Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The April 22nd Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com has posted a new mock draft every week since the end of last season. We at LombardiAve.com have been posting our own mock drafts every week as well. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have worked out for the NFL scouts, some multiple times, and opinions are being formed that will determine the draft –day fates of hundreds of football players.

We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers draft.

We know that the Packers, absent trades, pick 26th in the first round. The only real unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down to improve the Packers’ draft fortunes.

The latest FanSided mock draft goes two rounds deep. Here’s what they think the Packers will do.

Sep 3, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman DJ Fluker (76) warms up prior to the game against the Kent State Flashes at Bryant Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Flashes 48-7. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select DJ Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

FanSided analysis: The Packers want to get more physical, so what better way than to bring in one of the most physical and dominating run blockers in this year’s draft.

Dec 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) is tackled by Nebraska Cornhuskers safety P.J. Smith (13) during the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 55^th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Montee Ball, Running Back, Wisconsin

(No FanSided analysis provided)

I really don’t think this is how the first two rounds will shake out. Fluker is a road grader (but not an elite pass blocker) and Ball is a TD machine, but I think Fluker will be gone by the time the Packers pick in the first and Ball might not be worthy of a second round pick. I’d rather see the Packers go pure OT first then go after some D line help.

In my last mock draft I put some philosophical things out there about what the Packers need and many agreed with my thoughts. To summarize, the Packers need larger, more physical bodies (especially on defense) and a mindset change from speed and finesse to power and toughness. I’m not saying the Packers aren’t tough but lots of others are saying exactly that. I think they need to be tougher on both sides of the football though. So please Ted Thompson…no more short, fast guys. The Packers need length and strength.

So here we go again Packer Nation- once more with feeling before the real thing starts on Thursday night in New York!

Packers 2013 Mock Draft:

September 29, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) is congratulated by offensive linesman Menelik Watson (71) after they scored a touchdown against the South Florida Bulls during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. (26) Menelik Watson, OT, FSU. Watson is an athlete and has legitimate right OT talent. Given the problems the Packers have had at left tackle over the last couple of years it makes sense that taking Watson would allow Bulaga to move to LT. I think Watson is a better pass blocker with more upside than the other tackles currently graded by the experts as first round talent.  ALTERNATE: Kyle Long, OT, Oregon. Another athlete who can move and has a great bloodline.

Oct 27, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Tigers offensive linesman Al Bond (54) faces Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Margus Hunt (92) during the game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. The Mustangs defeated the Tigers 44-13. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

2. (55) Margus Hunt, DE, SMU. Let’s talk about length. Hunt is another athlete with 6-8 length and flexibility to play 3-4 DE or OLB. He has a frame that could carry some more weight but I’m not sure he needs it. He’s certainly strong enough (38 press reps at the Combine). Many compare him to some of the top DEs already in the league. Hunt would make a nice addition to go along with Perry or Matthews on the outside. ALTERNATE: Tank Carradine, DE, FSU. Carradine probably won’t last until this deep in the second round, but if he does and Hunt’s not on the board the Packers should snap him up.

3. (88) Barrett Jones, C / G / OT, Alabama. Jones’ draft stock has dropped precipitously since Alabama won the BCS Championship, but he’s the type of guy the Packers like and his flexibility also makes him a multiplier for the O line. His recovery from post-season lisfranc surgery is on track. The Packers have gambled on players who had injuries coming out of college before, and lost, but Jones’ upsides are worth taking a shot on him. ALTERNATE: David Quessenberry, C / G, San Jose State. Quessenberry is another flexible O lineman with length and strength who belongs on the Packers’ roster.

September 22, 2012; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Marcus Lattimore (21) makes a long gain on a reception against the Missouri Tigers in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

4. (122) Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina. Yes…Lattimore is a risky pick indeed but if he pans out the Packers will have addressed a pressing need and he’d be the best story in the NFL this year. Granted Risk is not exactly Ted Thompson’s middle name but taking Lattimore here is the right place to get him if the Packers want him. Lattimore can also catch, which seems to be a skill lacking in the current stable of Packers RBs. ALTERNATE: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. Many experts seem to think Ball might last this long in the draft. If he does, and the Packers don’t believe Lattimore is worth the risk, Ball would seem to be a no-brainer here.

5. (159) Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech. Davis is a large (6-3 233) receiver with good speed (4.55) for a guy his size. He’s also got big hands to help him battle for the ball and long arms to help him battle out of jams at the line of scrimmage. He could develop into an Anquan Boldin-type receiver. The Packers already have the best three WR lineup in the league in Jones, Nelson, and Cobb, but Davis would be able to add toughness and be more than a suitable replacement for the departed Jennings. ALTERNATE: Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon. Mellete is a small school guy with 6-2 216 size and good speed with ball skills.

September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Kwame Geathers (99) tackles Tennessee Volunteers running back Rajion Neal (20) in the second half at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

5. (167- compensatory) Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia. At 6-5 and 343, Geathers is a load and would bring toughness and attitude to a DL that seems to need some of both. A truly immovable object, he was part of a rotating D line group at Georgia but would need to be prepared to play more often as part of the Packers’ D line. While he might not be an immediate impact player being able to grab Geathers at this position would be a good get for the Packers. ALTERNATE: Nicholas Williams, DE, Samford. Williams has the size (6-4 309) to play 3-4 DE or he could be one of the situational subs the Packers like to use when they’re in nickel or dime defenses.

6. (193) Travis Long, ILB / OLB, Washington State. Long has played both inside and outside LB. I see him moving inside for the Packers. At 6-3 256 he can stand up to the run and he tackles and bats passes. He also sacks quarterbacks and tackles for loss. His experience as a standup OLB also makes him flexible…a Packers LB requirement. ALTERNATE: Jonathan Stewart, ILB, Texas A&M. Another new-breed (taller / larger) Packers ILB candidate at 6-3 244, Stewart led the Aggies in tackles last season. He does it all.

Nov 10, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons wide receiver Brandon Terry (86) defends after North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Brandan Bishop (30) made the successful interception during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

7. (232) Brandon Bishop, S, North Carolina State. Bishop has size (6-2 205) and decent speed (4.60) as well as a nose for the football. What the Packers seem to lack in the defensive backfield Bishop can help provide. He tackles too- over 100 times last season. ALTERNATE: Vaughn Telemaque, S, Miami. With similar size and speed to Bishop (6-2 211 and 4.59), Telemaque is considered more of a project but we all know you can’t coach size. Or speed. These guys both have what it takes.

That’s it for this week Packer Nation. Let me know what you think of my all-big, all-tough draft. Of course Ted Thompson will probably see things I don’t. He’ll most likely wheel and deal some mid-round picks simply because the middle rounds in this draft are unusually well-stocked with good players. One thing’s for certain though- The Packers have needs. Whether the front office addresses them via the draft or undrafted free agents, their work is cut out for them.

We’ll be featuring draft-related stories all week long on LombardiAve.com.com so watch for them!

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Green Back Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers schedule for the 2013 season is out and everybody is wondering how the season will turn out for them. They have their work cut out for them no doubt, but things may not be as bad as some of the “experts” think. If I weren’t a Packers fan first and a hack writer second, I might be inclined to think 2013 will be a real downer- a tough season to play and to watch. But I don’t necessarily agree with the rest of the pundits. Besides…it is what it is. The Packers will have to make the best of it, and I think they will.

Some overall impressions of the schedule as I see them:

-  The Packers do not play consecutive road games this season. This is the very first time this has ever occurred.

-  The Packers have two consecutive home games in mid-season (Chicago and Philadelphia), but otherwise they’re home-away-home-away all season long. There are pluses and minuses to this aspect of the schedule, but nobody can complain about that tough 3 game road stretch late in the season this year.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) stomps on Green Bay Packers offensive guard Evan Dietrich-Smith (62) after the play. Suh was ejected from the game during the third quarter at Ford Field. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

-  The Packers play Detroit on Thanksgiving once again this season. Some believe this to be a bad thing. I kind of like it. I enjoy watching Detroit lose almost as much as watching the Packers win. And some memorable moments have resulted from Packers  / Lions Thanksgiving Day contests over the years. Here’s to making some more in 2013!

-  The Packers get an early-season week 4 bye. They’ll also have a mini-bye after they play Detroit on Thanksgiving.

-  The Packers are scheduled to appear on national TV five times and will play in the second game of double-headers four times. That means exiled Packers fans (like me) will likely be able to see at least half their games this season. Never a bad thing! And on Sundays with noon starts it’ll be time to improvise, adapt, and overcome. Just like the Packers themselves.

-  The Packers will not play any Thursday night games this season.

When I look at the 2013 schedule I see absolutely no games the Packers cannot win or that they are predestined to lose. With everybody returning healthy (especially Bulaga, Worthy, Perry, Walden, and D.J. Smith) and the players Ted Thompson will add via the draft and free agency (impact players at WR, TE, RB, D line, and LB / DE) I see this being a team that can and will do great things. As always it will be up to the players to make it happen.

Here are the Packers games of the 2013 NFL season:

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers safety C.J. Spillman (27) during the third quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday September 8- at SanFrancisco 49ers (1525 start on Fox) All sorts of emotions and revenge factors will play into this one. They’ll be preparing for it for months, and if the Packers have an answer for the read-option then they probably have a great chance to win. If not, well the 549 they gave up in the playoffs last season may not look so bad. PREDICTION: Packers win 34-28.

Sunday September 15 – Washington Redskins (1200 start on Fox) The Packers get their first look at Washington with RGIII in their home opener. Or maybe not if he’s not yet healthy enough to play. Without RGIII Washington is not in it. When this one’s over Packers fans will be happy. PREDICTION: Packers win 31-17.

Sunday September 22 – at the Cincinnati Bengals (1200 start on Fox) These are not your father’s old Bungles. Marvin Lewis has these guys playing. But they won’t be able to stop Rodgers and (insert rookie RB sensation here) and the revised and revitalized tough Packers D. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Sunday September 29 - BYE

Sunday October 6 – Detroit Lions (1200 start on Fox) Fresh off a bye…Detroit at Green Bay. Enough said. PREDICTION: Packers win 34-17.

 Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday October 13 – at the Baltimore Ravens (1200 start on Fox) This one has the makings of a defensive struggle. Or at least it did before the Ravens lost much of their defensive core. I see it being Rogers against Flacco for all the marbles now. PREDICTION: Packers win 35-24.

Sunday October 20 – Cleveland Browns (1525 start on CBS) The Browns are a team in transition. Unless there are some really humongous surprises in store from them I can’t see this one going their way. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Sunday October 27 – at the Minnesota Vikings (1930 start on NBC) Adrian. Peterson. Stop him and there’s a decent enough chance to win. Let him run roughshod for 200 plus and it’ll be a very long and unhappy day. PREDICTION: Packers lose 24-21.

Monday November 4 – Chicago Bears (1940 start on ESPN) Now this is what I’m talking about! Nationally televised. Oldest and most emotional rivalry in the league. Charged up fans. Psyched up players. It gets no better! PREDICTION: Packers win 24-13.

Sunday November 10 – Philadelphia Eagles (1200 start on Fox) The Eagles come to Lambeau with all sorts of new wrinkles. But they’ll need more than that to keep Rodgers from taking this one over. While I think the Eagles will eventually hit their stride, it won’t happen on this day. PREDICTION: Packers win 33-17.

Sunday November 17 – at the New York Football Giants (1930 start on NBC [flex]) Another revenge game. Another road game against the Giants. Another tough but winnable one. When this one’s over both sides will feel it for a while. PREDICTION: Packers lose 27-21.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is stopped by Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) during the 1st quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday November 24 – Minnesota Vikings (1200 start on Fox [flex]) Adrian. Peterson. Sound familiar? When the Vikings come into Lambeau this time it’ll be up to Ponder to outplay Rodgers. Not gonna happen. PREDICTION: Packers win 28-14.

Thursday November 28 – at the Detroit Lions (1130 start on Fox) Ahh…Thanksgiving! Football! Family and friends! And a liberal helping of Packers-Lions rivalry just for flavor. We eat after the game honey! This will be a tough one but it won’t go to the Lions. PREDICTION: Packers win 21-17.

Sunday December 8 – Atlanta Falcons (1930 start on NBC [flex]) A tough one to call. Playing this game in Lambeau may be enough to give the Packers the edge. The speedy Falcons don’t want any of the Packers in the last quarter of the season, but they get them anyway and take it from them. PREDICTION: Packers lose 31-21.

Sunday December 15- at the Dallas Cowboys (1525 start on Fox [flex]) I like this game because I loathe the Cowboys and it’ll be a game I will probably go see in person. I simply will not watch the Packers lose to the Cowboys in person in 2013! Rodgers will outplay Romo as it should be. PREDICTION: Packers win 38-24.

Sunday December 22 – Pittsburgh Steelers (1525 start on CBS [flex]) The last home game of the regular season for the Packers. Not an easy opponent but these days “on any given Sunday” is the way it seems to be.  Just not on this one. PREDICTION: Packers win 27-17.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off to Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green (20) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers beat the Bears 21-13. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday December 29 – at the Chicago Bears (1200 start on Fox [flex]) So it all comes down to this. The Packers might not need this game but they’ll want it anyway. The Bears might need it but the Packers won’t let them have it- not without a fight. PREDICTION: Packers win 21-13.

There you have it Packer Nation. The Packers will have to play well early and often to make me look like I know what I’m talking about, but I see a 13-3 season for them. They’ll go win Super Bowl XLVIII, win, and take over New York. After all- what team is better suited to play in (and win!) an outdoor Super Bowl in a Northeast February?

Go Pack GO!

Follow Bill Walton on Twitter @PackersTX

Oct 1, 2011; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Marcus Lattimore (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The April 15^th Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com has been posting a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft on April 25th. We at LombardiAve.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine and Pro Days complete. Interviews, visits, and private workouts are happening every day. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have worked out for the NFL scouts, some multiple times, and opinions are being formed that will determine the draft –day fates of hundreds of football players.

Naturally we Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

We know that the Packers, absent trades, pick 26th in the first round. The only real unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down to improve the Packers’ draft fortunes.

The latest FanSided mock draft goes two rounds deep. Here’s what they think the Packers will do.

 Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Tyler Eifert (80) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Tyler Eifert, TE/Notre Dame

FanSided analysis: Green Bay needs help up front, but another way to help Aaron Rodgers would be to get him a capable tight end for the future. Jermichael Finely is sticking around for now it seems, but he’s not a long term option anymore as animosity grows. Eifert gives Rodgers his Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham, and that makes him even more dangerous than he was before. Menelik Watson and other offensive lineman will be available on the second day for the Packers to flirt with, but Eifert won’t be and if they want to help Rodgers, they’ll get him a giant tight end.

South Carolina Gamecocks tailback Marcus Lattimore (21) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 55^th overall pick in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Marcus Lattimore, RB/South Carolina

FanSided analysis:  This is an out of the box pick, but it’s one that could happen. The Packers need a running back badly and Lattimore is one of the most interesting wild cards in the draft this year. He’s coming off of a serious knee injury but all signs indicate that he’s way ahead of schedule in his recovery. Had he not suffered the injury, Lattimore would have likely been a first-round pick, but if he’s here he’d be a steal for the Packers. They need help on defense and Lattimore is still a risk, but Willis McGahee got taken in the first round after a devastating knee injury and Lattimore is not only much better, but further along in his recovery.

I just don’t think either of these picks will pan out that way. It’s true that Tyler Eifert is widely regarded as the best TE in this draft, but I tend to think Ted Thompson will not take him in the first round. There are several talented TEs coming out. The Packers do need a TE, but not in the first round. O line and D line help are simply greater needs, and in my opinion Eifert is simply not going to be the “best player available” at 26.

Regarding the second round pick, let me admit that I am a Marcus Lattimore fan. His potential was practically unlimited until he blew out his knee. Many experts and draftniks agree. I simply don’t think the Packers will take Lattimore this high. I like his blend of size (6’0” 221) and speed (4.4 before his latest knee injury). What scares the you-know-what out of me is that in Green Bay he could end up being a great NFL story (movie script calling) and break all the Packers rushing records, or he could be out of football entirely if he gets hurt again. Even a minor knee injury would probably sideline him for an extended period. That’s not to say I don’t think the Packers should take Lattimore. I just don’t think he’s a second round pick. Like the TE position, there are several really good RB prospects in this draft. I think TT will draft a RB, but when and whom are the questions we won’t have answered for us until the draft is done.

From a big-picture standpoint here is my 2013 NFL Draft wish list for the Green Bay Packers:

-  I’d still like to see TT stick to tough, fast, mean guys with size in the defensive secondary. Every time I see a mock with a 5’8” DB going to the Packers (in any round) it makes me want to do bad things! I think the NFL is trending toward  bigger DBs. Look no further than Seattle’s defensive secondary as an example. Those guys can play.

-  I think the same about WRs and RBs. The Packers already have a small quick WR (Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb) and a small-ish quick back (DuJuan Harris). I’d like to see larger, more durable players at those positions. It would be great to have a stable full of APs and Megatrons, but the Packers are a TEAM and their approach works as long as they have enough of the right kind of players.

-  When it comes to O line and D line players I like versatility and coach-ability. I’m not averse to “project” players who need some instruction and reps to develop at the NFL level, but I don’t necessarily think they should be high draft picks. It’s simply impossible to have too many good big men on either side of the ball though.

-  The Packers need another QB to compete for the backup QB position. The Packers have been blessed to have really only two starters at QB for almost twenty years. Even so backup QB is a weakness on the Packers roster right now.

These are some of the players I’d like to see in Packers green and gold next season- in no particular order:

Menelik Watson, OT, FSU. “Freakish” athlete and natural RT. Good run blocker. Potentially allows Bulaga to move to LT.

Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama. A one-man wrecking crew with a great backstory. Anchored the best run defense last season. Also plays goal line FB.

Southern Methodist Mustangs defensive end Margus Hunt (92) talks to the referees during a break in the action. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Margus Hunt, 3-4 DE, SMU. Long (6’8” at 277) and quick. Second coming of the Mad Stork?

Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. Versatility personified. Draft stock has fallen but talent has not.

David Quessenberry, OL, San Jose State. Versatile G/C could back up EDS and play G if needed.

Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. All he does is score touchdowns. Lots of ‘em.

Luke Marquardt, OT, Azusa Pacific. Big (6’8” 315) and athletic former TE.

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Richard Rowe-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma. Big enough (6’1” 190) Fast. Tough. Packers legacy (S Ken Stills).

Chris Gragg, TE, Arkansas. Fast (4.5) and has interesting size (6’3” 244). He’s similar to Finley as a hybrid WR / TE.

Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia. 6’5” and 342 pounds of immovable object mayhem.

Vance McDonald, TE, Rice. Athletic 6’4” 267 pound receiver and good route runner.

Terry Hawthorne, CB, Illinois. 6 feet-plus with 4.4 speed, a nose for the ball, and he tackles.

T.J. McDonald, S, USC. Big (6’3” 219) and he tackles. Are we seeing a trend here?

Obviously the Packers won’t get all of these players. But I’d be happy to see any of them on the 2013 team.

That’s about it for this week Packer Nation. Let me know what you think. I’ll do another mock draft next Monday, so watch for it! And keep watching LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The March 25^th Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com will post a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. We at LombardiAve.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine complete and Pro Days nearly done. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have worked out for the NFL scouts, some multiple times, and opinions are being formed that will determine the draft –day fates of hundreds of football players.

We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

The Packers are locked into the 26^thposition in the 2013 draft. There is no more mystery about that. The only unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down to improve the Packers’ draft fortunes.

January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) looks for a place to run as Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree (9) moves in for the sack during the second half of the Capital One bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Georgia defeated Nebraska 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Alec Ogletree, Linebacker, Georgia

Fansided Analysis: There are multiple directions the Packers could go with this pick — tight end, secondary, running back, linebacker — but you should fully expect them to go with the best available player. In this scenario, Ogletree is that man.

I guess I can’t shoot too many holes in the logic here. But what bothers me is that in this particular mock there are some really high quality players going to other teams after the Packers pick at 26. I’m not entirely convinced that Ogletree, while admittedly a rare talent, would do the Packers more good than WR Justin Hunter of Tennessee, DE Damontre Moore of Texas A&M, CB Jonathan Banks of Mississippi, DE Tank Carradine of FSU, S Eric Reid of LSU, or LB Kevin Minter of LSU- all of whom are listed in the mock as first round picks the Packers take a pass on to get to Ogletree. I’m also doubtful that Ogletree will even last until 26.

I’m not going to pick this one apart any more than that. Let’s just say that if all of these guys are still available when the Packers are on the clock, this might be prime trade time for Ted Thompson. Are you having any of it?

In the last mock draft I posted a couple of weeks ago I ran through some O line, D line, and RB options the Packers might consider. This time around let’s revisit a full 7 round draft with options for each selection.

1. (26) Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. Jones would seem to be the heir apparent to whatever O line position needs immediate attention just because he plays them all. Extremely well. Because of his recovery from his off-season foot surgery Jones’ draft stock is either falling or holding steady depending on which site you’re looking at so maybe TT goes D with the first pick, but I still think Jones is meant to be a Packer. If Thompson does go D then I think the pick is DT Jesse Williams from Alabama.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. (55) Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International. I’m starting to come around to the hype about Cyprien. He would definitely be a welcome addition to a run-soft defensive backfield and he’s somewhat raw but physically gifted. Sounds a little like Nick Collins when he came to the Packers. If Cyprien is gone and the Packers didn’t get Jones, I still think C Travis Frederick from Wisconsin, CB Xavier Rhodes from Florida State, or S T.J. McDonald from USC might come into play in round two.

3. (88) Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. Ball might be gone by the time the Packers pick in the third round. If TT doesn’t trade up to get him, then he might stand pat at 88 and consider taking a back like Joseph Randle from Oklahoma State or Mike Gillislee from Florida. He could also look at somebody like OT Kyle Long from Oregon or OT Ricky Wagner from Wisconsin. Lots of mocks have had the Packers taking RB Eddie Lacy from Alabama in the first round. I can’t see it happening…unless there are some serious trades going on. Of course Marcus Lattimore from South Carolina might be available here too, but unfortunately the risk associated with his horrendous knee injuries is too great to draft him this high.

April 7, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp (in back) watches as tackle Xavier Nixon (73) gets ready to block during the first half of the Florida-Spring Game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

4. (122) Xavier Nixon, RT, Florida. Nixon has good size, had an outstanding combine, and might be the answer to how the Packers can move current RT Bryan Bulaga to LT. If Nixon isn’t there then I think the Packers might look hard at ILB Kiko Alonso from Oregon, ILB Kevin Reddick from North Carolina, OLB Dion Jordan from Oregon, or maybe ILB Nico Johnson from Alabama. If Long or Wagner (above) last this long then I think TT would consider either of them too.

5. (159) Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma. This still seems to me like the right place to take a WR. The Packers still have the best 3 receiver rotation in the NFL, but with the departure of Donald Driver and the defection of Greg Jennings the Packers will have to strengthen their WR corps to remain the top overall receiving group in the NFL. I also think TT might look at WR Marcus Davis from Virginia Tech or maybe Marquess Wilson from Washington State. If not then perhaps a big run-blocking TE like Michael Williams from Alabama.

5. (167- compensatory) Braden Brown, LT, BYU. The Packers need O linemen. Brown is a versatile guy who can play more than one O line position and we all know how many times that has come in handy over the last few seasons. If the Packers have already gotten Jones and Nixon and they feel they don’t need another tackle (like that’ll happen!), then other prospective picks here include TE Dion Sims from Michigan State, or FS Josh Evans from Florida. This pick is also prime trade bait. For TT compensatory picks always seem to be.

Oct 27, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Kwame Geathers (99) tackles Florida Gators running back Mike Gillislee (23) during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

6. (193) Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia. Geathers is a load and would help shore up the Packers porous run defense. It’s impossible to have too many quality big men. Will Johnny Jolly be the NFL Comeback Player of the Year for 2013? If not, and even if so, a big body like Geathers would help to improve the quality of the D line rotation. TT might also look at somebody like DE Joe Kruger from Utah, or even LT Jordan Mills from Louisiana Tech.

7. (232) I still figure this one’s probably been traded or turned into several picks by shrewd draft-day dealer Thompson. However, if the Packers are still on the board here I think they look at another CB. Woodson’s departure, even with the influx of talent from last year’s draft, will leave a hole. I think they might take steps to fill it with a CB like Brandon Lee from Miami, Marc Anthony from USC, or even a safety like DeVonte Holloman from South Carolina.

That’s my mock. Let me know what you think! I’d like to see TT stick to tough, fast, mean guys with size in the defensive secondary. I’d also like to see some competition for backup QB, but that may have to come via undrafted FA or even a waiver wire pickup. I don’t see enough talented QBs after the fourth round who would command a draft pick that wouldn’t be better used to help improve other areas of need. The same goes for kickers. Mason Crosby may be out of his slump, but is he really ready for steady prime time performances in the kicking department from here on out?

We all know there will be many twists and turns on the road to the NFL draft. The Scouting Combine has made and broken some players. Pro Days have redeemed and confirmed the limitations of some more. The Packers, predictably enough, haven’t done anything in free agency yet. Will they? I happen to think they won’t but we’ve all been surprised by the estimable Mr. Thompson before! We’ll just have to see how things shake out over the next month.

We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. It should be good, clean, wholesome fun. Besides…as I keep saying- what else is there for a football-starved scribe like me to do this time of year? We’ve only got a month left until the start of the real draft. What do you think Packer Nation? Tell us!

Keep watching LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason. Many of them will be draft-related.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

The Pre-Free Agency Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com will post a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. We at LombardiAve.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine complete and Pro Days going on constantly. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

The Packers are locked into the 26^th position in the 2013 draft. There is no more mystery about that. The only unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down.

Oct 27 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers wide receiver Willie McNeal (10) runs the ball and gets a block from quarterback Kawaun Jakes (6) on Florida International Golden Panthers safety Johnathan Cyprien (7) in the second half at FIU Stadium. Western Kentucky defeated FIU 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Johnathan Cyprien, Safety, Florida International

FanSided analysis: Johnathan Cyprien is a fascinating safety prospect that is getting recognition as the second-ranked player at his position. Cyprien is viewed a borderline first-round prospect, but not every team runs a coverage scheme like the Packers. For Green Bay, Cyprien is a beautiful fit that would solve a lot of their questions at the safety position. Johnathan Cyprien is certainly a name to keep an eye on.

…and he spells his first name a little bit differently too, but I don’t think the Packers go with Mr. Cyprien in the first round. No way. No how. No disrespect intended whatsoever- Cyprien has helped himself immensely with his Senior Bowl and Combine work, but let’s think this through.

In my opinion, the Packers needs do not exclude safety and / or defensive secondary players. We know that Nick Collins’ forced retirement left a hole. Woodson’s release left another one. Now the Packers have definitely helped themselves over the last few drafts with new secondary choices. Some or even most of them look to have been good investments, but going DB in round one this year just doesn’t make sense to me. The Packers need O line, D line, and RB help more than they need a small-school safety with average size and only recent cred as a potential high draft pick. Previously mentioned safeties Eric Reid (LSU) and T.J. McDonald (USC) are both bigger, faster, and played longer in big-time programs. Cyprien may end up going as high as round two, but I don’t believe it will be to the Packers.

In the last mock draft I posted a couple of weeks ago I ran through 7 rounds of Packers draft picks with the players I thought they should take in each round and some alternates. This time around we’ll focus on the positions the Packers need to address and some potential solutions for those needs.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Barrett Jones (75) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

Offensive Line. The Packers most obvious and glaring need is help for the offensive line. You’ve all seen us praise Barrett Jones (Alabama) as the Packers’ preferred first round pick several times. Jones seems to have dropped on some draft boards, but he’s still the guy with the most experience playing multiple O line positions in a winning program. Doesn’t that sound like a guy the Packers want and need? Of course there are other O linemen who could help the Packers. Lots of talented tackles, guards, and centers are coming out.

Tackles: It’s highly unlikely that any of the top OTs make it down to 26 in the first round. Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M), Eric Fisher (Central Michigan), and Lane Johnson (Oklahoma) will probably all be gone. That will leave the likes of D.J. Fluker (Alabama), Menelik Watson (FSU), Jake Long (Oregon), and Brennan Williams (North Carolina) as the next few guys in line. I don’t necessarily think any of them other than Fluker (a more natural guard than tackle) are first round material, but any of them would be decent second round picks and steals below that.

Guards: The top guards, like Chance Warmack (Alabama) and Jonathan Cooper (North Carolina) are probably off the board when the Packers pick in round one. Dallas Thomas (Tennessee) and Larry Warford (Kentucky) seem to be the next-best available guards but would be reaches in the first round. Thomas played some tackle but he’s a natural guard. Travis Frederick (Wisconsin) is also a consideration but he’s definitely not a first-rounder.

Centers: The top center…you guessed it: Barrett Jones (Alabama). He’s the only center who is rated a first-rounder by more than a couple of the prospect graders and most believe he’ll be there for the Packers at 26. That’s not to say he’s the only center who could help the Packers, but his versatility sets him apart and I still believe he’s that guy. Other centers who might step in and contribute if drafted in later rounds include David Quessenberry (San Diego State), Dalton Freeman (Clemson) and Braden Hansen (BYU). Travis Frederick (above) is a hybrid C/G.

Defensive Line. The Packers need help on their defensive line as well. There is talent among the big guys now, but that talent is not living up to its billing and too many teams have been running the ball for way too many yards against the Packers D. In a 3-4 defense the defensive line isn’t expected to make as many plays on the ball but in the defense the Packers play 3-4 is a starting point only. Better defensive linemen are out there. Plenty of them.

Defensive Ends: Let’s not kid ourselves. The top five DEs coming out this year will probably all be off the board before the Packers pick. Ziggy Ansah (BYU), Bjoern Werner (FSU), Damontre Moore (Texas A&M), Alex Okafor (Texas), and Margus Hunt (SMU) are not all certain first-rounders but there’s not much doubt among the experts about their draft stock. Datone Jones (UCLA), Corey Lemonier (Auburn), Sam Montgomery (LSU) or Tank Carradine (FSU) might be able to help. None of these guys are rated in the first round though.

Sep 24, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorback running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. (bottom) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jesse Williams (54) at Bryant Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Tackles / Nose Tackles: The list of DTs and NTs coming out is top-heavy (pun intended- lighten up!). Again the best of these guys will probably be picked clean before pick 26 in the first. Star Lotulelei (Utah), Sharif Floyd (Florida), Sheldon Richardson (Missouri), and Jonathan Hankins could all be top 25 picks. For the Packers at 26 to take Jonathan Jenkins (Georgia), Kawann Short (Purdue), Sylvester Williams (North Carolina), or Bennie Logan (LSU) might be a move they would make. Jenkins in particular is a load and would be a great value if available in the second round. My personal favorite is Jesse Williams (Alabama). Check out his back story here.

Running Backs. The RB position has been lacking in Green Bay for many years. Quick- name a Packers running back who has been able to sustain even a consistent performance through an entire season. Can’t do it, can you? Now that’s not all the fault of the RBs who have been toting the rock for the Pack, but it’s a big part of the problem. Yes…the Packers offense is a pass-first scheme. Yes…Aaron Rodgers can win a lot of games without a strong run game. But imagine a balanced offense with Rodgers and a consistent, even above average, run game. Packer Nation beams at the thought!

Running Back: Even the Eddie Lacy (Alabama), generally considered the highest-rated RB in the 2013 draft, could be available for the Packers at 26 depending on whose mock you’re looking at. It’s not Ted Thompson’s style to draft a RB in the first round, but he surprises me every year so I can’t completely ignore the fact that Lacy would definitely be a great addition to the Packers. That said, Joseph Randle (OSU), Montee Ball (Wisconsin), Christine Michael (Texas A&M) and Mike Gillislee (Florida) all have the size and speed combination the Packers lack. Are there any first rounders here? Lacy almost certainly, but does Ted pull that trigger? We’ll see Packer Nation!

Oct 22, 2011; Columbia, MO, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (1) rushes for a 12-yard touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the fourth quarter at Faurot Field. Oklahoma State defeated Missouri 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Whew! Is that enough to chew on? We know there will be many twists and turns on the road to the NFL draft. The Scouting Combine has made and broken some players. Pro Days will bring redemption for some and scorn for others. Free agency has started and who knows what moves TT and MM will pull off? Not me! Will they land FA RB Steven Jackson? If they do, will that fill the void at RB? We’ll just have to see how things shake out over the months ahead. We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. It should be good, clean, wholesome fun. Besides…what else is there for a football-starved scribe like me to do this time of year? What do you think Packer Nation? Tell us!

Watch LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason. Many of them will be draft-related.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Pre-Combine Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com will post a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. We at Lombardiave.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Sometimes it’s like drinking from a firehose. But we all know that draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine beginning on Feb. 23. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

We Green Bay Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

The Packers are locked into the 26^th position in the 2013 draft. The only unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down. Buckle your seat belts!

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Eddie Lacy, RB/Alabama

FanSided Analysis: I’d love Barrett Jones here as he fills an immediate need but Lacy fills an even bigger one. The only knock on the Packers offense over the years has been the utter absence of a running game and the Alabama hammer can fix that right up. Running back is one of the most popular skill positions for fans to pull for and Lacy will help make the Packers offense even more dangerous than it already is. Besides, if you think Alex Green and Cedric Benson are the answer at running back for the Packers, please review the Packers 2012 running game and then check out how well Lacy ran in a devastating offense with the Crimson Tide.

I’m sorry Packers Nation. I like how the analysis starts … but it goes south in a hurry. I just can’t see TT drafting a running back in round 1. Yes … the Packers need a running back. However, the team needs more than a just good RB. There is simply no escaping this one fact: Without a good O line to run behind (like he had at Alabama), Eddie Lacy won’t be anywhere near as successful in the NFL as he was at Alabama. Montee Ball, Joseph Randall, Giovani Bernard, or Kenjon Barner won’t either.  Alex Green, DuJuan Harris, and Cedric Benson won’t.  Therefore, I still believe TT will go O-line with the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. I actually hope he goes O-line with several of the picks.

The Packers haven’t drafted a RB in the first round since Brent Fullwood in 1987. Ted Thompson has never drafted a RB above the second round.  Brandon Jackson (second round in 2007) and Alex Green (third round in 2010) are the highest picks he’s used for a RB. Historically he’s just not a first round RB guy. The Packers just don’t seem ready to buck that trend in the 2013 draft. Please make no mistake about this though – if the Packers can find a way to get a quality RB after they fill a couple of other urgent needs there will be great rejoicing throughout the land.

One other concern I have with the Lacy pick is that Lacy played at Alabama. How would he handle the weather in Green Bay and on the road this coming season? The Packers will play Chicago twice outdoors, along with Detroit, Minnesota, Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, Baltimore, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and the New York football Giants once each. The only indoor games they’ll play all season will be at Detroit, at Minnesota, and at Dallas. Ball security will be vitally important and backs with experience in nasty weather will be required. Would Montee Ball be a better option? Anyone?

We here at Lombardiave.com have promulgated OL Barrett Jones as the Packers’ first round pick for weeks. And assuming Jones doesn’t tank at the Combine or Alabama’s Pro Day, I still think he’s that guy. If Jones isn’t available at 26 in the first round then I believe TT will go after the best player available (you’ll see this material again), but Jones makes so much sense for the Packers I wouldn’t even rule out a trade up to get him. I might even encourage it!

Ted Thompson has demonstrated a willingness, even a propensity, for trading later picks to move up in order to get players he covets. It’s my belief he will do so again this year. So which other players might TT want to wheel and deal to get? There are plenty of them. I listed a bunch of them in the last mock draft I posted a couple of weeks ago. This time around we’ll focus on what I think the Packers should look for in the draft and some alternatives in case things don’t quite go the Packers’ way.

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. (26) Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. Jones would be the heir apparent to whatever O line position needs immediate attention just because he plays them all. Very well. If Jones is already gone then I think the Packers might go after TE Zach Ertz from Stanford, T D.J. Fluker from Alabama, or maybe even DT Jesse Williams from Alabama. If not Jones then Best. Player. Available.

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. (55) Eric Reid, S, LSU. Reid is a big, tough, fast guy who can help fill Nick Collins’ big shoes. If Reid is gone and the Packers didn’t get Jones, C Travis Frederick from Wisconsin, CB Xavier Rhodes from Florida State, or S T.J. McDonald from USC might come into play in round two.

3. (88) Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. Ball might be gone by the time the Packers pick in the third round. If TT doesn’t trade up to get him, then he might stand pat at 88 and consider taking a back like Joseph Randle from Oklahoma State or Mike Gillislee from Florida. He could also look at somebody like OT Kyle Long from Oregon or OT Ricky Wagner from Wisconsin.

Dec 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Monte Ball (28) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Alonzo Whaley (45) during the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. (119) Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford. Thomas can play ILB too. If Thomas is not there then I think the Packers might look hard at ILB Kiko Alonso from Oregon, ILB Kevin Reddick from North Carolina, OLB Dion Jordan from Oregon, or maybe ILB Nico Johnson from Alabama.

Oct 6, 2012; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Kenny Stills (4) warms up before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT

5. (153) Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma. This seems like the right place to take a WR. The Packers still have the best three-receiver rotation in the NFL, but with the departure of Donald Driver and the likely departure of Greg Jennings, the Packers will have to strengthen their WR corps to stay in the top overall receiving groups in the NFL. I also think TT might look at WR Marcus Davis from Virginia Tech or maybe Marquess Wilson from Washington State. If not then perhaps a big run-blocking TE like Michael Williams from Alabama.

6. (184) Quinton Dial, DE, Alabama. OK … so there are a bunch of Alabama players in my mock. Get over it. They had a team that was chock full of good players and bunch of great ones. Dial could help with run D, which is another obvious need for the Packers defense. Other potential picks here include DT Kwame Geathers from Georgia, DE Joe Kruger from Utah, or even LT Jordan Mills from Louisiana Tech.

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Quinton Dial (90) against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

7. (215) I figure this one’s probably been traded or turned into several picks by shrewd draft-day dealer Thompson. However, if the Packers are still on the board here I think they look at another CB. Woodson’s departure, even with the influx of talent from last year’s draft, will leave a hole. I think they might take steps to fill it with a CB like Brandon Lee from Miami, Marc Anthony from USC, or even a safety like DeVonte Holloman from South Carolina.

Ahh … conjecture. Gotta love it! I just named 30 players the Packers might take with 7 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft. Mathematically I stand almost no chance of getting more than even one of these picks correct. This might be the one I go back to in April and see how close I was. What do you think Packers Nation?

There will be many twists and turns on the road to the NFL draft. The Scouting Combine will definitely make or break some players, and we’ll be watching closely how things develop.  After the Combine there will be scores of Pro Days and individual workouts. We’ll just have to see how things shake out over the months ahead. We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. It should be fun. Besides … what else is there for a football-starved scribe like me to do this time of year?

Watch Lombardiave.com for weekly polls this offseason. Many of them will be draft-related.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Post-Super Bowl Edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

FanSided.com does a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. We at LombardiAve.com have plenty of off-season news and information to pass along to our readers. Draft season is in full swing with the Scouting Combine beginning on February 23^rd. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts will be working out and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them and see how they’ll perform.

We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

The Packers are locked into the 26^th position in the 2013 draft. There is no more mystery about that. The only unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down.

November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) against the LSU Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Barrett Jones, C/Alabama

FanSided Analysis:  Aaron Rodgers was abused last season and that’s one of the reasons the Packers struggled. Go back to the Seattle Screw game and you’ll see why the Packers didn’t pull away from the Seahawks. Usually Green Bay runs as many receivers as they can, but they had to pull them off the field at numerous times in 2012 so they could add extra blockers for Rodgers. Jones plugs up a huge hole in the middle and becomes Rodgers new right hand man on a powerful offensive unit.

I still cannot argue with this pick Packer Nation. I’m not alone. Other LombardiAve.com staffers as well as you the fans have agreed with Jones as the Packers’ dream first-round pick. The collective man-love for Jones from Packer Nation was reflected in our poll a couple of weeks ago.  Jones led the voting with a 65% share.

I put Jones out there as the Packers first round pick several weeks ago and I think I’ve mentioned him in every mock draft piece since then. My respected colleague Jason Hirschhorn has as well. Jones has the mix of experience, skills, and potential the Packers need. He plays, and plays award-winningly well, each offensive line position. Perhaps more importantly, if he’s still there he will likely be the best player available when the Packers pick 26th in the first round. Knowing how TT rolls I think he drafts Jones and puts another #1 draft pick on the Packers offensive line- a line that needs talent badly.

As I said a couple of weeks ago, I think Packer Nation, and I know I, would like to hear the analysts describe the Packers offensive line as “dominating”, or “scary”, or a “team strength”, instead of a “concern” or a “weakness”. I think all one has to do is look at the teams that played in Super Bowl XLVII to realize that a team can never have enough good offensive linemen. Barrett Jones could probably step in at LT and immediately improve that critical position. He could take over the center position too. He could fill in at any other position with little or no drop-off. Let’s be honest though. Jones wouldn’t make the Packers offensive line a “team strength” all by himself. But the bottom line is that he would probably give the line an instant boost in the respectability department. A much needed boost.

Let’s say that Jones is available at 26 and TT agrees with us. On April 25^th, The Commish himself takes the card, strides to the podium, and announces that “with the 26^th pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Barrett Jones, Offensive Lineman, Alabama”. Joyful pandemonium ensues. Jones is all smiles as he hangs up his cell phone call with his agent, hugs his parents, puts on his Packers Draft Day cap, and holds up the #1 Packers jersey for the photos. Inevitably Aaron Rodgers magically appears and photobombs the picture of his center of the future with Goodell. A warm fuzzy descends over all who wear the green and the gold. We’ve got our man. Another #1 pick for the Packers O line.

What then? What other moves does TT have up his sleeve? Who else will be riding kids’ bikes to practice wearing Packers uniforms this summer?

In previous posts we’ve praised USC S T.J. McDonald, Stanford TE Zach Ertz, North Carolina ILB Kevin Reddick, Alabama ILB Nico Johnson, Oregon ILB Kiko Alonso, Alabama DT Jess Williams, LSU S Eric Reid, Alabama S Robert Lester, Mississippi State CB Jonathan Banks, FSU CB Xavier Rhodes, NC State CB David Amerson, Wisconsin RB Montee Ball, and several other players we believe would be good additions to the Packers- either in the first round or soon thereafter.

Let’s look at OLBs. While I don’t think the Packers need to address a need at OLB in the first round, there will be several solid players available in rounds 2 through 4.

Oregon’s Dion Jordan is an interesting prospect. At 6-7 and 243 he’s not your typical 3-4 OLB body type, but he has shown ability to cover TEs, he hits, and he tackles. I for one don’t want to see another OLB hit a ball carrier without tacklingthat ball carrier. Jordan also had ten-plus sacks in 2012 and he forces fumbles. Jordan probably won’t make it out of the second round.

Sept 17, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker Chase Thomas (44) holds an American flag prior to a game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Stanford won 37-10. Mandatory Credit: Chris Morrison-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Thomas from Stanford is another OLB who has a nose for the ball and he pressures quarterbacks well. He goes 6-3 and 245. When I’ve seen him play I’ve noticed his intensity and passion. Thomas has also played ILB but many believe he’s a more natural OLB. Flexibility is a big upside for LBs in the Packers defense. Thomas might be more of a third rounder than a second, but either he or Jordan would seem to be good gets for OLB coach Kevin Greene to develop.

Another glaring need for the Packers is OT. If we assume Jones comes in and becomes primarily a center, then the Packers sure could use another quality O tackle. Jones has the ability to play all offensive line positions. I think somewhere in the 2013 draft the Packers need to grab a pure tackle though- even if he’s a development project.

Kyle Long from Oregon has shown some talent and if heredity is any indicator he has a potential NFL future ahead of him. Brother Chris Long of the Rams and father Howie Long of the Raiders and Fox TV are his predecessors. Long is a former defensive player turned O lineman. At 6-7 and 311 Long can add some weight for duty as a NFL tackle. His form is described as athletic and that would serve him well against the kind of athletes the Packers have to routinely block in the NFC North. I see Long as a potential third or even fourth rounder with a good bloodline and lots of potential.

A couple of previous mentions from past mock drafts are Oday Aboushi (6-6 310) from Virginia and Ricky Wagner (6-6 320) from Wisconsin. Both deserve consideration as third rounders if they’re available, but I don’t think given the Packers needs either grades out as higher than a third round pick. Also mentioned several times in previous mocks was Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews. Matthews will stay for his senior year at Texas A&M and will likely end up being a top 10 pick in the 2014 draft.

So based on what we know today about the players coming out in 2013 here is what I’d like to see the Packers do in the first four rounds of the 2013 NFL draft:

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA LSU Tigers safety Eric Reid (1) against the Ole Miss Rebels during a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. (26) Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama. Heir apparent to whatever O line position needs attention.

2. (55) Eric Reid, S, LSU. A big, tough, fast guy who can help fill Nick Collins’ big shoes.

3. (88) Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin. All he does is score touchdowns. Sounds good to me.

4. (119) Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford. Lots of good OLBs in this draft. Thomas can play ILB too.

What do you think Packer Nation?

There will be many twists and turns on the road to the NFL draft. The Scouting Combine will definitely make or break some players, and we’ll be watching closely how things develop.  After the Combine there will be scores of Pro Days and individual workouts. We’ll just have to see how things shake out over the months ahead. We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. Since the Packers draft position is now set at 26 we’ll be able to narrow things down more effectively.  It should be fun. Watch LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason. Many of them will be draft-related.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Pre-Super Bowl version of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. While we at LombardiAve.com no longer have the Packers playing in the post-season to write about, draft season has already started for all but two NFL teams. We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

The Packers are locked into the 26^th position in the 2013 draft. There is no more mystery about that. The only unknowns left are which player the Packers will draft at 26 overall and what moves Ted Thompson might make to trade up or down.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tackle Barrett Jones (75) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

According to FanSided, with the 26^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Barrett Jones, C/Alabama

FanSided Analysis:  Aaron Rodgers was abused last season and that’s one of the reasons the Packers struggled. Go back to the Seattle Screw game and you’ll see why the Packers didn’t pull away from the Seahawks. Usually Green Bay runs as many receivers as they can, but they had to pull them off the field at numerous times in 2012 so they could add extra blockers for Rodgers. Jones plugs up a huge hole in the middle and becomes Rodgers new right hand man on a powerful offensive unit.

I absolutely cannot argue with this pick Packer Nation.  Most of you agree. The results of our poll on LombardiAve.com show Jones with a comfortable 65% lead as your choice for the first pick out of the top O linemen we think will be available when the Packers hand in their card to the Commish.

I put Jones out there as the Packers first round pick weeks ago and I think I’ve mentioned him in every mock draft piece since then. My respected colleague Jason Hirschhorn has as well. Jones has the mix of experience, skills, and potential the Packers need. He plays, and plays award-winningly well, each offensive line position. Perhaps more importantly, he will likely be the best player available when the Packers pick at 26. If he is still available at I think TT drafts him and puts another #1 draft pick on the Packers offensive line- a line that needs talent badly.

The prospect of Jones coming in and helping to solidify the Packers offensive line definitely has some good juju around it. I am concerned about a couple of things with Jones though. He played injured (ankle / lisfrank) during the BCS Championship game and required surgery soon thereafter. Jones’ recovery from that surgery will bear scrutiny. While he’s the player I think can make the biggest immediate difference on the O line the Packers definitely do not need another pre-injured draft pick.

I also haven’t heard or read anything about any kind of mean or nasty streak in Jones. Indeed, the pundits and draftniks all believe he’s a great kid with a bright future and I agree with all of them wholeheartedly- especially if that future is with the Green Bay Packers. But I would argue that perhaps Jones will need to cultivate and embrace that nastiness when he regularly lines up against the talented D lines in the NFC North. If the Packers do get him in his rookie season he’s going to be playing against both conference champions and most of the other playoff teams from 2012 too. One can be a great kid with a bright future while being mean and nasty…can’t one? UPDATE: I have been reminded by a friend or two that indeed Mr. Jones did display some fire when he became a bit infuriated on one particular play in the BCS Championship…but he directed his ire in the wrong direction- at his own quarterback. He’ll learn quickly enough that Green Bay is Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood.

I think Packer Nation, and I know I, would like to hear the analysts describe the Packers offensive line as “dominating”, or “scary”, or a “team strength”, instead of a “concern” or a “weakness”. I think all one has to do is look at the teams playing in Super Bowl XLVII to realize that a team can never have enough good offensive linemen. Barrett Jones could probably step in at LT and immediately improve that critical position. He could eventually take over the center position too. He could fill in at any other position with little or no drop-off. Let’s be honest though. Jones wouldn’t make the Packers offensive line a “team strength” all by himself. But the bottom line is that he would probably give the line an instant boost in the respectability department. A badly needed boost.

So if the unthinkable happens and TT can get Alabama’s Barrett Jones at 26, what are the other team “needs” and when might TT address them in April? Let’s see what we can see in the next couple of rounds.

Sep 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans safety T.J. McDonald (7) during the game against the Hawaii Warriors at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Hawaii 49-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I think the Packers need a larger, more physical safety to come up and make tackles close to the line of scrimmage. T.J. McDonald from USC could still be available in the second round. He’s tall. He’s fast. He can hit. He tackles. He can cover and he has a knack for being around the ball. I think McDonald would be a good get for a defensive backfield that has some talented rookies but still no clear-cut successor to Nick Collins. I would really hate to see Charles Woodson and the Packers part ways, but McDonald would be a great addition with or without Woodson. Ted Thompson’s 2012 draft added several defensive contributors who could turn into bona fide stars over the next couple of years. You can’t ever have too many of those.

Oct 27, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kevin Reddick (48) on the field in the first half at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

If the Packers are looking at LBs, especially ILBs, there will probably still be some good ones available in the third round. Kevin Reddick from North Carolina could be a good fit. He goes 6-3 and 240 with 4.6 speed which gives him the ability to cover TEs as well as effectively blitz inside. He hits and he tackles. Reddick is being pegged as a late second / early third rounder so he might not be there for the Packers, but there are some other talented ILBs. Niko Johnson from Alabama and Kiko Alonso from Oregon will probably be available later. Either way I think another good ILB would do nothing but help a team who might lose one of their mainstay ILBs in A.J. Hawk and whose other ILBs are health risks and mostly unproven. The Packers defense improved in 2012, but there is room for another big jump to get back up to the elite level it enjoyed during the Super Bowl season just two years ago. Another solid ILB could help make that next-level leap a reality.

November 10, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Texas A

I have to believe TT will look at the D line somewhere in this draft. Jesse Williams from Alabama might bear watching. He’s a load at 6-4 and 320. His reputation as a run stuffer would seem to make him an intriguing prospect for a team that gave up so many rushing yards in the late season and playoffs last year. Williams comes from Australia and is one of those guys who didn’t play American football until he was 14 or so. He’s strong at the point of attack. He played a couple of seasons in Community College before cracking Alabama’s roster. Sound familiar Mr. Rodgers? Williams has done some strong work at Alabama and any member of a BCS National Champion team should get some consideration- provided he can help in the NFL. I think maybe Williams can, and might get a chance to do just that.

There are some other positions, namely OLB and OT, the Packers will likely try to bolster with picks in the 2013 draft. We’ll look more at those and other positions in the months ahead.

Sadly I lack the mathematical proficiency (but not the apathy) to attempt to calculate the odds of getting each and every pick in a mock draft correct…especially before the Scouting Combine and whatever individual workouts are conducted at the schools. I’ll guess they’re pretty much astronomical though. Perhaps Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb can figure them out. We’ll just have to see how things shake out over the months ahead. We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. Since the Packers draft position is now set at 26 we’ll be able to narrow things down more effectively.  It should be fun. Watch LombardiAve.com for weekly polls this offseason. Many of them will be draft-related.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) celebrates with wide receiver James Jones (89) against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The 12-7 Green Bay Packers went into Candlestick Park and lost to the 12-4-1 San Francisco 49ers by the score of 45-31. The Packers also lost their composure, their swagger, and their respectability. Despite the successes of the 2012 season, the team’s campaign will be remembered for this loss more than any of their wins.

My post-loss depression is simply too deep to go into detailed analysis of how the Packers lost. I’ll let the Thumps and Chest Bumps section below cover most of that. When the Packers look at this loss they’ll see what all of us saw- they didn’t have an answer for Kaepernick and they were beaten primarily at the point of attack, on both sides of the ball, by better 49ers offensive and defensive line players. Of course there’s more to it than that. But not a whole lot more.

Here are the final weekly Thumps (plenty) and Chest Bumps (just a couple) of the season as they apply to the Packers-49ers Divisional Playoff for you:

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Randy Moss (back) catches a pass in front of Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to Sam Shields. He started out strong with his pick six and played better than any of the other DBs in this game. Which isn’t saying much, but Playoff Sam did what he could do to help the team win this game. 37 always seems to play well in the playoffs. Too bad we can’t say the same for…

Thump- to Tramon Williams. 38 picked a lousy time to suck. I think Tramon is generally the best CB on the team, but he sure didn’t play like it against the 49ers. He was beaten in coverage way too many times and he had costly penalties that kept drives alive. He’ll need to take a long hard harsh look at his performance in this game and realize the obvious: He’s got to play more consistent ball to keep his job. Especially with some talented second-year players coming up behind him next season.

Thump- to Jeremy Ross. I like Ross as the team’s return specialist- primarily because I hate to see Cobb get rocked on returns when he’s so important to the offense. But when you muff a punt in the playoffs you’re going to be banished to the doghouse for a long time. It will take some time for his goof to fade. But I still think he’s the best option on the current roster for a return man.

Chest Bump- to Brad Jones. Jones led the team with 9 tackles and an assist. I didn’t see him blow a tackle opportunity. Like all the LBs he was occasionally flummoxed by Kaepernick, but overall I thought Jones had the best performance in an overall poor defensive outing by the Packers.

Thump- to Dom Capers. The Packers defense played poorly. Capers is the man responsible for that. He didn’t have any kind of effective approach to stopping Kaepernick. I expected to see some kind of different strategy in the second half. Instead I think Kaepernick actually had more success in the second half than in the first. In any case the Packers were still in this game until the second half. Capers’ defense simply didn’t get the job done.

Thump- to Greg Jennings. For a guy playing what could have been his final game for the Packers, Jennings sure went out without a bang. Yes, he caught six passes and his overall performance was decent enough- especially in garbage time at the end of the game. But early in the game he got into it with the 49ers defense and head butted the guy who was defending him. He’s lucky he didn’t pick up a PF penalty for that. There’s nothing good that can come from jawing with the defense 85.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (left) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver (29) during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to James Jones. JJ had another solid outing, making tough catches and keeping drives alive. He led the team in pass yardage and talking to himself. I think of all the receivers Jones had the best year this season. The Packers receiving corps will probably be overhauled for next season. Jones has proven he belongs.

Thump- to Aaron Rodgers. Let’s be clear. Aaron Rodgers cannot win these games by himself. The expectation is that Rodgers will perform well in every game. But when the Packers defense cannot stop the other team and the Packers offense doesn’t get any opportunities to work, 12 can’t win the game himself. The best he can hope to do is not make mistakes that cost the team. Last night he made a costly mistake with the interception, the end result of which was a 49ers TD. I’m as big a Rodgers fan as anybody, but even he has to be disappointed with his performance against San Francisco.

Thump- to the officials. There were several obvious penalties that went uncalled. Shields was clearly held on one. Harris was obviously facemasked on another. When SF had a close but obviously incomplete sideline play the game was stopped for EVER so they could get the obvious call correct. I know these guys are human but they’ve got to do a better job. Playoff games are supposed to have the best officials working them. Judging by their performance, not so much last night.

Chest Bump- to Randall Cobb. Randall had a solid performance with five catches and two carries. After the Ross muff he took over all return duties and his performance was a little spotty. Cobbernicus is not superhuman. He’s just really smart (hence the nickname) and talented. He’s one of the most diverse weapons this team has. But he’s got to play more consistently if he’s going to continue returning kicks and punts. Never catch a called fair catch inside the ten yard line 18!

Thump- to Erik Walden. Walden was the poster child for confused and outplayed LBs against Kaepernick. Several times he looked like he had absolutely no clue what was going on. Now some of that was probably coaching. But coaches coach and players play. Walden didn’t do a lot of playing. He only had two tackles and three assists- primarily because it looked as if he was out of position for most of the game. The good news is that Walden’s performance in this game was what it was…one game. And in all fairness he certainly wasn’t the only defender who got faked out of his shoes by 7.

Thump- to the entire defense, including coaches. The defense did not play with a sense of urgency- especially in the second half. Even though the defensive performance in the first half wasn’t good, the team was still in the game. It turned out that between the lack of urgency and lack of a plan to stop Kaepernick, they weren’t in the game in the second half. Maybe whatever adjustments they made after halftime just didn’t work. Maybe fatigue was a factor. Whatever the reason the defense lost this game. The offense didn’t win it, but the defense lost it.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) runs the ball for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to DuJuan Harris. Harris didn’t have a bunch of yards, but he ran hard and scored an important TD in the first half. The thing about Harris is he runs hard. He might not have the same talent as other backs. He might not have as much speed. But he does not go down easy and he fights for every inch he gains. I expected to see more of him in this game, but because the defense sucked the offense was in catch-up mode all night- which doesn’t bode well for RB carries.

I’ll do a Chest Bumps and Thumps column for the season this coming week on LombardiAve.com. You have been warned!

Here are some selected tweets I broadcasted during the game- last ones listed first. Scroll down to read from the beginning of the game. They frame many of the comments made above. Yes…following me on Twitter is like drinking from a fire hose. Deal with it. Wife Deneen said I should cut a few of these out of my post-game rants, so I did. You can follow these live if you follow me on Twitter. Review these the day after they were shared at your own risk:

- Thanks to everybody 4 a great season! Packers will be great next year! Look 4 some insightful analysis at http://LombardiAve.com . Go Pack!

- Well we lost the game to SF and John Dorsey to KC. One hurts now. Which hurts more long-term? Who else bails? Stay tuned 4 offseason 2013.

- Oh come on guys…no BS like this please. Just play it out. (During the last Packers drive players pushing and shoving).

- Dagger time. Niners score yet again to make it 45-24. Packers just didn’t have an answer for Kaepernick. I thought they would. They didn’t.

- Nice. Packers jump on 4th and 1 and it’s over. Rodgers can’t win the game if the defense can’t stop anything and there’s no time left! Sad. (Rodgers can’t help win the game if he’s on the sidelines).

- So close. But close doesn’t count and Packers D comes back out. Gotta get a stop or TO here guys. Nothing else will do. (Rodgers pass to Jennings just off his hands).

- Niners score again and it’s 38-24 Niners. Gotta get offense moving. Legacy building time Aaron.

- This drive is the dagger. Hate to say it. Hope I’m wrong. But it feels like it’s over unless Rodgers can somehow get untracked. (Niners drive to the eventual TD).

- Sheesh. What a time for 38 to suck. Dammut! (38 still betting beaten in coverage).

- Tramon needs to man up right now. Crabtree is eating him up! (38 still getting beaten in coverage).

- It feels like if the Pack O doesn’t match SF TD for TD they’re in trouble. Time for a big play on defense!

- So much for halftime adjustments for Kaepernick. Something has to be done. And done now. Niners up 7 again. Rodgers time again! (Whatever halftime adjustments were made weren’t working).

- Whew…Cobb didn’t fumble ‘cuz his knee was down. Crosby squeaks the FG inside the upright and we’re tied at 24. Time for a big play D!

- Cobb should have let that one go, but he probably didn’t see that defender so close. O starts in a hole.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is tackled by Green Bay Packers strong safety Morgan Burnett (42) and defensive back Charles Woodson (21) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

- Nice work by 21 to force the punt. Come on offense! (Woodson delivers a pass defensed).

- So much for the offensive domination. Let’s go defense! (Offense sputters on first 2^nd half possession).

- First half stats suck. It’s over. Time to dominate!

- Time for some halftime valium! Niners lead 24-21. Pack with ball first in 2nd half. Way too little dominating going on 4 Packer Nation!

- Well as long as the expert thinks it’s an incomplete pass… (The sideline hand-on-the-line incompletion that was obviously an incompletion- to everybody but the refs).

- Too bad Burnett couldn’t finish on the pick there. (42 got his hands on a pick but couldn’t finish).

- No holding call on Ginn for clutching Playoff Sam? Seriously? Refs seriously SUCK in this freaking game! (Refs miss another obvious holding call).

- Rodgers answers with a TD bullet to Jones and it’s 21-21 with enough time left 4 more! Let’s go D!

- If they had picked that flag up I would have been really mad! (The helmet-to-helmet hit by Goldson on Harris).

- Somebody get me a doctor! FCOL the near strip of 12 nearly croked me on the spot! (Rodgers is stripped but recovers the fumble).

- Looks like the Packers are destined to keep having to play catch up. 21-14 Niners after pick and another 7 TD pass. Time for O to step up!

- There was 12′s playoff mulligan. Hope it doesn’t cost points though. I would like to know what he saw though…like everybody else! (After the Rodgers INT).

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

- Harbaugh has such an awesome psycho angry face! Wish MM had a better one, but let’s not force him to use it!

- FWIW Ross is still my favorite option for returns. I hate seeing Cobb get rocked when he’s tackled. Ross won’t drop another punt soon. (And I still think so. The muff was one play and it didn’t cause the loss. Cobbernicus too valuable to do returns).

- 14 all after the Ross muff and a wide open Crabtree TD. Time to man up again offense!

- Dammut! Ross muffs the punt and it’s SF ball on the GB 9.

- Nice play Mr. Moses. Way to stop 7! (Moses has his one tackle of the game but it looks good).

- Tramon needs to step it up. Not looking good so far. Crabtree will eat him up if 38 let’s it happen. (Williams continues to get beaten).

- Harris with the up the gut run for the TD and it’s 14-7 Packers! Way to come back and shut the crowd down offense! Man up now D!!!

- I cringed when Rodgers threw that but Jones made that WORK! (The 44 yarder to Jones to set up the Harris TD).

- No facemask? WTF? Seriously? Come on refs! (Refs correctly call the facemask penalty then pick up the flag.)

- Packers run Harris on 3rd and one…and make it!

- Nice job Playoff Sam on the pass defensed to force the punt. Let’s go offense!

- Somebody needs to hit Moss. Legally. But really hard. (Moss gets a catch and starts jawing the DBs).

- This game is gonna get chippy quick. (Players jawing and pushing each other after plays).

- I’m already tired of Kaepernick. Playing him is like cheating. Isn’t it? (Kaepernick killed the defense).

- And we go three and out with a dropped pass and a head butt by Jennings. Inauspicious start by Packers O. Come on D! (Jennings taunts a CB and probably should have been flagged for it).

- Gotta have better contain on 7. Game now tied 7-7. Playoffs football.

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional round playoff game at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

- Claymaker gets to Kaepernick for his first sack of the game.

- Chuck almost got that one! (Woodson almost had a pick).

- And another BS DH call on 38. Lovely…thanks refs! (Defensive holding call on Williams was marginal at best).

- Way to go Sam 37! Woo hoo! That’s the way to start D!!!!!! 7-0 Pack!!!!!! (Playoff Sam and his early pick six).

- Here we go D!

- Settling in for Packers at Niners. Rodgers ready. Driver and Starks active. Big game. Big stage. Go Pack GO!

- No Packers on AP All Pro first team. Only 12 and 52 on second team. Nine 49ers on combined team. Thanks 4 the extra motivation tonight AP.

With regard to the Fearsome Predictions I made prior to the game, just remember this: they’re not really fearsome, nor are they really predictions! I missed almost all of them, but I’ll keep doing them.

The Green Bay Packers had a lot to be proud of this season. Their loss to the 49ers in the most important game of the season isn’t on that list. OK…so it’s over. We’ve got an offseason to process people. Who stays? Who goes? Who comes in? Who retires? Who gets plucked for jobs with other teams? We already know John Dorsey is the new GM in Kansas City. How will that affect the front office? One thing is for certain: The Packers will be back stronger than ever for the 2013 season.

I’ll continue to work the draft and put up interesting, humorous, and thought-provoking columns. They couldn’t keep me away! Go Pack GO!

On Saturday night the 12*-5 Green Bay Packers will visit Candlestick Park to play the 11-4-1 San Francisco 49ers as the next stop on their road to Super Bowl XLVII. Much has been made of the game the two teams played back in week 1 this season at Lambeau. In my opinion the two teams are different enough that there isn’t much that happened in that game that is applicable to this game.

Both teams have changed a great deal since week 1. Green Bay has kept working on forging a running game and a better defense. The Packers are better in both those areas as they approach their game with the 49ers.

The primary difference in San Francisco is their quarterback. QB Colin Kaepernick brings the element of mobility at the QB position to the 49ers offense. Previous starter Alex Smith was not as mobile as Kaepernick but he has more experience. The Packers faced a quarterback with similar mobility in Joe Webb when they beat the Vikings last weekend. Kaepernick is a much better passer than Webb, and adding that factor ups the challenge quite a bit.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Dezman Moses (54) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers will have to play defense much the same way in this game as they did in their last. They’ll need to set an edge and maintain it to prevent Kaepernick getting to the outside. Gap control and discipline inside the tackles will be every bit as important against the 49ers because of RB Frank Gore and Kaepernick. Again this week the Packers will face a steep challenge on defense. I believe they’re more than up to the task.

On offense the Packers bring an improved and more diverse run game and the healthiest group of receivers they’ve had since week 1. Add Aaron Rodgers’ ability to create plays on the move and the 49ers have defensive challenges of their own. DuJuan Harris and Ryan Grant have been getting most of the carries in the run game lately, but Alex Green is healthy and word has it that James Starks is close to being able to play again. I think Harris could have a big impact on this game because he’s small and can get into and out of smaller holes than the other Packers RBs can. Against the 49ers stout D line and LBs, those holes just might be small too!

Both teams have been dealing with inconsistency in their kicking games. San Francisco PK David Akers and Green Bay PK Mason Crosby have both had disappointing seasons. The difference between the two is that Crosby has been kicking better of late. Neither team wants to see this game come down to a FG to win it, but I’d have more confidence in Crosby than Akers.

The playing surface at Candlestick has been getting some press for its bad condition. After the Seahawks-Redskins game last weekend playing conditions (in that case atrocious conditions) were brought into sharp focus. I don’t know that the surface at the Stick is going to make a difference. Generally the offense has the advantage on poor surfaces because they know where they’re going and the defenses have to react. Hopefully this game won’t be affected by the surface upon which these two excellent teams are playing.

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers players were in large measure ignored for in-season honors this year. It’s my belief that it’s time for those players who felt slighted by the writers and voters to put their best effort on the field Saturday night and make believers out of some people. People outside Packer Nation that is. We already know how good they are!

We’ll all be burdened with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman as commentators for the game on Saturday night. Every now and then we all have to take one for the team. I’ll have more to say about them in the Fearsome Predictions section below.

Here are some things I’ll be looking for while I watch the game:

Packers offensive line. The Packers O line has been more or less stable for a few weeks now. That’s not to say they have the kind of experience playing together they would like to have, but there’s nothing they can do about that now. Evan Dietrich-Smith is an upgrade at center simply because he can move better than previous starter Jeff Saturday. Don Barclay has provided some well-received work, especially in the run game, at RT replacing the injured Bryan Bulaga. Newhouse at LT, Lang at LG, and Sitton at RG are who and what they are.

Many pundits are pointing to the Packers collective O line as a team weakness. I’m not so sure. The 49ers will make some plays on defense. But the Packers O line will make some as well. I don’t think they’re the weakness others seem to want them to be. I’ll be watching these guys to see how they handle 49ers pass rushers- especially Aldon Smith and Bowman. Which guy will the Packers decide to help with extra blockers? If Justin Smith can play he’ll still be nursing a torn muscle, which usually doesn’t work out too well for whatever the muscle is supposed to be attached to. I’ll be watching to see how long 94 in red lasts if he gets in there.

Packers run game. As of late the Packers have been able to move the ball on the ground. If they can keep that up against the 49ers it will bode well for their chances to win this game. I don’t believe either team will rush consistently well against the other because the run defenses are both too good. Harris can do things the other Packers RBs can’t, and I’ll be watching to see how the Packers utilize him in this game. I don’t expect to see much of Cobbernicus in the backfield this time around, but it worked fairly well in the first game. I’ll be watching for the Packers to use the run to set up the pass. See- this game really is simple.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers passing game. The Packers receivers come into this game almost as healthy as they were in week 1. They know how important it will be for them to create separation and to fight for YAC. They know every dropped pass will sting and every bad route will be obvious. They’ll have to play their best game of the season in order to be open when called upon to make a play and catch everything that comes close to them. I’ll be watching to see how Finley and the other TEs do in the potentially soft middle of the 49ers defense and how well the WRs block on the outside- for run plays and for each other.

I expect QB Aaron Rodgers to have to turn sideways to go though doors because the chip on his shoulder is so big Saturday night. By now everybody knows where Rodgers is from, how the 49ers took Smith over him, and how he still resents it. If all of that helps to fuel 12’s passion for excellence and drives him to succeed to excess I’m fine with that. I just don’t want to see Rodgers lose his composure should the Packers go through a rough stretch in this game. Not that I expect him to do so, but this is as big a game as Aaron has played and he’ll have to be up to the task for the whole contest in order for the Packers to win it. I’ll be looking for him to deal the ball to everybody with touch, accuracy, and velocity when required. He’s the best in the league. He just has to play like it. Anyone for another heaping helping of Rodgers legacy-building?

Packers defensive line / LBs. The big guys up front and their roving LBs will be hard pressed to ensure that neither Gore nor Kaepernick have room to ramble past them and make explosive gains on the ground. Their work will go a long way toward determining the outcome of this game. They played well against Minnesota last week. They’ll need an even better performance this week. This is the playoffs. Every team left standing is good. The Packers defense has come a long way since last year and they’re also better than they were in week 1. I think the 49ers are in for a surprise. I’ll be watching to see how well the guys up front are getting off the blocks and flowing to the ball, and how often they get to Kaepernick.

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) returns an interception against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Packers defeated the Texans 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Packers DBs. The Packers DBs will face a better passing attack this week than last, coupled with a QB who can move around, extend plays, and make things happen with his feet. Bad things. The Packers DBs will have to ensure their coverage is tight and that their tackling is effective. The presence of Charles Woodson, with his bigger shoulder pads, lineman’s facemask and all, should allow Capers to do some things with his defense he wasn’t able to do previously. I’ll be watching to see just what those things are, and how effective they are. I’ll also be watching for the DBs to step up and tackle when called upon to do so.

Packers special teams. Crosby will have to be on top of his game this week. Masthay will be called upon to flip the field via his talented right foot. The Packers coverage teams will have to tackle and block effectively if Cobbernicus and Ross will be effective on returns. None of this is any revelation. But I think there will be a big play on special teams in this game, and it will favor the Packers. I’ll be watching to see who makes the tackles and the blocks, and for 18 or 10 to go long with a return…maybe for six.

Fearsome Predictions:

DISCLAIMER: The writer assumes no responsibility and claims no expertise in the area of predicting random occurrences during sporting contests. If something accidentally occurs that the writer predicted, it is entirely coincidental and not the fault of, nor can credit be attributed to, the writer. Blah-blah-legalese-blah.

- Aaron Rodgers will throw for three touchdowns and run for another. He’ll have his best game of this season. He will be throwing on the move, from the pocket, under duress, and with guys hanging on him or getting ready to hit him. He will once again make the 49ers see what it’s like to go up against a real QB.

- John Kuhn will score at least one TD. After all…it’s the playoffs!

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

- DuJuan Harris will lead the Packers in rushing yards.

- Greg Jennings will lead the Packers in receiving yards.

- Ryan Grant will be the second leading rusher for the Packers.

- The Packers will have over 100 return yards.

- Rodgers will be sacked three times.

- Mason Crosby will not miss a kick.

- Cobbernicus will catch at least one TD pass.

- Kaepernick will be sacked four times. Matthews will have two of them. Woodson will get one.

- Kaepernick will be picked twice. Shields will get one, and Woodson the other.

- The Packers will have fewer penalty yards than the 49ers.

- The Packers will have more first downs than the 49ers.

- The national television audience will be treated to several close-up shots of the playing surface and commentary about how it either is, or is not, affecting player performance. Every time somebody slips or falls down. For the whole game. And please, for the love of peet, let there be no serious joint injuries Saturday!

- The national television audience will be mistreated to the usual Aikman quips and complaints. For this game Troy’s big bruised brain will compel him to throw out at least two “I don’t think that should be a penalty / I don’t see a penalty there / I don’t agree with that call” calls and a couple of “that was a textbook tackle / that was outside the rules / he didn’t lead with his helmet / he led with his helmet” laments as well.

Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses for a photo with his family after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- The national television audience will be shown Aaron Rodgers’ hometown of Chico, the llama farm he lived on for a while as a kid, his family in attendance at the game, and how he looked when he attended both Butte CC and Cal.

- The national television audience will be treated to mentions and highlights from the classic Packers –Niners playoff games of the 90s. Unfortunately for Packers fans, those highlights will inevitably include “The Catch” but not “The Fumble” that preceded it.

Because the game will be played Saturday night and will be nationally televised, we plan to watch the game from the comfort of our comfortable couch. We’ll be making plenty of noise, wishing we were at the game, and rooting for a Packers victory!

I’ll be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Watch LombardiAve.com for the post game analysis.

Bring it 49ers! It’s win or go home! Go Pack GO!

The 12*-5 Green Bay Packers did what they had to do and defeated the 10-7 Minnesota Vikings 24-10 at frozen Lambeau field Saturday night. The Vikings go home. The Packers travel to San Francisco next Saturday for their next playoff game!

The idea that allowing an opposing RB 99 yards can be viewed as a success seems to require some kind of perspective adjustment, but Peterson was not the factor he had been in the previous two games between the Packers and the Vikings this season. Peterson was not allowed a run longer than 18 yards this time around. That was the primary difference in this game. In both previous games AP had several runs longer than that and each time it looked as if the defense was completely inept. Not on Saturday night though. Well done Packers defense!

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes with the football during the third quarter quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

How did they limit Peterson? The Packers tackled. First and foremost, independent of scheme changes and personnel differences, the Packers tackled. It certainly helped that the Packers were going against Joe Webb instead of Ponder. It also helped that the Packers primarily emphasized a single-level defense, as opposed to defense-in-depth, at the line of scrimmage. It was great to get Charles Woodson back too. But individual players with opportunities to tackle Peterson, as a general rule, did just that. Peterson is a great back. But as I said in my pregame piece, he’s just like any other running back in one regard. Tackle him using technically proficient methods and he’ll go down just like any other RB. He did.

Offensively Rodgers threw to 10 different receivers. The running game was clicking, if not exactly overwhelming. Several times Rodgers made those plays only he can make. He rolled out and threw 35 yards with pinpoint accuracy downfield. He shuffled around in the pocket to get just enough time to deal a first down flip to one of his RBs or a quick pass to a WR. No picks. 3 sacks, and a couple of those were because he held on to the ball too long. But the inescapable fact is that Rodgers will not lose a game for the Packers. Add another chapter to Mr. Rodgers’ legacy!

Here are some Chest Bumps (plenty) and Thumps (just a couple) from the Vikings – Packers Wild Card Playoff game for you to ponder (pun intended):

Chest Bump- to the Packers defenders for tackling. This cannot be emphasized enough. When the Packers defense tackles the way they did Saturday night they should win every game they play. The LBs also did a great job of setting and holding the edge so Peterson couldn’t get outside. They’ll need to keep their tackling suits on going up against Gore and the 49ers next Saturday night in San Fran.

Thump- to Mike McCarthy for continuing to use Randall Cobb for punt returns. Perhaps MM has concerns about Jeremy Ross catching punts. There could be several reasons for his approach. But Cobbernicus is an important and integral part of the Packers offense. To risk him in the lost potentially violent plays in any football game seems like a dicey proposition. At least think about it, OK Mike?

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Devin Aromashodu (19) in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to Sam Shields for his tackling and his pick. Sam made a couple of impressive one-on-one tackles of AP, led the team in tackling, and his pick was a tough catch that seemed to deflate the Vikings just a little bit more than they already were. Sam has stepped up and he’s playing good football. There were a couple of times he was beaten in coverage but Webb couldn’t deliver on the throw because of the improved pass rush. Nice work overall 37!

Chest Bump- to Clay Matthews. The Packers defense really looks different when 52 is on the field. Clay had two sacks, including the strip sack of Webb on 4^th down. Granted, he collected a sack by being in position to have Webb trip over him, but a sack is a sack. His presence in the defense, much like Woodson’s, seems to make everybody else play better.

Chest Bump- to DuJuan Harris for his running and his pass catching. Harris had 100 all-purpose yards and he quick as well as strong on his runs. He was able to slip out of the backfield or several dump-off passes. The one catch he didn’t make early in the game on third down was at his feet and he was moving away from it. I think he made up for it with his touchdown and his overall strong performance.

Chest Bump- to the entire team for doing the little things well. The Packers had fewer penalties than the Vikings did. Both were line of scrimmage infractions. Ordinarily I would probably say there’s no excuse for that, but the one on Kuhn on the kickoff was marginal and Neal’s encroachment wasn’t a factor in keeping anything going for Minnesota. There were no false starts. No illegal hands. No DPI or OPI. Golly NFL…can we get this crew to work the rest of our playoff games this year?

Thump- to the entire team for not displaying killer instinct. OK, yes I know they won the game. But the Packers were playing good football for long stretches, interspersed with periods where the Vikings looked like they might climb back into the game. Case in point: The Jenkins TD. It came with 3:39 left in the game, which was admittedly garbage time as it turned out. But had the Vikings been able to execute the onsides kick they tried after the TD things could have turned sour in a big hurry. I was looking for another 55 point performance the way the Packers doubled up before/after halftime. I still haven’t seen a dominant game for a whole game from this team.

Chest Bump- to John Kuhn for two touchdowns. Kuhn was soundly thumped on Twitter when his short yardage play at the goal line was stopped. Lang whiffed on his block allowing the Vikings D lineman contact behind the line. Nobody else would have done any better. But Kuhn’s touchdown run was a thing of beauty and the catch and run for his other TD was awesome. Kuhn always seems to come alive in the playoffs. Looking good 30!

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joe Webb (14) is sacked in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to the Packers pass rushers for putting the heat on Webb. I think every lineman and linebacker had at least one pressure or hit on Webb in this game. Webb was in the grasp when he threw one toss-up and was called for intentional grounding the other time he made the same mistake. It wasn’t just because he’s inept. It was because the Packers pass rush was getting after him. They turned in a much better performance than their effort in the last game of the season. Nice work big fellas!

Thump- to Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb for giving up ground on punt returns. A couple of times 18 gave up yards he had no chance of getting back on his punt returns. He’s gotta stop doing that. I get it…the potential for yards to be gained by giving up a few to get around the first coverage man is a temptation, but it’s a mirage Randall. Resist the temptation!

Chest Bump- to Charles Woodson for making his first game back an impactful one. 21 had four tackles and two assists against the Vikings including a couple of nice one-on-one stops of AP. I think the defense plays better when he’s on the field. I love the new guys, but give me old Charles when it’s time for a big play in a big game. He delivers.

Here are some selected tweets I broadcasted during the game- last ones listed first. Scroll down to read from the beginning of the game. They frame many of the comments made above. Yes…following me on Twitter is like drinking from a fire hose. Deal with it. Wife Deneen said I should cut a few of these out of my post-game rants, so I did. You can follow these live if you follow me on Twitter. Review these the day after they were shared at your own risk:

- Bring on the 49ers! Packers play at San Fran next Saturday. 12 quarters to another Lombardi trophy!

- This one’s in the books as a 24-10 Packers WIN! Look for the postgame analysis with chest bumps and thumps on http://LombardiAve.com . Go PACK

- Aw come on defense! Who missed the assignment on the Jenkins TD? (Jenkins was wide open.)

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) breaks up the pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins (84) during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Oh FCOL get Rodgers out of there. Did we sub the O line and I didn’t notice? (Rodgers is sacked).

- Williams with the nice pass defensed and it’s Packers ball. One more score and Wayne starts talking about playoff cutlery! (On third and 10 and again on fourth and 4 Tramon denied the Vikings. As it turned out Wayne thought Kuhn’s second TD was the dagger. Go figure.)

- Thanks for tackling Mr. Woodson. Glad to have you back. (Charles sticks his nose in and makes another tackle).

- MM PLEASE let Ross return punts too! Cobbernicus is too important to risk on punt returns!

- Too bad Webb overthrew even Woodson on that first down pass! (Woodson, even though he was deep coverage, was the closest receiver on this Webb overthrow).

- Shucks. Nothing to show for two turnovers. No killer instinct tonight. Better get some if the expectation is to keep playing in 2012 Packers. (Packers O can’t move the ball after 37’s pick or the muffed punt recovery).

- I knew Webb would throw one and sure enough he does! Sam37 makes the tough sideline catch for the pick.

- Wood blitzes…Webb runs for the first down. (Just an observation…Webb did run for a first down.)

- Plenty of time left. Pack needs to keep pedal on the floorboard! (Pack D looked a little lethargic at this point.)

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) recovers a fumble during the third quarter quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Claymaker strikes again! Strip sack of Webb on 4th down. Pack O can take over and give KUHN a shot at the hat trick.

- Way to tackle Sam 37! Nice work! (Shields with another one-on-one stop of AP).

- Walden with another nice stop of 28. Keep it up Erik! (Walden and the other LBs set and held the edge effectively all night).

- KKKKKKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNN again. You can’t stop him…you can only hope to contain him. 24-3 PACK! (The Vikings do pay out for the free first down. Kuhn’s TD catch/run and helicopter spin at the goal line).

- Thank you Vikings for the free first down. You’ll pay for that one! (Vikings stopped Packers close to the goal line and then they had 12 guys on the field for the FG try. First down!)

- C Mouth perhaps the last commentator in the galaxy to make the Harris in 2012 to Starks in 2010 comparison. Great insight Chris! (My obligatory shot at Collinsworth. He wasn’t as bad as usual Saturday night, but he wasn’t bearable either).

- Watch out America. Rodgers is taking over. He has assumed control! (Rodgers was looking very sharp early in the second half).

- Kuhn with the TD and it’s 17-3 Pack at the half. Pack with ball first in 2nd half. Step on their throats and don’t let them up Packers.

- Hometown Neenah gets what’s probably its first ever mention on national TV. Hope they liked their stay. We did! (Commentators mentioned Neenah, my Wisconsin hometown, a couple of times because they had to stay there…all the GB accomodations were booked).

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- KKUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNN!!!!! (Kuhn scores on a 3 yard TD run. Kuhn Call sounded great).

- Welcome back Jordy Nelson! (Nelson has a couple of huge catches in the drive toward the Kuhn rushing TD).

- Ease up on Kuhn people. Lang missed his block. Nobody would have done any better. And it’s not cuz I’m wearing a 30 jersey either! (Kuhn’s 3^rd and 1 run that didn’t go anywhere.)

- Big Pack sack! D line getting after it tonight! (Walden got the credit but Webb was surrounded).

- Crosby delivers and it’s 10-3 Packers. Should be 14-3 but Pack ball control will limit Vikings opportunities. 28 can’t hurt Pack from bench.

- Yes…4th and 5 converted. Risk…reward.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tom Crabtree (83) jumps over a Minnesota Vikings defender in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

- Crabtree going all next level with the hurdle. (Tom catches a pass and hurdles the first defender. Then he gets hit three times in the way to the ground.)

- Come on Cobbernicus…don’t give up ground on returns. My man love for 18 knows no bounds but bring on Ross for punt returns please MM!

- Nice pass defensed by Sam 37.

- Drive stalls and Vikes get ball back. WWPD…What would Ponder do?

- Smith shows Packers DBs how to tackle.

- About freaking time refs. Webb can’t just put the ball up for grabs like that to avoid a sack. But he can do it all night long if picked! (The second Webb toss-up to avoid a sack).

- End of 1st quarter for the second time tonight. Packers up 7-3. (Because the challenge put time back on the first quarter clock the quarter ended twice in the game.)

- Nice challenge MM! Packers running game looking dangerous! (Review of the Harris rushing reaching TD).

- OK Grant and Harris both look strong tonight. The kind of problem MM can’t have enough of. (Grant looked good on the screen to get the ball down to the 9 for Harris).

- Act like you’ve caught a pass 4 a first down before 88! (Finley again goes a little nuts with his first down catch celebration. Nice catch. Keep playing 88).

- Looks like Red Batty put a lineman’s facemask on Wood’s helmet too. Bring it 21! (Charles is sporting a new lineman’s facemask on his brain bucket).

- I guess the in the grasp thing doesn’t apply anymore,eh? (Webb was in the grasp when he tossed the ball toward a gaggle of guys. Too bad nobody could pick it off).

- That was lame. Oh well. D back up after the punt. Better get used to Webb run first pass second. Until Pack D stops it anyway. (Packers fail to keep their drive alive).

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson (21) celebrates a play during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Webb completes one to the Lambeau turf and the D holds Vikes to 3. Pack O up next. Unless Jeremy Ross takes it 2 the house!

- Nice to have you back Chuck Wood! (Woodson makes his first one-on-one tackle of AP).

- Packers better man up against Webb. No way they can let that happen and still win this game. (Webb made some yardage on the ground early. Gladly it didn’t continue).

- Is it just me or is Wood wearing bigger shoulder pads? He looks determined! (Charles looked very intense during the pregame. Glad it carried over to the game!).

- Get C Mouth a new mic please. Not that I really want to hear him but the ground fault hum sounds craptacular in 5.1 surround! (CC’s hand mic had a bad connector during the two shot in pregame. Too bad we could still hear him over the hum!).

- Settling in for Vikes vs Pack. No Ponder. Webb instead. Problem? We’ll see but Packers gotta tackle anyway. Go Pack GO! (Twitter was blowing up with posts about Ponder being out and Webb being a running QB and that it would be like having two Petersons on the field).

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

With regard to the Fearsome Predictions I made prior to the game, as usual I hit a few and a few weren’t even close. Matthews had two sacks. Rodgers was sacked three times. Shields did get a pick. And the defense did limit Peterson to fewer than 100 yards. Harris had a TD on the ground. Cobb didn’t throw or complete a pass (admittedly I took a flyer on that one), but he did have some rushing yards. Rodgers didn’t throw for over 300 yards nor was he second in rushing yards. Oh well…you guess some right, you guess some wrong. Hey…they won. Besides- there is a disclaimer in place!

The Packers next play in San Francisco next Saturday night against the 49ers. That will be a great game! Neither team is the team it was on opening day. It’s my belief that Packers have a more versatile offense and a much better defense than they did on opening day. The rookie DBs in particular have made the Packers D better over the course of this season. The 49ers have a different QB, with different capabilities, but I still think the Packers are the better total team.

Follow me on Twitter if you like this stuff. And look for a pregame analysis post Friday on LombardiAve.com

The Packers said goodbye to the bye and so long to the Vikings! Bring on the 49ers! Go Pack GO!

The 11*-5 Green Bay Packers host the 10-6 Minnesota Vikings at frigid Lambeau Field Saturday night. Be on the lookout for a snowy Packers playoff win!

The Vikings got into the playoffs by beating the Packers last weekend in Minnesota 37-34. The Packers cannot blame anyone but themselves for letting the 2 seed and the bye slip out of their fingers as a result. Minnesota played well in the game, and although the Packers offense did a good job of battling back to tie the score at 34, the defense let them down. They couldn’t stop Peterson or Ponder. They’ll have to do better.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson was supposedly dealing with an abdominal injury suffered the week before during the Vikings win in Houston. Unfortunately he still ran all over the Packers all day, and therein lies the Packers primary challenge for the game on Saturday. How will they stop Peterson? Whatever can be done schematically or strategically won’t matter one tiny little bit if the Packers don’t tackle 28.

Dec 11, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Raiders 46-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Which Packers defense will show up for this game? We know that Chuck Woodson will be able to play. Exactly how he is to be utilized in the Packers defense against Minnesota has yet to be determined. It’s likely he will share time with rookie phenom Casey Hayward. It’s also likely he’ll be called upon to blitz, cover, and hopefully he’ll be effective whatever he’s asked to do.

The only Packers who will definitely not be able to play against the Vikings Saturday are Jerel Worthy and Jarrett Boykin. RB James Starks is still dealing with the knee he injured against the Vikings in the game at Lambeau. That makes this game’s injury report the least impactful it has been for several months running.

Vikings QB Christian Ponder showed up on their injury report with a bruised elbow. I doubt he’ll miss this game though. CB Antoine Winfield has a broken hand. He’ll probably try to play anyway. If Winfield does play look for the Packers to test him.

The obvious task for the Packers will be to “contain” Adrian Peterson. As in you can’t stop him. You can only hope to contain him. Last week the Packers did a poor job of tackling and a worse job of maintaining their gaps. The defensive secondary also did a sub-standard job tackling Peterson.

This is a simple game. If the Packers don’t contain Peterson they lose and watch the rest of the playoffs from their homes. If they do contain Peterson then it’s highly likely they win and move on against San Francisco next weekend.

Here are some things I’ll be looking for while I watch the game:

Packers offensive line. As always I’ll be looking at the O line play closely. A Rod was running for his life way too much last game. The big guys up front need to step up their play this time around. Opening holes for Harris, Grant, and Green will be just as important as their pass pro. The streak of games with over 100 yards rushing ended last week in Minnesota. I think it’ll be on the O line to start a new streak, and I’ll be watching them to see if they do just that. I would say they need to tackle, but they won’t be able to help contain Peterson.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Packers run game. DuJuan Harris is no longer a surprise. He’s quick, tough, and he’s fast. Last week Ryan Grant had 2 yards on two carries and then didn’t crack the lineup again. I think it will be different in this game. Harris doesn’t have much experience in cold weather, and Grant does. Will that be a concern for Harris? We’ll see, but either way we know MM plays the back with the hot hand. Even in the 16 degree weather with possible snow expected Saturday night at Lambeau. Every back toting the rock will have to protect it.

Packers passing game. It appears the Packers will have all their receivers back in battery except for Jarrett Boykin, who had the big 4^th down catch against the Vikings last week but was injured on that play. Cobbernicus will be back, along with Nelson, to go with Jones and Jennings. The receivers, as well as the TEs and backs, will have some weather-related challenges, but that will affect both teams equally. The Packers receivers will be expected to perform regardless of the conditions, and I’ll be watching closely to see how they catch, secure, and carry the ball after they catch it. Jennings had a monster YAC day last week. It would be great to watch him and the other receiver do that again Saturday night.

Aaron Rodgers did pretty much everything he could do to win last week’s game. He’ll need to do the same Saturday. If the defense does what they need to do Rodgers and the offense have more than enough ability to get the Packers past the Vikings. And I loved his comparison this week between the regular season, during which he says players earn their paychecks, and the post season, when players earn their legacies. He’s absolutely right about that and I’ll be watching 12, at least in part, so I can see him continue to build his legacy. I would appreciate it if he would get rid of the ball a little sooner though. You have to be alive to keep building that legacy Mr. Rodgers.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji (90) celebrates a play during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers defensive line / LBs.This game will be all about stopping Peterson. Again. Just much more important and there are no do-overs or second chances. So yes…Peterson is the best RB in the league. So what? Tackle him in a technically proficient manner and he’ll go down just like any other back. Maintain the gaps. Make Peterson have to overcome several tacklers if necessary. Don’t give him any easy yards. Gang tackle him. Leg tackle him. But tackle him! And most important- don’t let him get into the secondary. And please no finger wagging this time Raji- let the team run defense do the talking.

In the first game against the Vikings (Packers win) the Packers blitzed more than they did in the second game (Vikings win). I’ll be watching to see how many guys they unleash against Ponder this game. Best I can figure even Ponder can’t complete passes downfield or anywhere else from flat on his back. Under a pile of Packers pass rushers.

Packers DBs. Another obvious for the DBs this week. Packers DBs absolutely must do a superb job of tackling in this game. In the last game they did not and the team is playing Saturday because of it. Having Wood back in the mix will hopefully make a difference. He should have fresh legs. Hopefully Red Batty bought him some big boy shoulder pads to protect those collarbones. He’ll need them if he has to go after Peterson because the D line and LBs aren’t getting things done. I’ll be watching 21 to see how he’s getting around and communicating with the other DBs.

In the first game against the Vikings this season the DBs (particularly Burnett) also closed on INT opportunities. Last week Hayward has his hands on a potential pick but couldn’t finish it. I think if Capers dials up some blitzes and gets after Ponder the DBs will have opportunities for picks. I’ll be watching for them to seal the deal on those opportunities. And to tackle.

Packers special teams. Mason Crosby is back! Even so I think that MM shouldn’t even bother with anything over about 45 yards in the conditions forecast for Saturday night. I’m one of those guys who loves it when football teams always go for it on 4^th down. I know the Packers won’t ever adopt that approach, but it could be interesting when outside Mason’s range. As far as the slump being over I’m willing to give Crosby the benefit of the doubt. But fair warning- that won’t last much beyond the first missed FG attempt in the playoffs.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeremy Ross (10) returns a punt during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

I still think the Packers are due for a big play on special teams. Ross had a couple of really nice returns in last week’s game, but I’m left wanting more. Is Ross due for a TD return? Already? I’ll be watching Jeremy to provide at least one highlight-worthy return on Saturday night.

Fearsome Predictions:

DISCLAIMER: The writer assumes no responsibility and claims no expertise in the area of predicting random occurrences during sporting contests. If something accidentally occurs that the writer predicted, it is entirely coincidental and not the fault of, nor can credit be attributed to, the writer. (Sorry…my lawyer wanted to keep going but I ran out of money.)

- The Packers will run for over 100 yards in this game. Harris will have most of them.

- Harris will score at least one TD on the ground.

- A Rod will throw for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns.

- James Jones will lead the team in receiving yards.

- Rodgers will be the second leading rusher for the Packers.

- Aaron will be sacked three times.

- Cobbernicus will throw, and complete, a pass.

- Cobbernicus will catch at least one TD pass.

- Ponder will be sacked five times. Matthews will have two of them. Woodson will get one.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Morgan Burnett (42) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Ponder will be picked three times. Burnett will get one of them, Shields another, and a LB the third.

- If it does snow during the game, the roof will probably deflate or collap…oh, never mind. This game’s being played at Lambeau! In the elements! The way football was meant to be played!

- Try as they might, the Packers defense isn’t going to “contain” Peterson by holding him to fewer than 100 yards rushing. However, they will not allow him to set the all-time single playoff game rushing record.

Because the game will be played Saturday night and will be nationally televised, we plan to watch the game from the comfort of our large comfortable couch. Son John, who expressed reservations about that approach last week, has made the point that we watched at home and the Packers lost. If things don’t look good early we might be headed to Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. One way or another we’ll be watching the game and looking for a Packers home playoff victory!  I’ll be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Watch LombardiAve.com for the post game analysis.

Bring it Vikings! It’s win or go home! Go Pack GO!

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 32nd overall pick of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Week 17 FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April. While we at LombardiAve.com have the good fortune of having the playoffs to write about, draft season has already started for 20 NFL teams. We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions will shuffle some the remainder of the season, so the Packers position in round 1 will probably move around a bit. Here’s hoping that it ends up being the 32^nd pick in round 1!

Sep 29, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard (26) carries the ball against the Idaho Vandals in the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 27^th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Giovani Bernard, Running Back, North Carolina

Analysis: It’s time for the Packers to address their problems in the running game and they can do that by adding the top running back prospect in this year’s class.

I respectfully beg to differ with the FanSided pick. Aside from the fact that there are very few running backs in the league that were drafted in the first round, TT and the Packers brain trust can be counted upon to find a better overall value, and a more talented player, than Bernard in the first round. There are not going to be any Adrian Petersons in the 2013 draft. A player like him you go after.

Don’t misunderstand though. Bernard is a good RB and he will probably make some NFL team better. However, the Packers just can’t be expected to draft a RB in the first round- especially with so many talented linemen coming out this year.

Many people believe TT drafts best available player. If last year’s draft showed us anything it is that TT will load up on needs when those needs are apparent. In the 2013 draft the Packers needs are obvious. It seems equally obvious to me that Ted will move to improve the offensive and defensive lines several times in this draft. A running back will almost certainly be picked, but I seriously doubt it will be in the first round.

Oct 20, 2012; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A

Let’s look at some of those linemen. In previous mocks I mentioned players like tackle Jake Matthews from Texas A&M and center/guard/tackle Barrett Jones from Alabama as being my own choices for the Packers first pick.

Jake Matthews would probably go much higher than the Packers draft position, so it would take some wheeling and dealing for the Packers to get him. Jake’s father is Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews and Packers LB Clay Matthews is his cousin. The bloodline is strong with this one. TT would probably have to wheel and deal to get into position to draft him. Much the same as he did to get cousin Clay. Will he do it? I hope he does.

Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive linesman Barrett Jones (75) blocks during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Alabama won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Barrett Jones is my value pick because he can play all three line positions. We know the Packers like versatile linemen, and Jones is as versatile as they come. He could step in at LT or he could solidify the C position. He’s intelligent. He’s strong at the point of attack. He’s also a legitimate first round talent. Therefore, from a value perspective, Jones is my first round pick. Unless some other team nabs him first.

Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ricky Wagner (58) in the 2012 Rose Bowl game against the Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated Wisconsin 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I also mentioned tackle Oday Aboushi from Virginia and tackle Ricky Wagner from Wisconsin as other good, but not necessarily first-round, prospects. Would either of these guys be reaches for a first-round pick? Could be, but the line between a low first-round pick and a high second-round pick is pretty thin. Both of these guys might be available in the second round, but the Packers need to fill two roster positions on the O line. Unless TT believes the Packers are good long-term with Newhouse/Sherrod at LT and Dietrich-Smith at C, Matthews, Jones, Aboushi, and Wagner should all be on the short list of guys to watch on draft day.

Jan 2, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end (86) Zach Ertz leaps into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Stanford 41-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tight end Zach Ertz from Stanford would also be a great addition for the offense. He’s a Graham/Witten/Gronk type who would look awesome catching Rodgers passes and moving the chains over the middle. The Packers have several decent and reliable enough tight ends who have shown true talent, and one very talented but inconsistent Excedrin Headache #88, but they need a guy who will become a household name for the right reasons…not the wrong ones. Ertz can also block and he’s the fastest of the TEs coming out.

November 10, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans safety T.J. McDonald (7) after intercepting a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Safety T.J. McDonald from USC would help fill the gaping hole in the secondary left when Nick Collins was forced to retire. No disrespect to the current DBs, who have come a long way this season. But at 6-3 and 205 McDonald would give the Packers a hard-hitting presence in the secondary with speed and a nose for the football. And he can tackle. Thompson went DB-heavy last draft and that strategy has yielded several talented young contributors to a much improved defense. It’s simply not possible to have too many good DBs.

I just can’t see Ted Thompson drafting a RB in the first round. Thompson realizes that serviceable backs can be had in the middle rounds. It really doesn’t matter that much how good the RB is though. The offensive line has to block. The scheme has to be RB-friendly. I think at this point the Packers might not have their RB of the future, but they need their LT and C of the future more than a RB given the offense they run and their present roster.

We’re going to go through the prospects every week for a long time leading up to the actual draft in April. Each week we’ll break down the Packers needs from a Packers-centric perspective. This week’s piece is more review than new analysis. Let’s watch the bowl games, see how these guys perform, and then we’ll take a fresh look at their potential for wearing green and gold in 2013.

Go Pack GO!

Don’t forget to check out the entire mock at FanSided NFL 2013 Mock Draft

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The 11*-5 Green Bay Packers lost to the 10-6 Minnesota Vikings in purple-bathed Minneapolis today. I’ve said many times it’s not fun to write about the Packers when they lose. Today is no different. It’s always hard to watch the Packers lose. The idea of them having to play the Vikings, and Adrian Peterson, for a third time in the same season has me mumbling incoherently to myself in introspective moments.

The good news is the Packers are still in the playoffs. The bad news is they will face the very same Vikings next weekend in the first round of those playoffs. Instead of having a first-round bye. The Packers knew what was at stake and they allowed Minnesota to get the better of them anyway. There is nobody to blame for that but the Packers themselves.

This one was so close though! If the tipped pass incompletion is called correctly on the field. If Williams doesn’t commit the hands penalty in the red zone to keep the drive alive. If Hayward catches that pick. If any of these plays are different the Packers probably win the game.

I don’t have a lot of detailed analysis of this game, but I have some Chest Bumps and Thumps (more than a few thumps) from the Packers – Vikings game for you:

Thump – to the entire Packers defense for their craptacular tackling. This one is simple. Peterson doesn’t go for 199 yards if the Packers tackle. Again, most of his yards came after initial contact. Wash. Rinse. Don’t repeat!

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump - to Greg Jennings for his awesome YAC. 85 was huge today. 120 yards, 2 TDs, and a lot of his yards were after the great catches he made. He kept drives alive with his hands and feet. He had great separation on both of his TD catches, too.

Thump - to the Packers special teams for their craptacular tackling. Simple #2. The Vikings don’t have 171 yards on kickoffs if the special teams guys are making tackles. Every time the Packers kicked off it seemed the Vikings were close to breaking one for a TD. That can’t happen again.

Chest Bump – to Jeremy Ross for his big returns. In this game Jeremy Ross was huge. Even though he didn’t get much yardage after his first couple of returns, they were all impressive. He was hemmed in and escaped. He ran through tackles. He did a good job catching the kicks in traffic. I think he’s fully capable of getting the job done as the Packers return man.

Thump – to the officials for their lousy performance. The officials were atrocious. I usually don’t throw a bump or a thump their way, but come on zebras…get the calls right on the field and we’re not having this discussion. The NFL had better not assign Carey’s Keystone Refs to the game at Lambeau. Please!

Thump - to Tramon Williams for his sub-standard effort. Tramon is a good corner – maybe the team’s best corner. He seems to play his best games against the better receivers though. He was definitely not at his best today. His hands penalty allowed the Vikings to keep a drive alive in the red zone and ended up costing the Packers a TD. He didn’t tackle well. Aw shucks, let’s be honest. He didn’t tackle. As in zero tackles today. 38 has to play better next week!

Chest Bump - to Mason Crosby for making everything he attempted today. Crosby hit a 51-yarder and a 40-yarder and all of his PATs. You can’t do better than that. It would have been a perfect day if he had delivered deeper kickoffs and touchbacks, but 2 was flawless when it came to points today. We need him to keep that up!

Thump - to MM for throwing the red flag on the Jones TD. I normally wouldn’t throw a thump at MM, but his emotional red flag toss when the refs messed up the Jones TD call was just that – an emotional response. Jordy did everything he could to try and make it go away. Predictable, right? When it would help the Packers the refs don’t see it. When it will hurt the Packers they don’t miss a thing. Rodgers was a bit over the top with his reaction to Mike’s mistake, too. The end result was a Packers TD, and the penalty on MM ended up costing nearly nothing, but he’s got to play his game smart like everybody else. Know the rule coach!

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump – to DuJuan Harris for a solid effort. Harris had 70 yards on 14 tough carries. He looked good doing it and he did everything he could to keep the Vikings pass rush honest. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, but that wasn’t Harris’s fault. Grant started and had one 2 yard gain and a no gain. Harris definitely looked more explosive and fought hard for his yards. Nice job, 26!

Thump – to the Packers offensive line for giving up 5 sacks and too many hurries and hits on Rodgers. The Vikings have a good defensive line. In this game the Packers had what will likely be their best five guys on the O-line for the playoffs. The line did a decent job of opening holes for Harris but they whiffed on too many pass pro assignments to give them anything but a thump. I hope they play better next week. They need to.

Chest Bump - to B.J. Raji for a stout performance against Peterson today. Raji had four tackles of Peterson at the line of scrimmage, behind it, or just beyond it. He looked like a beast in there. That’s how the Packers coaches and we fans expect him to play. And that’s what he gets paid to do. But the finger wagging looks pretty stupid when the defense as a whole allows 28 to gain 199. It’s like a receiver going next-level with a celebration when he scores in a 55-7 loss – just plain goofy. Put the finger away 90 … just tackle with authority, baby.

Thump - to the Packers’ offense for their flat start. The Packers needed to come out of the gate fast in this game and they failed miserably. They need to find a way to avoid the flat starts. The playoffs won’t allow for that kind of slow speed feeling-out process. You’ve got to start like you mean it offense!

Thump - to the NFL for the absolutely stupefying rules about challenges and their usage. Look, this isn’t the first time officials have made mistakes and a team hasn’t been able to do anything about it because of the rules. I would argue no other team has been as profoundly affected by the rules and officials in general as the Packers have this season. None of that changes the fact that when a ref makes an obvious mistake, that everybody on the planet can see on their TVs and on the screens in the stadium, it should be corrected. Period. A mistakenly called play should not be allowed to stand because a team doesn’t have any time outs left in the half of play. The tipped pass play was a clear incompletion. It never should have been allowed … regardless of the procedures for replay.

Thump - to the Metrodome stadium pyro operator for the itchy trigger finger on the end-zone incompletion in the 4^th quarter. Seriously – it’s over-the-top enough when they blow fireworks in a domed stadium because the home team scores anyway. Let’s wait a second to see if they really did score before you hit the squib there Sparky!

Here are some selected tweets I broadcasted during the game – last ones listed first. Scroll down to read from the beginning of the game. They frame many of the comments made above. Yes … following me on Twitter is like drinking from a fire hose. Wife Deneen said I should cut a few out of my post-game rants, so I did. You can’t stop me. You can only hope to contain me. Review them at your own risk:

- This one’s over. Anybody think the Packers win at Lambeau? I’m not convinced.

- Casey didn’t look like a DROY in that play. Lets Vikes convert 3rd and 11. Gotta make a play now 29! (Hayward missed his assignment and allowed Jenkins to go free for the first down catch).

- There’s the Raji finger wag again. Hating that when run D and tackling has been so craptacular today. 90 playing well though.

- Crosby even in on tackles. Because special teams tackling sucks so bad today. Come on defense. Seal this deal!

- Tied up at 34 with 2:54 left. Is this how you saw this one going down? I sure didn’t!

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Back Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a pass during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Packers 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

- Nelson with the TD catch. Can’t stop this Vikings!

- Great run by Harris for another first down. Pack driving. (11 yarder on the right side).

- Great catch by Jennings for another first down. (14 yarder to 85).

- Great catch by Boykin for the first. Don’t know if he can play again though. Tackle looked bad. (Boykin has 1 catch for 7 yards on the stat line, but it was his 4^th down catch that kept the Packers drive alive. He ended up leaving the game on a cart).

- Barclay whiffs and Rodgers is grasped. Gotta have a score here.

- Jennings close but not close enough. This one’s way too close for comfort, but good teams win these games…not lose them. 34-27 Vikes. Go O (M.D. Jennings nearly picks Ponder in end zone but Vikings come up with the TD).

- Williams has had a crappy game and now he hands the Vikings a first down. Not good 38. (Williams with the needless and frankly stupid hands penalty).

- Fireworks for an incomplete pass? Only in the purple noisy! (pyro operator blows the fireworks for an incompletion).

- Who says Ponder can’t throw? (Ponder throws the 65 yarder to Wright).

- Crosby ties it up! 27 all. Game on defense. Time to earn those paychecks boys!

- Even MORE great YAC by Jennings for the first down.

- Nice uncalled facemask on Vikings 50 against Harris. Nice work refs!

- The Big Ragtop crowd sounds a little tense. Coming apart at the seams?

- Go Pack go cheers coming through in 5.1 surround sounds good!

- OMG the refs are more concerned about the challenge flag coming out than getting the call right. Dammit! (Carey seemed more concerned about making sure MM was penalized for the red flag toss than getting the call correct on the field).

- Yikeys I hope Carey’s Keystone Officials don’t do playoff games! Way too much ref BS going on in this one!

- Knee down…ball over goal line = TD (James Jones clearly had the ball over the goal line when his knee touched the turf. It didn’t have to take 12 minutes to figure that one out).

- Nelson gets behind the defense for 73 yards!

- Pack O has to score on every possession to win this game. They certainly can. Will they? They know what’s at stake.

- Costly penalty on 22. Not even disputable. (McMillian holding in the end zone).

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) continues to talk with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) after he was called for illegal use of the hands in the fourth quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

- What is up with 38? He’s the target of way too many plays today…and the Vikings are making those plays. Not Williams.

- Another illustration of the inconsistency associated with replay review. Could have gone either way but went the other way anyway. (Replay of Peterson fumble could have been inconclusive or subjectively judged as correctly called on field).

- Yikes…never ever do that again Sam! Too bad the fumble’s gonna be reversed on review. Pack needed that! (Shields laterals to Jennings on the Peterson fumble return…that wasn’t really a fumble.)

- Raji needs to stop that finger wagging crap when they do stop 28. Not enough stopping of 28 going on to back it up. (B.J. took to wagging his pointer whenever he was involved in a short gain or no gain against Peterson. Raji played a good individual game but defense sucked at tackling).

- And another drive dies because Rodgers is running for his life. Passes taking too long to develop. Presnap goofs aren’t helping either. Go D (false starts and whiffs in pass pro).

- Harris is looking strong today. When he has room he is hard to stop!

- Love Cobb but give me more Ross as returner! (not another long return but he looked like a viable alternative to risking Cobb on returns to me today).

- Aw Casey!!! Wish you had that one back? I sure do! (Hayward had his hands on a pick but couldn’t close the deal).

- More crappy tackling. Peterson goes over 2000 for the season.

- How did 85 get that wide open? In the end zone? For the TD? 20-17 Vikings. Pack coming back. Look out purple!

- More great YAC by 85! First and goal baby!

- Pack drive starts well and then stalls. Gotta finish O!

- Crosby nails a 51 yarder. Nice work Mason! 20-10 Vikings at the half. Pack with first possession 2nd half. Time for a dominating 2nd half!

- And the sack kills the drive. Too bad they couldn’t get that play to Finley.

- 28 hid behind his blockers until he could get free. That’s cheating…isn’t it? (Peterson 18 yards to GB 8).

- The challenge rules need to be changed. Today if possible. No way a play like that tipped pass should be allowed to count. Period. (after Wright catch of tipped ball that wasn’t a catch can’t be challenged due to MM being out of TOs).

- Pack special teams tackling sucks today. Needs to improve now.

- Rodgers finally finds 85 in the back of the end zone for the TD. Sweet redemption for Jennings and 7 badly needed points for Packers. Go D!

- Jennings atones for the great play earlier by bobbling the sure TD catch. Aw crappola.

- That ladies and gentlemen is a TD (throw to Finley ends up not being a TD after all).

- Great YAC by 85 to get the first down!

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeremy Ross (10) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

- Jeremy Ross…your new return man for the Green Bay Packers!!!! (after second big return- 32 yards).

- Pre snap goof kills a promising play…nice (delay of game).

- Harris is here to play too! (after nice 12 yard run on first down).

- Ross came to play today! (after nice 44 yard return).

- OK we’ve spotted them 13. Time to wake up and play with some fire or it’ll get unwatchable really soon.

- Raji looks beat already. Defense looks like hammered sh*t right now (after Fox showed the shot of 90 with hands on hips shaking his head while Vikings shoving the ball down the defense’s throat).

- Rodgers can’t run the offense from the sidelines while he watches AP beat the defense.

- Here we go…Vikings will go on 4th and 1. (and make it too).

- Another short field for Vikings offense. Better tackle boys!

- Packers better tighten up or they’ll be seeing purple again next weekend!

- More crappy tackling. This won’t work Packers!

- There are a few Packers fans in the Big Convertible today.

- Nice challenge MM! You must have heard son John and I yelling for the red flag! (MM challenges the sack by CM3 and wins).

- Where is the tackling Packers? Gotta do better than this!

- Nice bend don’t break defense to hold Vikes to 3. Let’s go offense! (Vikings first possession).

With regard to the Fearsome Predictions I made prior to the game, I’m in good company having thought this one would go a different way. Yes dear readers…it’s time for another mulligan. Nelson did have a 73-yard reception off play action but it wasn’t for a TD. Rodgers did throw for well over 300 yards (365), but it was a loss. Peterson didn’t get the record, but what was he, like 9 yards short? My projected numbers for Packers sacks, picks, total yards rushing … all turned out to be just so much overly-optimistic Packers-goggled drivel. Oh well. At least I don’t write for a Bears or Lions site!

The essential math is still that as the NFC’s third seed the 11*-5 Green Bay Packers will next host … the 10-6 Minnesota Vikings on Saturday night 1/5/2013 at 1900 CST on NBC.

Aug 9, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jarrett Boykin (11) during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

I have the same concerns most of you do. Will Woodson and Cobb be able to go? Will the injuries to Nelson, Matthews, Boykin, and Worthy in today’s game keep them out of the playoff rematch? Will Carey’s Keystone Refs work the game at Lambeau? Will I grow so exasperated with Collinsworth’s seemingly extemporaneous, certainly monotonous, and assuredly superfluous commentary that I’m forced to turn the 5.1 surround audio down so I can’t hear him?

How do the Packers make a big enough difference in less than a week to pull a victory out of their helmets? How much difference can they make in their woeful tackling with the wonderful new NFL policies about contact in practice? I know what my coaches would have done to us had any of the teams I played on tackled the way the Packers did today. We’d probably still be out there doing live 1-on-2 and 2-on-2 drills. No bags. Full pads. No dummies. Full speed.

Tackling sucked today. If it sucks on Saturday night it’ll be another early playoffs exit for the Packers. The Vikings will still have Adrian Peterson. The Packers will still have to tackle him. Something’s got to give. Don’t miss this one.

Who cares about the bye?

Bring on the Vikings!

AGAIN!

Go Pack GO!

The Aaron Rodgers to Randall Cobb connection may be interrupted this weekend.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The 11*-4 Green Bay Packers travel to Minneapolis to take on the 9-6 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in the final game of the 2012 regular season for both teams. The game was moved from a noon CST kickoff to 3:20 CST as the second game of the Fox doubleheader, so don’t miss it. It will be a good one.

The Vikings need to win the game to secure a shot at a playoff berth. If they lose they’re out … and Chicago is probably in. Bears fans will be horribly conflicted this weekend. They’ll be rooting for the Packers to beat the Vkings. Don’t go near Chicago on Sunday!

If the Packers win they secure the second seed in the playoffs, along with some extra time for players to heal due to the first-round bye that goes with it. If they lose they don’t get the bye, but will still be in the playoffs as NFC North Division Champion. I never thought I would (and after the Fail Mary always hoped I wouldn’t have to) say this, but thank you, Seattle, for beating the 49ers (quite convincingly, too) and putting the Packers in position to secure the two seed with a winny in Minny!

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been battling an abdominal injury suffered last week at Houston. He will play, but his effectiveness could be diminished. Well, probably not, but we can hope!

Nov 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Packers beat the Lions 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Packers WR Randall “Cobbernicus” Cobb has been nursing an ankle injury suffered against Tennessee. If he goes at all he’ll probably be limited. Rookie WR Jeremy Ross would handle returns for Cobb if he can’t go, and perhaps even if he can. WR Jordy Nelson may be back for this game as well. The only real question mark health-wise for the Packers is DB Charles Woodson, who will definitely not play. Many are wondering just how bad his collarbone injury really is. Either way the Packers look to be healthier for this game than any over the second half of the season.

The obvious task for the Packers will be to “limit” Peterson. I didn’t think the Packers could hold Chris Johnson under 100 yards last week, but they held him to only 28 yards. However, we’re not talking about the same kind of back or the same kind of O-line blocking for him either. The Packers will definitely need everybody to bring their A games, maintain gap control, and tackle exceedingly well if they hope to keep Peterson out of the record books.

Last week the Packers showed us just what they’re capable of in all three phases of the game. This week all three phases will be tested more vigorously, but the stakes are obvious. The Packers need to go out and execute. As in years past, they should look upon this game as a tune-up for the playoffs.

There has been some discussion about the importance of momentum maintenance. Is it better to have to play in the first round of the playoffs, thereby (assuming a win) maintaining momentum built up over the second half of the season? Or is it better to grab the bye by the horns, rest up, heal up, and then come out and tear through two playoff games as opposed to three of them – but at the risk of having to kickstart momentum for the playoffs while actually in the playoffs?

What do you think Packers Nation?

Here are some things I’ll be looking for while I watch the game:

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and guard Josh Sitton (71) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Packers offensive line. It looks as if the starting O-line will be Newhouse at LT, Lang at LG, Dietrich-Smith at C, Sitton at RG, and Barclay at RT. The same thing that concerned me last week concerns me again this week. If any of these guys have to leave the game who replaces them? We’ll be looking at more rookies and practice squad guys most of us haven’t heard of before. But … they’ll have to get the job done, much like Barclay has at RT. In any case the O-line will have my attention as I look at how they do against the Vikings pass rush and the kind of holes they open for the ball carriers. In all honesty they always have my attention. It all starts with the big guys up front!

Packers run game. Don’t look now, but the Packers have run for over 100 yards in their last five games. Starks is definitely out but Alex Green looks like he can soak up some carries this week. Harris and Grant both did well last week. Add Green to that mix and the Packers don’t have one guy who can do it all, but between them they’re getting it done. I’ll be looking for a fast track and a sometimes porous run defense to add up to another 100-plus yard game on the ground this week.

Packers passing game. It looks as if Nelson will be ready to go this week. Again, the Packers get one back and they lose one. This week it’s Cobbernicus who’s questionable with that ankle. The rest of the receivers will just have to carry the load if the dangerously intelligent Cobb can’t go. I almost wish MM would hold him out even if he’s cleared to play. He’s become such an important part of the Packers O that they can’t afford to lose him for the playoffs – whether they start next week or not for the Packers.

Finley had yet another big game against the Titans. It would be great to see him keep performing at that level. I didn’t hear anything this week about anybody harping about next year or how football is a business, so I’ll be watching for the receivers to run precise routes, make big catches, not give the ball to anybody except the officials, and above all to refrain from drops.

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers historically has good games in domed stadiums. He also historically has to run for his life when he’s going against the Vikings pass rush. I think Rodgers will be handing the ball off more than he’s throwing it in this game, but when he does throw it’ll probably be on the move more in this game than in others. There is nobody better at throwing on the move than 12. Just keep your head on a swivel, Aaron!

Packers defensive line/LBs. This game will be all about stopping Peterson. Just like Johnson last week, Peterson is a threat to score every time he breaks into the clear from anywhere on the field. And just like last week the big guys up front will have to tie up blockers and let the LBs get to Peterson early enough that he can’t get into a footrace with the DBs.

Having Matthews back for this game will be huge. He missed the previous Vikings game and I believe a decent chunk of that huge day Peterson had was because 52 wasn’t there to close and finish. I’ll be looking for the Claymaker to have a big game against Peterson and the Vikings O-line.

Everybody will be getting after Vikes QB Christian Ponder. Minnesota is dead last in the league in passing offense. I’ll be watching for the Packers’ pass rush to help the Vikings maintain that ignominious statistic.

Packers DBs. The Packers secondary mission this week is to ensure that there are no easy yards for Vikings receivers. But first and foremost they have to be sound in run support and when they have to tackle they’ll have to tackle well. If Peterson gets into the open field he’ll have to be tackled after doing as little damage as possible. If Peterson is held below 100 yards it will be in large part because the Packers DBs tackled effectively.

In the previous game against the Vikings this season the DBs also closed on INT opportunities. This week I’ll be looking for them to have chances at picks again, and I’ll be watching for them to make those plays. If they do, Peterson can run all day between the 30s but it won’t matter on the scoreboard.

Packers special teams. So which Mason Crosby will the Packers get this week? The one who made everything he tried last week, or the one who has been, shall we say, inconsistent this season? This game will be indoors and Crosby historically kicks well in domed parks, but will that be enough to push the numbers in the right direction?

I’m all for loyalty. I’m all for giving second, third, and fourth chances when warranted. Crosby has, in my opinion, used up all his chances. If he doesn’t kick well in this game things might get ugly.

I still think the Packers are due for a big play on special teams. Could be a big return, could be a blocked punt … let’s just hope it’s not another lateral pass on a punt return!

Fearsome Predictions:

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) rushes with the football during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- The Packers will run for over 100 yards in this game, extending the streak to six consecutive games over the century mark on the ground. The O-line, especially Sitton and Barclay on the right side, has done a good job of opening holes for Grant, Harris, and Green. Expect that to continue this week.

- Somebody will get loose for a long (40-yard or more) run against Minnesota.

- At least two of the Packers TDs will be scored on the ground.

- Rodgers will throw for well more than 300 yards and at least three touchdowns. His QB rating will be 125 or better.

- The Packers will have a long TD reception off play-action – probably to Nelson.

- The Packers will sack Ponder four times. Matthews will have two of them. Neal will have another.

- The Packers will intercept three Ponder passes. Burnett will get one of them, Shields another, and one of the opportunistic LBs will snag the third.

- The Packers will have fewer penalties than the Vikings, but there will be a few pre-snap goofs due to the noise, both real and artificial, in the Metrodome. Let’s just hope the roof stays up!

- Try as they might, the Packers defense will not hold Peterson under 100 yards rushing, but they will not allow him to set the all-time single season rushing record.

- The Vikings crowd will be waving their “rally towels” and much will be made of the purple lighting vindictively turned against innocent and defenseless landmarks in the area, all in an effort to get Vikings fans to get behind their team. They haven’t done the towel thing since Favre was a Viking! Imagine having to be reminded to get behind your team!

Because the game was changed to a late kickoff we’ll probably be watching the game from the comfort of our own media center. Son John expressed reservations about that approach, stating tradition, strong Packer fan turnout, and the surprisingly good pub food to be enjoyed at Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. He’s also hard in the middle of his Christmas break. One way or another we’ll be watching the game and looking for a Packers victory!  I’ll still be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Watch Lombardiave.com for the post game analysis.

Bring it, Vikings! This is it! Go Pack GO!

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Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is brought down by Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The 11*-4 Green Bay Packers defeated the 5-10 Tennessee Titans 55-7 at frigid Lambeau Field today. This was a fun one to watch. The Packers poured it on the Titans. They also clinched the third seed in the playoffs.

In order to move any higher they’ll have to have help from Seattle on Sunday night, but at this point they’re in a good position no matter what happens on the left coast.

This was the four quarters team beat down for which we’ve all been waiting. Had this performance come against a better team I would have enjoyed it even more, but I can’t complain (much) about any 55-7 Packers victory. I just hope they have some left for the Vikings next week!

Chest Bumps and Thumps (just a couple for the sake of balanced reporting only) from Titans-Packers:

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) tackles Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to the Packers run defense. This was a game in which it was thought that Johnson might break a long one and might even help keep Tennessee in the game. Didn’t happen. Locker actually outgained Johnson today. The Packers did an excellent job of controlling the line of scrimmage and keeping Johnson hemmed in. He only rushed for 28 yards on 11 carries. Locker had 32 but his 22 yarder was the majority of it. The Packers will need this kind of performance next week against Minnesota. Now we know they can do it.

Chest Bump- to Randall Cobb for his brainy play on the second half kickoff. Cobb realized that by rule if a receiver is out of bounds when he takes possession of the ball on a KO the ball is ruled out of bounds, just as if the ball had been kicked out of bounds. Result was the Packers got the ball at the 40. Nice headwork 18! Hope that ankle isn’t serious though. Get well soon “Cobbernicus”!

Chest Bump- to Ryan Grant for his strong running and ball security. Grant looked like he was going to get to 100 yards in the game but instead ended up with 80 yards and 2 rushing TDs. Rushing TDs are like crackers and ketchup packets after the apocalypse. You just can’t have too many. The Packers actually scored 4 TDs on the ground today. Rodgers had one and so did Harris. This Packers run game is growing on me.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) runs past Tennessee Titans safety Al Afalava (38) to score a touchdown in the 4th quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to Jeremy Ross for his outstanding work on punt returns. When Cobb went out in the 3^rd quarter after an ankle injury returning a punt Ross stepped in and returned one 58 yards to set up the first Grant rushing TD. He more than made up for his role in the punt-pass-drop play last week in Chicago. I personally don’t think he had to make up for that, but he did. He’s square with the house and then some now.

Thump- to Aaron Rodgers for uncharacteristically overthrowing his receivers. Rodgers was under pressure and his game was tight most of the day, but there were a few really badly thrown balls in this game. When 12 gets to the QB room to watch the film he’ll wish he had those throws back. I wish he had them back now. The one intended for Cobb early was on his hands but I scored that as an error on the throw. This has happened a few times in the last few games. I know I’m reaching on this one. 27 of 38 for 342 yards and 3 TDs plus one on the ground, does not make for a somber meeting room on Monday. The overthrows won’t go away until they’re addressed though. Is it routes, receiver speed, or just pressure on Rodgers? Could be all three, but it needs to be looked at.

Chest Bump- to the Packers receivers. Jones had 100 yards. Cobb 62. Jennings 45. All had TDs. Finley had 70 yards and a couple of clutch catches to convert third downs. He also had a spectacular near-catch that would have been a top play of the day candidate. All battled for YAC and blocked well. This might have been their best collective effort this season. Packers receivers (all 8 who caught a pass today) did a great job.

Collective Chest Bump- to the Packers for committing one penalty for 10 yards in the game. It just won’t get much better than that in the NFL. Tennessee did their best early to blow any chance they might have had to get on the board by shooting themselves in the foot with penalties and turnovers on their first few possessions. The Packers played clean ball and that translated to the bottom line in a game like this one.

Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump- to Brad Jones for 7 tackles, 3 assists, and a sack. Jones seemed to be all over the field today and indeed he was. He had a couple of nice no-gain tackles and his sack was huge at the time.

Chest Bump- to Mike Neal for being the disruptive force the Packers need him to be. Neal had two tackles and a sack, but he was blowing up blocks all day and in so doing he helped facilitate the other 6 sacks the Packers put on the Titans today. It’s great to see 96 back and with any luck healthy for the playoffs.

Thump- to MM and coaching staff for leaving Rodgers, Matthews, and Shields (among others) on the field for longer than what many fans thought necessary. It was great to score 55, but much less would have won this game. OK…Look- I said I had to put a couple of thumps in here for balance. I’m still reaching! Work with me.

Collective Chest Bump- to the Packers offensive line for a solid performance today. Evan Dietrich-Smith did a good job at C. There were no issues with snaps or egregious blocking assignment calls that I saw. Barclay did a good job at RT. Yes Rodgers was sacked once and pressured a bunch, but O line play has been much worse this season. If they have to go into the playoffs with Newhouse at LT, Lang at RG, EDS at C, Sitton at RG and Barclay at RT they could be worse off. A similar performance against the Vikings next week would be even better.

Chest Bump- to the Packers pass rush for 7 sacks in the game. Jones, Hawk (2), Neal, Matthews, Shields, and Moses all got to Locker. Hayward should have gotten one but Locker made it back to the line of scrimmage before 29 got him down. This was as dominant performance as the defense has had this season. It wasn’t all about the quality of the opponent either. Scheme and individuals making big plays when needed were the primary factors.

Chest Bump- to Mason Crosby. Number 2 did not miss a kick all day. So what if one of his 2 FGs was a doink job. It went through didn’t it? And 7 of 7 PATs on top of 2 for 2 on FG attempts makes for a good day. Keep it up and pretty soon fans will begin to believe again! Happy for Crosby!

Here are the tweets I broadcasted during the game- last ones listed first. Scroll down to read from the beginning of the game. I think they frame the comments made above. Yes there are a whole lot of them. Following me on Twitter is like drinking from a fire hose, but nobody has told me they don’t want to see them any more either. Review them at your own risk:

- Final 55-7 Packers. This was finally a fun one to watch! More later on http://LombardiAve.com . Go Pack GO!

- Aww man! Looks like the shutout is off the table after the long pass to Britt. (Shutout goes away with 1:42 left. Bummer.).

- Brad Jones with a sack of Locker…then a shameless sack dance. Packers look strong today but will need every bit against Vikings next up.

- Harrell has GOT to learn to get his feet under him! Yikes! (Harrell trips and falls again in the backfield).

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) is congratulated by guard Greg Van Roten (64) and tight end Ryan Taylor (82) after kicking a field goal during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

- No hex no jinx but Crosby has not missed a kick. All day. Packers up 55-0 with 6:25 left.

- Grant with another rushing TD. Kuhn shaded to the right then led left and Grant had a mostly clear path to the EZ. Nice to have you back 25.

- Harrell throws a laser to Jones to set up 4th and 2. Grant picks up 2 and a half to convert 4th down.

- Vikings playing HUGE in Houston today. Up 23-6 with about 4 minutes left. Texans don’t play catch up ball well at all.

- Now THAT was a great looking TD run on the left side of the OL by Grant. And Harrell didn’t trip or fumble!

- Ross returns punt 58 yards with great blocking. Get ready for another TD Packers fans!

- Sam Shields with a sack! They’re sending everything at the Titans today!

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) celebrates a sack during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 55-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Hayward with the stop of Locker on a designed QB run. Too bad he won’t get a sack for that one.

- 41-0 Packers at 14:00 left to play. I’d feel better if they played like this against a better team but this is still fun to watch.

- Nice running after catch by Jones and the ball in the EZ for a TD! Packers pouring it on. Can we sit some guys NOW MM? (obviously I figured he would sit 12 and 52 at least. Wrong.).

- Packers up 34-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Time to sit some starters MM!

- Taylor fighting for YAC to get the first down. Packers receivers working it hard today! (haven’t seen official YAC stats yet but they were big in this game).

- Jones with some nice hard-fought YAC!

- Come on MM…you don’t need 12 in there to hand off.

- Neal with the sack of Locker to force the punt.

- Time to rest some starters MM? Please? Get 12 and 52 out of there.

- I did smell 34-0! Grant with nice catch and carry to get the ball to the 1 and Jennings with the TD catch and lunge. Pack pouring it on.

- Jennings with the big drop. Rodgers hurting after getting roughed. All for naught as offsetting penalties nullify play.

- Rodgers uses the ref as another blocker while scrambling but pass goes nowhere.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) runs between Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown (55) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) to score a touchdown in the 4th quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

- Jones with the good catch to convert 3rd down and YAC for more.

- Good stop for Pack D. Bending not breaking again. Pack O next up…I think I smell 34-0.

- Hawk with another sack! Nice up the middle rush and puts Titans in 3rd and 19.

- Raji with a no doubt tackle of Johnson for loss. Love it!

- Harris makes it TWO rushing TDs in this game. That sounds so awesome! Nice work by Barclay too. Pack up 27-0. (Barclay is proving to be a good run blocker).

- Rodgers does not need to be taking LBs on while he runs. Slide 12.

- Smart play by Cobb picking the ball up while out of bounds. Gets the Packers the ball at the 40.

- 20-0 Packers at the half. Pack O starts with first 2nd half possession.

- Rodgers has overthrown at least two long passes where receiver had a half step on defender. Earlier to Cobb and now to Jones. (Rodgers also overthrew Jennings).

- Finley with almost the catch of the year. Would have been nice. (Nice one haded attempt ended up touching the turf before he corralled it).

- Rodgers induces encroachment to gain 5 yards. Nobody better at that in today’s NFL.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to throw a pass during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Rodgers with the jump pass. Nice! (Rodgers goes vertical to get his pass to Finley).

- Dierdork just enjoys making home crowd TV audience squirm. (Dan heaped praise on the Titans for the touchback-saving play. I guess he had to be balanced in his reporting too.)

- It sure looked like that punt broke the end zone plane before Titans player saved it. (It was so close to a touchback!)

- Defense tightens again and the Packers get another chance before the half.

- Don’t really want to see the Vikings team that’s up 13-3 on Houston next week.

- Moses collects low hanging fruit sack by falling on the fallen Locker. He’ll take it though!

- Love the shot of McCarthy applauding relievedly after Crosby doink. The applause for Crosby. The smile for MM. WHEW!

- Crosby doinks one through. Gotta love it!

- Rodgers gets hammered on 3rd and 6 pass play. Can’t let him take hits like these all day coaches!

- Nice uncalled PF facemask on Grant during the 4th down run. Thanks for nothing refs.

- Instead of running on 3rd and short the Packer try a pass and don’t convert. Who’s calling plays today? (They ended up going for it anyway).

- Was that run by Rodgers on 2nd and 2 a designed play? I hope not! (Couldn’t tell if that was designed or a broken play).

- Kuhn with the first down catch and run. What was that leap stuff though? (Kuhn left his ordinarily well-planted feet at the end of the play even though he had the first down).

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) runs past Tennessee Titans safety Al Afalava (38) to score a touchdown at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

- Harris in at RB now for Packers.

- Titans try a Packers play…passing on 4th down. Incomplete. Pack takes over. Bend don’t break? I liked it better when they stopped Titans.

- Packers D suddenly seems suspect. Better tighten up D.  (Titans moved the ball initially but ended up stalling).

- Crosby makes the FG to put the Pack up 17-0. Like it. Love it. Want some more of it!

- Rodgers’ bionic ankles working well today. He’s scrambled for about 6 yards forward and nearly 60 side to side so far today.

- Too bad Rodgers couldn’t find somebody open but if he had it would have been a spectacular play. (Rodgers scrambles around for about 18 seconds but can’t find anybody open).

- End 1st QTR Pack up 14-0 and threatening to put another 7 up on the Titans. Two Titans TOs and a bunch of penalties. Can’t win that way.

- Walden with the LB pick! Nice return too. Pack O in business again at the Titans 14.

- NICE sack by Hawk! DC Capers dialing up the pressure today.

- Matthews with a nice tackle of Johnson for loss. Johnson looks like he might have a bad wheel now.

- Blitz caved the O line and Rodgers goes down. Take no advantage of the TO. There will be more opportunities though. Gotta capitalize!

- Too bad Cobb couldn’t haul that one in. (First down pass just out of Cobb’s reach)

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) celebrates an interception during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Sam. Shields. Pick. Sam played the ball better than the receiver did. Simple as that. Nice work 37!

- And Titans longest play of the game…is a QB sneak.

- Another TD pass to Cobb. Nobody makes that throw but Rodgers. Nobody. (Rodgers scrambles right and throws a dart to Cobb for the TD).

- Short field for Pack O again.

- Johnson has GOT to be feeling that tackle by Neal. That had to hurt! (Neal makes a statement tackle of Johnson for no gain).

- I disagree with the IG call but it’s against Titans so you go refs! (Refs called intentional grounding with RB receiver right there).

- Rodgers with a nice up the middle TD run. Good thing 38 missed though. Pack up 7-0. (Afalava had Rodgers noggin in his sights before 12 ducked).

- Grant making one cut and going for 20. Then a nice 10 yarder. Nice runs by 25.

- Grant carrying with both hands on the ball for the first down. Keep it up 25!

- Thanks Titans for messing that series up. Packers fans eat that stuff up!

- How did he get that open? (pass to WIDE open Thompson initially ruled a catch but wasn’t).

- That was on Rodgers. He overthrew it. That’s that. Lucky it wasn’t picked. Come on D! (3^rd and 7 pass to Cobb was hot and high).

- Harris needs some holes O line. Get him some daylight to run through!

- Cobb was so close to breaking that 2nd down pass for much more!

- Nice 3 and out by Pack D. Batted pass, stop of Johnson for loss, and a sack. It gets no better!

- Raji with the batted pass. Nice work.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Don Barclay (67) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- Starting Pack O line RT Barclay, RG Sitton, C EDS, LG Lang, LT Newhouse.

- Neal and Moses starting. Defense stiffens before the first play.

- Settling in at Tailgators for Titans at Packers. COLD at Lambeau. Packers need the win. We think Packers get it. It’s their kind of weather.

With regard to the Fearsome Predictions I made prior to the game, I’m always happy to underestimate the Packers. I don’t need a mulligan when they perform like they did today. In my defense I did hit the totals on INTs with 2, and one by a LB (Walden). Shields got the other INT instead of Hayward. I hit Rodgers’ TD pass total. Nobody dropped a pass in the end zone. Penalties were down. Way down. Refs didn’t hit Shields with a penalty but he still had an awesome game. So I figured Johnson would have more yards. Who didn’t? But I’m more than happy he only ended up with 28. That was one of his lowest totals of the season!

The 11*-4 Green Bay Packers next visit the Metrodome, unless the roof caves in again and they have to play someplace else, to take on the 9-6 Vikings. They’ll still have Adrian Peterson and they showed today in their win at Houston that they are a dangerous team. Maybe Houston had nothing to play for. The Packers certainly do. The Packers will have their work cut out for them. It should be a good one!

Bring on the Vikings! Go Pack GO!

Sep 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday (63) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. The 49ers defeated the Packers 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The 10*-4 Green Bay Packers host the 5-9 Tennessee Titans at snowy Lambeau Field on Sunday. The Titans don’t have much to play for except pride, with no shot at the playoffs this season. On the other hand, the Packers are playing for a possible second seed and a first round bye in the playoffs. So which would be better? A first round bye or continuation of the momentum the Packers currently have? There are definitely two sides to that coin. What do you think?

This will be the first of two games the Packers will play in which the opposing team fields an excellent running back. Coming up are Chris Johnson of the Titans this week and Adrian Peterson of the Vikings next week. The Packers run defense will be tested early and often in both games. It’s time to tackle boys.

The Titans give up a lot of points and a lot of rushing yards. Their pass defense is ranked 19^th in the league. The Packers should win this game, even with their banged up roster. But if they get into that whole play-down-to-your-opponent’s-level thing then we could be in for a long afternoon.

I hope the Packers will come to play and treat the frigid crowd at Lambeau to an entertaining game. Entertaining as in the Packers finally putting four quarters-worth of good game together that is. I think they will do just that.

Here are some things I’ll be watching while I’m watching the game:

Packers offensive line. The latest news is that veteran C Jeff Saturday was benched, to be replaced by Evan Dietrich-Smith. Then word came down that RT Don Barclay is questionable with some kind of illness. The Packers might be forced to slide LG Lang to RT, move EDS to LG, and put Saturday back at C for this game. They’ve had to go that way before.

What really concerns me is that if any of these guys have to leave the game the O line cupboard is pretty bare right now. Will they bring another O lineman up from the practice squad? We’ll see. I’ll be watching the O line closely and for how the Packers scheme in some help for the big guys up front.

Packers run game. For the last three weeks the run game has been a very pleasant surprise. Hopefully at some point it will stop being a “surprise”, but I don’t think we’re quite there yet. With Starks definitely out and Green dealing with a concussion it looks as if the ball will be handed to either Grant or Harris. Behind whichever makeshift O line the Packers can put on the field they’ll have to make an impact and keep the Titans from committing too much to pass defense. I’ll be watching to see if Harris continues to show flashes of potential and for Grant to look strong while holding on to the ball.

Aug 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers passing game.

TE Jermichael Finley had his biggest game all season last week against Chicago. With Nelson out and Cobb now nursing a sore shoulder, Finley, Jennings, and Jones will have to suck it up and make things happen for Rodgers. All are bona fide stars and it’s time to play like them. Jones in particular has a strong outing against Chicago last week. I think it’ll probably be somebody else this week though. Maybe it’ll be Jennings.

I’ll be watching Jennings closely. Once again he’s been telling the media how he’s not sure he’ll be a Packer next year and that it’s all business. Greg- this is this year. Not next year. Packers fans love you, even if they can’t quite get their heads around your commercials. Please…shut up and just ball! I’ll also be watching for the receivers to emphasize ball security.

Aaron Rodgers showed up on the injury report with a sprained ankle this week. The word is that he doesn’t tape them so he has “strong” ankles. As if I ever would have doubted that. Behind the patched together O line he had better be able to move around and make things happen with his bionic ankles and quick feet though.

Packers defensive line / LBs. This game will be all about stopping Chris Johnson. He’s a threat to score every time he breaks into the clear from anywhere on the field. The bigs up front will have to tie up blockers and let the LBs get to Johnson early enough that he can’t get into a footrace with the DBs.

Titans QB Jake Locker is a decent enough game manager, but it’s unlikely he can beat the Packers via air mail. Back for the Packers are Mike Neal and Clay Matthews. Both will have big roles in a successful Packers defense Sunday. It’s good to see 52 getting after QBs again!

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Casey Hayward (29) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field. The Browns defeated the Packers 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers DBs. The Packers secondary has to shut down the Titan receivers and keep them from making explosive plays. But the DBs all know that part of defending a team like Tennessee is making sure that if Johnson gets into the open field he is tackled effectively after doing as little damage as possible. I doubt the Packers will hold Johnson to less than 100 yards.

In my opinion as long as Johnson does not get loose for explosive runs his yardage totals won’t matter much. I’ll be watching the Packers defensive secondary to see how well they control the Titans passing game and to support run defense by tackling well. When Locker does throw he’s not always accurate and can be picked. Hayward and Shields need to be ready for that.

Packers special teams. Another game with Crosby as kicker makes me more than a little bit nervous, but the coaches and TT must see something in him and they’re right much more often than wrong. The Titans have a good return game so the Packers had better make sure they’re covering kicks well. It’ll be cold at Lambeau so maybe a Titans returner can be separated from the ball on a kickoff or punt. I’ll be watching for a big play on special teams this week.

Fearsome Predictions:

- The Packers will use the run game to set up the pass more effectively in this game. With the O line as banged up as they are I wouldn’t expect big rushing totals, but explosive runs will happen if Grant or Harris get holes to run through.

- At least one of the Packers TDs will be scored on the ground.

- Rodgers will throw for well over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns.

- The Packers receivers will not drop a ball in the end zone.

Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

- The Packers will sack Locker three times. Clay Matthews will have two of them.

- The Packers will intercept two Locker passes. Hayward will get one of them, and one of the LBs the other.

- Referees will be watching Sam Shields closely after his performance against Chicago last week. He’d better not be doing anything illegal because the league had its eyes opened last week to just how close 37 was to DPI on a couple of those plays against Jeffery. Not that he actually did commit DPI…of course he absolutely did not. Just sayin’

- The Packers will finally benefit from emphasis on prevention of pre-snap penalties enough that they will have fewer penalties than the Titans.

- The Packers defense will not hold Johnson under 100 yards rushing, but they will keep him from scoring on an explosive run.

We’ll be watching the game with a bunch of Packers (and an unruly mix of other) fans at Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. As usual I’ll be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

Watch LombardiAve.com for the post game analysis.

Bring it Titans! Go Pack GO!

The 10*-4 Green Bay Packers defeated the 8-6 Chicago Bears 21-13 to become your 2012 NFC North Division Champions today in Chicago.

The Packers played their usual bend-but-don’t-break defense and had enough good plays on offense to win the game. In the grand scheme of things I guess it doesn’t matter how the Packers win, but I’m still waiting for another beat-down of a good team like in the Texans game so long ago.

Early in the game it looked as if the Packers would end up on the short end of this one. They came alive in the second quarter and the defense saved them from several would-be fatal mistakes. They can’t count on that to happen again. Elimination of the mistakes has to be their emphasis over the next two weeks and in the playoffs.

Chest Bumps and Thumps from this one:

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) is congratulated by free safety M.D. Jennings (43) for breaking up a pass to Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers beat the Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump - to Sam Shields. His coverage was solid. He managed to get the better of Alshon Jeffery on most of the calls. He came up big in another Bears game. Nice work 37!

Thump - to the play call on the Cobb special teams gadget play. Whoever made that decision needs to be psychologically evaluated. If there has ever been a good time to make that call, and I’m not convinced there ever has, it certainly was not when it was called in this game. Credit the Packers defense for holding the Bears to only 3 points after that horrible call!

Chest Bump - to Clay Matthews. Five tackles and two assists. Two sacks. Several hurries. One knocked down pass. And one entirely forgettable sack dance. Nice to have you back 52. Seriously Clay…the sack dance initially had everybody laughing pretty hard at Tailgators, but when the reality of what you did set in I think several of us threw up in our mouths a little.

Fatal Thump - to Mason Crosby. I’m sorry. I’m a Crosby supporter. I thought he could work his way out of the slump, and indeed I thought he had done so. But sloppy surface at Soldier Field or no, I think Crosby’s performance in this game was the last straw.

Chest Bump - to the Packers run defense. Holding the Bears to 83 yards net rushing (and 190 total yards!) will get you a chest bump every time.

Thump - for the first half start. Seriously guys – what’s with the slow starts the last several weeks? Why make things harder on yourselves than they already are? Please come out and assert yourselves just for practice soon because that crappy start stuff won’t fly in the playoffs.

Chest Bump - to James Jones. Great job by 89 with the hat trick. Three TD catches, each one better than the last. Jones had a drop early in the game but his overall performance (5 catches for 60 yards and 3 TDs) was the difference-maker in this one.

Thump - for the penalties. The Packers were once again penalized more than their opponents in this game. OK … so take away the 53 yard DPI call on Burnett and their yardage comes out far less than Chicago’s total, but both teams were making big mistakes in pass D. The Packers have got to stop making mistakes before the snap. False starts and delays of game are completely avoidable and preventable errors. Fix them!

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers beat the Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Chest Bump - to Jermichael Finley. J Mike had his best game this season. 5 catches for 61 yards and a long of 31, which was a thing of beauty consisting of a bunch of YAC. So was Finley motivated by the team’s need for him to produce a performance fitting for a start TE in the biggest game of the year, or was it a certain columnist’s take on his future? Whatever caused it he came up big against the Bears today. Can we count on him to do it again this season? I sure hope so!

Thump - to Ryan Grant. The play during which Ryan Grant caused seismographs all over the world to register Packer Nation’s collective groan started out nicely. EDS was in the backfield to block on the right side and Grant had a nice opening to scamper through. He took advantage of it and started to go back toward the left, but Peanut Tillman did what Peanut Tillman does – knocking the ball out of Grant’s grasp and causing the groan heard around the planet. The Bears got nothing out of it but Grant has got to keep that from happening.

Chest Bump – to B.J. Raji. B.J. dropped it on Forte for no gain a couple of times in this game. He’s another player who always seems to have his best games against Chicago, and he had one today. Officially credited with only one tackle in the game, Raji disrupted several running plays and was a force rushing up the middle consistently. Nice job 90.

Chest Bump – to Randall Cobb. Randall Cobb broke the Packers all-time single-season combined yardage record in this game. With several clutch grabs and totals of 6 catches for 115 yards and a long of 31 yards, Cobb kept drives, and Rodgers, alive several times. One has to wonder how long he can continue to take shots like the one he took on the punt return in the fourth quarter though. The gadget play pass wasn’t commendable, but I don’t think that was his fault.

Thump – to Brad Jones. Jones had a decent stat line (6 tackles 2 assists) in the game and played stout run defense but his whiff of Marshall allowed Marshall to score his TD. It would have been a better stat line at 7-2 but as it turned out I think Jones’ overall contribution probably overshadowed his glaring missed tackle.

Thump and a Bump - Casey Hayward for first getting stiff armed (easily it seemed) by Marshall on his way to a TD after Jones whiffed on his tackle. Later he finished on his INT opportunity – picking Cutler off and returning 12 yards to the 26 to set up the Packers second TD.

Collective Chest Bump – to the Green Bay Packers 2012 NFC North Division Champions. The football gods have thrown an awful lot of challenges at the Packers this year. They used perseverance, dedication, and overall team character to overcome. Congratulations!  

Here are the marginally insightful and mildly entertaining tweets I broadcasted during the game – last ones listed first. Scroll down to read from the beginning of the game. I think they frame the comments made above. And nobody has told me they don’t want to see them any more either. Review them at your peril:

- Not a pretty one but a W is a W. So Packers own Central Division for 2012. More later on http://LombardiAve.com . Go PACK!

- Nice work by Masthay to bury Bears at their own 2 yard line. One more job for Pack D.

- Shields non-PI, even if it was PI, was payback for horrible helmet to hands call earlier in the game. Karma incarnate.

- Sam Shields clutch defense on 4th down! Nice work 37…thanks from a grateful Packer Nation.

- Jeffery needs a little bit of remedial instruction on how not to get clear of a defender. (His third OPI call against Shields).

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

- Clay bats one. Just don’t do that dance again 52!

- Dammut…3rd and 3 and they go long downfield pass? Let’s just give the game to the Bears and stop screwing around.

- Bears D starting to look a little tired. Run it down their throats.

- Harris looking strong again on the run. Where has he been?

- So what Troy…it WAS a penalty. Shut your pie hole. They call that every week in the wonderful new NFL. Adapt or die. (Troy Aikman didn’t like the roughing call on Peppers. I didn’t like it either, but get used to it).

- Another nice stop by defense to hold Bears to 3 again. No more freaking gadget plays! Just run the ball!

- Jeffery had Shields in his grasp the entire time the ball was in the air. Nice non-call refs! (near pick by Shields against Jeffery).

- Worst. Call. Of. The. Year! (the pass on the punt return…duh!).

- Who called that horrible gadget play on the punt return? Can we blame that on Crosby too?

- OK…so what are we calling Claymaker’s new sack dance? (Clay sacks Cutler on 2^nd and 17 and “dances”).

- Raji playing with some fire today. He’s having a good game against the Bears.

- That’s a fork sticking out of Crosby. Pack can’t possibly look upon his performance today as anything other than the last straw.

- Rodgers runs…hearts leap into throats. Didn’t pick up the first either. And then Crosby doinks. He’s done.

- Nice catch by 85 to pick up most of holding call penalty. (picks up 14 yards out of the 20 needed for a first).

- Finley with another clutch catch and YAC. He’s having his best game in months. Thanks again McGinn!

- That was a nice play to Jones for the first though. I can’t stay mad at Aaron for long!

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

- Rodgers needs to either throw the ball or take off…plays taking way too long to develop.

- 21-10 going into the 4th quarter. Pack O can put it away with a time-consuming drive here.

- Great clutch stand by Packers D to hold Bears to 3. Now Pack O needs a nice LONG drive.

- OPI FINALLY called on a receiver against Sam Shields! Sweet redemption! (Jeffery with OPI again).

- Great line. RT @Zathras3: Shields gets the true “illegal face to the hands” penalty.

- DPI on Burnett but pass wouldn’t have been caught if he hadn’t done it. Dammut!

- You tell him Sam! Refs with another crappy call. Nice! (the uncalled facemask but called DPI was glaring bad).

- That groan from Packer Nation registered on Richter scales around the planet. Grant with the fumble. OK D…get it back. (Grant’s run looked great until he lost the football).

- Rodgers with the avoidance and a nice throw to Cobb but he’s GOT to get rid of the ball faster than that!

- Rodgers wants that one back! Way too close to a pick. (two Bears players had hands on a deflected pass but no INT).

- Thank you Randall Cobb for holding on to that punt while you nearly had your block knocked off!

- Neal assist by Moses with the sack and Cutler with the woozy walk back to the sidelines. (Culter slow to get up and slower to walk back to the bench).

- Uecker calls it “juuuust a bit overthrown” by Cutler on 2nd and 11. (Cutler’s second worst throw of the day. The first was Hayward’s pick)

- Wait…was all that ugly substitution confusion on purpose? To throw the Bears off? Is MM that crafty? Either way I liked the result.

- Rodgers with another TD dime to Jones. Three TDs for each and Pack up 21-7. Come on D…put this one away!

- Wow how do they look this confused and poiseless? (Substitutions looked absolutely nutty).

- DPI in the end zone. We’ll take it! (DPI against Finley)

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by Chicago Bears Joe Anderson (19) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

- Nice play on fourth down by Cobb but never should have had to go there. (the fourth and six catch).

- Mike…this might be news to you, but Kuhn diving on 3rd and 6 is guaranteed not to get the first down!

- Is anybody else tired of watching Newhouse getting beat and Rodgers running for his life because of it?

- That was ugly but a first is a first is a first as they say.

- Finley actually having a decent day today. Thanks McGinn!

- DuJuan Harris! Nice first play of the second half baller! (Harris carries for 21 on the first play of the second half).

- Jones with his second TD pass from Rodgers. 14-7 at the half and Packers get ball first in second half. Fired up Packers fans? We are here!

- If Cutler wasn’t an intermittently decent QB there’d be a contract out on him in Chicago just for his surly prima donna personality. (Cameras show Cutler’s histrionics on the sideline. Not much of a team guy).

- Hayward picks Cutler off…Cutler shakes his head. Cutler threw it right to Hayward. Beautiful!

- Nice 3 and out by Pack D. We need another TD and then one on the first possession of the second half. How about it Pack O?

- That’s the way to bring it back! Nice job by Rodgers to Jones for the TD. Perfect pass!

- AWESOME play by Rodgers to get that ball downfield and by Cobb to grab it.

- Nice job by Jennings fighting for YAC. (Jennings catch on the sidelines and YACs for an additional 10 yards).

- Love the “Hello” commercial. Hate being behind the Bears. Especially hate being behind the Bears in NFC North Title game. Come on Packers! (The commercial with the high school RB who flips over the defender is entertaining).

- And the bad tackling comes into it too. Marshall scores. Pack fans seething. (Jones whiff, Hayward stiff armed…Marshall scores).

- Don’t they teach these guys to disengage from blocks at the line? Why was Walden shoving that lineman around? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? (Walden called for facemask while he’s engaged for several seconds with the OL. The phonetic alphabet can be  fun and useful.)

- Forte delivered the blow to Jennings on that run. Gotta respect it. (Forte got loose and drove his shoulder through Jennings to close the play).

- Crosby misses. So much for the high scoring predictions. (FG attempt wasn’t even close).

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers nose tackle B.J. Raji (90) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

- Cobb drops one? Really? Is anything going to work in this freaking game?

- I swear if they throw the ball on 4th and 1 ever again I’ll sell my stock n move to Lithuania or something. Yes it worked. No I didn’t like it. (Pass on 4^th down works but WTF on the call? Why not RUN the ball or try to draw them offsides? And even in Lithuania I would probably still be a Packers fan.)

- 3rd and 1…and the Packers kill their own drive again with 14 guys on the field.

- Nice pass to Cobb for 30!

- Welcome back Claymaker…even if you had some help on that sack!

- Sack saves the day and stops the Bears. Bush kills field position with a needless hold. Nice.

- End of 1st qtr no score but Bears moving and Packers reeling. Pack D needs to tighten and Pack O needs to run the ball.

- Another sack of Rodgers. He’s holding too long and not moving out of the pocket when he should. His frustration is showing too.

- So far…yet another ugly one. When will the Packers play another dominant game?

- Raji drops it on Forte…nice stop.

- Thank you Tim Masthay…you’re obviously willing to do what it takes to win this one. How about the rest of you Packers? (Masthay makes the tackle on the punt return).

- That possession looked worse than the first one. Packers will not be gifted this game by the Bears. (Packers 3 and out after the penalty)

- Thank you Bears for a free first down. We’ll take those all day too! (Bears have too many men on field for punt giving the Packers the ball back).

- Not a good looking pass by Rodgers. Now it’s up to the punt coverage team.

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green (20) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

- We’ll take 6 yards on every run all day long! (Green carries up the middle).

- Nice moves by Rodgers to get the first 1st down.

- C’mon Don…no room for that FS stuff down here (false start on Barclay deep in Packers territory).

- Nice to have you back Sam Shields! (knocks ball away from Jeffery on third down- the first of many times).

- Pack D looks like last week’s Pack D. Like they’ll be down 14-0 in no time.

- Run D better be better than that or this will be a long game!

- Crosby delivers…no way for Hester to hurt the Packers if he can’t return the KOs.

Want to see these every week? Let me know.

With regard to the Fearsome Predictions I made prior to the game, I’ll need yet another mulligan. I went O-for. As in not a single one was correct. Goose egg. Most weren’t close. I’ll throw myself on the mercy of the Packer Nation court this week. But I’m going to keep making them. Somebody stop me!

The Green Bay Packers are your NFC North Division Champions for 2012. They got it done. They’re in the playoffs. Next up are the Titans at Lambeau. After that they visit the Vikings to see if they can keep Adrian Peterson from setting a new single season rushing mark. Both games will be important – especially if the Patriots beat the 49ers Sunday night. That’s a better problem to have than trying to get into the playoffs though!

Bring on the Titans! Go Pack GO!

October 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) celebrates after sacking St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (not pictured) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Green Bay defeated St. Louis 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The 9*-4 Packers visit Soldier Field to take on the 8-5 Bears on Sunday. If the Packers win the game they clinch the NFC North with two games left to play.

I won’t go deep into analysis of this one. Everybody knows what’s at stake.

Here are some things I’ll be watching while I’m watching the game:

Packers offensive line. The Packers offensive fortunes always begin with their offensive line play. At this point it looks as if Don Barclay will play RT. If T.J. Lang can go he will most likely play at his normal LG position. If Lang cannot play Evan Dietrich-Smith will remain at LG. The Packers have been effective running the ball in the last two games, and much of the credit belongs to right side the O line- RG Sitton, RT Barclay, and whichever TE lines up with them.

Pass protection for Rodgers had better be solid. I’ll be watching for open holes the RBs can run through and clean pockets for Rodgers in this one.

Dec 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back DuJuan Harris (26) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers run game. The “newfound” run game has put up respectable totals several times this season, but the last two weeks have many convinced that the Packers will be able to run the ball effectively against the Bears on Sunday. I think that much of the optimism springs from the solid performance against the Lions of DuJuan Harris. Alex Green and Ryan Grant will probably get carries too.  If the Packers can spring a RB surprise on the rest of the league, similar to how Starks came on at the end of the 2010 season, I think it will be Harris this season.

The Bears do not play strong run defense. They have been reminded of this many times in many ways this week. If the Bears have a good performance defending the run in them, even with Urlacher out, we’ll probably see it Sunday. The Packers RBs will need to keep ball security high on their list of priorities- especially in the rainy/cold conditions forecasted for this game.

Packers receivers. Despite having suffered a recent relapse of foot-in-mouth disease, TE Jermichael Finley will have a big role to play in this game. With WR Nelson still out for the game he’ll have to pick up his share of the slack. I’ll be watching J Mike to see whether or not he puts his performance before himself this week.

The other receivers must protect the rock. Catch it. Hold it. Never let it go until the ref pries it from you after the play has ended.

Packers defensive line/LBs. Bears QB Cutler has some dings and it will be up to the pass rushers to force Cutler to move around to avoid them. Cutler is also prone to throw a few up in games like these. I’ll be watching the pass rush try to make Cutler complete a few to guys in green and gold.

Getting Clay Matthews back for this game is huge, but I don’t see him playing the whole game. He’ll be a situational player. I’ll be watching CM3 to see how he moves. I would hate to see his hammy act up again and lose him for the playoffs.

Jan 23, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) intercepts a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox (13) during the second quarter of the 2011 NFC championship game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Packers DBs. The Packers secondary has two primary missions in this game. The first is to stop Marshall. Don’t care how they do it. Double teams. Triple teams. Safety help over the top on every play. That’s how they shut him down in the first game. Whatever works in this game.

The second mission is to finish on INT and turnover opportunities. It would be great to out-Bear the Bears defense by pick-sixing Cutler  - at least once. I’ll be watching for the DBs to get their hands on some balls and to make those plays in this game.

Packers special teams. The special teams guys have to stop Hester. Anything else they can do to help in this game will be gravy. A good punting performance by Masthay will go a long way toward controlling Hester. Crosby will need to make kickoffs a non-factor by putting kickoffs into the stands and forcing the Bears to go 80 yards every possession.

Fearsome Predictions:

- The Packers will have their most productive rushing game of the season. I see them putting 175 combined rushing yards on the Bears.

- Most of the Packers rushing production will come on the right side of the OL.

- Two of the Packers TDs will be scored on the ground.

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

- Aaron Rodgers will have a standout performance from a QB rating perspective, but he will not throw for more than 250 yards.

- The Packers receivers will catch two TD passes and drop none.

- The Packers will sack Cutler five times. Three by LBs, one by a DL, and one by a blitzing safety. Matthews will get one.

- The Packers will pickoff Cutler three times. Shields, Williams, and Burnett will each finish on their opportunities.

- The Bears will have more penalties in the game than the Packers.

- Finley will be the object of at least one PF penalty perpetrated by a frustrated Bears LB or DB who took the bulletin board material Finley provided to heart.

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) returns a kick against the Houston Texans in the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

- Randall Cobb will have more return yardage than Hester in the game.

We’ll be watching the game with a bunch of Packers (and unfortunately Bears) fans at Tailgators on FM1488 in Magnolia. I’ll still be tweeting random thoughts on the game and the telecast to all those who dare to follow at @PackersTX.

This has been an abbreviated look at the Packers-Bears game. No matter what heroics take place on the field in Chicago they will never be as significant or as profound as the truly heroic deeds of the teachers and faculty at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday in Newtown, Conn. Our hearts go out to the victims and those who will be deprived of their love and company.

Bring it Bears! Go Pack GO!

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 32nd overall pick of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The Week 14 FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we here at LombardiAve.com know it’s never too early for some draft conjecture of our own. We Packer fans have our own opinions about what needs the Packers should try to fill using the 2013 draft. In this article we’ll explore some possibilities for the Packers first pick.

Draft positions will shuffle some during the remainder of the season, so the Packers position in round 1 will probably move around a bit. Here’s hoping that it ends up being the 32^nd pick in round 1!

According to Fansided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select:

“Lane Johnson – Offensive Tackle Oklahoma”

Analysis: “Aaron Rodgers is one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL over the past two seasons, and in 2012 he was just brutalized on a regular basis. Packers lineman complained about the refs after the Seattle Screw but they should have been more angry at the fact the Packers have had to take receivers off the field to add extra blockers. Green Bay doesn’t need too much but a glaring need is apparent on the offensive line.”

I have my doubts about Mr. Johnson. He has decent size at 6-7 and 303. He hasn’t played OT for his whole college career, having worked as a TE and a DE. A two-year starter only at OT, most draftniks think he’s a natural RT if he plays O line at all. Yet I hear nobody saying he’ll be able to transition to LT, which is where the Packers really need help on the O line. Bulaga is, at least as far as I’m concerned, the Packers RT for the next decade if he can stay healthy. The Packers don’t have anybody that fits a similar description on the left side. Johnson also projects as a second or even third round pick on many boards. Not a good get with the first round pick for the Packers.

If the Packers go OL with the first pick I would rather it be a lineman who either projects as a natural LT or a guy who has shown ability, and proven that ability, to play multiple O line positions well.

I still think the Packers should mortgage something to get into position to draft Jake Matthews from Texas A&M as their next-decade LT, or the versatile Barrett Jones from Alabama. Both would be excellent gets for TT and MM.

This week we’re going to take a look at some other prospects. We’ve mocked the O line to death already. Let’s look at some other positions the Packers might fill with their first round pick.

Running Back

Everybody knows you don’t need or necessarily want to draft a RB in the first round. Unless of course you have an opportunity to draft somebody like Adrian Peterson.

There are plenty of talented RBs in college but I see no prospects like Peterson out there. Giovani Bernard (North Carolina), Stefan Taylor (Stanford), Eddie Lacey (Alabama), Joseph Randle (OSU), Mike Gillislee (Florida), Le’Veon Bell (Michigan State), Monte Ball (Wisconsin), and a whole bunch more will be getting drafted by some NFL team, but where should they go?

Randle and Bell are over six feet tall. Everybody else is under six feet. Bell also weighs in at 235, which is a load at RB. I’m not convinced any of these guys are worthy of a first round selection, but Bernard and Randle show up in the first round on many mock drafts.

Sentimentality dictates Monte Ball as my choice, but I’m afraid he’s not elusive enough to avoid the career-depleting hits that RBs sometimes take in the NFL. But he sure would be fun to watch in Packers green and gold on Sundays. If he makes it out of the first round maybe TT grabs him in the second round? Can you get behind it?

Safety

The Packers have some talented young DBs. But I think TT and MM might be thinking about getting somebody who is bigger and faster than what they have on their roster today. Somebody more suited to blitzing and actually getting to the QB. Somebody tall enough and tough enough to make opposing WRs and TEs think about when they venture across the middle.

The Packers clearly miss Nick Collins and it shows on Sundays. I think maybe the Packers go after a safety in the first round.

There are a variety of safeties out there, but I’m going to stick with guys who are over 6-1. Eric Reid (LSU), Kenny Vaccaro (Texas), T.J. McDonald (USC), and Robert Lester (Alabama) all fit the criteria.

I really can’t make a strong case for anybody but T.J. McDonald. He’s got more tackles and more experience than the rest of the group, and he’s been playing in a Kiffen defensive secondary, which requires a bit more headwork than most other college defenses.

Tight End

I was a big believer in J-Mike Finley’s ability and updsides. Unfortunately he’s proven to be way too inconsistent for my taste. The Packers other TEs have shown flashes of true brilliance, but I think secretly TT and MM want a reliable, consistent, and above all sure-handed TE. Do they go after one in round 1? What’s out there?

I think the Packers could really use a guy like Jason Witten in Dallas, Jimmy Graham in New Orleans, or Gronk in New England. A big TALL quick guy who can move and catch and make defenses adjust every time they’re on the field.

There are a few guys like that in college now. Tyler Eifert (Notre Dame), Zach Ertz (Stanford), Joseph Fauria (UCLA), Ryan Otten (San Jose State), and Michael Williams (Alabama) all come to mind.  All are 6-6 or better and all have caught over 40 passes this season except Williams.

My pick for the Packers in the 2013 draft would be Zach Ertz. He’s 6-6 and 249. He runs the 40 in about 4.6. He can jump, he has good hands, and even his blocking ability is an asset. I could see him dunking TD catches over the Lambeau goal posts before Lambeau Leaping into the fourth row of seats. Can you dig it?

How about it? Do the Packers go after a quick running back like Monte Ball, a big safety like T.J. McDonald, or do they do what I think they should do…go after Gronk-like TE Zach Ertz from Stanford? Or should they still sell some more stock to find a way to get Jake Matthews or make Barrett Jones their first pick? Let me know which way you think the Packers should go!

Don’t forget to check out the whole mock at FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft.