Turning the page ... A-A-Ron gone ... NFL Draft done. Hit it ...

Dear fellow Packers fans, yes, I know. There have been no posts here since the debacle against Detroit that dropped us from the playoffs before we could even get started. That was a tough one, as you know.

As QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb walked off the Lambeau Field turf together, you kind of knew: this was it. Yes, Rodgers was still under contract. A big contract. But keeping him on at this stage, approaching age 40 with seemingly declining performance late in the season in the cold, even at home, was problematic at best on a number of levels. The Packers needed to see what they had in backup QB, Jordan Love. Time to turn the page. Not with a rebuild per se, but definitely a new era in Packers football was going to begin. Somehow.

Thanks for the memories, Aaron Charles Rodgers.

See you in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years.

You know ... when you retire.

Source: Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Enter the New York Jets. Yes, the same Jets that executed a trade for our last aging Hall of Fame, MVP QB, Brett Favre. It took a while for the Rodgers trade to get done. But it did early in the week leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. And GM Brian Gutekunst got the better part of the trade, in the opinion of many NFL pundits. For what it's worth, I agree with that assessment.

So, farewell and thanks for all the years of remarkable memories, Aaron. You will be missed. Hope you stay healthy and play at least 65 percent of the offensive plays for your new team this coming season. And ... that the Jets' record is a poor one. If both happen, the Packers will get a high 1st round draft pick next season to complete the trade particulars.

Turning the page officially ...

The three-day 2023 NFL Draft completed its 7th round yesterday. The Pack wound up, through trades and compensatory picks, with 13 draft picks. Will they all stick? Nope. But, it's interesting that at least one source (see below graphic) thought the Packers had the best draft of all 32 teams.

Pro Football Network declared the Packers to have

the best draft class of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Source: Pro Football Network

With needs in many areas, and with a clear objective to give new starting QB Jordan Love offensive weapons to grow with, the emphasis was on that side of the ball, while tending to defense and special teams, as well. GM Gutey picked up a couple tight ends (needed!) and a couple wide receivers (needed!), as well as a couple edge rushers, among others. Wasn't surprising to see the Packers pick up a QB for camp and to compete with Danny Etling, the current backup behind Love. Plus, there will be the need for arms in camp to keep all the receivers and tight ends busy. The Pack also went with a late round running back; decisions will need to be made about both Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon next off-season, so having some backs on hand...yes.

It also became more of a likelihood as the draft approached that the Packers would likely draft a kicker to replace venerable, aging, and all-time franchise scoring leader, Mason Crosby, who is currently a free agent. Now, Gutey made it clear in post-draft interviews that they had not closed the door on bringing Mason back in. But there would have to be a real failure on the part of this young kicker from Auburn. Stat-wise, he doesn't appear to have been especially accurate from long distance. And kicking in the south, despite growing up in Colorado, it remains to be seen how he'd do at Lambeau and other cold-weather venues come December and January. But with kickers and punters, especially, it always seems to be a shorter leash than with other players. As with all the picks, we just have to wait to see.

Also immediately following the draft the Packers and other teams began signing undrafted free agents. You can see those on packers.com and other sites that track these developments. Yes, there are sometimes some diamonds in the rough that actually emerge among this group so it's always interesting to keep an eye on this list, as well.

As draft experts are quick to remind us, evaluating any draft immediately after the fact, is a bit foolish as it typically takes three years before these young players "arrive", so to speak. A big jump usually takes place between the first year and the second. But patience is needed. Think Davante Adams. It took a while. But then ... wow!

As noted earlier, while the Packers assert that they are not in rebuilding mode — and I agree with that view for what that's worth — they are re-tooling. Lots of great veterans. And lots of young guys.

It's going to be an exciting year, Packers fans. Stay tuned.

As always, Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction

Before we look at this weekend's game in Chicago vs. Da Bearz, let us first pause for a moment of silence for the repose of the soul of the Green Bay Packer defense. It's demise last weekend vs. the Philadelphia Eagles was a true — and embarrassing — exercise in futility. Depending upon who was providing the statistical analysis, there were somewhere around either 15 or 20 missed tackles, many of which were directed toward QB Jalen Hurts, who ran for miles against this inept Packers defense. Oy. What more can you say?

Let's move on to the game at hand.

The Preview

The Packers are sitting at 4-8 while Da Bearz are 3-9. Both teams have their issues, as evidenced by the records. Da Bearz, especially after trading away some their better players, have a woeful defense. But at this stage of the season, and after last weekend's debacle, can we say anything different about the Packers? Not really.

The difference in this game will be the offenses. Chicago has a banged up QB in Justin Fields, who, while not a great passer even when healthy, can still beat you with his legs. In that last regard, it's potentially a Philly deja vu moment if the Packers can't contain him. And tackle. Especially the tackling thing.

Chicago also has a good RB, so there again are problems to be dealt with. Receivers? Meh. On the other hand, if the Pack's secondary continues its defensive scheme of playing opposing receivers as if in a different zip code, that won't work so well even if the team was the Little Sisters of the Poor. With defensive coordinator Joe Barry at the helm, the Packers defense seems uninspired and confused most of the time. Really don't expect that to change in this game. Or the remainder of the season for that matter. Head coach Matt LaFleur has said he sees no reason to change direction with a new coordinator at this stage. Keep digging that same hole deeper, coach.

That leaves it to the Pack's offense to outscore Da Bearz. Now, despite a very banged up QB named Aaron Rodgers at the helm, that should be possible, even probable. And, we can at least feel a bit better if backup QB Jordan Love comes in as he did in last week's game. The kid's got spunk. And an arm. An arm that was quick and accurate in that brief showing. But Rodgers gives the Pack the best chance as long as he can remain upright. Especially against Da Bearz. In Chicago.

The emergence of Packers rookie WR, Christian Watson, has been one

of the bright spots for the Pack over the past few weeks.

If he continues his progress, the Packers should have a good day in Chicago.

(Photo by Eric Hartline, Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

Oh, about that last point, about staying upright. We just learned Friday that LT David Bakhtiari had a spur-of-the-moment appendectomy that day. Surprise to him, the coaches, and us. So he's out again for a bit. Figures doesn't it?

But Chicago's defense is not Philly's so Rodgers should still have more time to find his receivers. Of course, he'll be throwing to Rookie of the Month for November, WR Christian Watson. And, it's possible rookie WR Romeo Doubs might also be available, coming off his high ankle sprain injury. Toss in the dependable Allen Lazard and Rodger's best buddy and Bearz destroyer, Randall Cobb, and there should be opportunities to stretch the field and open things up for running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Or vice versa: get that running game going early and often and it could lead to a big day for the receiving corps.

This would be a good time for the Packers to play a nearly complete game. We've been waiting a long time to see that out of this team. The entire season, really. Perhaps going into their bye week, they can finally put things together by putting Da Bearz away. And the earlier the better.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points. That doesn't mean much in these rivalry games ... despite the fact that Rodgers has indeed owned Da Bearz for his entire career. It also doesn't mean much give that the Packers have been favored in games more often than not this season only to disappoint fans and pundits alike.

Still, despite the ineptitude of the Packers defense we believe their offense has more weapons available and should be able to outscore Da Bearz.

That's why we're calling this one Packers 31 - Da Bearz 27.

Let us pray ...

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Titans Preview & Prediction

Have we exhaled yet from Sunday's overtime thrilling win vs. the Cowboys, Packer fans? Wow. Down 14 and ultimately giving the 'boys their first loss with a lead by that much in the 4th quarter in 196 games. Yay. They finally showed up on both sides of the ball. Special teams? Well, a missed FG early by Mason (even a long one) usually is not a good harbinger of things to come. Then toss in the now-departed-from-the-Packers Amari Rodgers' punt problems and it nearly looked as if things were just too much to overcome. Thought my prediction of a loss would unfortunately come to fruition.

But not.

Thankfully, rookie wide receiver Christian Watson had his coming-out party with 3 touchdown catches, including a few long ones. Finally. Finally. If he can keep the injury bug away, and keep hanging on to the ball, he will continue to create issues for opposing defenses.

While it was a gutsy win, and not perfect, it sure was the best we've seen the Packers perform all season. That level of play will need to continue this evening, on a short turnaround, vs. the Titans.

QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be wearing their all-white 'color flash'

uniforms tonight at Lambeau Field. Let's hope they bring the team continued luck.

(Photo by Jonathon Daniel/Getty Images)

The Preview

We know that the Packers may have found a winning formula on offense: running the ball at least as much or more than passing it. That includes having the starting 5 offensive linemen start and finish the game for the first time this season. That was huge. The trick tonight will be how well David Bakhtiari's and Elgton Jenkins' surgically repaired knees hold up on a short week. This will be a key to success tonight against one of the league's top rushing defenses.

The Packers will need to stick with the run early and not become one-dimensional in the passing game, as was the case for most if not all of the 5-game losing streak. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon will have to really pound the ball tonight, and to open up passing opportunities. WR Randall Cobb will be coming off IR and will likely see limited play, but may come up with a key catch or 2 to keep drives alive. Watson will stretch the field. Allen Lazard can be the mid-range over-the-middle guy. But in those passing situations that line is going to need to give Rodgers time as it did on Sunday. And if nothing is there, and the field opens up ... "Run, Aaron, Run".

As for how to handle the Titans' offense, that really boils down to handling that beast-of-a-running-back Derrick Henry. He's fast and as big or bigger than some linebackers...a one-of-a-kind threat. The Packers will need to jam up the inside lines and contain on the edges. A tough challenge. If Henry could be limited to under 100 yards that would be a win for the Packers defense. As would minimizing explosive plays, something which hasn't been the Pack's strong suit much of the season. We have been witnessing better play out of Joe Barry's defense over the last several games. So, maybe. But with De'Vondre Campbell being out again tonight that doesn't help. Young players such as linebackers Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie will have to fill the void in major ways tonight. If the Packers can hold Henry in check, Titans QB Ryan Tannehill will have to win the game. Not impossible. But the Packers secondary should be able to hold down the Titans' passing game if they continue to play the way they did vs. Dallas.

Tennessee will be missing some key players of their own tonight: K Randy Bullock, OL Bud Dupree, S Amani Hooker, DB Lonnie Johnson, and C Ben Jones. Those missing pieces are not insubstantial. If the Packers can get through the game as relatively unscathed as on Sunday, they have a great shot of emerging on top tonight.

The Prediction

Given the prime time focus of this game tonight — on which Rodgers seems to thrive, as we know — and the 3 out of 4 wins in prior games wearing the all-whites, the cohesiveness we saw play out on Sunday should continue this evening. The weather advantage favors the Pack, as well: it will be cold, with air temps about 24 F and with wind chills likely in the single digits. Perhaps even some flurries. Yes, both teams have to play in it. But this is the time of the year when the Frozen Tundra feel starts to work its magic for the home team.

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points at the time of this posting.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Titans 21.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Commanders Preview & Prediction

 A quick word about last week's game, Packers fans: blech!

Moving on...

Packers WR Sammy Watkins has been reactivated for today's game.

He was becoming a trusted target of QB Aaron Rodgers prior to his

last injury. With Randall Cobb out 4-6 weeks, Watkins is a much-needed

addition in the offensive scheme.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

With the Pack at 3-3 after losing back-to-back games for the first time during head coach Matt LaFleur's tenure, to say today's game vs. the Washington Commanders is a must-win is a conversation starter, for sure. Polls of many fans indicate the majority think it is. We are among those.

Now fully through a third of the season, the Packers still have yet to play a complete game. The offense has scored 10 points in the last 6 quarters. The defense, particularly in the second half of games has, if not collapsed, certainly not lived up to preseason expectations of a Top 5 defense. Not even close. Opposing teams, as with the statement by the Jets coaches last week, know they just have to keep punching the Pack's offense in the mouth and they will fold, while on defense the obvious way to succeed is to go over the middle where it seems receivers are wide open all season long. These are both situations which should have been corrected by now. But...not.

With the Packers receiving corps still missing in action for the most part, the loss of Randall Cobb for 4-6 weeks with the ankle injury suffered last week and Sammy Watkins returning today but still relatively questionable, the receivers are Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, Watkins, Amari Rodgers and Samori Toure being activated today. This is who Aaron Rodgers has to throw to. Not a great position to be in at this stage of the season, but someone has to step up.

In addition, it has been announced that LT David Bakhtiari is inactive for today. So after practicing all week as a unit, the offensive line will again be shuffled. Doesn't help. Compared to past seasons, where there were a number of players who could be inserted at nearly any position along the line, not quite the case this year. Sure, players will be plugged in, but performance? We should expect Aaron Rodgers to continue to be under pressure as he has been all season.

Part of relieving the pressure on Rodgers can come from sticking with the running game more than has been the case, especially during the losses. LaFleur has been far too quick to take the ball out of Aaron Jones' and A.J. Dillon's hands. Of course, as LaFleur said in his press conference the day after the loss vs. the jets, if the O-line doesn't block better nothing good is going to happen ... whether in the running game or the passing game.

We don't really even want to take space here to talk about Washington. You can find that analysis elsewhere. Our focus is on the Packers because, ultimately, it begin and ends with those players on the field...and the coaching decisions that are made regarding them.

This is a game the Packers should win, even on the road. But that's been the case in the last two losses, as well. The team has just not shown up. If they don't today, the issues that have been present all season to this point will likely continue on over the rest of the season. Or so it seems.

The Prediction

The Packers are 4-1/2-point favorites at the time of this posting. This is based upon the relative talent of the two opposing teams. The strength of the the Commanders is their defensive line that ranks first in the league in QB hits. Not great given the Pack's penchant for allowing Rodgers to get hit a lot this season. Washington will also have a backup QB under center today, although he ran to daylight quite a bit in last season's game at Lambeau Field; Taylor Heinicke can compete and keep Washington in the game, particularly if the Packers offense continues to struggle and the defense continues its mediocre play.

Until the Packers show us otherwise, we think this game will be close.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Commanders 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

With the 2022 Packers season upon us ... Our season prediction.

Hello, Packers fans ... and all who wish they were.

We've had a looooong hiatus...since just before the 2022 NFL Draft, to be exact. A lot of water under the bridge before and since then: comings and goings (most notably and regrettably, of course, WR Davante Adams), injury updates, cut-downs, final roster, etc. Too much to cover here and you know it all already anyway.

So let's just get to the important matters of the moment: the season prediction. We'll do the prediction for Sunday's opener against the ViQueens (in Minnesota) in a separate post. We invite you to please check back for that.

The Season Prediction

Since the start of this blog in 2005 (17 years ago ... 17!), we have looked at the season preview not game by game (those are done individually at the relevant time) but more quarter by season quarter, so to speak. With a 17th regular season game in place for the second consecutive year, we'll have quarters plus one extra game...and the bye week, too, resulting in 18 weeks to examine. You'll figure it out. Home games are in green. Be aware, of course, that the NFL may flex various game times, especially later in the season, so the days/times shown here are as they are now indicated.

QBs Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins will meet

in the first game of the 2022 season.

(Photo by Associated Press)

1st Quarter of the Season

Week 1: @ Vikings - Sun 9/11 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 2: Da Bearz - Sunday Night Game - Sun 9/25 · 7:20 PM CDT

Week 3: @ Buccaneers - Sun 9/26 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 4: Patriots - Sun 10/02 · 3:25 PM CDT

We think it's likely the Packers lose one, and perhaps two, of these first four games. Despite the Pack being once again one of the odds-on favorites to make the NFC Championship Game, and, Packer nation hopes, the Super Bowl, and having a talented roster, particularly on defense, we really don't know how it's all going to come together, or how quickly. With Rodgers back at QB and coming off two consecutive MVP season and the weapons on offense, you know that the team will always be in the game in terms of point potential. But with his wide receiver security blanket, Adams, now gone to Las Vegas, and a slew of young and untested receivers, the offense might not be as high-flying as we've been accustomed to especially early in the season. We expect perhaps a more even split between downfield throws and runs and touches out of the backfield. The two-headed monster that is Aaron Jone and A.J. Dillon will be used in new and impactful ways. Will be fun to watch. It will be good to have TE Robert Tonyan back in the mix particularly in the red zone. The new receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, as well as veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, will also have to have an impact early and often. During this first quarter of the season, but especially down its stretch later in the season, the defensive unit will be called upon to limit the points put up by opponents until the offense finds its footing. And special teams? Can't be worse than last season. Even a modicum of improvement there will help. So, it would seem if the Pack could come out of these first four games 2-2 it would be satisfactory. Not great, but OK, setting the stage for better things moving down the road.

2nd Quarter of the Season

Week 5: Giants - Sun 10/9 - 8:30 AM CDT (technically the home team atTottenham Hotspur Stadium, London)

Week 6: Jets - Sun 10/16 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 7: @ Washington - Sun 10/23 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 8: @ Bills - Sun 10/30 · 7:20 PM CDT

This quarter of the season starts with the Pack's first international game in London against the Giants, in which the Packers will be technically the home team. There will be a large contingent of European Packers fans on hand. If the team can handle the jet lag, they should be able to come away with the win there. In looking at the other teams in this quarter, the Bills are the team to worry about, as they showed in their season opener by man-handling the Super Bowl champion LA Rams in LA. Some pundits are projecting a possible Packers-Bills Super Bowl match-up. Long way to go before we get there. But, on a whole, the Packers should come out of these four games with a 3-1 record.

3rd Quarter of the Season

Week 9: @ Lions - Sun 11/6 - 12 PM CDT

Week 10: Cowboys - Sun 11/13 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 11: Titans - Thursday Night Game - Thurs 11/17 · 7:15 PM CDT

Week 12: @ Eagles - Sun 11/27 · Sunday Night Game - 7:20 PM CDT

The first game of this quarter of the season sees the Packers play the third of three consecutive away games. Oy. Fortunately, it's against the Lions, albeit in Detroit. To be fair, the Lions might be an improved team over what we have come to know over so many years of futility. By roughly the mid-point in the season, we'll have a good idea of who they are. The Cowboys, Titans and Eagles round out these four games. Given the three straight roads trips and the opponents, we can see the Pack going 2-2 in this stretch.

4th Quarter of the Season (+1)

Week 13: @ Da Bearz - Sun 12/4 - 12 PM CDT

Week 14: BYE - Sun 12/11

Week 15: Rams - Sun 12/19  - Monday Night Game - 7:15 PM CDT 

Week 16: @ Dolphins - Christmas Day Game - Thurs 12/25 - 12 PM CDT 

Week 17: Vikings - New Year's Day Game - Sun 1/1/23 - 3:25 PM CDT

Week 18: Lions - Sun 1/8 - 12 PM CDT

The bye week comes in Week 14. Not ideal, but hopefully can get guys rested a bit for the final stretch of four games, three of which are at Lambeau Field. If the Pack is healthy, here's where the stretch run to the playoffs and Super Bowl gains steam. Given the opponents and being able to finish at home, we see the Packers going 3-2 over this span of games, including the bye.

Summary

Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no worse than 10-7. (Many projections have the Pack going 13-4 or 12-5. We hope they are right and we are wrong.) They should handle their NFC North competitors and win the division once again. We'll worry about the playoff scenarios much, much later on. Lot of ball game left, as the saying goes.

As always, GO PACK GO!!!

2021-22 NFL Divisional Playoffs: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

Well, here we go, Packers fans: the Divisional Playoffs! After having the lone NFC bye week by virtue of their #1 seeding, the Pack meet up with the San Francisco 49ers this evening at storied Lambeau Field. We welcome the warm-weather visitors to Green Bay for a night game...in mid-January...where there could be a bit of snow in the air...the game time air temps in the low teens or single digits...and with the wind chill perhaps even dipping below 0 degrees. Have a nice visit!

The Preview

Not really sure how much of a preview to even bother with. The Pack last played in Detroit two weeks ago in a game that meant nothing in their standing, and resulted in a loss. Big whoop. Still finished with a tied-for-league-best 13-4 record.

Some players that had seen limited action this season will be available tonight, among them Za'Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus who will boost the Pack's pass rush capability and QB sack potential. Also available will be offensive tackle Billy Turner and possibly CB Jaire Alexander, although the later is listed as questionable on the injury report, as is LT David Bakhtiari. The only player on the Packers' injury report listed as doubtful for the game is WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. However, WR Randall Cobb was activated off IR, so QB Aaron Rodgers will have one of his most trusted receivers available to him, especially in the slot.

For the Niners, two of their top two defensive players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner — both injured in last week's win over the Cowboys — are cleared for play. QB Jimmy Garoppolo will start once again despite his right thumb and shoulder issues; it will be interesting to see how well he holds up if the Packers can shut down the Niners running game and force him to have to pass to win. Would rookie backup QB Trey Lance see playing time tonight? Possibly. The Packers defense should have prepared for both this week, with Jimmy G the primary consideration at QB. 

But the Packers also have to be concerned about holding phenom WR/RB/Everything Deebo Samuel in check. He's going to get some yards, one way or another. But the Pack can't let him be the difference in the game.

If the Packers defense — line, linebackers and secondary — play to their capability, they should be able to generate a turnover or two. And when they have done that in the past, they typically come away with a win.

Still, we hope (and pray) the Packers special teams don't give the game away. With the special teams' overall league performance at the bottom of the barrel, we're at the time of the season where breakdowns and mistakes just can't happen. Because if they do, even one such instance can be the difference between a win and a loss.

While Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be wearing the home green jersey,

he will still be signaling that the Packers are Number 1

after they beat the 49ers at Lambeau Field tonight.

(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports)

The Prediction

This game and how it concludes is all within the Packers grasp. They worked hard to get the number 1 seed, the bye week, and the home field advantage. They have the MVP leading not just the offense but the entire team. They have the winningest head coach in NFL history through his first three seasons. They have talent on both sides of the ball. Yes, the game still has to be played and the weather conditions will be brutal for both sides. But the Packers have something to prove this season after two consecutive losses in the NFC Championship Game. They need to come out fast — something they typically haven't done after bye weeks — and force the Niners to pass. Turnovers will come if they are able to do that.

My good friend Billy Da Bearz Fan even called earlier today to give me his prediction: 28-27. He wouldn't say who comes out on top because, as a Bearz fan, he would spontaneously combust if he said the Packers would win ... but I know what he meant: Packers. Of course.

My brother-in-law (and 49ers fan) texted me with his call: 28-20 Packers. Remember, this is from a Niners fan.

The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. In a game such as this, not being a betting person, I don't care about whether the Packers cover the spread or not; I care that they win the game.

We're calling it Packers 27 - 49ers 24. Hope it's not that close but, again, just get that win. Get to the NFC Championship Game and make the third time (in a row) the charm.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 17 - Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Here we are, Packers fans...the end of the season for our Green Bay Packers. Today's game at Lambeau Field will bring a merciful end to a forgettable 100th year of Packers football. At a mediocre 6-8-1 going into today's game vs. the 5-10 Detroit Lions, the Pack will finish the season with a losing record and out of the playoffs for the second straight year. Oy.

If you're wondering where things went off the rails, I highly commend to your reading pleasure (a questionable term in this regard, granted) the article by sports writer Pete Dougherty from yesterday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel entitled The day Aaron Rodgers' split with Mike McCarthy became clear. Quite a compelling analysis of the point early in this season where then-head coach Mike McCarthy lost his QB (that would be one Aaron Rodgers for those unaware) and with him, effectively, the locker room and team...and, ultimately, his head coaching job after 13 years. It was all downhill from there.

Now, to be fair, the Packers were yet once again -- how does this keep happening year after year??? -- plagued by injuries across the board, including a banged up Rodgers in the very first game (Da Bearz!) that seemed to linger in various forms throughout the season. The injuries depleted an already thin talent pool in terms of depth, which revealed that former GM Ted Thompson's last few drafts weren't all that great after all.

Prior to the season, many, including yours truly, predicted the Pack would likely win the NFC North with an 11-5 record and be one of the favorites to contend for the Super Bowl. As good ol' Maxwell Smart would say, "Missed it by that much". (Ancient cultural reference for those who might pick up on that.) So we are where we are in today's season finale.

Packers WR Davante Adams was in sight of setting two franchise records today.
But he is listed as inactive. A great season for Adams regardless.
(Photo: RIck Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Prediction

With a game like today, that doesn't mean anything in the scheme of things...Packers will finish in third place in the division ahead of Detroit win or lose...expect Rodgers to start, but this fan hopes they get him out of the game as quickly as possible. Absolutely no need to expose him to injury. He will be without his top receiver, Davante Adams, who was declared inactive for today's game. Adams was in sight of breaking Sterling Sharpe's franchise record for number of receptions in a season and Jody Nelson's record for receiving yards in a season; but both of those will have to wait for another year.

Expect to see what may be the last appearances by some veteran Packers in a Green Bay uniform: LB Clay Matthews and WR Randall Cobb, in particular, are long-time standouts whose contracts and performances point to likely exits in free agency. Thank you, gentlemen, for your great contributions to the Packers over the years. You may be gone next year, but you won't be forgotten.

Because there may well be limited playing time for Rodgers and others, and expanded playing time for younger and more inexperienced members of the team today, it's hard to tell exactly what to expect. It feels like a preseason game in many respects. Still, the Packers are favored by 8 points.

We haven't said much, actually, anything, at all about the Lions. Their season has been more of a train wreck than that of the Packers. While they've won a couple in a row against the Packers -- hard to believe -- we can't imagine that happening today. While both teams supposedly will be playing for nothing more than pride today, that carries a bit more weight when playing at home.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - Lions 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 15: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Well, Packers fans, the team did what it needed to do at Lambeau Field last Sunday, dispatching the Atlanta Falcons 34-20. It turned out to not be as close as we had predicted. The Pack performed well across the board in defeating an Atlanta team that has been more disappointing for its fans this season than the Packers have been for us. It was the first game and first win under interim head coach, Joe Philbin.

Interim head coach, Joe Philbin, led the Packers to their first win under his
guidance last Sunday vs. the Falcons. He'll have a tougher job in Chicago today.
(Photo: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

But today's opponent isn't the low-flying Dirty Birds. It's Da Bearz. While the offense may still be finding its way under young QB Mitch Trubisky, RB Jordan Howard is starting to come on strong which takes pressure off Trubisky. Chicago's defense, one of the top in the league overall, is what has led to Chicago's first potential playoff team in eight years. It gets pressure on the opposing quarterback with its front four and it generates turnovers in the defensive backfield. Chicago also has Khalil Mack...to the Packers' chagrin after losing the trade talks with Oakland. (By the way, along these lines, we highly recommend to your reading pleasure -- or consternation -- an article entitled Bears' edge over Packers rooted in offseason maneuvers by Packers reporter, Ryan Wood. It gives us the willies.)

So Aaron Rodgers will be under pressure all day today, particularly as RT Bryan Bulaga will be out and replaced by Jason Spriggs who will be going up most of the time against Mack. (Let us pray...) The Packers will need to scheme to give Spriggs help or it could be a long day for Rodgers. Rodgers will need to get the ball out quickly, as was the case particularly early in the game against the Falcons, something which arguably led to the Pack's scoring 34 unanswered points at one point during the game. Failure to be in fast rhythm throughout the game today can be enough to allow Da Bearz to control things. Not ideal from the Pack's perspective, obviously.

Rodgers will have a healthier Randall Cobb back to take pressure off Davante Adams, who leads the league in TD receptions, with 11 of his 12 coming in the red zone. Coach Philbin used a Thunder-n-Lightening tandem running back approach a bit last week, pairing Jamal Williams and Aaron Jones at times. That will likely happen again, as Williams can provide additional blocking capability not only for Rodgers but in opening holes for Jones, as well, or helping him get into the flat for a pass reception. Or pounding for those tough yards in his own right. If that combination can get traction, it will certainly give Da Bearz something more to think about other than sacking Rodgers.

The Prediction

In order to win today, the 5-7-1 Packers will need to do something against the 9-4 Bears they haven't done in more than a year: win...on...the...road. Now, the good news is that in his career Rodgers is 16-4 against Chicago (and one of those losses came after he broke his collarbone and had to leave the game). He is 7-2 in games at Soldier Field. The Packers have won eight of the last nine games against Chicago under Rodgers, including the last four in a row. Rodgers has  thrown 45 TD passes and just nine INTs against Da Bearz, with a career passer rating against them a spectacular 108.3.

All well and good for what was. What is today is a different story. Rodgers hasn't had to go up as complete a Chicago defense in a long time as he will face today. That includes the first meeting at Lambeau in game 1 of the season where the Pack scored a 24-23 comeback win. The advantage to the Packers in that game, aside from the home field advantage, was Chicago had just acquired Mack and he hadn't had time to get fully in shape to participate in the game. That's not the case today. At all.

Chicago is favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. If the Packers can protect Rodgers and keep Mack from wreaking havoc, get a running game going and avoid turnovers while conversely putting pressure on Trubisky -- difficult with Kenny Clark out today (i.e., no opening game starters on the D-line) -- and generating a turnover or two, they will be in a position to pull off what will be an upset given all the expectations. Oh, and did we mention, a win by the Packers would also keep Chicago from clinching the NFC North Division title and a playoff berth today. Wouldn't that be shame? (#sarcasm)

As with the first game, this game will probably go down to the wire. We think the Packers will finally get a road win. And it couldn't happen in a better place.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Da Bearz 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Cardinals Preview & Prediction

Without beating a dead horse yet once again, the Green Bay Packers were unable to win again on the road last week, this time against the ViQueens, making the team's road record this season 0-6. Not good. At all. Especially when you consider that it's actually worse than that: the road loss streak extends back into last season. Oy.

There, that's' done. And with that loss at Minnesota, so, too, might be the Packers season. At 4-6-1 with five games left...the Pack is going to need a miracle of splitting-the-Red Sea proporations in order to somehow slide into the playoffs. (And, by the way, Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish sisters and brothers around the planet.)

Packers WR Jake Kumerow has finally been activated off IR. How much action he'll see, and what impact he'll have, remains to be seen today and for the remainder of the season.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

The Packers will once again be limited both offensively and defensively by injuries to key personnel. DL Mike Daniels and WR Trevor Davis have both been placed on the injured reserve list and are done for the season. Safeties Kentrell Brice and Raven Greene, along with RB Tra Carson, are all out today with injuries. At last notice (subject to change), OT David Bakhtiari, CB Kevin King, WR Randall Cobb, OG Lane Taylor and CB Bashaud Breeland were all listed as questionable.

If Bakhtiari is unable to go, the Packers might wind up having to give help to back up Jason Spriggs who was not able to hold up well last weekend in relief of Bakhtiari. It also became apparent how good Lane Taylor is week in and week out once he also had to leave the game last week.

The Packers opponent today, the Arizona Cardinals, have the 32nd-ranked rush defense in the league going into this game. That, combined with cold and snowing weather predicted for today's game at Lambeau Field, should be a recipe for a steady diet of RB Aaron Jones. But you still need an offensive line that can create those running opportunities...as well as keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright.

During preseason, WR Jake Kumerow was the talk of camp. He and Rodgers had seemingly developed a good rapport. Kumerow led in receiving yards until his celebratory shoulder dive into the endzone on a long-yardage reception and TD wound up knocking him out of the lineup until today. Given the injuries in the wide receiver group, Kumerow should get some action today. It was also hinted that he might get some return opportunities particularly now that Trevor Davis has been placed on IR. Let's just see if he and Rodgers have been able to rekindle that preseason magic; the Pack could sure use it.

The Prediction

Given that the warm-weather, 2-9 Cardinals will be coming into Lambeau led by a rookie QB and with issues offensively and defensively overall, it's no wonder that the Packers are 14-point favorites, albeit as "meh" as they have performed to this point in the season. The Pack hasn't lost at home yet this season. So at least there's that. This should be a game where, if the team isn't totally phoning it in at this point behind what seems more and more to be the lame duck tenure of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers should win this handily. On the other hand, the Pack has continued to find ways to self destruct and have yet to really play a complete game all season. So if the Packers don't come to play...anything can happen. 

We're hoping the Cards are exactly what the doctor ordered to at least get the Pack to 5-5-1 after today's game.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Cardinals 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

Guess what, Packer fans? We were actually spot on in our score prediction for last week's game at Seattle: 27-24. Only problem was we had the Pack with 27 and Seahawks with 24. As we sadly know, it was the other way around, with the Packers garnering their fifth road loss of the season. Yup, Green Bay hasn't won a road game yet this season.

The Packers will need an MVP effort from QB Aaron Rodgers tonight at Minnesota.
(Photo: Jim Matthews/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis.)

So where do we find our beloved Green Bay Packers tonight? On the road. At Minnesota. Where they are 0-2 in the new stadium of whatever name.

The ViQueens are 5-4-1, the Packers 4-5-1. That one tie for both teams, as we know, was in the first match up. Pretty much representative of the parity, unfortunate as that may be at this point in the season, between these two NFC North rivals. Both of which, as we also recall, were supposed to be competing for the Division championship. So much for that idea; Da Bearz look well positioned to lock that up fairly soon...which will make my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, most happy indeed. (The horror...the horror....)

As for Minnesota, it has become obvious as the season has gone on that QB Kirk Cousins is obviously overpaid, and the Packers defense can hopefully make him look that way again tonight, albeit as wounded as they are. RB Dalvin Cook hasn't broken out quite as much as they'd hoped, either. Defensively, Minnesota isn't all it was cracked up to be this season.

The story of the Packers this season, especially in their road losses, has been one of "close but no cigar". Late errors, penalties, bad play-calling and clock management...pretty much you name it and it has been just enough to keep the Pack from coming away with a win in those tight games they've been playing and losing.

Bottom line is that we have seen the Packers have no room for error. A near-perfect game is needed not only from QB Aaron Rodgers who, thankfully, seems to be getting healthier, but from the rest of the team, as well. But WR Randall Cobb is questionable, as is TE Jimmy Graham, continuing the potential limitation of Rodgers' receiving options (and, no, preseason receiving fave, Jake Kumerow, was not activated for this game, as some may have wished). Still, if RB Aaron Jones can be schemed and targeted as a receiver coming out of the backfield, we saw his potential in that area of the game on display against Seattle. Regrettably, as we have seen for most of this season, head coach Mike McCarthy has been reluctant to fully utilize the talent of this young running back. Tonight would be a very good time to change that approach.

The Packers are banged up on defense. DT Mike Daniels is likely done for the year and the team placed LB Nick Perry on injured reserve, ending his season and, perhaps, his career in Green Bay, as well. Defensive backs Bashaud Breeland, Kevin King, Kentrell Brice, and Raven Greene are questionable for tonight. But if LB Kyler Fackrell can keep up his sack-meister ways, along with inside pressure from Kenny Clark and others, problems in the secondary may not be quite as pronounced. Maybe.

The Prediction

We've been giving the Packers the benefit of our Green 'n' Gold-colored view for the road games this season, only to be disappointed. They've been close...but that counts for nothing. There is probably no game in this woefully mediocre season that counts for something bigger than this game tonight. Yes, every game is big. But when you are 4-5-1 and have six games left...and you probably need to go at least 5-1 over the course of those games to maybe have a shot at the playoffs...this game would be a good game to finally -- FINALLY! -- grab a road win. If they don't do it tonight, Packer fans, while the fat lady may not have sung, she's certainly warming up. They need this game.

Minnesota is favored by 3.

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Seahawks Preview & Prediction

The Green Bay Packers were home this past Sunday and, following their winning ways there, beat Miami 31-12. Our prediction had it 31-20, spot on on the offensive tally for the Pack but the defense really played extremely well, holding the Dolphins to field goals only, four of them, to be precise. Impressive performance!

Tonight, on the short turnaround of a Thursday evening performance made even shorter by having to play on the West Coast after a late Sunday afternoon game, the Packers take on the Seattle Seahawks on the road.

The road. Where the Packers haven't one a game yet this season. Seattle. Where the Packers haven't won in nearly a decade. Head coach Mike McCarthy is just 1-3 there. The losses, we don't need to remind Packers fans, have been extremely gut-wrenching. The horror...the horror... Weird things happen in Seattle. They just do. And usually not in the Packers favor.

But Seattle's famed Legion of Boom defense is no more. QB Russell Wilson is still dangerous outside of the pocket but not quite like he used to be. While there is a new offensive coordinator, the Seahawks have a very good running game and if the Packers aren't ready for that Seattle could rack up some big numbers there.

Packers RB Aaron Jones gets off to a fast start last Sunday against
the Dolphins on a 67-yard run. He'll need similar heroics tonight in Seattle
to help keep the Packers in the game.
(Photo: Dan Powers, Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

Conversely, the Packers have a good running game themselves emerging behind second-year RB Aaron Jones. McCarthy finally gave him the ball more than a handful of times against Miami and it resulted in an outstanding performance by Jones. Because the 'hawks secondary isn't quite what it used to be, McCarthy's penchant for the passing game may take him out of a more balanced approach. But the Pack needs to run the ball, run it well, and run it often to help take the crowd and the opponent down a notch or two. If you let Seattle take control or stick around, the crowd noise will also turn into an opponent, as has usually been the case in Seattle. And we know how that has typically worked out. Not well.

Prediction

The Packers are 2-1/2-point underdogs at the time of this writing, with the home field advantage being the difference between the 4-5 Seahawks and the 4-4-1 Packers. The Packers will be missing some key personnel this evening, with WR Randall Cobb out yet again, OLB Nick Perry out, S Kentrell Brice and CB Kevin King also out and apparently not even making the trip to Seattle. OG Lucas Patrick is doubtful with a concussion, with LB Blake Martinez and CB Bashaud Breeland listed as questionable. The Pack could definitely benefit from the play of the latter two. Seattle will likely be missing one if its better linebackers, K.J. Wright (listed as doubtful), as well as some secondary defenders who are listed as questionable.

But it seems as if the Packers' passing game is getting healthier along with QB Aaron Rodgers' left knee. He's got some good young receivers who are starting to make a mark and with whom he's developing a connection. With Jones in the backfield, Rodgers doesn't have to do it alone. If the Packers have a balanced game plan tonight, despite the travel and short turnaround time since Sunday, the Pack can come away with a win. They need it. While playoff hopes wouldn't be gone with a loss tonight, the window of opportunity definitely narrows. The Packers need to get this game in the win column.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 8: Packers at Rams Preview & Prediction

How are we feeling today, Packers fans? Yeah, me, too. We know the Pack can play better than we've seen through their first six games, sitting at a middling 3-2-1 and coming off their bye week. They have yet to really play a complete game on either side of the ball.

Will they have been able to get healed up a bit during the bye? And will head coach Mike McCarthy's seeming magic coming out of the bye week, where he has gone 9-3 during his tenure, play out today agains the 7-0 LA Rams? How will the team handle not only what may well be the best team in the league at this moment, but start off a five-game gauntlet that could well determine the team's season?

Lots of questions. Answers -- at least a few -- will be revealed just a few hours from now.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers give WR Randall Cobb
a big hug after a TD reception.
(Photo: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

As for our guess...the Packers have their work cut out for them today. A-duh, right? But if they wish to make a statement, this would be a good time to do so. In the Pack's favor, QB Aaron Rodgers has had an extra week to rest up his ailing left knee. That helps. It also helps that both veteran wide receivers, Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison, are ready to go this week, while Rodgers had time over the last few games during their absence to become more comfortable with a couple of the rookie wideouts; in short, a bigger talent pool to rely on in the passing game than he started the season with. The Packers will also get back CB Jaire Alexander to give some much needed help in the secondary.

Questions, of course, surround the running game. Not questions about the talent there, but rather about why RB Aaron Jones isn't given the ball more and why the running game in general isn't being used to take some of the pressure off the passing game. In today's contest, it might be best to consider approaching the game plan as most teams do against the Packers: the best defense is to keep the opposing team's offense off the field as best you can. Because, to borrow a phrase, that LA offense will mess you up!

The Packers defense has been a squad of two halves so far this season: ranking near the bottom of the rankings for first half performance and nearer the top in the second half. The defense needs to play well in both halves today for the Pack to have a chance in this game. If it gets out of hand early, some of those last minute comebacks we've seen might not be quite as possible today.

The Prediction

We could do further breakdowns, but really this game is going to come down to whether the Pack is able to play a complete game for the first time this season. If so, the game could turn into a shootout and, if so, the Packers may not only beat the 10-point underdog spread, but may also come out with an upset win. If the Packers, on the other hand, continue to play the way they have before the bye ... say bye-bye to this game.

Still, we think despite all the offensive firepower of the Rams, the Packers have some of their own in that regard. We think the defense will step up. Yes, Green 'n' Gold-colored glasses, perhaps. But what can we say?

We're calling it Packers 37 - Rams 34.

Go Pack Go!!!

2018 NFL Week 4: Packers vs. Bills Preview & Prediction

After last week's dud in D.C., Packers fans, how are you feeling about today's game against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field? A game with a still-gimpy QB Aaron Rodgers, a game likely without WR and sometime returner Randall Cobb, offensive guard Justin McCray, defensive lineman Mo Wilkerson (done for the season), and several other nicked-up Packers? A game against a team that was a 17-point underdog vs. the ViQueens last weekend and wound up spanking the 'Queens in their home stadium 27-6 behind a rookie quarterback?

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers calling an audible.
(Photo: Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

You have to believe that that win by the Bills in Minnesota last weekend got the Pack's attention. This is no gimme game, as it might have been perceived when the schedule came out. Recall that the Bills made the playoffs last season and have a stout defense (currently the fifth-ranked run defense in the NFL combined with being tied for 10th in sacks) that harassed Kirk Cousins all game last week, shutting down an explosive Minnesota offense. Offensively, the Bills likely will have running back LeSean McCoy on the field to take pressure off QB Josh Allen, who is no slouch in the running game either having run himself 18 times in two games. As Packers defensive coordinator, Mike Pettine was quoted as saying about Allen this week, “This is a big athlete. He's got good vision. He doesn't look at the rush. I think he does a good job with feeling it. And if you give him an open lane, he's going to take it and he can make you pay for it.”

But perhaps the Achilles heel for the Bills is the team's 29th rank in opponent passer rating (108.1). So, if the Packers can protect Aaron Rodgers -- and the Pack also ups its own running game, particularly in what is expected to be wet conditions -- the Packers should be able to take care of business at home today.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 9-1/2 points at the time of this posting. Well, the 'Queens were 17-point faves, as already noted, and that certainly was jut a tad off, wasn't it?

Still, the Packers are at home, coming off an uninspired performance in Washington in a game they were favored to win, and at 1-1-1 through the first three games, have something to prove. If not to the fans at least to themselves at this point. It's time they start getting the season on track. Could the Bills pull off two back-to-back road win upsets behind their rookie QB? Sure. But on this day, we don't think so. We think the Pack gets it together.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Bills 20.

Go Pack Go!!!