Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te

Offensive linemen and tight ends worked out on the field at the NFL Combine today, but much of the media frenzy taking place in Indianapolis, Ind., centered on the media room where Manti Te’o, the beleaguered Notre Dame linebacker stood and to podium to answer questions about his national news-breaking past, though his focus was centered on what he can do on the football field.

Te’o told reporters Saturday that while he was embarrassed by the fact that his family had to sneak into their own home during the national feeding frenzy a couple months ago, he was putting it behind himself and was ready to focus on football.

“It got overwhelming at times. I’m just looking forward to getting straight to football. I understand people have questions, but I think I’ve answered everything I could. I’d really like to talk about football,” Te’o said.

If you’re not familiar with Te’o's story (have you been under a rock?) the Heisman Trophy runner-up was duped into believing he was dating a woman that didn’t exist and also believed that the fictitious woman had died during last season.

When asked about the incident at Saturday’s press conference, Te’o said, “I’ve learned to be honest in everything you do. And to keep your circle small and know who’s in your corner and who’s not.” He added, ”It’s only going to make me stronger.”

The Bears and Texans turn up the heat on Sunday Night Football. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So, someone told me the Packers weren’t playing this weekend … Ok, so we already knew that.

But to get our fix of football prognosticating, the staff here at Lombardiave.com have decided to give our skills a shot at predicting how the Bears vs. Texans game will go Sunday night.

We see this as the game of the week, pitting two very good defenses against offenses that have also had their share of success this year – though we would argue the Texans’ offense has done a better job in scoring points consistently than have the 28th-ranked Bears.

All that said, there will be plenty of prognosticators out there giving their take on the big game.

Here’s what we all think …

Jason Hirschhorn

What the Bears have done so far in 2012 is truly astonishing. Each of Chicago’s five impact defensive players is over 30, yet they’ve been playing at historic levels. The defense has been so strong that it has completely covered up for the deficiencies of the Bears offense. Even with big name additions like Brandon Marshall this offseason, Jay Cutler is playing right around his career averages. The offensive unit comes in at 28th under traditional total yards metrics, and is currently ranked 25th overall on Football Outsiders advanced weighted DVOA.

Despite this imbalance, the Bears have been one of the most consistently dominant teams in the NFL so far this year.This week finds Chicago playing their biggest non-divisional game of the season against Houston. This matchup has been billed as Jay Cutler vs. Matt Schaub, but the biggest individual showcase may belong to Bears cornerback Charles Tillman and Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.

Tillman has made the most persuasive case to eclipse Texans end J.J. Watt in the Defensive Player of the Year race, notching 4 forced fumbles last week alone. Yet, Watt still leads the league in sacks and is the only non-defensive back in the top 40 in passes defended. Read that again to let it sink in.

Packers fans should be no less than thrilled that they’ve already taken one from the Bears and Texans this season.As for the outcome, it’s hard not to see the Bears keeping it going.

As those who watched Green Bay at Houston remember, if your defense can out-physical the Texans offense, they become frustrated and start making big mistakes. Cutler won’t be putting up a 6 touchdown gem as Rodgers did, but he won’t need to.

Bears 27 – Texans 21

Jerry Bulone

Everyone is saying this is a preview of the Super Bowl. There is only one problem, the Packers have beaten both of these teams!

That being said I do believe the Texans are the better team. I watched the Bears this year and if you can protect well, which the the Texans can do (second in the NFL in sacks allowed) you can have success against them. While the Bears have feasted on turnovers with a league high differential of +16, the Texans, however, have only turned the ball over an NFL-low six times.

Since it is in Chicago it will be closer then it should be …

Texans 27, Bears 23

Thomas Marquardt

The Bears have eaten up the cupcakes on their schedule, now they get to the meat.

The Bears have 7 wins, but those wins are against teams with a combined 22-39 (.372) record. The defense has been carrying Cutler and Co. and have scored 7 of the Bears 26 TDs (27 percent).

I don’t see that working against the Texans who have given up just 10 sacks and 6 turnovers all season. Combine the suspect O-line of the Bears (third worst in the NFL with 28 sacks allowed) and the Texans’ excellent pass rush (third best with 25 sacks) and I think it will be a tough night for the Bears.

Texans 27 – Bears 17

Bill Walton

The Texans have been nearly as hard to figure out as the Packers this year. They’ve had easy wins early in the season against teams they should easily beat, then the beatdown by the Packers, and the bounceback against Baltimore.

But they had tough games against the Jets and Colts in there, too. The Texans seem to play down to the level of their competition. Sound famailiar? They have a talented team and probably represent as the best team in the AFC this year.

The Bears seem to have really caught lightning in a bottle this year. It’s a good thing the Packers beat them in week 2 because if they hadn’t we’d be saturated with talk about the undefeated Bears.

Revolting indeed, but they have to be given their due. The defense has contributed just as much as their offense to their wins this season. And there are the always dangerous Bears special teams with which to contend.

When it all comes down I think Schaub outplays Cutler, Foster outplays Forte, Johnson outplays Marshall, and Watt outplays the Bears D. Look for the Texans to copy the Packers blueprint for handling Marshall – put the best CB on him all game and keep a safety shaded to that side

There are a lot of similarities between these two teams. Something’s got to give, so we’re giving this one to Houston.

Wife and closet Texans fan Deneen sees this one ending up 24-14 Texans. Son and friend of many Texans fans, John, says 27-14 Texans. I take my AFC team Houston (unless they’re playing the Pack!) to win 28-20. Go TEXANS Go!

Jonathan Schweitzer

As a Packers fan in Chicago, I am regularly subjected to the group that is the Chicago Bears media. It never fails – after every win, the Bears are poised to reach the Super Bowl, after every loss, a coach or Cutler are deemed to be expendable.  So after an entire week of hearing about how Sunday night’s game will be a defensive showdown, all I could picture was an offensive juggernaut of a game (think Packers vs. Lions II last year).

That all changed this afternoon. You see, it is raining quite heavily here in Chicago. And while I am sure that the Chicago Parks District that controls Soldier Field has deployed a tarp, as anyone in Chicago knows, it won’t make much difference. The field is perennially one of the worst in the NFL and its replacement with an eventual artificial surface is just a matter of time (or a Brandon Marshall injury).

So, with players unable to cut, I doubt we will see much through the air offense to start the game. If either team falls behind by a lot, then the Bears will air it out, but Lovie Smith isn’t dumb, he will ride his defense all season if he can, much like the 2007 year. It is kind of funny, the Bears throw with a big lead and run the ball to get the lead.

Of course, since the Packers have given each team their only losses, I don’t really care who wins. I’m just looking forward to the knee-jerk reactions from the Chicago media on Monday morning.

Texans 10 Bears 9

Tim Thomas

With the Packers off, I’m sharing my prediction for the Sunday night game in Chicago between the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears.

This game will highlight a battle between two of the NFL’s pass rushers: Houston’s JJ Watt and Chicago’s Julius Peppers. The Chicago offensive line has once again struggled and will face a big challenge with JJ Watt as the Houston defense has been able to stop solid offenses like the Ravens, for example.

The Texans’ offensive line has been better and may be able to contain Peppers better than the Bears will be able to contain Watt. Matt Forte will need to have a big game to open up the play action passing game for Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.

The Bears will also have the challenge of shutting down Arian Foster and the ferocious Houston running game as the Texans have an offense that can go to Chicago and win.

This will be a tough game that traditional fans who love defense will love to watch as the Texans will win thanks to Foster and Watt having big games.

Texans 17, Bears 13

Ray Rivard

It will be the first real test of the season (with the exception of the Packers) for the Bears when the Houston Texans roll into town and one thing is for certain – the Bears better have their defense performing on all cylinders for this one. The Texans have gotten their show back together after the Packers slapped them around a few weeks ago and haven’t lost since. The same with the Bears, who were embarrassed by the Packers in week two, but have gone on to win six straight.

I expect this game to be close in the early going with one of the teams maybe even picking up a safety. Special teams will probably play a big role, as will turnovers. I just have the feeling that the train is beginning to leave the station for the Bears as their offensive shortcomings begin to be exposed tonight against one of the best defenses in the entire league. And while the Bears also statistically have one of those elite defenses, they have weaknesses that will be highlighted by the Texans.

In the end, I feel the Texans have one or two more difference-making plays in them – even though the are on the road.

Texans 16 Bears 12

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) smiles after defeating the Houston Texans 42-24 at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

It’s been a day since the Green Bay Packers went into Reliant Stadium in Houston Texas and reinvented themselves from that persona that had developed early in the season of a team in free fall.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers not only brought this team back to the table of championship discussion, but they are now eating a full meal, instead of the crow we all would have been devouring had the Packers lost.

The thing is, the Packers not only defeated the previously unbeaten and highly touted Houston Texans – they destroyed them – on their own turf. The Packers showed that they are not only one of the best teams in the NFC North, but one of the best in all of the league.

If there was one bad thing that occurred Sunday night, it was the rash of injuries that hit the team: Nick Perry, D.J. Smith, Sam Shields, and Brandon Saine all went down. We now know that Smith and Saine are gone for the year. How that all plays out remains to be seen, but we’re not immune to this type of situation. In fact, it’s the norm in this leave and something all 31 franchises face.

How the team pulls together and moves forward is most important. The Packers did it back in 2010 and won a Super Bowl championship, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

So, you’ve heard how I’m feeling and seeing things this early Tuesday morning.

What is the rest of the world thinking? Here’s a sweep across the Internet to take a peek at a small portion of those posts about the Packers.

Enjoy.

This post from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel looks at the impressive play of A.J. Hawk this season:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/aj-hawks-value-grows-for-limping-green-bay-packers-u477te1-174304501.html

This story is about the Packers asking the NFL for a loan:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20121016/GPG0101/310160163/Packers-seek-NFL-loan-Lambeau-Field-expansion?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CGPG-News

 Quieting the critics was important, but so is trying to win two in a row for the first time this season:

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/10/16/packers-look-for-2nd-straight-win-after-quieting-critics-with-convincing/?

Rookie Casey Hayward is beginning to show why he was a high draft pick:

http://gnb.scout.com/a.z?s=61&p=2&c=1230451&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fgnb.scout.com%2f2%2f1230451.html

Here’s an interesting look at Jordy Nelson’s second touchdown and who is responsible:

http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/xs-os-jordy-nelsons-2nd-td-vs-texans-thanks-to-jarrett-boykin?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CheeseheadTv+%28Cheesehead+TV%29

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Rodgers only tied a franchise record with six touchdown passes tonight … that’s all.

But everyone in Packers Nation knew it was coming. An Angry Aaron Rodgers was fed up with all the negativity he had been hearing all week after the meltdown in Indy last week. Add to that a defense that showed it’s own brand of aggression and it all added up to a Packers beatdown of the previously undefeated Houston Texans, 42-24.

Capitalizing on some rather stupid penalties, the Packers scored early and often in this one – getting three touchdown catches from a previously quiet Jordy Nelson and two more from James Jones. Add to that a huge touchdown grab from tight end Tom Crabtree at a critical juncture in the game and you have a recipe for a Packers win.

And when the Packers running game also got 65 yards from second year running back Alex Green, the route was on as Green Bay got back to even at 3-3.

“This is a team with a lot of pride … theres on quit in this locker room … We kind of band together. People tried to pull us apart this week and we stuck together. We stuck together and found our motivation in that,” Rodgers said after the game. When asked about whether this could be a turning point for this team, the Packers quarterback said, “I think so. I really do. We talked about it this week getting momentum against a very good fball team.”

It was the most points allowed by a Wade Phillips-coached team in Houston, but Rodgers has always played well against the former Bills, Dallas and wherever else he’s been a head coach. In fact, Rodgers has never lost to a Phillips-coached team.

In his post-game comments, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers came to play, no matter what the team records were before the game.

“I don’t think it really mattered what the records were. Two teams tonight, we knew when the season started this was a very good football team. When we had an opportunity to view our schedule, we knew the first few weeks were going to be a little bit of a challenge because it was just different and then the three road games with the one in the middle on Sunday Night Football. We have a lot of respect for Gary Kubiak and his staff, and their team, and the video they put forth going into the game. We really, truly stayed focused on improving ourselves and that will always be our message and our approach, and with that I was pleased with the way we played.”

And when talking about defeating an unbeaten team, McCarthy said that he was pleased that his team stayed focused on the goal of winning the game:

“We won a football game. Tough week is really kind of your viewpoint, not ours. I thought our team did a very good job staying focused on what it’s really about and that’s the preparation phase of it, staying in tune and getting ready to play these guys in this environment. We were able to accomplish that, but our goal is we need to go into St. Louis and we need to win two games-in-a-rows. That’s our focus and stack success for the first time this year.”

Consider what James Jones told Jason Wilde of ESPN last night. He told us a lot about Aaron Rodgers with a single quote:

“I don’t think he was mad, but I ain’t never seem him that focused. He was extremely focused today. You could see it in his eyes. You could see it when he talked to us. You know, he calls us up before every game, and he was just like, ‘I’m going to be the lead dog. Follow me. I’m going to make some plays. I haven’t been playing that well. I’m going to make some plays.’ I think he was just extremely focused tonight, and it showed up out there on the field. He made some crazy throws, some great plays with his legs.”

If there was a negative to come out of this game, it was the injuries. McCarthy said the injuries to D.J. Smith and Brandon Saine were “significant.” Also going down were Sam Shields and first round draft choice Nick Perry.

And like McCarthy said, celebrating this one will be short-lived as the Packers start preparing early in the week to play a much-improved St. Louis Rams team under the guidance of longtime NFL coach Jeff Fischer.

The Packers travel to St. Louis next Sunday for a noon start to conclude their three-game road trip. After that, the Packers come home to Lambeau Field for two straight – playing the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Oct. 28, and then hosting the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Nov. 4.

Complete statistics, courtesy of si.com, are provided below:

Passing

Rodgers

#12 QB

Nelson

#87 WR

Packers

Packers

Oct 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) drops back to pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Green Bay Packers reassured its fan base and silenced critics Sunday night with a 42-24 beatdown of the previously unbeaten Houston Texans.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for a franchise-tying six touchdowns and 338 yards and the Packers defense stopped both quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Arian Foster to take the big win and raise their record to 3-3.

“We haven’t gone anywhere,” Rodgers said, after the game. ”Both James (Jones’s TD ) catches were increcible. We had a very good game plan, Mike called a very good game,” Rodgers said.

When Rodgers was asked to respond to the team’s critics, he said, “Shhhhhhh.”

Charles Woodson was also matter of fact in his comments after the game. “We’ve been through this before… next man up … play at a high level. We’e nobody’s underdog. We knew (Houston) is good team, but we know we’re better than that and showed today we still got it.”

So, without further adieu, relive every play of the Packers big win tonight with this play by play:

Packers kick off

Ball to the 18 – crushing tackle by Robert Francois

First down C.J. Wilson sacks Schaub

Second down and 11, Schaub throws it away

Third and 12, run the draw to Arian Foster for 10

Fourth and 2, Punt to Cobb returns it seven yards

Packers first possession

First and 10 from the 27; Alex Green for 3

Second 7, inside handoff to Green for 2

Third and 5, first down pass to Nelson for 8

First and 10 at the 47, Green for seven yards

Second down and 3, pass behind Cobb is dropped

Third and three, Packers in no huddle, Rodger overthrows James Jones – a wide open James Jones.

Punt and fourth down – Texans line up in neutral zone resulting in Packers first down

First and 10 at Texans 41, TD pass to Jordy Nelson down right sideline

Crosby extra point good. Penalties against Texans to be enforced on kickoff.

Packers 7 Texans 0 11:34 in first quarter 

Packers kick off from the 50 after penalties

Crosby kicks to the goal line, ball out to 14

Texans second possession

First and 10 from the 14, first down pass to TE James Casey

First and 10, pressure on Schaub, he throws it away

Second and 10 from the 29, Arian Foster for 5 yards

Third and six, Jerel Worthy gets the sack up the middle – second sack tonight on Schaub

Punt by Texans to Cobb – goes out of bounds

Packers second second possession

First and 10, ball at Packers 30, quick pass outside to Cobb for nine yards

No huddle ball at the 36, Alex Green up the middle for nine more

First and 10, Jermichael Finley for one yard

Second and nine, Rodgers sacked by JJ Watt who does the belt!!!

Third and 15, pass to Cobb for 16 and a first down – Reliant Stadium goes quiet

First and 10, Green for 1

Second and 9, overthrows Jordy Nelson down right sideline

Third and 9 from 42, pass incomplete to Cobb

Punt by Masthay to the Texans 3 yard line

Texans third possession

First and 10 from the 3, Foster for two,

Second and eight, pass to Owen Daniels for four yards

Third and four, Penalty false start on Texans

Third and 9 from the 4, first down pass to Andre Johnson

First and 10 from the 16, Foster for 2 yards,

Second and 8, Matthews shoots the gap and tackles Foster for loss of 2

Third and 10, Matthews rushes and Schaub throws ball away

Punt to Cobb returns 17 yards

Clay Matthews with a huge series by tackling Foster for loss and pressure on Schaub

Packers third possession

First and 10 from the Packers 44, Rodgers escapes a heavy rush and completes pass to Cobb for 24 yards

First and 10 from the Texans’ 34, Pass to Jones who escapes tackle for 9 yards

Second and 1 from the Texans 22, Green for first down

First and 10, Rodgers under pressure and he throws it away

Second and 10, shovel pass on run by Rodgers to Tom Crabtree who is hit and gains 13 down to the 6

First and goal, touchdown pass to James Jones on right side of end zone; juggling catch called TD

Crosby extra point

Packers 14 Texans 0

Texans possession

First and 10, Foster no gain

End of first quarter

Rodgers stats 

Second and 10 pass to Andre Johnson for 11

First and 10 from the 31, Foster for five, Packers offside

First and 5, Foster falls down after one yard  -

Nick Perry injury – Erik Walden replaces him

Second and 5, Ben Tate falls down

Third and 3, Pass for first down to Kevin Walter

First and 10, Schaub under pressure gets ball to Owen Daniels for first down

First and 10 from Packers 31, Foster cut down after gain of 1

Second and 11, Schaub again under pressure – Shields pass interference

First and goal, Ball placed at 4, Foster for 3

Second and goal, Foster walks into end zone for TD

Packers 14 Texans 7 – 10:13 of second quarter

 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 5:11 aided by questionable pass interference call against Sam Shields

Kickoff by Texans – Cobb to the 22

Packers fourth possession

First and goal, Green up the middle for 8 yards

Second and 2, pass to Nelson for 1

Third and inches, Rodgers sneaks over the left guard for the first down

First and 10, Green has initial hole, but gets tripped up for 1 yard

Second and 9, pass to Green for 8

Third and 1, Quick pass right to Nelson for first down

First and 10 from 49, pass down sideline to Jones pass interference

First and 10 ball at 21, TD to Jordy Nelson 21 yards over the middle

6:45 Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards in 3:2

Packers 21 Texans 7

Packers kickoff touchback

Texans possession

First and 10 at 20, pass to Andre Johnson for 10

First and 10, foster runs to right side for five,

Second and 5, ball at 35, pass to Johnson

First and 10, ball at 47, pass to Garrett Graham for 1st down

First and 10, Foster for three – D.J. Smith goes down with injury

Second and 7, ball at Packers 37, false start Texans

Second and 12, Schaub fumbles snap, loss of 2

Third and 14 from Packers 46, pass to Foster for 12

FG attempt for Graham from 51 – good 2;15 left in second quarter

Packers 21 Texans 10

Texans kickoff – Cobb to the 16

Packers fifth possession

First and 10, Green for 2

2 minute warning

Packers second and 8 from the 18, Finley for 12 first down

First and 10, ball at 29, Rodgers runs to 45 yard line, 15 yard gain

First and 10, incomplete pass toward Jones

Second and 10, Kuhn inside handoff to 49, four yards

Third and 6, pass to Finley for first down, but penalty on Packers offensive pass interference on Finley

Third and 15, Cobb pass completion

Fourth down and seven, 16 seconds left, ball at Packers

Masthay punt – fair catch at 12

Foster for minus 2 yards

Packers timeout

Second and 12, Foster for 1 yard

End of first half

First half statistics

Packers

Packers

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/10/14/4982/index.html#ixzz29KS1m8nr

Texans

Texans

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/10/14/4982/index.html#ixzz29KRm7Lyo

 Second half

Texans kickoff is a touchback

Packers first possession of first half

First and 10 at the 20 yard line, Green for four

Second and six, pass complete to Cobb for 14 – penalty on Texans holding – declined

First and 10, from 37, Green for 1,

Second and 9, pass to Cobb for 25

First and 10, Green loss of 3

Second and 13, Pass to Nelson for 14 – Nelson six catches for 98 yards

First and 10 from the 29, Green for six

Pass to Nelson, first down to the 10

First and 10, pass to Nelson dropped

Second and 10 at 11 – Rodgers rushes for TD, but Newhouse called for holding.

Second and 20 – Finley drops the ball

Third and 20 ball knocked away

Crosby 39 yard FG good – points off the board – Texans called for leaping

Automatic first down

Ball at Texans 11

First and 10, Watt with sack takes helmet off Rodgers no call

Second and 14, Packers timeout 9:24

Second and 14, Cobb drops quick pass – third team drop of drive

Third and 14, pass to Cobb to the 4 yard line – Texans unnecessary roughness on Danel Manning

First and goal at the 2, Green for 1

Second and goal from the 1 Packers have had ball nearly 7 minutes, Pass to Nelson TD

Packers possess ball for more than 8 minutes – TD 8:16 Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards in 6:44

Packers 28 Texans 10

Packers kickoff – out to the

Texans first possession of second half

First and 10, Johnson catch of 2 yards

Second and 8, pass to Kevin Walter for first down

First and 10 from the 36, Foster for 1

Second and 9, Hawk with the sack – did he just vie the finger again? No, it was “the Shocker”

Third and 20 incomplete pass

Punt

Cobb hit immediately

First and 10, ball deflected incomplete

Second and 10, ball at 20, Green loses 1

Third and 11 pass to Nelson for 10, just short of the fist down

Punt by Packers

Keyshawn Martin returns to the 35

Texans second possession

First and 10, pass to Daniels for 27 yards – blown coverage

Ball at Packers 38, pass to Johnson for 9,

Second and 1, Foster for 2

First and 10, pass incomplete

Second and 10, pass to Marin down to the 13,

First and 10, pass to Johnson in end zone incomplete

Second and 10, pass to Martin down at goal

First and goal, Foster stopped cold

Second and goal, Foster walks in … TD Houston 65 yard, 9 plays less than 4 minutes

Packers 28 Texans 17

Texans kickoff – Cobb runs it back to the

Packers third possession 

First and 10 from 43, Green for 9

End of 3rd quarter

Second and 1, long pass down left sideline incomplete

Third and 1, Tom Crabtree pass over the middle for 43 yards TD!!!!!

Crabtree was wide open on that pass play

Packers 35 Texans 17

3 plays, 57 yards in 0:31

Packers kickoff touchback

First and 10 from the 20, pass incomplete to Andre Johnson

Second and 10, pass intercepted by Sam Shields at the 27

Packers ball at Texans 27

First and 10, Green for 5

Second down and 5, Green for 5 – first down

First and 10, ball at 17, Green no gain

Second and 10, pass to Jones – tremendous one-handed catch -

Rodgers 6 TD catches

Packers 42 Texans 17

Rodgers

#12 QB

Packers kickoff touchback

Texans from the 20 first and 10, Run for 3 – Sam Shield injured not he play

Second and 7 incomplete

Third and 7, pass to Johnson for first down – over 10,000 yards receiving

First and goal, pass to Johnson for 2

Second and 8, pass to Forsett for 1st down

First and goal, ball at Packers 42, pass to Graham for 2,

Second and 8, Forsett runs for a first down

First and goal, ball at Packers 32, Forsett for 8

Second and 2, pass incomplete to Johnson

Third and 2, run for first down

First and 10, ball at 21, pass knocked away by Casey Hayward

Second and 10, pass incomplete

Third and 10, Casey Hayward interception in end zone 

Packers first and 10, ball at 13, Green no gain

Second and 10, Green for no gain

Third and 10, ball batted down

Fourth down – punt

Masthay punt is blocked for a TD

Packers 42 Texans 24

onside kick recovered by Packers

First and 10, Graham Harrell in for Rodgers and hands off to James Starks for his first run of the season – 2 yards

Second and 8, Kuhn quick hitter for 2

Texans timeout

Third and 6 Green for 2

Fourth down

Texans final timeout

Masthay punt – fair catch

Texans pull Schaub – Yates in for Texans

First and 10 ball batted down

Second and 10, pass to James Casey first down

First and 10, pass to Graham for first down

First and 10 ball at 33, pass incomplete

Second and 10, 4:28 left in game – Forsett for 4

Third and 6, Casey Hayward second interception of the night (three in last two games) – Jaron McMillian tips ball to Hayward

Packers ball at Texans 36, Starks for 3

Second and 7, Starks for no gain

Third and 7, Starks for 6

Fourth down – Starks for 2 give up ball on downs

Texans – Forsett for four

Second and six, Forsett for four

Third and 2, Forsett runs for 10 on game’s final play

Final – Packers 42 Texans 24

Passing

Rodgers

#12 QB

Nelson

#87 WR

Packers

Packers

How will Green Bay Packers running back Alex Green fare tonight when the Packers travel to Houston? Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

It’s has been a long time since there has been such an important game in just the sixth week of the regular season.

Quite simply the Packers are desperate, and if they are going to turn things around, it has to start this Sunday night at Houston.

The Good

History is on our side

They say history is the future’s best indicator, and that’s a good thing for us. The Packers have shown a great ability to bounce back during the McCarthy era. Since 2009, the Packers are 11-3 after a loss (one of those loses was without Rodgers). Rodgers has also played well against a Wade Phillips-coached defense. His QB rating against Phillips is 111.5 and he’s never thrown an interception.

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster could be a major factor in tonight’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

The Texans have feasted on cupcakes

The Texans have not had a hard road to 5-0. Their opponents have a combined record is 9-17. The only decent QB they have faced was Peyton Manning, and he threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns against them. While there is something to be said for beating the teams you are supposed to, it’s fair to say Green Bay’s road had been much tougher.

Vegas says it’s closer then people think

It seems like everywhere you turn someone is talking about how easy of a game this will be for the Texans. At the end of the day it’s all talk.  The people that put their money where their mouth is think differently. The lines makers have the line at 3 points. As a former gambler (former means I lost a lot) let me tell you what this means. They see these two teams as relatively equal with a slight edge going to Houston because they are at home.

The Cushing Factor 

As we all know the Texans will be without Brian Cushing. He was the heart of their defense, their leader, and maybe their best player, it’s a huge loss. While some defenses can lose a good player and not skip a beat, most seem to experience at least a temporary dropoff, and some are never the same again.

The bad

The Packers D

The Packers have a hard time against any decent QB not named Jay Cutler. Matt Schaub has a passer rating of 99.2 which makes him the second highest rated QB the Packers have faced. Also the Texans rushing attack is 7th in the league with 143 yards per game. The last team that was able to do both things so well (the 49ers) had a field day against the Packers.

The Packers defense was porous last week, allowing Colts WR Reggie Wayne to have a career day. Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

Stats don’t lie

On paper this appears one-sided statistically. Houston scores 7.5 more points a game then the Packers, and they give up 7.6 points less.The Texans D is ranked fifth, while the Packers are 22nd (and falling). The turnover margin also favors Houston (+8 to -1). In fact, Houston leads Green bay in just about every major team statistic.

It’s at Houston

This year’s Packers have yet to prove they can win on the road, while the Texans are 9-2 at home (including playoffs) their last 11 games, so they have played very well there lately.

The Bottom Line: Houston has been impressive this year and seem to have no real weakness. However, Green Bay may be the best team they have had to play so far and they will be desperate, angry, and motivated. I fully expect the Packers to be right there until the end.

September 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after losing his helmet on a play during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

By Bill Walton

This week, the Green Bay Packers travel to Houston for Sunday night’s game against the Texans.

Living near Houston, I’m getting an earful from local fans and the media.  Admittedly and obviously, the Texans are good.  Very good.  Maybe even scary good.  But as the New York Jets can attest, the Texans are not unbeatable.  If any team can hand the Texans their first loss of the season, it could be the Packers.

It will take a much better effort than the Packers gave against the Colts to beat the Texans.  Here are a few of the personnel the Packers need to figure out a way to take care of on Sunday night:

• Defensive lineman J.J. Watt.  A one-man wrecking crew, he’s leading the league in sacks, batted balls, offensive coordinator headaches, and quarterback frowns.  Watt is a former Wisconsin Badger who claims to research and read opposing quarterback route trees to determine the best place from which to try and bat down passes.  He also lines up on either side of the defensive front.  Perhaps a few wrinkles might be in order – maybe more rollouts or hot routes behind wherever Watt is … not.

• Running back Arian Foster.  Foster makes the Texans’ offense go.  Teams have to respect his running ability, which opens up everything else the Texans do with the football.  Foster has 532 yards on 132 carries so far this season.  The Packers improved run defense, already showcased against Seattle in particular, has as good a shot to limit Foster as any defense in the league.  Most of Foster’s yards have come between the tackles.  It will take a solid effort from all 11 defenders on every play, but it can be done.

• Wide Receiver Andre Johnson.  Johnson is tall, big, fast, and prolific.  The Packers might treat him as they did Bears WR Brandon Marshall in week 2 – safety help high backing up Tramon Williams in primary coverage. The other Texans receivers are serviceable, particularly Kevin Walter, but Johnson is the primary threat. He’ll have to be blanketed on every play.

• Quarterback Matt Schaub.  Schaub came to Houston from Atlanta in 2007. At the time, most Texans observers thought the deal – composed of picks to Atlanta that many thought the Texans sorely needed, for what had been primarily a backup quarterback – wasn’t going to pan out.  Schaub has at various times been labeled a game manager and he’s never had a passer rating over 100 for a season.  However, he’s tough – they’re still looking for that chunk of his ear that got ripped off when he was tomahawked by Joe Mays in the Denver game. He’s also a team-first guy. He is everything the Texans think they need in a quarterback. It’ hard to argue with them – they’re 5-0.

Linebacker Brian Cushing, a former USC teammate of Clay Matthews, is out for the season with a torn ACL suffered in the Jets game on Monday night. Head coach Gary Kubiak calls the loss of Cushing a big blow to the team, but even without Cushing the Texans’ front seven should still be formidable. Linebacker Brooks Reed’s hairstyle makes him a dead ringer for Clay Matthews.  The early over/under for NBC mentions of the resemblance between Matthews and Reed is 6 1/2.

The Texans defensive coordinator is Wade Phillips. What can be said about Phillips other than he’s a much better defensive coordinator than a head coach? He’s getting the job done in Houston.

It’s widely believed that the Houston Texans do everything well.

They have no holes. Their offense, defense, and special teams are all good to great. If last Sunday’s debacle in Indianapolis told us anything, it might have been that the Packers are at the point where they need to pull out a win, on the road, against a top team.

That kind of win can swing momentum, provide a spark that can help propel them through the rest of the season, and make believers out of some of those who have already written them off. I’m not one of them. The defense needs to resemble the defense that has come up big as opposed to the defense that’s been surprisingly porous at times.

The offense needs to mix things up, commit to run carries, and above all, protect the football.  When push comes to shove the Packers can play with anybody. As we’ve seen so far this year, when the Packers seem to find something that works they haven’t seemed to stick with it or come back to it.

They’ll need to stick with what works in order to stick with the Texans. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was self-critical on his radio show today and it sounds like that’s a good thing.

If Rodgers plays up to his potential, this game will be fun to watch. For Packers fans, that is.

I’ll have more on this game later in the week.

GO PACK!

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Aaron Rodgers will be key in the Packers attack against the Lions once again this season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In going through the Detroit Lions‘ schedule this year, Sidelion’s Zac Snyder and I exchanged questions and answers about the Packers.

Our Q&A session was recently published on the Fansided.com’s Lions site and is offered up here for your review.

Don’t hesitate to slide on over to Snyder’s excellent site for a plethora of valuable information about the much-improved Lions – or you can take the shortcut and read the Q&A below and then go to Sidelion to see what’s new after you’re done reading.

Detroit Lions 2012 Schedule Preview: Green Bay Packers

May 30, 2012; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) participates in a passing drill of an OTA practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

They begin the series with a Q&A with Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising, another fine site under the fansided.com umbrella.

Fantasy fans and fans in general will be interested in following this series diligently put together by FantasyCPR’s Zach Thompson.

This particular posting will be of interest to Green Bay Packers fans because of the Seahawks’ newest addition, former Packers QB Matt Flynn. Following this preview will be a look at the Chicago Bears, another posting that will be of interest to Packers fans.

Anyway, you can go directly to the site here or you may just continue reading the posting below.

Seattle Seahawks – Fantasy Football 2012 Preview

As we gear up for another awesome and exciting year of fantasy football, we’re excited at Fantasy Football to be able to feature some previews from our FanSided partners. It’s extremely valuable to get the opinions of some passionate bloggers that spend all their time focused on one particular team.

We’re excited to feature as many as possible leading up to opening kickoff and we start our coverage today by talking to Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising.

Zach Thompson, FantasyCPR: Hey Keith, thanks for helping us out with our Q&A for our season preview. It’s always good to get the opinion of a fan who follows the team on how they’ll be this year. As someone who covers Seattle all year round, I’m sure your insight will help us in our fantasy football draft.

We’ll start with the obvious question… Is Matt Flynn the answer? Seattle was much-improved last year; they just seemed to be missing a QB. Is Matt Flynn the starter this year? And if he is what do you think his ceiling is for his first year as a full-time starter in the league?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: That’s the million dollar question right there. Anyone who tells you definitively that Flynn or anyone else is going to start doesn’t know how Pete Carroll does things. This really is an open competition, and both Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson have a shot on winning the job.

In the end, I do think that Flynn wins the starter’s job over the other 2, but his ceiling isn’t all that high as a fantasy QB. His arm strength would suggest that his ceiling is that of Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks can win a lot of games with that caliber of a QB, but he’ll never put up the numbers that Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers do.

Z: Marshawn Lynch dominated last year and emerged as a top fantasy running back. Is there any reason you think he won’t duplicate that kind of statistical year this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: I don’t believe there is. The O-line should continue to improve this year, as it did last season. Plus, without a big time QB and passing game feeding the ball to Lynch will be the foundation for the offense. He’s going to get his touches no matter what. I’ve seen people suggest that rookie Robert Turbin might cut into his playing time, but baring injury I don’t see that happening.

Z: What does the depth chart look like behind Lynch and is there any kind of time-share or is Lynch the rare feature-back?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The only player Lynch has to worry about in terms of playing time is rookie backup Robert Turbin, but as I said above, I don’t think Lynch will lose many touches to him. Lynch really is the feature player in this entire offense.

The one time when Lynch isn’t regularly on the field is third and long. He isn’t much of a receiver when compared to some other backs in the NFL. Last season, FB Michael Robinson was the most likely player in the backfield. That might be something to keep in mind when drafting Lynch. Don’t expect him to get you many receiving yards.

Z: I’ve always though that Golden Tate was about to breakout, but he hasn’t really done that yet at all. Is there a receiver in Seattle that will emerge as Flynn’s top target that we should look for on draft day?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Keep an eye on Doug Baldwin. He was the Seahawks’ leading receiver last season while playing in the slot, and should be even better this season even though he plays out of the slot. I’d advise people to avoid drafting Tate. He might not even make the 53 man roster at this point. He still has a lot to prove before he gets consistent playing time.

Z: Is there a player on the Seahawks offense you think will have a breakout year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Not really. I expect Doug Balwdin and Sydney Rice to put up better numbers than last season, but both had their “breakout year” in the past. It really depends on who wins the job as the starting split end. If Kris Durham or Richardo Lockette do, then I’d expect that player who have a breakout year. If not, then I don’t think anyone will qualify for that title.

Z: I love the Seahawks as a sleeper defense/special teams unit. Am I crazy to think they’ll be a top 10 defense this year? I actually like their draft pick even though many scoffed at it…

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The Seahawks were the #9 defense last season statistically (not sure how that scored in fantasy points, but I’ve heard they were good in that regard too) And that was without much of a pass rush. The Seahawks then added a great inside pass rusher in free agency (Jason Jones) and drafted the draft’s best pure pass rusher in Bruce Irvin. The increased pass rush will only make this defense better overall, and it should also lead to more turnovers. I’m surprised that people think of them as a sleeper pick. From where I’m standing, they should be one of the best fantasy defenses in 2012.

Z: Last one, give me your realistic expectation for the Seahawks this season, and then your perfect scenario. What is the one key for them getting back into the playoffs this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Realistically, this team should be improved with a better pass rush, more consistent play from the offensive line, and hopefully better play from the QB position. 9 to 10 wins and a chance at a wild card spot in the playoffs is about what we’re expecting.

In a perfect situation, whoever wins the starting QB job steps in and provides a passing game to go along with the running game and defense. If this happens, the Seahawks will be tough to beat, as they’ll be one of the most complete teams in the NFL, similar to the Texans of 2011 before Matt Shaub got hurt. If that happens, 12 wins is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that passer on the roster right now.

Z: Thanks again to Keith Myers for joining us for our Seahawks preview. Make sure to check out his team’s excellent coverage of the Seahawks throughout this upcoming season on 12th Man Rising.

Dec. 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (63) points to the defense during the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.Indianapolis defeated Houston 19-16. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Donald Driver will be using his moves on Dancing with the Stars. Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Here is a compilation of some Packers and NFL news that have drawn some interest lately.

It was announced today that Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers will compete on Dancing with the Stars. It has become a tradition that each season includes an NFL player competing on the show. With all the uncertainty surrounding Driver and his future with the Pack, this will be a good way to take his mind off this lingering issue. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tweeted shortly after finding out about Driver being on the Dancing with the Stars saying, “Quickie on DWTS?? Guaranteed to be in the finals.” It does seem that the Packers could elect to restructure Driver’s contract so he can stay with the team.

It is becoming more likely that the Packers will have to part ways with All-Pro center Scott Wells. This is because the Packers, as reported by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have an interest in Houston Texans’ center Scott Myers. Though it is technically illegal for the Packers to have any sort of contact with potential free agents before the actual start of free agency, it is still done frequently between players and team management behind closed doors. This just seems to be reassuring the probability that Wells will be going somewhere else.

Aaron Rodgers is more popular in Wisconsin and among Packers fan than any celebrity in recent memory. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The state of Wisconsin is currently in the process of making 12/12/12 officially Aaron Rodgers Day. This just provides further evidence on how passionate and unique Packer country is.

Following up on a past article I did about the Pro Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN’s Mike and Mike right before the Super Bowl, “After what I saw last Sunday, the NFL will consider eliminating the Pro Bowl.” I do not want the Pro Bowl to end but if the NFL just added some incentives to winning the game then maybe players would try harder. As of right now, the winning team receives $50,000 per player while the losing team receives $25,000. Obviously for players receiving millions of dollars per year, there really is no extra incentive to play harder.

Getting a player that complements Clay Matthews will be key to improving the Packers' defense. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Anyone who follows the Green Bay Packers and the history of GM Ted Thompson knows how he operates – build through the draft. It’s a simple philosophy that has worked and produced one Super Bowl championship. In fact, Thompson has built a team so deep in talent that the Packers have won an ungodly number of games the past year.

But there are chinks in the armor – namely the defense.

One would think that the answer for Thompson is through the draft and we all expect that he will draft defense this coming April.

However, John Limbach, a contributing writer over at Bleacher Report, has penned an interesting scenario – bringing all-world lineman Mario Williams to Green Bay. The injured player might be franchised and brought back to the Texans, but the price would be steep – $10 million. Considering that his replacement, Brooks Reed, has played well in Williams’ stead, the Texans have a heavy decision to make.

Given that the Packers may lose safety Nick Collins for good due to his injured neck, and seems to have lost any semblance of a pass rush when Cullen Jenkins went to the Eagles in free agency, the Packers have to do something if their defense is going to improve – though that unit can’t get any worse as they finished dead last in yards allowed last season.

Williams would bring an intimidating presence to the Packers and would offer a balance to Clay Matthews – something the Packers desperately need.

So, is it completely off the wall to think that Thompson would do anything so rash as to go after Williams should he hit the free agent market?

If it means it will improve the Packers and get them back to being an elite defensive team, then our hope is that something like this might play out. Maybe it’s a pipe dream, but this is the NFL where anything is possible.

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We wondered – how LONG have they been using that theme?

So it was time to do a quick research project – according to Wikipedia.

It’s a piece composed by jingle writer Frankie Vinci for the network, which unveiled it for Super Bowl XXVI at the end of the 1991 season. When the network lost its bid to cover the NFL to FOX after the 1993 season, CBS continued using the music on its NFL radio broadcasts and brought it back again in 1998 when the network started broadcasting the AFC games.

So, to answer the question, the music has been used continuously in some fashion since 1991! Yes folks, that’s 21 years! Sick of it yet? I know I am. I won’t even go into FOX’s composition – maybe on another day.

But in the meantime …

click here for a great article that gives an even a better look at all networks’ NFL musical pieces.

If you go back to the 1960s, I tracked down my favorite NFL theme music – CBS’s usage of “Confidence,” a marching band-like piece taken from Leon Carr‘s score from the 1964 off-Broadway musical The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Let’s go back in time and listen.

Here’s the link. This is from the 1970 television intro for the Lions vs. Cowboys NFL Divisional Playoff Game (yes, that’s 42 years ago!) – an intro voiced over by none other than Pat Summerall.

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.

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.

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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.

(more…)

Well, as he’s now being called the game’s “best available” fullback by many, including Gregg Rosenthal at Pro Football Talk, Leach seems to be able to write his own ticket out of Houston, where he found a home the past four years.

Vonta Leach has become a valuable commodity in Houston. AP photograph

His years, of course, in Green Bay were less than stellar, thus his move out of Wisconsin and transplant in Texas. In fact, while in Wisconsin he had a tough time even finding the field. He did start all 16 games in 2005, catching five balls that season for 19 yards, with his longest gain being nine yards. He didn’t carry the ball once during his time in Green Bay.

He’s done better offensively in four years in Houston, catching 33 passes for 457 yards.

Most notably, though, he has become the battering ram in leading the way for Arian Foster, last year’s leader in rushing yards. That, clearly, is his calling card.

Does he still have enough in him to demand a larger contract from teams such as the Seahawks, Giants or Chargers … the teams he identified today as possible landing sites for his services.

It’s good to see former Packers players do well, as long as its not for division foes (can you say Brett Favre?), but fans weren’t necessarily sad to see him go because the team has had a pretty solid stable of fullbacks in their own camp in Leach’s absence.

He has been an imposing player and certainly has made a name for himself in Houston and the AFC. We wish him continued success, just not against the Packers.

The Raji pick was not a surprise for me.  I had had Raji at No. 2 on my draft board, behind Brian Orakpo, who ultimately went No. 13 to the Washington Redskins.  However, looking at it again, Raji is the right pick.  It’s hard to find mine 6-foot, 337 pound nose tackles that can move in the NFL Draft.  Outside linebackers are a dime-a-dozen throughout the draft.  There was no one else in the draft comparable to Raji.  So Thompson made the pick.

Sitting at No. 9 made me a little nervous.  There were three high quality players available at that juncture, in Raji, Orakpo, and Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree.  Right before the pick, I predicted that Thompson would end Crabtree’s unexplainable slide.  I could see Thompson taking Crabtree — the Jordy Nelson pick last year shows he’s not scared to take a wideout.  Crabtree to Green Bay could have caused an unbelievable amount of backlash among Packers fans, but imagine Crabtree, Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, and Nelson at Aaron Rodgers‘ disposal.  Imagine that offense against the Lions defense.

But besides choosing Crabtree, I was looking for Thompson to trade down.  Thompson traded out of the first round last year when the Packers “needed” a corner and there were corners on the board.  At No. 9 yesterday, there was a scramble under them for teams trying to trade up for Crabtree.  However, Thompson stuck to his guns and picked Raji.

This signals a change in Green Bay.  Thompson had always been a “best player available” guy.  But I don’t see how he could have had Raji over Crabtree on his draft board, in any way really.  Thompson drafted for need here (and later with Matthews, but I’m getting to that).  Thompson knows this is an important year for the Packers.  They have multiple free agents coming up after the 2009 season and he needs to give them a reason to stick around.  The problem with the team in 2008 was the defense.  The offense will put points up on the board, but it cannot win without the defense.  Thompson knows his offense is fine, but his defense needs help.

This need on defense led to the Packers actually trading up back into the first round.  The Patriots had already traded back to No. 26 from No. 23 as the Ravens traded up to get Michael Oher.  The Packers then packaged the trade to get No. 26 and select Matthews, the son of former NFL player Clay Matthews, Jr. and the nephew of former offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.  Both had long careers in the NFL, setting up an impressive lineage for the younger Matthews.  Clay III comes from a USC program that had amazing linebacking talent, as he played along side Houston Texans‘ draft pick Brian Cushing and new Cincinnati Bengal Rey Maualuga, who inexplicably slid into the second round.  Matthews walked-on to USC and redshirted his freshman year, setting up a great storyline for the player.  He plays with intensity to match that of his fellow USC linebackers.

The Matthews pick shows why the Raji pick at No. 9 was a great pick.  By picking Raji, the Packers get a nose tackle who can take up three gaps on the offensive line and tie up multiple blockers, freeing up Matthews and the rest of the linebacking corps.  If the Packers pick Orakpo at No. 9, the Packers have Ryan Pickett at nose tackle, who lacks Raji’s size and athleticism.  With Pickett at the nose, the Packers linebackers would be assaulted every play by large offensive lineman, pushing the defense back.  Raji allows the defense to make plays.  He won’t be getting glory and sacking the quarterback every play, but he will do the dirty work in the trenches.

Matthews will stop the run, allowing Kampman to focus on rushing the passer, while if the Packers had picked Orakpo, they would have had a surplus of pass rushers, allowing the defense to get shredded by the run.  Pairing Matthews and Raji together gives the Packers one of the most successful Day 1′s of any team in the league.  They drafted two cornerstones of their defense that is going through a transition.  The two of them will make the transition into Dom Capers‘ 3-4 scheme that much easier.  Both will have a lot to learn, but both will contribute for years to come.

The 41st pick the Packers traded to New England was used to select Darius Butler from Connecticut, while New England traded the 73rd to the Jacksonville Jaguars who selected Derek Cox out of William & Mary.  The 83rd pick has been used by New England to select Brandon Tate, a wide receiver from North Carlina, who’s coming off a major knee injury.

16 San Diego Chargers
(8-8) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
17 New York Jets
(9-7) Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18 Denver Broncos
(9-7, Pick via Bears) Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(9-7) Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20 Detroit Lions
(9-7, Pick via Cowboys) Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
21 Philadelphia Eagles
(9-6-1) Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
22 Minnesota Vikings
(10-6) William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
23 New England Patriots
(11-6) Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24 Atlanta Falcons
(11-5) Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
25 Miami Dolphins
(11-5) Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
26 Baltimore Ravens
(11-5) Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
27 Indianapolis Colts
12-4) Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
28 Buffalo Bills
(Pick via CAR, PHI) Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
29 New York Giants
(12-4) Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
30 Tennessee Titans
(13-3) Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois
31 Arizona Cardinals
(9-7) LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh 32 Pittsburgh Steelers
(12-4) Alex Mack, C, Cal

1. Lions: waynefontes.com — MATTHEW STAFFORD, QB, GEORGIA
2. Rams: turfshowtimes.com — EUGENE MONROE, OT, VIRGINIA
3. Chiefs: kcchiefsnews.com — AARON CURRY, LB, WAKE FOREST
4. Seahawks: davekriegsstrikebeard.com — MICHAEL CRABTREE, WR, TEXAS TECH
5. Browns: nologoneeded.com — REY MAUALUGA, LB, USC
6. Bengals: bengalstripes.com — JASON SMITH, OT, BAYLOR
7. Raiders: silverandblackpride.com — JEREMY MACLIN, WR, MISSOURI
8. Jaguars: jaguarsgab.com — B.J. RAJI, DT, BOSTON COLLEGE
9. Packers: lombardiave.com — BRIAN ORAKPO, DE/OLB, TEXAS
10. 49ers: ninersnation.com — EVERETTE BROWN, OLB, FLORIDA STATE
11. Bills: buffalorumblings.com — CLAY MATTHEWS, OLB, USC
12. Broncos: milehighreport.com — MALCOLM JENKINS, CB, OHIO STATE
13. Redskins: curlyr.blogspot.com  — ANDRE SMITH, OT, ALABAMA
14. Saints: canalstreetchronicles.com —  BRIAN CUSHING, OLB, USC
15. Texans: houstondiehards.com — MICHAEL OHER, OT, OLE MISS
16. Chargers: bolthype.com — EBEN BRITTON, OT, ARIZONA
17. Jets: thejetsblog.com — TYSON JACKSON, DE, LSU
18. Bears: blogdownchicagobears.com — DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY, WR, MARYLAND
19. Buccaneers: bucem.com — PERCY HARVIN, WR, FLORIDA
20. Lions (from Dallas): waynefontes.com — AARON MAYBIN, DE, PENN STATE
21. Eagles: igglesblog.com — VONTAE DAVIS, CB, ILLINOIS
22. Vikings: vikingsragnarok.blogspot.com — MARK SANCHEZ, QB, USC
23. Patriots: patriotsdaily.com — KNOWSHON MORENO, RB, GEORGIA
24. Falcons: falcoholic.com —CLINT SINTIM, LB, VIRGINIA
25. Dolphins: thephinsider.com — LARRY ENGLISH, LB, NORTHERN ILLINOIS
26. Ravens: ebonybird.com —KENNY BRITT, WR, RUTGERS
27. Colts: 18to88.com — PERIA JERRY, DT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
28. Eagles (from Carolina): igglesblog.com — ALEX MACK, OL, CALIFORNIA
29. Giants: bigblue101.com — HAKEEM NICKS, WR, NORTH CAROLINA
30. Titans: musiccitymiracles.com — D.J. MOORE, CB, VANDERBILT
31. Cardinals: raisingzona.com — CHRIS WELLS, RB, OSU
32. Steelers: steelerstoday.com — FILI MOALA, DT, USC

Round 2 is starting now!