Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tom Crabtree (83) runs past Arizona Cardinals cornerback William Gay (22) and safety Kerry Rhodes (25) after catching a pass for a 72-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers come away from their game with the Cardinals with a 31-17 win.

However, they lost even more players to injury, so Thank Goodness It’s Bye Week!

Gone to the training room this game were LB Clay Matthews (hamstring), OT Bryan Bulaga (hip pointer), WR Jordy Nelson (ankle this time), and for parts of the game WR Randall Cobb (shoulder/stinger) and TE D.J. Williams (hamstring).

This game was another in which both the Packers offense and defense didn’t play as well as they have in the past – even this season past. But they played well enough to pull out the W and along the way some good things happened- things we wouldn’t mind seeing again!

Chest bumps and thumps from the Cards game:

Chest Bump – I thought the Packers did an excellent job of mixing the run and the pass. Both facets of the offense were productive and if either hadn’t been they might have been in real trouble in this game. The run game was more effective than in any other game this season. James Starks ran for 61 yards on 17 carries and Alex Green had 53 yards on 11 carries. Add Randall Cobb’s 3 carries for 29 yards and Aaron Rodgers’ 33 yards to the total and that comes up to 176 yards and a 4.5 yard average. That’ll get you a W almost any time in this league. I thought Starks looked a little slow early but his running improved as the game wore on – a good thing for a RB.

Thump – Drops. Again. What can be done to improve in this area? Whatever it is the Packers receivers need to do it. Embrace it. Own it. Grasp it. Hold on to it. Get it?

Chest Thump – Mixed returns for the Packers O line.

• Good Thing- rushing for 176 yards can’t be done without pretty good to great offensive line play.

• Not So Good Thing – Aaron Rodgers, especially early in the game, looked like he was running for his life on every play. Thankfully pass pro improved as the game went on.

• Good Thing – when T Bryan Bulaga went out with his hip pointer early in the second quarter, G T.J. Lang moved to RT and G Evan Dietrich-Smith filled in at LG for Lang. No obvious falloff ensued.

So overall Packers O line play was, well, better than it might have been considering the circumstances. Nice work by the big guys!

Chest Bump – Penalties- or the lack thereof. In this game the Packers had one penalty (false start on Finley) for five yards. That’s the kind of attention to detail for which this team is capable. Even with a shuffled offensive line pieced together after Bulaga went out, for the most part the Packers played good, clean effective football. Not perfect football, but penalties didn’t enter into it in this game. A welcome change!

Thump – Ball security. Against the Cards RB James Starks had a fumble, recovered by QB Aaron Rodgers at the cost of his body, and an interception stolen from WR Randall Cobb while he was on the ground which really wasn’t Rodgers’ fault. Either way, coupled with the drops, the Packers don’t seem to be emphasizing ball security enough. Fix it!

Chest Bump – DL sacks. DLs Mike Neal and Mike Daniels both had sacks. Sacks by DLs good. Very good. We like ‘em. We love’em. We want some more of ‘em!

Thump – Lack of LB sacks. The LBs got close enough to Cards QB Skelton to sack him several times. LB Clay Matthews had him in grasp but lost him right before he left the game with his hamstring injury. Skelton was hit several times and pressured even more but sacked only twice. I thought the Packers pass rush would do better against the Cards patched-up O line.

Chest Bump – Defensive takeaways. LB Erik Walden was able to pick off Skelton after CB Casey Hayward tipped a pass up for grabs. And on special teams DB Jarrett Bush recovered a muffed punt deep in Arizona territory to take away any chance for Arizona to ruin the end of the game. Both were huge plays, as so often takeaways are.

Thump – Third and shorts. In the second quarter the Packers converted a third and one running the ball. The drive ended with a TD. In the third quarter the call was to pass the ball on third and one. Incomplete. Drive stalled. Later in the third quarter the call was to run on third and one. Green couldn’t get the one yard even though it looked like there was room to his left. Drive stalled. In the fourth quarter a third and one failed when Starks couldn’t gain a single yard on the ground. Drive stalled.

Moral: the Packers need to find a consistent way to convert third and short yardage situations into first downs.

Chest Bump – Packers run defense. There is no denying that the Cardinals are not a top running team. But they are a NFL team with NFL players. They could have had more success if the Packers defense hadn’t done what I thought was an excellent job of bottling up Cards RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, holding him to 51 yards on 17 carries and not giving up anything longer than one 11 yard run.

Chest Bump – TE Tom Crabtree … the newest Packers deep threat. Sure he was gassed (by even his own admission) when he got to the end zone, but he made the longest touchdown (72 yards) so far this season at a time in the game when the team seemed to need it the most. Arizona had just drawn to within a TD after a Feeley FG and it looked like the Packers might just Indianapolis, or worse Seattle, this one. It looked like Crabtree’s play fired up the defense, too. Great job!

I’m glad to say I was close to the mark in predicting a few things before the game. RB James Starks did outrush RB Alex Green but not by much. It was nice to see the Packers RBs working together and contributing more than just “carries.” Rodgers running still scares the green and gold out of me! Thirty-nine running plays and 30 pass attempts was also nice to see come true. And WR Randall Cobb is keeping this team in games by what looks like sheer force of will. He totaled over 200 combined rush/pass/return yards in this game. He’s my Offensive Player of the Week.

So the Packers limp into their bye week at 6-3.  Chicago looks tougher each week and the Packers, along with the rest of the NFC North, will still be looking up at their 7-1 record when they come back after the bye.

Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt took the old “it wasn’t what they did as much as what we didn’t do” approach after the game. Yes, the Cards did drop more passes and make more mistakes than the Packers did. But good teams find a way to win games like that. The good team, and the better team, won this one.

Get the players healthy. Improve what needs improving but recognize what’s working and stick with it. Enjoy the bye week because once it’s over every game will be critically important – starting at Detroit in two weeks!

Bring on the BYE!  Go Pack GO!

Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates a touchdown with fans during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

On the final play of the third quarter, a 72-yard TD pass to Tom Crabtree from Aaron Rodgers (his 4th TD of the day) broke open a game that was first dominated by the Packers, and then turned to the Cardinals before  Crabtree’s TD.

Crabtree’s catch and run down the middle of the field highlighted a Packers win that included a stout defense, great clock management and Randall Cobb.

The Packers second year player was the star in this game; He had 202 total yards today; he caught three passes for 37 yards, ran 2 times for 29 yards; “I’ve got to catch it … dropped a few today,” Cobb said after the game.

He did catch and run enough to help the Packers rush for over 100 yards for the first time in an eternity.

Aaron Rodgers’ pass completion percentage took a hit today, but he did throw for four touchdowns, completing 14 of 30 for 218 yards. He did throw one pick on a great pick by Randall Gay. However, it didn’t hurt the Packers and Rodgers performance was good enough for another win and send the team into the by with a 6-3 record, just a game behind the Bears in the standings.

In the last four games, Rodgers has 15 TD passes to just 1 interception.

The Green Bay Packers host the Arizona Cardinals today in what may be described as a “must-win” for both teams – but then every game is a must in the NFL.

The Packers look to show improvement in its run game and most importantly in the play of the offensive line. Consistency and ball control will be imperative for the Packers.

The Cardinals started this season with four straight wins, followed by four straight losses, including one to the Vikings. This is a team with no offense at this point of the year. Their offensive line is even worse than the Packers, having given up a league-leading 39 sacks in the first half of the season.

So, here we go with our weekly play-by-play account of this game:

Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers – Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Start time: Noon

Attendance: Sell-out

First half

Arizona wins the toss

Mason Crosby kicks off to 5. Powell with return to 16.

First and 10 two yard pass to tight end Jeff King

Second and 8 from 18 Skelton throws down right sideline … one-handed by Larry Fitzgerald, but out of bounds

Thrid and 8 Mike Neal gets the sack on Skelton. Beats Daryn Colledge, former Packer left guard

Punt to the 50, Cobb 28-yard return on the punt to the Cardinals 20

First and 10 Rodgers sacked under a pile of Cards. Calais Campbell gets credit for sack

Second and 20, Starks slips on run wide ride, but gets up and picks up four

Third and 16 from the Cardinals 26 Rodgers scrambles left, throws a dart to Randall Cobb, but just out of his reach

Crosby 44 FG – MISSES LEFT

Packers drive: 3 plays, -6 yards

Cardinals second possession

First and 10, Lerod Stephens-Howling for 1

Second and 9 from their own 35, Skelton throws quick out to Howling for first down

First and 10 from 49, Howling for 5

Second and 5 from Packers 46, Skelton pass dropped by TE Housler

Third and 5, Pass to left sideline to Fitzgerald dropped.

Fourth and 5, punt to Cobb fair catch to Packers 16

Packers second possession

First and 10 from own 16 Rodgers in shotgun inside handoff to Alex Green for 3

Second and 7, pass to James Jones over the middle for 8

First and 10 packers in no huddle Rodgers runs up the middle for 25 yards

First and 10 from Cards 47, Rodgers in gun, quick pass to Jermichael Finley for six

Second and 4, in gun Rodgers hands off to Green over left tackle and rips off 21 yards. Jones with nice block, Green with nice stiff-arm

First and 10, Rodgers runs and slides for three yards

Second and 8 from Cards attempted screen incomplete

Third and 8 Rodgers dances around great coverage, Rodgers goes through entire progression and then runs for 11

First and goal, Rodgers scrambles left, nobody open, starts to run, but tackled at line of scrimmage

Second and goal from 8, Rodgers to Jordy Nelson, but Nelson hurt on catch, limps off field – Cardinals challenge catch – to add insult, the ruling on the field of a catch is overruled.

Third and goal, false start on Finley

Third and goal from the 13, quick hitter pass from Rodgers to Randall Cobb over the middle and he runs through the Arizona defense aided by a great block by Donald Driver. Cobb’s fifth TD of the season

Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards in 4:49

Packers 7 Cardinals 0

Cardinals third possession

Crosby kicks off to Cards – touchback

First and 10 at their own 20, Howling for 4

Second and 6, Skelton in gun, inside handoff to Howling for 5

Third and 1 from the Cardinals 29, I formation, Howling over center needs only inches, but gets just enough

First and 10, Skelton under center is pressured and throws it into the ground

Second and 10, Skelton under center handoff to Howling for 3 up the middle

Cardinals Time out – first

Third and 7, Skelton in gun, Cardinals penalty – false start

Third and 12, pass to Fitzgerald right at the first down marker

First and 10 from own 40, Skelton hands to Howling, who is hit in backfield, but squirms for 2

Second and 8, pass to Doucette tipped by receiver and it falls incomplete

Third and 8, pass by Skelton to a double-covered Fitzgerald falls incomplete

Fourth down punt rolls to the Packers 17

Packers third possession

First and 10, Rodgers throws incomplete to James Jones

Second and 10, Rogers on play action passes to left side for 17 yards

First and 10 from own 34, Rodgers hands off to Alex Green up the middle for 6

End of first quarter

Packers start from own 40, second and 4, Rodgers in gun, rolls right, throws to Cobb, but the ball intercepted by Randall Gay – Under review by booth – Gay actually caught the ball as he was rolling over Cobb who was on the ground trying to make the catch. Reviewed and call on field of interception stands

Rodgers’ fifth interception of the season

Cardinals ball on the turnover

First and 10 from the Packers 43, Skelton long pass to Andre Roberts down to the Packers 3. Hayward beaten on coverage.

First and goal, handoff to Howling to 1

Second and goal, Howling breaks tackle by Jarrett Bush and runs to corner of end zone for the Touchdown

Extra point by Fiedler

 Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards in 1:27

Packers 7 Cardinals 7

Packers fourth possession

Kickoff to Packers -touchback

First and 10 from the 20, quick pitch right to Cobb who gets 11 yards

First and 10 from 31, handoff to Starks who makes good cut off left tackle for 4

Second and 6, Rodgers under center with Cobb in backfield, stretch handoff to Cobb for 12 yards – great run; Bulaga comes out with injury

First and 10, Starks with good move off the right side for 9

Second and 1, Rodgers under center, hands off to Starks for three

First and 10, reshuffled offensive line, Starks for three

Lang to right tackle and Dietrich Smith in at left guard

Second and 5, pass incomplete to Cobb

Third and five from Cardinals 38, offsides, free play pass over middle to Cobb falls incomplete

Third and 1, Rodgers in gun with Alex Green lined up to his right

Time out Packers -first

Third and 1, Green hit right at line, but picks up first down – big hit by Kerry Rhodes

First and 10, Quick pass to Tom Crabtree dropped

Second and 10, ball at Cardinals 32, rodgers stumbles and throws a strike to Donald Driver who drops; Rodgers grimaces. Packers have had 4 drops in the first half

Third and 10, Rodgers in gun, pass to Driver tipped up and caught by Driver

First and 10, Rodgers in gun, lobs a pass to Cobb who makes fantastic catch right side of end Zone – TD – Second TD catch by Cobb; Rodgers second TD pass of the day; 23 TD passes by Rodgers this season

Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 5:42

Packers 14 Cardinals 7

Packers

Kickoff to Powell returns to 22

Cardinals possession

First and 10, Howell for three

Second and 7, Skelton under center, drops back and throws incomplete toward Roberts

Third and 7, Early Doucette juggles a pass and drops it after he had enough for a first down; Skelton crushed after the pass by Clay Matthews

Fourth and 7 punt, delay of game on Cardinals

Fourth and 12 punt to Cobb at the 23, returned to the 25 Cobb concussion

Packers fifth possession

First and 10, Rodgers under center, hands to Starks, runs for four and fumbles; Ball bounces around and Aaron Rodgers dives from out of nowhere to recover

Second and 3, screen to Green for 6

First and 10 ball at 38, Green for 2 off right tackle; fight breaks out, but no flag

Second and 8, Green with delayed handoff for 3,

Second and 3, pass to Jones for 6 first down

First and 10, Screen to Green for 20 to the 31; well executed play with great downfield blocking. Good to see the Packers running screens once again.

First and 10 at 31, quick pass to Boykin gets 1

Second and 9, Rodgers in gun, Green in backfield, James Jones makes incredible catch over the cornerback for Touchdown. Rodgers third TD of the day; Jones has 8 TD Passes this season.

Crosby extra point

Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards in 4:39

Packers 21 Cardinals 7

1:54 left in the first half

Kickoff Crosby – touchback

Cardinals possession

First and 10 at 20, pass to Fitzgerald for 9,

Second and 1, pass to Fitzgerald for 11, nearly intercepted

First and 10, handoff to Howling for six

Second and 5 from Cardinals 41, Skelton pass to TE for 9

First and 10, Skelton sacked for rookie Mike Daniels on stunt

Second and 20

Cardinals time out

Second and 20, from own 40, pass to Doucette knocked down by M.D. Jennings

Third and 20, in gun, quick pass to Doucette dropped

Fourth down and 20 punt Cobb back in game fair catch at the 15

Packers sixth possession

First and 10, 23 seconds left, Rodgers takes a knee.

Packers 21 Cardinals 7

End of first half

First half statistics brought to you by si.com

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Randall Cobb 13 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 5:31 Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards in 4:49
Green Bay 7-0

2nd Quarter

LaRod Stephens-Howling 1 yard TD run (Jay Feely extra point is GOOD), 13:26 Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards in 1:27
Tied 7-7

Randall Cobb 21 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 7:44 Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 5:42
Green Bay 14-7

James Jones 28 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 1:54 Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards in 4:39
Green Bay 21-7

Cardinals

Packers

Cardinals

Packers

Interesting stats: Packers first half: 126 rushing yards, 127 passing. Most rushing yards in 1H for Packers since 2008 vs. Detroit.

Second half

Cardinals kickoff by Jay Feeley to Randall Cobb with a 43 yard slicing return

Packers first possession of second half

First and 10 from the Packers 48, in gun, handoff to Green for 4

Second and 6 Rodgers scrambles right, throws across the field ala Brett Favre, but the pass fall short and incomplete

Third and 6, ball at Cardinals 48, Rodgers in gun, Cardinals offside

Third and 1, Rodgers in gun with Green in backfield, quick slant to Jones over the middle incomplete knocked down by Patrick Peterson

Fourth down punt by Masthay, ball bounces into the end zone for a touchback

Cardinals first possession of second half

First and 10 from 20, Skelton pass knocked into air by Casey Hayward, topped ball picked off by LB Erik Walden

Packers second possession

First and 10 from Cardinals 13, handoff to Green for 2

Second and 8, in gun, Rodgers lots of time throws the ball away toward Green in right flat

Third and 8, Rodgers in gun overthrows Jones in left corner of the end zone incomplete

Crosby 33-yard FG is GOOD

4 plays, 2 yards in 0:45

Packers 24 Cardinals 7

Kickoff Packers to Cardinals Powell good return to the 28

Cardinals second possession

First and 10 from 28, Skelton handoff to Howling for 3

Second and 7, Skelton under center passes to Fitzgerald who had fallen on the play along the left sideline

Third and 7, Skelton from the gun, pass to Housler dropped – five drops by Cardinals receivers on the day

Cardinals

Fourth down punt shanked to 50 yard line

Packers third possession

First and 10 from own 50 yard line, Green for 2

Second and 8, Rodgers in gun has ALL day, but can’t find anyone open and he throws it away

Third and 8, Rodgers attempts pass, but falls incomplete as he loses control of the ball

Fourth and 8 punt by Masthay – to Patrick Peterson who muffs the ball, but recovers ball

Cardinals third possession

First and 10 from their own 13, Skelton passes to Michael Floyd for 15 yards

First and 10 from 30, Clay Matthews has Skelton in his grasp and throws the ball away.

Second and 10, Skelton throws and the pass is broken up by Jarron McMillian

Third and 10, ball at 30, Skelton completes to Housler for 11 and first down

First and 10 from the 41, Skelton play action hits Andre Roberts for 23 over the middle; Roberts hurt on play

First and 10, ball at Packers 36, Dezman Moses tips ball on outside rush and pass is incomplete

Second and 10, from gun, handoff to Howling who is hit in backfield, gets up and gets 5 yards – Packers challenge spot of the ball – After review – call on field upheld. GB loses time out

Third and 5, Skelton pass to Fitgerald for catch and run for TD

Feeley Extra point

Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards in 2:55

Packers 24 Cardinals 14

Cardinals kickoff to Cobb from goal line return to the 22

Packers possession

First and 10, Rodgers rolls right and hits Boykin for 6

Second and 4, Starks stretch play for 3

Third and 1, Rodgers under center, handoff to Green stuffed

Fourth down punt by Masthay (third punt of second half), fair catch by Peterson at 20

Cardinals possession

First and 10 at their own 20, Howling runs to the edge for 10

First and 10, Skelton from gun throws short in the flat to Howling

Second and 10, ball at Cards 35, pass to Housler for 11 first down

First and 10, Skelton under center hand off to Howling who churns ahead for five

Second and 5, pass to Housler down to the 28 for first down

First and 10 from Packers 28, Skelton to FB Sherman for 2

Matthews not in – out with injury

Second and 7, Skelton to Roberts to the 11

Cardinals time out – first

First and 10 from Packers 11, Skelton in gun, passes out of the back of the end zone.

Second and 10, 2:20 in third; Skelton hits Fitzgerald for 9 to the 2

Fourth and 1, Mike Daniels and AJ Hawk stuff Howling at line

FG from Jay Feeley 20 yards GOOD

Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards in 5:11

Packers 24 Cardinals 17

Cardinals kickoff to Packers – Cobb to the 22 on return

Packers possession

First and 10 from the 22, Rodgers under center, Green delayed handoff for 6

Green Bay Packers tight end Tom Crabtree (Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Second and 4, Rodgers in gun, pass over the middle for Crabtree and he barely outruns defenders for 72 yards, falling exhausted on the last play of the third quarter

 Drive: 2 plays, 78 yards in 0:50

Crosby extra point

Packers 31 Cardinals 17

End of third quarter

Packers kickoff to Cardinals

Cardinals possession

First and 10, Howling loses 1 yard

Second and 11, Skelton’s pass to Fitzgerald is under thrown incomplete

Third and 11, pass to Housler for 9 short of first down

Fourth down punt to Cobb – ball rolls dead at Packers 31

First and 10, handoff to Starks for 5

Second and 5, ball at Packers 36, Starks for 4

Third and 1, Starks runs right, lunges but is short of the first down

Fourth down punt by Masthay – to Patrick Peterson returns it 12 yards to the 25

Cardinals possession

First and 10 from their own 25, Skelton in the gun, passes down left sideline that was off the hands of  Davon House for the near interception

Second and 10, pass to Floyd for 8; House on the coverage

Third and 2, 10:20 in fourth; Skelton passes to Howling in right flat and is immediately tackled by Erik Walden – huge play by the linebacker.

Fourth down punt to Cobb who returns it 10 yards to the 20

Packers possession

First and 10, Starks takes a pitch to the right outside, eludes a couple of tackles, breaks one and gets 14 yards

First and 10, Starks running hard and making decisive cuts gets three

Second and 7, Starks shut down for a two-yard loss

Third and 8, ball at Packers 35, Rodgers in gun, offside on Arizona

Third and 3, Rodgers alone in backfield, quick, high pass to Cobb is juggled with one hand and brings it in for the first down

Cobb nears 200 total yards on the day

First and 10, ball at 47, Play action Rodgers rolls right and passes deep to Cobb, but it falls incomplete

Second and 10, Packers using clock well, Starks for 1

Third and 9, Rodgers in gun pitches to Cobb who runs for 6 – good clock management

Fourth down and 2; punt by Masthay – Peterson returns for 7

Cardinals possession

First and 10 from own 17, 5 minutes remain in game, pass to Fitzgerald; however, personal foul on Cardinals for piling on puts ball at their own 12

First and 15, pass to Floyd for 10

Third and 6, pass to Roberts well out of his reach

Fourth and 6, Cardinals go for it on fourth down with 3:53 left in game; Skelton in gun, passes deep to Floyd down right sideline for first down

First and 10, pass to Roberts for first down, fumbles, but ball goes out of bounds gain of 9

Second and 1, pass incomplete

Third and 1 from the Packers 32, Howling stuffed for loss of 3

Fourth down and 4, cardinals go for it, Skelton passes incomplete; pass broken up by Casey Hayward

Packers take over on downs

Packers possession

2:20 left in game, Rodgers hands off to Starks who is taken down with a horse collar tackle – personal foul

First and 10 at the Packers 49, Starks up the middle for 4

Time out Cardinals

Second and 7, Starks for 2

Time out Cardinals – final

Third and 5, Rodgers in gun, pass to Cobb incomplete

Fourth and five Masthay punt Peterson muffs the punt and Bush recovers at the 2

Packers possession

First and goal, Packers run out the clock, kneel on ball

Packers 31 Cardinals 17

Cardinals

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/11/04/5013/index.html#ixzz2BI6JS3H3

Considering both the Packers and Cardinals are tied with the league lead in team sacks – 26 each – the sack masters, Clay Matthews included – could have an active day. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The staff here at Lombardiave.com take a stab at predicting the outcome of today’s Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals game.

While all the writers got away with a win last week in predicting the Packers vs. Jaguars, most of us were way off in predicting the final score – as was most of America.

So, without further adieu, take a peek at how we think things will go today:

Ray Rivard: Last week, most of us went into the Jaguars game thinking “the Packers are back home, they’re going against one of the worst teams on the planet, so this should be over midway through the first quarter.” Boy, were we wrong. We have to remember every National Football League team is made up of professionals whose only goal is to win. That will be the case when the Arizona Cardinals hit historic Lambeau Field today. This could be their Super Bowl. I feel Rodgers is going to struggle early on again today, especially if Jordy Nelson isn’t on the field. However, the Packers defense comes to play today and I feel will get at least three sacks on John Skelton. The Packers will somehow find a semblance of a running game and Rodgers heats up in the second half. Cobb has a big game, the special teams will make one more play than the Cardinals, and two players – James Starks and Jarrett Boykin – make significant contributions.

Packers hit the six-win mark and play better heading into the bye; Packers 28 Cardinals 13

Sept 9, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) drops a pass while guarded by San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson (38) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Jason Hirschhorn: The Packers looked less than elite in their week 8 win over the Jaguars, and the whole fanbase lost its collective mind. Let’s slow our roll here. The Packers took the lead with 3:02 left in the first quarter and never lost it. They won by two scores. This wasn’t a terrible performance, especially considering the circumstances (Jordy Nelson’s injury, first game without Charles Woodson, etc.).

The only real bad news entering week 9 is that Jordy Nelson still has not returned to practice. He’ll be a game-time decision, and there’s at least a 50% chance he misses another game. Nelson’s absence was the biggest reason I predicted a 24-13 win for Green Bay last week, but I’m not as concerned this time around. Randall Cobb and James Jones will be entering their second week of getting all the first team reps, and Cobb looks more and more like a player who can handle being the opposing defense’s number one priority.

The Packers will enter their bye week 6-3. Packers 28 – Cardinals 17

Dan Turczynski: The Cardinals are a dangerous team that the Packers must not overlook going in to the bye week next week. They have some players who can make Sunday a long day for the Packers’ defense, none more important than Larry Fitzgerald.

On the other hand the Cardinals can’t block anybody on offense and they just so happen to be playing against the Packers, who are number 1 in the NFL in sacks on defense. I think Clay Matthews has a big day, and the defense picks up another mediocre performance by the offense.

Pack win 24-13 to move to 6-3. 

Tim Thomas: After last week’s closer-than-expected win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Packers will be ready to come out and make a statement as they take on a decent Arizona Cardinals team.

The middle of the Packers offensive line will have the challenge of shutting down the Cardinals’ star defensive lineman, Calais Campbell. Aaron Rodgers may also still be without not only Greg Jennings but Jordy Nelson as Nelson is a game-time decision which will mean that Randall Cobb and James Jones will need to step up. Meanwhile, the Packers defense will need to make sure they shut down Larry Fitzgerald as Tramon Williams will most likely be the man assigned to cover him with support from the safeties.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive back Casey Hayward. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Sam Shields is still out as Casey Hayward will once again be called on  to help shut down a solid Arizona receiving corps. Cardinals QB John Skelton has struggled and the Packers can definitely force some turnovers while Clay Matthews, BJ Raji, and company can force Skelton to rush some throws and make more mistakes.

The Packers will come out with a sense of urgency to avoid an upset which will help them beat the Cardinals.

Prediction: Packers 31, Cardinals 17

Jerry Bulone: This is not a good spot for the Packers. They come into this game pretty beat up and ready for the bye week, while the Cardinals are angry from getting embarrassed by a division rival and need the victory.

That being said, I just cannot picture John Skelton walking into Lambeau and beating Aaron Rodgers.

Packers 24, Cardinals 20

Oct 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton. Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Thomas Marquardt: This will be a challenge for the Packers offensive line considering Arizona is tied with the Packers for the lead in sacks. If Jordy Nelson doesn’t play. the offense will have to be creative. The good news is that  John ‘Red’ Skelton and Kevin Kolb have been sacked a combined 39 times thus far this season (10 more than any other team in the league), so I’ll expect a lot of pressure on whomever is behind center for the Cards.

I say Starks gives the running game a spark and Rodgers will move enough to make some plays on the go, while Clay Matthews et al. have a big day.

Packers 27 Cards 13  

 

Jonathan Schweitzer: The Packers thrive on continuity.  They like stable conditions, rhythm.  Many of the offenses’ hiccups this season can be traced to a lack of continuity.  Adjusting to a running back such as Cedric Benson took a good three games.  Of course they’ve now reverted back to the pre-Benson running philosophy.  Adjusting to life without Greg Jennings took some getting used to as well.  And now the Packers, who have gone one game without Jennings and counterpart Jordy Nelson, should be better off/more comfortable having had some time to adjust to an attack with James Jones and Randall Cobb as the featured receivers.  I think the offense gets back on track and if the defense can keep LaRod Stephens Howling from busting loose for big gains, the Packers have a good shot at a win.

Packers 30 Cardinals 17

 

No matter where you reside, from east to west, north to south, there is a National Football League game being broadcast in your area, and it might include the Packers.

If you are an Arizona Cardinals or Green Bay Packers fan, check out the map. The hodgepodge of areas across the country who will have access to this game on FOX is rather bizarre.

We sometimes wonder who is sitting in a dark room making these decisions … but regardless, it is what it is. Check out the map at this link or take a look at the picture of the map included above … and whatever game you’re watching … enjoy!

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

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

The Good

The Cardinals miss Kolb

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

The Cards O line is real bad

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

It’s at Lambeau Field

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

The Bad

The Cards D is still legit

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

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

Pack still bitten by the injury bug

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

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

Oct 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is stopped at the goal line by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) and free safety Dashon Goldson (38) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Scott Allen, the editor of Raising Zona, took some time today to answer some questions we had about the Cardinals and how he feels heading into Sunday’s Lambeau Field showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals. Here is what Scott had to say about what he feels will be a one-sided affair …

Q. The Cardinals got off to an incredibly hot start with Kevin Kolb as their starting quarterback, but could that hot start be just as much attributable to an aggressive defense that took the ball away and helped turn games for the Cards? It could to a point.

A. I think you could make that argument in the wins over New England and Philadelphia.  Kolb has been a game manager though.  He almost lost the Miami game, but found a way to help his team win at the end.

Q. Speaking of the defense – the Cardinals and Packers are tied with 26 team sacks and both employ the 3-4 defense. Having to practice against that defensive scheme, do you think both teams’ offenses will have an advantage? In other words, could this be a shootout?

A. The only shooting the Cards will be doing is to themselves in the foot.  There is absolutely no way this will be a shootout.  The Cards have scored just 36 points in their four October losses.  To think they can score that in one game is just impossible.  They squander too many scoring opportunities.  Bad play calling comes into factor as well.

Q. We know about the Cards’ stars like Larry Fitzgerald, Patrick Peterson and up-and-comer Daryl Washington, but tell us about a couple of players who may be flying under the radar, but contributing to the team’s success. A. Consistently, it’s hard to find someone on either side of the ball.

A. On offense wide receiver Andre Roberts can make plays.  He is second on the team in receptions behind Fitz with 36 catches and five touchdowns. On defense outside linebacker O’Brien Schofield can get after it.

Oct 29, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton (19) during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The 49ers beat the Cardinals 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

Q. John Skelton has shown flashes of brilliance, but is coming off of one of his worst games last Monday Night. Tell us about his strengths and weaknesses and what he needs to do to succeed against the Packers.

A. It is really tough to find strengths.  I guess the best thing I could find to say about him is he can usually take a hit and keep on ticking.  He doesn’t give up, I’ll give him that.  He in my mind is still that 3-4 year project he was supposed to be two years ago.  He hold the ball too long and air mails his passes quite often.  There never seems to be a sense of urgency when things go wrong and some of that blame can be placed on coaches.  His overall record as a starter is completely overrated.

Q. How will the Cardinals approach this game from an offensive standpoint. Will they try to run the ball to set up the pass or do you think they will attack the Packers depleted defensive backfield?

A. Well, as soon as they run the ball eight times for minus 15 yards, they’ll abandon the run, just like they did on Monday night.  They’ll use the sack to set up the pass.  I promise you, even a depleted Packers defense will get 2-3 turnovers from Skelton.  I imagine they will change nothing.  You’ll see a lot of the same things you saw Monday night.

Q. Give us your thoughts on how you feel this game will go … and include a final score.

A. This one will be over early.  I expect it to be Green Bay 14-0 in a blink of an eye early on.  Final score prediction:  Green Bay 41 Arizona 13

Dec 25, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) rushes with the football during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

On Sunday the 4-4 Arizona Cardinals visit Lambeau Field to take on the 5-3 Packers.

The records don’t really tell the whole story in this one though. The Cardinals are standing at 4-4 because they have lost their last four games. The Packers have a 5-3 record because they have won their last three games in a row.

Something’s got to give in this one. Streaks don’t get much more different than the ones these teams are on right now.

The Packers need the win just to keep their position right behind the rival Chicago Bears, who lead the NFC North at 6-1.

The Cardinals need the win just to be able to stay within striking distance of NFC West-leading San Francisco at 6-2.

Injuries will once again test the Packers depth. Unable to go this week are WR Greg Jennings (sports hernia surgery), LB Nick Perry (knee), and DB Charles Woodson (broken collarbone). FB John Kuhn (hamstring), CB Sam Shields (ankle), DL Jerel Worthy (concussion), WR Jordy Nelson (hamstring), and DB Jerron McMillian (back) are all likely to sit this one out as well.

DL Mike Neal might, however, be able to play..

The Cardinals are relatively healthy, but they are missing their starting QB Kevin Kolb. Backup QB John Skelton will start against the Pack.

Here are some of the things I’ll be watching during the game:

• When the Cardinals are on offense in this game I’ll be looking for OLBs Clay Matthews and Erik Walden to have some success against the Arizona offensive tackles. Whichever Packers OLB is not being double teamed should be able to beat his opponent one-on-one and get to Cards QB Skelton.

Again this week the Green Bay receivers will in large part determine the overall success of the offense. WRs Jones, Cobb, Driver, and Boykin, along with the TEs, will have to do a better job of catching the ball.  Not surprisingly, the Packers are perilously close to the bottom of the league in drops percentage this season. Hopefully WR Jordy Nelson will sit this one out and take the extra time over the bye to get his hamstring fully healed.

The Packers might finally let RB James Starks loose in this game. The run game, and the lack thereof, has definitely been mentioned aplenty this week in the media, and sooner or later the Packers must improve their running attack. Rumors of trades for RBs like Rams RB Stephen Jackson proved untrue. James Starks and Alex Green in tandem might be a workable solution, perhaps even effective, but we won’t know until we see it in action. Hopefully on Sunday.

Defensively the Packers seem to have been feeling their way through the last couple of games. One series the D will go three-and-out and they look good doing it. The next series they’ll give up big plays and allow points they shouldn’t have allowed. Breakdowns in coverage have been too frequent. “How did he get that open?” has been heard from Packers fans this year more than usual. We’re still waiting for another dominant defensive effort. The Packers, even missing key players, are capable of shutting Arizona’s offense down. I’ll be looking for them to do just that.

Also feeling their way are the Packers offensive linemen. They’re talented. They’re experienced. But they’re far too inconsistent. The Cardinals can be expected to blitz early and often in this game. It’s what they do. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has made teams pay dearly for employing that kind of approach, torching teams when they send more than four routinely. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- get the running game going and the offensive line will look a whole lot better when tasked with protecting Rodgers.

Fearsome Predictions:

Last week the Packers special teams pulled off a blocked punt for a touchdown- something no Packers team had done since 1990. I think they have another big play in them this week. A kickoff or punt returned for a touchdown would sure go down smooth!

Packers running backs will (finally) rack up over 100 yards, and RB James Starks will outrush RB Alex Green. Let’s just hope QB Aaron Rodgers doesn’t lead the team in rushing average this week. Again.

The Pack defense will force two turnovers- an interception by CB Tramon Williams and a fumble by Cards QB Skelton. Recovered by LB Clay Matthews.

The Packers offensive play selection will be closer to 50/50 run/pass than it has been all season.

Green Bay outside LBs will total four sacks. LB Erik Walden, if left one-on-one on his side, could get three of them.

Packers WR Randall Cobb’s performance in this game will earn him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.

On a personal note, my ancestral and childhood home of Brigantine, New Jersey was devastated by Hurricane Sandy this week. My memories of growing up on Brigantine Island simply don’t allow me to look at the images of the damage caused by the storm with anything other than disbelief. The entire Northeast was affected by the storm, but many of the beach communities like Brigantine were simply wiped away. Please keep the people everywhere dealing with the aftermath of Sandy in your prayers and if you can help in any other way at all please do so.

We’ll be attending the regular watch party at Tailgator’s on FM1488 in Magnolia this week. You know you want to see the game. Watch it with us and a bunch of our closest Packers fan friends. Stop on by!

Go Pack GO!

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.

Will A.J. Hawk win the starting inside linebacking position this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Since the Packers moved to a 3-4 defensive philosophy, their defense has been about as consistent as the lineup for the Monday Night Football broadcasters.

In 2008, they were twentieth in yards given up per game. In 2009, they jumped to 2nd, in 2010, they were 5th and in 2011 all way down to last.

While some might point to the presence, or lack thereof of a player like Cullen Jenkins (he played in only four games in 2008 and, of course we know by the unsullied jersey of Eli Manning last January, zero games for the Pack in 2012), the play of their linebackers hasn’t been a stellar example of consistency.

In fact, no position on the Packers defense has had to endure as many rotating starters since 2008 as the linebacking corps. For long periods of time, the following have been completely out or at the very least severely encumbered by injury: Matthews (hamstring, shin), Hawk, Barnett, Walden, Zombo, Brad Jones, Brandon Chillar.

Will D.J. Smith get more playing time or even a starting role this season? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So it should come as no surprise when we, Packers fans to the enth degree, search for spectacular stability. We’ve had it at almost every other position for years, Rodgers, Jennings, Bulaga, Woodson, and until last year, Collins and to some extent Raji. With a breakout performance by Desmond Bishop last year, we know that spectacular play from the inside linebacking position is possible. That could be what’s suddenly driving speculation that Hawk is in a training camp battle to save his starting position (and therein his roster spot).

Since they lost to the Cardinals back in the 2009-10 playoffs, when it became painfully clear that Hawk just did not possess the speed necessary to track down running backs on the sideline, I’ve never been a big fan of the Ohio State product. But Hawk had a productive year in 2010 and the Packers, on a Super Bowl high, invested a multi-year contract in the linebacker and let Nick Barnett go.

Last season, Hawk was consistently blamed for not making enough big plays. When he did have to sit because of injury, Packer fans were treated to some excellent playmaking by his understudy, a rookie, D.J. Smith. He’s 5-11, 239 pounds, and came out of a small school, Appalachian State.

During his unlimited action last year, he had 40-plus tackles and an interception. It will be very interesting to see if Smith gets more snaps than usual during the preseason, especially if it is with the first team. The Packers will likely say it is to give Hawk a rest, but many will view this as a clue that Hawk has a fight on his hands, which is as good a motivator as there is for someone who has already inked his post rookie payday contract.

The Cardinals are an interesting team. With quarterbacking continuing to be a question, the team could be on the brink of major improvements. Could this team be one of those surprising upstarts in 2012? They made some good moves in the draft that could help them, namely the drafting of Michael Floyd to play opposite of Larry Fitzgerald.

But I’ll let the expert from Raising Zona tell you about it.

See below … or check out the links provided above. There is some great stuff on our fellow websites here on the fansided network. Enjoy.

Ahman Green walks out of Lambeau Field for the final time after the Packers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in December 2009. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Paul Imig posted an interesting article on his site at FSWisconsin - an interview with Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green who said he’s ready to play in the National Football League once again.

He made that statement, despite having carried the football last on Jan. 10, 2010, when he was playing for the Packers against the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC Playoff Game.

What’s interesting is that Green, who was with the Packers for the second time during that last stint, felt he was in as good of condition as any time during his career. Admitting that the Packers had Ryan Grant and some younger legs on the team, Green said he could have carried the load had the team given him the ball.

Not that he was complaining, he was happy to have landed back with the Packers.

Now he wants another shot and is waiting for the phone to ring. The four-time Pro Bowler is hoping there’s some team out there willing to call so he can have the opportunity to show what he can do.

Saying that he’s a “football player,” first and foremost, Green went so far to say that he would play anywhere – not just running back. In order to get a shot to be back on the football field, Green said he would even play special teams just to be part of a team.

“I’ve got at least five years left in me to play football,” Green told Imig today. With his home in Green Bay, the former Packer would be very interested if the Packers called. And given that the team is going to be relying on an unproven group of running backs, it’s not inconceivable the Packers may at least consider bringing Green in for a look-see.

With Ryan Grant unsigned and the tandem of James Starks and Alex Green coming into this season off serious knee injuries, the only healthy running backs on the roster are Brandon Saine and rookie free agents Duane Bennett of Minnesota, FB Nic Cooper of and Winston-Salem State and RB Marc Tyler of USC.

But given the Packers penchant for developing players, there probably isn’t room on a roster as deep overall for a 35-year-old former player.

Yes, the NFL is a business first … unfortunately for Green.

With all that said, we wish Green the best. He could probably be an excellent special teams player for some team and maybe even fill in at running back when needed.

But looking at things realistically, Green said, ”I can’t sit around and wait forever, so if it doesn’t happen, I’ve got to move on with my life.”

Class guy.

Here are a couple of videos for fun

If tagged with the franchise designation, would Jermichael Finley be considered a tight end or wide receiver? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today was the first day NFL teams could apply the franchise tag to a player of their choosing. Not any were done right away but this is to be expected as teams would prefer to see how free agency falls out before they make any large financial commitments.

So how should the Pack use their franchise tag, if they even choose to do so?

The most probable candidate will be tight end Jermichael Finley. At the beginning of last season, it was surely expected that the Packers would apply the franchise tag once the off-season came around. But after a disappointing year by the young tight end, it has made Packers fans somewhat uncertain as to using the tag on Finley – is he even worth it?

It’s only a one year deal, but it pays the player as being one of the tops at that position. There is an issue with Finley about this though. There has been some speculation that Finley may argue that he is a wide receiver and, therefore, would make double the money if he were to be considered a tight end. To determine this, they will have to review how many times Finley lined up as a wide receiver and compare it to the tight end. This would surely determine if the Packers decide to use the tag on Finley or not. If he is considered a tight end, then the Pack will most likely use the tag on him but if he is considered a wide receiver, then it would be more likely that the Pack decide not to use the tag and may have to let him go.

Obviously Packers fans would be saddened if this should happen but there would still be the chance the Packers could work out a 1 or 2 year deal. This is unlikely, however, and the Pack will be faced with either giving him the tag or letting him walk.

Another scenario the Packers could opt for is franchising quarterback Matt Flynn. This probably will not happen because if they chose to do so, they would be paying Flynn more money than MVP Aaron Rodgers next season. The benefit of doing this would be to get good trade value for someone who is considered by many teams as a franchise quarterback.

Last year the Philadelphia Eagles had Kevin Kolb and ended up trading him to the Arizona Cardinals for lots of picks and valuable players. It would be nice for the Pack to be able to get some nice pieces for Flynn but I just cannot see the Pack doing this.

The most probable scenario will be the Pack either franchising Finley as a tight end or letting him walk and the Packers opting not to use the franchise tag this year.

Though today was the first day teams were able to place the franchise tag on one of their players, the Packers’ crucial decision will still probably be a few weeks away.

Will Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers defense show up Sunday? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What’s been talked about most this week and will be discussed right up until game time of the Packers and Giants showdown this weekend will be just how the Packers are going to deal with that vaunted defense blowing into Lambeau Field.

Well, we know it’s not the Packers’ defense everyone is talking about, don’t we? No, we’re talking about the Giants defense – that same outfit that held the Atlanta Falcons scoreless in the first round of the playoffs.

The Packers defense, on the other hand, has been an enigma, a unit that fills its roster with All-Pros, but throughout the season looked like … well frankly, I’m not sure how to describe them.

They’ve been gashed week -in and week-out on big play after big play as even marginal quarterbacks such as Kyle Orton (twice), Christian Ponder, Josh Freeman, and Josh McCown moved their teams up and down the field, throwing pretty much at will.

More after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Kevin "It is Time" Greene has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here he encourages linebackers Clay Matthews and Frank Zombo. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Mike Spofford of Packers.com posted the story below about Kevin Greene and the fact that for the first time he has made the cut as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Green Bay Packers’ linebackers coach who has brought enthusiasm and a player’s attitude to the coaching ranks for the Packers, has been in Green Bay for the past three years and is probably most well known among the general public for his comments in last year’s Super Bowl that were caught on tape when he told linebacker Clay Matthews that “It is time…” Matthews consequently went out and forced the game-changing fumble by the Steelers’ Rashard Mendenhall.

Spofford’s story spells out the full field of finalists and gives us a look at the personal bio of Greene’s.

Greene named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Posted by Mike Spofford on January 7, 2012 – 3:27 pm 

A semifinalist three times previously, Packers Outside Linebackers Coach Kevin Greene for the first time has advanced to the finalist stage for potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

See more after the jump, like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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The Packers faithful should be excited about next year's schedule

The 2011 regular season just ended, so it’s time for all but the 12 teams in the NFL Playoffs to start thinking about next season.

So, without further adieu, the league announced next season’s schedule.

Frankly, if the Green Bay Packers nearly went 16-0 this year, their schedule next year shows even greater favor … at least on paper.

While the Packers will play the always-tough divisional foes in the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, they will also play teams from the AFC South (yawn) in addition to NFC division winners San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.

But they also have on their schedule home games against Arizona, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. Road games will include St. Louis, Seattle, Houston and Indianapolis.

The full home and away schedule is below; exact dates and times will be determined later. However, the league did announce that the regular season would kick off Thursday, Sept. 6, and conclude Dec. 30.

Super Bowl XLVII will be played Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at the New Orleans Superdome.

See the Packers 2012 full schedule after the jump.

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Aaron Rodgers is honored once again as Player of the Month. It's the fifth time overall and the fourth straight month he has earned the honor.

It’s the fifth time overall and the fourth straight month that Aaron Rodgers has been named NFC Offensive player of the Month.

Yes, it’s almost expected his name would top the charts and be again be touted for this prestigious honor.

He and the Packers continue on their roll and hope to raise the team record to 12-0 when the visit the New York football Giants this weekend.

In the meantime, read about Rodgers’ accomplishments right after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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Brandon Jackson, seen here celebrating a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in 2010, is one of several players the Packers have parted ways with the past few months.

This is the second in a three-part series about “The ones Ted Thompson didn’t want.”

The NFL’s week seven was probably the worst week to head over to my friend’s place to watch the NFL Network’s addicting whip-around coverage known as the Red Zone channel. There were some awful match-ups: Seahawks/Browns, Redskins/Panthers, Broncos/Dolphins.

It got so bad that I found myself watching as the Steelers backed the Cardinals offense up on their own five-yard line.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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For The Green Bay Packers, this was a weekend of rest and relaxation … A well-deserved weekend of relaxation with their Thursday night season-opening victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Though the weekend of games were entertaining, they also provided insight into the future. 

In planning for the immediate, the Packers watched Cam Newton, this year’s top pick and next opponent, pick apart the Arizona Cardinals’ defense for 422 yards and an impressive display in the vertical passing game.

Granted, the Cardinals’ defense isn’t the Packers’ defense, but the rookie has shown that the Panthers made a good decision in taking him first overall and that the Packers will have to plan well.

Dom Capers will need to design packages to confuse the rookie for 60 minutes … If he can do that the Packers should win going away. If the Packers allow the Panthers to stay in the game into the fourth quarter this could be one of those trap games that could come back to haunt them at the end of the season.

Another factor that stood out from the weekend was the NFC North’s domination of the NFC South.

Though the Packers game came down to the final play and the Lions/Bucs game to the final minute, the Bears’ creaming of the Falcons placed the final stamp of divisional domination on the weekend.

Yes, the Packers and Lions games were close, but all that matters at this point are the records: NFC North 3 NFC South 0.

Even the the Vikings showed some spunk against the San Diego Chargers by holding a lead for three quarters despite Donovan McNabb’s dismal debut – he ended up throwing for fewer than 40 yards total in the game.

Sure, had the Vikings been playing without Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson it wouldn’t have been close, but the fact of the matter is that the Vikings do have those players and they make a difference.

The Vikes’ performance also underscores the notion that the NFC North should be considered one, if not the toughest division in all of professional football.

It also creates a heightened awareness among all players, coaches and fans that when these NFC North teams meet this year, it’s going to be brutal. These games will be bitterly fought spectacles that should be well worth the price of admission. 

Looking around at some of the other games this past weekend, we really didn’t see any major upsets. The closest thing to an upset was the shellacking the Ravens put on the Steelers … But when a team turns the ball over seven times like the Steelers did, there’s no way they’re going to win.

Other mildly interesting games simply because of the score differentials came in the Buffalo vs. Kansas City game, and the Indianapolis vs. Houston game. 

Some of the most entertaining were the 49ers vs. Seahawks, Giants vs. Redskins, with honorable mention to (zzzzzzz) the Jags and Titans.

But without question the best game of the weekend was the Jets vs. Cowboys. There was enough drama what with the Ryan boys and the return of Plaxico Burress to last the week. And the high drama in action was highlighted by Tony (the fumbler) Romo showing his true colors.

So, all in all, the first weekend came to a close with lots of action (could there be a better showing than Tom Brady’s 500-plus yards, 4 touchdown performance and 906-total yards between him and Chad Henne?), lots of drama, but not a lot of surprises.

A great start to another season for America’s Game …

Can it get any better? Stay tuned …

For the first time, 32 legendary NFL alumni, one representing each team, were part of the pregame celebration at Lambeau Field Thursday night. 
The alumni held their team’s flag and formed a chute on the field with players representing the NFC on one side and AFC on the other. 

You saw Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr walk through the gauntlet onto the field holding the Green Bay Packers flag followed by the Super Bowl XLV Champions running onto the field. 

Following the introduction of the Packers, the 2010 championship year was unveiled on the interior stadium wall and celebrated with a brief fireworks display.

The team flags will be flown by each team at their stadium during their first home game.

The NFL alumni who were on-hand at Lambeau Field to hold their team’s flag were: 

Arizona Cardinals, Ron Wolfley (RB)
Atlanta Falcons, Steve Bartkowski (QB)
Baltimore Ravens, Matt Stover (K)
Buffalo Bills, Andre Reed (WR)
Carolina Panthers, Muhsin Muhammad (WR)
Chicago Bears, Richard Dent (DE)
Cincinnati Bengals, Ken Anderson (QB)
Cleveland Browns, Kevin Mack (RB)
Dallas Cowboys , Jay Novacek (TE)
Denver Broncos, Randy Gradishar (LB)
Detroit Lions, Charlie Sanders (TE)
Green Bay Packers, Bart Starr (QB)
Houston Texans, N.D. Kalu (DE)
Indianapolis Colts, Bill Brooks (WR)
Jacksonville Jaguars, Don Davey (DT)
Kansas City Chiefs, Willie Lanier (LB)
Miami Dolphins, Dwight Stephenson (C)
Minnesota Vikings, John Randle (DT)
New England Patriots, John Hannah (G)
New Orleans Saints, Deuce McAllister (RB)
New York Giants, Harry Carson (LB)
New York Jets, Al Toon (WR)
Oakland Raiders, Ted Hendricks (LB)
Philadelphia Eagles, Eric Allen (CB)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Dermontti Dawson (C)
St. Louis Rams, Aeneas Williams (DB)
San Diego Chargers, Junior Seau (LB)
San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark (WR)
Seattle Seahawks, Cortez Kennedy (DT)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Alstott (FB)
Tennessee Titans, Eddie George (RB)
Washington Redskins, Larry Brown (RB)

How would you like to have a roster like that?

Anyway, here’s what he had to say:

Any addition to the Cards O-Line is fantastic.  The O-Line is a major deficiency.  It used to always be that way and got better over the past few yrs only to digress last season again.  Colledge is a great pickup and anything less than him starting means nothing but shear disappointment.

He’d better be.  The Cards paid a pretty good price to get him.  With a long off-season of rumors and build-up, he doesn’t need to be Moses, but he’d better be able to lead to a promised land as far as many fans are concerned.  I just want him to win.  Doesn’t need to be a world beater, just win NFL games, at least put the team in position to win every Sunday.

Strengths: Tough call.  On offense, receiver is good at the number one with Larry Fitzgerald.  There is a good in-camp fight for number 2.  Running game has possibilities, and quarterback.  Kolb immediately brings respect back to the position for the Cards.

Weaknesses:  See question one with the offensive line.  Lack of experienced depth at the corners.  A solid pass rush.  An inconsistent linebacking core.

Keep Kolb, Todd Heap, and Fitz healthy.  O-Line needs to block to help make that happen.  With the state of the other three teams, it shouldn’t be a stretch for them to think they can re-gain the division title.  St. Louis will keep getting better.  San Francisco can’t win it with their quarterback situation.  Neither can Seattle.

My best guess, probably into the second quarter.  Might even see some of them for the entire first half.  Of course I thought Kolb would play into the second last week and he only played two series.  It will all depend on how the game is flowing.