Catching up with the Packers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's great to be a Packers fan!

Go Pack Go!!!

Super Bowl without the Packers? Still fun in the sun!

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Well, Packers fans...it's been a long week, hasn't it? While we felt the Packers were the better team -- at least for about 56 minutes of last Sunday's game -- and had a great chance against the eventual AFC opponent (which we now know to be the New England Patriots...a team the Green Bay Packers beat earlier in the regular season), the Seattle Seahawks wound up making one of the greater comebacks in NFC Championship history. Sad, but true. Super Bowl XLIX will have the Pats vs. the 'hawks instead of the Pack vs. the Pats.

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Packers Snatch Defeat from the Jaws of Victory in NFC Championship

Fans of the Green Bay Packers witnessed a game yesterday that will go down in Packers' lore...for all the wrong reasons. The team played 56 minutes of good, not great, football against a Seattle Seahawks team they had on the ropes, waiting for a knockout punch that never came. In the end, the beaten and bruised champ rose from the canvas (or turf, in this case) and wound up delivering the sucker punch that ended the game and the Packers' season. The Packers lost in overtime to the Seahawks, 28-22.

The post-mortem on this game will go on and on. For Packers fans, it will live forever. There is no way of setting this monumental collapse aside. It was (insert hashtag here) an epic fail. The Pack all but had their ticket punched to the Super Bowl in Arizona. But unlike in recent weeks where they could close out a game in the waning minutes, the Packers let Seattle hang around, let them back into the game, and then could not hold on for the win. As a result, Seattle is going to its second straight Super Bowl and the Packers are going home for the off-season to ponder what could have been.

What went wrong?
Where do you start to list the series of apparently little things that all added up to the loss? Here's just one writer's list:

• Mike Daniels' 15-yard taunting penalty after Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix's first interception. Instead of first and goal from the 4-yard line, it was first and goal from the 19.
• Failure to punch the ball in on two runs from the 1-yard line.
• Head coach Mike McCarthy settling -- twice -- for field goals on fourth-and-goal rather than going for the touchdowns.
• Getting only six points off five Seattle turnovers.
• Giving up a touchdown off a fake field goal to reignite the Seahawks' hopes.
• Giving up a third-and-nineteen pass completion for a first down.
• Morgan Burnett's interception with about five minutes remaining when he went to the ground rather than pick up, possibly, another 15 yards of open field and field goal range.
• TE Brandon Bostick's decision to not follow his assigned blocking role on an onside kick but rather to attempt to make a play on the ball instead, leading to a recovery -- and quick go-ahead touchdown -- by Seattle with about 2 minutes left in the game. Oh, the designated "hands" on that side of the field and position was Jordy Nelson. Bostick was supposed to block so Nelson could get the ball.
• Giving up 15 points in 44 seconds to let Seattle take the lead late in the game.
• Allowing Seattle to drive 87 yards in six plays for the winning touchdown in overtime.

These are just a few of the miscues that came back to haunt the Packers.

Lost in all this was the exceptional performance of kicker Mason Crosby who went 5 for 5 on the day, keeping the Packers in the game, including a tying 48-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining to take the game to overtime. Had the Packers won, Crosby should have been the game's MVP.

Epilogue
A great season for a very good Packers team came to a crashing -- and crushing -- end. The Packers were the better team for most of the game. Or so it seemed. But all those little things that they did or didn't do added up in the end to a loss to a team that was ripe for the picking. Hats off to the Seahawks for never giving up, despite dismal play most of the day. Their coach played to win, the Packers coach played not to lose. We know the rest of the story.

As Wayne Larrivee, radio voice of the Packers noted on radio this morning, anywhere from 25 to 33 percent of this Packers team will be changed for the coming season. That's how it works on average, he said. Some of those players we've come to know and like -- or not -- will be gone. New players will take their place. Whether that new combination will have the makings to be as good a team as this one came to be over the course of the season, only time will tell.

But as Larrivee also noted, the windows of opportunity in the NFL for a Super Bowl run aren't based upon careers, they are based upon seasons. This was a season in which the Packers could have made it to Arizona for the Super Bowl. They would have had a rematch against the New England Patriots, a team they handled in the regular season. A Super Bowl win was perhaps in the cards. But...not.

The Packers, in the end, handed that opportunity to the Seahawks, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Packers vs. Seahawks NFC Championship: Preview and Prediction

This is it, Packers fans: the NFC Championship game and a ticket to the Super Bowl. Only problem is that road goes through Seattle and last season's Super Bowl winner, the Seahawks. While looking fairly average for about half the season, the 'hawks turned it up in the second half and now look as dominating as they did this time last year.

Not many are giving the Green Bay Packers much of a chance this afternoon, especially with a one-legged quarterback and a still maligned defense, despite the former's second-half game performance in last week's comeback division win at Lambeau Field vs. the Cowboys and the latter's second-half-of-the-season performance overall. The Seahawks are favored by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing.

Why are the Seahawks favored?
Really? You have to ask that?

Take Seattle's home record over the last two seasons especially, their quarterback, their running back, their defensive front, and their secondary. Offense, defense, home field advantage...check, check, check. That all adds up to a win in many people's books.

Packers WR Jordy Nelson needs a big game against Seattle.
Photo by Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
What do the Packers have going for them?
Aaron Rodgers, the presumptive league MVP at quarterback (albeit hobbled with his imfamous left calf injury), outstanding receivers, a great offensive line, a powerful running back, a defense that can dominate if the players choose to play up to their abilities. What they don't have is the home field advantage they would have had had they just won that game in Buffalo. Yeah, that could wind up being the difference between a trip to the Super Bowl or not this season. Well, OK, right now it might have more to do with how well the O-line can protect Rodgers in the pocket and how well his receivers can get open.

It also will have to do with the Packers defense containing Seahawks QB Russell Wilson and tackling RB Marshawn Lynch before he gets up a head of steam. It will also mean no turnovers and getting a takeaway or two today. Getting touchdowns when in the redzone rather than settling for field goals will also be key, something the Pack has had problems with a lot this season. Playing a near-perfect game is the order of the day. And there can be no special teams failures. Period.

The Prediction
Seems as if the only ones giving the Packers much of a chance in this game are the coaches (head coach Mike McCarthy bristles at the term "underdog" for his team), the players and the fans...or probably, most of the fans.

This particular fan senses enough grit -- and talent, of course -- in this team to pull off the so-called upset today. There are a lot of "ifs" involved in that scenario. But they are all possibilities not impossibilities.

Given all this, we're calling it 27-24 Packers over Seahawks.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers win over Cowboys takes team to NFC Championship, adds to team lore

Exhale, Packers fans.

Sunday's game at Lambeau Field between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys was one for the ages. The Packers' 26-21 win over the Cowboys had a bit of everything: gutsy performances by many players, a breakout receiving performance by a rookie, turnovers, made and missed field goal attempts, missed two-point conversion, a near-brawl, and what some will say was a controversial call on a coach's challenge.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers scrambles leading to the go-ahead TD throw to TE Richard Rodgers in the 4th quarter vs. the Cowboys.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The focal point for the storyline leading up to the game, throughout the game, and after the game was less Wisconsin native son QB Tony Romo's return with Dallas and far more about QB Aaron Rodger's left calf. Truth be told, it hindered him significantly in the first half of the game particularly. Other than the first scoring drive, the first half was one where many felt the momentum swinging irreversibly the Cowboys' way. Rodgers was hit and miss on his throws. The Packers' running game behind Eddie Lacy and James Starks did seem to have traction early on, but as the game evolved and the Packers were playing from behind at home for only the second time this season, the Pack moved more into the passing game in the second half. Fortunately, Rodgers seemed to shut out whatever pain or discomfort he was feeling and, while still remaining or moving within the pocket, made some truly remarkable throws to help resurrect the team's chances for a win. It also emerged after the game that Lacy had to sit out more than perhaps originally thought not because of injury but because he was experiencing difficulty with his asthma.

There were many plays that made a difference for the Packers yesterday. Andrew Quarless -- who typically is not on special teams -- recovering a fumbled return by Randall Cobb; if that hadn't been recovered, the Cowboys would have been set up in or near the Packers' redzone. Let's also not forget the strip by Julius Peppers of running back DeMarco Murray; without that strip and recovery -- leading to a field goal by the Pack -- Murray had clear sailing for 60 yards to the endzone. Huge.

Rookie WR Davante Adams came up big for the Packers vs. the Cowboys.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Also huge was the breakout performance by rookie receiver Davante Adams who had seven catches for 117 yards, none bigger than the 46-yard TD catch he made on third and 15 in the third quarter to draw the Pack within one point of Dallas at 21-20. Roughly 29 yards of that catch and run came after contact. Adams had his full athletic ability on display, breaking an initial tackle attempt and then juking a defender so well that no one touched him the rest of the way into the endzone. With Jordy Nelson held in check with just two catches on the day, the bulk of the pass targeting went to Cobb and Adams. Tight ends Quarless and Rodgers also did their parts in picking up the offense, especially in the second half.

The play -- and call -- that will probably be discussed by many (especially Cowboys fans) for some time is the supposed 32-yard catch on fourth and two by Dez Bryant down to the Packers' one-yard line. That would have set up Dallas with a little more than four minutes remaining with a go-ahead touchdown opportunity. Head coach Mike McCarthy challenged the call of a reception. It was a wise challenge. Since it was not a touchdown, there would have been no automatic booth review of the catch. McCarthy had no choice but to challenge. The result was that the call was overturned; Bryant, according to the league rules, didn't make a "football move" nor did he maintain possession throughout the catch...the ball visibly moved as he came to the ground. Packers' ball back at their own 33-yard line. It was the only challenge by McCarthy that he won all season. A good time for it. From there, the Packers never gave the ball back to Dallas.

A key play was another big reception by Adams. While Rodgers will rightfully be hailed for his gutsy performance on essentially one leg, Adams should also be the recipient of a game ball for his clutch performance.

Next up: the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC Championship. We'll get to that game preview in upcoming days. For now, Packers fans, let's savor this win. For as much as the Cowboys owned the Pack during the 1990s, on Sunday the Packers took a little bit of sweet revenge.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs. Cowboys Divisional Playoff 2015: Preview and Prediction

Given the two weeks since the Green Bay Packers' defeat of the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, and last weekend's wildcard victory by the Dallas Cowboys at home in Dallas, there have already been many previews of today's game. Most, naturally, refer to the last time the Pack and 'Boys met at Lambeau for a playoff game: the now infamous Ice Bowl of 1967. In fact, the Packers themselves have played up this history, holding a pep rally outside the stadium last evening at which such Ice Blow luminaries as Hall-of-Famer Dave Robinson and should-be-Hall-of-Famer Jerry Kramer spoke to the gathered masses.

Today's game will not be Ice Bowl 2, at least not in the sense of subzero temperatures. The weather at kickoff is forecast to be cloudy and 18 degrees. Balmy for the Packers, especially after the subzero temps and windchills of the last week.

But the game has all the potential to become part of Packers, Cowboys and NFL lore for some of the same reasons as the first. Primarily, of course, due to the players involved. Likely NFL MVP QB Aaron Rodgers vs. local boy (well, from southeastern Wisconsin anyway) made good, QB Tony Romo. You've got two great young running backs in the Packers Eddie Lacy and the Cowboys DeMarco Murray. Excellent wide receivers in the Packers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb and the Cowboys Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten.

You've got the Packers very good entire offensive line against a very good defensive front seven on the Cowboys. And as the good folks at the Packer Report note in their comprehensive subscriber-only preview: "Cowboys had 4 players with 70-plus tackles: S Barry Church (93), LB Rolando McClain (81), rookie LB Anthony Hitchens (73) and S J.J. Wilcox (70). CBs Sterling Moore (13) and Orlando Scandrick (9) had most PD on club. LB Bruce Carter had career-high 5 INTs and led NFL LBs. DE Jeremy Mincey led team with 6 sacks. Also had sack in WC and has 6 sacks in past 8, including playoffs. Rookie DE Demarcus Lawrence had sack, FF and 2 FR last week." Although, as Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers beat writer Tom Silverstein notes in his preview, Dallas is "A little banged up on defense, the Cowboys could suffer from attrition, especially following a very physical game against Detroit."

The Packers defense has been coming on strong since moving Clay Matthews to the middle. Look for him to be moving about a lot today to keep the 'Boys from keying on him. If the Packers defensive front can handle a very good Dallas offensive interior, and keep Murray from running loose all day, the Packers secondary should be able to handle the Dallas receivers.


Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on the run, which may be rare in today's game.(Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
The areas of real concern for Packers fans have to be, first, the status Aaron Rodgers and his torn calf muscle. How long he is able to play and at what level will determine a good deal of this game. He will be limited no matter what to working primarily within the pocket. After returning from his injury after halftime against Detroit, he got the protection he needed and was able to work effectively. He's smart enough to do what he needs to do to help his team.

The second area of concern has to be special teams, primarily protection on field goals. The Packers have had seven field goal attempts blocked this season which is really an astoundingly bad performance. Conditions will make it difficult enough to take advantage of field goal opportunities today. Having yet another poor performance in protection could spell the difference between the Packers moving on to Seattle next weekend for the NFC Championship or clearing out their lockers for the end of this season.

The Prediction
We think this will be a tight game, tighter than it would otherwise be if Rodgers was 100 percent healthy. Still, the Packers are favored by 6 points in this game.

We're calling it 30-27 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Predictiion

First, Packer fans, apologies for not posting a post-game review of last week's win in Tampa; holiday commitments during this last week left no time...that's my story and I'm sticking to it. But for purpose of closure on that game...the Packers won. Now, let's move on.

This weekend's game sees the Detroit Lions coming to Lambeau Field to battle the Green Bay Packes for the NFC North Division Championship. Sunday is winner take all. Well, sort of. Regardless of the game results, both teams are in the playoffs. It's now just a matter of how good it will get in that regard for the winner of the game and how bad it will get for the loser. It's about winning it to secure a higher seed in the playoffs, including a possible first-round bye and perhaps -- if things fall a certain way -- even home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Packers made that latter option much more difficult for themselves with that loss in Buffalo. Win there and win out in the regular season...ah, to dream of things as they might have been.

As it is, the Packers will have their hands full against arguably (or not) the best Lions team to visit Lambeau in the last 20-some years. This Lions team has weapons on offense and defense; we won't enumerate them here...you know who they are by now. The Lions have finally proven to themselves that they can come from behind to win. In fact, this season they've overcome second-half deficits five times before winning. They won't come apart if they get down.

On the Packers part, they have special teams issues that are a real concern, untimely penalties and missed tackles that hurt them on occasion. Well, so do most teams. It's football. But the Packers also have Aaron Rodgers, albeit likely a somewhat less mobile version than we have seen recently due to his calf injury from last week. The Pack has a battering ram running back in Eddie Lacey, an offensive line that is opening holes for the running backs and protecting Rodgers in the pocket, an ability that will be much needed against the Lions defensive line and pass rush schemes. The Pack's receivers are among the best in the league. The Packers defense -- so much criticized especially in the early part of the season -- has come around pretty well: it hasn't given up a touchdown in the last two games (remember that the only TD given up in the Buffalo game was on a kickoff return).

The Prediction
We could spend a lot of time here reviewing all sorts of stats to see which team may come out on top. Here's just one: the Pack is currently favored by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing. The Packers will have to play a nearly flawless game to cover that kind of spread; they haven't played a flawless game in at least a month or more, leading some pundits to suggest that the team has peaked early. I don't think so. I think they just need to assert themselves once again as the best team in the NFC. They have the talent. The question is whether or not they will put it all together at the same time.

I'm not sure I can answer that last question. We'll just have to wait to see how things unfold on Sunday. Many are looking at the first meeting between these two teams to suggest that the Lions defense will control the game at the line of scrimmage versus the Packers offense. A reminder to all who go that route that the line was missing Bryan Bulaga at right tackle and was just a work in progress overall, including a rookie center just starting to figure things out. The line is settled in and performing at high level, barring injury during the game.

Anyway, as for us at PackerFansUnited.com, we're calling it 27-24 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Buccaneers Preview and Prediction

After last week's stumble in Buffalo, some Packers fans are a bit leery of another letdown in Tampa today. Let's just make this clear: the 10-4 Green Bay Packers will not lose to the 2-12 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not. Going. To. Happen. Period.

Yes, we know: on any given day blah blah blah. Today, however, is not that day.

How do we know? For starters, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has never had two bad games back to back. And, yes, the Buffalo game was a bad one for Rodgers, admittedly. But his history is that he follows up a performance like that with a good one. So, we expect a good one.

Secondly, as this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel points out, "Rodgers is 8-2 for his career against Lovie-coached teams, and in his last six against Frazier, he's 5-1 with 18 touchdowns and one interception." The Lovie being referred to is, of course, formers Bears head coach Lovie Smith, now Tampa's head coach; Frazier is Leslie Frazier, formerly the ViQueens head coach and now the Buc's defensive coordinator. They have lots of experience in Chicago and Minnesota against the Pack...losing more often than not regardless of locale. Expect that trend to continue today, despite what will likely be a very good effort from a team that just doesn't have the talent that fills the Packers' roster.

As we know, the Packers have had trouble against some of the better defenses in the league; in fact, three of their four losses have come against Top 5 defenses. Good news, Packers fans! The Buccaneers' defense ranks 25th.

The Josh McCown-led Bucs offense ranks 30th in the league. They have capable running backs and a very good, big, strong rookie receiver in Mike Evans. So the Packers defense will have to show up, as they did big time in Buffalo (recall that it wasn't the defense that was at fault last week, holding the Bills to just 4 field goals).

Prediction
With Washington's improbable win over the Eagles last evening, with a Packers win today the team will secure a spot in the playoffs, regardless of what the train-wreck Chicago Bears do or don't do in their game against Detroit today. We would expect the battle in Lambeau next week to be for the NFC North title.

But first, the Packers have to take care of business in Florida. They will. The Packers are favored by 12 points.

We're calling it 38-17 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

So long, Fuzzy
We can't let this week go by without remembering Packers Hall of Famer and Glory Years left guard, Fuzzy Thurston. He passed away recently, and a memorial service was held for him at Lambeau Field on Friday. I had the pleasure of meeting Fuzzy a few times briefly. He always had a smile, a handshake, and a sparkle in his eye. His life wasn't always easy. He had both business ups and downs and health problems over the years, including throat cancer which left him with a lasting rasp from surgical procedures. But none of that diminished his great spirit. You''ll see that spirit on full display in this video of Fuzzy singing. Fellow great, Jerry Kramer, is also in the video, posted by his daughter Alicia. Enjoy this great memory of the one and only Fuzzy Thurston. Thanks, Fuzzy. Rest in Peace.

Packers step in big Buffalo chip

This, Packers fans, was not how things were supposed to go today. All indications were that it would not be an easy game, certainly, given the Buffalo Bills defensive prowess. But all things being equal, the Green Bay Packers were surely the better team. Except on this day.

The Packers were mediocre, beginning with league MVP candidate, QB Aaron Rodgers. As he goes, so goes the Pack. He was off early and often. This was not one of his better games. Not just this season, ever. To be fair, his receivers didn't do him or the team many favors when they did get their hands on the ball. Drops were everywhere, including what could have been a 96-yard TD catch and run by WR Jordy Nelson in the second half, had he but held on to the ball.

Eddie Lacy had a good day. And the defense, for the most part, had a good day despite having a lot of missed tackles. Special teams, however, continued to have its problems, giving up a punt return for a TD and then having a long FG attempt by Mason Crosby blocked. That's essentially 10 points right there, the difference in a 21-13 game.

The Packers remain winless in Buffalo. Head coach Mike McCarthy remains tied with Vince Lombardi for career wins as the Packers' coach. And the Packers dealt themselves a serious blow to the prospects of not just a bye and homefield advantage in the playoffs but of first just winning the NFC North.

The game was ugly. If the Packers had to get a clunker out of their system before the end of the season and the playoffs this would be it. Still, this loss hurt. Depending upon how things actually fall, they could be a 12-4 team that doesn't even get a wild card, imagine that!

So, let's hope the Packers regroup this week and do some real soul-searching before the game in Tampa next week. That now becomes a must-win leading into the season finale at Lambeau against Detroit. Everyone thought that might be for the division championship, but now it might just be to secure a playoff spot. A lot to be determined yet today as Minnesota attempts to upset Detroit in Detroit and the 49ers attempt to do the same at Seattle. If one or both of those teams somehow get a win, it will be to the Packers benefit. As much as we may dislike having to root for the ViQueens or the Niners, today we can do so. Nay, must do so.

NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Bills Preview & Prediction

This week the team from the NFL's smallest city, Green Bay, travels to the NFL's second-smallest city, Buffalo. Yes, folks, in a rare meeting between these two teams and rarer still in Buffalo, arguably the league's highest flying offense matches up against arguably the league's best defense.

Here's how Vic Ketchman, packers.com editor, puts it in his game scouting report: "The Bills defense is No. 5 overall, No. 8 against the run and No. 5 against the pass. By comparison, the Packers’ opening night opponent, Seattle, is first, third and first, and Week 3 opponent, Detroit, is second, first and 10th. The Packers lost to those opponents and managed only 23 points combined. Even more impressive is the Bills’ No. 1 ranking in sacks and No. 2 ranking in third-down defense."

Now, the Bills offense has improved a bit since veteran Kyle Orton has taken over at quarterback. (For anyone counting, Orton has actually won one more game against the Packers than Jay Cutler...which still isn't saying much.) If given time, Orton is a reliable quarterback if given time. And he has a great receiver in rookie Sammy Watkins and a good running back in Fred Jackson. If the Packers defense continues its inconsistent performance, as witnessed this last week in the game vs. Atlanta, the game could go Buffalo's way. There needs to be pressure early and often on Orton. Plus, Packers defenders will need to at least be in the same zipcode as the receivers they are supposed to be covering.

This Bills team is good and can beat the Packers if the Packers allow their defense to take command. As Ketchman notes in his scouting report, the Pack hasn't always fared well when put up against great defenses. Now, one if not both of the games he's referencing admittedly were played when the Packers offensive line wasn't configured as it is now. Admittedly, this game will be won in the trenches: the Packers offensive line against the Bills defensive front. If the Packers linemen can keep Aaron Rodgers from being pressured and sacked, and can get some running room for the team's running backs, the Packers will win. And of course, if the Pack can get up big early -- assuming the defense doesn't decide to take the second half off ala vs. the Falcons -- the Pack will emerge 11-3. If, on the other hand, the Bills defenders take control at and through the line, it could be a long day for the Packers. Also figure that the Bills are playing for their playoff lives at 7-6.

Still, we shouldn't minimize the fact that the Packers are also playing for the NFC North Division title, a first-round bye, and home games during the playoffs.

The Prediction
With Packers RB Eddie Lacy probable for today's game after battling a hip injury all week, we should probably expect to see more of RB James Starks. It's a homecoming for Starks, having grown up in the Buffalo area and attended the University of Buffalo. We might expect that he'll want to be at his best today when given his opportunities, just as he did late in the game against the Falcons with the game on the line.


Packers RB James Starks with huge run against the Falcons.
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The weather is not expected to be a factor: cloudy and 38 degrees. The Packers are favored by four points.

If the Packers defense plays up to its potential and does so for a full four quarters, that will negate anything the Bills offense might generate. If the Packers offensive line is able to handle the Bills formidable front, and the Packers don't have turnovers, I'll take Rodgers over Orton any day of the week. All of the Packers three losses this season have been road games. I expect this game, however, to be their fourth road win.

We're calling it 27-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Week 14: Packers vs. Falcons Preview and Prediction

As the last game of NFL Week 14, tonight's game between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons should be a good one. At least by one team. Who could that be? Let's just say the name begins with Green Bay and ends in Packers, shall we?

Now, that's not to say the game is a gimme. Atlanta leads the NFC South. Admittedly, that's not saying much given the woeful state of that division. The Dirty Birds are only 5-7 and stand a chance of making the playoffs as a division winner with less than a .500 record. Oy.

So what does Atlanta bring to Lambeau Field this evening? A quarterback who's hot and cold, a great receiver in Julio Jones, a defense that has big pluggers up front and an overall takeaway count of 24 (third best in the league), an offensive line that will have Clay Matthews' young cousin at left tackle, and an old tormenter in the form of Devin Hester.

Other than that...not...so...much. As long as the Packers do what they do...and need to do.

Prediction
If the Packers can get off to their usual quick start and, unlike last week's game against New England convert their red zone possessions into TDs instead of FGs, the game shouldn't be close. The Pack is favored by 13 points with an over-under total of 56 points. You can imagine how that total is skewed in the Packers' favor.

The weather for the game is at present forecast as 33 degrees and cloudy (but at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 will anyone really notice clouds?). Whether there is any snowfall, we'll have to wait to see.

So what's our call? We just think the Packers are on too much of a roll both offensively and defensively right now. It's almost to the point where we hope they aren't peaking too soon.

We're calling it 38-20 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

By the way, according to TipIQ as of a few days ago:

• "At an average asking price of $112.67 per ticket, this Monday's game vs Atlanta is the Packers' cheapest regular game since TiqIQ.com began tracking the ticket market in late 2009.
• This is by far the cheapest game of the season, with the next being November 16th vs Philly averaging $206.51. This is also 49.92% below the Packers season average of $224.97.
• The cheapest ticket available is currently Section 212 Row 24 at $50 each. The most expensive ticket listed is Club Center Section 419 Row 11 at $614 each."

Brett Favre in his playing days.
Photo File/Gannett Wisconsin Media
Favre returns to Lambeau tonight...maybe
At the time of this writing, several media sources are reporting that former Packers (and Atlanta, lest we forget) quarterback Brett Favre is on his way to Green Bay. Whether or not he will actually attend the game this evening is another matter. This will not, as far as seems to be the case, be his number retirement ceremony. But there will sure to be a lot of media coverage of Favre back in GB either way. It will definitely be a little extra incentive to watch this game. Although, if you're a real Packers fan, you'll be watching anyway.

Packers Beat Patriots in Epic Style

Early last evening, the Green Bay Packers held on for a hard-won victory over the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. With no timeouts left, QB Aaron Rodgers was able to kneel down three times and run out the clock to seal the 26-21 win. In truth, the game was not as tight, for the most part, as the score would indicate.

The Packers racked up a dominant offensive performance, accounting for 478 total yards, the most given up by the Patriots this season, holding a more than 13-minute time of possession advantage over the Pats, and running 70 plays to New England's 50-something. Rodgers threw for 368 yards and two touchdowns. But the Packers also left lots of points on the field, having to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns on early redzone possessions, otherwise they could have put a large point spread between themselves and New England. As many have pointed out, had the Packers gone on to lose this game, that would have been the storyline: how many points the Pack didn't get that they should have.

But on this day, the Packers played in near-championship style against an equally great opponent and coaching staff. They ran Eddie Lacy early and often to force the Pats to bring up a safety nearer the line. While Jordy Nelson was only able to snag two passes on the day because of the tight coverage, one of those two went for a 45-yard touchdown catch and run with 14 seconds left in the first half. It was huge. Rookie wide receiver Davante Adams also had a good day, although he had what could have been a game-changing drop late in the game. It was a pass at the goal line where he was open and failed to make the catch. It was another one of those lost opportunities for points. As was a rare missed field goal by K Mason Crosby.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady gets sacked late in the 4th quarter by Packers Mike Neal and Mike Daniels
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
But let's not focus on the negative here, especially with such a great win. Instead let's give some praise to the Packers defense which stymied QB Tom Brady most of the day. While the Pack only got one sack on the veteran quarterback (which came at a very good time and led to a missed field goal late in the game), the defense had enough pressure on Brady often enough to alter his throws. At times, Brady looked very off. In this battle of number 12's from California, Rodgers was the clear winner.

Give head coach Mike McCarthy kudos for mixing up the game plan, the formations and the personnel. One of the biggest changes was the use of LB Sam Barrington in the middle on the nickel scheme in place of A. J. Hawk. Given this was the scheme for a good chunk of the game, second-year player Barrington received most of the playing time over nine-year veteran Hawk. It's been obvious to many -- including yours truly -- that Hawk's mobility isn't what it used to be...and it used to be slow to begin with. He got exposed badly in Minnesota last weekend and obviously coach McCarthy made the calculation he couldn't have that type of exposure against the Patriots. Barrington performed very well. We may be starting to see the changing of the guard at middle linebacker. See this article for more on Barrington and Hawk.

So, Packer fans, our team sits at 9-3 atop the NFC North and tied for wins in the NFC with Arizona and Philadelphia. Next up is Atlanta which leads the woeful NFC South with a 5-7 record.

Go Pack Go!!!

Weel 13: Packers vs. Patriots Preview and Prediction

It is the game of the weekend, Packer fans. The 9-2 New England Patirots vs. the 8-3 Green Bay Packers at historic Lambeau Field, with arguably the two best quarterbacks in the game right now and the two best teams going head to head. Over the past two decades, the series is as even as it gets: 5-5. Of course, there was that Packers' 35-21 win over the Pats in Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans (remember that?).

But that was then. This is now.

Today, we'll see two powerful offenses matched against defenses that will try to keep up and make a stop when it most matters. It could well be one of those games where whichever team has the ball last wins. The oddsmakers are basically seeing the game as a toss-up, giving the Packers the 3-point edge that comes with home field advantage. They're expecting a shoot-out, too, with the over-under set as the weekend's largest point total: 58-1/2.

The Patriots

The Patriots, aside from curmudgeonly head coach Bill Belichick, begin and end with QB Tom Brady. What more do you need to say? If the Pat's win today -- and many suspect they will -- it will be because of Brady. At age 37, and after a slow start to the season, Brady and company are on track. The weapons for Brady are many, going beyond TE Rob Gronkowski, who gets most of the press. Other receivers who can and do cause problems for opposing defenders are Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell, as well as TE Tim Wright. Lots of receiving targets to cover. To keep a balance to the game, the Pat's have RB LeGarrette Blount who had the best run of career at Lambeau in 2011 as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Blount isn't the starter, though. That distinction goes to Shane Vereen, who is currently listed as questionable for today's game on the injury report. Jonas Gray should also should play extensively. Those are a lot of different running styles to adjust to, especially behind a pretty good offensive line.

On the Pat's defense, they have a very good defensive line, anchored by NT Vince Wilfork and DT Alan Branch. It will be tough sledding for Packers RB Eddie Lacy trying to get yardage up the middle today. In the secondary, the Pats also present challenges in cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browne. Packers receivers had problems getting separation last week against the ViQueens. Against a better secondary this week, at home, the Pack's receivers need to have a better showing in order to stay in this game.

The Prediction
Assuming for a moment that the offenses are similar and of equal scoring ability, who has the edge? It obviously goes to defenses and special teams. Let's set aside the special teams play, although the edge on field goals in this game -- if that's what it comes down to -- should go the Packers way. It comes down to defense. Run-stopping ability may also be a push. While the Patriots have two very good corners, the Packers entire secondary is very good. So it comes to pass rush. The edge there should go to the Pack, particularly with the mobility and come-from-anywhere mode of LB Clay Matthews and the rejuvenated Julius Peppers.

One of the Pack's keys in the past several weeks has been getting out to a big lead early. If that were even the case today, against Brady that's no guarantee of Aaron Rodgers getting the second half of the game off as in those earlier blowout wins.

Much of the buzz about today's game is that this is a preview of the next Super Bowl. That might be a bit premature, but certainly not out of the question. And because this is an interconference game, it's not a do-or-die, late-season situation for either team. Still, we think the Packers need this game more.

We think the oddsmakers have the point spread on this game right. It will be a nail-biter...perhaps down to the last play of the game.

We're calling it 34-31 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers sneak by Vikings, get ready for Lambeau showdown with Patriots

Last Sunday's game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings probably didn't play out as many Packer fans would have hoped, other than getting the win, of course. Coupled with Detroit getting spanked by New England, the Pack is once again all alone atop the NFC North. Order in the universe is once again restored.

But back to the game against the ViQueens...

The Pack seemed sluggish on offense, ditto on defense, and the perpetrator of a few ill-timed penalties (which begs the question: are there any well-timed penalties? Actually, yes, as it turns out, but that's a conversation for another day). As 8 to 9-point favorites, the Packers escaped Minnesota with a 3-point victory, 24-21. Despite the relative disparity in overall talent level, the game turned out to be -- to the 'Queens' credit -- one of the old smash-mouth divisional varieties. It was a game that was hard-fought on both sides of the ball and, unlike the prior two weeks where QB Aaron Rodgers has sat out most of the second half, the game wasn't secured until RB Eddie Lacy ground down the clock in the closing minutes.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy converts a 10-yard shovel pass into a TD against Minnesota
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Lacy rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries during the game and had a few key pass receptions, as well, including a nice little 10-yard shovel pass from Rodgers that he turned into another touchdown. On a day when Packers receivers had a difficult time getting separation from the defenders because of coverage schemes, a big day from Lacy was needed. He delivered. Even as he was, we found out later, battling gastrointestinal problems.

Rookie TE Richard Rodgers accounted for the third of the Packers' touchdowns on the day, garnering his first NFL TD reception. He was the recipient of what is officially a 1-yard TD pass, but one that in reality travelled about 34 yards in the air. QB Rodgers scrambled nearly to the far right sideline before throwing back across his body all the way to nearly the back corner of the left side endzone to a wide-open TE Rodgers. The latter Rodgers also is credited on the day with making some key blocks in the running and passing game. He's coming on and, eventually, may be the replacement for Jermichael Finley the team has been hoping for. But we also have to give kudos to TE Andrew Quarless who also had a good day on the receiving front sans a touchdown.

Defensively, the Packers had 'Queens' rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater a bit rattled in the first half; he was very much off on his throws. He did start to put together some momentum in the second half, however, as his line generally gave him good protection. Whereas Packers receivers seemed to be well-covered most of the game, Minnesota receivers often seemed to be wide open, particularly on crossing routes over the middle. LB A.J. Hawk, as this writer noted during the game on Twitter (@packfansunited), seemed as if he was often running in quicksand; he looked very slow...slower than usual.

Still, ultimately, the defense did what it needed to and handed the ball back to the offense to secure the win. The Packers are now 8-3.

Whew!

Next up: the Patriots come to town
We'll have much more to say in our pre-game preview before this Sunday's game. It is the game of the weekend, Packer fans. The 9-2 Pats vs. the 8-3 Pack, with arguably the two best quarterbacks in the game right now and the two best teams going head to head (but don't just take my word for it: even Michael Wilbon proffered as much on yesterday's edition of ESPN's PTI). Over the past two decades, the series is as even as it gets: 5-5. Of course, there was that Packers' 35-21 win over the Pats in Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans (remember that?).

We'll see two powerful offenses matched against defenses that will try to keep up and make a stop when it most matters. It could well be one of those games where whichever team has the ball last wins. The oddsmakers are basically seeing the game as a toss-up right now, giving the Packers the 3-point edge that comes with home field advantage. They're expecting a shoot-out, too, with the over-under currently set as the weekend's largest point total: 58-1/2. Yowza.

Anyway, more to come on this upcoming game, Packer fans. So please check back. In the meantime, you can keep up on nearly real-time updates about the Packers by checking out our Amazing 2nd Page.

Go Pack Go!!!

Week 12: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

It's about 90 minutes until kickoff between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. Gone are the days of playing in the Humpty Dump and its piped-in crowd noise, replaced this season with the outdoor home field of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

But regardless of the venue these days, the Vikings are still the ViQueens. A team with a rookie quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, who will be good -- perhaps very good -- given a few more years in the NFL. But for now, he's still a rookie and one without many offensive weapons. RB Adrian Peterson is still on indefinite suspension by the league and depth for his replacement is an issue for Minnesota, although rookie third-round draft pick Jerick McKinnon has performed nicely, rushing for 489 yards overall and a 4.9-yards-per-carry average. You have to respect that, and the Packers had better. For receivers, you have to believe Greg Jennings wishes he had stayed in Green Bay. Do you ever hear of him any more? The 'Queens' offensive line is average at best and could be in for a long day if the Packers defensive scheme continues to perform at the same level as the last few weeks.

The 'Queens' defense, at least along the front seven, is probably it's strong suit. RE Everson Griffen may cause Packers LT David Bakhtiari problems. He leads his team in both sacks and quarterback hits. He will have to be accounted for and Bakhtiari will have to be up to the challenge or it could cause problems for Aaron Rodgers and the passing game. WLB Chad Greenway has played every snap and recorded 47 tackles in the last four games since returning from a broken rib that kept him out of the first game against the Pack. He likewise will have to be accounted for and handled. Greenway is a gamer and a good one. At age 31 and after 9 years in the league, he's perhaps not as fast as he once was. But he's still a smart ballplayer and can be a disruptive factor.

The weak spot in the Minnesota defense is the secondary. Some capable, but young, players there. Just the kind that Rodgers and his receiving corps can exploit if Rodgers is given protection.

Randall Cobb grabs a TD pass against Minnesota at Lambeau Field
Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The other part of that equation, of course, especially in a game where rain is possible, is a sound running game led by Eddie Lacy. We should expect head coach Mike McCarthy to call plays which not only allow Lacy to run from scrimmage, but to get him on the outside for screens and set up opportunities for yardage after the catch, which we have seen in recent games is something Lacy is getting better and better at.

Predicton
The 'Queens didn't play well against Chicago last week, particularly on defense. Expect them to come out fired up, especially in the first half where things could be tight. But over the course of the game, barring injuries or turnovers, the Packers' talent should take over at some point. In some recent games, that has happened very early and other teams have then be forced to try to play catch up. Ideally, that same scenario would apply today. We should get an indication of a fast start or a first-half dogfight early on. If Minnesota has to play from behind...well, good luck with that, Minnesota.

The Packers are favored by either 8 or 9 points going into this game, depending upon who you are looking at. We think this game should be a wider spread than that if things stay true to form. The over-under is 49.5 points. So scoring is anticipated...you have to assume it's skewed in the Pack's favor.

We're calling this 38-17 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers' superlative performances at home continue as Eagles play latest victim

The final score of the Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles game at Lambeau Field yesterday was...a bajillion to who-the-heck cares. When a team dominates another -- especially a division leader (7-2 coming into the game) -- like the Packers did, well, scores are pretty irrelevant. Just as was the case a week earlier when the Pack disemboweled an even more pathetic Chicago Bears team. (But just in case you are obsessive-compulsive about this stuff, the final scores were 53-20 and 55-14 respectively.)

The biggest challenge for the Packers over the past two weeks could be said to be having sports pundits and bloggers run out of ways to describe an almost super-human performance on both sides of the ball. We're in the rarified atmosphere of record-setting performances for consecutive weeks. And it doesn't seem to matter whether the Packers are playing a good team, as the Eagles supposedly are, or a division bottom-feeder, such as Da Bearz. We Packer fans better savor these times, because they are rare indeed. Don't ever take them for granted, Packer fans. This stuff is not normal. Really. It is extraordinary.

We won't recount all the stats as your eyes would glaze over. One of note, however, is that for the first time in the looooong history of the Packers the team scored 50 or more points in two consecutive games. In fact, in the history of the NFL, this has only been accomplished four other times. Speaking of four, the Packers are 4-0 when they wear the 1929 Championship team uniforms.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in full-on assault mode.
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

As fans are also well aware, QB Aaron Rodgers is playing like a man possessed. He has thrown 29 touchdowns at home without an interception (18 this season), the longest such streak in NFL history. He's actually thrown 322 consecutive passes at home without an interception, blowing well past Tom Brady's old mark of 288 and -- wait for it! -- the longest such streak in NFL history. Again, the numbers just become mind-numbing at some point. In the last seven games, Rodgers' passer rating is 132.3. Incredible. He and the Packers offense, with much credit due and given to his offensive line, have been so prolific in the first half of their home games they are outscoring opponents 128-9 over the last four games. This is a good reason why we haven't seen Rodgers play a fourth quarter in the last two games (he did have one series yesterday in the fourth, but still...).

Wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb have also been stellar. RB Eddie Lacy is not only a legitimate running threat but has also developed into a trusty receiver this season, actually ranking as the third best on the team in terms of yardage, most of which has come after the catch. Case in point, Lacy's epic screen pass catch-and-run for a touchdown where he would not be stopped.

As good as the offense has been, which we pretty much expected, one of the things we didn't expect was the resurgence of what was a sieve-like defense at the start of the season. They are now dominating other teams, with turnovers a key; the defense has generated 22 takeaways so far this season, including plus-4 in turnover differential yesterday and plus-14 overall (22 takeaways minus 8 giveaways). Also, is it merely coincidence that these last two extraordinary wins have coincided with the move of LB Clay Matthews from the outside to inside where he can freelance a bit more?

If the Packers make a deep run into the playoffs this season, the improved performance of the defense will be key. We know the offense is loaded with talent. They can and will score...big. But 14 points yesterday came directly as a result of a pick-6 and a fumble recovery by the defense. That's huge.

As for special teams...it was a mixed bag yesterday for the Packers: a 75-yard punt return by Micah Hyde, but a muffed extra point hold, a blocked extra point, a missed field goal (long, granted), and a blocked punt. So with all the good bits out of yesterday's game, special teams just shows there is still much to work on. If the Packers ever get back into a tight game -- and reality says they will -- they can't afford those errors; the game and the season could turn on such things.

But for now, Packer fans...let us rejoice and be glad. The Packers are tied for first in the NFC North after Arizona defeated Detroit yesterday. The ViQueens are next up, on the road. Then back home for one of the tougher remaining games on the schedule against New England. There's six games to go. A lot can happen. But what's happening now is the stuff of legend. Yes, it is. And the stats prove it.

Week 11: Packers vs. Eagles Preview and Prediction

The high-flying, 7-2 Philadelphia Eagles pay a mid-afternoon visit today to Lambeau Field for their showdown with the 6-3 Green Bay Packers. Along with New England at Indianapolis and Detroit at Arizona (I still can't believe that last one), this is the game of the day. Obviously, the NFL and TV programmers thought so, too, as the game was "flexed" out of its originally-scheduled noon start to the 3:25 CT start. Make no mistake about it, this game is critical for both teams as the playoff hunt enters high gear. Each team wants this game...needs this game.

The Eagles seem to be rejuvenated in the last week or two (if you can even say that about a 7-2 team) under the similarly-rejuvenated quarterback, Mark Sanchez, he of butt-fumble fame. Getting out from under the dysfunction that is the New York Jets and landing on the roster of Eagles' head coach Chip Kelly may be just what the doctor ordered for Sanchez and his career.

But it's not just Sanchez the Packers defense needs to concern itself with. The Eagles have very good receivers in veteran Jeremy Maclin and rookie Jordan Matthews. RB LeSean McCoy is always a threat, but is averaging more than a yard per rush less this season than in his first five years in the league. And he's not happy about that. For a variety of reasons, the Eagles' running game has gone from first in the NFL last year to 20th in yards-per-carry this season. In a win against the woeful Panthers last week, McCoy rushed for just 19 yards on 12 carries. The Packers defense can't assume that will carry over to this week; with most quality running backs, a game like that will make them angry and anxious to prove a point. The Packers defense will need to make sure they keep McCoy under wraps.

We have to believe the Packers defense will build off last weekend's performance against Da Bearz. Moving Clay Matthews around creates havoc for an offensive line, creating opportunities not only for himself but his teammates to make plays. The Packers secondary will take care of business.

Where the Packers can and probably will be exposed is on special teams where they will have to try to figure out a way to keep Darren Sproles from single-handedly changing the course of the game; he's returned two punts for touchdowns this season.

Packers Guard, Josh Sitton
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
On the flip side of things, the Packers offense is rolling. How do you keep that going? Protect QB Aaron Rodgers, have the Pack's great receivers get separation as they usually do, and use Eddie Lacy as both the rushing and receiving threat that he is. The Packers injured guards -- Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang -- are both probable again this week ... read: they will play. The Eagles defensive line is good, and the Pack will need another good performance from its line.

The Prediction
This is a fairly short preview and an even briefer prediction. That's because the Pack can't allow a Mark Shanchez-led Eagles team to beat them on their home field. Weather conditions -- cold, in particular -- will play a role today, although the Packers should be the team better equipped to deal with conditions. Also of note: the Eagles' two losses have been on the road.

The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 to 6 points depending upon what source you are looking at, and the game has the second-highest over-under total points of the weekend at 55.

We're calling it 34-24 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers help Bears hit rock bottom

We were both right and wrong in our preview and prediction of Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. We were right in projecting the Packers to win. We were right in suggesting the Bears QB Jay Cutler is a veritable head case when it comes to playing the Packers. We were right in predicting a point total of at least 55 points. We were wrong in not projecting that the Pack alone would score 55 points. We were also wrong in thinking that Da Bearz would care about playing a football game. We were wrong about Da Bearz, giving them far too much credit.

While we certainly rejoiced in this thorough 55-14 beat-down of Chicago, a victory of epic proportions in the long history of the oldest rivalry in the NFL, you almost had to feel a bit sad for how far this once proud Chicago franchise seems to have fallen, especially this season. Almost.

But back to the Packers.

QB Aaron Rodgers tied Daryl Lamonica's NFL-record six first-half touchdowns. Combine great play by Rodgers, his offensive line and his receivers (including RB Eddie Lacy) with a flat-out give-up performance by Chicago's defense, and the rout was on early. Randall Cobb was quoted after the game as saying that the feeling going into the game was that if the Pack could get up early the Bears would essentially lay down. The Packers did their part to make that happen and, as a result, so did Da Bearz.

The Packers defense also seemed to be playing at a higher level than usual. Whether that was the brilliant and successful move -- at least on this night -- of linebacker Clay Matthews from the outside to the inside or the apparently stirring pre-game locker room speech to the team by veteran and former Bear, Julius Peppers, we may never know. Let's also not forget the return of Morgan Burnett to the secondary.

But the question for the moment is: are the Packers really this good or Da Bearz this bad?
Given how bad Chicago was last evening, with no passion in their play or performance and a typical horror show by QB Jay Cutler (now 1-11 against the Pack, and O-4 at Lambeau Field), we really don't know if the Packers have finally put it together on both offense and defense. We'll get a glimpse this coming Sunday afternoon when the Eagles come to Green Bay. Lest we forget, the Eagles played at Lambeau last season and went home with a victory. We'll take a closer look at this upcoming game later this week, so please check back for updates.

Until then, Packer fans, just revel in the win last evening. Take pity on your poor Bear fan friends and family members. They're embarrassed for their team. All we can hope for on our end, despite that, is that the organizational ineptitude which has gripped Da Bearz for the last two decades continues. Let's hope they keep trotting out the gift that keeps on giving: Jay Cutler. As long as he's at the helm -- and after having just given him a boatload of money to be their main man, he will be for a long time -- the Packers will be in great shape.

Week 10: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

As the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears look to renew the oldest rivalry in the NFL at Lambeau Field this evening -- this will be game number 190 in the series for those keeping track -- questions arise for both teams as they each come off their bye week.

For the Packers, can the team's 32nd-ranked run defense contain Bears RB Matt Forte? Can its linebackers and secondary cover TE Martellus Bennett? Can the Pack's hobbled offensive line -- possibly minus one if not two starting guards -- protect QB Aaron Rodgers and open holes for RB Eddie Lacy? For Da Bearz, can QB Jay Cutler not throw interceptions? Can a so-so secondary cover the Packers' outstanding receivers? For both teams, will weather conditions play a deciding role?

The preview here is a short one, Packer fans. The Pack has won 11 of the last 13 against Da Bearz. That in itself means little. The fact that the Packers are the better team overall, also means little in this historic rivalry.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Photo by Rick Wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Within the NFC North, the Packers, at 5-3, are in an unfamiliar position looking up at the Detroit Lions holding first place; they can’t afford to fall behind especially having lost to Detroit in their first meeting of this season. Chicago is looking up at everyone in the division, at 3-5. They also can’t afford to fall further behind. Lose tonight and it’s a long road to even have dreams of a wild card spot. Aaron Rodgers noted in a locker room interview this week that Chicago would be coming in playing as a desperate team and the Packers had better be ready for that.

Both teams want and need this game. But in a series such as this, on what promises to be a cold and blustery night in Green Bay, anything can happen. The best way for the Packers to prevent that is to get up early and big on Chicago, and to eat clock with their own ground game. To this point in the season, the Packers have been averaging about 59 offensive snaps, 10 fewer on average than their opponents. Time of possession has also favored the Pack's opponents to the tune of about 3 more minutes per game. The Pack needs to close the gap on both of those stats and tonight would be a great night to begin to do so.

Rodgers' hamstring will apparently be a non-issue, as long as it doesn't get tweaked by the cold or game action itself. If that rears its ugly head during the game, it could very much change the complexion of things. How long guards Josh Sitton and/or T.J. Lang might be able to go -- if they go at all -- will also have a major impact upon tonight's play and game plan. Let's hope none of these situations apply tonight.

Prediction
The Packers are favored by 7 points at the time of this writing. The over-under is 55 points. Clearly oddsmakers are thinking lots of offense and not so much defense. We tend to agree.

We're calling it 31-24 in favor of the Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Bye-Bye Bye Week, Hello Bears Week!

The Green Bay Packers went into their mid-season bye week on a down note last week. After reeling off four consecutive wins, the road trip to New Orleans saw the Pack face a rather desperate Saints team on its home turf where they usually come away with a win. And they did.

Still, at 5-3 at the mid-point of the 2014 NFL season, the Packers are right where we thought they’d be (see our season preview and prediction here).

Monday News
Yesterday, the Packers made several moves, only one roster related. The team extended head coach Mike McCarthy’s contract another five years. Effectively, McCarthy, GM Ted Thompson, and QB Aaron Rodgers are pretty much hitched to the same wagon for the next half-decade. We’ll assume most Packer fans are pretty happy with that arrangement. The one main knock on McCarthy, despite a string of consecutive NFC North Championships, playoffs in six of his eight years, and winning one Super Bowl, is that his defenses under defensive coordinator Dom Capers have been inconsistent to put it mildly and downright dreadful to be blunt. How McCarthy will up the ante in the second half of this season and beyond as regards his defenses may well tell the tale of whether he adds another Lombardi Trophy to his list of accomplishments. Offensively, they have things covered. Defensively…not so much.

The other move of the day on Monday was the release of 2011 first-round pick Derek Sherrod to make room for the return from the Injured Reserve – Designated for Return list of center/offensive lineman, J.C. Tretter. Tretter’s return will add some much needed depth to a sparse Packers offensive line. While slated to be the starter at center this season, an early injury opened the way for rookie Corey Linsley to take over the job. He has performed so well that replacing him with Tretter at this point is not even being considered. Instead, look for the Packers to use Tretter as back-up at either of the two guard positions, and at center, of course, should Linsley suffer an injury.


Derek Sherrod was released by the Packers Monday
Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
As for Sherrod, three-and-a-half years into his pro career, with roughly two years spent sidelined due to a horrible leg injury, the Packers finally decided to cut bait. There was, according to reports, no shortage of effort on the part of the young man to get back onto the field and be productive. Everyone raved about his character. But as the season opener clearly showed for the world to see, when Sherrod was placed in the role of having to play tackle and protect Aaron Rodgers, he couldn’t do it physically. It was time to let him go and they finally did. We wish nothing but the best for Mr. Sherrod going forward.

Here come Da Bearz!
With the bye week behind them, the Packers find themselves in second place in the NFC North behind the surprising Detroit Lions. First up on the schedule is the foe from south of the border, the Chicago Bears, who now find themselves in last place in the division at 3-5. Desperation will accompany them to Lambeau Field for the Sunday night contest, as a loss will likely doom any outside chance Da Bearz have of making the playoffs barring a miraculous turnaround. Considering the chaos that has been widely reported in recent weeks surrounding the team, a miracle of that nature seems unlikely. This is somewhat of a do-or-die game for Chicago if they hope to stay within spitting distance of the Packers and Detroit.

The Packers can do their part this weekend by keeping Da Bearz down. With only one win in his career against the Packers, don’t expect Jay Cutler to author one on this occasion. Yes, the odds at some point should turn in his favor. Even a blind squirrel finds a few nuts once in a while, as the saying goes. And, granted, Chicago has many weapons on offense. Running back Matt Forte could chew up what has been a miserable run defense on the part of the Packers. If Chicago has any chance for a win at Green Bay Sunday, they should hand the ball to Forte at least 30 times during the game.

On the other hand, if the Packers can figure out a way to minimize Forte’s impact and put the game in the hands of Cutler, the Packers should come away with interceptions and seal a win, particularly if the Pack can get up early and force Chicago to play from behind, a scenario which is clearly not in their favor despite their acknowledged receiving talent.

As we get closer to game time, be sure to visit us again for updates. The Pack is currently listed as 7-1/2 point favorites, with a high-scoring game expected by the oddsmakers. Keep up to date on all the latest by visiting our Amazing 2nd Page! and by following us on Twitter.