Final 2015 Preseason Game Preview: Packers vs. Saints

In about 20 minutes from now, the Green Bay Packers will play their final game of the 2015 NFL preseason at Lambeau Field. The New Orleans Saints will be the opponent, which seems fitting given the heat and humidity currently present in the area.

What can we expect this evening? Little if any play from many of the regular starters, of course. Lots of young men battling for a spot on the final 53-man Packers roster or, barring that, to make enough of an impact in the game to get a call from another team after the Saturday cut-down. We also hope that whoever is on the field emerges without any injuries, something that hasn't been the case the last few weeks, sad to say.

Beyond that, it's anyone's guess. The coaches and most starters, one assumes, are focused not on tonight but rather on the first game of the regular season on Sept. 13 against Da Bearz in Chicago.

Speaking of Da Bearz: We're Having a Contest!

We're running a special -- and first ever! -- PackerFansUnited.com contest in conjunction with the upcoming season opener. We'll be giving away a flag similar to the one shown here courtesy of CollinsFlags.com.

Be sure to keep checking back here at PackerFansUnited.com for the rules and deadlines, or follow us on Twitter @packfansunited. We'll tell you more in the days ahead.

For now...Go Pack Go!!!

It's Packers 2014 preseason football time: Pack vs. Titans!

Oh, baby...at long, long last...Green Bay Packers football is about to get underway. The road to the Super Bowl, fellow Packer fans, begins this evening in Tennessee. Our Pack take on the Titans in the first of four preseason games. Expect not to see much of any of the projected starters. Particularly those named Aaron Rodgers.

Tonight, we'll get our first glimpse of the 2014 edition of the Packers. On display will be the work of the two fellows competing to be the primary backup to Rodgers: Matt Flynn and Scott Tolzein. The Packers know what Flynn can do: provide a knowledge of the system and even win games now and then. But we suspect they are more interested in seeing what Tolzein can do now with a bit more experience. They know he has a stronger arm than Flynn. The question is can he be a consistent leader on the field and win. Flynn's steady, Tolzein has a better chance to make a big play. What will shake out by the time the final roster decisions need to be made? This game starts to make that picture come into focus.

The same, of course, can be said for many other players and positions. Safety has been one getting a lot of attention in training camp. Given the lack of production from that unit last season, expectations are much higher this season. Morgan Burnett missed most of this week's camp with a strained oblique and will be held out tonight. As a result, second-year player Micah Hyde and first-round draft pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are expected to start, and much focus will of course be placed upon how Clinton-Dix adapts to the pro game.

But don't be surprised if you see third-year player Sean Richardson in the mix with the starters. During his Thursday press conference, head coach Mike McCarthy had this to say about Richardson: "I'll tell you what, Sean Richardson is having a hell of a training camp." Any number of pundits and reporters have noted that Richardson has been very impressive in camp. The coaching staff has taken notice. Richardson was an undrafted free agent who made the team in 2012, but that rookie season was cut short with injuries and he played in only five games. In 2013, he played in just six games. The Packers are anxious to see what a healthy Richardson can do. At 6'2" and 216 lbs., he is an imposing presence in the defensive backfield. I'm one of those rooting for him to stay on the field and make many contributions this season. He's an intriguing player.

Other young players will also be getting a close look tonight. Second-year player J.C. Tretter is slated to be the starting center if all goes according to script. McCarthy says he likes what he has seen from Tretter in practice, so we'll see what happens in live game action. Rookie Corey Linsley will also get a good look at center.

On offense, tight end is a position of interest with the apparent final departure of Jermichael Finley. Jake Stoneburner looks to take a step up in his play, while rookie Richard Rodgers has also received a lot of positive reviews in camp. In the wide receiver corps, expectations are high for rookie Davante Adams who has apparently been nothing but spectacular in camp.

But don't count out rookie Jeff Janis. Janis missed the first week of camp with an illness and practiced for the first time on Wednesday. During that first practice, Janis made a one-handed touchdown catch in the back-left corner of the end zone of a pass from Tolzein. Not to be outdone, Adams followed Janis’ catch with a one-handed touchdown grab of a Matt Flynn pass.

These are just a few of the players to keep an eye on, of course.

A big part of these preseason games for fans is just getting used to new players and new numbers. "Who is that?" will be a common statement tonight, whether on a good or poor play.

For coaches, they want to see what the new young guys may be able to contribute to make this team better. It's a fun and exciting time of the year. Hopes from fans and coaches alike are that no one gets seriously injured. The Pack has already lost wide receiver and returner Jared Abbrederis and offensive lineman Don Barclay to torn ACL's. The Packers have seemed a bit snake-bitten in recent seasons with injuries. Let's hope this early trend doesn't continue.

Packers preseason game #1 review

So the first chance the Green Bay Packers have to smack guys in other jerseys around came up a tad short on the scoreboard. The Pack dropped their first preseason game 27-17 to the Cleveland Browns. Big whup.

As tens of thousands of NFL fans across the nation know, these games don't count. Hence the not-even-half-filled Cleveland stadium last evening. It was an entertaining game only if you're OK seeing starters for just a few series of plays, and watching veteran backups and rookies battle for roster spots. In the abbreviated evaluation period teams have this season, every play that these backups and rookies get may be their only chance to show the coaches and management "what they got."

So who stood out for the Packers last night? Rookie WR/KR Randall Cobb is a keeper. He not only did a good job on kick returns but flashed good hands and explosive speed on three receptions for 60 yards. The Packers have to have the most dangerous receiving corps in the league: Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson. Now throw Cobb into the mix. And we haven't even mentioned the tight ends yet.

Jermichael Finley did not suit up last evening, although he says he will be ready for the next game. That gave second-year tight end Andrew Quarless the start and he acquited himself admirably, making a couple catches...which was a problem for him last year. He did leave with a groin injury, however. Quarless is in a battle for the spot behind Finley with Tom Crabtree and a few newcomers including rookie D.J. Williams and Ryan Taylor, both of whom made catches last night. In fact, lots of different players made catches last evening: 18 by final count.

Holy post route, Batman! Perhaps the Eagles aren't so crazy after all mortgaging the farm to transform their defensive backfield to try to hold the Packers in check. Still...good luck with that.

On the offensive line, both first-round draft pick Derek Sherrod and veteran T.J. Lang got lots of looks at left guard. And left tackle. The duo was being rotated just about with every series, including with each other flip-flopping the slots. Both looked just fine. As has been the case in Green Bay for a long time, the idea is to put the best five offensive linemen out there. The Pack's O-line will be OK.

As to running backs, it was nice to see Ryan Grant get a couple carries. Nothing major, but he did show some nice burst on a couple runs around the corner. James Starks also showed some speed and power, but he finished with an ankle injury of unknown severity...although don't think it was anything serious. Whew! Rookie Alex Green did not suit up last night so we'll have to wait another week to see what he brings to the party.

For the quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers found his rhythm in the second series, Matt Flynn engineered a 2-minute drill drive nearly the length of the field for a TD, and Graham Harrell got extended playing time...and needs more. He had three fumbles on the evening, one a blind side hit where a lineman or tight end failed to pick up the outside rusher; that was returned for a TD by the Browns.

The defense didn't do much of note either, really, particularly in the way of getting pressure on Browns QB Colt McCoy who, as a result, looked pretty sharp last evening. It was nice to see second-year safety Morgan Burnett stick his nose in on a few tackles; it was his first contact since the leg injury which ended his promising rookie season last year. And rookie D-backs Josh Gordy and M.D. Jennings both got interceptions to help them get noticed, if not by the Packers perhaps by some other teams.

Mention should also be made that punter Tim Masthay did an outstanding job last evening. He had five punts averaging 52.2 yards each, with a long of 60 yards. Granted, it's not punting outdoors in December, but you still like to see this kind of consistent performance out of your punter especially so early on. His hang times were also tremendous. Special teams tackling, however, left a bit to be desired. But, hey, it's early and lots of young players are playing special teams perhaps for the first time in a long time...or ever. They'll get the hang of it...or they'll be gone.

One player who probably didn't take advantage of his opportunities was undrafted rookie kick returner and wide receiver, Shaky Smithson. He did have three returns for an average of about 24 yards each, with a long of 25. His lone punt return went for three yards. Not bad, but not enough to win the wows that are needed to land a spot on the roster or practice squad. The youngster has a great personal story and he's a young man you have to root for. So this writer will. I hope he takes one all the way back Friday night at Lambeau Field versus the Cardinals.

There might be a few more observations which could be made, and perhaps will be. But in the meantime...enjoy your day.

And remember: it's great to be a Packer fan!

Packers blow out Colts in preseason game #3

Wowie kazowie, Batman! Did anyone see that coming? A 59-24 whupping of the Colts? Yowza! Sure, it's just preseason...but still...ya gotta like it, Packer fans!

There were no doubts coming into this game about the explosiveness of the Packers' offense. And no doubts emerged after the game. If anything, we should feel very good -- at least going into the regular season -- that the ol' veteran tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, held up very well indeed against the Colts' two Pro Bowl defensive ends. And with rookie Bryan Bulaga held out because of a hip injury, Daryn Colledge got extended time at left guard and no doubt secured the starter's role going into the season. He may not have been spectacular but he did what he needed to do which was help keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright.

And speaking of Rodgers, he not only stayed upright during his half of play but also played superbly. He connected on 3 TD passes during his time on the field. He missed on a couple of long throws, but even the ESPN booth crew was commenting on how Rodgers is now one of the elite quarterbacks in the league. They were particularly impressed with his ability to get the ball out quickly and without even having his feet set. His arm strength, delivery and decision making were tremendous.

Backup QB Matt Flynn also demonstrated his command of the offense during his time in the game, also looking very sharp. You could see last night why several personnel guys around the league have said that Flynn is a player they'd like to have on their teams as the best backup in the league.

As to the defense, coordinator Dom Capers dialed up the pressure a little bit more than what we've seen so far in the preseason. Despite missing a handful of starters due to injury or precaution, the defense did a good job holding its own against Peyton Manning and the Colts. Well, OK, there was that two-play, 22-second touchdown "drive" to start the game. That looked as if the defense was asleep. And they did give up 17 points while Manning was at the helm. Some of the d-backs looked out of position at times. But there was some pressure on Manning and that obviously made him uncomfortable. He was probably most uncomfortable when rookie free agent LB Frank Zombo -- who played virtually the entire game for all intents and purposes -- stripped him of the ball after which LB Robert Francois scooped it up and took it down to about the five yard line. Zombo has played himself through an ankle injury and onto the roster; there is no way he will not make the team after his performance, especially over the last two games.

Another undrafted free agent, CB Sam Shields might have also secured himself a spot on the roster. He had a great interception in the waning minutes of the game where he showed great anticipation and even greater athleticism in going up for the ball. He is also a speed demon on special teams...just don't use him as a returner!

Yet another rookie, S Morgan Burnett, has also demonstrated the ability to start. He nearly had an interception early in the game and later on, while Manning was still at quarterback, read the play perfectly and jumped in front of the receiver to make the pick. Great instincts.

WR Jason Cherry might have gotten a spot on the roster not in the crowded wide receiver corps but perhaps as a punt returner. He scored late in the 4th quarter on a tremendous 75-yard punt return to close out the Packers scoring.

In the punting competition, Tim Masthay probably has the edge on Chris Bryan thanks to one punt in the second quarter. He booted a 53-yard punt with 5.06 second hang time. It was at least in part that hang time that perhaps flustered returner Brandon James who muffed the ball inside the Colts' 10-yard line. The ball rolled into the end zone, where special teams standout Korey Hall recovered it for a touchdown. Been a while since there's been that kind of excitement -- at least going the Packers way -- on special teams. But at least on this night, even the special teams play was an asset and not a liability.

Tuesday teams have to cut down to 75 players, while Sept. 4 is the final cut down to the 53-man roster. It won't be hard to get down to 75. But as even the ESPN guys noted last night, the Packers are going to face some difficult decisions getting down to 53. There is a lot of talent on this team at many positions. It's one reason many pundits are picking the Pack to play in the Super Bowl at the end of this season. With some of the players, moving them to the practice squad won't accomplish much in the way of protecting them as other teams can claim them. Dang. Whether or not GM Ted Thompson receives any trade offers for any of these players remains to be seen.

One player who observers just have to think will finally be on the cutting block is Justin Harrell. He played again last evening in a very undistinguished performance. He was either on the ground being blocked or was not near the play at all. Looked very slow and unaggressive. For someone who is literally playing for his NFL career you would think there would be a sense of urgency. Maybe there was. But it sure didn't come out in terms of his play. Harrell by all reports is a nice young man. But he was damaged goods coming out of Tennessee, should never have been drafted at #16 in the first round, and has had nothing but health problems since joining the Pack, including in the week prior to this game. It's time for Thompson to make that roster spot available for someone else. Sorry, Justin.

There's more to chew on and discuss about this game and the upcoming season. But for now...enough.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers - Colts preseason game preview

Game time for tonight's Bishop's Charities Game at Lambeau Field is just a little more than 2 hours away. Being game #3 of the preseason, this is the dress rehearsal for the starters prior to the first game of the regular season Sept. 12 at Philadelphia. The Packers' starting units are expected to play at least through the first half of the game this evening. This will also be a warm up in the sense that the game will be nationally televised, so for the rookies on the team it will be a whole new experience, even if it is just a preseason game. They will get the feel for what the national spotlight is like.

As was the case last week, the Packers are thin tonight at running back, linebacker and in the defensive backfield. S Atari Bigby, LBs Clay Matthews and Brad Jones, RBs Kregg Lumpkin, James Starks and Quinn Porter, DE Cullen Jenkins, and CB Al Harris are not expected to play; LBs A.J. Hawk and Alex Joseph, and Ol Allen Barbre are questionable.

The plus side of the lack of running backs right now is that Ryan Grant should get a fair number of carries this evening. Of course, the offense will be pass-dominant as we've come to expect. But Grant needs the work, as does Brandon Jackson. Hopefully, Coach McCarthy will give them at least a few reps tonight.

Reports have also been circulating that CB Al Harris likely won't be ready for the start of the regular season, in which case the nickel position will go to one of the 4 backups: Brandon Underwood, Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, or rookie Sam Shields. Underwood got torched last weekend at Seattle; he needs to step up his play considerably tonight. Bush has been a regular underperformer and Lee can't seem to stay on the field. The Packers are intrigued by Shields, or at least by his speed. The experiment as a punt/kick returner appears to be over as he has mishandled the ball on nearly every occasion. His performance as a gunner on punt coverage teams, however, might be the way Shields garners a roster spot. Whether he is used much tonight in the nickel or not is anyone's guess, although that would certainly be an expectation in next week's game where roster spots are on the line.

Tonight will also be a good indicator of how well our aging tackles, Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher, stand up to a strong pass rush. If QB Aaron Rodgers gets pressure consistently tonight it might raise more concerns about the offensive line than initially thought.

On defense, it will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Dom Capers dials things up a bit. So far through the preseason the defensive schemes have been plain vanilla. He still doesn't have his full complement of personnel available, but it would still be a good test of the backups to see what they can do when called upon.

The third preseason game is always an interesting one to watch as we get our first real chance to see the starters in extended play. But it also might give us some early insights into who might make the squad and who might not come cut down day.

Packers exhibition game times set

While the opponents for the Packers preseason schedule were known within the last few weeks, the exact game dates and times were still not nailed down.

Now they are. And here ya go...

• Cleveland Browns, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Lambeau Field (Gold ticket package)

• Seattle Seahawks, 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, at Qwest Field

• Indianapolis Colts, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Lambeau Field

• Kansas City Chiefs, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, at Arrowhead Stadium

Packers 2010 preseason schedule announced

The NFL announced the Packers preseason schedule today, although exact dates and times are still to be determined except for the nationally televised game #3 versus the Colts:

Aug. 12-16 - Home
CLEVELAND BROWNS (Gold pkg.)
Midwest Shrine Game
TV: WFRV/state

Aug. 19-23 - Away
at Seattle Seahawks
TV: WFRV/state

Aug. 26 - 7 p.m. - Home
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Bishop's Charities Game
TV: ESPN

Sept. 2-3 - Away
at Kansas City Chiefs
TV: WFRV/state

You can read more about the schedule at the Packers' site, here.

Packers announce preseason opponents

While we're still waiting to see what the 2009 regular season holds in the way of scheduling -- other than what we already know about opening weekend (Da Bearz at Lambeau) and Turkey Day (at Detroit) -- we now at least can start to sniff the the new football season.

While specific dates and times are yet to be determined, as well as TV coverage outside of the state, you'll be seeing the Pack play their first two games at home and then wind up with two on the road.

Aug. 13-17: Cleveland Browns (Gold pkg.)
Midwest Shrine Game
TV: state

Aug. 20-24: Buffalo Bills
Bishop's Charities Game
TV: state

Aug. 27-31: at Arizona Cardinals
TV: state

Sept. 3-4: at Tennessee Titans
TV: state

Note for the dim: the date ranges indicated above do not mean the games actually last, e.g., from Aug. 13-17, just that the game will take place sometime during that time frame; that's the "to be determined" part of things at this point. Just so we're clear.

You can learn more here.

Preseason schedule set

The NFL announced today that the Packers will open their preseason schedule with a Monday Night Football game from Lambeau Field, hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on August 11. This will be the 48th annual Bishop's Charities Game, a charitable game initiated in 1961 by Vince Lombardi and the Diocese of Green Bay that has raised more than $3.4 million. Week 2 will see the Pack take on the 49ers, Week 3 will have the Pack at Denver, and the final preseason game will be the Midwest Shrine charity game at Lambeau versus the Titans. This will be the 59th annual Upper Midwest Shrine Game, which began in 1950 and has raised more than $3.1 million for the Midwest Shrine's burn centers and hospitals for crippled children. Other than the 7 p.m. start time for the game versus the Bengals, dates and times for the other games are still to be announced.

Packers drop final preseason game

The Pack lost their final preseason game tonight against the Tennessee Titans, 30-14. About the only people that can make sense of these final games are general managers and coaching staffs. Most fans, even diehards like us, sometimes don't find much worthwhile in these games. Maybe a young player will do something to get noticed and make the team. Or it's one big fiasco fest.

Anyway, Brett and the first team offense looked good, with some great pass receptions by Bubba Franks and Greg Jennings. Scored a TD on a long drive. The second and third team...well, looked like what they are. The line didn't do much and neither did anyone else. The Pack was taking a long look at rookie RB DeShawn Wynn tonight and it was a mixed bag. He dropped a couple short passes he should have caught, had perhaps two or three runs of maybe 10 yards or so. On the night, he had 22 carries for about 55 yards. Seemed to get a bit stronger with more carries -- and remember, this was essentially his only action in preseason. But whether he will make the team? The Pack is high on him, but has he really shown anything? Not yet, but you can see why the coaching staff would like to keep him around for the future. And, given the absence of healthy running backs right now, he's probably a shoe-in.

First round draft pick Justin Harrell's preseason highlight was a fumble recovery for a touchdown at the start of the second half.

Mason Crosby, one of the two kickers still battling it out, missed a 52-yard field goal in the first half. Plenty of leg, just wide to the left. That was his first miss in a game situation.

Other than that, the only injury of note (at least as far as we could tell) was safety Tyrone Culver, who perhaps dislocated a shoulder attempting to make a tackle. He had it wrapped on the sideline. Will have to wait until tomorrow probably to find out the seriousness of it all. RB Noah Herron seemed to tweak a knee somewhere along the way and saw no more action. Didn't seem serious, but will have to wait to see. Given the injuries to backs so far...never mind...let's not even go there.

Will have to check out other viewers' and reporters' assessments tonight and tomorrow for their take on things. By end of day Saturday the team will have to go from 75 players to 53. The Packers' coaching staff and GM have some interesting decisions ahead of them. Whether tonight told them as much as they would like about some of these players, we'll find out soon.

Here's something you haven't seen since...

The Packers defeat last evening of the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 48-13 was the most points scored by the Pack in an exhibition game since...oh...1938, to be exact. Against the Cedar Rapids Crush. Remember them? And, the game was played in Escanaba, Michigan. Why the Packers were playing a team from Iowa in Michigan...well...that's another story for another time by another writer who really cares.

As for us, we can be happy that there was some definite progress from the week before. Brett looked like Brett...the really good Brett. Let's face it, a passer rating of 104.2 is really good...even if you don't understand what a passer rating is. And seeing Bubba Franks catch more than a few passes was also encouraging. Brandon Jackson looked good. James Jones continues to impress. The defense...very impressive, scoring twice in the first half. And Atari Bigby, who didn't look too sharp last week looked very solid this time around.

Special teams, however, suffered a loss when return man Shaun Bodiford left with an unspecified knee injury. Will Blackmon filled in and wound up having an 83-yard kickoff return as well as a nice punt return. Hopefully, Bodiford will return without a significant injury or time away.

All in all, an excellent preseason game #2. But, remember, it is still just preseason.

Observations on "Family Night" scrimmage

The Packers held their annual "Family Night" scrimmage in Lambeau Field tonight. And, as always, 60,000 fans show up -- actually pay -- to watch the action. Only in Green Bay. And that's said with pride. Of course, for those who couldn't make it to Lambeau, the scrimmage was carried live on statewide TV. Only in Wisconsin. And, again, that's said with pride.

A few observations, in no particular order:

• Brett Favre directed two opening TD drives against the #2 defense, looking extremely sharp on his throws. Both Donald Driver and Gregg Jennings made some excellent catches. Later, in a two minute drill, Brett was intercepted by Nick Collins on a bad throw to the endzone.


• Shaun Bodiford had a nice kickoff run back, finally being forced out of bounds by the kicker, Dave Rayner. David Clowney, rookie wide receiver, returned a kickoff for a TD. It should be noted in both cases, though, that there was no tackling allowed on special teams during the scrimmage. Still, both Bodiford and Clowney showed exceptional speed.


• The #1 defensive line seemed to put constant pressure on backup QB Aaron Rodgers who looked, well, like Aaron Rodgers under pressure. When given time, however, Rodgers completed some nice throws...not including an ill-advised toss up interception in the endzone.


• Third-year RB Noah Herron now is the "oldest" back on the team in terms of tenure with the Packers. Scary, isn't it?


• Rookie QB Paul Thompson, a free agent signing out of Oklahoma, showed a live arm and exhibited good movement in and out of the pocket. He was picked off on a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. If you want to know more about Thompson -- who knew the Pack even had him? -- go here. Interesting prospect. Practice squad candidate? Or bumps Ingle Martin out of the #3 spot?


• Tramon Williams, second year CB, delivered a huge hit on WR Chris Francies to break up a completion.


• In the field goal kicking competition at the end of the scrimmage, incumbent Dave Rayner missed a couple, as did rookie Mason Crosby. The kickers kicked from both ends of the stadium, various yardages and placements, and also switched holders. Call it a draw.

So, it seems as if everyone got out unscathed with no injuries. That's the best outcome of all.

Now, the team gets ready for their first preseason game next weekend at Pittsburgh. Oh yeah!

Preseason Schedule Finalized

We got the finishing touches on the previously up-in-the-air Steelers and Seahawks preseason games. The Pack will open at Pittsburgh Saturday, Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Central time. This will be followed by the first home game on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m. against Seattle. Things then move to Thursday evenings for the final two exhibition games.

The entire preseason schedule now looks like this (all times Central):

Sat. Aug. 11 - 6:30 p.m.
at Pittsburgh

Sat. Aug. 18 - 7 p.m.
vs. Seattle (Gold pkg; Midwest Shrine Game)

Thurs. Aug. 23 - 7 p.m.
vs. Jacksonville (Bishop's Charities Game)

Thurs. Aug. 30 - 7 p.m.
at Tennessee

Pack's Preseason Opponents Set

At least we now know who and where the Packers will be playing in the preseason. Although dates and times for a couple of the games are still to be determined, the Pack starts and finishes the preseason on the road. The schedule also includes a nationally-televised Thursday night game on Fox. The regular season schedule is still to be announced.

Here's the schedule (all times Central):

Date: Aug. 9-13
Opponent: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Time: TBA
TV: (WI) state

Date: Aug. 16-20
Opponent: Seattle Seahawks (Gold pkg.)
Midwest Shrine Game
Time: TBA
TV: (WI) state

Date: Thurs., Aug. 23
Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
Bishop's Charities Game
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: FOX

Date: Thurs., Aug. 30
Opponent: at Tennessee Titans
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: (WI) state