DAW (Day After Woodson) will be remembered by us all as Packers Nation moves into a new era.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It has been a tough couple of weeks for fans of the Green Bay Packers, all of which came to a culmination yesterday with the release of Charles Woodson. Suffering through the retirement of longtime Packers wide receiver Donald Driver the week before, Packers fans were stunned, if not taken aback, yesterday when the Packers announced the release of star cornerback Woodson.

The shock of the announcement was evident by those who visited our Facebook page and responded to the posts throughout the day. Yes, shock, disappointment, anger and sadness were all the emotions displayed – and rightly so. It’s a parting that will affect the team, not only because of his work on the field, but because he was so instrumental as the cohesive glue that kept the locker room together. Heck, it was Woodson who NFL Films chose as one of the representatives to speak and describe their experiences (along with Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy) in the “America’s Game” production recounting the Packers’ Super Bowl XLV run.

Will he be missed? Undoubtedly. Will both the Packers and Woodson move on? Unquestionably. Will Woodson be back in Green Bay someday for his induction into the Packers Hall of Fame? Without question.

But in the meantime, on this DAW (Day After Woodson), we continue to mourn our loss. Here and below is a sampling of responses to the announcement yesterday. I’m sure you feel the same way many of these folks felt yesterday. Keep the faith, Packers fans. Unfortunately, it’s a business – Charles Woodson will never be forgotten for what he meant to all of us.

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Lombardiave.com Breaking News: Tweets indicate Packers going to release Charles Woodson. Your thoughts? http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/15/breaking-news-tweets-indicate-green-bay-packers-going-to-release-charles-woodson/ Raymond T. Rivard photograph Like ·  · Share · Edit · 23 hours ago Aaron Reese, Jami J Wiederholt, Margo K Geffert and 7 others like this. 18 shares 56 of 59 View previous comments Dana Homan We need him 23 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1 Steve Prestegard I hope they can resign him at a more cap-friendly price. 23 hours ago · Like · 3 Sten Cantwell noooooooooooooooooooooooo 23 hours ago · Like Elise Sitzman 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Tina Williams nooooo! 23 hours ago · Like Matt Burke dammit 23 hours ago · Like Gail Hernet Springsteen 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Lori Lonkoski WHHAATTT??? 23 hours ago · Like Mike Veloskey Great free agent pick up. Fearless player. Glad he got a ring with us. We need to get younger and faster. Reality sucks. Even Jordan got old. 23 hours ago · Like · 2 Lombardiave.com Yes, A.J. Hawk might be next … possibly Jermichael Finley. Unfortunately, the business side of football can be brutal. Time for the Packers to move on with the younger guys … anybody heard of this guy Casey Hayward? Well, we’ll be hearing more about him in the future. 23 hours ago · Like · 6 Linda Peterson Dislike 23 hours ago · Like · 1 Loreeli Kennedy Swoboda Another great & loved Player gone!!! There will wont be any originals left once they get done chopping out all the good ones!!! 23 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 2 James Oleary Boooo 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Greg Reynolds Sounds about right. The defense was so good the past two seasons that they need to let go of one of the best in the business. 23 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1 Lori Lonkoski We met Charles at a Brewer game when he threw out the first pitch (of course, he had to throw a football first and then he threw the baseball) – great guy 23 hours ago · Unlike · 3 Lynda Hext Schrauth Not cool!!!! Big mistake!!!!! 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Dia Cooper NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 23 hours ago · Like Don Reindl Wtf?!? 23 hours ago · Like Janet Luby 23 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1 Rose Bortolussi No no…..I understand football is a business….but how exactly do they think new players learn anything. 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Kathy McCain Sad. 23 hours ago via mobile · Like Mike Veloskey Some people are just plain crazy with some of these comments. Back to business, what about Pickett? True thoughts on what we do with J-Mike? Hawk is done in my opinion. 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Amy King No  wrong move. 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Xavier Gonzalez As a share holder…. It upsets me…. However, Woodson did redeem himself as Packer….. I just hope it doesn’t go as bad how Farve was let go…. 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Darryl Krejci He missed most of the season which allowed younger players to gain experience and the Defense improved. Yes he is a leader and yes a great player. But there was marked improvement without him and I don’t see this as a bad move. Emotionally it stinks but from a standpoint of what will improve the team the most, youth and speed is needed more right now. 22 hours ago · Like · 3 Christine Krause Horrible decision. Bye bye season! 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Vom Dubbert Rotts I have followed Woodson and been a fan of him all the way back to Michigan I love the pack but this upsets me and as of now I hope the packers win no games next year get rid of Thompson and Murphy they are the problem 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Loreeli Kennedy Swoboda Janet Luby, Hi! Welcome aboard, girl!!! 22 hours ago · Like · 1 Stephen Persson Well… who would we get instead? 22 hours ago · Like Daniel Packerfanforlife Loose That’s messed up, but that’s business….. 22 hours ago · Like Mary Eisenman Konshak OMG I can’t take my two favorite players gone in the same month! This sucks! 22 hours ago · Like Toni Walter-Jundt Not likin’ it….. 22 hours ago · Like Darryl Krejci @ Vom Dubbert Rotts, how are TT and Murphy the problem? These guys have made the decisions that brought us a Lombardi Trophy and have put us at the top of the Division year in and year out? Put aside the emotional aspects and ask yourself, what is it that the staff sees in reagards to player development that makes them comfortable enough to release Woodson. Also, Thompson has (in my opinion) a good track record of knowing when to release a guy and not keep him past his prime. The defense will be fine and another “personality” will take Woodson’s role as leader. 22 hours ago · Unlike · 2 MC Saywitz He was amazing for the Pack,but too many injuries,can’t stay healthy. Good choice. 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Jason Benjamin Quincy Hirschhorn I’m surprised by the move but I understand it. M.D. Jennings and Jerron McMillian demonstrated that the defense can move on without him, and that $10 million price tag was very high for a player who doesn’t tilt the field the way he did even a season earlier. Woodson can still play, but with Hayward taking over slot CB duties, and Jennings/McMillian teaming together play well at safety, this move makes sense. 22 hours ago · Unlike · 2 Martin Vaughn They should keep Woods and cut Williams who is scared to tackle anyone… 22 hours ago · Like Eric Schweitzer Big mistake 22 hours ago via mobile · Like Mario Villarino I understand the move. Its sad, but I get it. We will miss you C-Wood and know that you will be another Packer in the HOF. 21 hours ago via mobile · Like Kari Deglow dislike!! 21 hours ago · Like Rob Chapman One of my all-time favorites, but too much $$. sad 21 hours ago · Like Sharon Chartraw Vlasak I’m with Mario. It is sad to see him go, but understand the reasons. Super player – Awesome leader. It’s time. 21 hours ago · Edited · Like · 1 Susan Seybold Bauknecht dislike….hate to see him leave, he’s just so awesome 21 hours ago · Like Deborah Schultz Sievert Sad. But time moves on. Nobody gets any younger either…. 21 hours ago · Like Dani Weller  why didnt he have to go? couldnt he have taken a pay cut?? 20 hours ago · Like Ashley N Sundquist Horrible news! 20 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1 Mike Petrick looks like someone wont restructure! oh well someone will over pay, not us 20 hours ago · Like German Castillohttp://host.madison.com/sports/football/professional/packers-charles-woodson-to-be-released-with-years-left-on/article_af51ad34-77a8-11e2-8537-001a4bcf887a.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook Packers: Charles Woodson to be released with 2 years left on contract : Sports host.madison.com The Green Bay Packers have informed 36-year-old defensive back Charles Woodson he will be released with two years left on his contract. 19 hours ago · Like · Remove Preview German Castillo I only could say …time goes by 19 hours ago · Like Mary Anderson Disappointing! 19 hours ago · Like Doug Ashford Sad I just started liking the guy , I used to hate all his penalties but he finally settled down and got to work 17 hours ago via mobile · Like Aaron Gramza don’t like it but maybe it’s best. 16 hours ago · Like Glenn Frailey It’s time but Charles will be missed!!! Good luck Charles! 15 hours ago via mobile · Like Jacob DeCroes I’m very sad. He will be missed. I remember being super excited when he came to Green Bay, and it’s hard to accept that he’s leaving. 14 hours ago · Like Cathy Kilawee Sad 12 hours ago via mobile · Like Brice Crowley Changes…. about an hour ago via mobile · Like Kris Aguilar So sad. Charles, you will be missed. about an hour ago · Like

Editor’s update: The Facebook page administrator referenced in this story has taken down the photograph of the cheerleader mentioned below. In fact, the administrator offers this apology:

The picture of the Green Bay Cheerleader has been removed…

For everyone on this page. We do not condone or encourage bullying. We would like to ask that you keep it classy.

We understand you are hard core fans, but there’s no need for bullying. We apologize for any hard feelings and encourage everyone to keep this page as a fun experience.

Go Bears! Chicago Bears Fan

That’s fine, but the story below explains what occurred long before the apology … please read on.

Bullying in any form, be it face-to-face or online is simply wrong, but it seems that those who manage the Chicago Bears Fan Facebook page don’t care – after all, it was just a Green Bay Packers cheerleader they targeted Monday.

Kaitlyn Collins, was a member of the team of cheerleaders who worked the sidelines last season – a group of gals and guys from area colleges who are recruited to cheer for the Packers at their home games.

When you think about it, they are the only group of NFL “cheerleaders” who are really cheerleaders – the other teams recruit and hire dancers and models to represent their team and shake their assets.

In fact, I wrote a piece about the cheerleaders back in January which rings true, especially today …

The photo on the Bears Fan’s Facebook page included this caption: “Like if You Agree The Packers Have The Worst Cheerleaders In The NFL!”

As of 2:30 p.m.. Thursday, the photo had more than 3,400 likes and nearly 1,600 comments. While many of the comments were unprintable here, not all of them were so complimentary.

The Green Bay Packers’ cheerleaders are recruited from area colleges.
Raymond T. Rivard

And it hasn’t stopped Collins from fighting back. She has contacted the administrator of the page and asked that the page be taken down. She has contacted Facebook about the post, but it apparently doesn’t meet their criteria for bullying. There are many others who have also commented to the administrator of the page that it was the lowest of low postings and should be taken down.

As of 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the post was still on the page and near the top, as well.

Collins posted her own video, but has taken the high road. She doesn’t call the page administrators names, she only provides some of the comments that have been posted and again asks that they take down the post.

One of the comments says, “Doesn’t get uglier.  Truly an eyesore.”

Other comments were too sexually explicit to include here.

We here at Lombardiave.com have said some things about the Chicago Bears football team, not about their fans or their cheerleaders. We feel this is just wrong and ask that you also tell them. Healthy banter about the rival football team is one thing, but when one has to stoop this low, that’s just plain wrong.

All we can say to the administrators of this site is to please take it down. It does no good for anyone.

Here is a tribute I put together last year to the cheerleaders of the Green Bay Packers …

Oct 2, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packer former player Jerry Kramer on the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Broncos 49-23. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Righting a wrong is always a noble act, even if unsuccessful.

When it comes to the Green Bay City Council, their task of considering the passage of a resolution to encourage the induction of former Packers right guard Jerry Kramer into the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. It is the right thing to do and aldermen will talk about it this coming Tuesday night.

The push to get Kramer into the Hall has become a Twitter and Facebook phenomena this past year – as it should be. So many are remembering the man who helped anchor an offensive line with names that conjure big plays, the Packers sweep, and Bart Starr’s sneak into immortality.

Kramer was elected to the all-NFL first 50 year team. He’s the only player from the select group not in the Hall of Fame. For those who cast the votes to ignore the importance of career is not just sad, it’s downright criminal.

How much weight the city council carries is not known, but it’s important for them to get on the Kramer train and their vote should be a help.

The 12-member City Council will consider passing the resolution during a meeting that starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 100 N. Jefferson St.

And if interested in helping with the push to get Kramer into the Hall, check out:

http://jerrykramer4hof.com/

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/kramerhof/

http://jerrykramer.packershalloffame.com/

The Packers are profitable for many reasons, with its fan base being one of the biggest factors. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What will a Super Bowl championship, an MVP quarterback, several league stars and 15 wins bring an NFL team?

Just ask the Green Bay Packers - the franchise announced today that the team earned  $42.7 million in net profits this past fiscal year, a team all-time high. In fact, the figure destroyed the past all-time high of $25 million realized in 2005-05.

The team announced the numbers a week prior to the shareholders meeting set to be held Lambeau Field next week – a meeting that will be held in the shadows of major renovations at the iconic stadium.

What’s even more impressive is that much of that profit came from local income, with the majority coming from online Packers Pro Shop sales.

“A big focus for us has been driving more and more people to our website (for online merchandise sales),” team president Mark Murphy said in published reports this afternoon when the announcement was made.

Mark Murphy feels the Packers season was successful despite the first round loss to the New York Giants. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“…we continued to ride the wave of the Super Bowl,” Murphy added.

The Green Bay Press Gazette reported today, “The team reported total revenue of $302 million, also a record, and total expenses of $259 million. National revenue, local revenue, total profit from operations, net profit from operations and net income all were records. The previous highest net income was $25.4 million in 2004-05. The Packers reported $17. 1 million in net income for 2010-11.”

So, it’s no wonder that Murphy was quoted as saying earlier this week that despite a 15-win season and an opening Playoff loss to the Giants he thought the year was a success. The level of success in his head was clearly based not only on wins, but on all the factors that go into running an iconic sports franchise.

The numbers also demonstrate the talents employed within the organization. Clearly, the profitability of the organization comes about through the people employed – from Aaron Rodgers down to the team’s bean counters and janitors.

Murphy said that for the team to remain competitive, the franchise had to be within the top half of league rankings. At this point, the team is ranked 10th.

It’s difficult to think things could go south for the franchise with the pieces they have in place, but it does happen. Any Packers fan remembers the 70s and 80s and many wondered during those years whether the franchise would survive.

Back in 1987, Frank Deford, one of the most prolific and recognized writers in America, wrote a story for Sports Illustrated that was a wake-up call for the Green Bay Packers and the franchise's fans.

Remember the article the Frank Deford wrote for Sports Illustrated a couple of decades ago when he literally declared the team dead in the water and compared the franchise to the rusting street signs that dominated the city’s landscape?

Much has occurred since that time and our hope that the sky continues to be the limit.

GO PACK GO!

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Give it your best shot!

Jeff Saturday (left, 63) worked with Peyton Manning as the Colts' center for more than a decade. Having to tell Manning that he chose the Packers over his Broncos was difficult. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Jeff Saturday made his decision to join the Green Bay Packers, the first person he reached out to was his longtime Indianapolis Colts teammate and friend, Peyton Manning.

“Peyton is a close friend and I loved playing with him,” Saturday told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I loved the time we spent together. It was the most difficult call I’ve ever made. I told him before anyone else that I was going to Green Bay.”

Manning had pushed hard to get Saturday signed on to play in Denver with his new team, the Broncos.

But Saturday was rightfully looking out for himself. The fit, he said, in Denver just wasn’t right. He admitted that he felt like he would be second fiddle in the Mile High City and realized that he was highly appreciated and sought after by the Packers’ brass.

“I told him [Manning] I don’t think the Broncos wanted me as much as he did. They’ve got things going on that they’re happy with and are moving forward with and I didn’t think it was an exact fit. I always felt like in Green Bay I was their very first choice.”

And right he is. With the loss of starter Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy faced a huge hole right in the middle of their offensive line. Signing a player like Saturday was crucial to the team. Thompson and McCarthy knew that drafting and developing for such an important position wasn’t the right way to go. They needed to fill the position with someone who had experience … and they needed to fill it immediately. Saturday was the perfect choice.

It was a win-win for the Packers and for Saturday. Not only do the Packers get a player with 13 years of experience, a perennial all-pro and an individual who will lead by example on the field and in the locker room, but Saturday gets to play for a team where he’s wanted; a team that continues to be on the rise.

Not only that, but the Packers got him signed to a two-year deal that will pay him adequately, but far less than the inflated salary Wells accepted in St. Louis. Thompson hit a home run on this one. He was smart in letting Wells move on and he gets an equal, if not better player while having the luxury of still drafting for the future. If the Packers can get two years out of Saturday, it could turn out to be one of Thompson’s best deals ever.

“They have a great offensive line and some really good, young players,” Saturday said. “They won 15 games last year; it’s not like I have to add a lot to it. But I think I can offer leadership, and being a veteran I can help the offensive line blossom into players they want to be.”

Amen, Jeff, Amen.

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When the Packers signed center Jeff Saturday this week they upended the draft strategy - negating the need to draft an offensive lineman like Bryan Bulaga. Now the team can concentrate on its most pressing need - defense. Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The eyebrows of general managers across the NFL must have collectively risen late this week when it was announced that their Green Bay brethren had done something that has been become increasingly rare in the Ted Thompson era: He completely changed the Packers draft strategy by signing a starting-caliber center, Jeff Saturday, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts.

Since losing Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams in free agency, draft experts and pretty much every Packer fan expected that in 2012 the high-powered Packers offense would have to downshift to allow for the inclusion of a rookie center. Packers fans are accustomed to the Packers philosophy of ‘draft and develop.’

In the case of Wells leaving, however, the Packers did not have a ‘developing’ player to plug into the hole. The contract given to Jeff Saturday is a two-year deal, allowing the Packers to draft a center with the body type they prefer (recent reports have suggested that the Packers thought Wells too small to be an effective center) in the later rounds of this year’s draft.

So, earlier in the week, it looked like center had overtaken the need to go big on defense early in the 2012 draft. Now, the Packers can dedicate at least the first 2 rounds (I would go first three rounds) to their defensive deficiencies at defensive end and outside linebacker.

Much like the Packers’ 1999 draft, in which they selected three cornerbacks in a row to start the draft (Antuan Edwards, Fred Vinson and Mike McKenzie) in order to fill a huge hole at cornerback (and try to stop Randy Moss), the Packers need to do the same with this draft and selected a combination of at least three to four defensive ends and outside linebackers, hoping that at least one of them contributes immediately. Then the Packers can tackle the center position and grab a backup safety and another cornerback.

Remember, because the Packers lost so many high profile free agents last summer, they are due to receive up to four extra selections as compensation, giving them a total of 11 picks. This will allow them to re-stock some positions as they look to eventually replace starters like Ryan Pickett, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, John Kuhn and others in the span of the next two to three years.

So, let’s recap – assuming that no other starting-caliber players are signed, the Packers need to address the DE and OLB positions with the first three to four picks. Then the Packers should grab a center, a safety and a cornerback. If they see a running back or fullback they like, they should grab one toward the fifth round. In the seventh round, with likely three picks, they should go DT, WR and take a flyer on one more DE or OLB.

Of course, I’m sure no fan would be upset if Thompson traded up for either a better first round pick or for an extra second round pick to really find a stud outside linebacker.

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Scott Wells, Daryn Colledge and Chad Clifton anchored the left side of the Packers line for several years. All three may be former Packers by the time free agency ends this offseason. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Twitter, Facebook and just about every other NFL blogging site is lighting up this week with the advent of one of the most enjoyable times of the professional football offseason – the free agency signing period.

I like it even more than the draft, actually … and I’m a Packers fan who hasn’t had anything to shout about during this period since Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf reeled in Reggie White.

But that doesn’t matter. It’s always so much fun watching the other teams meet with, negotiate and sign big name free agents.

We know it’s not going to happen in Green Bay, so we sit back, watch, listen and enjoy.

There are some who look at the holes that seem be appearing in the Packers roster and have wondered aloud whether this might be the year that Packers General Manager Ted Thompson might step out of his comfort zone and jump into the frenzy starting this week. Even Thompson has hinted that he may be open to the right player if he considers them “useful tool” for his team.

After all, one can do only so much through the draft – Thompson’s favorite mode for building and rebuilding a team. The draft is great for bringing in “projects” and molding those players to fit the system. Thompson’s Super Bowl XLV ring is evidence of that.

However, the Packers showed last season that if they are to fill the holes the team has, especially on the defensive side of the ball, they’ve got to do more than just draft. Thompson has always said he likes to sign his own players and he faces that task this year as the team’s most valued free agents, Jarrett Bush and Scott Wells, are ready to test the waters.

Will he get something done and signed before 3 p.m. Tuesday? That remains to be seen. If he doesn’t, most likely Bush will be gone and depending on the temperature of those waters, Wells might be, too. But if Wells doesn’t sign before the start of the period and finds only tepid waters out there, he may be back, ala James Jones.

That’s a risk that Thompson is more than likely to take.

Other free agents such as Harold Green and Erik Walden most likely won’t be signed to offers, but there is a good chance that, like Wells, if the money is available, Ryan Grant may be back in camp.

The real question is the money. The Packers are $5 million under the $120 million salary cap. Should the team shed offensive lineman Chad Clifton and restructure wide receiver Donald Driver’s contract, the team will gain at least $5 million more in cap room. With that money available, my guess is that the Packers could strike a deal with Wells and possibly Bush, but that doesn’t leave much for signing draft picks and other undrafted free agents to round out the roster.

I’m just glad I’m not an NFL team’s accountant because this must be a stressful time of the year.

Whatever happens will be a surprise for all fans …

In the meantime, get your popcorn, turn on your favorite sports station and see where all the money goes and where the players end up.

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

Though New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton wasn't directly involved in the bounty scheme, he didn't stop it when he learned about it. Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Today’s news that the New Orleans Saints players and coaches were involved in a bounty payoff system in which money was pooled and exchanged for various on field actions is disturbing … especially in light of the fact that defensive coordinator Greg Williams and head coach Sean Payton were nearly hired by the Green Bay Packers before they took over in New Orleans.

While bounties are hardly something that’s not been a part of football over the past century, today’s announcement by the league is the first such case in recent memory. Given the incredible amounts of money paid to these athletes, it’s unusual to see this type of behavior occurring in the NFL.

According to published reports, Williams is said to have helped manage the scheme and that while he wasn’t directly involved, Payton didn’t stop the action when he was told about it. Williams was a finalist for the Packers’ defensive coordinator’s job a few years back before Green Bay hired Dom Capers and Payton is known for saying he really, really wanted the Green Bay head coaching job before the Packers hired Coach Mike McCarthy.

What will happen with the Saints is not known, but the league clearly has its sights on some sort of punitive action.

League commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the appropriate punishment.

He had this to say today:

2011 second round draft choice Randall Cobb should contribute more to the Packers receiving game in 2012. Raymond T. Rivard photograph.

Round 2
Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

Randall Cobb fulfilled an immediate short-term need for the Packers: A kick and punt returner who actually scared teams with his potential. He performed fairly well, but his real value will be as a wide receiver. At the time the Packers chose Cobb, their wide receiver position, though stacked, was not built for the long-term. It looked like James Jones would depart via free agency, Jordy Nelson was coming off a hot playoff run but wasn’t locked down with a long-term contract, Donald Driver was mostly likely playing in his last season and Greg Jennings’s contract was up after the 2012-13 season.

With that much unknown about his ultra-important receiving corps, Thompson wasn’t about to pass on Cobb. Now that the receiving corps is in a bit of a different state – Driver is most likely not coming back in 2012, Jones is locked-in as the Packers’ No. 3 receiver, Nelson is the No. 2 and Jennings is the No. 1, at least through this year – Cobb will be apprenticing for the slot receiver role which so often goes to Jennings. If Jennings does leave via free agency, the Packers will have come out on top with this draft pick. If Jennings stays, the Pack will devote many more plays to get this guy on the field as much as possible.

Brandon Saine was thrust into the lineup when rookie running back Alex Green went down with a knee injury. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Round 3
Alex Green, RB, Hawaii

Thompson took a look at his running back situation after the 2010-11 season, decided that Brandon Jackson wouldn’t be re-signed (despite this awesome move he put on Urlacher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cjyuZQv80U ) and worried that Ryan Grant’s injury won’t allow him to play at the same level as he did in 2010. With James Starks as his only “sure thing,” Thompson went offense again and grabbed a back early in the 2011 draft.

We didn’t learn much about Green and his ability to run in the NFL during his rookie season. An injury early in the season prevented him from taking advantage of late season injuries to Ryan Grant and James Starks. Instead, Brandon Saine, an undrafted free agent known more for his catching ability than running ability, actually graded out better on yards after contact than Grant and Starks and now with Grant expected to depart the Packers, Green and Saine will battle in training camp for the backup running back spot. Still looks like a good pick, especially because it seems like Starks has cold streaks from time to time.

See part III about the 2011 Packers draft tomorrow …

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Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley was re-signed by the Green Bay Packers today. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

All the talk over the past few months about the Green Bay Packers slapping the franchise tag on tight end Jermichael Finley came to an end today when it was announced  that the Packers and Finley agreed to a two-year deal that will pay the talented, but underachieving player millions.

Finley confirmed the agreement through a tweet, ”It’s TRUE! Thank you so much to the Packers organization, all of my fans, and my beautiful wife. Happy Bday. Let’s GO Packers!! Back soon…”

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Finley will receive $5.75 million in 2012 and $8.25 million in 2013.

Though he was criticized throughout the season for his seeming inconsistency, team brass, and especially its head coach Mike McCarthy, are still extremely high on the 24-year-old who has what many feel is and incredible upside.

When it comes to championship games, it always comes down to the team that plays the best defense – even in this day and age of the quarterback. Just ask Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

That’s why I have to go with the New York Giants over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XVLI.

Final score: Giants 33 Patriots 28

Here’s why: Though the Patriots are the sexier pick as Belichick and Brady go for their fourth ring together and the team is trying to play off the emotion surrounding Robert Kraft losing his wife, the Giants are the better team all-around. They have a running game, dynamite receivers, a top 5 quarterback AND a defense. Matchups make the difference is championship games and the Giants clearly have the upper hand in all categories.

Don’t get me wrong, the Patriots will make a game of it and it could come down to the final two possessions, but the Giants will come up with enough pressure on Brady to turn the tables. Throw in the fact that tight end Rob Gronkowski’s injury will put a dent in the Patriots’ offense and you have enough to give the Giants the edge in this one.

It should be a great game. That’s why everyone is split pretty much down the middle on predicting its outcome.

In fact, here’s the best prediction I could find:

Greg Easterbrook on ESPN.com has this prediction – Confusion about the new playoff overtime format reigns when the Giants onside kick to start overtime and the Patriots recover but run the wrong way. Final score: Giants 2 Patriots 0

After the jump, take a look at some of the picks by the experts … and take the time for a click over to Lombardiave.com on Facebook, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

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Did you know it costs $10 billion per year to run the league? did you know each team spends more than $30 million? Did you know each football costs more than $100; Did you know a pair of players gloves costs more than $50? Did you know Jerry Jones’s video screen cost more than $30 million.

You’ll find these and other cost statistics in this post.

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

Just prior to the start of Sunday’s game, the camera that was set up at midfield snapped a 360 degree “snapshot” of all in the entire stadium

And if you go to this Web page, you can find yourself and friends and tag your face, share it on Facebook, tweet it on Twitter and even sign up for two free tickets to a Packers 2012 game.

When you go to the page you will view the pictures on krpano - described as a small and very flexible high-performance viewer for all kinds of panoramic images and interactive virtual tours. The viewer is available as an Adobe Flash Player application for the usage on Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and on Android Mobiles and Tablets and additionally also as HTML5 / Javascript application for the usage on the iPhone and iPad.

Needless to say, it’s something that’s pretty cool and certainly provides a positive spin on what was an otherwise dreadful day for Green Bay Packers fans.

If you have enjoyed this you can Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Enjoy your TV Dinner with friends from across the globe while watching the Packers vs. Giants today

Here is an exciting, new way to enjoy today’s big NFL Divisional Playoff games between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants with a select and exclusive group of fans utilizing a new iPad application called TV Dinner.

TV Dinner is one of the most unique social experiences to come along in a long time. Utilizing some of the best aspects of Twitter and Facebook, TV Dinner allows you to join other fans from across the world to watch and discuss television events in real time, be it it sports, award shows and the like.

TV Dinner simply cuts out through the noise that is the chatter we wade through on Facebook and Twitter. The beauty is that you will interact only with those who are watching the same event, such as today’s NFL Playoff offering.

Here is today’s offering:

Dinner: Giants v. Packers
Date: Sunday, January 15th
Time: 4:30pm to 5:15pm Eastern
Network: Fox

See how it works after the jump:

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That’s what happened yesterday when I received an email from a fellow by the name of Jay Platt, a writer for a website called The Sports Riot! .

This past week, Jay had been writing some incredibly fun and well-written articles about Green Bay, Wisconsin, and focusing on the Packers. The final blog in the series was posted yesterday and listed some of his favorite blog sites – this one included.

I’m honored and really give much of the credit to the talents behind the scenes – all the folks over at fansided.com. They have provided the tools and the opportunity to be a part of their team. Since April of last year it’s been quite a run to get this site up and running – thanks to all of you who have clicked on our link and come here on a regular basis.

As one of the five sites he cited in his blog, “Packers Fans Speak (and they do it well),” Lombardiave.com joins an elite group that includes Acme Packing Company, Cheesehead TV, Packers Gab, and Total Packers.

I suggest you bookmark those sites, too, as they are some of my favorites. We all have one thing in common: Our love for the Packers franchise and a love of writing about the team – good and bad.

Jay’s description of our site is as follows:

Lombardi Ave – This site serves one purpose and that’s to get Packers news out to Packers fans.  The articles are well written and give the reader all the information they will need regardless of the topic.  They also feature writers from other teams giving their point of view, in a non-antagonist way (something I’m not used to).  This gives the reader a different opinion you normally wouldn’t hear.  There are numerous links for fans to find other sites, and the site isn’t visually busy like so many others.  I get the idea that Lombardi Ave doesn’t care about frills, they just want to get to the point.

Check out The Sports Riot, and especially his series on Green Bay, you’ll love it. I know I’ve got the site bookmarked now.

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

That’s because the Green Bay Packers FanCam will be at Lambeau Field to take a 360-degree image of fans in the stadium.

The camera that will take the shot from the 50 yard line is an ultra-high-def, 5-billion pixel piece of equipment capable of taking a 360-degree image.

This is according to the published report on Packers.com:

The exciting fan feature, which has been popular with fans of the Wisconsin Badgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, New York Rangers, Michigan Wolverines and Kentucky Wildcats, allows fans to identify themselves by using an optic-zoom and tagging feature.

This high-definition image will capture Lambeau Field in its entirety, and the image takes between 5-7 minutes to shoot. While looking at the photo, fans will be able to “step inside” a view they otherwise may never get to see.

The resolution of the photo will be so high that fans will be able to visit Packers.com, follow the links to the photo, zoom in to find themselves or friends, “tag” themselves with a Packers G-Force logo, and share via email, Facebook and Twitter.

So be sure to be in your seat by 3 p.m. for your photo session Sunday and then enjoy the game as the Packers take the field against the Giants in what is sure to be a classic playoff game at Lambeau Field.

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

Coach Mike McCarthy has a tough job of getting his team ready to play football this week without his offensive coordinator.

Joe Philbin will be gone from the Packers scene for an indefinite period.

Everybody’s wondering just how that will affect the overall balance for the team, especially the coaching staff. I guess the only person who has the definite answer is Mike McCarthy because he runs the show.

But we would like to hear from you about this. Take the survey below and if you would like to add more, go to our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/apackphan and leave a comment. And while you’re there, like the page for us – you can also follow us on Twitter.

This is an important week in the history of the Green Bay Packers during an historic season. Let us know how you feel.

That’s what I was doing when I came upon the The Packer Ranter … it’s not the testosterone-filled Packers site with nothing but terms like “smashmouth football,” or “one game at a time,” or “empty backfield.” I actually smiled and maybe even laughed out loud at times while perusing the site.

Though the posts are days apart, it’s worth the wait to see what will come next … for instance the past couple of posts asked whether Jordy Nelson is really Superman and whether that latest science fiction Packers movie is filled with too many clichés … yeah, you read that one right.

If you want a laugh, you might want to bookmark that one .. it’s filled with things you will never find on most other Packers sites.

And while you’re at it, we here at Lombardiave.com are always looking for suggestions on story ideas and what you would like to see and read about … send us a comment or an email to rayr13000@gmail.com. While you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Raymond T. Rivard photograph

If you want easy access to lombardiave.com, don’t forget that you can find us and “like” us on Facebook … But that’s not all … Also follow us on Twitter.

These are easy ways to get the most recent blog postings and to share them with all your friends who are Packers fans.

Heck, we wouldn’t even mind if you shared with all your “friends who are Lions, Bears, and Vikings fans!
So, check out lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

See you on the Internet.