As the NFL Scouting Combine churns away in Indy, thoughts naturally turn to what the Packers will do in the draft. And, especially, what they'll do with their first round pick.
Packer fans know all too well that the number one priority is the offensive line, with tackle a key need on both ends of the line. Venerable veterans Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are nearing the end of the road, unfortunately. Clifton may be able to hold up one more season, and where would the Packers have been without Tauscher coming back late in the season to bolster the right side? But, clearly, there are needs sooner rather than later.
That's why it's encouraging to read this article in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. It begins thusly: "It's a deep, talented draft for offensive linemen, exactly what the Green Bay Packers needed as they plot their strategy for the first two rounds."
Yeah!
The article notes that there are probably five tackles that are guaranteed first round picks and that, unless the Packers trade up (not likely, given GM Ted Thompson's tendencies), the top three will be gone by the time the Packers pick at number 23. A number of mock drafts have the Packers selecting Iowa junior Bryan Bulaga (6'5"-1/2, 314 lbs). He's also the fourth highest ranked tackle according to an informal assessment by four NFL personnel wonks, as noted in the article. This despite the specs: Bulaga’s arms were measured at 33-1/4 inches (tied for 28th among the 45 O-linemen tested) and his hands at 9-1/4 inches (tied for last). That concerns some personnel folks because of reach, etc. But remember other physical specimens who didn't exactly measure up one way or another? Oh yes, there was that Mark Tauscher kid from Wisconsin who wasn't drafted until the seventh round.
Stories abound for every team of highly touted picks who were a bust and late rounders who weren't supposed to do much who became longtime stalwarts on a team. Until it's game time, you never know for sure.
But as Packer fans, we can only hope that there is enough of the veteran component on the offensive line to balance off the rookie play. The key, whoever is lining up, is to protect one of the best young QBs in the league, Aaron Rodgers, and open some holes for Ryan Grant and whoever else may be carrying the ball. Given the depth of the draft for offensive linemen, the Pack should be able to pick up a gem or two for next year and beyond...just what they need.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Packers to Pickett: tag -- you're it!
As alluded to here yesterday, and as finally done in fact, the Pack decided not to risk losing NT Ryan Pickett in free agency because they couldn't get a contract deal done. Instead, they placed the franchise tag on Pickett. That in effect keeps him off the free agent market. With the tag, the Packers can meet any other offer Pickett might receive and if they decide they don't want to match an offer they'll receive two first round draft picks as compensation.
The cost to the Packers for this tag, assuming that Pickett signs the tender, is just over $7 million for the season, more than double what Pickett received this last season. But clearly, the Packers value him and what he did to bolster the heart of the Packers' #1 run defense. GM Ted Thompson said in a statement: "Ryan has been a good teammate and productive player for us on the field and also a good representative of the Packers in the community. We look forward to having him be a part of our future."
You can read more about the Pickett tag here.
The Packers also signed S Derrick Martin to a two-year contract reportedly worth $1.9 million. While not so great in coverage this last year, Martin earned his stripes -- if not this contract renewal -- on special teams where he became one of the top performers.
The cost to the Packers for this tag, assuming that Pickett signs the tender, is just over $7 million for the season, more than double what Pickett received this last season. But clearly, the Packers value him and what he did to bolster the heart of the Packers' #1 run defense. GM Ted Thompson said in a statement: "Ryan has been a good teammate and productive player for us on the field and also a good representative of the Packers in the community. We look forward to having him be a part of our future."
You can read more about the Pickett tag here.
The Packers also signed S Derrick Martin to a two-year contract reportedly worth $1.9 million. While not so great in coverage this last year, Martin earned his stripes -- if not this contract renewal -- on special teams where he became one of the top performers.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Packers personnel moves ahead?
The last few weeks have been...hmmm...not so busy for Packer fans. Not much happening. But of course, things have been happening inside 1265 Lombardi Avenue in Green Bay.
In fact, there is a report that the Packers may wind up putting a franchise or transition tag on NT Ryan Pickett. The Packers and Pickett's agent have been discussing a contract for a while but nothing is firm yet. As this story in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel points out, "Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reported Tuesday evening that the Packers plan to franchise Pickett if a deal isn't reached before Thursday, the final day NFL teams can put tags on their soon-to-be free agent players." If the Packers put the franchise tag on Pickett it will more than double his salary. Wouldn't seem as if there would be much incentive for the agent to get things done at this time given the automatic boost in salary that comes with either tag designation.
Westbrook and Tomlinson interested in Packers
620WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee was yesterday reporting that both Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson, veteran running backs released recently by the Eagles and Chargers respectively, indicated their interest in playing with the Packers this coming season. Both have apparently indicated that they are looking for a Super Bowl ring and believe the Packers are well-positioned to make that run. Both runners have been outstanding in their careers. Westbrook has been injury-plagued, however, and Tomlinson is nearing the end of the road. Would Packers GM Ted Thompson take a flyer, as they say, on one of these backs as back up to Ryan Grant? Are either an upgrade over Ahman Green? And what about trying to pick up a legitimate running threat in the draft?
Ah, yes, it's good to start talking personnel again, isn't it?
Packers Fan Fest March 12-13
The sixth annual Packers Fan Fest will be held March 12-13, 2010 at the Lambeau Field Atrium and Don Hutson Center. Many current and former players will be on hand, along with Packers team officials.
Tickets are on sale now. You can get further information here.
In fact, there is a report that the Packers may wind up putting a franchise or transition tag on NT Ryan Pickett. The Packers and Pickett's agent have been discussing a contract for a while but nothing is firm yet. As this story in today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel points out, "Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reported Tuesday evening that the Packers plan to franchise Pickett if a deal isn't reached before Thursday, the final day NFL teams can put tags on their soon-to-be free agent players." If the Packers put the franchise tag on Pickett it will more than double his salary. Wouldn't seem as if there would be much incentive for the agent to get things done at this time given the automatic boost in salary that comes with either tag designation.
Westbrook and Tomlinson interested in Packers
620WTMJ Radio in Milwaukee was yesterday reporting that both Brian Westbrook and LaDainian Tomlinson, veteran running backs released recently by the Eagles and Chargers respectively, indicated their interest in playing with the Packers this coming season. Both have apparently indicated that they are looking for a Super Bowl ring and believe the Packers are well-positioned to make that run. Both runners have been outstanding in their careers. Westbrook has been injury-plagued, however, and Tomlinson is nearing the end of the road. Would Packers GM Ted Thompson take a flyer, as they say, on one of these backs as back up to Ryan Grant? Are either an upgrade over Ahman Green? And what about trying to pick up a legitimate running threat in the draft?
Ah, yes, it's good to start talking personnel again, isn't it?
Packers Fan Fest March 12-13
The sixth annual Packers Fan Fest will be held March 12-13, 2010 at the Lambeau Field Atrium and Don Hutson Center. Many current and former players will be on hand, along with Packers team officials.
Tickets are on sale now. You can get further information here.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
What the Favre? Part 20
According to an article on Yahoo Sports, and citing his own website, Ol' #4 is thankful for this last season but -- of course -- isn't giving a clue as to whether he'll return to the ViQueens next season (as I've said here before, my guess is he will).
Brett Favre said, "It was truly an amazing experience to be a part of the Minnesota Vikings this past season." Well isn't that special. You can read more of his comments here if you care to. Or just go to Favre's website. That will work for you, as well.
But honestly: do we need to pay any more attention until at least August? Not really.
Brett Favre said, "It was truly an amazing experience to be a part of the Minnesota Vikings this past season." Well isn't that special. You can read more of his comments here if you care to. Or just go to Favre's website. That will work for you, as well.
But honestly: do we need to pay any more attention until at least August? Not really.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Lombardi Trophy won by Lombardi
In response to an earlier post here asking which team won the Super Bowl, the answer is: it was not the ViQueens.
In a strange bounce of the oblong ball, the Lombardi Trophy was actually won by a Lombardi. In this case, the Saints quarterbacks coach, Joe Lombardi, grandson of the late, great St. Vince.
The Who Dat? Nation is still celebrating in N'awlins. And proud Grampa Vince is beaming that gap-toothed smile down upon his grandson.
In a strange bounce of the oblong ball, the Lombardi Trophy was actually won by a Lombardi. In this case, the Saints quarterbacks coach, Joe Lombardi, grandson of the late, great St. Vince.
The Who Dat? Nation is still celebrating in N'awlins. And proud Grampa Vince is beaming that gap-toothed smile down upon his grandson.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Friday, February 05, 2010
And the Commish says...
Yesterday we heard execs from the NFL Players Association telling us that it was highly unlikely there would be football in 2011.
A day later, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says...he hopes they're wrong. So do we, commish, so do we.
Goodell also wants to see a few other things: more games, overseas games, and a franchise back in Los Angeles. He also is not in favor of changing the overtime system. Dang!
If you're interested in learning more about what the commissioner has to say about this and that, and that and this, then you can find this and that here.
A day later, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says...he hopes they're wrong. So do we, commish, so do we.
Goodell also wants to see a few other things: more games, overseas games, and a franchise back in Los Angeles. He also is not in favor of changing the overtime system. Dang!
If you're interested in learning more about what the commissioner has to say about this and that, and that and this, then you can find this and that here.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
NFL Players Association exec sees no play in 2011
If you saw the movie "Spinal Tap" (and if you are a reader here, I have to believe you did), then you might remember Christopher Guest's Nigel Tufnel character saying that while the loudest number on all regular amplifiers was "10", Spinal Tap's went to "11". Because, paraphrasing, it was one more.
I offer this walk down movie memory lane as a precursor to the comments of NFL Players association executive director, DeMaurice Smith, who said today that he viewed the possibility of football not being played in 2011 as a "14" on a scale of 1 to 10. So...let's see...that would be...four more!
Okaaaaaay. That's not good, is it? Especially since the world is also supposed to end in 2012 according to the Mayan calendar. So better enjoy this next season, folks. 2011, no football...2012, no anything. Yikes! That means the Packers gotta win next season's Super Bowl! Oh man...
Anyway...
According an AP article on Yahoo Sports, Smith talked about how tough it would be to sell players on an average pay cut of "$340,000... to save the National Football League. Tough sell. Tough sell.” NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, played the other role in this bad cop - good cop melodrama. Mawae said, "I really and truly in my heart believe we’ll get a deal done. But there’s going to have to be some give and some take and not just taking from one side all the way.”
The league, naturally, looks at this somewhat differently and took exception to some of the numbers and arguments being tossed about by the players union. In fact, our beloved Packers even got dragged into the discussion as a talking point. Because the Packers are the only team whose annual financial statements are public, they are the only ones the union has seen. To help justify its position, the league pointed out that the Packers' profits declined by 40 percent.
Anyway, you can read more at the article link above.
Oh, and if you saw my earlier post today in which I referenced the "out of uniform" cell phone video and sweepstakes campaign the NFLPA has underway, this latest information just reinforces my earlier comment that it's a smart (but rather obvious) public relations effort by the union ahead of the negotiations to try to build fan support by showing that NFL players are just typical guys doing typical things. You know, except with more money than typical guys. Than typical guys will see in a lifetime. But other than that...yeah, sure...
I offer this walk down movie memory lane as a precursor to the comments of NFL Players association executive director, DeMaurice Smith, who said today that he viewed the possibility of football not being played in 2011 as a "14" on a scale of 1 to 10. So...let's see...that would be...four more!
Okaaaaaay. That's not good, is it? Especially since the world is also supposed to end in 2012 according to the Mayan calendar. So better enjoy this next season, folks. 2011, no football...2012, no anything. Yikes! That means the Packers gotta win next season's Super Bowl! Oh man...
Anyway...
According an AP article on Yahoo Sports, Smith talked about how tough it would be to sell players on an average pay cut of "$340,000... to save the National Football League. Tough sell. Tough sell.” NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, played the other role in this bad cop - good cop melodrama. Mawae said, "I really and truly in my heart believe we’ll get a deal done. But there’s going to have to be some give and some take and not just taking from one side all the way.”
The league, naturally, looks at this somewhat differently and took exception to some of the numbers and arguments being tossed about by the players union. In fact, our beloved Packers even got dragged into the discussion as a talking point. Because the Packers are the only team whose annual financial statements are public, they are the only ones the union has seen. To help justify its position, the league pointed out that the Packers' profits declined by 40 percent.
Anyway, you can read more at the article link above.
Oh, and if you saw my earlier post today in which I referenced the "out of uniform" cell phone video and sweepstakes campaign the NFLPA has underway, this latest information just reinforces my earlier comment that it's a smart (but rather obvious) public relations effort by the union ahead of the negotiations to try to build fan support by showing that NFL players are just typical guys doing typical things. You know, except with more money than typical guys. Than typical guys will see in a lifetime. But other than that...yeah, sure...
Which team can a Packer fan root for in the Super Bowl?
With the big game coming up on Sunday, the thoughts of many Packer fans might be...OK, still believing that we coulda, shoulda been there, darn it! (Feel free to fill in with your own expletives, as you prefer.)
But, we're not. Yes, reality sucks, doesn't it?
So, for those who will watch -- which, most of us probably will -- the question then is, which team do we root for? There's the standard bit about rooting for the team from your own conference, in this case, New Orleans. That does have a lot going for it. After all, after what the city of New Orleans as been through, the Saints are the feel-good story of the football season. And they are the underdog. America loves the underdog. But best of all, they beat Ol' #4 and the ViQueens (yes, I know, some argue that Ol' #4 himself beat the 'Queens, but that's a conversation for another day). If for no other reason than that, the Saints should get a nod.
Then there's the Colts. Peyton Manning. Arguably the best ever, so they say, if Indy wins this game. Midwest team. Has that going for it.
But, there are other connections which Packer fans might want to throw into the equation. For example, did you know that the Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, is from Beloit, Wisconsin? And, to his credit, he hasn't lost sight of his roots. Caldwell seems to be almost the mystery man of NFL coaches. But he is far from that back in his local community. Check out this article to learn more about Caldwell and maybe find a few reasons to root for him and the Colts.
On the other sideline, though, will be an assistant coach with a familiar name to Packer fans...to all football fans. In fact, the Super Bowl winner's trophy carries that same name: Lombardi. That's right, the quarterbacks coach of the Saints is Joe Lombardi, grandson of the late, great St. Vince himself. He's apparently done a good job of not riding family coattails. Seems very much his own man. So, if you want to root for a Lombardi, you still can if you root for the Saints. And you can read more about Joe here.
Colts vs. Saints. Should be a lot of points on the scoreboard at the end of the game. And should also be a fun game to watch...whichever team you finally decide to root for.
NFL Players Association sweepstakes
No, we're not talking about the odds of the collective bargaining agreement being re-worked before it expires. Or how much cash might be on the table for free agent signings.
We're talking about a marketing effort from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) itself designed, as the press release says, "to create awareness and interest in the NFLPA and players out of uniform" (note: italics theirs). Now, if that image might not exactly be what you want to think about...perhaps reframe that to see this as a rather smart public relations move ahead of the collective bargaining negotiations designed to show that NFL players are just typical guys doing typical things. OK, sure, they make more money in a year than most typical guys will see in a lifetime...but other than that...
Anyway, they are mounting a large effort around the Super Bowl to get fans to text “NFLPA” to 21534 on their cell phones. When you do, you will "get an exclusive video featuring Brandon Jacobs, A.J. Hawk, Matt Hasselbeck and Darren Sharper in their lives off the field. Fans who text it will also receive an entry to win a trip to the 2010 NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles." Regarding the video, notes the press release, "In most instances, the video is delivered to the mobile phone via MMS, meaning that fans with 'regular' phones without Internet plans are able to receive the video just as smartphone consumers are."
As they say in commercials: But wait! There's more! From the press release: "...the campaign allows participants to encourage friends to enter the contest via mobile video invitations and, in doing so, receive up to five additional entries into the contest. After entering the sweepstakes, all participants have the option to also enter their address to receive a special collectible gift from the NFLPA."
So, if you want to get short videos sent to your cell phone showing how NFL players are really just like you except with a lot more money, better looking girl friends, and a lifestyle you will only be able to experience through videos like these, then text away. And remember: while the videos are free, "Standard text messaging rates do apply." Hey, you'll even get to sign up to receive an unspecified "collectible." Go ahead, live on the edge...just like the players do.
(Note to readers: in no way was PackerFansUnited.com compensated in any way for this editorial mention...darn it!)
But, we're not. Yes, reality sucks, doesn't it?
So, for those who will watch -- which, most of us probably will -- the question then is, which team do we root for? There's the standard bit about rooting for the team from your own conference, in this case, New Orleans. That does have a lot going for it. After all, after what the city of New Orleans as been through, the Saints are the feel-good story of the football season. And they are the underdog. America loves the underdog. But best of all, they beat Ol' #4 and the ViQueens (yes, I know, some argue that Ol' #4 himself beat the 'Queens, but that's a conversation for another day). If for no other reason than that, the Saints should get a nod.
Then there's the Colts. Peyton Manning. Arguably the best ever, so they say, if Indy wins this game. Midwest team. Has that going for it.
But, there are other connections which Packer fans might want to throw into the equation. For example, did you know that the Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, is from Beloit, Wisconsin? And, to his credit, he hasn't lost sight of his roots. Caldwell seems to be almost the mystery man of NFL coaches. But he is far from that back in his local community. Check out this article to learn more about Caldwell and maybe find a few reasons to root for him and the Colts.
On the other sideline, though, will be an assistant coach with a familiar name to Packer fans...to all football fans. In fact, the Super Bowl winner's trophy carries that same name: Lombardi. That's right, the quarterbacks coach of the Saints is Joe Lombardi, grandson of the late, great St. Vince himself. He's apparently done a good job of not riding family coattails. Seems very much his own man. So, if you want to root for a Lombardi, you still can if you root for the Saints. And you can read more about Joe here.
Colts vs. Saints. Should be a lot of points on the scoreboard at the end of the game. And should also be a fun game to watch...whichever team you finally decide to root for.
NFL Players Association sweepstakes
No, we're not talking about the odds of the collective bargaining agreement being re-worked before it expires. Or how much cash might be on the table for free agent signings.
We're talking about a marketing effort from the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) itself designed, as the press release says, "to create awareness and interest in the NFLPA and players out of uniform" (note: italics theirs). Now, if that image might not exactly be what you want to think about...perhaps reframe that to see this as a rather smart public relations move ahead of the collective bargaining negotiations designed to show that NFL players are just typical guys doing typical things. OK, sure, they make more money in a year than most typical guys will see in a lifetime...but other than that...
Anyway, they are mounting a large effort around the Super Bowl to get fans to text “NFLPA” to 21534 on their cell phones. When you do, you will "get an exclusive video featuring Brandon Jacobs, A.J. Hawk, Matt Hasselbeck and Darren Sharper in their lives off the field. Fans who text it will also receive an entry to win a trip to the 2010 NFL PLAYERS Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles." Regarding the video, notes the press release, "In most instances, the video is delivered to the mobile phone via MMS, meaning that fans with 'regular' phones without Internet plans are able to receive the video just as smartphone consumers are."
As they say in commercials: But wait! There's more! From the press release: "...the campaign allows participants to encourage friends to enter the contest via mobile video invitations and, in doing so, receive up to five additional entries into the contest. After entering the sweepstakes, all participants have the option to also enter their address to receive a special collectible gift from the NFLPA."
So, if you want to get short videos sent to your cell phone showing how NFL players are really just like you except with a lot more money, better looking girl friends, and a lifestyle you will only be able to experience through videos like these, then text away. And remember: while the videos are free, "Standard text messaging rates do apply." Hey, you'll even get to sign up to receive an unspecified "collectible." Go ahead, live on the edge...just like the players do.
(Note to readers: in no way was PackerFansUnited.com compensated in any way for this editorial mention...darn it!)
Favre's offseason planner
Yes, this has been circulating for a little while now, but just in case you haven't seen it, it's worth a chuckle: Brett Favre's offseason daily planner...
- Jan 24 – Throw inexcusable pick to blow Vikings Super Bowl chances.
- Jan 25 – Announce that “It’s highly unlikely” you’ll come back to play again in 2010.
- Feb 1 – Get interviewed for Peter King’s MMQB column. Tell him “no decision” has been made, but “Deanna and I are going home to Mississippi” and give it some thought. Fish for compliments by telling King how banged up I am. Be sure to mention that this gets harder every year.
- Feb 1-9 – Quality time with family. Also monitor the web for speculation about my future.
- Feb 10 – Leak to John Clayton I’m retiring.
- Feb 11 – Deny reports about my retirement.
- Feb 15 – Formally announce my retirement in teary press conference. Don’t forget to say “I don’t have anything left” and “I gave it everything I had.”
- Feb 15-19 - Keep schedule clear to watch “Brett Favre Tribute Week” on ESPN. TiVo same on NFL Net.
- March 1 – Call Adam Schefter to start “second thoughts” rumors.
- March 2 – Deny second thoughts.
- March 15 – Dinner with Chilly.
- March 16 – Call Minneapolis Star Tribune. Say “This is the best I’ve felt in 10 years.”
- March 20 – Call in with “Mike & Mike.” Insist you’re not coming back but if you did you could compete at a high level.
- April 22-24 – NFL Draft. Encourage Chilly to draft a QB because you’re done.
- April 30-May 3 - Skip mini camp.
- May 30 – Have agent call Zigi Wulf re: new contract.
- June 1 – Tell Jason LaCanfora “I’m not sure” about coming back.
- July 24 – Training camp opens. Go fishing in Lousiana.
- Aug 24 – Sign record contract.
- Aug 25 - Report to Vikings camp. Tell press “I’m here to win.” Say you don’t want the focus to be on you. Cry.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
What's the Packers' biggest story of decade?
For those who haven't yet realized it, yes, we are now in the second decade of the 21st Century. Count 'em: two!
So, some Packer fans might wonder: what was the biggest story of the last decade related to our beloved Green Bay Packers? Certainly plenty of fodder for the barroom, Super Bowl parties, or draft weekend endurance marathons with that question.
Luckily for all of us, Mike Vandermause, sports editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, has done the work for us. Whew! And after reading his Top 10 list, you have to concur that he pretty well nailed everything. Some fans might want to re-work the order on an item or two. But overall...nailed it! And I hope this doesn't steal the article's thunder, but guess what? The biggest story wasn't Ol' #4. Imagine that.
Be sure to check out the story here. And also check out some of the readers' comments. Some great insights from the hoi polloi (look it up!).
So, some Packer fans might wonder: what was the biggest story of the last decade related to our beloved Green Bay Packers? Certainly plenty of fodder for the barroom, Super Bowl parties, or draft weekend endurance marathons with that question.
Luckily for all of us, Mike Vandermause, sports editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, has done the work for us. Whew! And after reading his Top 10 list, you have to concur that he pretty well nailed everything. Some fans might want to re-work the order on an item or two. But overall...nailed it! And I hope this doesn't steal the article's thunder, but guess what? The biggest story wasn't Ol' #4. Imagine that.
Be sure to check out the story here. And also check out some of the readers' comments. Some great insights from the hoi polloi (look it up!).
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Rodgers shines in Pro Bowl; Tarkenton rips Favre
So we watched -- well, some people watched -- the NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday. And we saw Packers QB Aaron Rodgers start the game and acquit himself very nicely, throwing for nearly 200 yards and 2 TDs in roughly a quarter of work. Should have been the MVP. I mean, Matt Schaub? C'mon. Apparently the voting criteria was determined by whoever through the first TD pass of the game. The other highlight of the game for Packer fans was no Packer Pro Bowler getting hurt. That's about the best you can hope for.
But perhaps the most exciting part of the weekend had to do with ex-Packer, Ol' #4, and old ViQueens QB, Fran Tarkenton. The latter, who ripped Brett Favre before in the media for his waffling on retirement, etc., took some time out recently to talk about Favre's passing decisions. You know, the kind he makes at critical times in important games? We're familiar with that sort of thing, aren't we, Packer fans?
Tarkenton called Favre's interception in the closing seconds of regulation a "stupid play" that led to Minnesota's loss. Tarkenton spoke to a Philadelphia radio station and said, "They were the better team. Their offense turned the ball over five times, the Viking offense. But still if he didn't make that stupid play at the end of the game they would have won the game." But wait! There's more: "I have never seen any quarterback much less, well he is going to be a Hall of Fame quarterback, make plays like that at a critical time. He has done the same thing in the Giants game (a Packers loss in the 2007 NFC title game). He plays at home, has the better team and plays against Eli (Manning). He was a young kid right? And he throws the pick ... and then he does what he did the other night which was just shameful because great quarterbacks, and he is a great quarterback, they don't do that. You don't see Peyton Manning do that."
Fran: tell us how you really feel, will ya? You can read more here.
While Favre takes his time deciding (again), one "fan" decides
As fans and pundits alike debate whether Favre will return for another year with the ViQueens (my guess is yes), The Onion reports that at least one fan has made an important decision in his life. You can check out The Onion's report right here (and remember...this is only a spoof...but it's a good one):
Packers Fan Announces He Will Return To Drinking For Another Season
But perhaps the most exciting part of the weekend had to do with ex-Packer, Ol' #4, and old ViQueens QB, Fran Tarkenton. The latter, who ripped Brett Favre before in the media for his waffling on retirement, etc., took some time out recently to talk about Favre's passing decisions. You know, the kind he makes at critical times in important games? We're familiar with that sort of thing, aren't we, Packer fans?
Tarkenton called Favre's interception in the closing seconds of regulation a "stupid play" that led to Minnesota's loss. Tarkenton spoke to a Philadelphia radio station and said, "They were the better team. Their offense turned the ball over five times, the Viking offense. But still if he didn't make that stupid play at the end of the game they would have won the game." But wait! There's more: "I have never seen any quarterback much less, well he is going to be a Hall of Fame quarterback, make plays like that at a critical time. He has done the same thing in the Giants game (a Packers loss in the 2007 NFC title game). He plays at home, has the better team and plays against Eli (Manning). He was a young kid right? And he throws the pick ... and then he does what he did the other night which was just shameful because great quarterbacks, and he is a great quarterback, they don't do that. You don't see Peyton Manning do that."
Fran: tell us how you really feel, will ya? You can read more here.
While Favre takes his time deciding (again), one "fan" decides
As fans and pundits alike debate whether Favre will return for another year with the ViQueens (my guess is yes), The Onion reports that at least one fan has made an important decision in his life. You can check out The Onion's report right here (and remember...this is only a spoof...but it's a good one):
Packers Fan Announces He Will Return To Drinking For Another Season
Monday, January 25, 2010
What the Favre? Part 19
We haven't done a "What the Favre?" installment for quite a while now. But given the end of the road yesterday for Ol' #4 in the ViQueens loss to the Saints, the question which obviously arises is whether or not this will in fact be THE end of the road?
As one ESPN commentator was saying this a.m., we've all learned to take what Brett Favre says in January with a grain of salt. Favre supposedly told ESPN's Ed Werder after last night's game that it was "highly unlikely" that he would ever play again. Until the summer comes and goes, the next NFL season starts...and finishes...you never know with Mr. Favre. Sure can't take retirement press conferences as anything final, can we? Although Favre said in his post-game press conference that he wouldn't make the team wait several months for his decision...you know, not like he did with the Packers for about the last 4 or 5 years of his tenure.
Apparently, Minnesota fans are so desperate to get to and win a Super Bowl that they are ready to forgive Favre's foibles and welcome him back next season. In a poll in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, when asked "Do you want Favre to come back next season?", 69% of nearly 31,000 people voting said "Yes." Okaaaaay.
Favre has a year left on the two-year, $25 million contract he signed with the 'Queens in mid-August.
One sportscaster offered up the stat last evening that, if this was Favre's last game with the ViQueens, that his last passes as a Falcon, as a Packer, as a Jet, and as a ViQueen were interceptions...with 2 of them his final throws in NFC Championship games. He won't be remembered for that, at least not totally. But it does make some great barroom trivia, doesn't it?
Oh, and one more set of stats from both of yesterday's games: the quarterback ratings:
By the way, Brett's rating for the NFC Championship game two years ago was...70.7.
As one ESPN commentator was saying this a.m., we've all learned to take what Brett Favre says in January with a grain of salt. Favre supposedly told ESPN's Ed Werder after last night's game that it was "highly unlikely" that he would ever play again. Until the summer comes and goes, the next NFL season starts...and finishes...you never know with Mr. Favre. Sure can't take retirement press conferences as anything final, can we? Although Favre said in his post-game press conference that he wouldn't make the team wait several months for his decision...you know, not like he did with the Packers for about the last 4 or 5 years of his tenure.
Apparently, Minnesota fans are so desperate to get to and win a Super Bowl that they are ready to forgive Favre's foibles and welcome him back next season. In a poll in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, when asked "Do you want Favre to come back next season?", 69% of nearly 31,000 people voting said "Yes." Okaaaaay.
Favre has a year left on the two-year, $25 million contract he signed with the 'Queens in mid-August.
One sportscaster offered up the stat last evening that, if this was Favre's last game with the ViQueens, that his last passes as a Falcon, as a Packer, as a Jet, and as a ViQueen were interceptions...with 2 of them his final throws in NFC Championship games. He won't be remembered for that, at least not totally. But it does make some great barroom trivia, doesn't it?
Oh, and one more set of stats from both of yesterday's games: the quarterback ratings:
- Manning, 123.6
- Breese, 106.5
- Sanchez, 93.3
- Favre, 70.0.
By the way, Brett's rating for the NFC Championship game two years ago was...70.7.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Packer fans' wishes come true: ViQueens lose to Saints
As noted here previously, the overwhelming consensus among Packer fans was that the most desired scenario for today's NFC Championship game was for Ol' #4 and the ViQueens to lose today. Get it over and done with so we don't have to deal with the funky purple and Favre for another couple weeks.
And so it is. The Saints just defeated the 'Queens in overtime, 31-28.
We can thank the many voodoo dolls which made their way into the hands of Packer fans. We can thank the wretched funeral dirge "Purple and Gold" theme song that Prince penned for his favorite team and which almost guaranteed defeat. Heck, any team which claimed this song as one of its own deserved to lose.
And we can also thank Ol' #4 himself. Because with a win in reach in the closing seconds of regulation, with his team in field goal range for another old Green Bay Packer, Ryan Longwell, Brett did what he always does in critical situations: forced a throw. On 3rd down, instead of just running with the ball for a few extra yards and leaving Longwell with a chip shot, Favre ran to the right and then threw left back into the middle. Ka-ching...interception...overtime...and a 40-yard field goal to win the game for the Saints.
Just as his last throw as a Packer was an interception in the NFC Championship, this may well be Favre's last throw as a ViQueen -- a final interception leading to the opponent's win in the NFC Championship. Yes, it might even be his last throw as a pro.
As several callers were saying today on sports talk radio, if Favre had still been quarterbacking the Jets against the Colts today, many fans would still have been rooting for him. But the fact that he was with the 'Queens made that an impossibility for all true Packer fans.
So, with Brett now at age 40 and his best shot at returning to the Super Bowl gone in the flick of a patented forced throw from his own hand, what will he do? Retire...again...from his third team in 3 years? Or will he still want it so badly that he'll want to wear that funky purple one more year?
While there's little doubt the man can still play, Favre took a pounding today. The looks of concern on the face of his lovely wife, Deanna, might finally start to take precedence over his own ego.
Brett...we love ya man...and we hope you retire. You've given the game everything you can give. Now go ride your lawnmower back in Mississippi and enjoy your family and fortune.
Then come back to Green Bay -- where you belong -- in a year or two and have your number retired and bask in the glow of the Green 'n' Gold.
For the ViQueens and their fans, hey, think of today's loss this way: at least you now won't be 0-5 in the Super Bowl.
And for the Saints...Who Dat?! Hope you win it all.
And so it is. The Saints just defeated the 'Queens in overtime, 31-28.
We can thank the many voodoo dolls which made their way into the hands of Packer fans. We can thank the wretched funeral dirge "Purple and Gold" theme song that Prince penned for his favorite team and which almost guaranteed defeat. Heck, any team which claimed this song as one of its own deserved to lose.
And we can also thank Ol' #4 himself. Because with a win in reach in the closing seconds of regulation, with his team in field goal range for another old Green Bay Packer, Ryan Longwell, Brett did what he always does in critical situations: forced a throw. On 3rd down, instead of just running with the ball for a few extra yards and leaving Longwell with a chip shot, Favre ran to the right and then threw left back into the middle. Ka-ching...interception...overtime...and a 40-yard field goal to win the game for the Saints.
Just as his last throw as a Packer was an interception in the NFC Championship, this may well be Favre's last throw as a ViQueen -- a final interception leading to the opponent's win in the NFC Championship. Yes, it might even be his last throw as a pro.
As several callers were saying today on sports talk radio, if Favre had still been quarterbacking the Jets against the Colts today, many fans would still have been rooting for him. But the fact that he was with the 'Queens made that an impossibility for all true Packer fans.
So, with Brett now at age 40 and his best shot at returning to the Super Bowl gone in the flick of a patented forced throw from his own hand, what will he do? Retire...again...from his third team in 3 years? Or will he still want it so badly that he'll want to wear that funky purple one more year?
While there's little doubt the man can still play, Favre took a pounding today. The looks of concern on the face of his lovely wife, Deanna, might finally start to take precedence over his own ego.
Brett...we love ya man...and we hope you retire. You've given the game everything you can give. Now go ride your lawnmower back in Mississippi and enjoy your family and fortune.
Then come back to Green Bay -- where you belong -- in a year or two and have your number retired and bask in the glow of the Green 'n' Gold.
For the ViQueens and their fans, hey, think of today's loss this way: at least you now won't be 0-5 in the Super Bowl.
And for the Saints...Who Dat?! Hope you win it all.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Prince pens funeral dirge for ViQueens
No doubt you've heard clips by now. Or heard the guys on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption rip it to shreds. Or seen articles with the lyrics. Yes, we're talking about the new theme song, "Purple and Gold," that the Artist Formerly Known as Whatever, the diminutive Purple Rain man himself, Prince, penned for his hometown team and released this week. It's a beauty.
Given that the overwhelming consensus among Packer fans on call-in shows, online polls, blogs, etc. is that they want the ViQueens to lose tomorrow in N'awlins, it seems only fitting that this horrible tune comes out just prior to the game.
Guess all those voodoo dolls ordered up by Packer fans finally kicked in at the right time. The curse starts with "Purple and Gold" and ends with the 'Queens going down in N'awlins...wait...that could have an entirely different meaning than intended...allow me to rephrase: it ends with the ViQueens losing to the Saints.
And if you are really masochistic enough to want to hear a bit of this song and read the lyrics, you can do both here. Have a bucket ready. Yikes.
Given that the overwhelming consensus among Packer fans on call-in shows, online polls, blogs, etc. is that they want the ViQueens to lose tomorrow in N'awlins, it seems only fitting that this horrible tune comes out just prior to the game.
Guess all those voodoo dolls ordered up by Packer fans finally kicked in at the right time. The curse starts with "Purple and Gold" and ends with the 'Queens going down in N'awlins...wait...that could have an entirely different meaning than intended...allow me to rephrase: it ends with the ViQueens losing to the Saints.
And if you are really masochistic enough to want to hear a bit of this song and read the lyrics, you can do both here. Have a bucket ready. Yikes.
Friday, January 22, 2010
NFC Championship wish list for Packer fans
There's an interesting poll taking place today at the online Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Probably a few other places, as well. Basically, the question being asked is this: "Which scenario would you like to see play out for Brett Favre and the Vikings?" Options include: Vikings lose to Saints in NFC Championship, Vikings win NFC Championship then lose to Colts in the Super Bowl, Vikings win NFC Championship then lose to Jets in the Super Bowl, Vikings beat Colts in Super Bowl, or Vikings beat Jets in Super Bowl.
Now, if you are a Packer fan, is there really any question about your wish list? About which one of those five responses the majority of fans want to see play out? Nope. With more than 3,200 persons voting as of the time of this posting, 61% indicate that they want the ViQueens to lose to the Saints in the NFC Championship. Sounds about right.
Vote for Clay Matthews for Rookie of the Year
Packers' standout rookie LB Clay Matthews is one of five finalists for the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Fans can vote here now until 6 p.m. ET on Feb. 2. The winner will be announced on Feb. 4. Vote early and -- as they would do in Chicago -- vote often.
Schneider off to Seattle as GM
It was no surprise when Packers director of football operations, John Schneider, was hired this week as Seattle's new General Manager. Schneider was a key member of the Packers' personnel staff. Rumor had it for quite a while that he was the leading candidate for the Seattle job. Given that the Seahawks had already hired Pete Carroll as their new coach, it's not clear how much authority Schneider will have. But that's Seattle's problem, not the Packers'. We can only wish him well in his new gig.
Packers boost tix prices
The Packers announced today that, for the first time since 2007, they are increasing ticket prices. The average increase is $9, with the range being $8 to $11 depending upon the section. Season end-zone seats will now run $67 (that's each, kids, not entire season...a-duh!) with the highest-priced tickets (excluding luxury box stuff) between the 20-yard lines costing $83. You can read more here.
Now, if you are a Packer fan, is there really any question about your wish list? About which one of those five responses the majority of fans want to see play out? Nope. With more than 3,200 persons voting as of the time of this posting, 61% indicate that they want the ViQueens to lose to the Saints in the NFC Championship. Sounds about right.
Vote for Clay Matthews for Rookie of the Year
Packers' standout rookie LB Clay Matthews is one of five finalists for the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. Fans can vote here now until 6 p.m. ET on Feb. 2. The winner will be announced on Feb. 4. Vote early and -- as they would do in Chicago -- vote often.
Schneider off to Seattle as GM
It was no surprise when Packers director of football operations, John Schneider, was hired this week as Seattle's new General Manager. Schneider was a key member of the Packers' personnel staff. Rumor had it for quite a while that he was the leading candidate for the Seattle job. Given that the Seahawks had already hired Pete Carroll as their new coach, it's not clear how much authority Schneider will have. But that's Seattle's problem, not the Packers'. We can only wish him well in his new gig.
Packers boost tix prices
The Packers announced today that, for the first time since 2007, they are increasing ticket prices. The average increase is $9, with the range being $8 to $11 depending upon the section. Season end-zone seats will now run $67 (that's each, kids, not entire season...a-duh!) with the highest-priced tickets (excluding luxury box stuff) between the 20-yard lines costing $83. You can read more here.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Conference championships set
There was only one playoff upset this weekend: the Jets beat favored San Diego after the Chargers' kicker did his best Mason Crosby imitation and missed three field goals. Ouch. What a way to lose. But, Charger fans, if it's any consolation -- and it really isn't, is it? -- we can relate.
The Colts - Ravens game was more or less a snoozefest. The Saints dismantled the Cardinals in a way we had hoped the Packers would have done the week before, getting to Kurt Warner and forcing the Cards into turnovers, etc. And last, and least, the ViQueens put the hurt on the Cowboys. Ol' #4 tossed 4 TD passes, a record for him in playoff games, and looked very good. Not making bonehead plays or trying to force things...gee, where was this guy two years ago in that NFC Championship game against the Giants???
Anyway, the Jets go to Indianapolis and will likely get beat. That will end coach Rex Ryan's time on center stage for this season, thank goodness.
The 'Queens go to N'awlins to meet the Saints. The 'Queens' defense looked very good yesterday. They have the edge in that regard over the Saints. And you have two potent offenses going at it. But the dome edge now shifts to the Saints. And the fans there can be just as nuts as the ones in the Humpty Dump.
Yes, it's nice to see Ol' #4 play well. But as long as he's in that funky purple uniform, we just don't want him to win because as every good Packer fan knows, we don't want the 'Queens to win. So...go Saints!
Yep, fined for helmt-to-helmet hit...just no penalty flag
For those who haven't heard, or who have tried to block out the Packers' OT loss to the Cardinals via electro-shock or other therapies, the NFL on Friday fined Arizona defensive end Bertrand Berry for the helmet-to-helmet hit on QB Aaron Rodgers on the second play of overtime. He's $5,000 lighter in the wallet for the hit. Big whoop.
But, as everyone remembers, there was no penalty flag thrown on that play. Instead, LG Daryn Colledge was called for holding. They see that and yet nobody sees the defender launching himself with his helmet right to the head of Rodgers. Even booth announcer Troy Aikman said the refs missed that one.
For those who don't recall the helmet-to-helmet hit, have a look:
This would have been a huge call in that game. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Greg Beddard explains how this penalty would have changed the overtime situation here.
While this could have made a big change in the game, in the Packers' season, it shouldn't have come down to a ref's call. That's the sad part of it all.
The Colts - Ravens game was more or less a snoozefest. The Saints dismantled the Cardinals in a way we had hoped the Packers would have done the week before, getting to Kurt Warner and forcing the Cards into turnovers, etc. And last, and least, the ViQueens put the hurt on the Cowboys. Ol' #4 tossed 4 TD passes, a record for him in playoff games, and looked very good. Not making bonehead plays or trying to force things...gee, where was this guy two years ago in that NFC Championship game against the Giants???
Anyway, the Jets go to Indianapolis and will likely get beat. That will end coach Rex Ryan's time on center stage for this season, thank goodness.
The 'Queens go to N'awlins to meet the Saints. The 'Queens' defense looked very good yesterday. They have the edge in that regard over the Saints. And you have two potent offenses going at it. But the dome edge now shifts to the Saints. And the fans there can be just as nuts as the ones in the Humpty Dump.
Yes, it's nice to see Ol' #4 play well. But as long as he's in that funky purple uniform, we just don't want him to win because as every good Packer fan knows, we don't want the 'Queens to win. So...go Saints!
Yep, fined for helmt-to-helmet hit...just no penalty flag
For those who haven't heard, or who have tried to block out the Packers' OT loss to the Cardinals via electro-shock or other therapies, the NFL on Friday fined Arizona defensive end Bertrand Berry for the helmet-to-helmet hit on QB Aaron Rodgers on the second play of overtime. He's $5,000 lighter in the wallet for the hit. Big whoop.
But, as everyone remembers, there was no penalty flag thrown on that play. Instead, LG Daryn Colledge was called for holding. They see that and yet nobody sees the defender launching himself with his helmet right to the head of Rodgers. Even booth announcer Troy Aikman said the refs missed that one.
For those who don't recall the helmet-to-helmet hit, have a look:
This would have been a huge call in that game. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Greg Beddard explains how this penalty would have changed the overtime situation here.
While this could have made a big change in the game, in the Packers' season, it shouldn't have come down to a ref's call. That's the sad part of it all.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Packers Coach McCarthy still feels the pain
In his weekly (and now, last for the season) on-air interview this morning with 620wtmj radio in Milwaukee (the Packers flagship radio station), Packers head coach Mike McCarthy admits to still being haunted by the last series of last weekend's overtime loss to the Cardinals. The final play literally brought him to his knees on the sideline...just as it did many of us.
Missing that first pass to WR Greg Jennings was really the critical play in that series. McCarthy said that they had the play they wanted and everybody on the sideline knew they had it. But QB Aaron Rodgers had to step up a bit into the pocket before the throw and just didn't put enough air under it. Missed shot.
To McCarthy's credit, he is not on the bash-the-refs bandwagon that most fans -- and many sports pundits across the country -- are. He said earlier this week that he was really more upset by the helmet-to-helmet action one play earlier that also didn't get called as a penalty; instead, as you'll remember, LG Daryn Colledge was called for holdiing on that play...amazing still. McCarthy said that's happened to Rodgers several times this season and it hasn't been called. Compare that clear shot with the one where the Packers' defender was pushed into Arizona QB Kurt Warner by an offensive lineman and was called for roughing. Just like in basketball, some players get the calls and others don't.
You can still hear the disappointment in McCarthy's voice as he talks about the game and what might have been, what should have been. And you can hear it all for yourself here in 620wtmj's podcast.
Playoffs? Playoffs?!
McCarthy said he most likely won't even watch this weekend's divisional playoff games. Can't blame him.
Although as a fan, who are you going to root for in the Cowboys-ViQueens game? Granted, these are two teams Packer fans love to hate. We'd really like both of them to lose, wouldn't we? Can that happen? No? Dang! OK...well, considering that a former Packers QB made it a deliberate point to wear that funky 'Queens' purple as a last shot at the Super Bowl, that means we need to root for...the Cowboys! I know, I know. Don't like them either. But Dallas QB Tony Romo is a Wisconsin lad...Burlington, Wisconsin, to be exact. So, there's the homer connection. Thus, gotta pull for the 'boys this weekend. Don't want to. But have to.
As for the Cards vs. the Saints...do we really care? Not really. Flip a coin. Ditto the AFC games. Who's playing anyway? Oh, except we'd really like to see the Jets lose because of their classless coach Rex Ryan's comments about the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award going to Charles Woodson instead of his guy, Derrelle Revis. There's being supportive of one's own team members and then there's being a bonehead. Son Rex didn't fall too far from father Buddy's tree apparently. 620wtmj radio's Bill Michaels had a great article about Ryan's comments. Check it out here.
A word about Haiti
There's not really much that we can say about the situation that has developed in Haiti. Please consider supporting relief efforts through whatever organization you feel comfortable with. Please note that at the top of the righthand column we have included instructions on how to contribute $10 directly to the American Red Cross efforts by texting "Haiti" to 90999 on your mobile phone (it will be added directly to your phone bill...so far, millions of dollars have been raised this way). You will also find clickable banners to both the UN World Food Programme and the Mercy Corps which are also providing direct relief to Haiti. By texting "Friends" to 90999 you can donate $5 to the World Food Programme's Haiti relief efforts. Please consider making a gift of at least $10 or more to these or other organizations. Or think how much coin you might drop on a football game weekend -- whether at home or even more so, at the game itself! -- and donate that instead to the relief efforts. If you wouldn't miss it for that, you aren't going to miss it now. It's a good thing to do.
Missing that first pass to WR Greg Jennings was really the critical play in that series. McCarthy said that they had the play they wanted and everybody on the sideline knew they had it. But QB Aaron Rodgers had to step up a bit into the pocket before the throw and just didn't put enough air under it. Missed shot.
To McCarthy's credit, he is not on the bash-the-refs bandwagon that most fans -- and many sports pundits across the country -- are. He said earlier this week that he was really more upset by the helmet-to-helmet action one play earlier that also didn't get called as a penalty; instead, as you'll remember, LG Daryn Colledge was called for holdiing on that play...amazing still. McCarthy said that's happened to Rodgers several times this season and it hasn't been called. Compare that clear shot with the one where the Packers' defender was pushed into Arizona QB Kurt Warner by an offensive lineman and was called for roughing. Just like in basketball, some players get the calls and others don't.
You can still hear the disappointment in McCarthy's voice as he talks about the game and what might have been, what should have been. And you can hear it all for yourself here in 620wtmj's podcast.
Playoffs? Playoffs?!
McCarthy said he most likely won't even watch this weekend's divisional playoff games. Can't blame him.
Although as a fan, who are you going to root for in the Cowboys-ViQueens game? Granted, these are two teams Packer fans love to hate. We'd really like both of them to lose, wouldn't we? Can that happen? No? Dang! OK...well, considering that a former Packers QB made it a deliberate point to wear that funky 'Queens' purple as a last shot at the Super Bowl, that means we need to root for...the Cowboys! I know, I know. Don't like them either. But Dallas QB Tony Romo is a Wisconsin lad...Burlington, Wisconsin, to be exact. So, there's the homer connection. Thus, gotta pull for the 'boys this weekend. Don't want to. But have to.
As for the Cards vs. the Saints...do we really care? Not really. Flip a coin. Ditto the AFC games. Who's playing anyway? Oh, except we'd really like to see the Jets lose because of their classless coach Rex Ryan's comments about the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award going to Charles Woodson instead of his guy, Derrelle Revis. There's being supportive of one's own team members and then there's being a bonehead. Son Rex didn't fall too far from father Buddy's tree apparently. 620wtmj radio's Bill Michaels had a great article about Ryan's comments. Check it out here.
A word about Haiti
There's not really much that we can say about the situation that has developed in Haiti. Please consider supporting relief efforts through whatever organization you feel comfortable with. Please note that at the top of the righthand column we have included instructions on how to contribute $10 directly to the American Red Cross efforts by texting "Haiti" to 90999 on your mobile phone (it will be added directly to your phone bill...so far, millions of dollars have been raised this way). You will also find clickable banners to both the UN World Food Programme and the Mercy Corps which are also providing direct relief to Haiti. By texting "Friends" to 90999 you can donate $5 to the World Food Programme's Haiti relief efforts. Please consider making a gift of at least $10 or more to these or other organizations. Or think how much coin you might drop on a football game weekend -- whether at home or even more so, at the game itself! -- and donate that instead to the relief efforts. If you wouldn't miss it for that, you aren't going to miss it now. It's a good thing to do.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Packers' Woodson NFL Defensive Player of the Year
To no one's real surprise -- especially not any Packer fans -- CB Charles Woodson was today named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
According to a report, "Woodson won the voting of 50 national media members that cover the NFL with 28 votes. New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis finished second with 14. Denver Broncos end Elvis Dumervil and New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper tied for third with three votes. Vikings end Jared Allen received two.
"Woodson finished tied for the league lead with nine interceptions and three returned for a touchdown. He became the fourth player in league history to record at least nine interceptions and two sacks in a season.
"Woodson, the first cornerback to win the award since Deion Sanders in 1994, finished with a career-best 81 total tackles, with 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one recovery, and three quarterback hits."
Woodson joins the late Reggie White as the only Packer defenders to ever receive this award.
You can read more about Woodson's award here and here.
The Packers will be holding a news conference for Woodson at approximately 2 p.m. Central time today. It will be streamed live. You can view it by clicking here and then selecting the event (if need be) where prompted.
Congratulations, Mr. Woodson. A remarkable season. The only thing missing was that ring that you and so many others wanted to see you get.
According to a report, "Woodson won the voting of 50 national media members that cover the NFL with 28 votes. New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis finished second with 14. Denver Broncos end Elvis Dumervil and New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper tied for third with three votes. Vikings end Jared Allen received two.
"Woodson finished tied for the league lead with nine interceptions and three returned for a touchdown. He became the fourth player in league history to record at least nine interceptions and two sacks in a season.
"Woodson, the first cornerback to win the award since Deion Sanders in 1994, finished with a career-best 81 total tackles, with 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one recovery, and three quarterback hits."
Woodson joins the late Reggie White as the only Packer defenders to ever receive this award.
You can read more about Woodson's award here and here.
The Packers will be holding a news conference for Woodson at approximately 2 p.m. Central time today. It will be streamed live. You can view it by clicking here and then selecting the event (if need be) where prompted.
Congratulations, Mr. Woodson. A remarkable season. The only thing missing was that ring that you and so many others wanted to see you get.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Packers - Cardinals post mortem: Part 1
The morning after doesn't feel any better than the night before, does it, Packer fans? Nope. Not at all. Overtime is called sudden death and that's what it felt like.
Lots of things to dissect. Which at this point serves nothing more than a therapeutic purpose, but at this point that's exactly what Packer fans need.
This will not be the loser's lament of bad officiating being responsible for the loss...although that can certainly be argued. To the Packers' credit, though, it's not the Packers arguing that point. It's other analysts.
Take, for example, Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com, discussing the non-call of the face mask penalty on the final play of the game in overtime. In an entry entitled, "After further review, Packers got screwed," Florio states, "As one league source said via e-mail, 'It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay.'" He goes on to further state, "And we agree, completely." You can read all of Florio's comments here, including a link to the video clearly showing the play.
Even ESPN and the New York Times got into discussing the issue. The Times' article is entitled, "When Is Grabbing the Face Mask Not a Face-Mask Penalty?" You can read it here.
But it's the call that wasn't. Just like the non-call a play earlier where there was clear helmet-to-helmet spearing on Aaron Rodgers by the Cardinals' defender. Or the two times that Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald pushed off -- or to be more precise, ran over -- Charles Woodson to catch TD passes without being flagged for offensive pass interference.
Again, the Packers themselves are not blaming the officials. As Woodson and others said after the game, they all get away with things...that's the game. And as one radio sports talk host noted, it wasn't the officials that allowed the Cardinals to score 51 points.
In case there's any question about the latter, he was referring to the total absence of Packers defense throughout the game.
And that might be the hardest thing to explain. TV announcers were saying late in the game that Kurt Warner had said before the game that they thought they could exploit the Packers defense over the middle. And that's what he did all day long. He exposed the Packers secondary just as Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger had done weeks ago. The loss of personnel to injury in the defensive backfield -- first among them, Al Harris -- came back to roost in the worst way possible yesterday.
As defensive coordinator Dom Capers apparently said after the game, it's clear there is a long way to go in making this defense solid on all fronts. Close...but not quite there yet. Yesterday's game was not a good way to find that out.
Aaron Rodgers also made mention in his post-game news conference that next year's team will not be the same as this year's. He mentioned being unsure about what the status of Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher would be. While acknowledging that that's part of the business, you could also tell that Rodgers really felt the impact of those two veterans perhaps not being along for the ride next season. He noted it would be a long plane ride home. Yep. For a variety of reasons.
5 reasons for loss
In his blog on 620wtmj.com, sports reporter Jay Sorgi outlines five "same old reasons for Packers loss." In order, he lists: offensive line, secondary, penalties, drops and fumbles by receivers, kicker's lack of accuracy.
All this is fleshed in much more detail -- and very much worth the read -- here.
And so...the offseason discussions and speculations will begin. Just a lot sooner than we wanted.
More to come. Stay tuned...
Lots of things to dissect. Which at this point serves nothing more than a therapeutic purpose, but at this point that's exactly what Packer fans need.
This will not be the loser's lament of bad officiating being responsible for the loss...although that can certainly be argued. To the Packers' credit, though, it's not the Packers arguing that point. It's other analysts.
Take, for example, Mike Florio of profootballtalk.com, discussing the non-call of the face mask penalty on the final play of the game in overtime. In an entry entitled, "After further review, Packers got screwed," Florio states, "As one league source said via e-mail, 'It should have been a personal foul grabbing the face mask and 15-yard penalty and a first down for Green Bay.'" He goes on to further state, "And we agree, completely." You can read all of Florio's comments here, including a link to the video clearly showing the play.
Even ESPN and the New York Times got into discussing the issue. The Times' article is entitled, "When Is Grabbing the Face Mask Not a Face-Mask Penalty?" You can read it here.
But it's the call that wasn't. Just like the non-call a play earlier where there was clear helmet-to-helmet spearing on Aaron Rodgers by the Cardinals' defender. Or the two times that Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald pushed off -- or to be more precise, ran over -- Charles Woodson to catch TD passes without being flagged for offensive pass interference.
Again, the Packers themselves are not blaming the officials. As Woodson and others said after the game, they all get away with things...that's the game. And as one radio sports talk host noted, it wasn't the officials that allowed the Cardinals to score 51 points.
In case there's any question about the latter, he was referring to the total absence of Packers defense throughout the game.
And that might be the hardest thing to explain. TV announcers were saying late in the game that Kurt Warner had said before the game that they thought they could exploit the Packers defense over the middle. And that's what he did all day long. He exposed the Packers secondary just as Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger had done weeks ago. The loss of personnel to injury in the defensive backfield -- first among them, Al Harris -- came back to roost in the worst way possible yesterday.
As defensive coordinator Dom Capers apparently said after the game, it's clear there is a long way to go in making this defense solid on all fronts. Close...but not quite there yet. Yesterday's game was not a good way to find that out.
Aaron Rodgers also made mention in his post-game news conference that next year's team will not be the same as this year's. He mentioned being unsure about what the status of Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher would be. While acknowledging that that's part of the business, you could also tell that Rodgers really felt the impact of those two veterans perhaps not being along for the ride next season. He noted it would be a long plane ride home. Yep. For a variety of reasons.
5 reasons for loss
In his blog on 620wtmj.com, sports reporter Jay Sorgi outlines five "same old reasons for Packers loss." In order, he lists: offensive line, secondary, penalties, drops and fumbles by receivers, kicker's lack of accuracy.
All this is fleshed in much more detail -- and very much worth the read -- here.
And so...the offseason discussions and speculations will begin. Just a lot sooner than we wanted.
More to come. Stay tuned...
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