Steven Jackson is off to Atlanta … Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

I know there are thousands and maybe millions of Packers fans out there who might have a different adjective to offer, so I thought it might be fun to share with everyone what folks are saying about this mid-afternoon decision.

So, hide the children, put the dog in the kennel, break out the popcorn and prepare yourself for some entertaining reading. I’ll try to keep it as clean as I can … enjoy

Was this TT’s reaction after learning he didn’t land Steven Jackson? twitter.com/jrehor/status/…

— Tai Justice (@Tai1388) March 14, 2013

RT @adamschefter: With respect to Rams, Falcons might have Greatest Show on Turf: Steven Jackson, Roddy White, Julio Jones, Matt Ryan.

— Omari Warren (@MrOmariWarren) March 14, 2013

Dammit steven jackson

— Wesley Easter (@0chocinc0) March 14, 2013

The solution to no Jackson to the Packers in two words: Eddie Lacy

— Kelly(@ceallaigh_k) March 14, 2013

Desperately trying not to overreact about Jackson. Disappointing though. Means RB is a need for the draft presumably

— Rob Flack (@rob_flack24) March 14, 2013

@lombardiave Steven Jackson would’ve been nice but hopefully the back we do have can step up and create more yards…

— Mike Crum (@usmcmike1978) March 14, 2013

@edubs2003 @wallypingel Hope is a big word, it would have been a sure thing if we got Steven Jackson.

— Kartik (@packbrewfan1) March 14, 2013

@edubs2003 @wallypingel Hope is a big word, it would have been a sure thing if we got Steven Jackson.

— Kartik (@packbrewfan1) March 14, 2013

#Falcons continue to work smartly in free agent findings. Steven Jackson is another. Looked strong late last year ( @adamschefter was first)

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2013

Small piece of your heart has to go over to the Atlanta Falcons right now! Not at the expensive of St. Louis, but for the good of Jackson

— Nathan Kearns (@nkearns12) March 14, 2013

Bummer, missed out on Steven Jackson.. Just bring back @gregjennings I guess.

— Jeremy Biggs (@biggsy2323) March 14, 2013

And this is why you have to be skeptical of every report RT @acmepackingco: Steven Jackson signs with Atlanta Falcons sbn.to/16vfvmK

— Jason Hirschhorn (@JBHirschhorn) March 14, 2013

Jackson to the Falcons. How many fans call for Teds head now?

— Jacob Westendorf (@JacobWestendorf) March 14, 2013

I will say – Pack missing on Jackson once they wanted him is the first huge surprise of FA to me (aside from some silly contracts)

— Andrew Garda (@Andrew_Garda) March 14, 2013

Ted Thompson what the hell are you thinking not signing Steven Jackson, ridiculous! #norunninggamenow

— Mike Crum (@usmcmike1978) March 14, 2013

Steven Jackson has been playing indoor football his whole career. Absolutely no way he was going to come to the Frozen Tundra.

— Plitz (@GBPlitz) March 14, 2013

Steven Jackson plans to be doing his touchdown dance in Atlanta this coming season, not Green Bay.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It was announced at about 3:10 p.m. this afternoon that St. Louis Running back Steven Jackson agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons, ending two days of speculation that he was about to sign with the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers, who have lost Erik Walden to Indianapolis as a free agent, let three of their restricted free agents walk (Tom Crabtree, Robert Francois, and Frank Zombo), and offered RFA tenders to cornerback Sam Shields and center Evan Dietrich-Smith, have lost out on Jackson, who just two days ago was said to be heavily courted by Ted Thompson and the Packers.

It also comes off a week of Internet hysteria where Jackson ignited Packers Nation by agreeing with Sports Illustrated’s Peter King that going to Green Bay would “make sense.”

Well, apparently the Falcons came through over the past 24 hours to woo Jackson south instead of north. Maybe it was the money (terms are said to be $4 million per year – now that’s a good term for Jackson), maybe it was the fact that the Falcons fell just short of the Super Bowl last season, maybe it was that Ted Thompson wouldn’t budge off of his stance that he wanted Jackson, but only on his terms.

With Greg Jennings in Minnesota today it’s unclear at this point, but Thompson may be in jeopardy of losing not just one potential free agent, but two.

No doubt, the Tweets are flying and Packers Nation is in a tizzy as I hurriedly write this disappointing news.

More to come.

Stay tuned.

Are the Packers interested in signing St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson and do they have the wherewithal to do so?
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King got all of Packers Nation talking Friday when he was caught on video telling St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson that he’s gotta “go to Green Bay” and Jackson saying that it “makes sense.” But the talk today is that Jackson’s best bet will be the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking at replacing Michael Turner who was cut late last week. Chris Wessling, an Around the League writer for NFL.com posted today that according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jackson’s best move would be to go to the Falcons. However, he also doesn’t write off the Packers and also makes mention of the Denver Broncosas another team that might have an interest in Jackson.

Cedric Benson went down with injury early in the year. Will the Packers bring him back?
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The real question on this end is whether the Packers have an actual interest in Jackson. There have been no rumblings coming from anyone associated with the Packers on any type of interest or even any contact with the runner who is a perennial 1,000-yard rusher. The Packers running game was in a shambles last year after Cedric Benson went down with a foot injury a few weeks into the season. The Packers attempted to push second-year runner Alex Green into the position, but it was clear after a few weeks that he wasn’t going to be the guy. oft-injured James Starks made a brief comeback and showed some of his 2010 abilities, but he, too, went down with injury. The Packers then turned to DuJuan Harris late in the season and he showed some spunk and power – however, most agree he would be most effective as a change-of-pace back and not an every down back. And while the Packers brought back Ryan Grant late in the season, he was mostly ineffective and won’t be brought back in 2013. Jackson would fill that role as he not only runs with power, but catches the ball out of the backfield well. Whether Ted Thompson would want to commit – or whether he has the money to commit – to Jackson is a question only he can answer. The Packers are around $21 million under the salary cap, but when you start adding up the funds that will be needed to sign restricted free agents, draft choices and undrafted free agents, you’re looking at least $7 million. That still leaves the Packers with what might seem plenty of cash until you look at who they have yet to sign – quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews - for sure – and possibly defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

Will DuJuan Harris be a big part of the Packers running game in 2013?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Just Rodgers alone is going to command more than $20 million per year and Matthews will most likely get at least half that, so the bank account will be quickly depleted. The only way Thompson frees up more money is if he cuts ties with tight end Jermichael Finley, who’s due a bunch of money at the end of March, or linebacker A.J. Hawk, who will be due more than $5 million this year. Those are intriguing situations which have Packers Nation divided at this time, but will be resolved sometime soon. So, in the end, Jackson may end up going to Atlanta or Denver because the Packers can’t afford it. Though Jackson is right – from a football standpoint, having him in the Green and Gold does make a lot of sense. Stay tuned.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) takes the field prior to the start against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

This morning, the Atlanta Falcons released a triumvirate of veterans that sent shock waves through the NFL – DE John Abraham, RB Michael Turner, and DB Dunta Robinson were all sent packing by Atlanta.

However, it wasn’t long before the shock waves had subsided and folks started the speculation on the best fitting teams for all three of those veterans. The first thing I thought was that all three of those players would be great fits with the Green Bay Packers, but then my Ted Thompson radar activated and I realized I was only dreaming … it’s time to wake up.

But I wasn’t alone.

David Miniel of our friends over at NFL Spin Zone wasted little time in placing a post that outlined the five best landing sites for John Abraham.

Number one on his list was the Green Bay Packers. So, maybe I’m not so crazy after all.

Here’s what Miniel had to say:

 Green Bay Packers - Defense does need help, a veteran like Abraham could boost Green Bay’s motivation on defense as they have struggled the last few seasons. They need more help when it comes to pressuring the quarterback, so with John Abraham having 122 career and 10 last season, he should help out in that category.

The Packers’ defense does need help. Despite the fact that Ted Thompson spent all his time drafting defensive players last season and even though Green Bay’s D did improve statistically over 2011, they still ended the season soft, giving up 579 total yards to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Playoff Game. We don’t even want to mention what SF QB Colin Kaepernick did to the team in that game – I think we all know.

And so while there are those out there who feel that Abraham would be a good fit in Green Bay, I have to say that while he would bring a definite attitude and experience to the Packers, I highly doubt Thompson will pursue him. As we all know, he’s a draft and develop guy and to go out and spend millions on a 34-year-old defensive lineman just isn’t his way of doing things.

As a side note, Miniel also included the Packers in the list of teams that would be a good landing spot for RB Michael Turner. With that I might agree, but that’s a post for a later time.

As free agency heats up, we’ll be looking at all the possibilities here at Lombardiave.com.

Stay tuned.

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

Read on and get ready for today’s epic matchup.

Q. The Giants are suddenly the most balanced team remaining in the playoffs.  With a healthy running game, a big play passing game, and a defense that looks ready to make a statement.  Could they be the most dangerous opponent for the Packers?

A. I think all football fans have been debating that all week. Because the Dec. 4 game came down to the last second and the way the Giants have played during their final three weeks, as well as their dismantling of the Falcons, everyone is acutely aware of the danger the Giants bring to Lambeau Field Sunday.

What really scares me about the Giants is the running game. I feel the Packers will handle the Giants defense, but if New York is able to control the line of scrimmage when they are on offense and gets its running game going, that could spell trouble for the Packers. If the Giants control the clock with the running game and keeps the Packers offense off the field, that’s trouble with a capital T. Needless to say, I feel this could be a monumental battle for both teams and the difference could come down to turnovers and special teams.

See more after the jump

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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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I’m hoping that today’s match-ups between the Giants and Falcons and Steelers and Broncos instill a bit more interest.

Yesterday’s Bengals vs. Texans was entertaining for one half before Houston literally ran away from Cincy. And as for the Lions vs. Saints … we all knew deep down how that game was going to turn out. The Lions are missing many pieces … and Mr. Suh was completely invisible. Clearly, the New Orleans was the best team playing yesterday and will probably show that, with the Packers, stand head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

So, with the Giants getting set to kick-off with the Falcons, I have a feeling that somehow Mr. Manning will find a way to win this one … but does it matter to the Packers? Probably not. I feel they will be ready next weekend for whichever team steps on the Lambeau Field turf.

So, without any more hype, who wins today?

Take the poll and enjoy the games.

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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For me, the best game of the weekend, in addition to the Falcons/Giants matchup, is the Lions vs. Saints. As much as most Packers fans would like to see the Lions somehow come out of New Orleans with a win, it most likely won’t happen.

Needless to say, either the Saints or Lions will have their hands full when they have to travel to San Francisco and face that stout defense.

It should be an entertaining weekend, but before it gets started let’s see who you think will come out on the other side as winners.

Take the poll, grab some snacks and beverages, sit back, relax and watch the games.

And don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Packers coaches, players and fans are pleased to see Greg Jennings back at practice today. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It was good news coming out of Green Bay today as Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings was back at practice.

After injuring his knee nearly a month ago against the Oakland Raiders, Jennings has received around-the-clock treatment from trainers as he healed and rested.

And while the Packers won a Super Bowl last year without Jermichael Finley, the team was certainly hoping they didn’t have to try to do so without Jennings. If you remember, it was Jennings who stepped to the forefront when Finley went down last year, helping the Packers cruise through the playoffs and then capture their fourth Super Bowl title.

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Ok, so does Deion Sanders know more than we think he knows?

Maybe Deion Sanders knows more than most would expect.

You see, it was one month ago that Sanders went on record saying he felt the Bears had a better chance of challenging the Packers for the North Division title or at least to take over second best in the division.

At that time, Sanders was heard on the NFL Network saying that he “loved the Packers,” but it was the Lions who got a tongue lashing at the time … the other hosts on the program attacked Sanders and questioned his logic.

Well, after the last couple of weeks, Sanders is all of a sudden looking like a genius. With the Lions dropping two straight in the friendly confines of Ford Field, it looks like this team is simply ordinary. Losing to San Francisco and Atlanta, the Lions had little teeth in either its offense or defense.

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Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji are a force on the field together and also had similar thoughts about the play of the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

You would think there isn’t any place for this type of behavior in the NFL, but if you thought that you’re wrong.

The Packers players weren’t pulling any punches after last night’s game when they commented about the Falcons and their propensity to perfect the life of a cheap shot artist.

But it’s not artistry we’re talking about here … it’s just bad news.

Take the jump here for a couple of quotes left after the game by B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett.

First Raji: “Great teams don’t indulge in the kind of cheap stuff the Falcons do. We’re the champions and we play that way. We walk away from the stuff they pull. These guys are coached to play after the whistle.

“I don’t know what the deal is. I think it’s a lack of talent on their part. We didn’t worry about any of that. We came out and played our game.”

Here’s Pickett: “It’s unnecessary. They call it playing physical. But it’s after the whistle. It’s not physical. We know it watching tape that they like to hit after the whistle. You have to watch yourself around the piles. They point at you if you react. We just felt like if we just punch them up front at the start it would end that.

Our hope is that these two teams meet again in the playoffs … In Green Bay.

Be sure to Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The loss of Chad Clifton to injury has opened the door for Derek Sherrod. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The good news from last night’s convincing win over the Atlanta Falcons … was just that … it was a convincing win over the team that many, Including Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, said would win the Super Bowl.

Now after being plucked by both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers from the NFC North, it’s clear that Atlanta resides in the weaker division.

But I digress …

What was bad about last night’s win was the loss of left tackle Chad Clifton to what’s now being called a “significant” hamstring injury.

Clifton’s leadership and experience will be missed along the offensive line, but this is the ultimate fact of life in the National Football League … injuries are a factor with which all teams deal.

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Matt Ryan again moved the Falcons inside the Packers 10, from where they punched it in for a 14-0 lead.

The Packers again moved the ball on their last two possessions of the first half, but both bogged down in the red zone and resulted in two field goals.

Atlanta 14 Packers 6

But the biggest development was the loss of Chad Clifton .. Sherrod is in … And the Packers suddenly have an abundance of inexperience at both ends of the offensive line.

Good things: sustained drives

Not so good: settling for FGs

All I can say, is that I’m hoping for the best tonight. We all know the Packers offinse will come to play … but what about the defense. We’ll find out in a few hours.

Anyway, here are my answers after the jump:
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Check out Jamie Kelly's Fansided.com blog site, Blogging Dirty at http://bloggingdirty.com.

The Green Bay Packers will face the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night in a rematch of the two teams that met in the playoffs last year.

Many, including SI’s Peter King, have picked the Falcons to win the Super Bowl this year, but have been a big disappointment so far.

In fact, by barely beating the Seattle Seahawks last week, many are now questioning whether this is a playoff caliber team.

Well, we know this is the National Football League and things change from week to week. There are always surprises and the Seahawks may have sneaked up on the Falcons.

So, despite their record and the Packers’ fast start, Sunday’s game, at least on paper, should be a knock-down, drag-out fight.

Jamie Kelly, the Falcons’ blogger with the fansided site Blogging Dirty, took time out of his busy week to sit down and answer some questions that I threw at him about Sunday night’s matchup.

Take the jump to the questions and his answers:

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Chad Clifton has been healthy this season, but he, like Charles Woodson, is a veteran who may appear on the injury list, but always finds a way to make it to the field. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The more things change, the more they stay the same … The cliche couldn’t be more true than  in the case of the Green Bay Packers.

Despite an injury report as long as your arm, the 4-0 Packers continue to carry on … Just like last year.

This week’s report includes cornerback Charles Woodson (foot, knee), outside linebacker Clay Matthews (quad), tight end Andrew Quarless (knee), right tackle Bryan Bulaga (knee) and defensive end Mike Neal (knee). Woodson and Matthews are expected to play this week. Quarless’ status is uncertain, and Neal is out.

However, there is some good news for the Packers … Linebacker Frank Zombo seems to be making a comeback at a faster rate than expected. That’s good news for a defense that continues to be gashed for huge plays of more than 20 yards and should welcome any help they can get.

In addition, it appears that right tackle Bryan Bulaga is itching to get back on the field. Of course the final decision on when Bulaga plays will be in the hands of the team doctors. That’s good news, but with Marshall Newhouse playing well in his absence, the Packers are sure to wait until their valuable second-year player is ready.

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Matt Ryan may win some fantasy points against the Packers, but Green Bay will win the game.

All the fantasy folks are saying that players to start this week will be Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan and rookie receiver Julio Jones.

True … The Packers defensive backfield has been gashed for multiple big plays each of the first four weeks and this week may be another repeat.
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The matchup between the Packers and Lions will be a heated affair this Thanksgiving. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

People can pick their game of the week, follow their favorite teams, or just watch for fun. However, all eyes will be on Detroit on Thursday, November 24^th. What could be the biggest game of the season is on Thanksgiving Day!

Imagine watching two 10-0 teams play each other, and these two teams are in the same division. Who would not enjoy watching this intense game?

What are the odds that both teams go 10-0? Statistically, not very good, even if both already have four wins down. However, before shrugging it off, look at the schedules. The combined record of teams the Packers must face between now and then is a mere 8-16 (.333).

Both the Rams and the Vikings are winless, and Green Bay plays Minnesota twice in that span. The Falcons (2-2), Chargers (3-1), and the Buccaneers (3-1) are the other opponents. Green Bay can certainly pull it off. It may not be likely, but it is certainly attainable.

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 …