Archive for July, 2010

Jclombardi reviews Packers headlines & blogger news. PACKERS: KEY OFF-SEASON DATES: July 31–Training camp, first practice; schedule Aug. 7–Packers Family Night scrimmage Aug. 31–Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players Sept. 4–Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players PACKERS: EXHIBITION SEASON Aug. 14: Browns at Packers, 7 p.m. Aug. 21: Packers at Seahawks, 9 p.m. Aug. 26: Colts at Packers, 7 p.m. Sept. 2: Packers at Chiefs, 7 p.m. Bigby, Harris & Starks on PUP: Cornerback Harris (knee), strong safety  Bigby (ankle), and rookie RB Starks (nagging hamstring injury) failed their physicals and were put on the reserve, physically unable to perform [...]

Jclombardi reports rookie 1st round choice OT Bulaga signed. First-round pick OT Bryan Bulaga finalized a five-year contract.  He is expected to man the backup left tackle spot behind Chad Clifton when camp starts.  Adam Schefter reported the contract to be worth $14.75 million with $8.76 million in guaranteed money.

Jclombardi reviews Packers and bloggers headlines. Shareholders meetings: Packers talk development during shareholders meeting. Packers’ expansion plans get mixed reception from shareholders–28 acres close to Lambeau Field to eventually develop an entertainment and sports district aimed at producing revenue and attracting tourists.  “Infrastructure, not weather, biggest obstacle for Lambeau Super Bowl says Goodell.”  Lack of hotels a concern for Green Bay Super Bowl. Hot Air Threatens To Suffocate Golden Goose: Scout says, “Commissioner Goodell came to Green Bay for the shareholders meeting on Thursday equipped with nothing more than a bunch of sound bites and empty words. At this rate, the billionaire [...]

The fan votes determined that the NFC North roster is the best of the NFC conference.  Now, the NFC North goes up against the AFC West roster in the final contest to name the top NFL’s talented division. Fans, vote for the NFC North!

Jclombardi reviews Packers and bloggers headlines. Bigby signs tender: Packers’ safety Atari Bigby signs restricted free agent contract and will report to Packers’ training camp. Packers by position:  Uphill battle for Packers’ injury prone DE Harrell, but four defensive linemen are locks to make it: Pickett, Raji, Jenkins and second-round draft pick Neal.  DL: The more you can do.  LBs: As good as advertised? Running back Grant on prowl for more big runs.  Hopefully, Grant, Starks, Jackson, Johnson, and Kuhn or Hall on the final roster. Offensive line: Coaches confident unit can improve. Shareholders meeting: Thursday, Packers’ shareholders gather at Lambeau Field to hear from Packers’ management and coaches.  Also, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell [...]

Jclombardi gives the NFL Divisional Smackdown semi-finals. Fans, your votes are counted with the results from NFL Divisional Smackdown  round 1: NFC North defeats NFC South NFC East defeats NFC West AFC West defeats AFC North AFC East defeats AFC South We  move on to the semi finals for the NFC and AFC Championships in our Fansided Divisional Smackdown!   Now, fans can vote for the winner of the semifinal contest between Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North against Quarterback Tony Romo and the NFC East! Fans, vote for the NFL North!

Jclombardi reviews Packers and bloggers headlines. Preview: Football Gameplan’s 2010 NFL Team Preview–Packers.   ESPN Power Rankings:  ESPN has its training camp power rankings with Vikings at 3: “Favre is waiting for a two-hour TV special to announce his return”  and Packers at 6: “Improved pass protection for QB Aaron Rodgers could go a long way.” Lambeau field area expansion: Packers spent more than $27 million in the last five years to acquire more than 28 acres near Lambeau Field [to] become part of a multi-jurisdictional sports and entertainment district.  Also, see “Packers spending big on property near Lambeau”–Packers haven’t said [...]

Jclombardi reminds voters about NFC North poll. If some voters in the Packers nation following the Lombardi Ave, number 1 rated Packers blog, have not voted, it is about time for you.   Fans are requested to vote for the NFC North at the FanSided blog main site listing about it (listed below).  The division is kicking the NFC South’s butt.  Yet, each vote counts for the final tally.  Vote! NFL Divisional Smackdown! NFC Round 1

Jclombardi reviews Packers headlines. 2010 Packers Preview:  As bloggers observed, Packers are getting a lot of over-the-radar Super Bowl hype.  Of course, with the season starting that includes the usual fluff local Packers press:  ”Packers Good Enough for Super Bowl“; “This Season Could be Special for the Badgers and Packers”; or “Two football writers from Sports Illustrated have placed the Packers atop their preseason power rankings. Pro Football Weekly did the same.” NFL Touchdowns has a nice preview with an analysis of the players.   They say, ”Inside linebackers A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett are both closer to average than good.”  Their preview concludes, “Green Bay [...]

Jclombardi recalls Packers legend Bart Starr. As posted earlier, ESPN’s Sabol presents a great review of classic NFL legends including the Packers legend Bart Starr with a brief good description: Classiest Competitor: Bart Starr–If gallantry, generosity and humility were lost in the world, they could be found again in this Hall of Fame quarterback.  As fans know, this Packers lead blogger goes back to the Lombardi era.  Since that night that I attended their high scoring Cardinals vs Packers contest in St. Louis, I collected Packers relics over the years.  They include two signed autographed pictures from Bart Starr (1975 pic and 1983 pic):