Packers 2014 Draft Review: Rounds 1-3

While the actual NFL football season is still several months away, the NFL Draft marks the unofficial start of the season for many fans. It sure gets the juices of Packers fans going.

To the surprise of some, GM Ted Thompson -- Trader Ted -- didn't make a move through the first three rounds, choosing instead to stay pat with the team's assigned picks. So, what do we make of the Pack's picks through the first two days? From this vantage point, we're pleased. Let's take a look at the selections, shall we...

ROUND	NUMBER	PLAYER	POSITION	SCHOOL
1	21	Ha Ha Clinton-Dix	S	Alabama
2	53	Davante Adams	WR	Fresno State
3	85	Khyri Thornton	DT	Southern Miss
3	98 (compensatory)	Richard Rodgers	TE	California

Analysis on each player can be found here; kudos to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for providing a great overview of the newest Packers.

What's our take?
As noted earlier, we think the Packers have generally had a good start to the draft. Getting Clinton-Dix, one of the top safeties available, means there is finally a good complement to Morgan Burnett. Perhaps the Pack's safeties will actually record an interception this season. Plus, Clinton-Dix is physical. Being given Charles Woodson's old number -- 21 -- is hopefully a precursor of things to come.

With Adams at wide receiver, the Packers added the nation's reception leader from 2013. He knows how to find the endzone, too. Over the last two seasons, he scored 38 touchdowns with Fresno State. As one pundit stated after the pick, the Packers replaced James Jones with a better version of James Jones. If you were happy with Jones (at least, most of the time), we think you'll be happy with Adams. Our guess is Aaron Rodgers will be, too.

Thornton may have been an unknown commodity to most Packer fans, unless you happen to reside in the South, of course. He was a fifth-year senior and team captain at Southern Miss. The story on him is that he is an athlete. At 6'3" and 304 pounds, he is the type of defensive tackle that could spell relief for B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, and perhaps be the replacement for one or the other down the road...with Pickett the more likely given his age.

To say we'll have fun with the Rodgers to Rodgers pass-catch duo is an understatement. Plus, both of the Rodgers' attended California...synchronicity! Rodgers (that will be Richard, not Aaron) has played at both blocking tight end and inside receiver. He has versatility, something the Packers value highly in all their players and particularly their receivers. He's not exactly a burner speed-wise (not too many tight ends are), but at 6'4" and about 260, and apparently with very good hands, he should add some needed competition and depth at the tight end spot for the Pack, who will likely be without Jermichael Finley going forward.

So, bottom line: good job, Ted. Can't wait to see what you do today.

At least for now, the remaining selections for the Packers look like this:
Round 4 (121st overall)
Round 5 (161st overall)
Round 5 (176th overall) -- Compensatory
Round 6 (197th overall)
Round 7 (236th overall)

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers Scuttlebutt

Where to begin, Packer fans? It's been a while since we've made a post. Heck, it's the offseason. But, things are starting to pick up a bit from the football front once again after the post-Super Bowl hiatus.

In no particular order of importance, here's a few of the rumors and realities (perhaps) of what's going on in the world of the Green Bay Packers right now.

The Packers are supposedly working on a contract extension for WR Jordy Nelson, who will be going into the last year of his existing contract. On the "Is this a good thing or a bad thing?" line of measurement, this is a good thing.

Speculation is rampant, especially following some of head coach Mike McCarthy's comments and the free agent status of both B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett, that neither defensive lineman will be re-signed. Pickett is getting a bit long in the tooth at age 34. Raji has been a big body but over the last season especially (some might argue, two) didn't seem to have much of an impact one way or another. McCarthy has said he still wants big bodies on the defensive line. But it just might not be these two big bodies any longer.

The agent for WR James Jones is telling folks at the NFL Combine that he doesn't think GM Ted Thompson wants Jones back. The Packers do have some good young receivers in the fold right now. Jones has been a solid and clutch performer for the Packers. But they may not want to pay what he probably wants to get. Plus with the abundance of really good and really fast receivers coming out in the upcoming draft, the Packers may just wish to add to their depth that way.

There's more, of course. But at least want to catch up a bit on the goings on.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

What's a GM to do? Stay the course, if you're Packers GM Ted Thompson.

An 8-8-1 win-lose-tie record can change people. After all, it's a bit of a sign of averageness (is there such a word?) if not outright mediocrity. That's where the Green Bay Packers find themselves after an injury-riddled, albeit NFC North Division Championship-winning season. Also, getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs -- by the same team, no less -- doesn't leave a good taste in one's mouth.

So what will GM Ted Thompson do to get the Pack back among the true contenders?

Well, to hear what Thompson had to say yesterday while he was scouting the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, not much different than he has done in prior seasons. According to an article by Tyler Dunne in yesterday's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Thompson said "...we try to make sure we make the team better and we put the team in a better position than we were," Thompson said. "So we'll just work at it. You don't know specifically what that entails, but we'll search every avenue and try to do that."

Photo of Ted Thompson by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Now, many Packer fans and pundits have criticized Thompson's approach for not actively pursuing free agents that might help the Packers get back to the Super Bowl. But Thompson, as Dunne writes, "...refutes the notion that he snores through free agency. The GM did sign Charles Woodson and Ryan Pickett to big deals once upon a time...in 2006." Since winning the Super Bowl in 2010, however, Dunne continues, "Green Bay's marquee signings have been center Jeff Saturday and defensive tackle Anthony Hargrove in 2012 and tight end Matthew Mulligan in 2013."

So, there's that. Thompson may not have been snoring through free agency, but sure seems like yawning has been pretty abundant.

Dunne's article is well worth reading. You can find it here.

Week 12: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

Coming into Sundays's game against the 2-8 Vikings, the Green Bay Packers sit at 5-5 and on a three-game losing streak that coincidentally started with the injury loss of starting QB Aaron Rodgers. That's the standard view.

But the recent losing tone may well have also been set with the folding of the Packers' defense late in the game against the 'Queens in Minnesota -- the Pack's last win. It was in that game, after the Packers had the game well in hand, that the defense allowed the 'Queens to score 31 points in the final 19 minutes.

The offense has had a difficult time recovering, of course, from the loss of Rodgers. But it's the defense that has generally been accorded the overall blame for these last three losses.

So what can we expect Sunday?
Depending upon what source you're looking at, the Packers are currently favored by anywhere from 3 to 4.5 points over the ViQueens, courtesy of the home field advantage essentially. The over-under is set at 44 points at the time of this posting.

But aside from that take on things, what are we looking for?

One thing would be the first home start for QB Scott Tolzien. Tolzien has displayed a strong arm when he's been allowed to throw downfield. But he's also made young QB mistakes, as demonstrated by the five interceptions he's thrown in his first two games of significant action. To be fair, two of those were tips and another was an incredibly athletic snag at the line by NY Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul. The other two INTs were cases of Tolzien failing to spot the defender. It happens. Anyone remember the number of interceptioins Brett Favre threw up in his early days as a starter? Or his middle days...or last days, for that matter?

The Packers won't win or lose the game because of Tolzien, despite Minnesota stacking the line to stop the running game, as they are anticipated to do. That means the Packers offensive line -- which created little running room for RB Eddie Lacy last week against the Giants -- must do a much better job of moving the sticks on the ground.

A solid rushing game will take the pressure off Tolzien, as long as head coach Mike McCarthy's play-calling doesn't become as predictable as in last week's game: run-run-pass-punt. It will also help keep the 'Queens best offensive weapon, RB Adrian Peterson, on the sidelines. Granted, his groin injury may help do some of that, as well. But why even allow the possibility of him becoming a factor? Eat clock!

The status of the O-line has been an issue these last few games, as well. Starting right tackle Don Barclay has been out, and is listed as out again for this game. One-time starter and now backup, Marshall Newhouse, still struggles as Barclay's replacement. So, is it time Derek Sherrod, who hasn't played in a game since December 2011, gets his shot? He apparently and finally is ready to play. Whether or not he sees action tomorrow or anytime soon is still a question mark. But, really, could he be much worse at this point than Newhouse? Here's an interesting article about Sherrod if you want to read up on his possible return to action.

Defense, oh defense, where art thou?
Assuming the Packers offense can put up some points against Minnesota -- yours truly is willing to make that assumption -- can the Packers defense stop a rather dysfunctional Minnesota offense from doing likewise? Yes. But the question is: will they?

The Packers defense has a chance at restoring its good name. Somewhat. The quarterback situation for Minnesota is a disaster. Christian Ponder was the starter. But he was pulled last week and in came Matt Cassel. He wasn't much better, tossing an interception on his first possession. And Josh Freeman? Please. As of right now it's still not clear which quarterback will get the start for the 'Queens. But regardless of who it is, unless the Packers can generate some sense of a pass rush, tackle, not leave the middle open, and cover receivers, it could be a challenging day. These are all things the Packers' D has not done well over the last few weeks. Injuries in the defensive backfield may make that part of the game challenging for the Packers. CB Casey Hayward is out, CB Sam Shields is questionable and CB Micah Hyde is listed as probable. On the defensive front, Johnny Jolly is listed as doubtful and Ryan Pickett is listed as probable; that's a lot of beef missing from that front if they are unable to go. (You can view the complete injury list here.)

The defense will need to do to Minnesota what Minnesota hopes to do to the Packers: stop the run and force the pass. If that happens, the Packers should emerge with the victory.

If they do, it might be more likely that we see the return of Aaron Rodgers on Thanksgiving Thursday at Detroit. If the Packers lose at home against Minnesota, even shorthanded, the need to try to rush Rodgers back becomes less urgent. Why? Because the Packers would be sitting at 5-6 heading into Detroit, at least one and likely two games behind in the division to the Lions and possibly Da Bearz with five games remaining. Realistically, a playoff wild card team will not be coming out of the NFC North. That means the Packers must win the division. With a game each remaining against both Detroit and Chicago a win against Minnesota is key to getting this season back on track...and Rodgers behind center again.

But let's not worry about all that right now. First things first.

The Prediction
Let's do this: Packers 24 - ViQueens 20

Go Pack Go!!!

Let the season begin! Packers vs. 49ers and season preview

Finally. It's finally here. Rejoice! Rejoice! The Green Bay Packers 2012 season kicks off this afternoon. Oh, happy happy joy joy!

As all good Packer fans know, the Pack plays the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field, with kickoff at roughly 3:25 CT. Today’s game is a matchup of the highest-scoring offense in the league in 2011 (Green Bay, 35.0 ppg) against the No. 2 scoring defense (San Francisco, 14.3 ppg) from last season. Something's gonna give, as the saying goes.

The Niners were one of the surprise teams last season, going 13-3, with some even going so far as to project them going to the Super Bowl this season. Those people, however, regardless of the outcome of today's game, are delusional.

A look at the Niners
Let's be honest, however. This is a good football team. It has a great defense, and that, rather than its offense, is what will take them to the promised land if they are indeed to get there this season. They have a maniac defensive tackle in Justin Smith, who will give LT Marshall Newhouse and LG T.J. Lang a handful all day long. If they don't slow him down, it could be a long day for QB Aaron Rodgers. See this article for more on Smith.

Ditto for handling the Niners' linebackers, which are arguably among the best in the NFL right now (don't just take my word for it...see this article for more). ROLB Aldon Smith starts this season after registering 14 sacks as a rookie who played fewer than half the snaps on defensive. He's a pass rusher and the Packers will have to find a way to handle him at the line, as well. The biggest challenge among the Niners' linebackers, however, will be inside/middle linebacker Patrick Willis. He's fast, can play the run like a beast and can drop into coverage, as well. A key match up today will be the Packers' tight ends on Willis. Jermichael Finley needs a big day against Willis to help keep the chains moving, whether through his receiving or helping open up running lanes or crossing routes for other Packer weapons to exploit.

The Niners' defensive backs are better moving forward than backward, which means that if Aaron Rogers is able to run his patented bootlegs with long downfield passes there are chances for real success. If the Pack's O-line can handle the two Smiths, and the Pack can run its four (and maybe five!) wide receiver sets, the 49ers will have their hands full figuring out who to cover. The Packers just have too many weapons in their receiving corp for defenders to stay with all day long; something will give, and when it does Rodgers will find the opening.

The Packers at a glance
As most everyone knows, the Packers' defense was its Achilles Heal last season. That's why there was a real emphasis in the draft on upgrading the defense. The Packers have added to their defensive line and linebacking corps, and some second-year players in the secondary are ready to make their mark. San Francisco has good receivers of their own and one of the keys to the game today will be how much pressure the Packers can put on QB Alex Smith. (What is it with all these Smiths on the 49ers? Did they get a deal on Smith jerseys???) We'd like to see the Pack shut down and shut up WR Randy Moss, who joined the Niners this off season. WR Michael Crabtree and TE Vernon Davis will also present their match up issues. The Packers defense will also have to keep RB Frank Gore from running loose behind a big offensive line; its often easy for the smaller backs to hide behind the big push and before you know it they've picked up five yards. The Pack can't let them happen. This will be a great test for B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and others at the line, as well as the Pack's linebackers.

As to the Packers' offense, it's the best in the game. The quarterback is the league MVP, there are six top-notch receivers, all of whom can break a defense down, and now also a consideration in the running game for defenders in the name of Cedric Benson. If Benson can pound for several yards a carry as needed -- and hold onto the ball -- and if Alex Green and John Kuhn can pick up third down yardage on screens, it will keep the defense from loading up entirely on a pass rush or dropping into nickel coverage throughout the game.

Special teams play may also factor into this game, as it sometimes does especially early in the season where young players are getting their first exposure to the speed of NFL play. If second-year player Randall Cobb can get loose, as he did last year, he could score on a return or set the Pack up in good field position for a score. Punter Tim Masthay was rewarded with a big contract for his past performance and their should be no let down this season. Kicker Mason Crosby, however, seemed a bit inconsistent in his field goal attempts at times during the preseason and you have to hope that's not a precursor of things to come today or throughout the season.

Game Prediction
The Packers are still listed as 5-point favorites today, with the over/under set at 46.5 points, among the highest point totals for Week One.

I think this game will be closer than five points. In the first game of the season, anything can happen. This is a game that the Pack could indeed lose. Still, according to gameday notes at packers.com, "Under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the Packers have won five straight season openers (2007-11), which matches the franchise record." So you know McCarthy will have a great game plan in place and have the team ready to go. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will likewise have his team ready to go. So, will it be the league's highest-scoring offense from last season that prevails or the league's No. 2 scoring defense that wins the day?

I give the nod to the Packers. My prediction: Packers 24 - 49ers 23. Go Pack Go!!!

Season Prediction
I know that many bloggers and prognositcators do a whole game by game preview for you. Sorry, gang...not gonna get that here today. Not enough time. And, really, do you need another such review? I didn't think so.

So my bottom line win-loss projection for the Pack is 12-4, good enough for winning the NFC North. Playoffs and Super Bowl...yes.

I tend to break down the season by quarters. In looking at the tough first four games -- Niners, Da Bearz, Seahawks and Saints -- I think it's reasonable to assume the Pack will drop one of those games, particularly with two tough games coming within five days of each other (49ers and Da Bearz). The second quarter of the season sees the Pack playing the Colts, Texans, Rams and Jaguars. The Packers should take all of those, but playing on the road against the playoff-ready Texans will be the biggest challenge; that game could result in a loss. The Cardinals, Lions, Giants and ViQueens is potentially a tough stretch in the third quarter of the season with the Lions and Giants back to back on the road. I'd expect one of those games to be a loss. In the final quarter of the season, the Packers play the Lions, Da Bearz, Titans and ViQueens. There's one potential loss among that group. That's how I get to 12-4.

Whether 12-4, 13-3 or even the unexpected 15-1 of last season, say it with me: It's great to be a Packer fan!

Packers beat Bengals, work out some bugs.

The Green Bay Packers won their first game of the preseason last night, defeating the Bengals 27-13 in Cincinnati. The win kept the Pack from going 0-3 in the preseason for the first time since 1993. Interesting little piece of trivia there. But more importantly, we finally got to see the first team offense and defense get into a bit more sync than we've seen in the prior two games.

Having said that, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was scrambling much more than he should have been, even accounting for two rushing TDs off scrambles. You don't want the league MVP on the run that much during a game. When he had a chance to remain in the pocket, especially on quick slant throws, he and his receivers looked sharp. On the other hand, some of the deeper routes and passes didn't connect the way you expect them to once the regular season kicks in.

The other big plus on offense was seeing running back Cedric Benson, late of the Bengals, rush for 38 yards in six carries. I Tweeted during the game that he seemed quick and decisive, and with plenty of power. He runs with his shoulders down and packs a load, always seeming to be falling forward. Benson may very well bring a dimension to the Packers' running game that we haven't seen in a long, long time. He will clearly be the starting running back come game #1 of the regular season. For more on what others, including several of the scouts and personnel men from other teams had to say about Benson and the Pack, check out this fine article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinal Packers beat writer, Bob McGinn.

The starting defense also seemed to perform well, holding Cinci to three-and-out in the first two series by the Bengals offense. Linebacker Erik Walden performed well. As did rookie LB Nick Perry. The latter is particularly nice to see given that he was drafted to take pressure off Clay Matthews. Perry had some great push. On an occasion or two, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers even lined up Perry and Matthews on the same side. Now that could get interesting in the right situation! Second-year linebacker Jamari Lattimore, playing late in the game, had a great pick-six interception, dropping into coverage, reading the quarterback and receiver, and jumping the pass lane at just the right time to take the ball into the endzone. You like to see that out of your backups. The defensive line also seemed to acquit itself well, although Ryan Pickett left in the first half with what was described as a calf injury. As to the secondary, it also seemed to perform well for the most part, although Sam Shields seemed to be a bit out of place or caught with bad footwork on a few passes.

The only casualty of the evening, if that term is even appropriate, was tight end Tom Crabtree who caught a great ball downfield a bit and was immediately popped by the defensive back. The back was flagged for an improper hit on a defenseless player (because Crabtree didn't have a chance to prepare himself for the hit, apparently), although replays showed that the hit was in fact perfectly legitimate. Crabtree left with what was reported to be a shoulder injury of an unspecified variety.

Backups Battle
After the departure of the starters for the second half, the backup brigades took the field. While some of these players may have earned themselves spots with their performances, others did themselves no favors in terms of making the team. One frustration for yours truly and many others was the fact that backup QB Graham Harrell received no repetitions with the first team offense. Instead, he was left with second, third, fourth and no-stringers to try to show what he can do. Hard to impress when you have a Keystone Cops type line in front of you. Head coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson are both high on Harrell in their public comments. They are apparently seeing more than we are. Perhaps in the final preseason game next Thursday versus Kansas City at Lambeau Field they will give him the opportunity to at least have a few snaps with the number ones.

Cuts Coming
It's clear that the Packers are deep at many positions, and definitely have the potential, barring injuries to key personnel, of a championship run. But I don't envy McCarthy and Thompson in having to make their cuts. The team roster will go from 90 to 75 by 3 p.m. CT on Monday, Aug. 27. By 8 p.m. CT Friday evening, Aug. 31, they will need to be down to the maximum of 53 players. On Saturday, Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. CT, the claiming period for players let go during the final round of cuts ends. The Packers can also start establishing their eight-man practice squad at this time. If you followed all that, and know who's making the final squad and who isn't, you must be a coach.

The Packers have young and talented receivers. One of the questions that keeps coming up during discussions of cuts is whether the Packers will release Donald Driver in favor of keeping one of the up-and-comers. I'd hate to see that happen and don't think that it will given that the Pack gave Driver a $1 million-plus signing bonus earlier this summer, and Driver cut his salary besides. My guess is they will keep Donald around this season for his veteran leadership with the younger players, as well as for his occasional role in the offense. Make no mistake, he will not get the majority of plays any longer. Last night he had his first catch of the preseason, as a matter of fact. But he can still play. More importantly, he can lead. That's worth keeping around, at least for one more season.

There will be more later on all this, especially as Monday rolls around. Probably won't be reporting anything more here until then. So enjoy your weekend, everyone. And say it with me: it's great to be a Packer fan!

Packers vs. Chiefs: victory #14 on the horizon

The undefeated Green Bay Packers roll into Kansas City today for the last of this season's road games. If the Packers win, they will have gone undefeated in all their road games, which is something that has only been done a handful of times in the history of the NFL. (Or is it 2 handfuls? Look it up!) More importantly, it will give the Pack 14 wins on the season and secure homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. It will also set the stage for the final two home games of the regular season against Da Bearz and Lions. 16-0 is just a hop-skip-jump away.

But first, the Packers must dispose of the Chiefs. The oddsmakers have installed the Packers as 13-1/2-point favorites and with the over/under at 45.5 points.

What's to stop the Pack from getting a "W" today? There are always the lists that are put out about "10 things the Packers need to do to win, etc." Ya know, all they have to do is one thing: show up. Now, I don't say that to slight the Chiefs. They can play -- especially on the defensive side of things -- and if the Packers let them hang around long enough anything can happen. Kyle Orton is getting the nod at QB today. But in terms of offensive weapons, they just don't have much. Defensively, the KC defensive backs will have their hands full all day long even without having to cover WR Greg Jennings. The Packers are loaded at receiver and tight end and, obviously, present huge matchup problems for any team. Plus, the Chiefs have really been hit by injuries as well.

Of course, the Packers also have injury issues. Inactives for today just announced are: Graham Harrell, Brandon Saine, James Starks, Desmond Bishop, Chad Clifton, Ryan Pickett, and Greg Jennings. LB Vic So'oto and RG Josh Sitton are active.

Pickett's presence will be missed. The Packers have had problems stopping the run all year and that has been with Pickett having a good season. With Saine and Starks both inactive, that means the only two running backs active for this game are Ryan Grant and John Kuhn. Grant had his best game all season last week against the Raiders and Kuhn was his typical Kuhn-esque self late in the game. Let's hope they both hold up again today. The emphasis, of course, will once again be the passing game. Shocking, yes.

So, what's it all boil down to? That the Packers will come away with their fourtheenth victory of this season, 20 in a row going back to last year. An amazing run, and something not before seen in the history of the Packers. The players want to go 16-0 in the regular season, so I can't imagine them tripping up in a supposed "trap game" against the likes of KC.

I'm calling it Packers 41 - Chiefs 17.

GO PACK GO!!!

P.S. A big congratulations to the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater football team, who Friday evening won their third consecutive Division III football championship, defeating (again) Mount Union, 13-10. It's a great college program and another winner in the fine Wisconsin tradition. Congrats, Warhawks!

Packers route Raiders, 46-16; witnessing "greatness"?

Are there really any more superlatives one can use to describe the 2011 Green Bay Packers? Apparently so. Yesterday, before the Packers took the Oakland Raiders to the Lambeau Field woodshed for a whupping, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher declared that, "In my opinion, no team has been greater." That certainly sets up a conversation filled with opinions. But for now, at least, the Packers are certainly the greatest team this season...and unarguably the second greatest over a two-season span, winning 19 consecutive games going back to last year. This Packers team trails only the New England Patriots of several years back who reeled off 21 games in a row over two seasons.

The Pack are enjoying a historic season from a team perspective, setting records for scoring, consecutive wins, etc. QB Aaron Rodgers finally had his NFL record consecutive streak of games with a passer rating over 100 snapped yesterday, falling just short of that mark. Even an MVP has an off day now and then.

Anyway, back to the Raiders game. Oh, why bother? They didn't show up to play, why should I show up to write about them? Exactly!

The Pack had their most complete game of the season yesterday. Scoring almost at will in the first half, and generating five turnovers on defense. Three players that hadn't scored yet this season got added to the total, now making 19 in all. Ryan Grant, Erik Walden and rookie Ryan Taylor all notched a TD. The only blemish on a perfect day was a blocked PAT...but that just kept the score at 43 points at that time instead of 44. Ah well. Even backup QB Matt Flynn saw more than a quarter's worth of playing time.

Oh...and with the win, the Packers secured a first round bye in the playoffs. If they beat Kanssas City on the road this coming Sunday, they will secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Anyone think that's not going to happen? KC? Puh-leze. All roads will lead to Lambeau this season, Packer fans!

The downside to the game was the injury to WR Greg Jennings, a sprained knee (originally reported as a torn MCL) which will sideline him probably through the end of the regular season. While, no one thinks losing Jennings is a plus, is anyone really worried that things won't keep churning along? The depth that GM Ted Thompson has built is remarkable. One guy goes down, another comes in without any apparent drop off.

Still, injuries are starting to pile up. RB Brandon Saine -- himself a replacement -- had his playing time shortened yesterday after sustaining a concussion. Ditto for Ryan Pickett. Offensive linemen Chad Clifton and Josh Sitton are still out. LBs A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop are ailing. It's nowhere near as bad as last year. But still. Injuries to key personnel, most notably Rodgers, would be about the only thing that would derail this juggernaut. Keep your fingers crossed, folks. Things are looking good. But players need to stay healthy for the final push through the post-season to the Super Bowl.

The Packers are on their way again. And we can all enjoy the ride.

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

Packers vs. Saints: just a few points

Finally getting the time to jot down just a few points about Thursday night's NFL season-opening extravaganza in Green Bay. A lot has already been said and written about the Packers 42-34 win over the Saints.

A quick summary: the Packers wowed many of the pundits who are ready to make them the odds-on favorites to be in the Super Bowl and likely win it. OK. I can go with that.

The Packers offense, to no one's surprise, is loaded with weapons for QB Aaron Rodgers to work with. If the opposing defense blitzes, he can generally find his hot receiver and beat it. If they play man-to-man, good luck. You might cover a couple of the receivers, but the Pack's number 3 and 4 receivers are better than the opponents third and fourth d-backs. Also, who's going to cover TE Jermichael Finley in man coverage? A linebacker? C'mon. If the defense goes into a zone scheme, Rodgers will go underneath all day long. Or start running Ryan Grant and James Starks to open up the downfield game. Bottom line regarding the Packers offense is this: if the Packers don't turn the ball over and stop themselves, opposing defensive coordinators will be having nightmares trying to figure out how to scheme against this explosive offense.

Now, there was a bit of an Achilles Heel in the offense which we saw last season at times and which reemerged against the Saints: the inability at the end of the game to pick up a needed first down to enable the team to run out the clock for the victory. Giving the Saints the ball back was...oh...not good. The Packers kept the Saints in the game when the Saints couldn't do it. The inability to convert that short third down play kept the Saints alive until that final goal line stop with no time left on the clock (an extra play due to what this observer thought was a horrible pass interference call on A.J. Hawk). The Packers have to be able to close out these games without giving the opponent one last shot to tie or win the game.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers gave up a bundle of yards. But, the Saints got inside the 20-yard line 5 times and came away with just 10 points. That was huge. The Packers, if memory serves, got inside the 20 four times and came away with touchdowns each time; that was the difference in the game. The defense came up big when it needed to. DE Jarius Wynn, replacing the injured Mike Neal, had a huge game, as did stalwarts Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji and Howard Green. LB Erik Walden, getting his first start opposite Clay Matthews, also acquitted himself well. Linebackers did get beat in coverage on occasion. That's going to happen in a match-ups type game. The Packers secondary was also on its game for the most part, despite giving up some big yards. There really weren't many yards-after-catch type receptions against the secondary, despite some lengthy passes to the endzone against coverage.

One of the advantages of waiting a day or so to do a game review is that we have a better feel for injuries incurred during the game. The one which looked most concerning at the time was the injury to Tramon Williams. Williams actually got hit on the shoulder by Nick Collins as he was about to make a tackle in the second half. He left holding his arm, which is usually a sign of a dislocation or worse. According to the latest reports out of Green Bay, Williams emerged with a bruised shoulder, nothing worse. Whew. They are not sure whether he'll be available yet for the game versus the Panthers, but clearly the Packers dodged a bullet which could have had season-long implications for the defense.

As to special teams...as long as rookie Randall Cobb is returning kicks, it's a good thing. As long as the coverage units are as porous as a sieve, it's not a good thing. I have not been a fan of special teams coach Bob Slocum. Thought he should have been long gone a long time ago. Granted, he didn't know exactly who he was going to have to work with on an ongoing basis until about a week before the game. So we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But if there is not significant improvement on this squad, Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay should be kicking and punting the ball out of bounds; the sideline will do a better job covering than will the Packers special teams unit. Let us pray...

My main area of concern is still the depth of the backups on the offensive line. The starters generally did a good job Thursday night, although Rodgers got hit much more than he should have been. But if anyone on the line goes down, there's not much experience to draw upon among the three backups. First-rounder Derek Sherrod was among the inactives for the game, which gives you a clue about just how far he needs to go to be the replacement for Chad Clifton at left tackle.

But, the Packers got their first win in an important conference match. A game which could be a precursor to the NFC Championship. Which, at least in head-to-head now, means the Saints would have to come to Green Bay in January. Oh wait...there are 15 more games to go. And a LOT of things can happen along the way.

The Packers go to Carolina to play the Panthers this next weekend. They'll be well-rested and well-prepared. Let's just make an early prediction that the Pack will be 2-0 coming out of that game.

It's great to be a Packers fan! Go Pack Go!!!

Mmmm...Super Bowl...Goooood

With proper respect to Homer Simpson, yes, Super Bowl..mmmmm....goooooood.

It will be exceptionally good if the Packers win, of course. Which they will. More on that later with my specific score prediction. But for now, let's consider what it's going to take to bring the Lombardi Trophy back home to Green Bay where it rightly belongs.

Just about everything that can be written about both teams' players, the storied franchises, the legacies, the championship wins and more has been written. And let's not forget the stories about the fans. The Packers and Steelers have the best fan followings in the country. The game is being played in Dallas, which likes to assume the title of America's Team. We all know that's as big a pile of horse hockey as to be found anywhere. These two teams' fans know where the truth lies.

So, we're roughly 27 hours away from the kickoff of what will be the most-attended Super Bowl ever, and likely the most-watched Super Bowl, as well. The Packers have been confident and loose all week, according to reports. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters yesterday, "We respect Pittsburgh, but we feel that this is our time and Sunday will be our night." No doubt Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin feels the same way about the Packers and his team's chances.

A look at each team's units
OK, that subhead doesn't sound right, does it? But you know what I mean...get your mind out of the gutter!

It has been said for the last two weeks that the Packers and Steelers are pretty much cut from the same cloth: great defenses -- number 1 and 2 in scoring defense -- and great quarterbacks. Most are predicting a close game. The 2-1/2 point spread in favor of the Packers is the tightest margin since 1983, when the Washington Redskins played the Miami Dolphins. Many are giving the edge to the Steelers' defense. Well-deserved praise, for sure. They are loaded. But so is the Packers' defense. In my view, that's a draw. It will be up to individuals on each unit to make an impact one way or another, to cause a turnover, make a tackle, blow up a run or pass, and so on. Game-changing stuff. When looked at that way, I think the Packers "D" has more impact players in more places. Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson, B.J. Raji, Tramon Williams, Cullen Jenkins, Desmond Bishop, Sam Shields, Nick Collins, Ryan Pickett, A.J. Hawk... I mean, c'mon on.

Special teams? A few months ago I would have said -- actually, did say -- that the Packers' special teams unit was the team's Achilles Heal. No more. They still might not have found a returner on the roster, but the coverage units have gotten much better. And free agent punter Tim Masthay has turned into a great punter over the last part of the season. He could be as much a key to a win as anyone, believe it or not. Especially if the game comes down to field position.

As to offenses, the Packers have the better offensive line, and I'm not the only one saying that. Packers NT B.J. Raji should have a field day going against the Steelers backup center. On the Pack's side of things, if they can just create enough of a push to get rookie RB James Starks two or three yards a carry that will help considerably when the Pack unleashes its air attack from play-action. The Packers receiving corp is arguably the best in the league; they are certainly the best in this game. Donald Driver hasn't practiced the last few days due to a quad injury, but as coach Mike McCarthy said there's no way he can imagine Driver not playing in this game. It would be an added bonus if rookie TE Andrew Quarless felt this was the time for him to also learn to catch the ball on critical downs.

Last but not least, let's look at the quarterbacks. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl wins under his belt already. That experience helps big time. He's done it and he's won it. But his big frame helps more when he's both in and out of the pocket. The Packers defense will have to somehow figure out ways to get him down. He's got a big arm and is great at improvising. But those last two qualities are shared with Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. In fact, Rodgers has the added benefit of having a quicker release on his passes and that, again, helps give the Packers an edge. In listening to a cast of former Super Bowl winners this morning on ESPN, from coaches to players -- including Mike Ditka and Steve Young -- it was nearly unanimous that Aaron Rodgers was the key to victory for the Pack. He's been hot. And there's no reason to suspect he won't be on Super Bowl Sunday.

Former QB and Super Bowl winner Kurt Warner had some advice for the Packers with regards to Rodgers, however. He suggested, quite wisely, that coach McCarthy should help Rodgers by giving him an easy throw or two coming out of the box to build confidence and get into a rhythm. When Rodgers gets into that flow quickly, it usually means good things in terms of the final outcome.

Here's the final prediction
The game will undoubtedly ebb and flow. These are two great teams. It will be a physical game. Both teams will be brining it, as they say, for the full 60 minutes. The defense that wears down first might be the one to let the game slip away.

Throughout the regular season, the Packers never lost games as much as beat themselves. They aren't going to do that on this stage. Even if they get down, they are capable of getting back in it. They will never be out of it.

I'm thinking that coach McCarthy will unleash his offense and, as he's done all season, rely on defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his great defense to hold down the Steelers. The final score? I'm calling it 31-24 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

It's a Packivus miracle!

Yes, it's Packivus for the rest of us!

For any team to make it to the Super Bowl it is a bit of a miracle, isn't it? And when we really contemplate what this season's version of the Green Bay Packers has accomplished it truly is an amazing accomplishment.

Consider:

• Fifteen players were placed on injured reserve during the regular season, including six starters.
• The team's six losses were by a combined total of 20 points.
• The Pack had to win their last two regular season games just to qualify via tiebreaker for the playoffs as the last seed.
• The team had to go on the road for all three playoff games...and win. In doing so, they became the first #6 seed from the NFC to advance to the Super Bowl.
• At no time, in any game this season, have the Packers trailed by more than 7 points.
• The Packers' defense is either at or near the top in just about all statistical categories, despite being the unit that lost the most starters and backups to season-ending injuries.

It's an amazing story. The Packers were the preseason pick of many to go to the Super Bowl because of the talent on board. Much of that talent was left by the wayside as the season went on. Other players, many of them virtual unknowns and/or street free agents -- Sam Shields, Howard Green, Erik Walden, John Kuhn, James Starks and Tim Masthay among them -- had to step in and play at an exceptionally high level even for the team to have a shot at making the playoffs. The player personnnel side of things, beginning with GM Ted Thompson, and the coaches and staff -- especially head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers -- had to do a remarkable job of getting these players in a position to succeed. And succeed they did.

There is much to be proud of about this team. They have one goal remaining, four quarters of football, to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown USA. Their upcoming opponent is almost a mirror image of the Pack, especially on the defensive side of things. The Steelers have 25 players on the roster with Super Bowl experience; the Packers have two, Charles Woodson and Ryan Picket (although John Kuhn was on the Steelers practice squad when they won in 2005). But would you put it past this group of Packers to once again exceed expectations? Nope.

It will be a knock-down, drag-out battle for the title. If the Pack puts it together they way they can, they way they have been, Super Bowl XVL will go down as the fourth such title for the team, and their 13th overall NFL championship title...more than any other NFL team. They want it. You have to believe they'll earn it. After all, it's the season of Packivus miracles!

Oh, and a word to the NFL for next season: just imagine what the Packers will be like when they get all their players back! Be afraid...be very afraid.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Lions Preview

As a blizzard is set to hit Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers are set to hit the Lions in Detroit. The Pack took to the air in time to beat the snowstorm. Still, a few players will not be on the field Sunday when gametime arrives. Key among them from the Packers' standpoint is DE Cullen Jenkins; he strained a calf muscle in last weekend's game vs. the 49ers. Trying to fill that sizable void on the D-line will be C. J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn. It's possible Howard Green might also be moved around in the rotation as well with B. J. Raji and Ryan Pickett.

But it's not the running game that is of primary concern from a defensive standpoint. It's the passing game of the Lions. And even though their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford, is still sidelined, the backup to the backup, Drew Stanton, is a serviceable QB. Kinda like Jay Cutler...on a good day. (Ouch!) More importantly, whoever is tossing the ball in Motor City has WR Calvin Johnson on his side. His size and speed make him the Lions' main offensive weapon. But he's not the only one. TE Brandon Pettigrew benefits from Johnson opening things up. He's a big tight end, although not fast. Since linebackers A. J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop will likely wind up covering him, he may get some opportunities. But he should be able to be kept in check.

While a few Packers won't be on the field this time around, there was at least some good news going into the game: it appears that LT Chad Clifton is cleared to play, and the ankle sprain sustained during practice this week by Charles Woodson was not as serious as initially suspected; he'll also likely be good to go Sunday...it's a game in Michigan, right? Woodson won't miss that one!

The Packers are 10-4 in dome games under head coach Mike McCarthy. Is it surprising? The Packers offense is geared to the air game. And there's no better place to air out the ball, especially in December, than inside. I know, I know, that's almost heresy in Packerland. But given perfect conditions in which to throw the ball, guess what's going to happen? The Packers are going to light up the Lions, particularly given the sorry state of Detroit's secondary. QB Aaron Rodgers will have a big day, as will his receiving corps. Toss in a seemingly resurgent (yes, for the Packers that does mean just one game) running game with rookie James Starks and the Pack will be far more than the Lions can handle, even if they do happen to make it a game for a while.

Coach McCarthy, if memory serves, is 9-0 against the Lions. Sunday will make it 10-0. Despite the final score of the first meeting this season, most games aren't that close. The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points. They'll take care of that going away.

What's my prediction on the final score? You'll have to check back Sunday morning for that. Barring a blizzard-born power outage, you'll get my call then.

For now...Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Vikings Preview

Favremageddon 2010 - Part Deux is upon us. The Tempest in the Twin Cities. The Oh-The-Humanity in the Humpty Dump. The Overused Hyperbole in...well...

OK, you get the idea. The Green Bay Packers meet the Minnesota Vikings in the second of their two 2010 showdowns. Round #1 went in favor of the Pack. Round #2? That should also go in favor of the Packers, and the line seems to reflect that: the Pack is favored by 3 despite the game being played on the 'Queens home field where they are very good and the Packers usually aren't.

But we all know that these games in the Humpty Dump are never easy. It is one of the loudest venues in all of sports. It is made even louder this time around with all the Minnesota fans shouting for the firing of head coach Brad Childress. But that's a whole other story. The key thing for the Packers will be to get up early and take the crowd out of it. If you are the Packers, you want them booing their own team not creating signal calling problems for you.

Coming out of the bye week, and with time to re-gear and build upon the momentum and offensive rhythm established over the last three games, the offense should click. The defense, with Cullen Jenkins working without the club on his broken hand for the first time since the first game, and the possibility of Ryan Picket returning in even limited play, should pick right up where it left off. Contain RB Adrian Peterson and pressure Ol' #4. The Packers' opportunistic defense should be able to generate a couple turnovers and in a close game that can be the difference. The 'Queens got some good news today, however, when WR Sidney Rice was activated off the PUP list. How much action he'll see, and how in sync he'll be with his quarterback, is a big question.

As for special teams, the Packers will have cornerback and speedster Sam Shields returning kickoffs. He opened eyes with a big return against the Cowboys. Coaches have decided that, until fumbles prove otherwise, he creates more problems for opponents that he does for the Packers. Expect the usual suspects back to return punts. On special teams, look also for the return of TE/LB Spencer Havner to the mix. He was a great special teams player in his prior time with the Packers and one would expect more of the same now that he's back in the fold. Throw in the bonus of his rapport as a tight end with QB Aaron Rodgers in the red zone and the Packers have yet another receiving threat for the 'Queens to worry about.

This will be Brett Favre's Super Bowl: his chance to win one last time against his former team before calling it quits. You know he's going to do all he can to stick a fork into GM Ted Thompson one last time. But there should be no doubt that the Packers are the better team. And by the end of the game, the score will reflect that.

I'm calling it Packers 31 - Vikings 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

If it's a new week there must be new Packers

You know that old saying, "You can't tell your players without a program"? Perhaps never has that been more true for fans of the Green Bay Packers than this season.

We're just coming up on the half-way point and there are now 10 Packers on the season-ending injured reserve list, eight of them from the defense (see my post from Tuesday regarding the situation Dom Capers has been dealing with as the defensive coordinator). Defensive lineman Mike Neal and linebackers Brady Poppinga and Brad Jones -- the latter of the Favre-ankle-fracture tackle -- are the latest.

So, over the course of this week, GM Ted Thompson has had to find some bodies. He's added several linebackers and a D-lineman who, perhaps not coincidentally, was picked up on waivers from the Packers' next opponent, the Jets.

You can read more about the new pick ups in the following articles: DT Howard Green, LB Erik Walden, LBs Diyarl Briggs and Erik Wilhelm.

To make room on the roster, LB Maurice Simpkins was cut.

With CB Al Harris and S Atari Bigby ready to be activated either this week or next, the roster is still very much in flux.

While the Packers' linebacking corps has certainly been decimated with injuries, it's interesting that only one defensive lineman has been added given its current lack of depth, as well. Sunday evening against the ViQueens, for example, the Pack was down basically to only three available D-linemen: B. J. Raji, C. J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn. Ryan Pickett was sidelined after a mere seven snaps with a bum ankle and Cullen Jenkins -- already playing one-handed with his other in a cast for the rest of the season -- strained a calf muscle in warmups and was unable to play.

There's no other team in the league that has been hit as hard as the Packers with injuries this early in the season: 10 players on IR among whom are eight members of the defense and which also includes five starters from both sides of the ball. Wow.

If somehow Thompson and the coaches can keep this all together with string and baling wire it will be one heckuva personnel job from top to bottom. Still a long way to go in the season. But it can't get any worse from an injury standpoint, can it? No, really, it can't. Can it???

Packers vs. Vikings: Sunday eve Favremageddon

Installment #3 of the duel between the Green Bay Packers and the Ol' #4-led Minnesota ViQueens kicks off at 7:20 p.m. tonight at Lambeau Field. The Packers are favored by 3 points -- the home field advantage. Temps will be in the mid-50s, great for late October. Showers are expected to taper off. If rain persists, it may turn the event into a running game...which would favor the 'Queens and RB Adrian Peterson. Especially since the Packers' running game has basically been put on the back burner of head coach Mike McCarthy's play calling, despite his protestations to the contrary. One of the keys to this game, though, is really about keeping Peterson contained more so than getting the moribund (look it up!) running game of the Packers going. Keep Peterson in check, as the Pack did in their two games last season, make Ol' #4 have to throw the ball, get pressure on him -- as the Pack did not in their two games last season -- and that will go a long way to determining the outcome of this game.

On the flip side, Packers' QB Aaron Rodgers has to play better than he did against his counterpart in the two meetings of last season. It would help, of course, if his offensive line also protected him better than it did then. 'Queens DE Jared Allen isn't the sack machine he was a year ago and tonight is no time for him to begin reprising that role. Chad Clifton and Bryan Bulaga -- likely getting the start at tackle again for Mark Tauscher -- will have to be on their game. Rodgers, for his part, needs to get rid of the ball more quickly than when these teams last met. Of late, he seems to have reverted a bit to this old habit which could come back to haunt him and the Pack. Let's hope not. RB Brandon Jackson and whomever else coach McCarthy tosses in to run a few times need to do enough to keep the Minnesota defense honest and out of a constant blitz barrage. Rodgers and his receivers also need to do a much better job of converting third downs. To date, that has been a situation which has contributed directly to the Pack's three losses. If it's the same old tune tonight...well, that wouldn't be good.

The Packers' defense should get a boost from having linebackers Brandon Chillar and Clay Matthews back in the lineup, along with DE Ryan Pickett. All three are still listed as questionable on the Packers' injury report, but expectations are that they will see action. Matthews is obviously critical to getting pressure on Favre. And Chillar's ability to cover over the middle will also play a role in the defense's success tonight. Pickett's ability to anchor the end of the line will also be key to helping contain Peterson. The news on the return to practice of CB Al Harris and S Atari Bigby this week was a plus, but no moves were made to make them active as of yet. Newly-acquired S Anthony Smith should see some action today backing up Charlie Peprah.

Special teams? Well...containing Minnesota returner Percy Harvin will be a challenge. And if they don't that could be the difference between winning and losing this game. Add in the need by punter Tim Masthay to do a much better job than he has done recently in helping the Packers manage the opponents' starting field position and this is still a major area of concern.

What's the bottom line? For a lot of reasons, the Packers need to win this game. The season is not done, however, if they don't. But getting the 'Queens at Lambeau, with a distracted (we hope) Brett Favre, and with a healthier (relatively speaking) defense, is a plus. If the Packers offense can just put 4 quarters of consistent effort across, the Pack should take this game. But it will be close. Very close, as most of the games between these two teams are.

I'm calling it 24-23 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

SNL parodies Favre
If you happened to catch Saturday Night Live last night, you saw them lampoon Ol' #4's recent alleged "incident," so to speak. They created a parody of Favre's Wrangler Jeans ads (which, by the way, Wrangler has pulled from airing recently) which is spot-on. If you didn't catch it, you can see it here. Very funny. But also very sad for the QB who once was known for something other than this.

Packers vs. Dolphins Preview

The Miami Dolphins pay a visit to Lambeau Field today to meet the Green Bay Packers. The Fish are 2-2, the Pack 3-2. Believe it or not, the Dolphins lead the all-time series 9-3. But today, the Packers are listed as 3-1/2 point favorites, basically as a result of the home field advantage.

The Dolphins come in healthy and off their bye week. The NFL schedulers really dropped a gift in their laps by having them visit Green Bay on a balmy 60-degree mid-October day. (Gee, couldn't it have been in mid-December? What's a couple months among friends, right?)

But the Pack, as the entire football world is aware, has...oh...just a few injury issues to deal with. On both sides of the ball. And that will undoubtedly affect the game. A few players on defense that could perhaps play -- e.g., Clay Matthews and Ryan Pickett -- probably won't. This is a non-division, non-conference game. It won't figure in most tiebreaker situations. Not that you don't always want to get the "W". But when do you want Matthews and others available? For the Fish? Or next weekend versus the ViQueens? Please. Let's get 'em as healthy as possible for the game against the 'Queens.

While it's not final until gametime, QB Aaron Rodgers is expected to get the OK to play. That's a big plus for the offense, although the game plan likely won't feature the emphasis on the play of the tight ends quite as much with the loss of Jermichael Finley and, possibly for this game, Donald Lee, although he's listed as "probable" on the injury list. The wide receivers will need to do a much better job than they did against Washington, where they had seven dropped passes. On the line, rookie Bryan Bulaga will once again get the start at right tackle in place of an ailing Mark Tauscher.

And the running game? Wha-a-a...??? The Pack has a running game? Yes, it just hasn't been counted on much this season -- especially after the first-game loss of Ryan Grant -- so no reason to expect that to change now. As a matter of fact, there's a good article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about head coach Mike McCarthy's commitment, or lack thereof, to the running game. Great insights into the coach's mindset, using his own words to have a look inside, so to speak.

As for the Packers' defense, that's where the injuries will show up against a capable Fish offense. The absence of Matthews, Pickett, Brandon Chillar and Nick Barnett (who is done for the season) leave the Pack with basically its second unit linebacking corps and perhaps even rookie C. J. Wilson starting on the line for the still-injured Mike Neal. The Fish have a two-headed running attack with Ronnie Brown and Rickie "One Toke Over the Line" Williams. The primary receiving threat is Brandon Marshall, who is a good one. Starting QB Chad Henne has a strong arm but is a bit cumbersome in the pocket and, in only his second season as a starting QB, still locks onto receivers a bit too often. If the Packers could generate any pash rush today they could create some turnovers. But against a very good offensive line, and with the Pack's best pass rushers out, that type of rush doesn't seem very likely.

The Dolphins got beat 41-14 in their game versus New England the week before their bye. Thirty-five of the Patriots' points came in the second half. Hmmm...considering that the Packers seem to have a second-half drop off in most games so far this season, that certainly doesn't mean much.

Given that the Packers' special teams are yet again in flux because of the injuries to key players and the movement of some special teams players into those starting or key back up roles, don't count on much out of this unit today. But again, we haven't really counted on much from them most of the season. So anything we get in the way of returns from Tramon Williams, Jordy Nelson or whomever the coaches decide to throw back there today is a bonus. On the flip side, it's possible coverage units could give up big yardage because of the new mix of players.

Could the Pack rise to the occasion, kind of like a wounded rogue elephant, and pull out a victory at home today? It's possible. But I think the injury situation for the Packers just might be too much to overcome. The Packers have lost -- given away -- two games they should have won. Here's a game today that, by all counts, they should probably lose.

This game is one of those toss-up games for me. My head says the Fish will swim out of Lambeau with a victory because of the state of the triage unit known as the Packers. My heart, of course, bleeds Green 'n' Gold and says somehow, someway, the Pack will get a much-needed "W". This is one time when a score prediction eludes me. It's much more basic than that.

Go Pack Go!!!

What now for the Packers?

Both local and national sports talk shows have been abuzz since Sunday discussing the injury woes of the Green Bay Packers. Expect that to continue for quite some time.

This morning, starting TE and emerging NFL star, Jermichael Finley -- a huge part of the Packers' offensive game plans -- is undergoing arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He'll be out 3 to 6 weeks, not the 2 to 3 initially speculated here and elsewhere. Ouch. In more ways than one. TE Donald Lee is likely also out a couple weeks with a chest sprain. So we'll be seeing a lot more of the young tight ends, Andrew Quarless and Tom Crabtree.

Starting LB Nick Barnett will undergo surgery on his wrist tomorrow, after which they will be able to determine whether it's a season-ending situation (the second in three years for Barnett) or whether he can make it back. Some reports are indicating that it might be 8 weeks before Barnett could return. Given that leaves only about 2 regular season games and playoffs (assuming the Pack could actually make it given their current situation), the question then becomes whether or not GM Ted Thompson would hold that roster spot for Barnett. Given the hits nearly across the board with injuries of varying kinds, Thompson might be hard pressed to do so. It seems unlikely.

QB Aaron Rodgers will be held out of practice at least some of this week due to the concussion he suffered on Sunday. It's possible he could miss the game against Miami if he is not cleared by a third-party neurologist. Backup Matt Flynn will be preparing, as he must, as if he'll get the start.

S Derrick Martin is also out at least several weeks with a knee injury. Again, it might be a numbers game here with Thompson: hold the roster spot or put Martin on injured reserve to get a body? My guess is the latter.

The news on LB Clay Matthews was good, all things considered: his hamstring strain is not as serious as it's been in the past. Having said that, however, it's possible Matthews could still be held out of the Miami game so he's ready to go against the ViQueens (who, by the way, lost to the Jets last night in New York...or wherever that new stadium is...oh, and did I mention the 'Queens fate was sealed on -- what else? -- an interception in the closing minutes off a pass by Ol' #4? Say it with me: awwwwwwww...).

DE Ryan Pickett has an ankle sprain with no apparent timetable for playing. He could be ready to go this weekend.

On the good news front -- yes, there is at least one silver lining -- LB Brandon Chillar will practice this week and could also see action against the Dolphins.

Keep in mind, also, that S Atari Bigby, CB Al Harris and RB James Starks will technically be available to rejoin the team after this next game. But if in fact they will be activated and ready to make contributions of the kind needed right now, that's anyone's guess.

Guess it's that time, Packer fans...let us pray...

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.

The Packers' win from the day after

In the light of day, the day after the Green Bay Packers victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, a few observations. Nothing original. Just one person's take on what went down in Philly.

• Special teams played far better than anyone expected. Jordy Nelson had some great returns and the coverage units kept Eagles returner DeSean Jackson in check for the most part. Punter Tim Masthay performed well in his debut. And K Mason Crosby set a team-record with a 56-yard field goal. He was long and accurate. Good to see. May all continue to perform at this level throughout the season.
• Aaron Rodgers had a not-so-great game. He was 19-31 for 188 yards. Yes, he threw a couple TD passes and when he was on he was on. But he started poorly and had two picks, one on a deflection and another on a ball that appeared to sail on him and missed his receiver badly. Chalk it up to an abberation.
• The offensive line...well, Rodgers was under pressure especially early in the game. For a while, the O-line was looking like what we saw early last season. There were instances where our two old tackles indeed looked old. I recall one instance where both Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher got beat on the same play. It seemed as if they picked up their protection in the second half. We can only hope they play at that level the rest of the season.
• The defensive line...coach Mike McCarthy had decided to have only four down lineman active for the game because of the scheme they thought they'd be running against Eagles QB Kevin Kolb; rookies Mike Neal and C.J. Wilson were not available. And that made things especially challenging when a couple things happened: Kolb left the game with a concussion sustained on a tackle by LB Clay Matthews (more on Mr. Matthews in a bit) and Michael Vick and his legs entered the game; and Cullen Jenkins sustained a broken hand on the first defensive series and had to play the balance of the game one-handed after being fitted with a club, and the oft-injured back up DE Justin Harrell sustained a left knee injury blocking on Crosby's first field goal of 49 yards. So, for a while that meant the entire defensive line consisted of B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett. The two heavyweights, to their credit, did a fantastic job all things considered. Harrell, by the way, has been placed on the injured reserve list (yes, again) and is done for the year (yes, again). As the TV crew noted during the game, Harrell had only played in 14 games during his prior three years with the team. At what point, a reasonable fan must ask -- and has asked before -- do you just reach an injury settlement with the young man and move on? Clearly, he's going to have to be replaced by either a practice squad player, a free agent or trade. (We will leave aside the running discussion as to whether Harrell should have been a #16 draft pick to begin with...and, by the way, the answer is "No!")
• Linebackers and secondary...Could Clay Matthews possibly do any more than he did yesterday? Man! He appeared to be operating at an entirely different level of speed and power. Fantastic. On the flip side, because of the scheme the Packers planned on running and then had to run with Vick in the game, it turns out that LB A.J. Hawk never played a down from scrimmage. They typically always remove him on passing downs and because the Pack played a nickel/dime defense most of the day, Brandon Chillar, Brad Jones and even undrafted rookie LB Frank Zombo (who had a sack, by the way!) got the reps. Hawk has seemingly disappeared from the defense. Perhaps he could be packaged and traded for either a defensive lineman or a running back (where depth was a concern going into the season and is even more so now...more on that in a minute). The secondary generally held up well. Charles Woodson was, as usual, constantly around the ball. Tramon Williams held up well as did, for the most part, rookies Morgan Burnett and Sam Shields. Shields got turned around and burned on one TD pass and looked very much like a rookie on that play. But all in all, seemed to hold his own for the most part.
• The running game...just when it looked as if that might come around, Ryan Grant left the game with an ankle sprain. Brandon Jackson had some nice runs taking the bulk of the carries after Grant's departure. And FB/RB John Kuhn had a couple powerful runs, including a TD. Coach McCarthy said in his press conference today that Grant will not play in the upcoming game against the Bills. Jackson will be the featured back with Kuhn as the back up. But for all those fans who wanted the Packers to have more depth at running back, yep, we were right. That doesn't get us anywhere, but we were right. Will Ted Thompson do anything to address the situation? It would be a surprise if he did. But that's what makes surprises surprises, right? Let us pray...

Bottom line is that this was a statement game, if there can be such a thing in only the first game of the season. We knew the offense would put up points; not really an area of concern. Yet, this was a game where the offense, particularly Aaron Rodgers, wasn't especially sharp. They still put up 27 points. The areas that were of concern had to do with the defense and special teams, both of which really helped carry the day yesterday. It's a good sign.

For now, let's hope that the injuries to Grant and Jenkins don't present problems throughout the season. Let's wish Justin Harrell well, as it's obvious the young man worked hard to get back on the field despite his injury history. But let's also hope Ted Thompson makes a few moves to add to the D-line and running back depth before they truly become positions of desperation.

Oh...did I mention that I predicted the actual final score of 27-20? (Yeah, I know...enough already!)

Time to get Packer'd up: Packers vs. Eagles preview

For all the fans of the Green Bay Packers throughout the universe, this is the day we have looked forward to since that gut-wrenching overtime playoff loss in Arizona: the start of the 2010 regular season! Oh happy day!!!

And what better way to kick it off than by starting the season in a place where the Packers haven't won since Vince Lombardi was the head coach. No kidding. The last time the Pack won in Philly was Nov. 11, 1962 when the Packers routed the Eagles 49-0. May it be so today. Otherwise, it will be nine straight regular season defeats (10 counting playoffs) in the City of Brotherly Love. But let's not go there.

This is a game the Packers should win. In fact, the current line at the time of the writing of this post has the Pack favored by 3 points. But given that it is the first game and about the only known is that the Packers offense will put up points, there are questions. As followers of this blog and other reports are well aware, for the Packers those questions concern the pass rush, the secondary, and the special teams. That's essentially two-thirds of the team. We just don't know how the switch of B.J. Raji to the nose tackle position and Ryan Pickett to defensive end will work out. We don't know what the departure of Aaron Kampman means long-term. We haven't yet seen how moving LB Clay Matthews to the opposite side will impact his game. And the questions in the secondary? Get outta here! They abound, especially with some key players out and untested rookies being called upon to start and play prominent roles. And special teams? Other than having a definite upgrade at punter there is still no legitimate return threat on either punts or kick offs; using starting receivers and/or defensive backs in those returner roles opens up a whole can of worms should they get injured fulfilling those roles. But as head coach McCarthy pointed out clearly this week when asked about this situation, injuries are part of the game in football and you have to go with the players you have. In other words, it is what it is.

On the Philly side of things, there are also many questions but especially surrounding their new starting QB, Kevin Kolb. The team felt comfortable enough with him to send long-time starter Donovan McNabb to Washington. Kolb's best target as a receiver is DeSean Jackson, who can also do damage as a returner. If the Packers can generate a pass rush, they should have a good day at the office.

Both teams, it should be noted, were great at generating turnovers last year and, generally, taking care of the ball: the Packers created 40 turnovers (1st in the NFL) and the Eagles created 38 (3rd in the league). The Packers also led the league in net turnover margin with 24, while the Eagles had 15 (if memory serves). One of the things coach McCarthy was not happy with this training camp was the number of times the ball apparently was on the ground...that would be a reflection on the offense, of course.

So, the keys today for a Packers win: create a pass rush, contain DeSean Jackson, get a turnover or two, take care of the ball, don't give up any big punt or kick returns (see "contain DeSean Jackson" above), and let Aaron Rodgers work his magic with his talented receiving corps. That will add up to a Packers win.

We're calling this one...Packers 27 - Eagles 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

Ron Kramer, RIP 
Packers' Glory Years tight end Ron Kramer (not to be confused with RG Jerry Kramer) passed away at his home yesterday at age 75. According to the Packers' website, Kramer caught 170 passes for 2,594 yards and 15 touchdowns in 89 games. Kramer's yardage as a tight end ranks second in team history behind only Paul Coffman and 16th in team annals overall. Kramer ranks sixth on the all-time tight ends list in receptions and fifth in touchdowns. He was one of the heroes of the Packers' 1961 championship victory over the NY Giants with two touchdown catches (if memory serves).

Kramer was a three-sport, nine-time letterman at the University of Michigan. He was the Packers' number one draft pick in 1957. It's said on the Packers Hall of Fame site that "Kramer's 6'3", 240-pound size, combined with his speed and athleticism, revolutionized the tight end position." Kramer was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1975.

For more on the late great Ron Kramer, click here.