D.J. Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Appalachian State University. At just 5’11″ 239 pounds, Smith was highly overlooked in the draft, which allowed the Packers to get great value in him late in the draft.

In 2011 Smith appeared in all 16 games and even started three times. He totaled 32 tackles and picked off Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on Thanksgiving day.

In 2012 Smith tore his ACL in the sixth game of the season against the Houston Texans. He started all six games he played in, in 2012 — he totaled 29 tackles and deflected 4 passes.

Many considered Smith the replacement for inside linebacker A.J. Hawk, who has struggled the last few seasons for the Packers.

However, in 2012 Hawk played very well for the majority of the year, especially after Smith went down. The Packers obviously trust Hawk enough to release Smith.

Smith’s agent said that the Packers told them they needed to “create some space for things that are coming.” He also stated that the Packers may be interested in brining Smith back at a later date.

his agent said that “a number of teams have already expressed interest in Smith.”

A possible destination for Smith would be Packers’ in-division rival the Minnesota Vikings, much to chagrin of Packer fans. The Vikings are in desperate need of linebacker help and they obviously know Smith pretty well.

The Packers also released running back Brandon Saine.

With the releasing of both Saine and Smith the Packers save about $1 million in cap space for 2013.

The San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers will take on the 49ers in the primetime slot on September 8, 2013 at 3:25 p.m CDT in San Francisco’s Candle Stick Park.

All Packers fans know that the 49ers not only beat the Packers in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs last season, but also came into Lambeau Field week 1 and handed the Packers a 30-22 loss.

The Packers have said all offseason that the focus is learning how to stop the read option that the 49ers used to accumulate over 500 yards of total offense against the Packers in the playoffs, there new techniques will be tested right off the bat.

The Packers-49ers series has been very entertaining over the past two decades with a number of big games between the two.

Who can forget the 1999 NFC Wild Card game when Steve Young hit Terrell Owens with just a few seconds left on the clock to beat the Packers 30-27?

Or how about when the Packers knocked off the 49ers in the 2002 NFC Wild Card game winning 25-15?

Overall, the Packers have won 14 of the last 16 meetings against the 49ers dating back to the 1990 NFL season.

The past record means nothing as the 49ers will open up as the NFC favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

Can the Packers avoid three losses in a row to the 49ers and the second consecutive opening day loss to the 49ers?

Or will the 49ers set out to embarass the Packers again?

Find out Sept. 8.

Stay here at LombardiAve for further posts on the Packers 2013-14 scheudle and stay tune

Though Jenkins started all 32 games for the Eagles over the last two seasons, he had just 9.5 sacks over those two seasons. His sack total is way down compared to 2010 when he 7 sacks in just 11 games for the Green Bay Packers.

It appears the Eagles are trying to get younger with the new hiring of former University of Oregon football coach Chip Kelly. Along with Jenkins, the Eagles have mulled releasing former All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and have even stated they will release him if he doesn’t agree to restructure his deal.

So what does this all mean for the Packers?

Well, as we all know the Packers are thin at the defensive line position. C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal haven’t come close to filling the big shoes that Jenkins left when he departed Green Bay. Should the Packers consider brining back Jenkins?

I am in favor of bringing Jenkins back. He understands Dom Capers’ defense after playing in it and excelling in it for two seasons. Since he hasn’t played well the last two seasons he will probably be relatively inexpensive for the Packers. The Packers also have been rumored to be interested in defensive tackle Chris Canty, formally of the New York Giants.

Cullen Jenkins celebrates a sack with the Packers.

Packers’ beat writer Tom Silverstein has tweeted several times today that he thinks the Packers would be interested in bringing back Jenkins, for the right price, of course.

In any event, a defensive line of B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Chris Canty and Mike Neal, along with the other depth, makes the Packers’ defensive line a strength for a defensive that has struggled at that position the last two seasons.

Sept 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday (63) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are bold, bold gamblers. While seemingly the whole world questions their decision to keep Mason Crosby as their kicker, the Green Bay Packers’ brain trust has made an even bolder move.

They’ve benched decorated veteran center Jeff Saturday.

Saturday was the only major veteran signing this offseason. Such is a rarity in the Thompson era, where aging veterans are shown the door in favor of younger, cheaper players like undrafted rookie free agents. Saturday’s replacement, Evan Dietrich-Smith, was one such player just a few years back.

As has been addressed before, this season is crucial for Dietrich-Smith. Saturday was only ever considered a one year band-aid for the Packers, and Dietrich-Smith has long been touted as the heir apparent. While his struggles this season at left guard were well documented, he is expected to perform much better at center, his natural position.

Dec 2, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers center Evan Dietrich-Smith (62) during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There’s reason to be skeptical of such a move, especially when it’s purely voluntary. The center is as integral as the quarterback reading defenses and spotting the Mike linebacker. For all of Saturday’s physical limitations, he possesses a sharp, conditioned football mind. Dietrich-Smith has impressed the coaches, but he’s never had the responsibilities of being the full time center.

Green Bay does have some success in this area, however. Much like Dietrich-Smith, Pro-Bowler Scott Wells was shifted around early in his career between center and guard. At one point, McCarthy even benched Wells for middling journeyman Jason Spitz. Eventually, Wells earned back the trust of the coaching staff and the respect of the league. He signed a lucrative five year deal to anchor the offensive line for St. Louis this offseason.

The coaches obviously believe Dietrich-Smith has that kind of potential. You don’t bench your starter for him otherwise. There are two games left in the regular season, and they both impact where the Packers will be seeded.

This is a big gamble for the Packers, one that’ll likely be dissected over and over the rest of the season.

Aaron Rodgers showed he again is the leader of the Pack. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Packers offense and defense are well represented among the NFL Players of the Month as Aaron Rodgers and  rookie Casey Hayward were honored today.

Rodgers was named as offensive player of the month, while Hayward joined Tampa Bay’s Doug Martin as the defensive and offensive rookies of the month for October.

The Packers were 3-1 during the month and it much of it had to do with the play of Rodgers. He completed 68. 1 percent of his passes during the month and had a passer rating of 121.5.

His play led the Packers to wins over the Texans, Rams and Jacksonville.

While Rodgers was leading the Packers offense, rookie Casey Hayward was intercepting four passes over a three game stretch while spending a limited time on the field.

Rodgers’ and Hayward’s recognition come during a stretch of games when the Packers have suffered through a series of injuries to a long list of important players.

The Green Bay Packers public relations department released the following information highlighting the accomplishment of both of these players.

Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to three wins in October. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

OFFENSE: QB AARON RODGERS, GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Rodgers completed 96 of 141 passes (68.1 percent) for 1,101 yards with 14 touchdowns and one interception for a 121.5 passer rating during the month as the Packers went 3-1.
• For the month, Rodgers led the NFL in touchdown passes and was second in passer rating. He ranked second in the NFC in passing yards and completion percentage.
• He threw multiple touchdown passes in all four October games, including six in Week 6 when he was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
• Through the first eight games of the season, Rodgers has 21 touchdown passes. He is the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 20 touchdowns through his team’s first eight games in consecutive seasons.
• In his eighth season from California, this is Rodgers’ sixth career Player of the Month Award.
• Rodgers’ six Player of the Month Awards are tied for the most since the award was created in 1986. He is tied with TOM BRADY (Offense), BRETT FAVRE(Offense), BARRY SANDERS (Offense), BRUCE SMITH (Defense) and STEVE YOUNG (Offense).

Casey Hayward picked off four passes over a three game stretch. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

DEFENSE: CB CASEY HAYWARD, GREEN BAY PACKERS

• Hayward tied for the NFL lead among all players in October with four interceptions (New York Giants’ STEVIE BROWN).
• All four of Hayward’s interceptions occurred in three consecutive games and he became the first Packers rookie to intercept four passes in a three-game span since 1984 (TOM FLYNN).
• He recorded his first career interception in Week 5 at Indianapolis. The next week at Houston, he had a career-best two interceptions. In Week 7 at St. Louis, he made his first career start and had his fourth interception.
• Hayward’s four interceptions are tied for the third-most in the NFL this season and the most among rookies. He is the only player in the league with four interceptions on the road.
• In addition to his four interceptions, he recorded 13 tackles and five passes defensed in October.

·        Hayward is the third Packer to be named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month and the first since 2003. He joins VONNIE HOLLIDAY (September 1998) andNICK BARNETT (October 2003).

·        He is the fourth Packer to be named NFL Rookie of the Month. He joins Holliday, Barnett and SAMKON GADO (Offense, November 2005).

August 9, 2012, San Diego, CA: Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop (55) is carried off the field after being injured in the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-US PRESSWIRE

It’s an Injured Reserve party for the Green Bay Packers as the announcement came down from Packers officials today about cuts and moves to trim the roster to the 75 players.

The players named to the injured reserve list and the physically unable to perform list were no surprise; in addition, the two cut from the team were no surprise either.

The team public relations department released the information below this afternoon.

PACKERS ANNOUNCE ROSTER MOVES

The Green Bay Packers placed six players on injured reserve, two on reserve/physically unable to perform, and released two players. The transactions were announced Monday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

The Packers placed RB Du’ane Bennett, LB Desmond Bishop, TE DeMarco Cosby, G Ray Dominguez, DE Johnny Jones and WR Shaky Smithson on injured reserve. TE Andrew Quarless and LB Frank Zombo were placed on reserve/physically unable to perform.

Green Bay released FB Jon Hoese and DE Jarius Wynn.

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Jarius Wynn (94) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Jarius Wynn, an on-again, off-again member of the Green Bay Packers, was discarded once again by the team this morning.

His cut was the first of several that should be announced sometime this afternoon as the Packers make the move to get down to the 75-man roster imposed by the National Football League.

Wynn was a sixth round pick by the Packers in 2009 and made the roster that season. However, he was cut in 2010, was brought back to the practice squad and was placed back onto the 53-man roster when Justin Harrell went down with injury for the umpteenth time. Wynn played well enough to make it into every game last season, though his production was minimal. He started four games.

However, with the major push by Ted Thompson to improve the defense this off-season, there was little room for Wynn.

As other announcements are made by the team today we will keep you up-to-date here and on our Facebook page.

Though he didn’t get much playing time lately, it became clear today that Ted Thompson wasn’t going to wait half of the season for Hargrove. The former Saints and Seahawks defensive lineman was signed this spring prior to the announcement by the league of his suspension for his involvement in the Saints’ bountygate.

Obviously Thompson didn’t want to deal with it and made Hargrove one of the first cuts this training camp.

Here is the full release issued by the Packers PR department:

Aug. 24, 2012

## FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ##

PACKERS RELEASE FIVE PLAYERS

The Green Bay Packers released WR Andrew Brewer, DE Anthony Hargrove, S Micah Pellerin, T Herb Taylor and CB Dion Turner. The transactions were announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

T.J. Lang took it where it hurts last year for the Packers ... he got his reward for hard work today with a four-year extension.

It probably wasn’t because of his field goal kicking prowess, but the Green Bay Packers saw enough in guard T.J. Lang that they thought it a good idea to lock him up.

Reported first by Adam Schefter, the Packers have agreed on a deal with Lang that will keep him in Green Bay for another four years, 2015. Immediate financials were not available.

The Packers showed faith in Lang when they let Daryn Colledge leave in free agency last year, signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Lang stepped right up to win the starting job for the Packers, playing in all 17 games for the team during their 15-1 run. He was a 2009 fourth round draft pick by the Packers.

Lang is considered one of the better inside linemen in the league. Last year he allowed only two sacks, one quarterback hit and eight hurries. Not too shabby for a guard playing in the pass-happy Packers offense.

While Lang was scheduled ro unrestricted free agency next year, this signing locks him up long-term.

So now that Lang is in the fold, there is just one other important player slated for free agency next year that the Packers must consider locking up … his name is Greg Jennings.

The summer of Opposite Ted continues as Ted Thompson has dipped into the free agent market to pluck running back Cedric Benson.

The official reports from various media outlets confirmed Friday that Benson was in Green Bay for a visit on Friday and that a contract signing was completed today.

Many in Packer Nation were up in arms with this decison, some saying that Benson is nothing but a headache and the Packers would be better off just striking a deal with former Packer Ryan Grant. While Benson is better known for his events off the field rather than on the field, I feel he is a better option than Grant at this point in both of their careers.

Grant, who made some great plays while with the Packers seemed to really tail off after his ankle injury in the ’09 opener against the Eagles.

Now you could say Grant didn’t have enough attempts to even be a great runner being in the Packers pass-happy offense. I believe Grant had plenty of attempts to flourish last year, but he seemed like he couldn’t find the holes when they were open.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Grant excelled at finding the hole and bursting through it. Another telling point about Grant is the fact that it’s not only the Packers who haven’t had interest – there are 31 other teams who see the same thing Ted Thompson does. I believe Benson brings a nice set of tools to this offense.

Packer fans will remember Benson as the former Chicago Bear who was lazy and really couldn’t run all that well. That Benson seemed long gone when he suited up for his second season with the the  Cincinatti Bengals in 2009, rushing for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns.

Benson has turned into a tough downhill runner as he has matured. That presence of a violent runner is what the Packers have been missing these last two years. There were times last year where the team couldn’t convert on third and 1 or fourth and 1. The Packers short yardage man was mainly John Kuhn, so when he came in everyone knew why he was in there and who was getting the ball.

With Benson the Packers could put both in and surprise the defense with the ball carrier, because Benson has the ability to get that 1 yard.

I feel Green Bay is the right place for Benson to be and stay out of trouble. He’s been in trouble with every team he’s been with, but those teams didn’t have strong veteran leaders in the locker room.

Guys like Woodson, Rodgers, and Driver among others should keep Benson in line.

Let’s relax before we condemn Benson coming here to Green Bay, Ted Thompson knows what he’s doing and I’m sure once again he’ll prove most of us wrong.

With news breaking Friday night that the Green Bay Packers had brought running back Cedric Benson in and that signing him was “probable,” it sounds like probable is now turning to reality.

According to a post by Paul Imig on the FOXSportsWisconsin.com website today, his sources, which include Packers running back Alex Green, indicate that Benson could be in camp and ready for practice Monday morning.

“I was informed today that Cedric Benson will be coming in, so that’s a great thing for us,” Green told Imig Sunday afternoon. “It’ll help the team out. He’s a great running back. That’ll be a great thing for us to learn from and get a better feel for the running back position.”

You might remember that Benson was originally selected by the Chicago Bears and stayed in the Windy City for three years before falling into disfavor. In his three years there, Benson never reached 700 yards rushing in a single season.

However, when he landed in Cincinnati, his fortunes turned. He ran for 1,000 yards three straight years and helped the improving Bengals to a Playoff berth last year.

Benson can only be an upgrade to the Packers’ pathetic running game. Though both James Starks and Ryan Grant combined for more than 1,000 yards in rotation last year, the Packers continually relied on its passing game to carry the team. When the Packers decided not to re-sign Grant and go with Starks and second-year runners Alex Green and Brandon Saine, they  thought they had enough horses in the stable. However, Starks had a horrible outing last Thursday night at San Diego, Green still isn’t back completely from his injured knee and Saine has been out of action for the past week.

Ted Thompson had to do something and with the availability of Benson, I believe he made another good move.

Bringing in Benson takes some pressure off the rest of the running backs. Like the defense which was addressed in the offseason, the need to add another body in the backfield was a no-brainer. With Benson there may be some downside, but it’s definitely worth the risk.

I like what Imig said in his post:

If Benson is able to do a good job in pass protection for Packers MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers and can help resurrect Green Bay’s struggling running game, this could turn out to be a significant signing for a team that hopes to win its second Super Bowl in three seasons.

October 9, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson (32) is grabbed from behind by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle C.J. Mosley (99) in the fourth quarter of the game at EverBank Field. The Bengals beat the Jaguars 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Cedric Benson – Green Bay Packers. Could they become synonymous?

Well, the news as originally reported early Friday evening by Chris Mortenson of ESPN that Benson was in Green Bay and was poised to be signed by Ted Thompson.

Though as of late last night the deal hadn’t been sealed, it looked impending and was described as “probable.”

The Packers’ running game is in disarray. James Starks, the rookie phenom who helped lead the Packers to their most recent Super Bowl, hasn’t been the answer, Brandon Saine is watching from the sidelines with an injury, Alex Green is being eased back into playing shape after last year’s knee injury and Marc Tyler looked decent in Thursday’s preseason opener until he fumbled on the final play of the game.

Though still unsigned, the Packers don't seem interested in bring Ryan Grant back. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers could have brought back Ryan Grant, the Packers’ main man the past four years, but don’t seem willing to go in that direction. He remains unsigned.

Enter Benson, who at 29 is coming off three straight 1,000 yard seasons at Cincinnati and may be considered a retread by many. This is the age at which most running backs hit the wall and show decline. Apparently the Packers are willing to take that chance. Maybe Ted Thompson knows something we don’t about the bruising between-the-tackles back. Maybe he just thinks it’s time the team bulk up its running game  and take some pressure off the league’s MVP.

Whatever the reason, it will be interesting to see what Benson can bring to balance the Packers already-vaunted passing attack. The hope is that it can make it an even better offense – and judging from the initial look at the Packers running game Thursday night, it just might need that boost.

It will be fun to watch.

Packers punter Tim Masthay was rewarded Friday with a four-year contract extension that included a $1.2 million signing bonus. John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

While most Packers fans have been anticipating the possibility of the franchise locking up star wide receiver Greg Jennings to a contract extension that would keep him in Green Bay for many years to come, the team announced a different contract extension Friday – one for punter Tim Masthay.

The Packers’ punter who won the job as a walk-on in 2010 was awarded a $5.5 million contract that will run through 2016. It includes a $1.2 million signing bonus.

Masthay has helped the Packers improve special teams play each year and was instrumental in the Packers’ 2011 Super Bowl run with several huge games down the stretch.

During his time with the Packers, Masthay has averaged 4.6 yards per punt and 38 yards. Last season, he averaged 45.6 yards per punt and 38.6 gross.

Maybe now it’s time the Packers move on to sign Jennings?

OLB Erik Walden was re-signed Monday by the Packers. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

In somewhat of a surprise move, the Green Bay Packers announced Monday the re-signing of OLB Erik Walden.

It’s surprising for a couple of reasons: First, Walden’s play on the field started at an even keel the first half of last season and then nosedived after the incident with his girlfriend in their apartment last Thanksgiving eve. He was arrested, spent the weekend in jail and was eventually sentenced to complete a number of community service hours.

While the public perception of Walden sunk after the incident, it was his play on the field that was most disconcerting last year. After showing great promise at the end of 2010 in helping to solidify the position as the Packers made the run to the Super Bowl championship, Walden seemed to plateau and then pretty much disappeared from the landscape as the 2011 season wore on. Clearly, his play on the field was tied to his personal troubles.

But another thing is clear: The Packers like the guy and are willing to give him another chance.

I like that …

Walden now gets his chance to compete for a spot on the team.

Here is the press release issued by the Packers’ PR department announcing Walden’s re-signing:

PACKERS RE-SIGN LB WALDEN

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed LB Erik Walden. The signing was announced Monday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

 In 2011, Walden appeared in all 16 contests and made a career-high 15 starts. He finished fifth on the defense with a career-best 86 tackles (50 solo), along with three sacks, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Walden originally signed with the Packers as a free agent in October 2010 and went on to play in nine contests with two starts that season, along with another three starts in the postseason.

Walden was drafted by Dallas in the sixth round (No. 167 overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Middle Tennessee State. After being waived by the Cowboys in the final roster reduction, he was claimed by Kansas City and played in nine contests for the Chiefs in ’08. He also appeared in 19 games for Miami from 2008-10. For his career, Walden has played in 53 games with 17 starts and has recorded 117 tackles (69 solo), six sacks, two passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and 28 tackles on special teams.

Green Bay Packers left tackle Chad Clifton protected both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers' backsides for more than a decade. The longtime veteran has been released today. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With veteran left tackle Chad Clifton reportedly failing a physical last week, the Green Bay Packers have decided it’s time to move on … and at 1 p.m., the announcement that Clifton was released by the team was made.

With Marshall Newhouse, who played the bulk of last season at the position and second-year lineman Derek Sherrod coming off a broken leg, the Packers do have players who can step in and compete for the job.

Clifton was set to earn a base salary of $5.25 million and had bonuses of $249,975 (roster bonus) and $250,000 (workout bonus).

If there is a silver lining in all this, it’s reported that Clifton’s salary cap figure of $5,703,125 will be wiped off the books. With the savings from this, the Packers will be well on their way to having enough money in the coffers to sign the rookies who will be selected both through the NFL Draft this week, but also those undrafted who sign after the draft.

Clifton played in 165 career regular-season games for the Packers in addition to 13 postseason games. He made two Pro Bowls (2007 and 2010).

My guess is he will be a Packers Hall of Fame candidate.

The Packers public relations department’s full release is as follows:

PACKERS RELEASE T CLIFTON

The Green Bay Packers have released T Chad Clifton. The transaction was announced Monday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Clifton, who was selected by the Packers in the second round (No. 44 overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft, went on to appear in 165 games with 160 starts at left tackle during his 12-year career in Green Bay. He ranks No. 2 in franchise history for the most games played by an offensive tackle behind only Forrest Gregg (187 games). Clifton was selected to the Pro Bowl twice during his career (2007 and 2010) and blocked for five of the top eight single-season rushers in franchise history (Ahman Green, 2001-03; Ryan Grant, 2008-09).

Clifton helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in eight of his 12 seasons in Green Bay and was a part of top-10 offenses in nine of those seasons. From 2000-11, he was a member of offensive lines that allowed a total of 350 sacks, good for No. 3 in the league over that span. Clifton helped limit the opposition to a franchise-low 14 sacks in 2004 as the Packers did not allow a sack in eight games, another single-season club record. He played on eight playoff teams in Green Bay, highlighted by the 2010 squad that won Super Bowl XLV.

“Chad is a great Packer and has been an integral part of our success over the past 12 seasons,” Thompson said. “He was a member of some of the most prolific offenses in team history, but more importantly, he is a great person and teammate. We thank Chad for all that he has given the Packers on the field and in the community and wish him and his family well.”

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on the golf courses this off-season, but there's more going on news-wise for the Green Bay Packers.

The sound of the lull of news about the Green Bay Packers and the National Football League between the height of the Free Agency period and the Draft  can be deafening.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There is news happening, people talking, blogs contemplating and newspapermen (and some) writing about all sorts of issues involving the NFL and the Packers.

So, take a few moments and browse the links I’ve posted below. Here are some interesting stories that will keep your interest stoked as we watch the Brewers and get ready for the Draft and mini-camps …

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Joe Philbin

Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin issued a public statement within the past hour.

In his own words …

“We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly. He loved his family, friends and life. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family. We ask for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss.

“Our family also wants to thank the Oshkosh Police Department, Winnebago County Dive/Rescue/Recovery Team and the Winnebago County Coroner’s office for their efforts and compassion during this difficult ordeal.”

We here at Lombardiave keep our thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Joe.

Keep the faith and stay strong. There’s an entire Packers Nation out there behind you.

Authorities officially confirmed this morning that it was the body of Michael Philbin, the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, that was pulled from the Fox River yesterday.

Though the Green Bay Packers coaching staff and players will have to forge ahead starting tomorrow with practice for their upcoming Divisional Playoff game against the New York Giants, it looks like they will most likely have to do it without their offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin.

Authorities this morning confirmed the body they pulled from the Fox River yesterday is that of Michael Philbin, the second oldest child of Joe and Diane Philbin.

According to a published report by Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this is what we know so far:

Joe Philbin, the Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, has been recently named as a candidate to fill the Miami Dolphins' head coaching position. Today he has more important matters in which to address ... he son, Michael, was reported missing.

An update to this story as reported in the national press. This update comes from the New York Daily News:

The body of a male victim was recovered from the icy waters of the Fox River in Wisconsin Monday and is believed to be that of Michael Philbin, the 21-year-old son of Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin.

Oshkosh police issued a statement Monday that said a positive identification of the victim had been made, but that the identity would not be released until Tuesday, so family members and next of kin could be notified. The statement added that no foul play was suspected and the investigation of the matter was ongoing. WTMJ Radio and several Wisconsin media outlets reported that the body recovered was that of Michael Philbin, citing sources.

This was published earlier today when the news broke:

Joe Philbin, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator, was in the middle of preparing a game plan for the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New York Giants.

Clearly, his plans are on hold …

His son, Michael, has gone missing.

According to an Associated Press report released in the last hour, police in Oshkosh have mounted a search for the young man.

Here is the report that was published earlier today from the AP:

Police in Oshkosh say 21-year-old Michael T. Philbin of Ripon was last heard from around 2 a.m. Sunday. He had been visiting friends in Oshkosh that evening. He was reported missing on Sunday evening.

A police spokesman did not immediately return a message left Monday seeking additional comment.

A Brown County judge sentenced Michael Philbin to six months in jail in 2009 after he was convicted of sexually assaulting two young girls and two counts of battery.

His disappearance comes as the Packers prepare to face the New York Giants in an NFC playoff game Sunday in Green Bay.

Michael Philbin, the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, has been reported missing.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy briefly addressed the matter with reporters Monday, saying, “the Philbin family is obviously going through a tough time right now. As we always have, we’re a family-first philosophy with the organization. We’ll hold out hope this comes to a positive conclusion.” McCarthy said Joe Philbin was in Oshkosh Monday.

Packers General Manager Ted Thompson released this statement this afternoon:

“The Packers organization is aware of the missing person report regarding Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Philbin family during this difficult time. We ask anyone with information about Michael to contact the Oshkosh Police Department.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Philbin family and hope there is a resolution to this in short order.

Great cartoon ... more about this guy in a later post.

Take a spin with me around the Internet as we look at some of the early postings about the Green Bay Packers.

Defense, or lack thereof, injuries, the playoff race, and even a cartoon from a new ‘toonist are here for you to peruse.

Enjoy!

And while you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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