Sunday, January 9, 2011...a day that will live in, well, Green Bay Packers' lore if nowhere else. And not only for the fact that the Pack beat the Philadelphia Eagles 21-16. This game should be part of the sacred Packers' canon for years to come because of a few of the "firsts" recorded.
The first of the "firsts" was that, with his three touchdown passes yesterday, QB Aaron Rodgers became the first NFL quarterback -- ever -- to record seven touchdown passes in his first two playoff appearances. Obviously, those other four TD passes were made in last year's overtime loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Congrats to Mr. Rodgers, our Pro Bowl QB. (Wait...what's that you're saying? Rodgers didn't make the Pro Bowl this season? But Michael Vick did? Who's responsible for this mix up??? Obviously, there's a bizarro world thing happening here!)
Oh, and this was also Rodgers' first playoff win as the Packers starting QB.
Another great "first" was a Packers' rookie playoff rushing record for James Starks. His 123 yards (23 carries, 5.3 yds/carry) rushing yesterday blew past the prior record held by Travis "The Roadrunner" Williams back in 1967. Williams carried 18 times for 88 yards at Milwaukee's County Stadium as the Packers beat the Los Angeles Rams, 28-7. Congrats to Mr. Starks. Perhaps the Packers can now give opposing defenses a legitimate rushing threat to worry about throughout the playoffs.
Another "first" was the first NFL touchdown catch by TE Tom Crabtree, which was also the first Packers' score of the game. Congrats to Mr. Crabtree. And we really liked the way you rubbed it in to the fans with your "I can't hear you" hands-to-the-ears routine as the City of Brotherly Love fans showered their special brand of love upon you. Classic.
On the flip side of things, and it played an important part in the Packers victory, it was the first time the Eagles Pro Bowl kicker, David Akers, missed two field goal attempts in a playoff game. Being so bold as to speak for Packers fans everywhere, this was indeed a good "first" and a great time to have it happen. Sorry, Mr. Akers.
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that this was the first playoff win by any Packers team in Philadelphia. The Pack had been 0-2 in playoff games in Philly going into yesterday's game. The only playoff loss by head coach Vince Lombardi was to the Eagles in Philly in 1960. Then there was head coach Mike Sherman's Waterloo overtime loss in 2004, where a loss was snatched from the hands of victory. That demon has been exorcised.
This was a complete team victory for the Packers, the team's first road playoff win since the 1997 NFC Championship Game in San Francisco (hey, another "first" of sorts!). Beating any team twice in the same season in their own stadium is no easy feat. Beating a team with Michael Vick running the offense is a challenge anytime, anywhere. Well done, gentlemen, well done!
Next up: the Dirty Birds
The Packers will now have six days to get ready to travel to Atlanta to take on Matt Flynn and the Falcons in a place where the home team rarely loses. But if memory serves, the Packers essentially played the Dirty Birds to a draw last time around, and lost by 3 points in the waning moments of the game. The early Vegas line has the Falcons favored by 1 to 2 points. Can you say, "toss up"?
The Falcons are the #1 seed in the NFC, the Packers are the #6 seed. That means jack right now, if you get my drift. And I think you do. The Packers are playing at a level they haven't been at until probably the last three or four games. The defense is better than it was when they last played the Falcons, and the offense is also more in a groove and now has a rushing threat for Atlanta to deal with as well as Mr. Rodgers and crew.
The Packers are confident and ready. Watch out Atlanta. The Packers are heading your way.
Showing posts with label Mike Sherman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mike Sherman. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Thursday, August 13, 2009
An anniversary...
In the wide, wide world of sports today is a day that is distinctive for Gene Sarazen winning the 16th PGA Championship in 1933 at Blue Mound CC in Milwaukee.
Oh, today is also the anniversary of this PackerFansUnited.com blog!
Yep, this ongoing ode to all things Packers got its humble start on this date -- Aug. 13 -- in 2005.
Just thought you'd want to know. So to all you faithful readers out there, thanks for continuing to stop in. And for any new readers, welcome. To one and all, please help spread the word about this little corner of the Packers blogosphere. As the NFL preseason is about to commence, followed by the absolute best sports season of every year, we'll try to provide timely -- or at least, insightful -- news, links, commentary, etc. when it seems worth saying. And you can always find links to other great Packers-related sites, headlines, and even our very own PackerFansUnited.com shop where you can, well, shop. So please do!
Happy Anniversary PackerFansUnited.com! (Somebody had to say it.)
Training camp bits & pieces
Most of this probably doesn't come as any shock to those who follow the Packers closely, but for the casual observer let's just say that there is a bit of concern about the number of walking wounded in camp these days. Early in the week, the Pack had 12 guys on the sidelines with various injuries. That includes the promising but oft-injured TE Tory Humphrey who broke his arm in practice last week; the Packers have placed him on injured reserve which -- along with the surgery required -- likely ends his season before it starts. Humphrey missed part of 2006 with a hamstring injury and all of 2007 with a broken leg. He caught 11 passes in the 2008 season -- the best in his career. Now, done again.
Another promising but oft-injured player is DeShawn Wynn. As reported here and elsewhere, the feeling among several camp observers was that Wynn was finally starting to flash the potential the Pack thought they had when they drafted him a few years back. But there were always raps on his work ethic and willingness to play through injuries. He was out with a bruised knee for a few days but apparently returned to practice today. There is some speculation that he may have passed Brandon Jackson as the primary back up to Ryan Grant. Some guys are injury prone, while others may think they are. If Wynn is able to shake the latter tag -- for himself as much as anyone else -- he could have a dynamite year. Keep your fingers crossed.
And it should come as no surprise -- as much as one really wants to root for the young man -- that Justin Harrell is once again nursing a sore back. On Tuesday, Coach McCarthy, according to news reports, indicated that Harrell would be out indefinitely. But as Green Bay Press-Gazette sportswriter Mike Vandermause said in his column yesterday, no matter what happens this season, the Packers might as well give him one more season to run out his contract on the outside chance they could perhaps get something for him along the way. Check out his column here. It's not Harrell's fault he can't stay healthy. It was and is Ted Thompson's fault for reaching for a player with a history of injury in college and drafting him #16 in the first round. This one will likely go down right alongside former GM/coach Mike Sherman's pick in 2001 of Jamal Reynolds as one of the biggest first round failures in Packers' history...let's not even mention Tony Mandarich...oops, dang!
Raji has left the building
Actually, the Packers' first round pick, B. J. Raji, has done more than that. Raji has reportedly left Green Bay, with all signs pointing to a lengthy hold out. He's not the only first-rounder yet to be signed. But given that a few are right around his #9 slot it seems as if both he and the Packers are willing to take their chances and wait for the salary bar to be set elsewhere rather than in Green Bay. It's not as critical for defensive players to be in on time as it would be for an offensive player. But as every fan knows, the longer any rookie is out of camp the less likely it is that they will perform as expected their first year. The one thing that you don't want to see happen is an entirely wasted season. I don't believe the Packers will allow that to happen. It's still a waiting game. But at some point, someone needs to blink. Let's hope they get this done soon. There are a number of injuries along the defensive line at the moment and the Packers could use Raji not only to get some reps but to get into game shape and condition before the season officially kicks off with that Sunday night game versus Da Bearz.
Oh, today is also the anniversary of this PackerFansUnited.com blog!
Yep, this ongoing ode to all things Packers got its humble start on this date -- Aug. 13 -- in 2005.
Just thought you'd want to know. So to all you faithful readers out there, thanks for continuing to stop in. And for any new readers, welcome. To one and all, please help spread the word about this little corner of the Packers blogosphere. As the NFL preseason is about to commence, followed by the absolute best sports season of every year, we'll try to provide timely -- or at least, insightful -- news, links, commentary, etc. when it seems worth saying. And you can always find links to other great Packers-related sites, headlines, and even our very own PackerFansUnited.com shop where you can, well, shop. So please do!
Happy Anniversary PackerFansUnited.com! (Somebody had to say it.)
Training camp bits & pieces
Most of this probably doesn't come as any shock to those who follow the Packers closely, but for the casual observer let's just say that there is a bit of concern about the number of walking wounded in camp these days. Early in the week, the Pack had 12 guys on the sidelines with various injuries. That includes the promising but oft-injured TE Tory Humphrey who broke his arm in practice last week; the Packers have placed him on injured reserve which -- along with the surgery required -- likely ends his season before it starts. Humphrey missed part of 2006 with a hamstring injury and all of 2007 with a broken leg. He caught 11 passes in the 2008 season -- the best in his career. Now, done again.
Another promising but oft-injured player is DeShawn Wynn. As reported here and elsewhere, the feeling among several camp observers was that Wynn was finally starting to flash the potential the Pack thought they had when they drafted him a few years back. But there were always raps on his work ethic and willingness to play through injuries. He was out with a bruised knee for a few days but apparently returned to practice today. There is some speculation that he may have passed Brandon Jackson as the primary back up to Ryan Grant. Some guys are injury prone, while others may think they are. If Wynn is able to shake the latter tag -- for himself as much as anyone else -- he could have a dynamite year. Keep your fingers crossed.
And it should come as no surprise -- as much as one really wants to root for the young man -- that Justin Harrell is once again nursing a sore back. On Tuesday, Coach McCarthy, according to news reports, indicated that Harrell would be out indefinitely. But as Green Bay Press-Gazette sportswriter Mike Vandermause said in his column yesterday, no matter what happens this season, the Packers might as well give him one more season to run out his contract on the outside chance they could perhaps get something for him along the way. Check out his column here. It's not Harrell's fault he can't stay healthy. It was and is Ted Thompson's fault for reaching for a player with a history of injury in college and drafting him #16 in the first round. This one will likely go down right alongside former GM/coach Mike Sherman's pick in 2001 of Jamal Reynolds as one of the biggest first round failures in Packers' history...let's not even mention Tony Mandarich...oops, dang!
Raji has left the building
Actually, the Packers' first round pick, B. J. Raji, has done more than that. Raji has reportedly left Green Bay, with all signs pointing to a lengthy hold out. He's not the only first-rounder yet to be signed. But given that a few are right around his #9 slot it seems as if both he and the Packers are willing to take their chances and wait for the salary bar to be set elsewhere rather than in Green Bay. It's not as critical for defensive players to be in on time as it would be for an offensive player. But as every fan knows, the longer any rookie is out of camp the less likely it is that they will perform as expected their first year. The one thing that you don't want to see happen is an entirely wasted season. I don't believe the Packers will allow that to happen. It's still a waiting game. But at some point, someone needs to blink. Let's hope they get this done soon. There are a number of injuries along the defensive line at the moment and the Packers could use Raji not only to get some reps but to get into game shape and condition before the season officially kicks off with that Sunday night game versus Da Bearz.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Ferguson released
Oft-injured six-year veteran receiver Robert Ferguson was released by the Packers on Friday. According to reports, the team tried to trade Fergie and had no takers. Given the glut of young and apparently talented receivers the Pack now have in camp, Ferguson -- as had been speculated since Spring practices -- was deemed expendable.
In a statement by Packers GM Ted Thompson, he said: "We thank Robert for everything he has given to the Packers. In addition to his contributions on the playing field, Robert has been a positive influence in our locker room and a good teammate. As with any veteran player who has been here, we wanted to make this move early because this gives him the best chance to catch on with another organization in the NFL."
No doubt some team will pick him up. On those seemingly rare occasions when he wasn't nursing an injury, Ferguson showed real flashes of what he could be: a very solid receiver. He was also a leader on special teams. So give Fergie his due.
Still, many fans never liked this pick by former GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman. As you may recall, Sherman chose the raw and unproven potential of Ferguson ahead of the proven abilities of University of Wisconsin receiver Chris Chambers. Wisconsin fans never quite forgave Sherman for that choice, nor Ferguson for being the choice. It was an unfair bit of baggage the yougster had to carry with him his entire time in Green Bay. Of course...this is just this own writer's opinion...as critical as this same writer's posts have sometimes been of Ferguson. You still have to wish Fergie well wherever he lands.
In a statement by Packers GM Ted Thompson, he said: "We thank Robert for everything he has given to the Packers. In addition to his contributions on the playing field, Robert has been a positive influence in our locker room and a good teammate. As with any veteran player who has been here, we wanted to make this move early because this gives him the best chance to catch on with another organization in the NFL."
No doubt some team will pick him up. On those seemingly rare occasions when he wasn't nursing an injury, Ferguson showed real flashes of what he could be: a very solid receiver. He was also a leader on special teams. So give Fergie his due.
Still, many fans never liked this pick by former GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman. As you may recall, Sherman chose the raw and unproven potential of Ferguson ahead of the proven abilities of University of Wisconsin receiver Chris Chambers. Wisconsin fans never quite forgave Sherman for that choice, nor Ferguson for being the choice. It was an unfair bit of baggage the yougster had to carry with him his entire time in Green Bay. Of course...this is just this own writer's opinion...as critical as this same writer's posts have sometimes been of Ferguson. You still have to wish Fergie well wherever he lands.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
The SI Take on Green's Departure
Another way you could express that headline is: the Sports Illustrated take on Houston's signing of former Packers running back Ahman Green. Short answer: didn't like it.
Don Banks' online "Inside the NFL" column at the SI website listed the Texans' signing of Green as #1 in the "Ten Moves I Disliked" listing of free agency moves so far. He cites Green's age and number of career carries as the primary reasons. Implied within those comments is that he ain't what he used to be. Yet the Texans -- with the encouragement of former Packers' GM/Coach and current Texans' offensive coordinator Mike Sherman -- are paying him $8 million this year, in the first of a four-year $23 million contract. The Texans passed on taking running back Reggie Bush with the #1 overall draft pick last year, taking D-lineman Mario Williams instead. They are still kicking themselves for that one. (Take it from a team that knows. Remember, the Packers are the team that picked Tony Mandarich at #2 in the 1989 draft while future superstars like Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders were still on the board. Say it with me now, in your best Homer Simpson impression: "D'oh!")
Houston will likely be kicking themselves for this signing, too. As good as Ahman Green once was -- and might still be for a year or two barring injury -- he isn't a Reggie Bush...and you can't turn back the clock. $8 million for the year? At this stage of his career? Yep, that's a Sherman deal if you ever saw one.
You can read Banks' take on this here.
Don Banks' online "Inside the NFL" column at the SI website listed the Texans' signing of Green as #1 in the "Ten Moves I Disliked" listing of free agency moves so far. He cites Green's age and number of career carries as the primary reasons. Implied within those comments is that he ain't what he used to be. Yet the Texans -- with the encouragement of former Packers' GM/Coach and current Texans' offensive coordinator Mike Sherman -- are paying him $8 million this year, in the first of a four-year $23 million contract. The Texans passed on taking running back Reggie Bush with the #1 overall draft pick last year, taking D-lineman Mario Williams instead. They are still kicking themselves for that one. (Take it from a team that knows. Remember, the Packers are the team that picked Tony Mandarich at #2 in the 1989 draft while future superstars like Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders were still on the board. Say it with me now, in your best Homer Simpson impression: "D'oh!")
Houston will likely be kicking themselves for this signing, too. As good as Ahman Green once was -- and might still be for a year or two barring injury -- he isn't a Reggie Bush...and you can't turn back the clock. $8 million for the year? At this stage of his career? Yep, that's a Sherman deal if you ever saw one.
You can read Banks' take on this here.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Fans to Green: Buh-Bye Now
As much as Ahman Green has meant to the Packers over the past seven years, he wasn't worth what the Texans paid for him. Former Packers GM/Coach and current Houston offensive coordinator Mike Sherman was reportedly instrumental in convincing Texans' management that they should acquire Green. One thing the Texans obviously do not yet have is a perspective on Sherman's tossing boatloads of money at questionable signings as the Packers' GM. Packer fans know Sherman's record as GM (as opposed to the arguably good record he had as coach) and will likely see this in that same vein.
In fact, Packer fans seem to confirm current Packers' GM Ted Thompson's hard line on resigning Green. Just take a look at the poll results in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel where nearly 70 percent of nearly 6,400 respondents at the time of this posting say the Pack should not have done anything more to re-sign Green:
Should the Packers have done more to keep Ahman Green?
No (69.7%)
Yes (30.3%)
Total votes: 6,378
So, thanks for the memories, Ahman. You served the Pack well. But...buh-bye now...
In fact, Packer fans seem to confirm current Packers' GM Ted Thompson's hard line on resigning Green. Just take a look at the poll results in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel where nearly 70 percent of nearly 6,400 respondents at the time of this posting say the Pack should not have done anything more to re-sign Green:
Should the Packers have done more to keep Ahman Green?
No (69.7%)
Yes (30.3%)
Total votes: 6,378
So, thanks for the memories, Ahman. You served the Pack well. But...buh-bye now...
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