrow the Packers have 8 playoff scenarios, 6 of which have them playing the Cardinals. The Pack has one scenario under which they would play the Cowboys and one under which they would play the ViQueens. So, as much as many fans would love to see the Packers play Ol' #4 one more time in the Humpty Dump, the odds don't favor it.

You can read more on the playoffs and related bits and pieces here.

How much do we need Tauscher? Let us count the ways.

There's another great article in the same issue of the Journal-Sentinel about beloved veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher. Compares Tauscher to former tackle Bruce Wilkerson who was signed late in the Packers' season which saw them go on to win the 1996 Super Bowl. The story is about how Wilkerson, then also aged 32 (as is Tauscher) and near the end of his career, went down in Packers' lore because of his role in helping the team get to and win the big one. Certainly, Tauscher's legacy is already well established as his entire career has been spent with the Pack. He's a lock for the Packers Hall of Fame. But closing out one's career with a Super Bowl win? Sweet! And why not?

Anyway, another great article by Bob McGinn of the Journal-Sentinel. Check it out here.

Check back tomorrow for the preview of the Packers vs. Cardinals game.

More trivia from the Pack's win over the Ravens

We already learned last evening that the combined penalty yardage in last evening's game between the Packers and Ravens tied for second most in NFL history with 375 yards (on 23 total penalties, 11 by the Packers). The combined total was the most ever in the Packers ' 90-year game history. We also learned that the 175 penalty yards on the Packers was the second most in their history. The most penalty yards -- 184 -- came in a game in 1945 versus the Boston Yanks...yep, Boston...Yanks. Who knew??? Oh, the Packers won that game 38-14, by the way, on their way to a 6-4 season record and third place in the NFL's Western Division (more trivia!).

Now, today brings some more bar bet trivia for you from the stat geeks out there: the win by the Packers was only the second since 1970 (post-merger) where a team had 175 yards in penalties, 3 turnovers, and still won the game. Cool, eh? The Pack join the 1970 Houston Oilers as the only team to ever have this unique distinction.

Other bits and pieces of note:

• Donald Driver's touchdown gives him 50 in his career. This makes the Packers the first team in NFL history to have had 10 players to have scored 50 or more touchdowns in their careers as Packers.


• OT and fan fave Mark Tauscher got his first-ever pass reception last night. Yes, it came off a deflection and was for a loss of yardage, but still.


• Last night was the first time that two Packers rookies recorded sacks in the same game at Lambeau Field, and only the fourth time in Packers history that this feat was accomplished. Last evening's sacks came courtesy of linebackers Clay Matthews and Brad Jones.

There are a number of other trivia bits and pieces that some might find of interest here.

Oh, one other late emerging stat: Aaron Rodgers needs just one more TD pass this season to match Brett Favre's total for his second year as the Packers starting QB. Rodgers is getting all sorts of favorable mentions these days, and all well-deserved.

The Pack has a good thing going right now...as if you needed someone to tell you.

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...

Packer woes

Just what the Packers needed: playing the Cowboys without Aaron Kampman. Turns out he got smacked in the jaw early in the Tampa Bay game and wound up with a small concussion. He played a good portion of the game, but as of yesterday was still feeling the effects. Kampman told reporters that he was just taking it day by day. Whether he's available for the game this Sunday against the Cowboys or not remains to be seen.

In addition to Kampman's questionable status, RT Mark Tauscher might also be out for the Cowboy's game. Tauscher, playing in his first game in almost a year, twisted the same knee that had been surgically repaired. Looks as if he may be sitting out this weekend. And that means yet another reshuffling across what is arguably one of the worst offensive lines in football at the moment. Get ready for yet more sacks on QB Aaron Rodgers.

There's a good recap article of the current state of affairs on the player and coaching front in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. You can check it out here.

Packers -Buccaneers Preview

If it's one thing we know about the Packers over the last two years it is that they will beat inferior teams. The problem arises, as we also know, against teams with winning records; the Packers have only beaten teams with winning records twice in the last two years.

So, given that Tampa Bay has yet to win a game this season, is there any reason to fear a loss? Well, anything can happen, of course. But the oddsmakers have the Packers as 9-1/2 point favorites. That is on the light side in the opinion of this observer.

If the Pack ever is able to get a running game going, today should be the day. The Buccaneers are giving up over 162 yards per game, 30th in the league. Granted, the Packers offensive line hasn't exactly been able to do great things in the rushing game this season...or the pass protection game, either, for that matter. But, LT Chad Clifton will be starting once again, and RT Mark Tauscher will also be making a start today, his first in roughly a year after coming off serious knee injury and rehab time. Let's see what the old boys can do, both to help get Ryan Grant and maybe even Ahman Green going a bit. And, especially, to help keep QB Aaron Rodgers vertical today. Rodgers was held out of practice until Friday so his foot and toe sprains could heal a bit...although I'm sure the rest of his body also appreciated a few days of rest given the beating it's taken through the first seven games.

Tampa Bay will be starting a new quarterback today, rookie Josh Freeman. This is something like the Buccaneers' 15th starting QB in the last seven years. Yikes. But if this doesn't set up as a perfect opportunity for the defense to generate turnovers today I don't know what will.

Now, there is the jinx that seems to descend on the Packers when they visit Raymond James Stadium. Weird things happen. And if memory serves (don't count on it), the Packers have only won once there. Guys get hurt, strange plays occur. Now, throw in the fact that the Buccaneers will be in their throwback creamsicle/dreamsicle uniforms from their early days of -- what -- the late 70s? Those uniforms were associated with losing teams that set standards for other losing teams to aspire to (I know, the grammar of that sentence leaves much to be desired, sorry, but you get the point...which is the point, right?)

Anyway, with about an hour or so to kickoff, we're putting this one in the "W" column for the Pack.

We're calling it 34-10 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Jason Spitz out for season
After dealing with an unspecified lower back problem since mid-October, the Packers decided to place starting center Jason Spitz on injured reserve, thus ending what started as a promising season for Spitz. Spitz had beaten out incumbent Scott Wells for the starting spot. He was not responding to treatment and after getting a second opinion that confirmed that of the Packers team doctor, the decision was made to put Spitz on season-ending IR.

Spitz's spot on the roster is now being taken by WR Biren Ealy who got promoted from the practice squad. Ealy has only had two weeks of practice with the Packers. According to reports, the decision to move Ealy up to the regular roster came because WR Donald Driver is still feeling effects of a neck injury and WR Jake Allen, who was promoted after WR Jordy Nelson was knocked to the sidelines for a few weeks with his knee injury, is questionable with a thigh injury.

Clifton & Tauscher to start?

Does working as the main offensive tackles during practice mean those same players will start the upcoming game? Why not, especially if they are veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Clifton replaced rookie T. J. Lang and Tauscher replaced Allen Barbre for most of the snaps Wednesday with the #1 offense.

With the state of the O-line being similar to a sieve so far this season, let's hope that these veterans -- both coming off injuries, including one major knee rehab in the case of Tauscher -- are able to help keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright. Rodgers, BTW, did not practice yesterday as he is still gimping around with a sprained foot and a sprained toe on the other foot. With the pounding he's taken in the form of 31 sacks it's a wonder that's all that's injured.

Clearly, if Rodgers doesn't get better protection from here on out he won't last the season. Clifton and Tauscher can hopefully give him a fighting chance...as long as they stay healthy, that is. And, longer term, Ted Thompson must address the offensive line situation which has been a problem basically since Thompson's been in the GM seat. But that's a story for another day.

The score that never happened before
According to ProFootballTalk.com, as reported by 620WTMJ radio (got that reporting lineage?), the 38-26 final score of Sunday's game has never occurred before in the history of the NFL. In this case, not the kind of first a team really wants to be part of, is it?

Which is worst: penalties or sacks?

For Packer fans through the first five games of the season, the matter of penalties and sacks is something that keeps us up at night. Well, OK, some of us. The Pack is leading the league in both categories. Not good.

But, is one of these maladies worse than the other in terms of its impact on games? Hmmm...have to admit, it seems a bit of a chicken-egg thing, doesn't it? Maybe not.

In a very good article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Packers beat writer Greg Bedard makes the case that, yes, penalties are not good but sacks are worse. And he's got some interesting stats to help back up his premise. But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself here.

More on the Green signing
As sports writer Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes in a recent column, it didn't take long for the jokes to start flying -- including a few here -- about the signing of Ahman Green. But Vandermause also points out that this signing is perhaps a recognition, somewhat belatedly, by general manager Ted Thompson that having the youngest team in the league for the fourth straight year means there is not a lot veteran leadership or depth on the team. Thompson didn't sign Green to save the non-existent running game. He signed Green to be reliable backup at a position where there is now virtually none. As various sports talk shows are reminding listeners, Green was always good as a blocker -- Aaron Rodgers will be glad to hear that -- and as a receiver, especially on screen passes, which have also not been a big part of the offense lately.

One telling statement of how well the signing of Green, as well as that of Mark Tauscher, is being received in the locker room comes from fellow veteran Charles Woodson. Here's what Woodson had to say after the signing of Green was announced: "Anytime you're making moves to try to get better as a team, then I'm all for it. We know what these guys have done here in the past and we know they're eager to play. I definitely love when it's a veteran guy because I know veteran guys know exactly what it's about."

This comment by Woodson, "veteran guys know exactly what it's about," received a fair amount of attention on local sports call in shows, with more than one pundit making the point that Woodson basically was saying that the younger players just don't get what it's all about. For them, they think there will always be another game, another season in which to excel. Woodson, Green, Tauscher, Driver et al know otherwise. They know the time is now. There might not be another play to make a difference between a win and a loss, between the playoffs and a championship and going home till next season.

While leadership is part of what veterans bring, Woodson was adamant that what they bring is more than that. When a reporter suggested to Woodson that Green and Tauscher would help with leadership even if they didn't get into a game, Woodson was quick to state, "It'll help in the game. We ain't worried about the sideline. Our focus is on what happens in the game. You guys have been around a long time, you've seen Tausch, you've seen Ahman play football, so you know what kind of players they are. We look forward to having those guys out there when they're needed, when they're healthy and ready to go."

So, let's see what can happen. Tauscher is now taking part in full practices although it is doubtful he'll be ready for the Cleveland game. Green also, obviously, won't be ready to go Sunday. But having these players ready for duty when Ol' #4 returns the following week would definitely be a help. On the sideline and on the field.

Speaking of welcoming Favre back to Green Bay...
If you hadn't already heard about it, Green Bay's mayor is looking for ideas on ways to welcome Brent, er, Brett, back to town. Seriously. There's even an idea submittal form on the city's website. According to the site, "Mayor (Jim) Schmitt has fielded a wide variety of ideas from Packer fans on how to commemorate the occasion, from re-naming streets, to welcoming back other former Packers greats, to creating the world’s largest #4 waffle. The Mayor is reaching out to the community to create a list of the Mayor’s Top 4 things he can do to tastefully welcome back Brett Favre."

So good ahead, Packer fans, submit your ideas via the link above. And remember: be tasteful. I understand, that's a difficult requirement, but please try. You have until Wednesday, October 28.