NFL Week 15 Review of Packers win vs. Chicago, NFL Week 16 Preview vs. Minnesota — Still with the twofers!

In what looked like a relatively solid and safe, if not spectacular, victory through 3 quarters of the game vs. Da Bearz last weekend, after which they led 21-3, the Green Bay Packers played...what's the word?...I dunno...good enough to win in the end.

But it sure got tight down the stretch didn't it, Packer fans? Much tighter than it should have been. Coming ultimately within a yard of Da Bearz possibly tying it up and going to overtime. Remember that crazy last-play lateral-a-thon that was finally fumbled and recovered on the Packers' 1-yard line by Tramon Williams? Final score, 21-13. Whew!

So in the 199th and 200th meetings between these two storied rivals, the Packers wound up sweeping this season's series. Despite misfiring on offense again, yet doing enough on defense again, the Packers were able to move on with an 11-3 record and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs still atop the NFC North.

Which brings us to tonight's game in Minnesota. With LOTS on the line. Especially for the Packers.

The Packers will once again need a big night out of NT Kenny Clark
and the entire Packers defense if they hope to come away with the win
tonight in Minnesota.
(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Preview and Prediction

This will be an interesting game for many reasons, including the fact that the Packers have yet to win in U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (going 0-3 in prior games in the successor to the HumpDome), and Vikes QB Kirk Cousins is 0-8 in Monday Night Football games. So either the Pack or ViQueens will finally get off the shneide. Let's hope it's the Packers.

Minnesota is favored by 5-1/2 points in this game. Hmmm. As others will also point out, they don't have a victory this season against a team that has a winning record...which, as you know, the Packers have. Probably gives the Packers an extra bit of incentive to be a bit disrespected this way. Seems as if the Packers are the about the quietest 11-3 team out there...not getting much chatter yet in terms of a potential playoff threat. We'll save that conversation for another time.

The Pack will also benefit tonight from not having to face RB Dalvin Cook who is out with an injury, although the Vikes certainly have enough other weapons to cause havoc particularly if the Packers defense plays as loose as they sometimes do. A consistent pass rush against Cousins will help considerably. Give him time and he can certainly do damage in the passing game.

Defensively, Minnesota will try to shut down the Pack's running game with their good linebacking corps, led by ILB Eric Kendricks, and put pressure not so much on QB Aaron Rodgers per se as on the receivers; if the wideouts don't get separation on coverage — as has been an ongoing problem this season — it will make Rodgers' life much more difficult. After last week's game, head coach Matt LaFleur said that WR Jake Kumerow deserved more looks and time on the field. Agreed. The team is still in search of a solid and reliable second receiver behind Davante Adams. At least for now, that may be Kumerow. Allen Lazard has also earned looks from Rodgers. Swinging RB Aaron Jones out as a receiver has also paid benefits, especially when RB Jamaal Williams has it going; that's a powerful combination and the Packers need to employ it more frequently in our view.

This game means more to the Packers than to the Vikes as Green Bay is playing to secure the NFC North with the win tonight and a first-round playoff bye if they then beat the Lions in Detroit in the season finale. They can control their destiny now, into and perhaps even through the playoffs if they can get this win tonight. It's that big. And it's time they step up all the way around. They will need a solid effort in all three phases of the game.

The Packers have been challenged all season and somehow, someway have typically found a way to hold on to win late in the 4th quarter. This game could certainly go either way and, obviously, the oddsmakers think Minnesota is to the plus-side even without Dalvin Cook. We think the Pack will do just enough to come home with a win in yet another Cardiac Pack game.

We're calling this game Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers select DB Damarious Randall with 30th Overall Pick in 2015 NFL Draft

After several hours of waiting to see what would happen, fans of the Green Bay Packers finally learned last evening that they have a new defensive back to help fill the holes left by the departures of Tramon Williams and Davon House. With the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Packers chose Arizona State safety Damarious Randall.


While he played safety at Arizona State, Packers GM Ted Thompson said last night that he'd probably play cornerback in the Packers scheme. Although, as Thompson added, because of defensive coordinator Dom Caper's variations, Packers defensive backs play all over the place. In this regard, Randall will probably be well suited to the Packers defense. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr., said he really "loved" this pick for the Packers. Another draft pundit said that Randall was "the best cover guy" in the draft.

Randall plays a bit bigger than his size according to draft reports. He tackles well and has very good closing speed: he ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Draft guru Mike Mayock said this before the draft: "Randall is what today's free safety is all about. He is by far the best cover safety in this draft. Randall can play man-to-man; he has cornerback-level cover skills. You give up some physicality, but his coverage ability is where the NFL is going. Remember Jimmie Ward was a first-rounder last year (to the 49ers) with a similar skill set."

In addition, Randall can play special teams and also has spent a little time as a returner. With that kind of speed, and the need to preserve WR Randall Cobb for receiving duties, we can only imagine that Randall will get plenty of opportunities to win a returning role as well as time in the defensive backfield. Imagine having WR/R Jared Abbrederis, who was lost to injury prior to the start of the regular season last year, and Randall back on returns. That could be a dynamic returning duo that would give opponents' special teams fits.

We like this pick although, frankly, it's not one we had on our radar, as our prior post will attest in terms of draft possibilities. Guess that's why we're here writing and Ted Thompson is up in Green Bay making the picks. For the latter, we should all be grateful.

What will days 2 and 3 of the draft bring the Packers way? We have to believe additional depth in the defensive backfield, as well as inside linebacker, tight tend, and perhaps offensive and defensive line depth. Also, it wouldn't shock us if Thompson drafts a quarterback along the way.

It's great to be a Packers fan, isn't it, folks?

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers 2015 NFL 1st Round Draft Possibilities

With the 2015 NFL draft now less than a week away -- heck, a week from right now we'll already know the early round picks of the Packers -- we should take a quick look at who some of the mock drafts say the Packers will pick in the first round. It's always fun speculation. But really, does anyone really know the mind of GM Ted Thompson? C'mon. So take this as just an overview of what might happen. And as far as projecting Rounds 2-7...really? Really??? Might as well throw darts at names on the wall. Which, judging by how some teams actually draft, is as good an approach as any, apparently.

The Pack's picks by round: 1st - 30; 2nd - 62; 3rd - 94; 4th - 129; 5 - 166; 6 - 205, 210*, 212*; 7 - 247 (* - compensatory picks, which cannot be dealt).

Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson
Mock Draft Possibilities
A review of a variety of sources has the following players as possible Packers' picks for the early rounds of the draft.

Round 1 - Thursday, April 30

• Jalen Collins, CB, LSU -- at least 4 mock drafts have Collins as the Packers first pick
• Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA -- at least 2 mock drafts have Kendricks as the Packers first pick
• Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson -- at least 2 mock drafts have Collins as the Packers first pick
• Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
• Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State -- at least 3 mock drafts have McKinney as the Packers first pick
• Marcus Peters, CB, Washington -- at least 2 mock drafts have Peters as the Packers first pick
• Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
• Shaq Thompson, LB, Washington
• Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami
• Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
• Malcom Brown, DT, Texas -- at least 2 mock drafts have Brown as the Packers first pick
• Byron Jones, CB, UConn -- at least 2 mock drafts have Jones as the Packers first pick
• Eli Harold, OLB, Virginia

Our take...not our pick
What's our take on all these wonderful possibilities? We tend to agree with many of the mocks that acknowledge the Packers' need for inside linebacker help -- especially after the release of A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones -- but think there will be opportunities there for the Packers in the 2nd round. With Tramon Williams and Davon House no longer in the defensive backfield, a good young cornerback is just what the doctor ordered to help bolster that part of the defense. Yes, the Packers need linebacker help and could also use some help on the defensive line, as well, despite the re-signing of B.J. Raji and Letroy Guion. But value at cornerback in the first round should be enough to get Thompson to pull the trigger on one of the aforementioned cornerback prospects.

On the other hand, if Thompson thinks one of those players might still be available a few picks down the road, we can well imagine him trading down for a second round selection, somewhere between 40-50, so he can perhaps pick up an additional pick or two later on. He's done it before. You know he'll do it again. Whether the Packers have a definite selection they really want, or whether they can roll with the flow a bit, we'll have to wait to see.

We'll be back with more in the coming days about the draft. Stay tuned...

Go Pack Go!!!

Catching up with the Packers

The title of this post has a dual meaning. One, of course, is that other members of the NFC North have been trying to catch up with the Green Bay Packers for a while now. On that front, as the saying goes, no cigar. Good luck with that this coming season, too, by the way.

Another meaning of this post's title is that PackerFansUnited.com needs to catch up with the Packers. It's been a while since our last post...before the Super Bowl! But, as every green'n'gold-blooded Packer fan knows, not being in that game is still something that it's taking time to get past. Even head coach Mike McCarthy, at this week's NFL Combine in Indianapolis, said that the thought this last season's Packers team was the best team in the league. He is likely right. But the best team doesn't melt down with a lead in the NFC Championship Game with about 5 minutes remaining. That's the sad reality. Lucky teams only go so far. Dallas found that out playing the Packers. The Packers found that out playing Seattle. And Seattle found that out playing the Patriots...a team which, as we recall from the regular season, the Packers beat...and likely would have beaten again in a Super Bowl match up. But...not.

Soooooo....let's move on, shall we?

Speaking of moving on...
Among the changes for the Packers since the end of the season are some departures of note. Brandon Bostick, the tight end whose lack of playing his assignment on the now infamous onside kick coupled with his stone hands, resulted in the scoring opportunity Seattle needed to eventually win the NFC Championship, was released. Where did he wind up shortly thereafter? In the elephant graveyard of Packers' castoffs, of course: Minnesota.

Linebacker Brad Jones -- the designated target of abuse on Seattle's fake field goal turned touchdown -- was also released this last week. Jones was also the target of much fan ire over the past couple seasons especially. Every fan probably has his or her own memories of shouting "Jones!" at the TV screen whenever he was out of position, failed to make a play or caused a stupid penalty.

To be fair to both Bostick and Jones, that Championship Game should not have come down to either of those two plays. The Pack should have had the game salted away long before. Generating 6 points off 5 Seahawks turnovers isn't going to cut it. Neither is not going for it on 4th-and-1 from the 1-yard line. (OK, OK...moving on...moving on...)

The common denominator between both the above players, of course, was special teams...which, under the leadership of coach Shawn Slocum, has been among the worst performing special teams units in the league for years. The failures this season, however, were apparently even too much for friend Mike McCarthy to stand behind any longer. In fact, McCarthy has made it clear since announcing various coaching changes that he personally intends to spend more time working with special teams. Amen. About time someone actually pays attention to this unit. When its poor performance essentially costs you a trip to the Super Bowl, yeah, time to take notice.

Other coaching changes
Perhaps one of the biggest changes in the Packers coaching staff for this coming season has to do with head coach McCarthy giving up play calling responsibilities. He's turned that over to new associate head coach/offense, Tom Clements, who has served the last five years as the Pack's offensive coordinator. In addition, the Packers named Edgar Bennett offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt quarterbacks/wide receivers coach, Mike Solari assistant offensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery defensive front assistant, Ron Zook special teams coordinator and Jason Simmons assistant special teams coach. If you're sorting that out, two coaches were added to the staff and five get new titles. Solari and Montgomery are the two new kids on the block as far being part of the Packers organization goes. Note that Dom Capers remains as defensive coordinator. For a story with videos about the new coaching moves, go here. For the complete list of Packers coaches, see this page.

Free agency and the NFL Combine
The two biggest names on the Packers roster that will require immediate attention are WR Randall Cobb and RT Bryan Bulaga. There will be a push to get both of them signed, although Cobb would be considered the more critical of the two given his importance in the offensive scheme on multiple fronts. Bulaga, while certainly important to the overall cohesion and performance of the offensive line, has had a couple big injuries and the Packers could determine that his asking price is just too much given some of their re-signing needs, such as CB Tramon Williams, for example.

Packers General Manager Ted Thompson
Photo by Green Bay Packers
As Packers fans well know, it is not GM Ted Thompson's modus operandi to take wild shots in free agency. He prefers to keep players he knows, build from the draft, and only occasionally add a tested veteran, such as Julius Peppers, to shore up the mix. He will also let free agency play itself out a bit so that the market prices for players are set and he knows what he will and won't spend to get a player that doesn't immediately get picked up by another team.

Thompson and McCarthy also tend to view those players who were on the practice squad or injured reserve as a bit of an extra pool of resources to choose from. Cases in point for this season: WR Jeff Janis and QB Scott Tolzein. McCarthy said he expects Janis to make a big jump in his performance after what McCarthy refers to as Janis' "redshirt" season. Tolzein was active the last few playoff games because of the injury to QB Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy has said he views Tolzein as an ascending player. If you read anything into that, it might be that QB Matt Flynn will not have his services retained, and Tolzein will be the primary backup to Rodgers this next season. But we can and should also expect Thompson to draft a quarterback this Spring, something he hasn't done in the last few seasons. This would probably be a mid- to late-round pick. You can get a good player there. Case in point: Tom Brady was a 6th-rounder.

Also, let's not forget that NT B.J. Raji will also be coming off IR and if the price is right could once again prove to be a valuable anchor in the middle of the defensive line, particularly if Letroy Guion's days as a player are over following his bust earlier this month for marijuana.

What else will Thompson and McCarthy want to consider while attending this week's NFL Combine? Of prime importance -- at least to outside observors -- is an inside linebacker to replace A.J. Hawk who is also likely done in Green Bay. This has been a concern for the last two seasons, at least, and again it was a spot that became a glaring issue for the Packers until they moved Clay Matthews inside in the latter part of the season. Moving Matthews back to his normal outside role and getting an impact player on the inside will help the team considerably.

Another big need for the Packers is a tight end. Some project that if Maxx Williams, from the University of Minnesota, is available when the Pack drafts near the end of the first round, he could be the Packers pick. He is arguably the best tight end in the draft. Whether he lasts that far is anyone's guess.

2016 Super Bowl here we come!
So, Packer fans, this last season did not end with the Super Bowl trip, let alone victory, many of us thought was inevitable. But the good news is that a new season is just around the corner. The Packers are well positioned to once again remain the team to beat in the NFC North. In fact, the oddsmakers have already installed the Packers as 8 to 1 favorites to win the 2016 Super Bowl. The only team with better odds? Those birds from Seattle at 6 to 1. Think that game at Lambeau Field against the Seahawks this season won't be big? It will be huge, folks...epic!

It's great to be a Packers fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

Week 7: Packers vs. Panthers Preview and Prediction

After a nailbiter last weekend in Miami, with the Green Bay Packers pulling out a 27-24 win over the Dolphins in the final seconds of the game to squish the Fish, the Packers today play host to the Carolina Panthers and one of the most dangerous players in the league, Cam Newton.

What do we look for today? Packers QB Aaron Rodgers should have a big day against a porous and aging Panthers secondary. The front seven for Carolina can and likely will present challenges to the Pack, but as fast as Rodgers gets the ball out of his hands, he and the Pack's talented receiving corps should rack up yardage and points.

It would help, of course, if the Packers could once again get their running game going. Eddie Lacy had 14 carries for just 40 yards in the game against the Fins. James Starks provided a much-needed spark late in the game and particularly in the game-winning drive. We may see a similar rotation today unless the offensive line can create enough push for Lacy to get up a head of steam. Starks provides a different running style for the defense to worry about and head coach Mike McCarthy has apparently figured out if Lacy isn't making it happen there's another very good back available who just might do so.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Packers defense has two things to worry about: Cam Newton and Cam Newton...one the runner, one the passer.

With limited offensive weapons, Carolina has resorted to running a read-option type offense. Newton, at 6'5" and 245 pounds, has a strong arm and strong legs. If he has someone to throw to, he can rack up the passing yards. Today, however, especially given the Packers well-known troubles stopping an option-style offense, I'd expect to see Newton run often. Until the Packers defense shows they can contain a running quarterback -- whether it be Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, or, today, Cam Newton -- they will always be tested early and often.

The Packers defense has swarmed to get key stops when needed this season.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Packers defense has come up with big stops when they've needed them this season. They've generated turnovers. And, thankfully, they have depth in the defensive backfield because they will be without Sam Shields and most likely Tramon Williams, as well. Fortunately, Casey Hayward and Davon House are there to step in. With LB Brad Jones returning to the lineup after the injury to Jamari Lattimore last week, the Packers linebackers can and will be challenged to contain Newton. If they can do that, it's the Packers game.

Prediction
This is a game the Pack should win, especially at home. If they let one player -- Newton -- take over the game, they don't deserve to win. But they will. Green Bay is slotted as 6-1/2 point favorites today. I think the Packers blow this game open...but I think the final score may be closer than the actual game play would indicate.

We're calling it 31-27 in favor of the Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers Beat Bears, Vikings Up Next

Final score: Green Bay Packers 38, Chicago Bears 17. How sweet it is!

As any good Packer fan knows, even in the team's down years, if there were only two games to win it was the two against Da Bearz. Regardless of record, that's one thing that hasn't changed: beat Chicago. Just. Because. They're. Da. Bearz.

In the first of the two meetings of these teams for this 2014 season, the Packers got the job done in style. While the first half of the game was a bit of a back-and-forth affair, the second half was dominated on both sides of the ball by the Packers.

A key series at the end of the first half seemed to help turn the tide in the Pack's favor. With the ball, timeouts, and seemingly an offense that was moving at will, Da Bearz exhibited horrible time management in the last minute of the half. Moving down the field without much resistance, Chicago amazingly opted not to take any timeouts. On what turned out to be the last play of the half -- which would have put Chicago ahead -- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Micah Hyde were able to stop Chicago's receiver from stretching the ball across the endzone. Replays -- apparently with only one angle that had Hyde in effect obscuring a clear view of the ball's position -- confirmed the officials' call that the receiver had not broken the plane of the endzone. Oh, and time ran out. Dumb. And, yes, thank you, Chicago.

The second half saw the Packers take charge, with the defense -- despite giving up more than 200 yards on the ground -- pitching a shutout. Part of that effort included intercepting QB Jay Cutler twice, one by Clay Matthews on a deflection by Tramon Williams and the second by Sam Shields. Cutler, by the way, is now 1-10 in his starts against the Packers. He is the gift that keeps on giving.

Chicago dominated both the time of possession and the number of plays; they had something akin to 30+ more plays from scrimmage than did the Packers. The Pack's longest scoring drive of the day was still under 4-minutes in length. QB Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around, throwing for four touchdowns on the day and more than 300 yards. In doing so, he also became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach the 25,000 yards passing mark (i.e., with the fewest passing attempts).

Causes for concern in the game? Sure. Any time your defense gets shredded on the ground right up the middle, something is wrong. On the flip side, when the offense can't get its top running back uncorked, that also is cause for concern. Still, with Rodgers playing as he did on Sunday, everyone knows that the Packers are in the game. It doesn't take long for the team to score points...a lot of them.

So, Packer fans, we savor the moment as we always do against Chicago, especially. As I noted in my preseason prediction, I expected the Packers to go 2-2 in this first quarter of the season. The team is right where I expected them to be. Quoting Rodgers from the prior week, R-E-L-A-X.

But now it's time to move on.

ViQueens up next
With a quick turnaround, the Packers face the Minnesota ViQueens Thursday night at Lambeau Field. As far as we know, RB Adrian Peterson is still suspended and won't play. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be leading the offense. He led them to a win against Atlanta at home on Sunday, throwing for more than 300 yards. The Packers defense will need to up its game. (I have a feeling that's something we might be saying all season, Packer fans.)

We'll give a more exacting preview and game prediction on Thursday, so be sure to check back here for that then. In the meantime, you can follow all the latest Packer news via our Amazing 2nd Page. Just click that link at the top of this page for darn-near realtime updates from more sources than you can shake a "Packers #1" finger at.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Seahawks in 2014 NFL Season Opener: Tonight's the Night!

In a totally gratuitous paraphrase of Robert Frost, there are now just hours to go before we cheer. And hours to go before we cheer.

Yes, Packer fans (and those who wish they were), tonight is the 2014 NFL season kickoff. And it can't get any better than this: the Green Bay Packers visit Seattle to take on the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. Let us be quick to remind everyone, however, that while Seattle won it all last season, it's a new season now and there are more than a few pundits who are picking the Pack to win it all. They'd get things off to a great start by beating the 'hawks. And there will be no doofus replacement referee to help Seattle steal a victory, either.

It goes without saying (then why am I saying it?) that this will be no easy task tonight. The Packers are 6-point underdogs at the time of this writing. Seattle is the loudest stadium in the league. The Packers are starting a rookie at center across from a dominant veteran nose tackle, have a new defensive scheme which we really haven't yet seen on display at all in the preseason, and have some unproven talent at tight end. But, the Packers also have a few things going for them. Do the names Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Clay Matthews, Tramon Williams and Julius Peppers ring a bell?

Packers RB Eddie Lacy
(Photo by Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Now, Seattle also has weapons. Lots of them. On both offense and defense. QB Russell Wilson, RB Marshawn Lynch, and CB Richard Sherman to name just a few. Unless the Packers' defense plays with an intensity not seen much last season, the Packers will probably lose by a nose. Now, don't get me wrong, Packer fans: I'm not saying the Pack will lose, only that it certainly isn't beyond the realm of comprehension given the place and the opponent.

Will the Packers offense put up points on this tough defense? Yes, despite not being able to hear signals and relying primarily on hand motions and body language from Aaron Rodgers to make play calls. The biggest challenge for the offense will be to help rookie center Corey Linsley handle the pressure of the moment and that across the line from him. Packers coaches and Rodgers are confident Linsley is ready. The Packers will also have their hurry-up, no-huddle offense to keep the Seattle defense on their heels and prevent them from making situational substitutions. The Packers goal is to have 70 plays on offense. If they do that, they will likely win. They need to keep Russell Wilson et al off the field and control the time of possession.

Our game prediction?
Not to cut preview analysis (is that even possible?) short, but I will. It's going to be tight, but the first game of the season is probably the best time to take on Seattle, even in Seattle.

We're calling this one 27-24 in favor of the Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers offseason filled with lots of questions

Packer fans, let's be honest: the 2013 Green Bay Packers were a pretty good football, perhaps an over-achieving team given the level of injury they had to get through on their way to the NFC North Division title. OK, a bit of luck and a couple division opponents who couldn't take advantage of the Pack's decimated roster and missing starting QB Aaron Rodgers for a critical chunk of the season didn't hurt any either.

Comeback player and fan fave, Johnny Jolly, may not be back in 2014.

But now what? Pretty good is not good enough, as the last few years have shown. While the offense looks as if it will be set for some time to come, barring injuries once again, the defense needs an overhaul. Looking at the divisional playoff games this past weekend, especially in the NFC, the Pack's defense seems slow and soft especially down the middle.

Questions have arisen once again from fans and pundits alike about the future of defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. In Mike McCarthy's last press conference of the season, he defended Capers. You'd expect no less. And to be fair, Wayne Larrivee, one of the best analysts in the business and the person who also just happens to be the radio voice of the Packers, has said repeatedly since the end of the season that he is convinced the problem does not lie with the coaching staff, but rather the personnel the Packers have.

The Free Agent Free-for-All
Here is the entire list of free agents on which the Packers will have to make decisions. Note that the letter designations following the name indicate the type of free agent each player is: "U" = Unrestricted, "R" = Restricted and "E" = Exclusive Rights.

NAME	POSITION	AGE	SEASONS	ACCRUED 2013 BASE SALARY
Ryan Picket - U	NT	32	12	$5.4 million
B.J. Raji - U	DE	27	4	$4.49 million
Jermichael Finley - U	TE	25	5	$4.45 million
James Jones - U	WR	29	6	$2.95 million
Sam Shields - U	CB	26	3	$2.023 million
John Kuhn - U	FB	31	7	$1.8 milliion
Evan Dietrich-Smith - U	C	27	3	$1.323 million
Marshall Newhouse - U	T	25	3	$1.323 million
Andrew Quarless - U	TE	25	3	$1.323 million
Seneca Wallace - U	QB	33	9	$840,000
TMatt Flynn - U	QB	28	6	$715,000
Johnny Jolly - U	DE	30	4	$715,000
Rob Francois - U	LB	28	3	$630,000
Mike Neal - U	LB	26	3	$630,000
James Starks - U	RB	27	3	$630,000
C.J. Wilson - U	DE	26	3	$630,000
M.D. Jennings - R	S	25	2	$555,000
Jamari Lattimore - R	LB	25	2	$555,000
Chris Banjo - E	S	23	0	$405,000

Decisions, Decisions...
The Packers will have lots of decisions to make regarding its players, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary. Ryan Pickett is getting up in years, but has expressed an interest in returning to the Packers. B.J. Raji didn't show up much in the stats this year, yet coaches say he is doing exactly what they want him to do: hold the point. He'll test free agency and likely not return unless the Packers decide to really make a play for him. Fan favorite and Packers' comeback player of the year (in this writer's opinion), Johnny Jolly, may be finished with his comeback and NFL career because of the neck injury he sustained late in the season.

It could also be argued that there needs to be some adjustments in the linebacker corps, as well. For even as much as the stats show A.J. Hawk is key in terms of tackles, defensive assignment calls, etc., it became more and more apparent that he is slow especially in coverage. Nick Perry, who was supposed to complement Hawk in the middle has basically been a non-factor in his brief time with the Pack. Clay Matthews is a beast, but in the last two years he has only been able to play in 11 and 12 games. No one can predict injuries, but when your best defensive player can't be on the field for an entire season -- especially at the salary he's being paid -- it takes its toll on the team in many ways.

The Packers are clearly a step behind, literally and figuratively, on the defensive side of the ball and unless changes are made they will find themselves an early out in the playoffs next season, as well (and, yes, I'm assuming the Packers will be in the playoffs again next season). Keeping S Sam Shields in the fold will be a trick, but the Pack can certainly use his athleticism and, now, veteran skills.

TE Jermichael Finley is, as is the case with Jolly, likely done with the Packers because of his injuries. Whether another team will pick him up is anyone's guess. He's been hurt a lot for a young man. So much potential, but...

As for fullback John Kuhn, he's starting to age, but for what he does on this team who would you replace him with? He's a leader, a player, and a clutch performer. Just remember that block he was able to get on the Bears' Julius Peppers to spring Rodgers for the winning throw to Randall Cobb in the final game of the regular season and the NFC North Championship. 'Nuff said about Kuhn. As for RB James Starks, the general line of thinking is that he is likely not going to return to the Packers given the other backs the Packers have had on ice during this past season, especially DuJuan Harris and Johnathan Franklin. Still, the combination of Eddie Lacy and James Starks seemed to me to be a very good one-two punch. The Packers can't keep them all and Starks has had his issues staying on the field. But if healthy, in my mind he's as good or better than the other two relatively unproven backs whom the Packers are perhaps more likely to retain.

Adding Outside Free Agents?
CB Tramon Williams has already said that he thinks the Packers need to have more veterans on the team. GM Ted Thompson's ongoing reliance on young and unproven talent acquired through the draft works...to a point. But look at what both San Francisco and Seattle did in the offseason to upgrade their talent through free agency. Then look at which two teams are playing in the NFC Championship this coming weekend. Perhaps Thompson needs to take another look at his approach. Salary cap will play a big factor in what he can and can't do given the salaries already tied up in Matthews and QB Aaron Rodgers. But one or two veteran free agents in key spots, even with the likelihood of overpaying, has to be a consideration.

Conversations are starting to note that the Packers may be squandering Aaron Rodgers' prime years -- as some argue Ron Wolf did with Brett Favre -- because of a limited personnel viewpoint, particularly as regards to adding free agents. The time window for a great quarterback to lead his teams into the Super Bowl is a small one. Thompson needs to open up that window a bit by adding not only through his draft-and-develop scheme on which he's an expert, but also by adding veteran free agents to fill the gaps in talent.

There is so much more that could be said on this and related subjects. But we now have the entire offseason to kick all that around. Keep checking back in. We'll have lots to say as the days, weeks and months go by.

The Packers lose to 49ers, lose home playoff luster

Yes, Packer fans, it's taken me quite a while to get past the Green Bay Packers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers and post a wrap-up of sorts. Losing for the fourth time in as many games to these guys from the West Coast is getting old, especially when they knock you out of the playoffs two years in a row. And particularly when that other quarterback's legs seem too much for the Packers defense to shut down. Also, after a home playoff record of 13-0 at Lambeau Field through the franchise's history, since 2002 the record has now fallen to 3-5. The luster is off the home field playoff game advantage. Who'd have thunk it?

On the positive side of things, the Packers did win the NFC North Division when, after their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions, they were as good as dead. Teams tend to be what they are, especially down the stretch. The Lions were the Lions, Da Bearz were Da Bearz and the ViQueens...well, never mind. The Packers -- despite the multiple injuries to key players on both sides of the ball -- somehow were able to persevere and finish strong down the stretch. That's a testament to the coaches as well as the players who had to step up. They were the Packers. And that's pretty darn good.

Photo by AP on Packers.com

But we also need to be honest. Pretty darn good is not good enough, as the last few years have shown. While the offense looks as if it will be set for some time to come, barring injuries once again and the likely departure of TE Jermichael Finley, the defense needs an overhaul. Looking at the divisional playoff games this past weekend, especially in the NFC, the Pack's defense seems slow and soft especially down the middle. Questions have arisen once again from fans and pundits alike about the future of defensive coordinator, Dom Capers. In Mike McCarthy's last press conference of the season, he defended Capers. You'd expect no less. And to be fair, Wayne Larrivee, one of the best analysts in the business and the person who also just happens to be the radio voice of the Packers, has said repeatedly since the end of the season that he is convinced the problem does not lie with the coaching staff, but rather the personnel the Packers have.

The Packers will have lots of decisions to make regarding its players, particularly along the defensive front and in the secondary. It could also be argued that there needs to be some adjustments in the linebacker corps, as well. For even as much as the stats show A.J. Hawk is key in terms of tackles, defensive assignment calls, etc., it became more and more apparent that he is slow especially in coverage. Nick Perry, who was supposed to complement Hawk in the middle has basically been a non-factor in his brief time with the Pack. Clay Matthews is a beast, but in the last two years he has only been able to play in 11 and 12 games. No one can predict injuries, but when your best defensive player can't be on the field for an entire season -- especially at the salary he's being paid -- it takes its toll on the team in many ways.

CB Tramon Williams has already said that he thinks the Packers need to have more veterans on the team. GM Ted Thompson's ongoing reliance on young and unproven talent acquired through the draft works to a point. But look at what both San Francisco and Seattle did in the offseason to upgrade their talent through free agency. Then look at which two teams are playing in the NFC Championship this coming weekend. Perhaps Thompson needs to take another look at his approach. Salary cap will play a big factor in what he can and can't do given the salaries already tied up in Matthews and QB Aaron Rodgers. But one or two veteran free agents in key spots, even with the likelihood of overpaying, has to be a consideration. The Packers are clearly a step behind, literally and figuratively, on the defensive side of the ball and unless changes are made they will find themselves an early out in the playoffs next season, as well (and, yes, I'm assuming the Packers will be in the playoffs again next season).

There is so much more that could be said on this and related subjects. But we now have the entire offseason to kick all that around. It will be our own version of fantasy football. Keep checking back in. We'll have lots to say.

Packers' win over Cowboys a tale of two halves

Wow!

That was Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy's first word at his press conference after his team's amazing 37-36 comeback win over the Dallas Cowboys.

No doubt it was also coming out of the mouths of many if not most Packer fans. What fans of the Cowboys might have been saying is probably not fit for print.

After a miserable first half of lethargic and truly uninspired play, and going into the locker room down 26-3, it was a reasonable assumption by most that this game was over and, with it, any hopes of the Packers in the post-season. We don't know what McCarthy said at half, or what kind of magical tea or high octane espresso he served up to his players, but the second half was unlike any we've seen the Packers play in a long, long time. They outscored the Cowboys in the second half 34-10.

Wow.

Tramon Williams incredible game/season-saving 4th quarter interception
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The season is still alive
This writer has to confess that when the Cowboys went up by 12 points in the 4th quarter I thought it was over. How wrong I was...as I was about my game prediction where I had the Pack losing. Mea culpa. But I've never been so glad to have been so wrong in my lifetime.

In fact, courtesy of two fantastic interceptions late in the game by Sam Shields and Tramon Williams, as well as any number of other dynamic plays on both offense and defense, the Packers were able to snatch this highly improbable victory in Big D.

Where do you start? For one thing, forget the first half. Not worthy of discussion. It's all about the second half. A great Micah Hyde punt return. Four touchdown passes by Matt Flynn. Incredible catches by Jordy Nelson, Jarrett Boykin and Andrew Quarless. Beast-mode running -- including a 60-yard scamper -- by Eddie Lacy, who ran for 141 yards on 21 carries and surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season...the first Packers rookie running back to do so since the days of John Brockington. And the defense -- which was really bending the bend-don't-break model in the first half, turned it up in the second half and shut down a potent Cowboys offense. Part of that, one can assert, was the ongoing -- and mystifying -- play-calling help from the Cowboys of continuing to pass rather than run to take time off the clock...and, of course, expose themselves to turnovers, as was the case. How 'bout them Cowboys?!

Wow.

It's still very possible to win the NFC North
So, here's how it lays out: if the Lions lose at home vs. Baltimore tonight -- or either of their other two remaining games against the Giants or Vikings -- and the Packers beat the Steelers this weekend at Lambeau Field and then win again at Chicago, the Packers win the NFC North. Of course, if Da Bearz lose at Philadelphia on Sunday, the road also becomes a bit clearer.

Incredible. Amazing it's still even a possibility after all this team has been through. If Aaron Rodgers gets his medical clearance this week, the game certainly becomes winnable even after a bit of a turnaround by the Steelers.

This will be a week to watch, Packer fans. All eyes will be on whether or not Aaron Rodgers returns under center. But we do know, based upon the come-from-behind victories these last two weeks, that they can win with Matt Flynn at quarterback. It might not be pretty, but it's possible.

Who'da thunk it? Who'da thunk it?

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers drop third game in a row, lose to Giants 27-13

Things are not well in the kingdom, Packer fans. Since starting QB Aaron Rodgers was injured, the Pack has dropped three games in a row with the most recent being yesterday's uninspired performance against the New York Giants.

With backup QB Scott Tolzien at the helm, the Packers were within striking distance at just under 11 minutes remaining in the game, with the Giants ahead 20-13. Tolzien tried a very quick pass to tight end Andrew Quarless in the flat left. The problem was that DE Jason Pierre-Paul was there, raised his hands, snagged the ball cleanly and went in untouched for a 24-yard pick-6. The defense had just gotten a big stop before that -- a rare one on the day -- to snatch some momentum from the Giants. This gave it right back, and was obviously too big of a hole for the team to crawl out of.

This interception was Tolzien's second of three on the day. Still, he completed 24 of 34 passes for 339 yards. In his first two appearances for the Packers, he has racked up more passing yards than either Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers in their first two games seeing significant action for the Packers. But he also has 5 interceptions in those two games. That can't continue, especially, with a defense that seems to have flipped the off-switch over the last few games.

But the Packers don't have many options at the moment; Matt Flynn just rejoined the team late last week. Once again, Tolzien has been named the starter for the coming game against the ViQueens at Lambeau Field. That is a game the Packers need to have, must have, if they are to keep any semblance of their playoff hopes alive. Believe it or not, at 5-5, and with a three-game losing streak in tow, they are still only one game back from both Da Bearz and Lions against whom they still have one game each remaining.

If you want to read a very good article about Tolzien, by the way, we highly recommend this one by Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Survey says: defense lost the game
According to at least one reader survey (the assumption is that most are Packer fans), 74% of those voting blamed the Packers defense -- not Scott Tolzien -- for the loss. Apart from the best game of the year from CB Tramon Williams, including a rare interception, the rest of the defense was missing in action. On a day when nearly everyone, including yours truly in our own game preview and prediction, said that the defense was going to have play at the top of its game in order for the Packers to have a serious chance of winning this game, they were essentially a no-show. This appears to be a trend over the last three games, and it is a disturbing one at that.

Granted, head coach Mike McCarthy's vanilla play-calling for most of the game -- noted by many via Twitter during the game as run-run-pass-punt -- has to bear some of the responsibility, as well. The offensive line had its own issues, not opening up any running room for RB Eddie Lacy. Tackle Marshall Newhouse, starting for the injured Don Barclay, was beaten like a rented mule on more than one occasion. Rookie David Bakhtiari had his hands full with Jason Pierre-Paul most of the day.

Mason Crosby nails a 57-yard field goal
(Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Special teams didn't do much either on the day, other than a booming 57-yard field goal by K Mason Crosby to close the first half and make the score 10-6. It was Crosby's longest outdoor field goal (he hit a 58-yarder indoors in 2011 in the Humpty Dump in Minnesota) and is the longest field goal ever kicked against the Giants. So the Pack at least had that going for them.

But the defense did little to get pressure on Giants QB Eli Manning and, again, tackles were generally missed (unless Williams was making them) and receivers were wide open especially over the middle. This sounds like a broken record because it is: this has been the operating scenario for the last several weeks. And if it continues -- particularly this week against Minnesota at home -- the Packers' playoff hopes will be pretty much done; the Pack would likely have to then win out -- with or without Aaron Rodgers -- in order to stay in the mix. The chances narrow considerably.

Where do the Packers go from here?
That is the question of the day, the week, the month, the season. If the Pack doesn't get this ship turned around fast...well, you know the rest.

You can read the excellent analysis of Packers uber-beat writer, Bob McGinn, here. It's definitely worth your time for the many insights you'll get.

Stay tuned for developments during the week, Packer fans. It's gotten interesting. Far more interesting than we would have hoped for.

Week 8: Packers vs. Vikings Preview

Tonight's game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will be the first meeting between the two teams this season and the last ever in the stadium generally referred to as the Humpty Dump. While the site of some epic battles between these two NFC North Division opponents over the years, players and fans alike will be glad to get into new surroundings next season.

But that's a side story to tonight's primetime game, obviously one of those scheduling decisions which didn't work out perhaps as well as imagined at the time it was set. The Packers, after all, are coming into the game atop the division at 4-2 riding a three-game winning streak despite a plethora of injuries, while the ViQueens are bringing up the bottom at 1-5 with a two-game losing streak and a mess at quarterback.

In our early-week glance at this game, we stated: "Packers and ViQueens is always a tough game, particularly when played in Minnesota. Even with the depleted roster the Packers are playing with right now, they should still win the game against this group of ViQueens. Especially if the 'Queens make the decision to start Freeman at quarterback once again."

Well, despite playing the entire game versus the Giants in a losing -- and inept -- effort Monday night, newly-acquired QB Josh Freeman will not play tonight. The decision was made earlier in the week. It was announced, to the surprise of many, that Freeman had actually sustained a concussion during the Giants game and would not be cleared to play against the Packers. Hmmm. How convenient. The announcement was met with some skepticism by pundits around the country. How was it that Freeman was not identified as being concussed during the Giants game? Some even asserted that Freeman or, more likely, the 'Queens, was faking the injury so Freeman wouldn't be fed to the Packers this weekend. We will make no such assertions here, but rather we leave it to you, dear readers, to come to your own conclusions.

So instead of a clearly not-ready-for-primetime Josh Freeman at quarterback, the Packers will instead see Christian Ponder. Ponder, as some have described him, is a capable quarterback. Not great, but if given protection and time, can execute a game plan and keep the 'Queens in the game. Especially with lots of handoffs to RB Adrian Peterson.

Let's not forget Greg Jennings

One of the best Packers receivers over the past seven years had been Greg Jennings. He was the epitome of class. Until he turned down more money to stay with the Packers and instead went to where many Packers' castoffs go, Minnesota. Then he began bad-rapping the Packers, Aaron Rodgers, you name it. Turns out he might have been a bit bitter. Now, when he has to line up against his old teammates, he claims all that mouthing off was just kidding around. Let's just hope Tramon Williams and the other D-backs hold Jennings to as few catches and yards as possible tonight. It will be a reminder to him that you're only as good a receiver as the guy throwing you the ball. Aaron Rodgers? Or Ponder, Freeman, Cassell...how's that all working out for you, Greg???

What's it going to be?
The 'Queens secondary is woeful, meaning Packers QB Aaron Rodgers should have a big day despite the loss of some of his best receivers. Throw in a now solid running game and it will be enough to give Minnesota fits all day. That's not to say that Minnesota DEs Jared Allen and Brian Robison won't cause some problems, especially with Allen going against Packers rookie LT David Bakhtiari. Still, Bakhtiari has held up well in each game against other good talent and we would expect him to do so tonight, as well.

Minnesota's offensive hopes rest on the legs of league MVP Adrian Peterson. The Packers can't give him any room to run, and they can't arm tackle. Peterson will get his yards, it's expected. But as long as there are no major game-long breakdowns in the Packers defense, Peterson won't be enough to overcome the ViQueens many other woes.

The Packers are favored by anywhere from 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 points depending upon who you are looking at for your line, with an over-under 47-1/2.

We're calling this game 31-20 in favor of the Packers.

It will be a battle, as these divisional games always are regardless of records, and it may even be close for a good portion of the game. But the Packers will separate and maintain the lead until the final seconds tick away, maintaining their lock atop the NFC North.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers lose to Vikings, lose bye

Well, well, well...that didn't quite work out as planned, did it, Packer fans? While we knew -- and projected -- that this would be a close game (we had the Packers beating the Vikings 27-24), we didn't think the Green Bay Packers would let the opportunity to secure the number 2 seed and a bye in the NFC playoffs slip through their fingers. They did. Losing to Minnesota 37-34 on a last second field goal, the Pack now gets no rest and instead will see the ViQueens again at Lambeau Field this coming Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in the Wild Card game.

Part one of the plan was to try to contain RB Adrian Peterson. They didn't; he ran for 199 yards on a career-high 34 carries...although they held him 9 yards short of setting the single-season rushing record. Part two of the plan was to have QB Christian Ponder beat them. As various pundits noted after the game, when Packers' head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers review the game film they will conclude that the latter is exactly what happened. While the Packers did occasionally get to him, when Ponder had time to throw, he more often than not was on the money...including probably the longest and best pass of his pro career to a wide open receiver -- courtesy of a blown coverage -- setting up a touchdown. On 3rd and 11 (was this the same play?) instead of blitzing, Capers called his usual three-man rush scheme and didn't get anywhere close to Ponder; he wound up completing a big pass. (This is a pattern of Capers that is concerning: instead of putting pressure on the quarterback on 3rd-and-long, the Packers rush three only and typically gives the QB all the time in the world to find a receiver...not good...at all...especially given the predicatability of the tendency.)

Ponder has been getting better as the season has worn on and in the upcoming playoff game the Packers will have to do a much better job rushing him and covering receivers.

For as good as the Packers' defense appeared last weekend against an admittedly woeful Tennessee Titans offense, they appeared at times confused on coverages and gun shy of making tackles...particularly against Peterson. CB Tramon Williams was even called out on air by announcer Troy Aikman who said on one play that it looked as if Williams was doing his best to not get anywhere near Peterson, who then broke off about a 20-yard run.

To be fair, one touchdown -- a difference in the game -- came about as the first half wound down. A pass was tipped high in the air downfield. A Vikings' receiver somehow was able to come up with the ball, although replays clearly showed the tip of the ball hit the ground and was an incompletion. Unfortunately, because of poor time management by either or both Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy earlier in the half, the Packers had no time outs left and thus could not challenge the call of it being a reception. A few plays later, the Vikes were in the endzone. This somewhat typified the nature of the day for the Packers.

Other problems
As noted above, it wasn't just the defense that had problems in this game. Special teams' coverage was poor, often allowing returns out to near the 40-yard line.

The Packers offense did itself no favors early in the game with two straight three-and-outs to start the game. As a result, the Minnesota offense had the ball a good chunk of the first quarter and started to build a lead.

The offense seemed out of sync and lackluster. The play calls seemed uninspired. Instead of setting the tone for success it could be argued the tone for mediocrity and eventual loss was set in those first few possessions of the game. Where the Packer offense thrives and the team wins most often is when it can get off to a fast start and have the other team playing from behind. Instead, the opposite occurred.

The Packers also typically win when they get turnovers. They didn't have any in this game.

Conversely, the only turnover of the game came in the third quarter as the Packers were putting together a drive near midfield. Rodgers was pressured in the pocket, he moved up and was just beginning to bring his arm back to throw when the ball was knocked out of his hand and recovered by Minnesota. In a game in which every possession counted, the turnover and lost possession was huge. That's because this game came down to who had the ball last...the final possession. That was the Vikings. And they converted a chip shot field goal to win.

Rodgers still shines
Despite the early problems, and clear frustrations with the officials who were slow to set the ball and thus interrupted the Pack's no-huddle scheme, QB Aaron Rodgers was spectacular. He had his highest passer rating (131.8) since mid-October. Rodgers threw for four touchdown, had no interceptions, and led four scoring drives in the Packers' five second-half possessions.

The Fail Mary effect
By virtue of the "Fail Mary" game at Seattle...the Packers' win that wasn't thanks to the replacement refs...the Packers wound up with the third seed in the playoffs with an 11-5 final record instead of 12-4 which actually should have been the record, securing them the second seed and the bye. Instead, with that early season screw up by the NFL and its not-ready-for-primetime refs, the 49ers got the second seed and the bye. And, if the Packers win at home against Minnesota Saturday night, they will now have to go on the road to San Francisco instead of vice versa. Wow. Can't say it enough: thanks to the NFL and the entire replacement referee crew working that Seattle game for blowing it so badly you've affected the playoff scenario. Way to go. You must be so proud. (OK, OK, sarcasm off now...)

Playoff Wild Card Game
There will be much to review during the course of this week in preparation for Saturday night's game in Green Bay. We'll address that game as the week goes on. So be sure to check back.

Also, we'll be posting a special video here on Thursday that takes a look back at a recent game. You'll want to check that out, too.

But in the meantime, the next big game ahead is...the Wisconsin Badgers taking on Stanford in the Rose Bowl tomorrow. Go Badgers!!!

Packers vs. Lions: Big Game for Both Teams

In the unofficial start to the second half of the NFL season for the Green Bay Packers following the team's bye week, the schedule-makers begin to serve up a heapin' plateful of NFC North Division opponents. Five of the Pack's final seven games are within the division. The NFL has finally decided to create a schedule that keeps things interesting right until the end of the season. First up for the Packers is the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

The Packers are 6-3 and the Lions are 4-5. The Pack is favored by 3-1/2 points. This is a huge game for both teams. With a win, the Packers will go to 7-3 and thus will likely be tied for the division lead with Da Bearz who, especially without QB Jay Cutler, will likely be on the losing end of their game with San Francisco Monday night. Actually, because the Pack beat Chicago in their first meeting, Green Bay holds the tiebreaker and actually would be in first place based upon that factor. If the Pack loses today, and Da Bearz also lose, they will remain one game behind...not horrible, but with this game setting up so well to pick up a game on Chicago, it really is a game they need to win. On the outside chance the Pack loses and Chicago wins, they'd be two behind Chicago and doing themselves no favors coming up on the stretch run, especially with a game against the Giants in New York coming up next Sunday evening.

For the inconsistent Lions, they need this game to avoid falling to 4-6. There are lots of mediocre teams sitting in that vicinity. If they lose today, the Lions would have to likely win all their remaining games to even keep open a chance of getting a wildcard spot with a 10-6 record. It's not likely that would happen, nor that the Lions would win out. Winning today to go to 5-5 would at least give them a lifeline.

Let's look at the matchups
For the Packers, they will likely be without six starters today including Clay Matthews, Charles Woodson and Bryan Bulaga. There has been a great deal of discussion on the radio call-in shows this week about whether Matthews or Bulaga is the biggest loss for today's game. Some feel that without the pass rush threat from Matthews, Lions' QB Matthew Stafford will have time to find WR Calvin Johnson and rack up yards and points; of course, CB Tramon Williams will have something to say about Johnson's success or lack thereof no matter what happens on the line. Others feel that the loss of Bulaga created two moves on the offensive line for the Packers: LG T.J. Lang moves to right tackle and back up Evan Dietrich-Smith fills Lang's spot at left guard. This obviously creates a different dynamic along the whole offensive line. More worrisome, however, is if additional injuries occur on the O-line there are only two backups to fill in: Don Barclay and Greg Van Roten. Can you say, "Yikes!"?

Back to the Matthews vs. Bulaga debate...My take is that knowing they would be without Matthews for this game, Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers will get creative with their schemes and personnel to still pressure Stafford and keep the passing game in check. As for the Lions running game, RB Mikel Leshoure, a 2011 second-round draft choice from Illinois, will be making his debut against the Packers. If the Packers let him get active, it could give the Lions enough balance to cause problems defensively for the Pack.

Early reports today are that the Packers will get WR Jordy Nelson back in the lineup. That would return the full complement of receivers except for Greg Jennings. In other words, pretty much the full set of weapons QB Aaron Rodgers wants and needs on the field, particularly against one of the worst secondaries around.

The trick here will be how effective the Packers newly configured line will be against a very good and disruptive front four of the Lions. If the Packers offensive line can't handle defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley especially, it will be a long day for Aaron Rodgers and the offense. That would open the door to the real possibility of an upset. Of course, if the Packers can generate any semblance of a rushing game with Alex Green and James Starks that will help considerably in all aspects of the game. Getting FB John Kuhn back today will also be a plus in pass protection and short yardage situations.

Prediction
The oddsmakers have set the over-under for this game at 52 points, the third highest of any game this weekend. A shoot-out apparently is expected. I think that's the case as well, although I'd be on the "under" side of things. It seems as if, while acknowledging Detroit's desperate state and upset chances, most pundits are picking the Packers to win. The Packers are the unanimous choice of the ESPN pundits. I know, that should make us all nervous.

The Packers are 5-1 after their bye weeks under Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is also 11-1 against Detroit overall. You have to like those trends. Even without some of their best players on offense and defense, the Packers are the better team. They will, however, have to play like it for a full 60 minutes today to get the win. But win they will.

I'm calling it 27-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers beat down Bears 23-10

Thursday night, on the hallowed ground of Lambeau Field, the 2012 Green Bay Packers rebounded from their Game One loss to the 49ers and throttled the Chicago Bears, 23-10. It was a hard-fought game on both sides of the ball, but the Packers dominated, particularly on defense. That's putting it mildly.

In fact, there's no better indication of the degree to which the Packers smacked Da Bearz around than can be garnered by listening to Chicago sports talk radio. As a Packer fan, there's nothing better than listening to Chicago sports pundits and fans ripping their team, and particularly QB Jay Cutler. Cutler was picked off 4 times and sacked 7 times, the first time that that has happened since Patrick Ramsey -- as a rookie -- had that kind of game in 2002 for the Redskins. Chicago's 168 total yards in offense was their worst against the Pack in 37 years. Cutler finished with a passer rating of 28.2. He was in perpetual pout mode throughout the game, often jawing at teammates in frustration, even bumping his left tackle as they want to the sidelines while chewing him out. (Yeah, Jay, that bit of leadership will sure get your teammates behind you.)

One of the keys to the game for the Packers, as was noted here yesterday in our game preview, was to get to Cutler repeatedly. They did. Cutler will be seeing Packers LB Clay Matthews, who had 4 sacks, in his nightmares for the rest of the season. The book on Cutler is when you get to him early and often he will get happy feet and start tossing the ball around. That's exactly what happened, and the result was 4 interceptions for the Packers, 2 by Tramon Williams.

The Packers defense, which was sieve-like against the Niners, played with an intensity and attitude that we can only hope to see carry over throughout the season. Pass coverage was tight, and the pass rush was effective. That typically will go a long way to helping increase the chances of a victory.

The other thing that helps increase the changes of a victory is the ability to run the ball. After only giving the ball to RB Cedric Benson 9 times on Sunday, the coaches finally decided to crank up the running game. Benson rushed 20 times for 81 yards. He also caught the ball four times for an additional 35 yards. That was huge. However, the Packers' inability to pick up a first down on third-and-one several times during the game was pathetic. Expect that to improve as the season goes along.

Another factor in last night's win, as suggested in our preview, was special teams. K Mason Crosby nailed three long field goals, including the longest by a Packers kicker at Lambeau, 54 yards. He also nailed field goals from 48 and 35 yards. He was also the decoy of sorts in one of the plays that helped break open the game: a fake field goal. Crosby lined up for a field-goal attempt of 45 yards. The holder, as always, was punter Tim Masthay. Crosby took his usual step after the snap and then veered hard left. As that was happening, TE Tom Crabtree, who was lined up on the left side in protection, moved back across the formation from left to right. From his kneeling position, Masthay flipped the ball to Crabtree, who broke around to the right side through a huge hole and scored without being touched to give the Pack a 10-0 lead. Great, gutsy call. And Tim Masthay wound up with a higher passing rating than Jay Cutler.

There's plenty of other pluses and minuses which we can go over...and maybe will later on. Or not. For now, let's just savor this great win for the Packers.

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

Packers' first preseason game an ugly one

Well, Packer fans...we've been waiting a long time for football season to roll around. The excitement was building since OTAs, mini-camp, and finally the start of summer training camp. The Twitter-sphere was abuzz yesterday with anticipation for the 2012 Pack's first preseason game (by the way, you can follow yours truly on Twitter @packfansunited). As always, San Diego was presenting its sunny charms.

Unfortunately, the game then got underway.

This nationally-televised game on ESPN showed the Packers not ready for primetime. The final score was 21-13, but it never really seemed that close. Granted, it's the first preseason game. But it looked more like a Pop Warner League game than an NFL game. Oh sure, we know that the starters aren't going to play long because coaches don't want to expose them to injury. In fact, the Packers played last night without 16 injured players, including starters Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley, among a slew of others. Defensive back Charles Woodson was withheld.

Last night, it might have also done well for the coaches to save the starters from embarrassment. Turnovers, dropped balls, missed blocks, missed tackles...those can be expected from the young guys getting their first taste of the NFL. But for starters to be so sloppy? The starting offense ran three series for a total of 14 plays, generating all of two first downs and 32 yards. They turned the ball over twice and punted once. Oy.

Now, it's not time to hit the panic button. It's only the first game...it's only the first game...it doesn't count...it doesn't count. The coaching staff and starters are too good to let these errors go unaddressed. But the game also shows just how far the team has to go in the next month to get ready for the season opener at Lambeau Field against the 49ers.

A lone bright spot of sorts is that backup QB Graham Harrell seemed to acquit himself fairly well. In the second half, he was able to execute some nicely thrown passes. He could handle the team if something were to happen to Rodgers, although the drop off would of course be considerable.

Concerns and Injuries
Particularly disconcerting was the play of nominal starting running back, James Starks, who is being counted upon to step in and replace the unsigned Ryan Grant. On his first touch of the ball, a little safety valve pass from QB Aaron Rodgers, Starks simply dropped the ball. Easy pass, easy catch...nope. Just one pass, but it goes to reinforce the knock on Starks from last season that he has trouble catching the ball. The third time Rodgers handed him the ball, he fumbled, leading to the Chargers' first score of the game two plays later. Starks didn't seem to be running with aggressiveness or playing with confidence...both somewhat necessary traits to have in a starting running back.

Another area of concern is the lack of depth at certain positions along the offensive line. With starting left guard Marshall Newhouse sitting the game out because of injury, and second-year player Derek Sherrod still not cleared to play from last season's injury, the starting nod went to journeyman lineman Herb Taylor. Rodgers' interception was directly a result of Taylor getting whipped like a rented mule on a bull rush by the Chargers' rookie linebacker, Melvin Ingram. The play prior, Taylor was called for holding Ingram. Not good.

The defense had its own share of problems despite taking the ball away twice in the first quarter, including a great pick by Tramon Williams. Rookie Nick Perry got an early sack, but then was promptly penalized 15 yards for celebrating that fact. Overall, Packer fans saw much of what we saw last season: little pass rush, pass coverage breakdowns, and tackling that is more suitable for flag football than the NFL.

To add insult to injury, actually injury to injury, LB Desmond Bishop was injured in a tackling pile and had to be assisted from the field; he was reportedly seen in the locker room after the game on crutches and with a brace on his leg. Head coach Mike McCarthy said they weren't sure whether it was a leg or hamstring issue, but from watching replays of the play on which Bishop was injured the guess from here is leg and that he will be out for a while. Hopefully, that while won't turn into a lost-for-the-season type of thing. Stay tuned. The other injury was that of defensive back Davon House, who left the game after taking a hit to his shoulder. He is scheduled for X-rays today to assess the damage; best case scenario, some commentators thought, might be a dislocation. The Packers were looking for House to step up this season and make significant contributions to the secondary, so let's hope this isn't something which limits that.

So, next up in the preseason football follies is the Cleveland Browns who come to Green Bay next Thursday. Let's just hope McCarthy and his coaching staff get this team whipped into better shape than we saw last night. Still, it's probably helpful to remind ourselves that McCarthy's record in exhibition games is now 12-13, including a 2-5 record in openers. Moral to that story: at this stage of things, don't worry about it.

Giants up-end Packers to go to NFC Championship

The bottom line on the season for the Green Bay Packers: 15-1-Done.

After posting the best record in the NFL coming into the NFC Divisional game at home, the Packers played what was arguably their worst game of the season. Six (or eight, depending upon who's counting) dropped passes. Passes off target. Missed tackles. Miscommunication. No pass rush. Soft pass coverage. Inability of the defense to get off the field on third down. Some questionable play calling. Giving up a no-time-left-on-the-clock-half-time Hail Mary touchdown. Four -- four! -- turnovers.

The list could go on and on. The ways in which the Packers handed this game to the NY Giants reached nearly epic proportions. That's not to take anything away from the Giants. They did exactly what they needed to do. They stifled the Packers' offense and made the defense look inept. Congrats to the men in blue. (Although I will be rooting for the 49ers this coming weekend. After all, rooting for the Giants at this point would be nearly as bad as rooting for the Cowboys. Ewwww...)

Looking back to 2002, the Packers have since lost four of their last six playoff games at Lambeau Field. Wow. The invincibility of the frozen tundra sure ain't what it used to be.

Now what?
Looking ahead, the Packers will have to address their defense...the last-ranked overall defense in the league, by the way. The loss of Cullen Jenkins left a bigger hole in the pass rush than was clearly anticipated. They need to get an outside linebacker who can balance out Clay Matthews and prevent defenses from keying on stopping him. They clearly need to address secondary issues. If Nick Collins is unable to return, there are major issues at safety. Charles Woodson will likely have to play more of that position than cornerback regardless of whether Collins returns or not. There was a drop off for some reason in the level of corner play by Tramon Williams this season. Ditto for Sam Shields, who actually was replaced in the starting lineup yesterday by Jarrett Bush. There are personnel issues that need to be addressed, it's as simple as that.

The offense was the second-greatest scoring offense in the history of the NFL. They had a 200+ point differential over their opponents. Whether venerable LT Chad Clifton hangs up the cleats after this season remains to be seen. Other than that, the offensive line seems in fairly good shape, although you can never have enough depth across the line. The receiving corps, despite their epidemic of drops yesterday, is the best in the league, although whether veteran Donald Driver returns is an open question. TE Jermichael Finley did not have the year he was hoping for going into free agency. My guess is he returns. The running backs, for the type of offense the Packers run, are adequate; and don't forget, rookie Alex Green was on injured reserve all season so we have yet to see what he can do. The quarterback...c'mon. Who would you rather have game in and game out than Aaron Rodgers? No one. Back up Matt Flynn will be off to bank some big dollars in free agency, so either Graham Harrell will get moved into the backup slot or the team drafts another one to fill Flynn's role.

So, this is it. This is what one-and-done feels like when the expectations were of a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance and victory. Not good. At all. Credit has to be given to the Giants for showing up. But as happened at Kansas City several weeks ago, the only way the Packers lose is to beat themselves. And they did just enough of that yesterday to make a good Giants team come out on top by a score of 37-20.

A final thought
On that last point about the score, I Tweeted immediately after the Giants beat the Falcons in the Wild Card game that the Pack would need to score at least 38 points to win this game. Guess I was on the money: if the Pack had scored 38, the final tally would have been 38-37 Packers. So it goes...for predictions...and the Packers' season.

Packers win ugly over Buccaneers, 35-26

Oh, the woes of a 10-0 team. The only 10-0 team, by the way, in the NFL this season. And only the third 10-0 team in the proud history of the Green Bay Packers. Yes, the Packers won today even playing at a mediocre level...at least by the standards they have set this season. They beat a Buccaneers team that wasn't phased by playing the top team in the league, 35-26.

On a day when the Packers defense reverted to their play of the first eight games of the season -- in others words, porous and sloppy -- and on day in which QB Aaron Rodgers was a bit off, at least by his standards (he threw 11 incompletions, had an interception, and achieved a QB rating of 112-ish), not to mention a day in which the heretofore perfect Mason Crosby misses a chip shot 29-yard (?) field goal attempt, the Packers somehow overcame themselves and beat the Bucs.

The Packers defense once again couldn't tackle, once again couldn't seem to cover receivers and, yet, Tramon Williams got two interceptions, including the one that helped seal the Packers' victory. During a post-game interview with Larry McCarren on 620WTMJ radio, Williams was asked about the performance of the defense which once again gave up more than 400 yards on the day. Williams admitted the problems, but said that as long as they get the takeaways and make the critical stops "who cares" how many yards they give up. Hmmm...that's an interesting insight. Now, on one hand, you have to agree with him. As long as the team gets the "W" it doesn't really matter how many yards the other team racks up. Still, I can't imagine that same statement being made by the likes of a Ray Nitschke, for example. Or Willie Davis or Herb Adderly...or any of Lombardi's players. For that matter, can you imagine what Lombardi would have done had he heard that statement by Williams? At best, the two would have a genteel conversation about Mr. Williams' attitude. At worst, Mr. Williams may have found himself playing elsewhere very soon.

I don't mean to get off on a tangent about this. But perhaps it does reveal something about what we're seeing on the field. And it's been noted nationally. Some of the halftime TV punditry today about the game said there was no sense of urgency on the part of the Packers' defense because they know the offense can always score. That kind of attitude shouldn't be condoned by any defensive player or coach. There should be pride on the part of every player in stopping the opposing team from gaining a single yard. Remember that game back in...whenever it was...when the Packers held Barry Sanders to minus yardage for the entire game? Minus yardage. Barry Sanders. Not Colonel Sanders, Barry Sanders. Clearly, there was a different attitude present on the part of that defense that manifested itself big time.

The players on this Packers defense -- including Tramon Williams -- are quality players, some even Pro Bowlers. But really: get a better attitude, please, so there is better performance on the field.

As to the offense, the offensive line play continues to be a concern. QB Aaron Rodgers was under pressure a good part of the day from a defense that is near the bottom of the rankings in just about every category. They are not known as pass rushing demons. And yet...Rodgers seemed to be scrambling for his life most of the afternoon. Guard Josh Sitton had another bad game, including several penalties. He's had a couple uncharacteristically sloppy games in a row. Whatever is going on with him better get figured out. The Packers need him -- and the entire O-line -- to perform at a higher level than they are now. It seemed that the running backs -- who gained 91 yards total on the day -- had to create their own holes most of the time. Their line didn't do them many favors.

And speaking of running backs, the emerging star that is James Starks had to be helped off the field late in the game after reportedly spraining his right knee. Head coach Mike McCarthy called it a sprain, but said he'd know more Monday. Let us pray.

So, yes, the Packers are 10-0. The only other two times they were 10-0 to start the season they won Championships: in 1929 and 1962. This team has now set a new franchise record of 12 straight regular season wins dating back to last season and 16 consecutive wins overall including the playoffs. Hard to complain. But even in the midst of seeming perfection there is imperfection. And nowhere is that more evident than on the playing field.

The Packers have only a few days to prepare for their Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit. If they don't play like they are capable of playing, Detroit could serve a loss to the Pack on Turkey Day. Detroit beat Carolina today, 49-35.

Let's hope today was a bit of a wake up call for this team. Hard to say they need it at 10-0. But they do.

Packers bye week meanderings

So here we are, heading into the eighth week of the NFL season...but there is no Green Bay Packers game. (Sigh)

Still, we Packer fans can cruise through this week and next with the blissful feelings that arise from rooting for the only 7-0 team in the league. And that we have the hottest quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and arguably the best receiving corps in the league. Let's also not forget that we have a kicker who hasn't missed a field goal attempt yet this season, including a franchise record 58-yarder last Sunday in the Humpty Dump.

But, we also have some concerns as we roll into the bye. The defense has been yielding yards and big plays like Wisconsin trees are giving up their leaves right now: in bunches. Part of that seems to stem from a limited pass rush which allows even mediocre QBs to look like Pro Bowlers. Another part of this situation stems from injuries in the seconday; losing Nick Collins for the season was a definite blow. But having Tramon Williams and Sam Shields missing a game or two, as well as an always banged-up Charles Woodson, means a unit not at 100 percent. It's been giving up big yards but also making key stops when it needs to to secure a victory. But you have to believe that head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers will be figuring out ways to goose the "D" for the post-bye games. If things don't get tightened up the Pack will wind up dropping games it should win.

Prediction Review
My pre-season prediction for the first seven weeks of the season had the Pack coming in at 6-1. I figured they'd win a game they shouldn't and likewise loose a game they shouldn't. As it turned out, they pulled out all the games, even those that seemed to be much closer than they needed to be. Looking ahead, I also suggested the Packers would go 7-2 after the bye. I'll stick with that. These next five games in particular will go a long way to telling us how far this team can go: at San Diego, home vs. the ViQueens (Monday night game), home against Tampa Bay, at Detroit (Thanksgiving Day) and at the NY Giants. Will be a very interesting stretch of games, with three out of five away. Nothing's easy in the NFL, and this is one of those stretches where that adage is really proven.

Jerry Kramer's PickPredict Contest!
The legendary Packers guard, Jerry Kramer, has been running a contest each week during the season. You can now enter it via the dedicated Jerry Kramer Contest link in the righthand column of this blog, immediately preceding the general Links section.

Here are the details:

• The challenge: Pick the winner of this week's Packers game and predict the final score.
• The reward: Autographed copies of Kramer's book "Instant Replay" and the Maple Street Press 2011 Packers Annual.
• Bonus: If your winning entry includes the correct current "Contest Code" (find it @JerryKramer64GB on Twitter) you'll receive a copy of the "Inside the Locker Room" CD, too.

So...good luck! I thank you...and Jerry thanks you!

As always, it's great to be a Packers fan!

Packers vs. Panthers preview

It's less than three hours to kickoff between the Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers as I write this, and a prediction needs to be made. Is there any doubt what that will be? No. The Packers will win this game. Not that it will be a cake walk, of course. After all, there is a rookie quarterback on the other side who put up record passing numbers in his debut last week. But that was against Arizona. Puh-leze.

The Packers have had the opportunity to see what he did and game plan for it. Given that Cam Newton was looking for WR Steve Smith most of the day, figure the Packers to focus on shutting Smith down and letting the other receivers -- which are whom, by the way? -- do whatever damage they might be able to do against the Packers' outstanding secondary. Now, that secondary may very likely be without Tramon Williams, who is still nursing a sore shoulder; he'll be a gametime decision, according to reports. Still, I'll take the Pack's d-backs against the Panthers' receivers any day of the week.

Granted, Newton has a bit of that Michael Vick aspect to him, where he can not only throw but can also run. He's athletic and a big body. That type of quarterback has been known in the past to offer problems for the Packers defense. But that was then, this is now. Occasionally, Newton may hit a long pass or even break containment and run for more yards than you'd like to see. But you have to figure that Dom Capers' defense will blitz Newton from every direction and contain him more often than not with the linebacking corps. If the defense can rattle him the Pack should be able to generate a turnover or two. Oh, T Jeff Otah is doubtful for the Panthers and if he can't go he will be replaced by rookie free agent Byron Bell. Packers LB Clay Matthews could and should have a field day.

When we look to the Panthers defense, it took a big blow last weekend when middle linebacker Jon Beason blew out an Achilles' tendon against the Cardinals. Beason was the leader of the defense and his loss is a big blow. Combine that loss with an average defense at best across all units and the Packers offense should have a big day. If Carolina blitzes, QB Aaron Rodgers will light them up. If they don't, perhaps we'll see the Packers' running game get going just to open things up downfield.

It should be a fun game to watch. Newton might put up some yardage but nowhere near like he did last week. Look for him to come down to earth a bit. The Packers offense should be ready to roll. If they did so against the Saints they can surely do so against the Panthers. The only way the Packers lose this game is if they beat themselves with turnovers or, more likely in this unlikely defeatist scenario, special teams breakdowns.

The Packers are 10-point favorites and the over/under is 45.5 points. My call is for the Packers to win 38-17.

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