Jan 23, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Members of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers line up for a play during the fourth quarter of the 2011 NFC championship game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have had a long and bitter rivalry that has now spanned more than 91 years and 185 meetings. While the current influx of trash talk by the likes of Brandon Marshall has sparked a new interest nationwide, this is far from anything new. As us Packers fans know all too well,  this rivalry has been heated for a very long time.

Before we embark on chapter 186 of this great rivalry, I thought it would be fitting to take a trip down memory lane and remember the great moments of the past. I have arranged them chronological order.

The 1924 Packers.

1. A rivalry is born – Nov. 23, 1924 – Bears 3, Packers 0

While this was not the first time these two teams met, make no mistake, this is when the great rivalry was born. It was the type of heated, hard-fought battle that we have come to expect when these two teams get together. They literally fought for every yard in this game. Eventually tempers reached to  a boiling point when the Bears’ Frank Hanny and the Packers’ Walter Voss’s heated verbal exchanges led to punches being thrown, which in turn led to the first player ejections in NFL history.

2. The Start of Lombardi’s dominance – Sept. 30, 1962 – Packers 49, Bears 0

It is well known that Papa Bear Halas hated Lombardi and the Packers. It is rumored  that one time he visited the Packers locker room to speak with Lombardi, just 5 minutes before game time. saying it was an emergency. When Lombardi rushed over, Halas simply said, “I hope your team is ready, because we are going to kick your ass!” Lombardi, did not take kindly to the remarks and made sure his team let Halas know it. They dominated the Bears from start to finish, with the game ending in the Packers’ largest margin of victory ever at the time. Lombardi, with a few exceptions, owned the Bears most of his coaching career beating them 13 times.

Packers quarterback Lynn Dickey hugs PK Chester Marcol after he ran a blocked punt in for the game-winning touchdown.

3. The Chester Marcol game – Sept. 7, 1980 – Packers 12, Bears 6

This may go down as one of the most unlikely endings in the history of the Packers. Chester Marcol lined up for what could have been a game-winning field goal in overtime. However, things did not go as planned. The Bears’ Alan Page stormed through and blocked the kick. The ball ricocheted and caromed right back to Marcol who proceeded to run with the ball as if he was literally running for his life! With prescription frame glasses, and his single-barred facemask, Marcol ran in for the touchdown. The team in celebration rushed to Marcol, who looked more like he just escaped from a burning building rather than having run for the game -deciding touchdown.

4. The most lopsided Bears win – December 7th, 1980 – Bears 61, Packers 7

After what would be the second worst loss in Packers history, Coach Bart Starr was so infuriated with the Bears that  he ran to confront Coach Neil Armstrong. He was upset that the Bears were still blitzing late in the fourth quarter with the game already decided. What coach Starr didn’t know was a man he fired last season who now worked for the Bears, Bill Tobin, was hell bent on revenge and spent the entire off-season trying to decode the Packers signaling system. He was successful. “We wanted 100 points” he said at the time.

Walter Payton dives over the pile to score a touchdown against the Packers in 1985.

5. The 1985 game – Nov. 10t, 1985 – Bears 16, Packers 10

Apparently the Packers did not take kindly to being on the receiving end of the “Birth of the Fridge” two weeks earlier. They left horse manure in the Bears locker room before the game, and battled them tooth and nail during it. Even though the Bears were the far superior team, they got all they could handle from a determined and chippy Green Bay Packers club. They played tough and much like the game in 1924 tempers flared. DBs Mark Lee and Ken Stills were ejected after taking late shots on Bears running backs Walter Payton and Matt Suhey.

6. Charles Martin and his criminal act – Nov. 23, 1986 – Bears 12, Packers 10

As a Packers fan, I am programmed to hate the Chicago Bears, and I do with all my heart. That being said, there was just no place for this. Not on the football field, or anywhere else. It was sick, and it made me ashamed to be a Packers fan. Charles Martin was suspended for two games for this, it should have been for life. I will let the video below speak for itself …

7. The replay game – Nov. 5, 1989 – Packers 14, Bears 13

Don Majkowski led the Packers to a stunning come-from-behind victory against the Bears, their first since 1984; however, it almost never happened. He threw a late touchdown to Sterling Sharpe, which was initially called back because the referee said the Majik Man stepped past the line of scrimmage when he threw the pass. The subsequent replay review overturned the penalty which resulted in a touchdown for Green Bay. The call was so controversial that the NFL changed the rule, clarifying when a quarterback is considered past the line of scrimmage. Also, Bears Coach Mike Ditka was so enraged over the decision he ordered the Bears media staff to put an asterisk next to this game in the Bears’ official media guide the following season.

8. Favre’s 5 TDs – Nov. 12, 1995 – Packers 35, Bears 28

Anyone who is a fan of Brett Favre will point to this game as a testament to old gunslinger’s legendary toughness and resolve. First place in the NFC central was on the line and Favre’s right ankle was so badly sprained that he couldn’t even bear weight on it before the game. Many questioned whether Favre was hurting the team, by trying to play. Well, he didn’t hurt the team. In fact, he played one of the best games of his career. He threw for 336 yards and 5 touchdowns while leading the Packers to victory.

The Bears block Ryan Longwell’s game-winning field goal attempt.

9. The blocked field goal – Nov. 7, 1999 – Bears 14, Packers 13

The Packers came into this game as nine-point favorites, but were facing a very emotional Chicago Bears team that lost the legendary Walter Payton six days earlier. The Packers, down one point with 17 seconds to go, still had a chance to escape with a victory after Brett Favre led them into field goal range. They lined up for the game-winning field goal. Unfortunately, the field goal attempt was blocked and the Bears would leave victorious. The Packers would end up missing the playoffs by one game that year and head coach Ray Rhodes would be fired, becoming the only single-year coach in the history of the Green Bay Packers

B.J. Raji (90) celebrates. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

10. Winning the NFC championship in Chicago – Jan. 23, 2011 – Packers 21, Bears 14

This was a competitive and hard-fought game. The Bears lost their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, to a knee injury (using the term “injury” very loosely), and the Packers were just too much for the Bears to overcome with backup Caleb Hanie. There was nothing better than watching the Packers get to the Super Bowl by defeating the Bears in their own stadium. I don’t know what made me happier, seeing all the disappointed Bears fans leave in droves as the Packers lined up in the victory formation, or the Packers celebrating their championship on Soldiers Field!

Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The current struggles of the 2012 Green Bay Packers have caused many members of the media to question the legitimacy of the 2010 Super bowl champion Green Bay Packers.

The fact that many of the same players are on this year’s club, has caused some to view the 2010 Packers as just a good team that got hot at the right time. Quite frankly this is incorrect, and insulting to those who played so hard to become champions of the National Football League.

While it was an incredible run, make no mistake they were the best team in football that year, and I can prove it.

First, the Packers suffered through an injury bug like no other that year when 16 players ended up on season ending injured reserve. These were not just regular players either, but players like Nick Barnett, Ryan Grant, and Jermicheal Finley, all of whom were expected to make major contributions to the success of the Green Bay Packers.

Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews during Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Packers defeated the Steelers 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Just as amazing, the Packers at no point in their 20 games that year trailed by more than 7 points. To put this in perspective, no team had done this since 1962. Just take a second and think of all the great teams, Lombardi’s Packers, Walsh’s 49er’s, the undefeated 72’ Dolphin’s, or the 85 Bears – none of them can say that.

The Packers lost last week to the Giants by 28 points, the 2010 Packers lost all 6 of their games by a combined 20 points. Of those losses, two of them were in overtime, two of them were without their star, (the real MVP of the NFL that year) Aaron Rodgers, and none of the loses were by more than 4 points.

Also there is a common belief that Aaron Rodgers went on an incredible run during the playoffs in 2010. While his play was phenomenal, his passer rating during that 4 game stretch was only 8 points higher (109.8) than his rating for the entire season (101.2).

The Packers offense was ranked fifth in passing that year, and was in the top five in every passing category there is. The offensive line gave up 38 sacks, but got much better as the season went on. While their running game was a weakness for most of the season, they did score 11 touchdowns and got much better when Starks got healthy. Starks even led the NFL in rushing during the post season with 315 yards (which was 85 yards better than anyone else).

The Packers defense that year was ranked fifth overall. They were second in the NFL in sacks (trailing only Pittsburgh by one) and second in interceptions (trialing only New England by one).  They also held opposing quarterbacks to a 67.2 rating, which was tops in the NFL by almost six full points. Finally and maybe most important, they were second in the NFL in points allowed, giving up only 15 points per game.

Fittingly enough even in their biggest game of the year, Superbowl XLV, the Packers had to meet adversity head on, losing almost their entire secondary to injury, including their captain, Charles Woodson, and star receiver Donald Driver. They would once again overcome the injuries and left Dallas that night victorious.

So the 2010 Packers were champions of the world, and raised the Lombardi trophy. As you can clearly see it was not by accident, or by catching lightning in a bottle. They were a very talented team, that could do everything well, played hard all the time and persevered in even the most difficult situations.

Now that my friends is the stuff from which true champions are made.

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Like any classic horror story, the beginning of last night’s Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants game was nothing like you would expect.

The Packers took the field trailing 7-0. With the wind in their face, the crowd noise buzzing in their ears they stood right in the face of adversity. And on the fourth play from scrimmage Aaron Rodgers threw a perfect 61-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.

It was a great play, it silenced the crowd, and it made us wonder, is Rodgers about to enter “the zone?”

The next possession the Packers then forced a 3 and out, and it really seemed like momentum was in the Packers favor. They looked like a team ready to make a statement.

But like any story with a great villain the likes of Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, or the New York Football Giants … it wasn’t going to be that easy.

The Packers got the ball back and began their march right toward the Giants end zone. With every play, they systematically got closer and closer.

Then all the sudden on a desperate shoelace tackle by Chris Canty the drive stalled. With it being fourth and 5 from the New York 37, Coach McCarthy did the unthinkable, he sent Mason Crosby to try a 55-yard field goal.

What?! No!! What is McCarthy thinking?

A struggling kicker, trying a 55-yard field goal in one of the most windy stadiums in the NFL? This could only end one way, badly.

As that kick sailed to its almost certain destination, left of the goal post and no good. You could feel the momentum switch in the blink of an eye.

Eli Manning
Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The Giants started at the 45 yard line, scored fairly easily, and it was the beginning of the end for the Green Bay Packers.

What would follow was maybe the worst three quarters of football the McCarthy/Rodgers era has ever produced. In the end they lost by four touchdowns. Rodgers and the Packers walked off the field dejected, frustrated, and embarrassed, much like the last time these two teams met.

Going forward McCarthy, Rodgers, and company will say all the right things. They will talk about how they have already put this game behind them and are now focusing on this Sunday against the Vikings.

While they may be focusing on the Vikings, it is much tougher to simply put a performance like this behind them.

This type of loss tends to stay with you. It may not show up next game or the game after that, but at some point they will face adversity much like they did last night in New York.

Aaron Rodgers
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

What will they do?

Will they self-destruct and feel sorry for themselves or will they stand up and fight, like they have so many other times in the past?

Time will tell.

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We all remember the magic performed by none other than Packers QB Don Majkowski. Well, author Jerry Bulone takes us through the list below of current Packers who perform their own forms of magic. Photograph courtesy of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

You cannot mention magic in Green Bay and not be reminded of Don Majikowski and that magical year in 1989. It had me believing in magic and much of Packers Nation as well.

But the magic did not stop there …

There are several members of this Packers team who perform magic on a regular basis, but it goes largely unnoticed … until now that is

Jermichael Finley.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Jermicheal Finley - The disappearing act

Jermicheal Finley has a combination of size and speed that is rarely seen in the NFL. He flashed his potential in the 2009 playoffs against Arizona. He had 6 catches for 159 yards in what seemed to be the birth of a star, or at the very least a preview of things to come.

However that was not the case and as a result he turned to magic. The last five games he has performed a disappearing act like no other.

So how can someone with so much talent completely disappear in games? A true magician never reveals his secrets.

Tom Crabtree.
Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

2. Tom Crabtree – Pulling a rabbit out of his hat

Tom Crabtree has only caught 6 passes this year, but he has made them count. He has the two longest touchdowns for the Packers this season and averages 30.5 yards per catch.

It seems like whenever the packers need a boost, Tom is there when you least expect it. Whether it be during a punt, a 3rd and long, or a busted play, it doesn’t matter.

B.J. Raji
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

3. B.J. Raji - the old cutting a woman in half trick

B.J. is a great defensive lineman, thus naturally he thought he would be a great magician as well.

However a magician is only as good as the props he works with. Since there was no lady available, Raji decided to cut his stats in half. In 2010 he had 41 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Then in 2011 he only had 22 tackles and 3 sacks.

The only problem is, in order to complete the trick you are supposed to return the prop back to its original state and Raji’s stats are actually worse this year than last. This act is still a work in progress.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Clay Matthews – The great escape

Not since Harry Houdini has there been someone who has had such sensational escape acts.

However his acts do not involve handcuffs, water torture devices, or milk cans, they involve 300-pound linemen, constant double teams, and illegal holding.

Yet, Clay still manages to find a way to escape every game and have an impact. He is among the leaders in tackles for a loss, QB pressures, and sacks.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. Aaron Rodgers – Pick a card, any card

Nobody is better against the blitz than Aaron Rodgers. It often seems like he knows what the opposing defense is going to do before they do it.

The same would be true for his card trick. He would study your habits of picking cards, watch any film he could on you, then tell you to simply pick a card, any card.

While you were picking that card, he would instantly fire a rocket pass to Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, then proceed to tell you the card in your hand, which was…

The ace of spades!

Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga (75) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson rolled the dice at the beginning of this season carrying only one backup offensive lineman with NFL experience. This past Sunday against Arizona that roll of the dice came up “snake eyes.”

Bryan Bulaga, whom many regard as the team’s best overall lineman injured his hip in that game, and was eventually placed on injured reserve.

So what does life without Bulaga look like?

We got a small glimpse against Arizona, and there was not much of a drop-off.  However that was only a preview, not the full length feature.

T.J Lang will slide over to right tackle for the rest of the season. While he has been solid at guard, his history at tackle is suspect at best. He started three games at tackle in 2009. He played inconsistently, giving up 5.5 sacks, and by week 5 they were calling Mark Tauscher out of retirement.

Evan Dietrich-Smith’s resume at first glimpse, is even less appealing. His lone career highlight  is being the recipient of “the stomp.” In reality,  he is an adequate backup, who seems to excel in spots, but has not been tested over the long haul.

After EDS, it gets a lot worse. Don Barclay and Greg Van Roten are both untested rookie free agents, who are yet to step on the field for any meaningful snaps. Derrick Sherrod has returned to practice, but has not had any football-related activity since December of last year, and he wasn’t that good then.

Next man up, right?

It’s not that simple anymore. The overall play of the offensive line had slipped before the Bulaga injury. They have dropped from 18^th in overall efficiency in 2011 to 28^th this year and have given up 29 sacks, which ties the team for 31^st in the NFL.

Also the rest of the schedule is chock full of teams that have elite pass rushers, and can really bring the pressure. In fact, only one team remaining on the schedule (Tennessee) is ranked outside the top 10 in rushing the passer.

Hopefully we can escape these games with a few wins…and a quarterback in one piece

Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s reigning MVP and is on course for another shot at that title. The Packers have to keep him healthy. Dean Hall photograph

The Green Bay Packers have weathered an early storm of controversy, bad luck, and injuries to post a 6-3 record. The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Packers – even though we only have 7 games left, it’s a tough road ahead.

That road ends at New Orleans on the third of February 2013 for Super Bowl XLVII.

In order for the Packers to complete that journey they are going to need these 10 players to stay healthy and productive. They are ranked below in order of value.

A.J. Hawk.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

10. A.J Hawk

I used to think A.J Hawk was overpaid, overrated, and on his way out of Green Bay. Now I view him as the most valuable linebacker not named Clay Matthews. Why the change? Because he’s played better. His tackling is better, he’s more impactful, and he’s reliable. Coach McCarthy has said Hawk is always the same guy every day. In the past that has usually been a bad thing, not this year.

T.J. Lange
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

9. T.J Lang

Lang has always been pretty solid. He is willing to battle with anyone, and is among the most efficient statistically of all the Packers lineman. However his true value lies in his versitility to move around the offensive line. The news coming out of Green Bay is that Bulaga’s injury is more serious than expected. This does nothing but make Lang even more valuable

Jordy Nelson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

8. Jordy Nelson

Jordy had taken the place of Greg Jennings in the offense. It took a little time but he has definitely hit his stride.  He now looks like a legitimate go-to receiver. Also, as we have witnessed lately there is a noticeable drop off in the offense when he is not playing.

Tramon Williams
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

7. Tramon Williams

Tramon has been a little up and down this year. That being said, he is still our best cover corner. He is very effective at times and has a knack for the big play. He is by no means a shutdown corner the likes of “Revis Isle,” but he is a former Pro Bowler cornerback and they do not grow on trees.

Charles Woodson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

6. Charles Woodson

He is no longer playing at the elite level that he once was, but make no mistake, he is still very valuable. He is effective in so many different ways and is on the field more than any other player.  He is also the leader of the defense, and a great communicator to the other young members of the secondary.

B.J. Raji
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

5. B.J Raji

B.J Raji is our best defensive lineman. He gets a great push in the pocket and is great against the run. He is the perfect 3-4 tackle and is exactly what Thompson thought he was when he drafted him in the first round. The Packers defense played well without him for a two-game period, over the long haul I am not so sure the results would be as inspiring

Randall Cobb
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Randall Cobb

Randall is our most explosive receiver, who can do it all and is only going to get better. He leads the Packers in receptions (45), yards after the catch (250) and plays over 20 yards (9). Combine this with the fact he is a great returner and that makes him a very valuable weapon in the Packers offense and special teams.

Marshall Newhouse
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

3. Marshall Newhouse

Marshall has shown steady improvement since he has been a starter. That being said, he is still probably just a slightly-above-average tackle in the NFL. However he protects “the blindside” and the options behind him are far worse… If he goes down (and with Bulaga already out) they would have to turn to undrafted rookie Don Barclay. This, at best, is not ideal, and at worst … catastrophic

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

2. Clay Matthews

He is the best overall defensive player in the NFL. He is great in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer. The only thing that exceeds his talent is his motor. He never quits and leaves everything on the field.  A long-term injury to the Claymaker would result in a huge drop-off to an already inconsistent defense.

Aaron Rodgers
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

1. Aaron Rodgers

He is former Super Bowl MVP, reigning NFL MVP, near the top of the NFL in every major statistical category and could still possibly get better. If that doesn’t sell you, how about the fact that his backup is Graham Harrell? It’s safe to say the 2012 Green Bay Packers will only go as far as #12 takes them.

This week the Packers find themselves once again as heavy home favorites. However they are playing the NFL’s version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Arizona Cardinals, who started off 4-0, only to lose their next 4 games. They come into Lambeau Field 4-4 and desperate for a win to save their once promising season.

Aug 19, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) defends during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Good

The Cardinals miss Kolb

The Cardinals will have John Skelton at quarterback. He has started 3 games this year. He was benched in his first start, and lost in the other two. He is ranked last in the NFL in quarterback rating (64.5), and has only thrown one touchdown pass all year.  In the interest of fairness his three starts have all come against pretty good defenses. Still when the opposing quarterback has as many touchdown passes as your punter (Masthay has 1 also), that’s a good thing.

The Cards O line is real bad

I will admit I have not watched the Cardinals play a lot this year, but some stats just stick out. One is that the Cardinals have given up 39 sacks this year. Thirty-nine! When the quarterback does happen to get off a pass they are only averaging 6.2 yards per attempt (31st in the NFL). So they are dumping the ball off a lot most likely due to the lack of protection. They cannot run the ball very well either. They are worst in the NFL in yards per carry (3.5) and second to last in yards per game with 79.

It’s at Lambeau Field

The Packers have only lost once this year at Lambeau, while the Cardinals have only won once on the road. The Cards stats are worse on the road across the board, especially offensively where in their last two games they could only muster three points against the Rams, and 14 points against the Vikings.

The Bad

The Cards D is still legit

I watched Alex Smith tear apart the Cardinals defense on Monday, and figured the Cardinals D was overrated. Then when I looked at the stats I saw a much different picture. The cards lead the NFL in sacks, they are ranked fourth in passing defense, and are fourth in points allowed. They have also created 15 turnovers this year, good for fifth in the NFL. They get good pressure, and are great in coverage, not good for the Packers who going in without their two best receivers, have trouble with protection, and can’t run the football.

Jordy Nelson is a game-time decision on whether he will play. Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Pack still bitten by the injury bug

The bye cannot come soon enough. The Packers have multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. The list just keeps getting longer, this week Jarel Worthy, Mike Neal, and Jerron McMillian joined the list. The packers have 14 players on the injured list, that’s more then a quarter of their team and that doesn’t even include Benson (special IR exemption).  Meanwhile the Cardinals have only ruled out only two players, Kolb and guard Adam Snyder.

The Bottom Line – This is not a good spot for the packers. They come into this game pretty beat up and ready for the bye week, while the Cardinals are angry from getting embarrassed by a division rival and need the victory. That being said, I just cannot picture John Skelton walking into Lambeau and beating Aaron Rodgers.

Oct.14, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is tackled by Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Karlos Dansby (58) during their game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers running game has been largely non-existent all season. They are near the bottom in just about every rushing statistic there is.

McCarthy always says he looks more at rushing attempts, than yards gained. Well those are down, too. With the offense looking so one-dimensional many believe the Packers are looking for help in the form of a deadline trade. The big name is Steven Jackson. I have to admit the thought of Jackson wearing green and gold got me excited at first as well, but I soon came to my senses and here’s why.

History is repeating itself

Remember in 2010, when our rushing attack led by Brandon Jackson was almost as bad as this year’s team? There was a pretty good running back available that even Aaron Rodgers lobbied Ted Thompson to trade for. His name was Marshawn Lynch. He was only 24 years old, fairly cheap, and begging for another opportunity. Thompson would go no higher then a 4th round pick. The Packers stayed pat then, and it worked out pretty well for them that season.

Stevie is more name than game

Steven Jackson used to be a dynamic, powerful, dual-threat running back. The key word is used to be. Jackson is averaging career lows in yards per carry, yards per game, and touchdowns. The dual-threat receiver out of the backfield is gone. The player that once caught 90 passes in a single year, has 12 this year. Not to mention he is 29, which, for running backs, usually means their best days are behind them.

The high rental rate

Jackson is in the last year of his contract. The Packers have a lot of work to do on the extension front with guys like Rodgers, Matthews, and Raji, so a high-priced running back is not in their plans. Thus Jackson would in essence be an eight game rental. For this eight game rental the Rams want a third round pick, and have the Packers pay the remaining $4 million on his contract.

Thompson values draft picks like they are grandchildren, it’s not going to happen.

The O-line

The Packers should to be worried more about the offensive line, and it’s lack of depth than running back. Getting Jackson would just be putting a new hood ornament on an old Chevette. The offensive line has struggled all year to open holes for the running backs. This will not change whether we get Steven Jackson or anyone else. There is a much deeper rooted problem than who we have at running back. Until the O-line gets more consistent in all phases, the running game will continue to struggle.

September 30, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) against the Washington Redskins during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

There is a better option

If the Packers make a move on anyone, it should be Legarrette Blount. I can’t hear that name and not picture that touchdown run he had against the Packers last year. That play symbolized how soft our defense was, but it also showed how powerful Blount is. He is only 25 years old, would cost less then $300,000 and rumor has it he can be had for a fifth round pick or later! This would be a far more easier trigger to pull.

The Architect

Finally let’s not forget about Thompson’s track record. He has shown the uncanny ability to stick to his guns in even the most difficult situations (just ask the old gunslinger). So this is nothing new to him. If he is not interested in making a trade, no one will be able to convince him otherwise.

Given Thompson’s history, I wouldn’t plan on seeing Mr. Jackson walk through the Packers locker room with in the next day or so.

Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) and strong safety M.D. Jennings (43) react prior to a game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers have just put together their two best games of the season. They play at home for the first time in almost a month with the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars coming to town. The Packers are clearly the more talented team and are huge favorites.

Is this easy pickings, or prime position for a letdown? Let’s take a look.

The Good

The Packers Offense

The Packers offense has caught its stride. Aaron Rodgers is once again playing at that ultra elite level, the receivers are getting open and making great catches, and the offensive line is more  consistent. They have scored 75 points their last two games and have had zero turnovers.

The Jags Offense

Most offenses will only go as far as their quarterback will take them and in the case of the Jaguars, that isn’t very far. Blaine Gabbart ranks toward the bottom of almost every major quarterback statistic. The offense is ranked dead last in points, and overall yards. The running attack, which was supposed to be the strength of the offense, is actually ranked worse than Green Bay (25th) and it will be without Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jags D lacks bite

It’s no secret that the only hope you have of slowing down the Packers offense is by getting pressure on Rodgers early and often. The Jaguars are ranked 32nd in the NFL sacks with only 5. Rodgers is the highest rated quarterback in the NFL and he is usually facing heavy pressure, how good would he be with no threat of a pass rush? We should find out Sunday.

The Bad

The walking wounded

The injuries for the Packers just keep piling up. In addition to the existing players injured, Jordy Nelson now has a tight hamstring and probably will not play, and neither will John Kuhn. On the defensive side they will go into Sunday’s game missing five starters, none more important than Charles Woodson. Yes, he may not be the player he once was, but he is the emotional leader, is on the field almost all the time, and is used in a variety of different ways. His presence will be missed, you can count on that.

Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks in a huddle on the sideline during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Jags prefer life on the road

Believe it or not the Jaguars have be pretty competitve on the road this year. Their only win came at Indy, and both of their two losses went into overtime. The Jags stats on both side of the ball are better across the board away from Jacksonville, but the most noticeable is points per game where they average a respectable 22.3.

The bottom line – While the Jaguars may have success against the Packers patchwork defense, if they cannot get pressure on Aaron Rodgers, they will have a hard time even keeping this one close.

Aaron Rodgers, despite a shaky start by his team, is the NFL’s MVP – hands down. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

He’s baaaaaaack!!!

Though in fairness he never really left.

There was just a short period of time where he looked a little less superhuman than usual.

Sure, the Packers started 2-3, but very little of this was Rodgers’ fault. During that early stretch, he was still in the top 10 in the NFL for passer rating, touchdowns, and completion percentage. He was the team’s leading rusher in two of those games, and he played three of the NFL’s top defenses.

Still some members of the media, with the glee of a 5-year-old on Christmas morning lined up to take their shots. He is not a good leader. He doesn’t make the extra effort. He isn’t playing like the MVP. Just because he’s a great quarterback, doesn’t make him a great guy.

How did Rodgers respond? … Like a true champion does – he let his game do the talking.

He proceeded to go on a two-game tear the NFL has rarely seen. He completed 73 percent of his passes, threw for 680 yards had nine touchdowns and ZERO interceptions. His QB rating was 133.0.  Even more impressive, the two defenses he did this against were both ranked near the top of the NFL against the pass, and St. Louis had only given up one passing touchdown at home all year before Mr. Rodgers came to town.

He now stands right where he belongs, atop the NFL in nearly every major quarterback statistic. And with that, all  the whispers, the talk, the doubt, and the insults, have faded away.

While the stats alone are impressive,  they only tell half the tale.

Two things that are vital for a quarterback are protection and a good running game.

The Packers are ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing touchdowns with two. They average only 3.9 yards per carry (Rodgers actually leads them with 5.2 ypc) and near the bottom of the league in yards per game. As far as protection goes,  Rodgers is on pace to be sacked 60 times this year … 60! In fact, there is only one quarterback (Kevin Kolb in Arizona) who has been sacked more than Rodgers.

Not only does Rodgers not have a dependable running game, or consistent protection, he has also been without his best receiver, running back, and tight end, due to injuries.

What does all of this mean?

Quite simply, the Packers are once again among the elite, and that can be directly attributed to the play of the most valuable player of anyone on any team – Aaron Rodgers

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson (80) runs after a catch against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Packers defeated the Texans 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Last week the Green Bay Packers were coming off a historic collapse at Indy. It was a new low for this year’s Packers and it caused quite a stir. Coach McCarthy said his team was not playing up to expectations. Players were complaining about the play calling, and some players were even starting to turn on each other.

With all the distractions, dissension, and injuries piling up, the Packers seemed on the brink of collapse as they headed down to Houston to face the undefeated Texans.  Most teams would have crumbled under such circumstances.

The Packers are not most teams

This became very evident as they took the field Sunday.  Gone was the leaky offensive line and the defense that couldn’t stop anyone. Gone were the stupid penalties, the confusion, and the complacency. It was replaced by a hungry, aggressive, hell bent team that was out to prove to everyone….they were nobody’s underdog.

The Packers were playing one of the best running teams in the NFL, and were missing their best defensive lineman. Didn’t matter …

They were playing a team that had not lost at home this year, while they were yet to win on the road. Didn’t matter …

They were playing one of the best defenses in the NFL, without a healthy Finley, Benson, or Jennings. Still didn’t matter

The only thing that mattered Sunday to the Packers was redemption. They lost much more than a game Oct 7th at Indy. They lost their pride. For the first time in a while they were being viewed outside of the elite, as underdogs, as mediocre.

When it was all over Sunday the Packers left Houston victorious in what was an amazing one sided victory against one of the nfl’s best teams.  Most will point to Rodgers and his six touchdowns. Or, the turnovers and pressure the defense created.

To me it was the confidence the Packers showed during the game that was the most impressive. You could see it in the faces of the Packers players, and their coaches, everyone knew it. The Pack was back!!

For the first time this year the Packers looked like the team they once were, and hopefully can be again.

How will Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green fare tonight when the Packers travel to Houston? Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

It’s has been a long time since there has been such an important game in just the sixth week of the regular season.

Quite simply the Packers are desperate, and if they are going to turn things around, it has to start this Sunday night at Houston.

The Good

History is on our side

They say history is the future’s best indicator, and that’s a good thing for us. The Packers have shown a great ability to bounce back during the McCarthy era. Since 2009, the Packers are 11-3 after a loss (one of those loses was without Rodgers). Rodgers has also played well against a Wade Phillips-coached defense. His QB rating against Phillips is 111.5 and he’s never thrown an interception.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster could be a major factor in tonight’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

The Texans have feasted on cupcakes

The Texans have not had a hard road to 5-0. Their opponents have a combined record is 9-17. The only decent QB they have faced was Peyton Manning, and he threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns against them. While there is something to be said for beating the teams you are supposed to, it’s fair to say Green Bay’s road had been much tougher.

Vegas says it’s closer then people think

It seems like everywhere you turn someone is talking about how easy of a game this will be for the Texans. At the end of the day it’s all talk.  The people that put their money where their mouth is think differently. The lines makers have the line at 3 points. As a former gambler (former means I lost a lot) let me tell you what this means. They see these two teams as relatively equal with a slight edge going to Houston because they are at home.

The Cushing Factor 

As we all know the Texans will be without Brian Cushing. He was the heart of their defense, their leader, and maybe their best player, it’s a huge loss. While some defenses can lose a good player and not skip a beat, most seem to experience at least a temporary dropoff, and some are never the same again.

The bad

The Packers D

The Packers have a hard time against any decent QB not named Jay Cutler. Matt Schaub has a passer rating of 99.2 which makes him the second highest rated QB the Packers have faced. Also the Texans rushing attack is 7th in the league with 143 yards per game. The last team that was able to do both things so well (the 49ers) had a field day against the Packers.

The Packers defense was porous last week, allowing Colts WR Reggie Wayne to have a career day. Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

Stats don’t lie

On paper this appears one-sided statistically. Houston scores 7.5 more points a game then the Packers, and they give up 7.6 points less.The Texans D is ranked fifth, while the Packers are 22nd (and falling). The turnover margin also favors Houston (+8 to -1). In fact, Houston leads Green bay in just about every major team statistic.

It’s at Houston

This year’s Packers have yet to prove they can win on the road, while the Texans are 9-2 at home (including playoffs) their last 11 games, so they have played very well there lately.

The Bottom Line: Houston has been impressive this year and seem to have no real weakness. However, Green Bay may be the best team they have had to play so far and they will be desperate, angry, and motivated. I fully expect the Packers to be right there until the end.

November 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks over offensive line before a play against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. The Packers won 27-15. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

Most Packers fans feel like this season is on life support and for good reason. They have not looked anything like the team we thought they were. That being said we are not far off from being 4-1 and really should be 3-2.

Maybe with a few tweaks, some added juice and a little luck, we can turn this thing around.

These five things would be a good start.

1. More Nick Perry, Less Eric Walden

Listen, Walden is a solid player, an overachiever. However, he has reached his potential.

If Perry isn’t already a better player than him now, he will be soon. He is improving every game with last Sunday at Indy being his best game yet. His stats are nearly identical with Clay Matthew’s rookie season at this point and Clay played more snaps.

He has always been stout against the run, and is getting better in coverage. He has amazing power, with speed and explosion to match.

Once he figures out how to use his hands better, it’s a wrap!

2. NO MORE DOLLAR!

All of these crazy formations, the dollar, psycho, etc, cut all of them. If the point of these formations is to confuse the opposing offense, why is it that our defense is the one that always seems to be confused? Blown coverages, people not lined up correctly, pre-snap penalties – you name it.

The Packers have 11 rookie or second year players on you D and most are in the secondary. Dom, you need to adjust your strategy to fit your young talent (pretend your job depends on it).

Oct 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

3. Spread it out

Our offensive line has come in any variety of awful you could think of. And with only two other linemen on the entire roster, we are stuck with them.

So what do we do?

We need to use the one advantage we still have, our stable of thoroughbreds at wide receiver. Spreading them four or five wide and using three-step drops forces defenses to be less aggressive, and more reactive.

Fire fast, don’t let them breathe –  that’s how the West as won, and it can work for the Pack, too.

4. Get a mid-season boost

Some people have given up on getting any contribution from Greg Jennings this year. Not me. I believe he will be back with a chip on his shoulder and better then ever.

Another is Davon House. I saw enough ability in one preseason game to believe he can start when healthy.

Finally, let’s not forget about James Starks. Talent has never been his issue. If he can get healthy and stay healthy it will only help us.

5. Upset the Texans this week.

Have you ever heard of the saying “it has gotten late, early” well packers fans this is where we are.

This game could literally be the difference between making the playoffs or going 8-8 (or even worse). McCarthy teams have a habit of bouncing back from bad performances, and last Sunday definitely qualifies as such.

It will not be easy, they will have to go through Hell, but if that whistle blows and the Packers are victorious you can throw the first five games out of the window, it’s a whole new season.

Oct 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeated Green Bay 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

“Luck outplays The MVP” … “Is Luck more Clutch than Rodgers?” … “Luck the next Rodgers? No he’s better”

I have been reading headline after headline, and each seem more ridiculous than the last.

It’s time to set the record straight

Say all you want about Dom Capers and his suspect defense, our leaky offensive Line, or lack of a running game and you will hear no argument from me.

Say Andrew Luck outplayed Aaron Rodgers, or that he is more clutch then Aaron Rodgers and those are fighting words!

Yes, Luck brought his team back from being down 21-0 in just his fourth professional game and while that was impressive, it does not mean he outplayed Rodgers.

Don’t just take it from me, let’s look at the numbers.

Rodgers, who seemed to be under constant pressure most of the game threw for 243 yards, 3 touchdowns, completed 64 percent of his passes and had a passer rating of 103.5. He was also Green Bay’s leading rusher with 57 yards.

Luck, while pressured early, forgot what a pass rush was during the second half (and no one on Green Bay reminded him). As a result he had a career high 362 yards, but threw the ball 55 times, completed 56 percent of his passes and had only a 81.0 passer rating.

Sometimes stats can be misleading. This is not one of those times.

Rodgers played outstanding considering the circumstances. He was also without three starters on offense (four if you count Jordy Nelson’s magical disappearing act in the second half).

There were communication problems, penalties, sacks, you name it. Despite all this, Rodgers still drove his team 47 yards in the final 35 seconds to give them a chance to send the game into overtime.

Unfortunately, like his offensive line, receivers, and entire defense, Mason Crosby let him down, too … et tu Brute?

Luck made some good plays, and it was a great story, one for Hollywood. But it was a team effort by the Colts, not Luck, that outplayed Rodgers and wrote this script.

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