The start of Green Bay Packers OTAs seemed very upbeat this year. Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports photograph

The start of Green Bay Packers OTA practice seemed quite upbeat and light hearted this week. The overall impression that I got from the team  was that everyone was genuinely having a good time.

Here are a few observations on my part.

I know it’s only May and by no means am I saying this is a sure thing but having attended the Packers first public practice Wednesday I couldn’t help but notice Mike Neal taking reps at outside linebacker.  At this point, I can all but assure readers this is merely an experimental move but it does at least have me thinking, what if?

First things first: Neal is still a monster of a man. To be effective at outside backer in a 3-4 I’m certian he would have to shed some weight and become quicker off the edge. After watching a few snaps, you can tell playing without a hand in the ground is somewhat foreign to him at this point. Once again probably more of an experiment but an intriguing “what if” if nothing else.

I liked what i saw from David Bakhtiari. Rookies are really easy to find especially this early in the season. They seem to always line up slightly off or aren’t quite where they need to be but while he was becoming acquainted as practice proceeded, Bakhtiari showed he could at least hang in there with the rest. His agility was impressive during lateral movement drills and his first step was very quick. He does look somewhat “dwarfed” by the likes of T.J. Lang, Josh Sitton and Marshall Newhouse lined up beside him, but don’t forget he’s still a young kid and will certainly add more size and strength the next few years. Derek Sherrod was at least on the field, but still not taking part in drills.

Then there was the special teams session that still featured Randall Cobb returning punts. As last season wore on, many fans were starting to realize how important Cobb was to the offense and questioning whether or not it was necessary to have him return punts also. He certainly took a few good licks. Jordy Nelson and Tramon Williams were also returning. It would be nice if punt returners didn’t play such a vital roles on both sides of the ball. Personally, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Loyce Means as a returner to help keep more pertinent players healthy.

Finally, autographs from players included A.J. Hawk, Datone Jones, and Desmond Bishop, to name a few. I just want to give these guys a big shout-out and thank you for stopping by to sign a few after practice. By no means do they have to sign a thing, but when they do, it’s something truly special. As fans, sometimes we forget these players are as much of a human being as we are and also have lives off the field very similar to ours – kids to pick up from school, wives to go home to, and are tired after a day at work, they just want to go home and relax the same way we all do.

SO what say you Packers Nation? Any thoughts on these early season observations? Lets hear it!

J.C. Tretter was most likely lost for 2013 with a broken ankle on the first day of OTAs in Green Bay.
Packers.com photograph

Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have become well-versed in dealing with the repercussions of the injury bug that has been infiltrating Green Bay for the better part of the last three years.

In 2010, the Packers famously endured a litany of season-ending injuries to more than a baker’s dozen of starters and role players on their way – against seemingly long odds – to winning the Super Bowl XLV championship. The ability of a professional football team to avoid the consequences of injuries is a never-ending challenge for general managers, coaches and training staff.

After just one Organized Team Activities (OTA) practice it appears that the issue of health – and Green Bay’s ability to persevere – is going to continue to be tested.

The latest injury came when rookie offensive lineman J.C. Tretter was hurt while sliding on the field turf trying to recover a loose football during a fumble drill. Tretter, selected in the fourth round in April’s NFL draft, was a candidate to fill a reserve role on the Green Bay offensive line this upcoming season. For a unit that has endured a lion’s share of injuries of late, it’s just another blip on the radar.

Bryan Bulaga during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field in 2012. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

McCarthy and Thompson are hoping the switch of Bryan Bulaga and Josh Sitton from the right side to the left (at tackle and guard, respectively) will shore up things along the offensive line and help improve a running game that has mostly struggled in recent years to find space in their zone blocking scheme. Injuries and inconsistency have hounded the group incessantly. McCarthy, famously non-descript when speaking about injuries sustained by his players, wouldn’t elaborate on a possible timetable for the ex-Cornell tackle to return to the team.

Some speculated that Tretter could miss up to six months of action, putting him in the same class as Derek Sherrod, who has been trying to battle back from a devastating ankle/lower leg injury that sapped his entire 2012 campaign.

The news of the inaugural casualty in Green Bay this season hopefully won’t greatly affect the ability of the line to become cohesive since Tretter wasn’t penciled in as a starter at this early stage, but one would think Thompson may sign another big road grader to bring into camp.

Perhaps 2012 practice squad member Andrew Datko may be ready to escalate to the 53-man roster this season. With a strong showing in OTA’s and training camp later this summer, perhaps the Tretter injury is something the Packers can overcome.

Greed off the field is what makes me into a grumpy old man.

It appears that the latest player that does not want to stop at “Go” and collect his $2.023 million is Sam Shields. Wow, 2.023 million dollars.  Greed is what I call it.  Greg Jennings was the last player who got a bad case of it  - and between him and his sister’s tweets he managed to annoy a fair amount of fans because he wanted to be the man with the money.  He got what he wanted and we got rid of his diva attitude and his sister!

Now Shields has stepped up to take Jenning’s place.  He had a breakout season last year for a defense that was much improved but still torched. We had the overall feeling that it felt like a wet noodle in a washing machine.  Shields was arguably one of the best defensive players the latter part of  the season.  He tallied 11 pass breakups and had four interceptions in the last six games – a great way to end the year, but six games does not make a full schedule.

So when the season ended, the restricted free agent was offered a one year tender offer that would pay him $2.023 million.  Yet Shields has balked at that and has failed to sign it.  Why? One may ask. Well he wants more money. Yes, the Packers had attempted a long-term extension with him but the obstacle preventing him from reaching that agreement came down to money.

The greed factor due to an inflated ego.

The “show me the money attitude” has now increased his cranial pressure, which has resulted in poor decision-making abilities.  The first is that he is holding out and is skipping Organized Team Activities.  Geez, Sam, I feel so bad for you.  You have a job that pays you millions of dollars, there is the likelihood that a long-term contract is in the works for more money but you want it all now so you decided to not go to work.  In the real world, that attitude will get you one thing, a quick trip to the unemployment line.

You, Mr. Shields, are just another disappointment in the world of sports.  We all understand that you play a violent game, but when we don’t go to work we have bosses who give us an option, work or you are fired.  Personally, if I was your boss (which technically I am as an owner) your bags would be packed and you would be flipping burgers for a living.  Instead you will sit there and pout because you are not being paid what you think you are worth.  In the end you will probably get a new contract and then your response to the holdout will be, “I did what I had to for my family.”

Well let me jump to the front of the line and just say, “WHATEVER!”  $2.023 million dollars has nothing to do with your family, it has everything to do with your attitude.  Most normal working people would be grateful to take a raise with the knowledge that a bigger payout is waiting, but not you.  You want to throw a tantrum and put yourself ahead of the team.  Well sir, with that attitude I will gladly box up your locker and put you on the next bus to reality.

Sam Shields picks off a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Devin Aromashodu during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Here is what I hope happens:  The Packers stand their ground and treat you like a regular employee (like those of us in the real world).  I hope they tell you that you have a choice, come to work or you do not have a job.  Then, because of your attitude younger guys like Casey Hayward, Davon House and Micah Hyde get the opportunity that you passed up.  They then take your spot and you end up realizing just how greedy and self-centered you were.  I am guessing that there are other players who are happy to be on the field earning their paycheck.

The Green Bay Packers have and always will be an organization built on teamwork.  We, as fans, look up to those players who put the team ahead of themselves.  We tend to turn on those who put themselves above the team.  Just ask Brett Favre and Greg Jennings – attitude earned them a trip out of Titletown.

My advice to you, Mr. Shields, is get back to work and earn your money like the rest of us in the working world.  I hardly doubt with the money you made on your previous contract you are going to the local food pantry or worried about how to fill your gas tank to get to work.  Reality stinks, too bad you don’t have a good shot of it right now to make you realize how lucky you truly are to have a gift that allows you to play a game and make enough money to pay the average salary of roughly 40 people.  Then again greed blinds, I just hope it does not affect your ability to play defense!

GO PACK GO!!

Aaron Rodgers Rocking the mullet.

Recent memory and success has had our favorite Green Bay Packers players spread across anything dealing with contemporary culture.

However, these select players featured below have kept these appearances and interests under the radar and break from the norm.

Shall we begin?

Aaron Rodgers has obviously been the most prominent face in modern football iconography, gracing multiple publications and commercials. Seldom mentioned is the involvement in his own record company, Suspended Sunrise. An avid music lover, Rodgers has used the same passion on the gridiron to the studio, by producing music videos for his acts.

Released in 2011, Aaron Rodgers appeared in, “Get It,” by his label’s band, The Make. With a “Big Lebowski” bowling theme, Rodgers makes an appearance true to the MVP’s patented humor. Jared Allen must be jealous from the exquisite execution of the mullet.

Keep an eye out for QB from 3:08 to 3:10.

Looking at Center Evan Dietrich-Smith, and the initial impression may bring shutters when exposed to the vast array of skeleton tattoos adoring both arms. Yet if Smith lifts his right arm, a little personality flows through with one particular tattoo on his bicep.

Scribed in his skin is a film-buff’s Easter egg, with a skull and two eyes peering from the cryptic skeleton. This logo comes form the cult classic , “Evil Dead 2″, which details a man’s horrific and comical adventure against demons in a secluded cabin.

Still intimidating? I think so.

Marshall Newhouse may be known as the TCU standout, who filled in for the Packers at the left tackle position. What many people may not know is that while Newhouse pummels opponents into the turf, he would rather let them, “live long and prosper.”

A Trekker (correct term for the Star Trek fan community), Newhouse has kept his over 27,000 followers on Twitter, in on his love of the final frontier.

[drops intensely made sandwich] …”KHAAAAAANNNNNN!!”

— Marshall Newhouse (@MNewhouse74) May 17, 2013

For anyone who has not seen the seminal 80s classic, “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” the reference to a line humorously delivered by William Shatner’s, Captain Kirk. In Newhouse’s case, his sandwich was the receiver of his rage, and hopefully the new competition of this season will, “bury them alive.”

Though he might never get the chance to play his idol, Batman, Ahman Green has kept busy since his last season in 2011. Expanding his horizon, Green was able to use his work ethic on the field and translate it to the Adam Sandler produced, “Big Stan.”

Green’s talents may have been better suited in a film like “The Longest yard” where he took the role as a prison inmate alongside “Grown Ups” star Rob Schneider. Though the film was released straight to video, Green can stiff-arm some of these early roles into big runs in the future.

What is some of your favorite Packers player appearance/interests in media?

Send your findings to our Twitter and Facebook pages!

Brian Urlacher was a Packer killer for 13 seasons. We’re happy he had such a great career and yes, we will miss him – especially all those wins the Packers had over him and his Chicago Bears teams.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

After 13 seasons of manning the middle of the field and blowing up backfields across the National Football League, Chicago Bears linebacker extraordinaire Brian Urlacher has called it quits.

Like longtime Green Bay Packer Charles Woodson, Urlacher has been waiting for a team to call for his services this offseason. Woodson signed with the Oakland Raiders yesterday, but after his prolonged wait, Urlacher decided today it was time.

Here’s the statement Urlacher released this morning:

“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made the decision to retire. Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.

“I want to thank all the people in my life that have help me along the way,” Urlacher continued. “I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss the great game, but I leave with no regrets.”

So, as Packers fans, we here at Lombardiave.com congratulate Urlacher on an incredible career and oddly enough, we will miss him. For every single of those 13 years, Urlacher has been a Packer killer. Some of the biggest plays in his career have come against the Bears’ arch-rival Green Bay.

In addition to the interception Urlacher returned a bazillion yards against Brett Favre in 2007, there are two other plays that stand out … the first was on Sept. 17, 2004, when he stripped Ahman Green in the backfield on the 3-yard line and then leveled Brett Favre with a block that led to a touchdown return by Mike Browns; the second was when he intercepted Aaron Rodgers at the goal line in the 2010 NFC Championship Game that he returned to midfield before being tripped up by Rodger in a touchdown-saving and possibly game-saving tackle.

Yes, we will miss Urlacher, but wish him the best in the years to come. He was a great competitor and represented Chicago well.

Here’s Urlacher’s interception of Aaron Rodgers … just for old-time’s sake:

Ray Nitschke, the epitome of toughness in the NFL.

Bone-jarring collisions between freakishly athletic men with bodies seemingly sculpted from solid blocks of granite; devastating tackles of an NFL ball carrier that more closely resemble head-on car crashes; the resulting cataclysmic explosions of these plays resonate through entire stadiums and reverberate in rich HD surround sound within the homes of millions of viewers on a typical Sunday afternoon or Monday night- an incendiary combination of lycra fabric, heated body armor and some wildly flammable accelerants – primal, competitive human nature and fight-or-flight survival.

These are the hallmarks of professional football.

Humanity, it would appear, is a term not typically associated with the patently violent and often unforgiving NFL, when it comes to acts regularly committed on the field of play. The league has a sordid reputation for ferocity. Handshakes, post-game congratulatory hugs and pulling your starters in a blowout are for the math teacher/coach and staff at State U on down to the army of varsity and jv gridders who strap up and go turf hunting on Friday nights, from the Atlantic shores of Maine to the parched oil rig-laden plains of West Texas, and the muck-filled glades of Florida to the muggy valley fields of Southern California.

Millions of individual and collective acts of violence have been unleashed within the NFL’s field of play (and some out of bounds) over the course of time and have subsequently been championed with a photographer’s lens and video instant replay. Apart from these images, all that remains is the human wreckage – an unforgiving and stark reminder of the league’s reputed tendency for brute force. Among them: the shot of a maniacal, gap-toothed Ray Nitschke as he stands in symbolic defense for Lombardi’s Packers dynasty in the 1960s. The Steelers and a grimacing, bloodied Jack Lambert who anchored the feared ‘Steel Curtain’ defense for Pittsburgh in the 1970s. The Doomsday Defense of the Dallas Cowboys, led by Hall of Famer Bob Lilly, also of the 1970s. And south on I-90 in Chicago, you had the Monsters of the Midway, led by wide-eyed “Iron” Mike Singletary in their resurgent, dominant defensive run during the mid-1980s.

Recently, the NFL has responded to a call for action from a large contingency of fans and league sponsors to re-think its once-celebrated legacy of destruction.

Daryl Stingley is hit by Jack Tatum.

Several notable, horrific injuries have been sustained on the field (Daryl Stingley, Dennis Byrd, Kevin Everett) and terrible tales of despair (Mike Webster) endured off of it by ex-NFL players over the years. There’s also the issue regarding the suicides of several high-profile former players (Junior Seau and Dave Duerson, to name a few) and a realization that the NFL must now take massive strides to help support the health and safety of players, by implementing strict regulations and changing rules for contact. It would appear the league has taken a monumental step in a new direction toward becoming something which even 10 years ago couldn’t have ever been imagined.

Comparatively, off the gridiron, the league appears to have an equally unsavory (though more palatable) reputation due to the callous, calculating and coldly bureaucratic approach that teams often take when it comes to handling personnel moves, including the cuts of players who are injured or aging. Or both, if you ask Charles Woodson.

A youth movement has been spearheaded by NFL general managers, coaches, scouts and trainers that more frequently targets younger, healthier, faster and less expensive players. According to Football Perspective, just two of the teams (Seattle ranking first and Cincinnati ranking fourth) in the NFL’s top 10 youngest made the playoffs in 2012. That number summarizes the apparent motives by NFL executive leadership to eschew veteran presence and locker room character for incredible 40-yard dash times, limited experience – all in the name of cliched potential.

In the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NFL, one minute a player is at his professional zenith, adored by legions of fans and seemingly in control of his destiny; in the blink of an eye, he might be injured or aging and suddenly he finds himself on the bench and then, quite possibly, out of a job. That’s the harsh reality of the league now more than ever.

Mike Singletary of the Chicago Bears.

Case in point: the recent decision made by the Patriots to unceremoniously cut starting defensive lineman Kyle Love. Under normal circumstances, this move may not have garnered much attention. Love was a starter but hardly considered an absolute commodity by the typically shrewd Bill Belichick. The issue, however, is how New England reportedly decided to part ways with Love after they’d discovered his diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes. This particular type is widely recognized to be much easier to manage and treat than its counterpart – Type 1. Notably, Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and has had success treating it. If the ex-Vanderbilt Commodore eventually gets cut from the Bears, it likely won’t have anything to do with his insulin levels, rather his inability to beat the Packers or win a playoff game.

Over the years, many coaches have gone on record as saying one of their absolute most difficult tasks is the act of cutting ties with a player in camp or at some point during the season with whom they have developed a bond. That bond is forged when no-name players typically play hurt and labor tirelessly for a comparatively minuscule shot at even making the final 53-man roster, let alone securing a coveted spot on one of the NFL’s 32 practice squads. Cutting players is, in essence, the severing of that bond, of defusing a budding relationship between a coach and his eager disciple. It’s the final, painful act of formalizing the decision by a franchise to go in another direction.

Quite simply, for the player who is being released, it’s the scathing, immediate and demoralizing confirmation that he either didn’t do enough – or wasn’t good enough – to warrant consideration for a roster spot.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has asked whether there’s a way to make the league more sensitive to the psyche of each individual player. Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

The recent Love debacle has brought to light a larger issue of which NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell plans to make a serious point of focus: It concerns the treatment of players once they’re actually cut from an NFL team’s roster. Goodell reportedly wants to revisit and possibly revise the process of how NFL teams handle these types of transactions and how the NFL can better manage such sensitive, life-altering decisions.

Though front office doors aren’t likely to swing wide open in the wake of a possible future mandate handed down from Goodell regarding a change in process related to the serial dumping of talent every season, it’d be interesting to better understand the psychology and rationale that go hand-in-hand with making these types of personnel decisions and the impact they have – much like the physical toll that is imparted on the field in devastating fashion – on the players across the league.

If NFL commish Roger Goodell has anything to say about it, it’s a process that will become a little softer, a little more humane.

Former Green Bay Packers strong safety Charles Woodson is all smiles today. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

With the announcement that Charles Woodson signed with the Oakland Raiders today, the outpouring of sentiments was strong, both good and bad – especially on Twitter tonight.

With that in mind, we’ve put together some of the tweets to and about Woodson for your review.

We hope for the best, Sir Charles. Others, but not all, do too.

Here’s a sampling:

Nicely done! #broncos Report: Raiders Sign Charles Woodson to 1-Year Deal (via ble.ac/teamstream) bleacherreport.com/articles/15577…

— Randy Dissler (@ThaDizz09) May 22, 2013

Lol Charles Woodson is a dumbass. Lets sign with probably the worst team in the nfl.

— Brandon S. (@xPAYDIRTx) May 22, 2013

“@sportsnation: Charles Woodson is BACK in the Raider silver and black! twitter.com/SportsNation/s…” should’ve won a SB but no, tuck rule…

— Faiza Abdi (@thefaiza25) May 22, 2013

“@saucebossjosh: RAIDERS GOT CHARLES WOODSON BACK OMG IM SO HAPPY” really?!

— Jacob Outland (@Jacob_Outland_) May 22, 2013

Nooooo! Chuck! say it ain’t so! RT: @raiders: The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent defensive back Charles Woodson.

— Vince Vitrano (@vincevitrano) May 22, 2013

RT @raiders: The Raiders fans still at headquarters for the Charles Woodson announcement. #RaiderNation #dedication twitter.com/RAIDERS/status…

— ANTHONY DORSETT, JR. (@DORSETTJR) May 22, 2013

Peyton Manning is gonna have a field day making Charles Woodson look like a bum this season

— Kevin Brown (@PlayaKB) May 22, 2013

HAHAHAHA at Broncos fans thought they were getting Charles Woodson! Y’all know where his heart be!

— Mr. Frankie P. (@frankiep2096) May 22, 2013

I’m gon cryyyyyy RT @sportsnation: Charles Woodson is BACK in the Raider silver and black! twitter.com/SportsNation/s…

— Young Savage (@Rogue2Riches) May 22, 2013

I like Charles Woodson, I wanted to see him make one more run at a ring. Too bad he signed with the #Raiders.

— steveparkhurst (@SteveParkhurst) May 22, 2013

I like Charles Woodson with the Raiders both from storybook perspective as a viewer. For him, though, why not a contender? Broncos?

— Megan Armstrong (@meganKarmstrong) May 22, 2013

There it is RT @raiders: The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent defensive back Charles Woodson. twitter.com/RAIDERS/status…

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 22, 2013

Congrats Wood! RT @jayglazer: Charles Woodson is returning to the Raiders. He’s agreed to a one-year deal

— Donald Driver (@Donald_Driver80) May 22, 2013

Charles Woodson greets fans at fence, holding up a #Raiders jersey. Does that mean anything? (photo: @kevinprofit_c ) twitter.com/goldenbaysport…

— Golden Gate Sports (@goldenbaysports) May 21, 2013

Madness. RT @victafur: Charles Woodson arrived at #Raiders HQ with a big smile. twitter.com/VicTafur/statu…

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2013

After three months of inaction, frustration and sitting around waiting for the phone to ring, former Green Bay Packers CB/S Charles Woodson is heading back to the team with which he started his pro career – the Oakland Raiders.

NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport reported the details of the deal:

On Charles Woodson’s new deal with #Raiders: I’m told it’s for one year. $4.3M max. $1M base. A win-win.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 22, 2013

Woodson, who was selected in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Raiders, spent the first eight years of his career with the team and appeared in one Super Bowl. However, it wasn’t until he arrived in Green Bay in 2006 that he found real success. He was named the defensive player of the year in 2009 and followed that up with a championship with Green Bay in 2010.

However, Woodson’s career in Titletown started to slide when he broke his collarbone in Super Bowl XLV and then broke it again last season, causing him to miss nine games.

When the Packers had to decide on whether to pay him $9 million to keep him around in 2013, the team waived Woodson and his contract. Woodson received little interest between February and last week. Though he visited the San Francisco 49ers last month, that was about the only interest he received until last week. That’s when he was invited to visit the Denver Broncos, but left that visit without a contract. His agent said before that visit that the Raiders already had a contract offer on the table. When Woodson visited the Raiders today, he signed, ending his search.

Woodson insisted earlier that he wanted to go to a contender. Maybe he feels the Raiders are that team. We’re not so sure, but we’re glad that a great player like Woodson doesn’t have to sit around waiting for someone to call.

As Packers fans who appreciate all he has given the franchise, we wish him the best.

Brian invited me onto his show yesterday and we had a great time for a little more than 10 minutes talking about the Packers just before the team started their OTAs.

On the agenda for discussion were the topics of James Starks and Mason Crosby and what their futures with the Packers looked like; which training camp position battles should be the most compelling to watch; which rookie will be the most fun to watch; and just for good measure because his name alway comes up in discussion, we talked a bit about Brett Favre and when the Packers will look at bringing him back to retire his number and honor him as a member of the Packers family.

Frankly, I’ll talk Packers with just about anyone who will listen, so when Brian invited me onto his show, I was not only honored, but really excited to talk with a live person about the team we all know and love.

And you can probably tell through the podcast that this was a great opportunity not only to plug this website, but to hang out and talk Packers.

Click on over and check it out. I thank you for doing so …

Bryan Bulaga is ready …

One day into the Green Bay Packers Organized Team Activities – a session that was open to the public today – was successful head coach Mike McCarthy said, but like every season and every team, injury has already taken a toll.

McCarthy reported in a post-practice interview this afternoon that rookie J.C. Tretter, a rookie offensive linemen drafted this spring, was hurt yesterday and will miss all of the OTAs. However, as per the team’s policy, he said, that’s the only information he provided. He did say that Tretter was “going through the medical process,” but didn’t elaborate on his status or when he would be ready to play again or even if he would be ready at all to play this season.

In all, McCarthy spoke for about 10-15 minutes about topics ranging from the offensive line, defensive linemen, the situation at safety and even about the tragedy in Oklahoma.

But the focus was football.

“It was a whole different level of practice,” McCarthy said about the first time on the field with his team this spring. “It was a little disjointed … the energy level was great …  feel real good on where we are,” he added.

In addition to talking about the flip-flop of players on the offensive line, McCarthy was also upbeat about OT Bryan Bulaga, saying, “Bryan Bulaga looks good. He would tell you that he felt he could have played sometime later in the season, but there was path of rehab that was the best for him.” That said, McCarthy also reiterated his reasons for making the personnel moves on the O-line – the biggest being that he wants to better protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

For the beat writers who attended the practices and press conference, here are some of their tweets they left along the way:

McCarthy: Today 2nd day of phase 3 of offseason program, 2nd practice. 1st day able to do team drills. Yesterday worked on fundamentals.

— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013

J.C. Tretter was injured yesterday. Will not be available for OTAs at all. #Packers

— Paul Imig (@Paulimig) May 21, 2013

MM on rookies: I thought today was typical of the first time the team takes the field. A little disjointed but tempo was great.

— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 21, 2013

McCarthy: said the rookie orientation camp was one of the best. Switch with Bulaga and Sitton, they’re excited about the challenge

— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013

McCarthy: Bryan Bulaga has been here the whole offseason rehabbing his hip injury. He looks great. BB is our best tackle.

— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013

MM: I’m going to expand Mike Neal’s role.

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) May 21, 2013

McCarthy: on finding the best RT, he would love to settle that now but not realistic. “But we have to get them all ready.”

— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013

MM: Bishop, Sherrod, House would like to see those guys out there. To rank them, Bishop, House, Sherrod in terms of when coming back.

— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013

MM: Shields is young player. Wish Sam was here. He’s not here, he can answer specific reasons. So it’s about opp to compete.

— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013

MM on safeties: You look at how much M.D. and McMillian played last year, you’re looking for them to make a jump.

— Brian Carriveau (@BrianCarriveau) May 21, 2013

McCarthy on Johnny Jolly: When his process is completed, I will talk about him.

— Lori Nickel (@LoriNickel) May 21, 2013

MM: Oklahoma tornados hit home, having lived in KC. Living in that part of country, you have to be aware. My heart goes out to families.

— Mike Vandermause (@MikeVandermause) May 21, 2013

M.D. Jennings … will he be the Packers’ starting safety opposite Morgan Burnett? Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports photograph

The NFL offseason can feel like the barren desert following the peak of free agency and the conclusion of the NFL draft.

Many dedicated fans try to appease their NFL cravings with Major League ballparks or even the NBA playoffs, but nothing can quite satisfy the football cravings.

Green Bay Packers fans should be careful that the middle of the offseason does not lull them to sleep. It is in these weeks of OTAs and the coming training camps that some of the best roster stories are born. The Lombardiave.com staff is committed to keeping you posted as these stories emerge and as the 2013 Green Bay Packers roster takes shape.

So, Packers fans, here is the first of many developing stories to keep your eye on.

Who will emerge at safety?
Obviously, Morgan Burnett is a lock to start in the secondary. Who will start opposite him is a another matter. Many were surprised that Ted Thompson did not select a safety in this year’s draft. I was not one of those people. If you take a careful look at the Packers’ pre-draft scouting, it showed that they were not aggressively pursuing the safety position. In fact, none of the players that the Packers met with at the Combine, personal workouts, and pro days played the safety position exclusively.

Green Bay has Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings already in-house and it seems that they will spend the coming weeks competing for the other starting safety position. These two both showed potential last season and must have done enough to gain the confidence of the coaching staff. It will be interesting to see which of these two flashes enough to earn a starting gig on a Packers’ defense – a unit that is attempting to rebrand itself with toughness and physicality.

It is difficult to predict which of these two comes out on top. Both are adequate in pass coverage, while McMillian seems to have more upside against the run. However, the Packers gave more playing time to Jennings in crunch time – specifically, in the playoffs.

Jerron McMillian will fight for the Packers strong safety position.Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Other players who could factor into the competition are Sean Richardson, an undrafted player with good size and speed out of Vanderbilt. He has shown promise, but spent last year battling a neck injury. Green Bay did not draft a safety in 2013, but they did draft one who has experience at the position.

Micah Hyde
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Micah Hyde spent time at safety during his collegiate career at Iowa. While it sounds like the Packers plan to keep him at corner, some believe he could be a natural fit at safety. Given the unexpected in camp (and we usually do experience the unexpected) Hyde could be called on to add to the safety competition. This is certainly a long shot, but heck, it could happen.

Every good drama requires tension that requires resolution. The Packers offseason will be filled with such stories. The competition at the safety spot will be just one that draws attention. Let’s hope we see the best in those few players and that one will rise to the occasion.

Who do you think will be “the one?”

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass while being defended by Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Packers defeated the Panthers 30-23. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Charles Woodson’s second venture in free agency is not as glamourous as many predicted, and with the tunnel of time collapsing on another chance, desperation has set in the form of the Detroit Lions.

Woodson told the Detriot news about the possible location change.

“Here’s the thing about the Lions, the Lions have players. What the Lions haven’t been able to do is put it together. That winning attitude and to be able to start those winning ways, it has to start somewhere. So, would I be open? Sure.”

Now everyone knows Woodson’s sentimentality for the stage of Michigan. Accruing a Heisman trophy and National Championship were the ultimate gifts bestowed to a state hoping for skates and hockey sticks to create national attention.

The Detroit Lions do not deserve a player like Charles Woodson. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The Lions in my personal opinion have not progressed and do not deserve the talent of a Charles Woodson near the end of his career.

Now don’t go, “8 Mile”, on me Detriot. You have gone through enough considering the financial meltdown and General Motors fiascos. However, your team is not the New Orleans Saints, and Ford Field is not the Super Dome.

Quite simply, the Lions cannot compete with the elite and do not have the coaching to accommodate a defensive playmaker the caliber of Woodson.

Why is that? Well look at the team’s makeup. Wayward receiver Titus Young created his own routes during the Thanksgiving game, for starters. Multiple substance abuse violations by Nick Fairley as well as demonstrating his lack of awareness with a Super Bowl prediction.

The difference between today’s championship teams to that of the 80s and 90s, is quite clearly the coaching and attitude of the team.

No longer are the “rah-rah” cheering teams to wins, but execution and preparation combined with calm character create those titles.

Wait, you may say the Baltimore Ravens are the exception to that rule, but if you look closely, the team had Ray Lewis as the Trojan Horse, but Joe Flacco was the true leader. Calm, calculated and prepared under pressure.

The Lions are not any of these.

Stomping opponents, DUI’s, and predictions based on roster strength are all red flags to any free agent in my opinion, but with Coach Jim Schwartz, this attitude is bred and free to roam.

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz suffers from the “little man” disease. Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Schwartz’s obvious “little-man” syndrome is the slighted attitude that gets coaches fired. Visibly sparring with San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh was the appetizer, and now his players have delivered the entree of bad behavior.

Todd Haley administered a similar attitude with the Chiefs with an unrelenting bark, and look how quickly a team with a stellar defensive and a potent running game cowered under his leadership.

There are incredible bright spots and potential for the team, but what are record-breaking players like Calvin Johnson supposed to do with a team constantly in flux with “me-first” attitudes? Furthermore, what will happen for QB Matt Stafford behind a crumpling line?

Obviously Woodson covets competition and who can blame him? He undoubtably helped tangle Vikings Adrian Peterson in the Wildcard game last year, and can still deliver heavy hits to the opposition.

Woodson has earned his rings, claimed his legacy and created a hall of fame career. Please, save the time and effort for the vast podiums of the future.

Well, the winner has been announced … and one can’t argue with the decision.

Below, you will find the release from Packerseverywhere … 

After over 8,000 photos were submitted and 16,000 votes counted, the Packers Everywhere community has spoken. Eight-year-old Emily Sperduto of Oxford, N.J., is the winner of the Ticket Takeover Contest. She will serve as the face of the Packers for a week, with her photo featured on over 80,000 tickets for the 2013 Fan Appreciation Game vs. Pittsburgh, Dec. 22, at Lambeau Field. 

Her father, Tom Sperduto, who entered Emily and took the photo, is waiting until just the right time to surprise her with the news. He wants her mother, Jen, to film it when he gets back in town. In addition to Emily being on the tickets, they get a pair of tickets for that game. They’ve also won round-trip flights to Green Bay and hotel lodging for the weekend.

“She is going to go crazy,” he said. “I get emotional thinking about the memories that will come from this trip. Doing something we love together, for me it’s overwhelming. I already think about the future and what it will be like when we look back at the experience.

“I feel like we will be part of the team by having her face represent the Packers on that ticket. It’s a pretty awesome feeling. I can’t express what it will be like.”

Prior to watching Packers games on TV, for years Sperduto and Emily have had quick daddy-daughter photo shoots to warm up. In a neighborhood full of Giants and Jets fans, they’re known as the lone “Packers family,” and Emily will pose in her jersey, oversized cheesehead or with her Packers toys and show off while the shutter clicks.

The Packers green background in the photo is the color of his family room. She is standing below a Packers stock certificate, as Sperduto became a shareholder in the last stock offering.

While Emily has been on “pins and needles” during the Ticket Takeover voting, all of that posing practice made perfect. Though a lifetime fan of the Packers, Tom has never been able to make the trek from New Jersey to Green Bay, so the trip in December will be even more special. Sperduto’s work schedule has made coming to Lambeau Field nearly impossible in the past.

Tom has spent the last 20-plus years in the military. He’s now in the Coast Guard after previously serving in the Marine Corps as an infantryman. He was in Operation Iraqi Freedom and has also had his boots on the ground in 29 countries.

Before the contest and Emily’s winning flex – where she mixed her two favorite players by teaming a Clay Matthews pose with an Aaron Rodgers jersey – Sperduto had been formulating a plan to come to Lambeau. He’s in his final year of service with the Coast Guard, and he was transferred to Boston.

“I own my home in New Jersey, so for this year in Boston I bought an RV to live in since it is just one year before I retire. I thought it might be a good way to come to Green Bay one day and see a game. Now, Emily and I will be able to fly there. It’s been on my ‘bucket list’ forever.”

When they arrive, Emily will be the “Face of the Packers” when the team takes on the Steelers.

“She is a die-hard fan for an eight-year-old,” he said. “She has been asking about the contest every day. I thought all of the photos were great, and we had some friends and family vote. For her to be on a ticket is like a dream come true.”

We will never see this again, but we thought it would be a good way to help us pass the time of spring and summer waiting for the start to the Packers Training Camp.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

One of my favorite sayings is, “Diamonds are forever. And so are the NBA playoffs.”

It just never seems to end. Really? The Grizzlies are still alive?

Thankfully, as a Green Bay Packers fan, I can earmark the end of the NBA championship as sort of a milestone toward getting to NFL training camp. Ditto with the so-called “Summer Classic,” the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which takes place this year on July 16.

Don’t get me wrong; I like baseball, but a 162-game season drastically diminishes the importance of, say, a Tuesday afternoon game between the Cubs and Mets. Yawn. (And I’m a Cubs fan!)

This is a welcome sight annually, signaling that after a long summer, training camp is finally here. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, this is the time of the season that, for a Green Bay Packers fan (or any rabid NFL fan), seems the longest. Packers training camp officially starts July 26, more than two months from now, and the first pre-season game isn’t until Thursday, Aug. 9.

What to do until then? Heck, I’m having trouble even finding things to blog about. Sigh.

Anyway, with that in mind, I’ve come up with some pastimes that will not only make the wait seem a bit shorter, but also help deter you from watching the Miami Heat win another NBA title. Because no one needs to do that to themselves.

As such, here are the Top 10 Green Bay Packers Fans’ Pastimes for Summer 2013:

10. Go back and look through seven seasons’ worth of Aaron Rodgers photo bombs.

9. Watch your 2010 Super Bowl highlights over and over while wearing your Nick Collins jersey and cheesehead hat.

8. Snicker and smirk while watching tape of Brett Favre’s final season with the Vikings.

7. Hire a voodoo doctor to do some crazy dance that will help you cast a spell to compel the Bears to sign Terrell Owens.

6. Spend quality time with your significant other. (This was going to be No. 10, but I’m afraid my girlfriend might see it. Figured 6 was a good compromise.)

5. Read LombardiAve.com for daily updates on the latest Packers news and goofy blog posts like this one. (That one should make my editor happy.)

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Raymond T. Rivard photograph

4. Sit and aggressively fume about the fact that Jermichael Finley is going to make more money than Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb … COMBINED.

3. Eat grilled bratwurst, drink lots and lots of Blatz beer, and talk about Mason Crosby’s certain demise with your buddies. Hey, it’s summer. You’d be doing that anyway, right?

2. Desperately look online for a brand new Eddie Lacy jersey in your size.

And the No. 1 Packers Fans’ Pastime for Summer 2013 is: Grit your teeth, rock back and forth on your couch and pray to the heavens above that somehow, some way, Dom Capers can figure out a way to get that #$%& defensive fixed already. Because, c’mon!

Happy summer, everybody.

May it pass quickly.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) catches a touchdown pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

As we inch closer to the start of OTAs, we will continue to take a closer look at the Green Bay Packers’ roster. Last week we began the series by breaking down the Packer quarterbacks. We will continue analyzing the offense by taking a look at arguably Green Bay’s deepest position on the roster — wide receiver.

For the past several seasons the Packer receiving corps has been lauded as one of the deepest and most talented groups in the league, and now with Donald Driver retiring and Greg Jennings packing his bags and finding real estate across the border, the group will be looking for young, ascending players to step up and fill the void the departing veterans left behind. A position that was overcrowded last year now has some spots open for competition heading into the 2013 season.

With Ted Thompson drafting two intriguing wide receiver prospects in the seventh round and signing a handful of others in unrestricted free agency, the Packers are retooling the position with young players who possess both size and speed. It seems Green Bay is in good hands with Aaron Rodgers throwing to Cobb, Jones, and Nelson, but the important thing to watch this offseason is to see if any of the young wide receivers step up and add another dynamic to the passing game.

Wide Receiver (10)

 Safe – Randall Cobb, 5-10, 192 pounds; James Jones, 6-1, 208 pounds; Jordy Nelson, 6-3, 217 pounds

The Packers seem to be pretty set for playmakers at wide receiver with Cobb, Jones, and Nelson manning the top three spots at the position. However, I am really interested to see which of these three players will emerge as Rodgers’ top target in 2013. They each bring a unique skill set to the position and have the potential to be the go-to-guy.

James Jones is congratulated by wide receiver Randall Cobb for scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field in 2012. Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Cobb seems to be the rising star of the group. After making his presence known as a returner his rookie season, Cobb was utilized frequently in the offense as a multi-dimensional weapon who could line up in the slot, on the outside, and even in the backfield. Recording a team-high 80 catches and 954 yards receiving and eight touchdown receptions last season, it seems Cobb has only scratched the surface of his potential. Expect Cobb’s role to continue to expand as Coach McCarthy continues to find creative ways to utilize Cobb’s unique skill set.

With Driver and Jennings’ departure, Jones is now the veteran of the group, but Jones provides much more than just leadership for the younger players. Simply put, Jones was a beast last season. He hauled in a league-leading 14 touchdowns and was Green Bay’s most consistent wide receiver. Jones has always been good, but he raised his game to another level last season and showed his coaches that he could be a reliable number one, if needed. Rodgers seemed to build chemistry with Jones last year as the season progressed, and I expect that chemistry to carry over into the 2013 season.

Nelson is the group’s big play threat who has the size and speed to go deep and outman smaller defensive backs. However, Nelson dealt with injuries off and on last season and his receiving numbers (745 yds, 7 TDs) and big plays decreased compared to his stellar 2011 performance (1,263 yds, 15 TDs). His receiving average also dropped from 18.6 yards per reception in 2011 to 15.2 yards per in 2012. I expect this had more to do with all the Cover 2 Green Bay faced last season, and less to do with Nelson’s ability to win his one-on-one matchups and get open down field. Maybe Nelson’s 2011 big play production will return if Green Bay gets a running game going this season.

On the Fence – Jarrett Boykin, 6-2, 218 pounds; Jeremy Ross, 6-0, 215 pounds; Charles Johnson, 6-2, 215 pounds; Kevin Dorsey, 6-1, 207 pounds

After the top three receiving spots, this position is wide open and filled with young, but unproven, talent. Boykin and Ross return from last season. Boykin saw limited action during the regular season (5 rec, 27 yds) and was at the bottom of the depth chart in a crowded position. However, Boykin had an impressive 2012 camp and preseason, winning his coaches’ attention and a final roster spot. This is no small task for a guy who was signed as a tryout player last spring and a long shot to make the roster heading into OTAs. Maybe Boykin will have another excellent camp.

Ross spent some time on the practice squad last season before he was activated as a returner toward the end of the year. Ross showed potential returning kicks and punts, but he’ll have to show the coaches he can also be a factor in the passing game to win a roster spot this season.

Kevin Dorsey works out during the Green Bay Packers rookie orientation weekend. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Seventh round picks Johnson and Dorsey are intriguing prospects. They are both big receivers with blazing speed (ranging 4.35 – 4.42 40 time). It is rare to find receivers their size who can ran that fast, so it makes me wonder what the catch is here. Johnson played at a Division II school and wasn’t even invited to this year’s Combine, so hats off to Green Bay’s scouting department for finding this guy. He recorded nearly 1,200 yards receiving and 16 touchdown receptions his senior season at Grand Valley State, but the level of competition he faced in college hurt his draft stock.

Dorsey played at a Division I school (Maryland) but was overlooked by many scouts because of his subpar receiving numbers last year—311 yds and 4 TDs. However, Thompson explained that Dorsey is a much better player than these numbers suggest.

Last year, Maryland had some injuries at quarterback, which greatly affected their offensive production and severely limited Dorsey’s opportunities. Dorsey is almost the exact same size as James Jones and has top end speed. Maybe Dorsey is a diamond in the rough and will prove to be a surprise player at the position.

After Cobb, Jones, and Nelson, I expect Green Bay to keep at least two more receivers on their final 53-man roster. Boykin has a leg up on the competition because he has played a year in this offense, but Boykin lacks the speed Ross, Johnson, and Dorsey bring to the table.

If Johnson and Dorsey show serious potential they may challenge Boykin and Ross for roster spots, and in the very least, the two seventh round picks will spend the season on the practice squad.

Long Shot – Myles White, 6-0, 182 pounds; Sederrik Cunningham, 5-11, 192 pounds; Tyrone Walker, 5-10, 191 pounds

White, Walker, and Cunningham are all undrafted free agents brought in to add competition during camp. Maybe one of these players surprises everyone and wins a roster spot, like Boykin last year. But as of now, with Green Bay selecting two young promising receivers in the seventh round and Boykin and Ross returning, there seems to be very little room left for White, Walker, and Cunningham to even get a fair shot at making the roster.

Both White and Cunningham are average-sized receivers with good speed (4.40 – 4.45 40 time), but were inconsistent in college. Walker is a small receiver who lacks top end speed (4.54 – 4.62), but was highly productive in college, leading the All Missouri Valley Conference in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,319), and touchdown catches (9). White, Cunningham, and Walker have their work cut out for them to earn a spot on the team, but it has been done before so don’t count them out just yet. Expect at least one these prospects to land on the practice squad as a developmental player.

Jordy Nelson is defended by Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings at Soldier Field. Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports photograph

It will be interesting to see how many receivers Green Bay retains on the final 53-man roster this year. Last season the Packers kept six receivers on their final roster. With Driver seeing a limited number of snaps and other positions like offensive line left very thin, was this a mistake? Will the Packers keep six receivers again this year?

It’s difficult to predict how the final depth chart at wide receiver will play out. The only thing we know for certain at this point is to expect plenty of competition and maybe some surprises at wide receiver this offseason.

If you can catch it live, come on over to cheeseheadtv.com and listen in. If you can’t make the live podcast, look for the posted recording.

Among the topics we’ll discuss are the running backs situation (especially how James Starks fits into the equation, Mason Crosby and his future with the team, position battles that should be interesting to follow during OTAs, and which rookies will be most fun to watch.

Heck, we might even spend some time talking about Brett Favre, time permitting.

CheeseheadTV, if you don’t know, is one of the premier Packers blogs out there on the Internet. Their insightful looks at Packers news is something that every Packers fans should bookmark and take a look at on a daily basis.

So, spend a few moments and stop over to the site for a listen. I’m not sure I will provide any new Packers news, but it’s sure to be a decent discussion about where the team stands at this point in time, one day from the start of OTAs in Green Bay.

Paul Coffman was one of the best tight ends in Packers history.

Paul Coffman was an after-thought and rated only single sentence in a three-paragraph story in the Milwaukee Sentinel back on May 18, 1978, when he was announced as a free agent signing by the Green Bay Packers.

That’s according to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame’s posting yesterday about the player who would go on to great things in the NFL. In fact, he would play eight years for the Packers. He played in 119 games (starting 102 of them), caught 322 passes for 4,223 yards (13.1 yard average) and scored 39 touchdowns. His longest touchdown went for 78 yards.

As an undrafted tight end out of Kansas State, Coffman’s years in Green Bay were nothing short of remarkable. He helped revolutionize the tight end position and was one of the players who paved the way for today’s athletic, pass-catching skill players who can also block. Coffman did it all during his 11-year career.

Coffman was cut by coach Forrest Gregg in 1986 after eight years in Green Bay. The cut of Coffman came as a surprise and was one from which Gregg’s teams would never recover.

Paul Coffman is a Packers hall of famer.

Coffman averaged 46 catches per year and it was his route running, incredible hands and his ability to catch passes in traffic that made him one the of the great ones.

He was a three-time Pro Bowler and in 1994 was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

After his career was all said and done, he is listed among the best. He ranks 12th among all pass-catchers in Packers history – just behind Robert Brooks and just ahead on James Jones. He’s the top tight end on the list.

Here’s the top 20 list:

Here’s Coffman’s career statistics with the Packers:

James Starks during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field last Dec. 2. The Packers defeated the Vikings 23-14.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson sent their message loud and clear to Alex Green, DuJuan Harris and especially James Starks on draft weekend by selecting not one, but two running backs and also picking up another – Angelo Pease – as an undrafted free agent.

Clearly, the Green Bay Packers brass have not been pleased with the past performance, or lack thereof, of their in-house running backs. Many feel that Harris and probably Green will be the two running backs who should have the best shot at remaining on the Packers roster once it’s all said and done, while the oft-injured and inconsistent James Starks is the odd man out.

In fact, rumors swirled draft weekend that Starks was on the trading block, but nothing happened.

Alex Green
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Rookies Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will be on the the roster, while Green and Harris, depending on what they do in training camp, will also be there

That leaves Starks and Pease as the players who will most likely be fighting for a job. We don’t know much about Pease other than the fact that McCarthy seems to really like him – calling him out not once, but twice in his press conferences held during and after the rookie orientation sessions.

I think everyone really likes Starks – when he’s healthy. But those times have been far and few between. We all know how he ignited the Packers offense late in 2010, helping the franchise to its fourth Super Bowl Championship. Then it seemed every time we turned around the guy was hurt. He was on the shelf for most of last season, came back against Minnesota in December and had a solid game.

In that Minnesota game, Starks carried the ball 16 times for 66 yards, and pulled off a 22-yard touchdown run where he looked like his old self.

And then got hurt once more.

Though he could have played in the playoffs, we never saw him. His spot had been taken by Harris and to a certain extent Ryan Grant.

In all, he played in only six games last season, carrying the ball 71 times for 255 yards – a 3.6 yard per-carry average.

James Starks scores on a 22-yard touchdown run in the 3rd quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Do the Packers take a chance on the guy once more if he comes back and has a strong training camp? Or do they just cut their losses, continue to try to trade him and if they can’t, then cut him? It’s not like the team doesn’t have a crowded backfield already.We know that Starks can hit holes and pick up yards after being hit. He seems like a tough runner, but his injury history tells us otherwise.

He’s been productive when he’s healthy, but in my mind I just can’t see the team taking any more chances on the guy. Yes, they should try to trade him and if nobody wants the damaged goods, then the Packers should let him walk.

What do you think, Packers fans? Leave a comment below, Like us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell during the game against a Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Chiefs 24-3. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports photograph

You know which one.

From my perspective, the major media outlets originally fumbled the reporting of this key play in the Packers-Saints game in 2012. Most merely referenced Graham Harrell tripping, stumbling, or fumbling. Take a look at how major media characterized the action:

Associated Press: Harrell tripped and fumbled as he tried to hand it off, allowing the Saints to get the ball. Brees then found Joseph Morgan wide open behind the defense for an 80-yard touchdown and a 24-21 lead.

USA Today: Enter Graham Harrell, the second-year player from Texas Tech who was standing under center for the first time in an NFL game. Snapping the ball at the 2-yard line, Harrell tripped on the foot of center Jeff Saturday and fumbled a planned handoff to Cedric Benson. The Saints recovered the ball and four plays later took a 24-21 lead on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Joseph Morgan.

ESPN: Harrell, the backup who had a roller coaster preseason in his first summer as the Packers’ No. 2, entered the game for a first-and-goal at the two-yard line. Harrell tripped over center Jeff Saturday’s feet on his first snap and could not cleanly hand the ball off to tailback Cedric Benson. Harrell was charged with a fumble, negating a chance to build on a 21-17 lead, and the Saints recovered.

Fox Sports: In the first-ever regular-season snap in Harrell’s NFL career, the 27-year-old former Canadian Football League quarterback stumbled backward after tripping on the foot of veteran center Jeff Saturday. As he was falling, Harrell attempted to hand the ball off to running back Cedric Benson, but it bounced away and was recovered by New Orleans.

If you have a moment, review the play.

Saint defensive tackle Broderick Bunkley, number 77, bulldozed Packers center Jeff Saturday, number 63, two yards into the backfield. Saturday’s left foot came into contact with both of Harrell’s feet as Harrell had his back to Saturday.

To simply infer that Harrell stumbled and lost the ball misses the mark. None of the above media outlets referenced the tremendous defensive effort of Bunkley. If I were a statistician, I would consider crediting Bunkley with a forced fumble.

“A forced fumble occurs when the ball carrier loses the football due to the force of a defensive player. This can be a result of being hit or of having the ball stripped by a defender.”

Green Bay Packers quarterback Graham Harrell was originally scorned for his fumble against the New Orleans Saints last year. But upon further review … Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports photograph

My rationale is that Bunkley’s force caused a chain reaction that led to the fumble. If Bunkley would have been credited with a forced fumble, the reporting of the play may have been much different and Harrell may not have been labeled as the “almost goat.” Instead the focus of the play may have been on Bunkley being the “almost hero” for the Saints.

Others speculate Harrell could have aborted the handoff, tucked it in, and taken a loss. If you notice the tape, his arm is outstretched after his second foot comes in contact with Saturday’s foot.  His balance was already lost. He could just have likely fumbled it while trying to tuck it in.

It also would have been nice to know if anything tipped the Saints off that it was a run play to the Packers’ left side. For example, did it appear Packers fullback John Kuhn’s stance prior to the snap indicated he was preparing to push off on his right foot and move to his left? How did the Saints anticipate the snap count so well?

Fortunately, the Packers won this game, and after some reflection, the media are not so hard on Harrell now, many preferring to reference his “up-and-down” preseason performance in 2012 as his big question mark. But even that is incorrect. Harrell had a down-and-up preseason, finishing the exhibition season with a near perfect game against Kansas City. In my book, his trend line is still up until we see more of his work.

What do you think about Harrell? Leave a comment below, go to our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter.

The Green Bay Packers have relied on the arm of Aaron Rodgers, but look for balance this year.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Chris Brown, author of ‘The Essential Smart Football” and a contributor at ESPN’s Grantland, wrote “it’s understandable that most fans (and even many coaches) think of football plays in terms of the strict run-pass dichotomy.”

To that point, teams usually only do one or the other well. One-dimensional franchises with predictable offenses aren’t consistently competing for or winning championships as much as they’re jockeying for lottery position in the annual NFL draft.

Oakland, for example, has appeared in exactly one Super Bowl (XXXVII) since their reign of lawless-inspired championships in the mid-1970s and early 1980s and has struggled to finish with a winning record for most of the last two decades. Dallas has won just a single playoff game since they earned three titles in the 1990s. The Dallas Morning News constantly skewers Jerry Jones for his inabilities as both an owner and general manager and frequently chronicle the failures of quarterback Tony Romo.

For some Cowboys fans, Romo is the anti-Aikman or Staubach.

The Packers can’t continue to rely so heavily on Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

For both franchises, the element of offensive balance simply hasn’t existed in order to consistently be successful over the long run. While this may seem like an elementary concept, it has some truth.

We know this: the NFL has increasingly become a passing league. The recent passing trend has seen red-hot quarterbacks win the title. Aaron Rodgers was elevated to elite status with a victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2010 following an incredible statistical run that saw him throw nine touchdowns in four games. And there’s Joe Flacco who capped his recent Super Bowl XLVII championship run with the Ravens by tossing 11 scores during the postseason.

Consequently, as the league has evolved through the air, more traditional “run heavy” teams have seemingly taken a back seat in the pecking order. According to Pro Football Reference, nine teams in 2012 averaged less than 100 total yards rushing per game. Arizona finished 32nd with a paltry 75.3 yards per contest. Dallas, much to the chagrin of Jerry Jones and despite featuring talented back DeMarco Murray, ended up 31st with 79.1 yards per game. Jacksonville, a typically strong running team, was without running back Maurice Jones-Drew for most of the season and subsequently netted just 85.6 yards every Sunday to finish 30th in the NFL.

The high-octane Atlanta offense, led by recently-released running back Michael Turner, finished 29th in the league with just 87.3 per game.

These four teams averaged a combined 3.6 yards per rush. With the exception of the Falcons, eight of the nine teams (Arizona, Dallas, Jacksonville, Oakland, San Diego, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Cleveland) missed the playoffs in 2012.

Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris helped the Redskins lead the league in rushing last season.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

In comparison, teams that have a strong running game tend to have success in making the postseason. Pro Football Reference shows that the Washington Redskins were the best running team in the league in 2012, averaging 169.3 yards per game. Collectively, the Redskins backfield netted 5.2 yards per carry. They qualified for the playoffs and lost to the upstart Seattle Seahawks in last year’s NFC Wild Card game. Dual-threat quarterback Robert Griffin III was hampered by a Seahawks defense that keyed to stop him. Ultimately he suffered an injury, relagating the team to one-dimensional status.

The Minnesota Vikings, who feature an elite Adrian Peterson, ranked second in the NFL by logging 164.6 rushing yards per game. The issue here is that Peterson also happens to co-exist in a one-dimensional offense which lacks a legitimate threat at quarterback. Minnesota drew a road matchup in a frigid Lambeau Field in the other 2012 NFC Wild Card game. The Vikings were quickly eliminated when Green Bay stacked eight or more defenders in the box or close to the line of scrimmage and limited their running game.

Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder was a non-factor. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers committed to a game plan designed to contain the Vikings rushing attack, in part because Ponder led a passing game that averaged 170 yards per game, good for 31st in the NFL. This is a prime example of how a team that cannot successfully run the football, especially in cold weather on the road, are at a severe disadvantage.

According to Pro Football Reference, since Mike McCarthy took over as head coach in 2006, Green Bay has ranked in the top 15 in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt twice (2007 and 2009, at 12th and 13th, respectively) which is a major indicator of the Packers’ reliance upon Rodgers’ arm and their subsquent inability to dictate the run. We’ve all heard McCarthy talk about how he’d like to be able to do this. He knows toughness and a good ground game are important predecessor to controlling, closing out and winning games. Power running is critical in that it’s a catalyst to a team developing an attitude of toughness and becoming more physical – both elements that McCarthy has said Green Bay has lacked in recent years.

Terry Bradshaw
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When you think of the historically tough teams over the history of the NFL you envision John Riggins of the Redskins in the 1980s. You think of Larry Csonka of the Dolphins and Franco Harris of the Steelers in the 1970s. You think of Jim Taylor wearing Green and Gold, running the power sweep up the alley, in the 1960s. These Hall of Fame power runners, not conincidentally, each won Super Bowl titles. However, they also operated within the parameters of well-balanced offenses. Washington featured quarterback Joe Theismann. Miami had Bob Griese. Pittsburgh lined up Terry Bradshaw behind center. Green Bay had Bart Starr. All four signal callers also are immortalized in Canton, Ohio. Defenses that lined up against these All-Time teams had the uneviable task of picking their gridiron poison.

For a variety of reasons, Green Bay has utilized a “pass to set up the pass” offensive philosophy. Personnel issues, injuries, blocking schemes and ever-changing assignments on a patchwork offensive line have necessitated this approach. Also consider the fact that the Packers feature the league’s best player behind center and it’s even easier to understand the strategy of putting the football in Rodgers’ hands on a vast majority of plays.

It’s no different than the approach Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula took with Dan Marino in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Dolphins essentially had no running game during Marino’s career. Everything went through Marino. Seasons lived and died on his arm. Consequently, Miami made only one appearance in a Super Bowl (XIX) and never returned during his tenure. In hindsight, the Dolphins’ lack of offensive balance was a clear catalyst in that title drought.

Despite Green Bay’s aerial prowess, when their offense stalls or fails to get into rhythm they are prone to enduring long stretches without generating points. Lack of offensive rhythm and the inability to run the football or turn to the running game to help the offense settle down were both major factors in each of the last two playoff losses to the 49ers and Giants. How many times in those defeats did we see Rodgers flip down his chin strap in disgust and trudge to the sidelines after yet another failed third down conversion attempt?

In Rodgers’ 2011 MVP season he completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 45 touchdowns and six interceptions. At times it looked easy for the Packers as they coasted to a 15-0 start that year. Reality showed that eventually they would regress to the mean, in this case generating offense had to come through other avenues than the pass. In week 16 that season, Kansas City continuously blitzed Rodgers and the Chiefs controlled the clock on the ground. Green Bay’s winning streak came to an end.

In 2012, the Packers saw defenses adapt to their vaunted passing game by dropping a surplus of defenders into coverage. Defensive linemen ran stunts and linebackers and cornerbacks regularly showed blitz as Rodgers made his pre-snap reads, only to have them fall back into the secondary once the play began. This srategy of flooding the underneath and zone passing lanes literally took away entire sections of the field. In previous seasons these pockets were ripe for the picking by the rocket-armed ex-Cal Berkeley alum.

Take away the running game – or in Green Bay’s case, the threat of one – and eventually defenses will adjust. Last season, Rodgers made his progressions while improvising behind a shaky offensive line. He was forced to rush throws into tighter windows or if receivers couldn’t shake coverage, he’d have to throw the football away, if he wasn’t already sacked. Predictably, the result was an excess of empty three-and-out possessions for Green Bay. For an offense that is built around the big play through the passing game, inability to dictate tempo by turning to a capable ground game often spelled disaster.

A team that can call a running play depending on the game situation and then execute that run effectively has a distinct advantge over the Arizonas,

Johnathan Franklin
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Oaklands and Jacksonvilles of the NFL. Undeniably, the mere presence of Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin presumably upgrades the Green Bay ground game and theoretically would take some of the pressure off of Rodgers.

However, for the Packers it’s not really about Lacy, Franklin or even possibly Angelo Pease becoming the next John Riggins, Larry Csonka or Jim Taylor. It’s about their ability to convert third downs, protect the football, pass block and operate within the constraints of a pass-oriented offense. Green Bay runners need to run with less finesse and more agression. They need to punish linebackers and safeties at the second and third levels with the football in their hands or as a decoy. That being said, it’s still not likely to envision a Packers box score with 35-plus rushing attempts. The additions of these three rookie rushers and an improved running game isn’t going to drastically change the dynamic of the Green Bay offense. McCarthy knows this. The rest of the NFL knows this. Fans know this.

Ideally, Green Bay will utilize their new backfield acquisitions to improve on their 20th-rated 2012 rushing offense. The goal is to demonstrate improved running between the tackles and turn in a higher yard-per-carry average. If they can do that it’ll be easier for McCarthy to continue to implement heavy play-action utilizing an array of swing passes, short crossing routes and curl patterns that will augment the emergence of a genuine power running game.

In Green Bay, the threat of a run is just as valuable as the ability to run. Offensive balance would help impove their chances of controlling and winning games in the postseason by being able grind out yardage and eat up valuable clock.

For the Packers, balance is the key to another championship.