Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Jordan Rodgers (6) scrambles during a rookie minicamp held at Everbank Field. Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

We all know about the chip Aaron Rodgers has been carrying around for years  - you know the one that started when he wasn’t considered by colleges out of high school; the one that grew when he ended up at a junior college and then continued to bear down on him when he was passed over 23 times before finally being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

And we don’t have to tell you about his first few seasons riding the bench behind Brett Favre and when he finally got his chance to start – not everyone had a clear vision of who this guy was. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy did.

So Aaron knows a bit about chips – something he hopes his brother, Jordan Rodgers, gets to understand, too.

You see, the younger Rodgers was signed as a free agent a few days ago by the Jacksonville Jaguars – a team where he thought he has his best shot. But he’s still going in with that chip. He thought that after starting 20 games at Vanderbilt this past season that he would at least have been invited to the NFL Combine. He wasn’t. He also thought he had a shot of being drafted last weekend. He wasn’t. Not even his brother’s team, the Packers, showed an interest.

So, now he’s a Jaguar and ready to take on the NFL.

Today he told Paul Imig in an interview that ”I’ve carried my chip with me my entire career. I’ve had to fight and claw for every position I’ve had. I sat on the bench as a junior in high school, I had to compete my senior year in high school to get the job, I competed again at Vanderbilt before having success. Just carrying that and factoring in the Combine; I deserved to be there.”

That’s something that really pleases Aaron – the richest man in the NFL right now who is pulling heavily for his brother to succeed.

“The ultimate cool thing for a big brother is to see your little brother pass you up,” the elder Rodgers told Imig in 2011. “For him to get a level where he’s playing better than me would be my dream. I’m a competitor, and it’s tough to say, but I think any big brother would love to see your little brother exceed your success. Pretty soon they won’t be talking about me when they’re talking about him.”

But the younger Rodgers has a ways to go and he knows it. That’s one of the reasons he signed with Jacksonville. He said his choices were between the Detroit Lions and the Jaguars, though he had several offers on the table. It was the Jaguars that offered the best opportunity for him to succeed – the team has two signal callers who were with the team last year – Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Rodgers joins fellow free agent Matt Scott  of Arizona on the roster competing for a job.

Jordan Rodgers of Vanderbilt throws a pass against National during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate bowl at the Home Depot Center.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

While Aaron signed his $110 million contract on the second day of the draft, his thoughts were with his younger brother and his chances in making it in the league. At the time, Jordan had not been drafted and was a couple of days from signing with a team, but Aaron spoke of what his brother needed to do: ”Hopefully he gets in a situation where he can compete for a backup job because a lot of times it’s about the opportunity and the place you’re at as much as it is about your immediate ability to be successful.”

He should know. He’s been there and done that.

And if Jordan is like his brother in the chip department, he’s in a good spot.

Canty, 30, was cut by the New York Giants last week in a cap space saving move. Canty has gotten a lot of early interest from not only the Packers, but the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguares, Tennessee Titans (who have reportedly offered him a contract already) and the Seattle Seahawks. According to NBC Sports, Canty has also given the Carolina Panthers the impression that he would give them a “home town discount” in order to sign there. Canty, of course, was a high school football star in Charlotte, N.C.,  he’s been on record saying he would like to return home and play in Carolina.

There’s no secret that the Packers have struggled on defense the last few seasons, particularly on the defensive line.

The 6-foot-7, 317 pound Canty would give the Packers tremendous size up front and would naturally be able to clog up holes, making Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk and the other linebackers’ jobs much easier.

Canty, of course, has experience playing in the 3-4 defense, as he played with the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons where he had 102 tackles and 10 sacks while not missing a single game.

If you remember, the Packers were interested in signing Canty back in 2008. However, Canty was searching for more money than the stingy Packers were willing to give up, thus he signed in New York.

It’s early in the offseason process, however, according to Pro Football Central the Packers are the favorite amongst the interested teams to land the services of Canty.

If all goes well on Wednesday and Thursday, you could see the Packers offer Canty a contract.

Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers at 4-3 hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) at Lambeau Field.

While everyone predicted a cakewalk for the Green Bay Packers today, it was far from that as the injury-depleted Packers barely got by the pesky Jacksonville Jaguars 24-15.

The story of the game was how the Jaguars defense was able to shut down Aaron Rodgers. The Jaguars’ injured QB Blaine Gabbert outplayed Rodgers by nearly doubling Rodgers’ yardage output, moving his team up and down the field all day long.

However, the biggest play of the game came in the second quarter when Packers defensive back Davon House rushed from the outside to block a punt that bounced around and was finally recovered by linebacker Dezman Moses for a touchdown.

That score turned out to be the difference in this game as the Jaguars came to play.

While Gabbert threw for 303 yards and Rodgers just 186, it was Rodgers’ two touchdown passes that was important in this one.

However, the Packers were sloppy throughout the day, Rodgers was sacked three times and fumbled once right at the end of the first half as the Jags scored nine points inside the two-minute warning to bring the score back to just two, 14-12, at halftime.

Rodgers played better in the second half and the Packers defense came up with some big stops to give the Packers their fifth win of the year, moving them into second place in the NFC North. It was also the Packers’ third straight win.

The Bears won on a field goal at the end of the game against the Panthers, so they still hold a game lead on the Packers. The Minnesota Vikings lost to Tampa Bay last Thursday night to fall to 5-3.

The following is a complete play-by-play rundown of the Packers vs. Jags, along with statistics provided by si.com

First half

Packers win toss and defer to second half … another good move to put the defense on the field first

Kickoff Crosby to Spurloch to the 15.

First and 10 from the 15; Blaine Gabbert at QB; 11 yard pass to rookie Justin Blackmon

First and 10 from 34, two yard run up the middle

Second and 8; two yard pass to Cecil Shorts

Third and 4, Sack by Brad Jones stops drive

Fourth down punt to Randall Cobb; fair catch at the 22

Packers first possession

First and 10 from the 22, Green for 2

Second and 8, pass incomplete to Jermichael Finley – defended by Aaron Ross

Third and 8, check down to Alex Green incomplete

Fourth down punt by Tim Masthay out of bounds to the 34

Jaguars second possession

First and 10 from the 34, Rashad Jennings for 3

Second and 7, Jennings for 3

Third and 4, pass to Justin Blackmon for 36 to the Packers24

First and 10, incomplete pass

Second and 10, Jennings for 2

Third and 8, pass tipped, Clay Matthews pressure, holding penalty on JAX, declined

Third down and 18, Jacksonville going for it pass complete

Josh Scobee 38-yard FG

Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards in 3:36

Jaguars 3 Packers 0

Kickoff Scobee to Cobb at the 2; nice return to the 32

Packers second possession – 8:17

First and 10, pass for 11 to James Jones

First and 10, Green for 5 to the Packers 38

Second and 5, Green for 3

Third and 2, Rodgers runs for five for a first down

First and 10, from the Jags 45, Green for 1

Second and 9, Screen to Green for 10

First and 10 from the Jags 32, pitch to Green on right side for seven

Second and 3, pass over the middle to Jermichael Finley for 27 yards

First and goal for the five, TD pass to Randall Cobb in the back of the end zone. Rodgers scrambles left and hits Cobb coming across back of end zone

TD #152 for Rodgers ties him with Bart Starr for second place in franchise QB TD passes behind Brett Favre’s 442

Mason Crosby with extra point.

Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards in 5:29

Packers 7 Jaguars 3

Jaguars third possession

Kickoff returned to the 8

First and 10 Jennings for 22

First and 10  short pass to Jennings for no gain. Matthews for the tackle

Second and 10 from 32, Jennings for 4

Third and 6, Justin Blackmon for 10

First and 10 from the 46, pass over the middle to Mercedes Lewis falls incomplete

Second and 10, Jennings sweep left cut down by Matthews who slices through for a loss of 2

End of first quarter

Third and 12, Gabbert scrambles and completes over the middle to Short

First and 10 at Packers 41, Jennings for 3

Second and 7, Gabbert to first down pass to Cecil Short

First and 10 t Packers 22, Jennings hit and fumbles – Packers ball recovered by 

Packers third possession

First and 10 from the 22, Pass dropped by Tom Crabtree

 Second and 10, pass to Jarrett Boykin for 9 – First NFL catch

Third and 1, Rodgers sneaks for first down

First and 10 from the 30, Green loses 1 yard

Second and 11, Quick pass to Cobb left for 4

Third and 6, incomplete to Green

Fourth and 6, Masthay punt for touchback

Jaguars fourth possession

First and 10 from the 20, Gabbert goes deep over the middle 43 yards to Cecil Shorts, but Packers challenge the catch – ball came out and challenge upheld

Second and 10 from the 20, tight end screen pass to Lewis for first down to 36

First and 10, Jennings for 1

Second and 9, Tramon Williams nearly intercepts on diving stop

Third and 8, pass over the middle incomplete

Fourth and 8 punt, BLOCKED BY DAVON HOUSE; punt recovered in end zone for touchdown – 1990 was last time the Packers blocked a punt by Tim Harris

Crosby extra point

Packers 14 Jaguars 3

Jaguars fourth possession

First and 10 from 30, Jennings for no gain

Second and 10, pass covered by House incomplete – late flag – illegal contact with defenseless receiver – bad call

First and 10 on penalty, two yard run

Second and 8 from the 45, pass incomplete, penalty defensive holding on Mike Neal – automatic first down

First and 10 at the 50, Jennings for 3

Second and 7 pass incomplete

Third and 7, pass again incomplete

Gabbert goes cold on drive

Fourth and 7, punt

Cobb fair catch

Packers fifth possession

First and 10 from the 21, check down pass to Green for 11

First and 10 at the 32, 8 yard pass to Donald Driver – penalty negates catch – defensive holding on Jags

First and 10 from the 36, Green for 4

Second and 6, Green for 1

Third and 5, pass toward Boykin incomplete, but defensive holding on Jags – automatic first down

First and 10 from the Packers 46, Rodgers scrambles left and tries to throw a deep pass into triple coverage on Finley

Second and 10, Green no gain

Third and 10, Rodgers sacked by Jeremy Mincey

Fourth and 17 punt – false start

Fourth and 22 punt – short punt by Masthay

Jaguars from the 31, screen to Jennings, missed tackle and he picks up first down

Time out Jacksonville

First and 10 from Packers 45 – Clay Matthews hits Gabbert just before pass – pass incomplete

Second and 10, huge pass to Cecil Shorts first down to the Packers 10

Two-minute warning

First and goal from Packers, pass incomplete at 5,

Second and goal, Jennings for 3

Third and goal with 1:20 left in half, pass incomplete, but Erik Walden offsides, half distance to goal

Third and goal, Gabbert rolls left and then overthrows everyone

Fourth and goal

Field goal by Josh Scobee

Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards in 1:28

Packers 14, Jaguars 6

Kickoff – touchback

Packers sixth possession

1:03 left

First down and 10 from the 20, Rodgers sacked and fumbles – tuck rule? No

Jacksonville ball

First and 10, pass complete to Lewis

Second and 5 at the Packers 8, pass dropped by Mike Thomas

Third and 5, pass to Michael Spurloch first down inside the 1 – 28 seconds left

Time out Jags – second

First and goal at the 1, Gabbert sneaks, but doesn’t get in.

Jags timeout – third and final

Second and goal, pass to tackle eligible TD

Two point conversion – pass dropped by Justin Blacmon

Packers 14 Jaguars 12

Kickoff touchback

Packers first and 10 at the 20, Green for four

End of first half 

Statistics courtesy of si.com:

Jaguars

Packers

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Josh Scobee 38 yard field goal, 8:23 Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards in 3:36
Jacksonville 3-0

Randall Cobb 5 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 2:54 Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards in 5:29
Green Bay 7-3

2nd Quarter

Josh Scobee 22 yard field goal, 1:03 Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards in 1:32
Green Bay 14-6

Guy Whimper 1 yard TD pass from Blaine Gabbert (Justin Blackmon 2pt conversion attempt NO GOOD), 0:17 Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards in 0:35
Green Bay 14-12

Second half

Kickoff – Cobb good return

Jerel Worthy injured on kickoff

First and 10 at the 20, Green for 2

Second and 8, six yard pass to Donald Driver

Third and 2, Rodgers runs for first down, fumbles and recovered by Jags, but penalty on Jags for illegal hands to the face

First and 10 for Packers, ball at Green for 4 out to Packers 42

Second and 6, Rodgers under pressure throws it away

Third and 6, pass down left sideline toward James Jones incomplete

Fourth down punt by Masthay, fair catch at 25

Jacksonville first possession of second half

First down and 10, Gabbert throws long down right sideline incomplete

Second and 10, Gabbert sacked by Morgan Burnett, Gabbert fumbles, but recovers

Third and 26, Short pass completion over the middle

Fourth down punt, Cobb hit hard, but hangs on

Packers second possession of second half

First and 10 from the Packers 40, Green for 2

Second and 8, Short screen to Green for 3

Third and 5, First down pass to Randall Cobb,

First and 10 from the 46, pass over the middle to DJ Williams is dropped.

Second and 10 from Jaguars 46, Rodgers under pressure throws incomplete

Third and 10, pass to James Jones for 2

Crosby 55 yard FG attempt – faked and Tim Masthay throws incomplete

Jacksonville takes over on downs at own 36

Jacksonville second possession of second half

First and 10, Jennings for 2

Second and 8, Jennings for 2

Third and 7, pass complete, but short of first down

Fourth down punt – touchback

Packers third possession

First and 10, Green for 2

Second and 8, pass complete to James Jones for 10 – personal foul for late hit out of bounds 15 yards

First and 10 from the Packers 48, Pass to Starks out of the backfield for nine

Second and 1, dump off pass to Starks dropped

Third and 1, Green for 5

First and 10 from the Jaguars 36, pass to Jones for 6

Second and 4, Starks for 9

First and 10, pass to James Jones for 8

Second and 2, pass to Cobb for 1

Third and 1, From the Jaguars 14, Green falls down and loses 1

Crosby 32 yard FG hits upright NO GOOD

Jaguars third possession

Jaguars take over at own 22, Incomplete pass

Second and 10, Jennings for 2

Third and 8, Gabbert under pressure by Matthews throws ball away

Fourth down punt – punt to the Packers 48

Packers fourth possession

First and 10, Rodgers rolls left and pushes a pass to Finley for 4

End of the third quarter

Second and 6, pass to James Jones for 5,

Third and 1 from the Jaguars 43, Green for 1

First and 10, big pass to James Jones over the middle for 30 to the 11

First and 10, quick pass to Cobb for 4 – penalty on Jags for tripping

First and goal, Rodgers pressured throws ball away

Second and goal, ball at the 4, Donald Driver TD

Rodgers passes Bart Starr for sole possession of most TD passes in franchise history

Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards in 2:42

Packers 21 Jaguars 12

Jaguars fourth possession

kickoff return to 20

First and 10, quick pass for 1

Second and 10 from the 21, pass for 3

Third and 6, pass for first down to Parmele

First and 10 at 40, pass for 1

Second and 9, pass to Shorts for 8

Time out Jacksonville – first 

Third and 1, Gabbert completed pass to Blackmon – but Packers challenge that he was inbounds – overruled

Packers offsides gives the Jags first down

First and 10, Jennings for 4

Second and 6, pass to a wide open Cecil Shorts to the 17,

First and 10 Jennings for 6

Second 4, pass incomplete

Third and 6 from the Packers 11, pass complete, but Jaron McMillian makes big tackle short of the first down

Scobee FG from 32 Good

Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards in 5:46

Packers 21 Jaguars 15

Kickoff goes out of bounds at the 1 yard line – penalty; Packers get the ball at the 40

Packers fifth possession 

First and 10, Green for 3

Second and 7, Rodgers rolls right and throws the ball away

Third and 7, pass incomplete to Finley

Fourth down punt fair catch at 6 by Michael Suprloch

Jags fifth possession

First and 10 from the 6, Jennings pass in flat takes it for 14.

First and 10 from the 23, pass to Shorts for 9

Second and 1, Pass to Jennings, AJ Hawk bounces off on tackle and he runs to midfield

First and 10, incomplete pass

Second and 10, pass toward Blackmon incomplete

Third and 10, pass complete to Blackmon, but Casey Hayward makes tackle short of first down

Fourth and 4, 3 minutes left, Jags go for it. pass incomplete. Packers hold on fourth down

Packers possession

First and 10 from the 46, Green for three

Jaguars time out – second

Second and 7, Green no gain

Jaguars time out – third and final

Third and 7, pass to James Jones down left sideline incomplete, but penalty of pass interference on Jags.

First and 10, ball at 15, 2:38 left, Green four 4

Second and 6, Green for 2

Third and 4, Green for 2

Fourth and 2, ball at 7,

FG from 25 by Crosby is Good

Packers 24 Jaguars 15

Packers kickoff – touchback

Jaguars possession

First and 10, pass incomplete 22 seconds left

Second and 10, pass incomplete

Third and 10, incomplete

Fourth and 10, 12 seconds left, incomplete

Packers win 24-15

Jaguars

1st Quarter

Josh Scobee 38 yd FG, 8:23 Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards in 3:36
Jacksonville 3-0

Randall Cobb 5 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 2:54 Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards in 5:29
Green Bay 7-3

2nd Quarter

Dezman Moses 0 yd blocked punt return (Mason Crosby kick), 8:45 Drive: 0 play, 0 yard
Green Bay 14-3

Josh Scobee 22 yd FG, 1:03 Drive: 7 plays, 65 yards in 1:32
Green Bay 14-6

Guy Whimper 1 yd pass from Blaine Gabbert (failed 2pt Pass from Blaine Gabbert), 0:17 Drive: 5 plays, 13 yards in 0:35
Green Bay 14-12

4th Quarter

Donald Driver 4 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 12:36 Drive: 7 plays, 52 yards in 2:42
Green Bay 21-12

Josh Scobee 32 yd FG, 6:50 Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards in 5:46
Green Bay 21-15

Mason Crosby 25 yd FG, 0:28 Drive: 6 plays, 49 yards in 2:27
Green Bay 24-15

October 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson (26) carries the ball as Green Bay Packers strong safety Charles Woodson (21) defends during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE

It seems like the injuries are starting to pile up again this year after a relatively clean season last year.  The question is: when is the Pack going to lose that last player that holds up the whole house of cards?

The secondary is quickly becoming a concern, not only for the injury to Woodson, but the earlier injury to Sam Shields as well.  BJ Raji has missed the last two games, but is probable for Sunday. Worthy and Neal have done a good job covering that void, but it will be nice to have the big man back in the middle.  Bishop was lost early and Nick Perry is out again this week , Walden has stepped up and played well.

On offense, Greg Jennings has been out and Kuhn (out) and Jordy (questionable) are hurt this week.  Cedric Benson went down, but Alex Green has played decently in his spot.

Time and again, the depth of the Packers has been evident.  Let’s hope that continues for at least a few weeks until the Packers can get a few more opening day starters back into the lineup.  In the meantime, a few more players will get to showcase their skills against a Jaguars team that is struggling, to say the least.

With all of that being said, everybody has injuries and the Packers aren’t unique in that respect.  Although, I do think the timing for the Packers couldn’t be better.  Of course, no injuries would be better, but if you have to have several missing pieces, this week would be time for it to happen.

The Jaguars will try to turn their season around when they invade Lambeau Field today. Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The fact is that  injuries or not, the offense has been tremendous over the past two weeks. Aaron Rodgers has settled into a groove in the last two games.  As long as he plays like he has recently, the Packers will score points.  It won’t hurt playing against a Jags defense that is ranked 28^th overall, 24^th against the pass and has just five sacks all season.

I don’t want to dismiss the Jaguars as a potential threat; they are an NFL team (technically). With the injuries mounting for the Packers it is fortunate for them to host the Jags this week.  Considering the number of missing parts on the defensive side of the ball, facing the team that is ranked  dead last in both total offense and passing yards along with being ranked just 25^th in rushing yards (and now without their stud running back  Maurice Jones-Drew), “fortunate” is probably an understatement.

Ironically, the Jaguars have played much better on the road than at home.  With an apathetic fan base in Jacksonville, these guys have played with more heart when they are in a stadium filled with raucous fans. But this is Lambeau, not the Metrodome.   Jacksonville is without Maurice Jones-Drew and they have Blaine Gabbert at quarterback.  Add to that the fact that the Packers haven’t put on a real show at Lambeau yet this season and I expect them to make a statement on both sides of the ball.  It would be an epic failure if the game weren’t effectively over by halftime.

Packers 45 Jags 7

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Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) and strong safety M.D. Jennings (43) react prior to a game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers have just put together their two best games of the season. They play at home for the first time in almost a month with the 1-5 Jacksonville Jaguars coming to town. The Packers are clearly the more talented team and are huge favorites.

Is this easy pickings, or prime position for a letdown? Let’s take a look.

The Good

The Packers Offense

The Packers offense has caught its stride. Aaron Rodgers is once again playing at that ultra elite level, the receivers are getting open and making great catches, and the offensive line is more  consistent. They have scored 75 points their last two games and have had zero turnovers.

The Jags Offense

Most offenses will only go as far as their quarterback will take them and in the case of the Jaguars, that isn’t very far. Blaine Gabbart ranks toward the bottom of almost every major quarterback statistic. The offense is ranked dead last in points, and overall yards. The running attack, which was supposed to be the strength of the offense, is actually ranked worse than Green Bay (25th) and it will be without Pro Bowl running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jags D lacks bite

It’s no secret that the only hope you have of slowing down the Packers offense is by getting pressure on Rodgers early and often. The Jaguars are ranked 32nd in the NFL sacks with only 5. Rodgers is the highest rated quarterback in the NFL and he is usually facing heavy pressure, how good would he be with no threat of a pass rush? We should find out Sunday.

The Bad

The walking wounded

The injuries for the Packers just keep piling up. In addition to the existing players injured, Jordy Nelson now has a tight hamstring and probably will not play, and neither will John Kuhn. On the defensive side they will go into Sunday’s game missing five starters, none more important than Charles Woodson. Yes, he may not be the player he once was, but he is the emotional leader, is on the field almost all the time, and is used in a variety of different ways. His presence will be missed, you can count on that.

Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) talks in a huddle on the sideline during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Jags prefer life on the road

Believe it or not the Jaguars have be pretty competitve on the road this year. Their only win came at Indy, and both of their two losses went into overtime. The Jags stats on both side of the ball are better across the board away from Jacksonville, but the most noticeable is points per game where they average a respectable 22.3.

The bottom line – While the Jaguars may have success against the Packers patchwork defense, if they cannot get pressure on Aaron Rodgers, they will have a hard time even keeping this one close.

Who will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February 2012? Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday, July 26, everyone was pretty giddy with the start of NFL training camps across the league.

The focus here, of course, was Green Bay. But it didn’t matter whether you were – Chicago, New Orleans, New York or San Francisco – the talk was all the same.

“Guys are flying’ around;” “Great to be back;” “Ready to get going;” “Super Bowl.”

Everyone is going to the Super Bowl, if you believe what players and coaches were spouting yesterday. Well, of course it’s great to hear that all are optimistic about going to and winning a Super Bowl. That’s the way it should be on the first day of training camp.

But now that the first day is gone, let’s get real. Let’s stop the talk and let’s just get down to brass tacks. Jacksonville is not going to the Super Bowl. Tennessee is not going to the Super Bowl. Cleveland is not going to the Super Bowl. St. Louis is not going to the Super Bowl.

To get to the Super Bowl may never happen for some teams in the NFL, such as Cleveland and Jacksonville, but I guess it’s OK to have goals and the set the bar high.

But let’s move on now. Let’s start talking about the nuts and bolts – the competitions within each camp where players are fighting for that 53-man final roster spot. Yes, let’s get real.

While the Chicago Bears have as good a shot at reaching the Super Bowl as just about anyone in the League, at least Brandon Marshall hit the nail on the head in his interview yesterday when asked about the words “Super Bowl.” Almost in awe, he said, “It’s real.”

Will Marshall, Cutler and company make it real? Well, they have to get by the Packers, Lions and Vikings to do it. Is that “real?” I can’t say yet.

All I can say at this point is that it truly is time to get real.

Will the stadium experience become a thing of the past?

There are tremors – no, rumblings – no, violent quakes coming out of the NFL league offices these days.

That’s because league officials are scared. They’re frightened about the future of the game and their ability to fill 70,000 seat stadiums. They should be scared. They should be petrified.

That’s because the technology that has given rise to the most profitable sports league on the planet could, ironically, could be its downfall.

Throw in all the other computing technology with that old standby, television, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster – the downfall of the National Football League’s ability to make billions of dollars per year.

The technology has overtaken the league. Staying at home on the couch with your pizza, beer, chips, barbecues is much more comfortable than spending hundreds to fight traffic, crowds and weather for the game day experience.

That’s what many are saying about the issue of the league’s ability to draw fans to the game.

Watching Aaron Rodgers throw passes over the middle to Jermichael Finley, like the fans in this photograph, may become a thing of the past if the NFL doesn't make changes to its game day experience. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

While a visit to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, may be the best ticket and experience for football fans, it may all slowly slip away unless the league continues to improve the experience. Yes, attending iconic Lambeau Field is a lifetime experience, but the league is quickly discovering that attracting fans in many other cities is becoming increasingly difficult.

Consider how the Minnesota Vikings will handle the task of trying to attract fans to their decrepit Mall of America Field the next three years while they build their billion dollar behemoth in downtown Minneapolis. No doubt, even when the new stadium is built, it will also be difficult to fill that as well – especially once the novelty wears off.

So, how is the league responding? Well, some of the response has been a direct attempt to implement more of the technology right into the experience. For instance, the league has announced its move to outfit each stadium with free wi-fi to allow fans to not only watch highlights from the game they are attending but to have direct and immediate availability to watch full games and highlights and to keep up with scores from other teams. In addition, there is a move afoot where fans could also tune in to miked up players and coaches on the field.

Another direct response by the league has been to relax the rules surrounding the blackout regulations.

In addition, teams, such as the Packers, are adding more seats and state-of-the-art sound and video systems to their stadium experience to draw fans. While that is a luxury for a profitable team like the Packers, making such improvements in an NFL city such as Jacksonville is problematic at this point, especially when they are one of the several teams eyeing a move to Los Angeles.

It’s an issue that may come to a head for the league sooner than later. If Roger Goodell and company want to increase their $10 billion per year venture they are going to have to adapt.

Just exactly how those adaptations will look is anyone’s guess at this point.

But they need to do something soon or the fan’s experience won’t be at a stadium – it will be sitting at home on the couch with their brats, hamburgers, chips and beer.

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Chad Clifton has labored for more than a decade for the Green Bay Packers, protecting both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers' backsides. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Looking at profootballtalk.com’s recent top 10 candidates who could be casualties of the NFL cap, we can all understand how this business changes so quickly.

Among the players listed in the top 10 are Packers longtime left tackle Chad Clifton and former defensive end Aaron Kampman.

Both are class acts; both were stars with the Green Bay Packers; both most likely will be out of a job very soon.

Remember how Clifton’s hip was smashed in that brutal hit from Warren Sapp so many years ago? Remember how he rehabilitated and came back from an injury many thought was career-ending? Remember how he played for several more years with the Packers, finally getting his Super Bowl ring as a valuable member of the 2010 World Campionship team?

That’s why it’s going to be tough to eventually say goodbye to the gentle giant who most likely is headed to the Packers Hall of Fame.

Kampman was also a valued member of the team and a leader of men while in Green Bay. For several years, he was the face of the Packers’ defense – the team’s most active and feared pass rusher. Though age, injuries and dollars finally caught up with Kampman who was injured in 2009 against the San Francisco 49ers, he exited Green Bay with his head held high and caught on with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though his time there was limited, again he was the type of player any team would like to have in the locker room and on the field.

So, while perusing this list, it was difficult to imagine how these players come and go so quickly. Though the league is a “what have you done for me today?” organization, we won’t soon forget what these two players have done for the Green Bay Packers.

Class acts who no doubt will leave the game as the entered … humbled and happy for the opportunity.

Thanks, guys.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will lead the Packers again next year. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have been tabbed as the team with the best chance of winning next year’s Super Bowl. Not that we put much credence into the oddsmakers, it’s nice they think highly enough of the Packers to place them in that spot.

But let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum. While the Packers are 6-1 odds to win the big game, at the other end are the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars sitting at 100-1. Not far behind are the Minnesota Vikings at 75-1 odds.

Think about all the teams that have gone from worst to first. Think about the New York Giants and the fact they at one point stood 7-7 near the end of last season and ended up winning it all. It happens. Think about the Packers who came out of nowhere to win the Super Bowl in 2010.

So, if you were to pick a longshot team to win next year’s Super Bowl … who would it be?

Take today’s poll and let us know.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the Packers 2012 full schedule after the jump.

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Could Jared Allen and the Minnesota Vikings be eyeing a move west?

On the same week that the Green Bay Packers announced the details of a stock sale to raise funds for a major stadium improvement, the Minnesota Vikings suffered a setback in their attempt to build a replacement for the Metrodome.

The Vikings were unable to persuade the state government to vote on funding/plans for a new stadium during a special session of the Legislature.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles, thought to be where the Chargers will end up, is back in the picture for the Vikings.

As a Packers fan, I don’t care much about the Vikings. But I do care about how a Vikings move would affect the Packers.

Let’s examine the ways:

1. Would a Vikings move to LA force the NFL to realign the NFC Divisions?

Yes, I believe that the Vikings would no longer be part of the NFC North. The Packers would lose a passion-filled rivalry that has only intensified in recent years (see B. Favre). It doesn’t make sense for the Vikings to fly six-plus hours to play a divisional game. The most logical move would be to swap the St. Louis Rams from the NFC West and Vikings. I wouldn’t call St. Louis “North” but that’s the simplest change.

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Help is on the way for Packers defense: The Packers get former starters in cornerback Al Harris (knee) and safety Atari Bigby (ankle) off the physically unable to perform list this week, but the Packers acquired some additional assistance. The Packers traded a seventh-round conditional pick in 2011 to the Jacksonville Jaguars for safety Anthony Smith.

S Smith acquired, RB Barber next?: An NFL source said Sunday evening that the Packers had sent a conditional seventh-round pick to the Jaguars for Smith, whom the team released in favor of former third-round draft pick Aaron Rouse at the end of training camp in 2009. Now, it appears the Packers have brought Smith back because Bigby, who is on the physically unable to perform list but is eligible to begin practicing starting Monday, may not be ready for action just yet. Bigby had ankle surgery on Aug 6 but Smith’s acquisition hints that he might take longer than expected to return. Cornerback Harris and running back Starks are also eligible to be activated from the PUP. The Packers also need safety help after placing Martin (knee) on injured reserve last week. Meanwhile, with the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday, the Packers still could acquire running back help if GM Thompson decided to make a move. An NFL source said the Packers have had talks with the Dallas Cowboys about “one of” their running backs. ESPN’s Mortensen reported Sunday morning that it’s Barber that the Packers and Cowboys have discussed.

Special teams–more problems as key penalty and poor punts derail effort: What kind of Sunday was it on special teams for the Green Bay Packers? Maddening, at least when it came to the illegal formation penalty against linebacker Rob Francois that cost the Packers dearly in a 23-20 overtime defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. Disappointing, at least when it came to struggling punter Masthay. The penalty on Francois and Masthay’s poorest punt came within a five-play stretch in the fourth quarter. Masthay punted five times, averaging 38 yards (gross) and 33.4 (net). Two of his punts were inside the 20. On 24 punts, Masthay’s averages of 43.1 and 33.4 actually are worse than Jeremy Kapinos compiled last year (43.8, 34.1) last year in 66 punts. Masthay’s inside-the-20 and touchback efficiency are no better than Kapinos’ performance, either.

Another overtime heartbreaker: A few plays here and there can make an ordinary team a great one or vice-versa, as the Packers are painfully discovering during a season that began with high hopes but is on the verge of spiraling out of control. In a matter of 21 days, coach Mike McCarthy’s team has gone from Super Bowl contender to mediocre because of its inability to win close games.  The latest gut-wrenching setback came Sunday afternoon in front of 70,815 fans at Lambeau Field, where Dan Carpenter’s 44-yard field goal in overtime lifted the Miami Dolphins to a 23-20 victory that leaves the Packers with a .500 record after what, at first glance, appeared to be a benign opening stretch of six games. It was the third three-point defeat in four games for the Packers (3-3), who lost in overtime for the second straight game. Even with the three losses by a combined nine points, the Packers are still very much alive in the mediocre NFC North. But with a season-defining stretch of the schedule staring it in the face–Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings visit Titletown next Sunday night–Green Bay somehow needs to figure out how to win close games. ”We’re a 3-3 football team for many different reasons,” McCarthy said. “We’ve got three losses, they’ve all been tight games. They’ve all come down to a critical point in the football game. And we’re not getting it done at that particular point.” That’s a familiar trend for the Packers under McCarthy, who fell to 1-5 in overtime games.

Packers grades: OFFENSE D–Going 3-for-13 on third-down conversions just doesn’t cut it. Rookie Bryan Bulaga had a long day blocking premier pass-rusher Cameron Wake. Aaron Rodgers’ surprise quarterback sneak to send it to overtime was brilliant. DEFENSE C–Miami had 26 first downs and 381 yards but was held to 23 points by an injury-ravaged defense that simply won’t quit. Chad Henne isn’t accurate when pressured, but the pass rush was non-existent without Clay Matthews. SPECIAL TEAMS D–Punter Tim Masthay hits more line drives than Ryan Braun. A bogus penalty on Robert Francois and a needless penalty on Korey Hall hurt Green Bay late in the game. Quinn Johnson’s partial blocked punt was the only positive. OVERALL D–For the second straight week, Green Bay lost an overtime game it should have won. The defense deserved better, but the consistently dysfunctional special teams and the recently dysfunctional offense did the Packers in.

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2010/10/18/packers-coffee-mix-headlines-9/feed/ 0 http://lombardiave.com/2009/04/26/round-1-pick-9-bj-raji/ http://lombardiave.com/2009/04/26/round-1-pick-9-bj-raji/#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:35:27 +0000 djlombardi http://lombardiave.com/?p=546 With the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. The Packers kicked off the 2009 NFL Draft by addressing their most pressing need: their defense.  By drafting the 6-foot, 2-inch, 337-pound Raji, the Packers have found an anchor at nose tackle that will take [...]

Round 1, Pick 9: B.J. Raji - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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

The Packers find themselves back in the top ten for the first time since 2006 when they selected linebacker A.J. Hawk.  It appears with the switch to the 3-4 defense, the Packers will go defense again in the top 10.  With Ted Thompson calling the shots, I wouldn’t rule anything out.  If I’m calling the shots, I go for Brian Orakpo and pick him if he’s available.    It’s no secret (or it would be if I posted more…I apologize) that I love Orakpo.  Even if he is a workout warrior, I feel his skill set could transition very well into Dom Capers‘ 3-4 scheme.  He gives the Packers a body opposite Aaron Kampman that can do serious damage to the quarterback.  He wants the sacks, and he’ll get them.  It will obviously take him time to develop, but the defense will need time to develop too, creating a great match.

After Orakpo, having B.J. Raji drop into the Packers’ lap would be nearly as good.  Picking up Raji would be great for a currently-overmatched defensive line.  Throwing his big body down in the trenches would clog space and free up Nick Barnett and whoever else plays in the middle for the Packers next year (Desmond Bishop? Brandon Chillar? A.J. Hawk?).  There is question about Raji’s character and reported failed drug test at the combine which could deter Thompson who loves his high character guys.  Also, many mocks have Raji going #8 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The sexy mock draft pick for the Packers is Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins.  It seems like nearly every mock has the Packers picking up the Buckeye with the “Al Harris and Charles Woodson are old; they need fresh blood” reasoning, ignoring the fact Tramon Williams had a great season in 2008 filling in for an injured Harris and Thompson drafted Pat Lee last year.  We all remember how everyone had the Packers picking one of a plethora of cornerbacks last year.  And what did they do?  Traded out of the first round and picked wide receiver Jordy Nelson.  I didn’t see that one coming.  At all.  I don’t really see that big of a reason for the Packers to pick Jenkins.  If Orakpo and Raji are gone, then sure, Ted, go for it.  But please don’t take Jenkins over one of those two.

If all three of the aforementioned players are gone, I see the Packers taking Florida State defensive end Everette Brown.  He’s shooting up draft boards.  In the later rounds on defense, Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson is an athletic freak and could definitely be a second round pick if his stock keeps dropping like I hear it is.  At defensive tackle, Evander Hood, Ron Brace, and Sen’Derrick Marks are the top picks for the Packers, based on where they are projected to go, as late-first round or second-round picks.  Tyson Jackson from LSU has had his name floated around the Packers due to his versatility on the defensive line, while Robert Ayers has been named as a possibility.  Although with Ayers, we all remember what happened last time Thompson took a defensive lineman from Tennessee with a high pick…yeah, let’s not go there.

After Orakpo, none of the other highly touted linebackers (USC’s threesome, James Laurenaitis) really seem to fit the MO the Packers want to have their defense to have.  Also, the secondary is ridiculously crowded, so I see Jenkins as the only legitimate pickup for that group.  All of this being said, if the Packers go defense at #9, they better get a #98 jersey ready for Orakpo.

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!

With the eighth pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select:

***B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College***

According to DraftCountdown.com:

The Jags still haven’t adequately replaced Marcus Stroud so B.J. Raji could be an intriguing option at defensive tackle alongside John Henderson.

The Green Bay Packers are on the clock.

Yes, PackerLand, we are now on the clock.

With the sixth pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Cincinnati Bengals (http://www.bengalstripes.com/) select…

Jason Smith, offensive tackle, Baylor

Don’t expect the phone to ring very much in the Bengals’ war room and if it does I don’t expect anyone to answer it.

If Jason Smith falls to Cincinnati at No. 6, there will be no complaints from any coach, player or fan in the Queen City when the Bengals gobble him up.

Ever since the combine, Smith has climbed up draft boards due to his excellent interviews and also because Alabama OT Andre Smith’s early exit from the event last month.

In the 2009 NFL Draft, the Bengals are in a unique position in that they need everything.

However, the team needs an offensive tackle more than ever after cutting longtime starting right tackle Willie Anderson before the start of the 2008 season.

On the other side, Cincinnati’s left tackle Levi Jones hasn’t been the same player fans fell in love with him in the early portion of this decade. Through his first four seasons with the Bengals Jones played in 63 of Cincinnati’s 64 regular season games, including 60 of which he started. The last three seasons, Jones played in 31 of the team’s 48 regular season games and started only 28.

On top of all that, last year’s franchise player Stacy Andrews signed a long-term deal to play with his bro in Philadelphia on the first day of free agency.

If the season would start today, it would appear that 2008 fourth-round pick Anthony Collins would be the starter at left tackle and left guard Andrew Whitworth would probably start at right tackle.

Nate Livings would then take Whitworth’s old spot at guard, with a mystery man filling in at center.

It is pretty obvious that the Bengals O-line is the team’s messiest area.

Getting Smith would instantly would upgrade Cincinnati.

The Oakland Raiders on now on the clock.

With the seventh pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders select:

Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri

The Oakland Raiders have several needs for which they need to address including the offensive / defensive lines, wide receiver, linebacker and safety. With the two elite offensive tackles already off the board, the Raiders go with what some scouts peg as the top wide receiver in the draft Jeremy Maclin. Though Crabtree possess incredible talent, the Raiders love Maclin’s elite speed, better known as “Raider Speed” in Al Davis speak. For the Raiders, with Javon Walker‘s health and reliability always a concern, they have no true # 1 wide receiver. The Raiders leading wide receiver last season was Johnnie Lee Higgins with 22 receptions for 366 yards. That just isn’t going to cut it and opposing defenses are going to know that the Raiders will run first and often which will make them very predictable. Maclin’s speed is the perfect antidote for that as he will stretch the field and allow strong-armed quarterback JaMarcus Russell to air it out and keep defenses honest. The Raiders were ranked dead last in passing offense last season and with the youth movement underway in Oakland, Maclin becomes a key piece of the Raiders future.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are now on the clock.

One more pick before the Packers are on the clock…