Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson talks with head coach Mike McCarthy prior to the Family Night scrimmage at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow writer Travis Pipes has sparked an interesting discussion here at LombardiAve with a recent article about Ted Thompson and his success, or lack thereof, in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.

Just in case you missed it, I encourage you to check out Travis’s article here.

Travis takes a look at Thompson’s late round picks since Thompson took over as the Packers’ general manager in 2005, and makes the point that maybe his success in finding impact players in the later rounds of the draft isn’t as frequent as we typically perceive.

Desmond Bishop lines up against the Carolina Panthers. Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Josh Sitton (fourth round) and Desmond Bishop (sixth round), this seems to be the case. Both have proven to be excellent players for Green Bay and great finds late in the draft, but why hasn’t Thompson hit any other home runs in rounds 4-7 in his time as the Packers’ GM?

Just to get a frame of reference, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how other general managers around the league fared in the late rounds of the draft during Thompson’s time with the Packers. I wanted to get a sense for how common it is for other teams to find impact players late in the draft, then this would give us a better understanding on how to judge Thompson’s efforts.

I compiled a list of all the GMs that drafted from 2005-12, and looked at each GM’s draft from 2005 to 2012. I focused on the players they selected in rounds 4-7 and noted any players that have played significant time for an NFL team. I also put an asterisk by any players that have proven to be either impact players or top players at their position.

So let’s see how the other GMs during Thompsons’ time with Green Bay did in finding impact players late in the draft.

(Both Rick Smith from Texans and Mike Tannenbaum from the Jets became GMs in 2006, but I included them on this list anyway becaue they were only one year removed from Thompson’s reign as GM.)

List of GMs and Late Round Success from 2005-2012

A.J. Smith – San Diego Chargers

2005 - Darren Sproles, RB, 4^th Round

Mike Brown – Cincinnati Bengals

2006 - Domata Peko, DL, 4^th Round

2010 - *Geno Atkins, DL, 4^th Round

Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys

2005 - *Marion Barber, RB, 4^th Round

- Chris Canty, DL, 4^th Round

- Jay Ratliff, DL, 7^th Round

2008 - Erik Walden, LB, 6^th Round

Rod Graves – Arizona Cardinals

2007 – Steve Breaston, WR, 5^th Round

2008 – Tim Hightower, RB, 5^th Round

Bruce Allen – Tampa Buccaneers/ Washington Redskins

2012 – *Alfred Morris, RB, 6^th Round

Mickey Loomis – New Orleans Saints

2006 – *Jahri Evans, OL, 4^th Round

- Rob Ninkovich, LB, 5^th Round

- *Marques Colston, WR, 7^th Round

2008 – *Carl Nicks, OL, 5^th Round

Bill Belichick  - New England Patriots

2005 – Matt Cassel, QB, 7^th Round

2010 – *Aaron Hernandez, WR, 4^th Round

Ozzie Newsome – Baltimore Ravens

2006 – Dawan Landry, S, 5^th Round

Kevin Colbert – Pittsburg Steelers

2007 – William Gay, CB, 5^th Round

2010 – Antonio Brown, WR, 6^th Round

Rick Smith – Houston Texans

2006 – *Owen Daniels, TE, 4^th Round

2009 – Glover Quin, S, 4^th Round

Mike Tannenbaum – New York Jets

2006 – Leon Washington, RB, 4^th Round

Ted Thompson – Green Bay Packers

2007 – *Desmond Bishop, LB, 6^th Round

- Mason Crosby, K,  6^th  Round

2008 – *Josh Sitton, OL, 4^th Round

- Matt Flynn?, QB, 7^th Round

2009 – T.J. Lang, OL, 4^th Round

- Brad Jones, LB, 7^th Round

2010 – Marshall Newhouse, OL, 5^th Round

- C.J. Wilson, DL, 7^th Round

2011 – Davon House?, CB, 4^th Round

2012 – Jerron McMillian?, SS, 4^th Round

As you can see, many GMs around the league have struggled to find impact players late in the draft. They seem to be lucky if they found one impact player in the late rounds in the past eight drafts. Many of the players on this list fall short of the definition of a true impact player, but either started or played a significant amount of snaps for their team.

T.J. Lang (70) during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Compared to the other GMs, Thompson has done well finding players late in the draft that have come in and contributed significantly to the team. Players like T.J. Lang and Brad Jones may not be considered elite players at their respected positions, but they have found their role on the team and contribute significantly.

Newhouse and Wilson have started for the Packers the past few years, but have struggled at times. Due to the number of snaps they’ve played the past few seasons, I still consider these players decent selections late in the rounds of the draft.

The jury is still out on House, McMillian, and Flynn, but I included them on this list because of their potential. Even if you take away House, McMillian, Flynn, Newhouse, and Wilson, it seems Thompson has done well late in the draft when compared to his peers.

Only Mickey Loomis from the Saints has found more impact players in rounds 4-7 since 2005 (Evans, Colston, Nicks).

It seems it’s challenging for any GM to find true impact players late in the draft, especially when you look beyond the fourth round. Maybe it’s not as common as we think. It’s even a tall task to ask a GM to find a solid starter or role player in the bottom half of the draft.

But what do you think?

Do you think Thompson holds up well against his peers in finding talent late in the draft? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Packers wide receiver James Jones breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson on an 11-yard reception in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

When there’s talk about the Green Bay Packers, we often hear mentioned the names of their star players, such as Aaron Rodgers or Clay Matthews. Without a doubt, both of these guys are great players, but I would like to take a little time to shine the light on some of the guys that hold this team together but may not always get the praise they deserve.

These are the guys you’ll hear little about – unless it’s fans complaining about their lack of playmaking ability or some nonsense like that – but they bring it each and every week. They may not be doing the discount double-check or putting on their Old Spice any time soon, but they are vital parts to the Packers’ success. Here are my top five unsung heroes on the Green Bay Packers’ roster.

Let me know what you think.

5) Josh Sitton

Josh Sitton Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Sitton has been the Packers’ best offensive lineman and one of the top guards in the NFL the past few years.

The only reason Sitton isn’t higher on this list is because he has gotten some notoriety as of late (Pro Bowl nod last year) and isn’t necessarily a player that I would consider flies under the radar.

The league knows how good Sitton is at his position, but sometimes I wonder if fans truly appreciate the level of play this guy demonstrates each and every week. Through all the complaints about the offensive line the past few years, it seems Sitton’s talent has been overlooked by the average fan.

Sitton is a rock solid player for the Packers and his switch to the left side of the line just shows how confident Mike McCarthy is in Sitton’s abilities.

4) Tim Masthay

Packers punter Tim Masthay . Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, I put a punter on the list.

It’s a thankless job, but having a solid punter is vital in tilting field position to a team’s advantage. Masthay has been consistently good – at times great – for the Green Bay special teams. Masthay set a new franchise record with a 45.6-yard gross average in 2011, and put 25 punts inside the 20-yard line during his first season in 2010, the most by any Packer punter since Josh Bidwell in 2002.

Masthay had another stellar year in 2012 with 30 punts inside the 20-yard line and a 43.5 gross average.

OK, so maybe all these punting statistics don’t excite you, but all you need to understand is that Masthay has been putting up some of the top numbers at his position and doing it largely unnoticed. Masthay has been Green Bay’s answer to electric returners like Devin Hester and Percy Harvin.

3) A.J. Hawk

Here is a pick that will cause a reaction. Hawk has been one of the most overly-scrutinized players on the Green Bay roster since he was drafted in 2006. What do people expect of him? To apologize for being drafted fifth overall?

Yes, Hawk isn’t the Urlacher-type playmaker we thought he’d be when Green Bay drafted him, but get over it by now. Hawk is still a really solid player, and has been for the Packers for the past seven seasons. He has either led the team or finished second in tackles six of his seven seasons in Green Bay, and he has only missed two games in that time.

Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Hawk is dependable and consistent. Hawk provides leadership on the field for a young defense and is responsible for calling plays and making audibles on the field.

He was a defensive captain during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010. The coaches have nothing but good things to say about Hawk, and sometimes I wonder why so many fans criticize him.

He’s coming off his best year as a pro (120 tackles, 3 sacks), and took a major paycut this offseason to stay with the Packers.

He played well against the run last season and looked lighter on his feet than in years past. Hawk isn’t the most athletic linebacker and struggles in coverage at times, but he deserves credit for the many things he does right on the field.

What this guy does each game for Green Bay goes largely unappreciated, and it’s time to give him a little love.

2) James Jones

Packers wide receiver James Jones. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Why isn’t anyone talking about this guy? He led the league last year in touchdown receptions with 14, and he still goes unnoticed. Jones has been great for the Packers for a while now, but he has always been the guy sandwiched between “Jennings” and “Driver” or “Nelson” and “Cobb” when people talk about the Green Bay wide receivers.

Jones hasn’t complained much. He just goes out on the field and does his thing. He gives each performance his all, and the last few seasons you can tell.

Just watch some of the incredible catches he made last season. Numerous times Rodgers just hung the ball in the air and Jones jumped over the defender and hauled in the catch.

Jones is aggressive and fights for the ball in the air (something Finley could take note of), and since he fixed his issue with drops from a couple of seasons ago, Jones has been one of the most consistent and reliable pass catchers the last couple of seasons.

Jones has the strength and attitude to out-muscle smaller defenders in the passing game and is an effective run-blocker against defensive backs (an underrated skill for a wide receiver).

I like Nelson and am excited about Cobb’s potential, but Jones was Green Bay’s all-around best receiver last year. He showed up each and every week and gave it everything he had, and now it’s time to give the man some credit.

1) Morgan Burnett

Burnett quietly had a very good season last year. He led the team in tackles with 123, recorded 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and forced 2 fumbles. And more impressively, he was one of only two NFL defensive players last season to play every defensive snap on his team.

Considering the number of injuries Green Bay dealt with last season, this was a miracle. Burnett also showed a lot of improvement in coverage, helping his defense go from the 32^nd-ranked pass defense in 2011 to the 11^th-ranked pass defense in 2012. I would say that is significant.

Packers safety Morgan Burnett (42) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) at Lambeau Field. Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, Burnett’s improved play isn’t the only reason the Packers improved in pass defense, but as the free safety and man responsible for calling coverage audibles, I would say Burnett’s impact should be appreciated.

In fact, the number of big plays Green Bay’s defense gave up in the passing game dropped significantly in 2012. In 2011, the Packers surrendered 71 passing plays of twenty or more yards, and 11 passing plays of 40 or more yards.

Compare that to 2012 where they gave up only 50 passing plays of 20 or more yards and seven of 40 or more. That is a pretty significant difference and it can be attributed to the improved play at the safety position.

Burnett also showed his versatility last season. At times, he moved up in the box to play the run and did well. Burnett is a smart player who has the athletic ability to cover in man and drop back in zone. He is also a solid tackler, and at only age 24, Burnett is still young and should continue to improve in 2013.

Burnett’s contributions to the team may go unnoticed most of the time, but if a safety is doing their job right that is the way it should be.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Pickett, Brad Jones, T.J. Lang, Bryan Bulaga, Jarrett Bush

Jordy Nelson has been the biggest hit among those selected in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Packers.
Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

The 2008 Green Bay Packer Draft class was quite honestly hit or miss.

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers did not have a first round pick as a result of a two-for-one swap with the New York Jets. The Jets received the thirtieth pick in the first round from the Packers and dealt Green Bay a second round pick, number 36 overall, and a fourth round pick, number 113 overall. After selecting Jordy Nelson with the pick acquired from the Jets, Ted Thompson seemed to be boom or bust with every other selection throughout the 2008 draft.

As Packers fans know Jordy Nelson has developed into a pass catcher that provides quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a deep threat on the outside. Nelson’s biggest season thus far was 2011 when he caught 68 passes for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns. He played a big role down the stretch for the Packers 2010 Super Bowl team and may have been Super Bowl XLV MVP had it not been for a number of drops. Hampered by injury in 2012 his numbers declined. It would be expected he will continue to rise in 2013 with the assumed departure of Greg Jennings.

Overall, the Packers had three second round picks. With the other two the Packers selected quarterback Brian Brohm from Louisville. Brohm came with a big arm, but was beat out in camp by seventh round selection Matt Flynn from LSU. With their third second round pick they selected Pat Lee a defensive back from Auburn. Lee played with the Packers from 2008-11. He never developed into the player the Packers thought he would become. After signing as a free-agent with the Raiders he was waived in November of last year. He then signed with the Lions.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

In the third round the Packers selected a tight end from Texas with a freakish combination of size and speed, Jermichael Finley. Some players get labeled with the dreaded “P” word – potential. A blessing and a curse and Finley most certainly shoulders the burden. His numbers have been solid. In fact, if Tom Crabtree put up Finley’s stats it would certainly turn heads. But some might consider Finely a disappointment. But his potential has positioned Finley to make a very healthy salary in the near future. Because of this, many, including Raymond Rivard, believe soon there will be a “Where are They Now” post about Jermichael Finley.

The fourth round produced a defensive end from Wake Forest, Jeremy Thompson. Thompson’s NFL career never really got off the ground. A neck injury forced him to the sidelines in December 2009. He retired in April of 2010 due to an undisclosed injury.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay also held two selections in the fourth round. With their second fourth round pick they snagged their now anchor of the offensive line, Josh Sitton. Recently Bleacher Report rated Sitton the third best guard in the NFL. Sitton, a 2012 Pro Bowl selection looks to have another stellar 2013 campaign.

To round out the draft the Packers took Breno Giacomini with their fifth round pick. Matt Flynn with their first of two seventh round picks.  To complete the 2008 draft the Packers picked Brett Swain, a receiver out of San Diego State.

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Giacomini is now in Seattle, where he started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2012. Matt Flynn is also in Seattle. He landed a big pay day, but hasn’t netted much playing time due to the emergence of Russell Wilson. Swain latched on with the Packers long enough to earn a Super Bowl ring. He played with the 49ers in 2011 after being released in training camp that same year by the Packers.

The 2008 draft did not yield a bounty of talent, but the guys that did produce did so in a big way. The second round was especially disappointing only hitting on one of three picks. But as the norm, Thompson still came away with a better than average draft class.

Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; A general view as members of the military are honored during the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

The Post-NFL Combine edition of the FanSided 2013 NFL Mock Draft has been released.

The fine folks over at FanSided.com do a new mock draft every week right up until the actual draft in April, and we at Lombardiave.com have plenty of offseason information to pass along to our readers. Many of the players we’ve mentioned in previous mock draft posts have their Pro Days coming up, and we’ll get a good opportunity to eyeball them once again and evaluate their performance.

Draft positions are set save for the Super Bowl participants. Barring a trade, the Green Bay Packers will make their first selection with the 26^th pick.

Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Eddie Lacy (42) runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

According to FanSided, with the 26^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Eddie Lacy, Running Back, Alabama

Analysis: I’d love Barrett Jones here as he fills an immediate need but Lacy fills an even bigger one. The only knock on the Packers offense over the years has been the utter absence of a running game and the Alabama hammer can fix that right up. Running back is one of the most popular skill positions for fans to pull for and Lacy will help make the Packers offense even more dangerous than it already is. Besides, if you think Alex Green and Cedric Benson are the answer at running back for the Packers, please review the Packers 2012 running game and then check out how well Lacy ran in a devastating offense with the Crimson Tide.

There are three reasons I don’t like this pick. The first is I don’t think Lacy or any other running back in this draft is worth a first round investment. The second reason is that there are a lot of very comparable backs that can be had in later rounds, thus making this pick look even worse by comparison. Finally and most importantly, this selection rests on the assumption that the best and only way to improve the running game is to bring in a new running back.

April 14, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman D.J. Fluker (76) is blocked by defensive end D.J. Pettway (57) during the spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

As the first two reasons are self-explanatory, let’s just dive into the last one.

The Packers have struggled to consistently and effectively run the ball since Ryan Grant’s 2009 season. Certainly, part of the blame for that rests on the stable of running backs the Packers have trotted out since.

However, the lion’s hare of the blame falls on the offensive line.

Outside of Josh Sitton and 2011 Bryan Bulaga, the Green Bay linemen have been sub-average at run blocking. This fact was mostly ignored prior to last season as the Packers have been so pass-dominant that the linemen have mainly been judged on their pass blocking. That’s not unfair either, but now that the receiving corps is undergoing a renovation, there will be a greater importance placed on running.

The better fix than reaching for a running back is to grab a dominant run blocker. For this, we need to look no farther than D.J. Fluker. As has been discussed many times on Lombardi Ave, Fluker would team well with Sitton to create a run mauling right side the Packers haven’t had since Ahman Green’s 2003 season. Fluker is also a vastly underrated pass blocker and will rarely require tight end or running back help.

With the Packers desperate to reduce Aaron Rodgers’ sack count, adding Fluker would allow Bulaga to move over to the left side and give Green Bay solid depth behind them.

Dec 1, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman John Jenkins (6) reacts after a sack against Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback A.J. McCarron (10) during the second quarter in the 2012 SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Packers are on the verge of a major decision regarding B.J. Raji. The 26-year-old defensive lineman is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Packers have to decide whether to extend him now, or risk losing him after 2013 when he hits the open market.

While Raji has been dominant for large stretches of his career (the 2010 season, the second half of 2012), he’s also been invisible for just as long. As if the situation wasn’t complicated enough, Raji hasn’t been able to settle into a defined position. During 2010, Raji played mostly at nose tackle. He played in that spot again in 2011, but was not nearly as productive.

This past year, Raji moved to the five technique and had a resurgence. The problem, however, is defensive end is much less important to Green Bay, yet Raji is going to get paid as a full-time nose tackle. If the Packers believe Raji will return to playing effective nose tackle with additions and developments beside him at end, then extending Raji isn’t an issue. If the team believes Raji will never be an effective full-time nose tackle, then it’s a very good time to find Raji’s replacement.

While FanSided mocked him a pick earlier, Georgia’s John Jenkins is an ideal fit for the Packers’ defense. He’s even bigger than Raji and has just as much explosiveness. Like many nose tackle prospects, he needs to improve his lower body strength and work through double teams, but that’s why he might available at 26.

Another option that demands further discussion is the idea of trading down.

At 26, the Packers are in prime position to trade out of the first round with a team that wants to grab a quarterback. With the Alex Smith trade depressing rookie quarterback demand, it’s highly possible that only one quarterback has been taken off the board by the time Green Bay is on the clock.

Teams with an obvious need at quarterback always play coy about making aggressive moves to get one, but come draft time that James Bond-like neutrality gives way to nerves and impatience. The Packers have made a living off of those types of teams, and they could do so once again this year. With the strength of the 2013 draft lying in the second and third rounds, optimizing the number of picks in that territory seems wise. It may be a disappointment for fans wanting to hear a name called for their team, but that’s a small price to pay for the huge value upgrade such a move entails.

Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (88) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers are into the bye week as this will be Mike McCarthy’s chance to look back at the season and see who has gotten the job done and who has played below expectations.

The Packers have had some closer-than-expected games including the one two weeks ago against Jacksonville. The Packers have three players in particular who will need to step up their play or could lose playing time

TE Jermichael Finley

Jermichael Finley has probably been one of the biggest disappointments for the Packers so far this year as he has been averaging three yards less per reception than his career average.

Finley had his most catches in one game this season week 1 when he had 7 versus the 49ers while the most receiving yards he had in one game came in week 3 versus Seattle when he had 60 receiving yards.

Finley has not been as good as in the past which has hurt the Packers offense. Green Bay will need Jermichael Finley to step up and get the job done or he could lose his starting spot and potentially be cut this offseason.

Green Bay Packers running back James Starks. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers Running Backs

The Packers’ running game is probably one of the worst in the NFL as Alex Green and James Starks have not gotten the job done since Cedric Benson was injured.

Alex Green was listed as the starter at running back but the Packers don’t trust him to be reliable as James Starks got more carries last week than Green. Green has also only averaged 3.1 yards per carry which is way below average for an NFL running back while Starks’s averaged just 3.6 yards per carry last week.

Starks and Green have both struggled and the Packers may look to some free agent running backs if Starks and Green do not step up their play soon.

Green Bay Packers center Jeff SaturdayJeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Packers’ Offensive Line

The Green Bay offensive line has struggled as Aaron Rodgers has been sacked a crazy 29 times which is one of the most in all the NFL.

Even if you take out the eight times Rodgers was sacked against Seattle, the Packers have still given up sacks at an alarming rate. The season could fall apart if Rodgers got injured. Marshall Newhouse has been playing better but he is going to have to play at an elite level as he will still have to deal with some elite pass rushers like Julius Peppers.

The Packers offensive line has some players who know how to play at an elite level like Josh Sitton and Jeff Saturday but the line will need to play better or Packers fans may have to start worrying if the high number of hits Rodgers takes will lead to an injury.

Greg Jennings, though injured, has been selected as a Pro Bowler this season.

Winning always brings post-season awards – a fact that led to seven Packers being named today to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

That’s the most Pro Bowlers from one Packers team selected to the Pro Bowl since 1967 … another not-too-shabby team from Green Bay.

In recognizing the seven players’ accomplishments, the Packers PR department released the following press release outlining each of the selections’ accomplishments in this season where the team now stands at 14-1 with one game left in the regular season.

With their win Sunday night against the Bears, the Packers secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After the jump is the information released earlier today by the Packers … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter …

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Greg Jennings' loss will give others an opportunity.

All the talk yesterday was about the loss of Greg Jennings … certainly a blow to the undefeated Green Bay Packers. It’s difficult to lose the top yards producer from the lineup and not be concerned.

However, there are two bits of information that everyone seems to be overlooking … first, the Packers are built to absorb this type of loss and secondly, the silver lining is that two other players, Chad Clifton and Josh Sitton, are nearing comebacks.

With Jennings’ loss, the Packers have lost a dynamic individual. Not only does he produce on the field, but he’s the soul of the team, the spiritual leader who not only guides by example, but is an inspiration to all.

That’s not replaceable.

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

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Wow!

Like this is the complete end of the Packers’ season … well, I can tell you it’s not. The Packers have been playing without several of those for whom thy will be without today and the team has done just fine, thank you.

Here are the players who will most likely not play today:

Chad Clifton – the left tackle has been out of the lineup for more than a month and Marshall Newhouse, while shaky at times, has held his own against some pretty good pass rushers.

James Starks – he has been hobbling for several weeks now and Coach Mike McCarthy is doing the right thing by sitting the second-year player. Starks could probably take at least a couple of weeks off to get healed up for the late season playoff run.

Desmond Bishop and A.J. Hawk – the starting inside linebackers were hurt in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day game and missed last week. It looks like Hawk has an outside shot of playing, but Bishop is out. In their places, Robert Francois and D.J. Smith have played admirably.

See more after the jump and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and folow us on Twitter.

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Desmond Bishop and AJ Hawk both missed the second half of Thursday's game ... but their absence was covered by DJ Smith and Robert Francois.

The Packers have their detractors … i.e., Skip Bayless among them. But screw them – the Green Bay Packers are, despite their glaring foibles,  undefeated for many reasons, one of which is depth.

On Thursday, the Packers and the Lions were hit with injuries … injuries to important players at key positions.

But because of Mike McCarthy’s luxury to plug in players that simply step in and continue to carry out the game plan, the Packers don’t seem to miss a beat.

Consider Evan Dietrich-Smith, who took over at right guard when Josh Sitton went down in the first half with a knee injury. Not only did he have the unenviable task of matching up with Ndamukong Suh, but he had to hold his own in a complex offense in which he has had no snaps with the first team at that position in game situations. Sitton didn’t miss a snap in 2009 or 2010.

Not only did he frustrate Suh enough to cause the all-pro to lose his head and get thrown out of the game, but he played well enough to help the Packers move on to 11-0.

As did D.J. Smith and Robert Francois as the Packers lost both inside linebackers, A.J. Hawk an Desmond Bishop. Both Smith and Francois made contributions on defense – Smith for his bone-jarring hits and Francois for his efforts against the pass and his huge interception of Matthew Stafford where he reached as high as he could to pull down a pass over the middle.

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Here’s what our fiends over at The Sidelion Report have to say today -

Chris Czar: Something tells me the Lions woke up in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers. The Lions looked like the team we saw in first 5 weeks of season. Matt Stafford played his best game after a miserable start, Kevin Smith was excellent in his vindication and Ndamukong Suh finally looked like the player he was last year. I think it carries over this week. It’s not going to be easy, but Smith will run the ball effectively and the defensive line provides just enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers for the Lions to hold on in a very, very close game. Detroit Lions 31, Green Bay Packers 28

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But there are two areas that should be and will be targeted by opponents as Achilles heels – the running game and even more importantly, the offensive line.

While the Packers’ running game, with the the return of Ryan Grant, a full season from James Starks, and the addition of rookie Alex Green, should be considered a strength, it will all depend on the play of the offensive line.

In theory, the starters are solid even with the loss of Daryn Colledge. But beyond that, we should be concerned. 

The backups: Derek Sherrod, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Marshall Newhouse, had their moments in preseason, but they are backups for a reason. Though Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have proven they are masters at plugging holes in the lineup without missing a beat, we all know how key the offensive line is to protection of the MVP quarterback and in opening holes for running backs.

We saw what occurred in preseason and the 15-or-so sacks given up.

Couple that with the fact that the Packers could be playing in the league’s elite division and against teams with defenses led by the likes of Julius Peppers,   Ndamukong Suh, and Jared Allen and one has to wonder about the move to keep just eight offensive lineman on the 53-man roster.

I guess we will find out real quick whether this was a good move. 

If the Saints shut down the Packers run game Thursday night and pin their ears back in the second half with their eyes in the backfield, it could be a very long night for Aaron Rodgers and would provide the template for other teams to follow this year.

Our hope is McCarthy has enough tricks up his sleeve in providing protection schemes and play calling (including appropriate use of the no huddle) to make it all work.
 
I guess that’s why he gets the big bucks.

We can only hope he earns every cent of it.

Josh Sitton will be a Packer for at least six more years. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

By signing Josh Sitton to a contract extension today, the Packers have retained the services of their best lineman and averted him becoming a free agent after this season.

The Packers announced on their website today the signing of Sitton, but the terms of the deal were not available yet – on his Twitter account, Sitton said the deal was for six years, which probably includes this season.

Sitton said on the Packers website,  “It’s a big weight off my shoulders. That was what we said from the beginning, that we wanted to get it done before the season. That way I didn’t have to deal with it, and I could just focus on playing football. That’s what I do. I’m a football player.” (more…)

Protecting Aaron Rodgers and making lanes for the running game should be the focus for the offensive line in the next couple of weeks. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

In fact one might say it was pathetic … And time is running out. Sept. 8 is just around the corner. If the Packers line doesn’t show improvement against the Chiefs in the final preseason game, there may be hell to pay when the Saints come marching in.

But as poorly as the line played overall Friday night, there were some bright spots. Rodgers did lead the team to a TD, a field goal and another drive that ended in a missed field goal … But there were plays within those drives when individual breakdowns along the line were noticeable and Rodgers had to run for his life and running plays were stuffed

Though the linemen admitted after the game that the no huddle may have contributed, saying their conditioning, or lack thereof, may have played a part, they weren’t going to point blame on others.

Quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, left tackle Chad Clifton said he had his troubles with all-pro Dwight Freeney. (more…)

Packers training camp has been somewhat "quiet." That can be a good thing. Dan Hogan photograph

Well, thank God I’m not the only one who thinks that the Packers camp has been quiet in comparison to many others around the league and the NFC North Division.

But don’t get me wrong, quiet can be a good thing. It usually means things are going well – it means injuries are at a minimum, there are no player holdouts and no significant influx of new personnel.

But we must not fall asleep at the wheel. Though it seems it may be all quiet on the Packers front, there are still plenty of stories developing. (more…)

The battle between Spitz and Wells was one of the closest watched in camp.  Both players have started games for the Packers over the last few years and both have something to bring to the table.  However, Wells was hurt for much of 2008 and didn’t match Spitz’s improvement.

McCarthy had this to say about Wells:

“Scott’s a professional,” said McCarthy. “I didn’t expect him to be excited about it, and he was not. He had a few questions, I answered them very honestly and he understands why we made that move.”

Spitz commented on the move:

“I’ve always had aspirations of being a great center,” Spitz said. “Things are slowing down for me at center. Obviously, I spent a lot of time playing center in the off-season.”

Wells said:

“No one is happy when they are not playing.”

Barbre beat out 2008 draft pick Breno Giacomini, in a battle between two guys who have never started in the NFL.  However, the left side of Chad Clifton and Darryn Colledge is very experienced which balances the line in terms of experience. 

The Packers are really excited about having Sitton on the starting O-line:

“Josh Sitton earned a starting position at guard last year and lost that due to injury,” said McCarthy. “We felt that he has improved. He’s a physical player on that right side, and that’s probably the reason why we did go with him.”

Sitton is obviously excited as well:

“I’ve got to strive to get better on fundamentals, the small things,” said Sitton. “It’s gratifying. I’m happy for the opportunity to get out and show what I can do. I’m going to take this opportunity and run with it.”

Now the unit can focus on cohesion and opening up holes for Ryan Grant and protecting Aaron Rodgers.  The offensive line was weak in 2008, and it needs to perform for the Packers to get back to the playoffs.

• Linebacker Nick Barnett is opening camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list after he did not pass his physical.  Barnett flunking his physical has nothing to do with him being out of shape, as he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.  There is no time table yet for his return to the practice field.  Brandon Chillar has replaced him on the No. 1 unit.
• Approximately 2,100 people attended the first practice, filling the stands that have a capacity of 1,500 people.
• The battle for the center and right guard spots is interesting, with Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, and Josh Sitton all rotating around the positions as Mike McCarthy looks to find the best fit for the team.
• In the aforementioned 3-4 defense, Jeremy Thompson was working with the No. 1 unit on the right side, opposite Aaron Kampman.
• Top draft choice B.J. Raji was not in camp yesterday, as the stalemate for contracts for draft picks above him and below him affects the ability for the Packers to get a contract done with him.
• Rookie linebacker Brad Jones, a seventh-round pick, also failed his physical and was put on the PUP list.
• After suffering a torn pectoral muscle that ended his season in Week 4 last year, lineman Cullen Jenkins is back in top shape, according to McCarthy.
• Tackle Chad Clifton told reporters he also had work done on his shoulders as well as his knees during the offseason.  Greg A. Bedard said he looked “nimble and strong” in practice.

With two-a-days starting today, the Packers look to get back into shape for the season as September 13 looms in the distance.

The Packers most glaring need on draft day is their defensive line.  They are currently understaffed and undersized for new defensive coordinator Dom Capers‘ 3-4 alignment and will definitely try to alleviate this in the draft.

That was pretty obvious, but I can’t give everything from the post away here…

…the Packers do have talented linebackers.  Nick Barnett, tweeting his way back from a severe knee injury, will be in the middle, but the question is who will start with him.  A.J. Hawk, Brandon Chillar, and Brady Poppinga are all solid linebackers, but are all more suited for the 4-3 defense.  I expect Capers and Mike McCarthy to rotate the linebackers in and out and really mix up the looks they will give the offense.

Linebackers…what’s next?

The Packers drafted Josh Sitton in 2008 to hopefully compete for a starting job and they also signed Duke Preston in one of their free agent moves this offseason.  It seems as if McCarthy and Ted Thompson are trying to breed competition to get the best starting lineup they can get.

Hopefully that breeding has some offspring.

Thompson is a notorious mover on draft day, making unexpected trades (ie trading out of the first round in 2008) and making unexpected picks (Aaron Rodgers in 2005).  That being said, there is no sure pick for the Packers at #9.  I have said in some posts on Lombardi Ave that I want the Packers to get either Brian Orakpo or B.J. Raji at #9, or Malcolm Jenkins, the one everyone has the Packers picking, if Raji or Orakpo are gone.  It seems logical that the Packers will go defense, given their personnel is ill-suited for a 3-4 defense currently.

Check out NFL Mocks for the rest of the preview and for other teams’ needs as well.

Week 1
Monday, September 8, 2008
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
7 PM ET
ESPN

This game is what I would call “interesting.” Longtime Packers quarterback Brett Favre was supposed to get his number retired before the game, but whoopsie, someone unretired and is playing for the New York Jets. My biggest curiosity surrounding this game is whether or not ESPN is still going to relocate their entire studio from Bristol, CT to Green Bay. I say no because they will most likely be too busy fawning over Favre’s New York debut to realize that there is a Monday Night Football game on their network. But then again, they do have to be there to criticize every Aaron Rodgers misstep, Mike McCarthy bad call, every Ted Thompson nose pick, and every thing else they can find wrong that’s going on and continue criticizing the Packers after they win. Oops. Did I give it away?

I can see John Clayton or Merrill Hoge talking on NFL Live after the Packers have beaten the Vikings.

“The biggest problem with the Packers now is their lack of experience. They only have one start between their three quarterbacks. I mean that’s ridiculous.”

And remember, they’re going to say that after every Packers game this year. I can see it after Week 17:

“The biggest problem with the Packers is still their lack of experience. There are only 16 career starts between all three of their quarterbacks.”

And then once the Packers make the playoffs:

“The biggest problem with the Packers now is that none of the three quarterbacks on the roster have started a playoff game. How ridiculous is that?”

Hey, guys, you know there was this dude named something like Fav-ray or something and, like, he started for 16 years in Green Bay and, like, never missed a single game, in, like 253 career starts, 270-somethinf if you include playoffs, right?

“I have no recollection of the quarterback you are talking about.”

Anyway, I digress. Less about ESPN and more about the game.

This game signals the big-time debut of an NFC North quarterback rivalry that seems to be in place for years to come: Tarvaris Jackson vs. Rodgers. Both of these players are surrounded by talented casts of offensive weapons. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor and future-free agent bust Bernard Berrian surrounding Jackson. The Packers have Ryan Grant, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and James Jones around Rodgers. Both of these defenses are top-notch as well. The Vikings acquired sack machine Jared Allen from the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason. The Packers have Aaron Kampman. Pretty even.

This game will come down to which quarterback makes the least amount of mistakes. Jackson has a full year of starting under his belt, while Rodgers has two preseason games. Both quarterbacks will be under the microscope for the whole season and will be scrutinized even more in front of a national audience. Rodgers will have a Lambeau Field boost, which should help ease the transition better than a hostile game in the Metrodome.

Matchups To Watch

Rodgers vs. the Vikings secondary: The Vikings secondary is full of ballhawks. Former Packer Darren Sharper mans the free safety spot and will be eying Rodgers the whole game, hoping to capitalize on a bad decision. And he will capitalize. The Vikings also brought in safety Madieu Williams in free agency from Cincinnati. Williams was probably one of the best players on Cincinnati’s defense. Which isn’t saying much. Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin will have all they can handle in Driver and Jennings.

Packers O-line vs. Vikings D-line: The O-line always used to be a strong point for the Packers. This preseason, not so much. Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton can handle or at least contain Allen and the Vikings defensive ends. The pressure falls on the interior lineman such as Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, Josh Sitton, and whoever else is in contention for a spot to contain Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. That will be a key to a Packers victory.

Vikings O-line vs. Packers D-line: The Vikings O-line is top notch. Bryant McKinnie and Steve Hutchinson make up a fantastic left side of the line. The Packers D-line lost Corey Williams to the Cleveland Browns and have had injury problems with Justin Harrell and Colin Cole at defensive tackle. There should be a sufficient pass rush on Jackson with Kampman and Cullen Jenkins. The trenches will most likely decide who wins this.

The Verdict: This is a tough decision. I’m going to take the Packers over the Vikings, 24-21. Yes, this is homerism shining through. But I do not see the Packers losing a Monday Night Football game at Lambeau to the hated Vikings. It’ll be close, but Rodgers will perform well enough to pull it out. Hell, maybe there will be a new “Monday Night Miracle.”

Packers record after Week 1: 1-0.