Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

The Green Bay Packers escaped with a 28-27 win over the New Orleans Saints, despite having to overcome a blown non-call on a fumble, a huge day by Drew Brees and an injury to Aaron Rodgers when the Packers were on the  4 yard line and backup QB Graham Harrell tripped and botched a handoff to Cedric Benson.

Those were the big plays in a game filled with them – and a game when the honeymoon with the return of the regular referees was short-lived.

For a recounting of every play of this game that will surely go down in Packers lore as one of the most exciting to take place in Lambeau Field, read on. It was a brutally intense day that tested the mettle and character of this team that was coming off the infamous “inaccurate reception” game in Seattle.

First quarter

Saints kick off to Packers

Packers start the game going three and out. Pass to James Jones on third down and 3 goes for two

On the Saints first possession, pass to Marques Colston for five: Pierre Thomas goes for four and then Clay Matthews buries Thomas on third and one

Saints punt goes only 28 yards and Packers take over for second possession on own 38.

Packers first possession

On first down, Rodgers throws 15 yards to Jordy Nelson; Benson runs for five yards;

In the hurry-up offense, Rodgers hits Finley on a quick hitter to the sideline for 12 yards.

On second and 10 from 31, Rodgers in the shotgun hits Jordy Nelson with a laser over the middle for 17 yards down to the 12; first and 10 Rodgers hits Finley in the hands, but he juggles and drops it.

On second down, Rodgers scrambles left, stays on his feet after nearly being tripped up and throws a TD pass to James Jones in the left side of the end zone. On the extra point, Bryan Bulago holds and Mason Crosby hits a 30-yard extra point.

Packers 7-0

Packers kick off for touchback

Saints start at the 20 yard line with 9:02 in the first quarter.

Mark Ingram 3 yards; Darren Sproles takes quick hitter, makes a good move and pics up 6; On third and 2, Brees rolls right and hits Jimmie Graham for 5.

First and 10at 34, pass for five toTE  David Thomas; pass to Lance Moore for 10 yards.

Brees has time to throw, but on first down the Saints are called for holding to move ball back to the 41.

Throw over the middle to Graham for 23 yards down to the Packers 36.

On second and 6, Graham again catches a first down pass down to the Packers 19.

A first down run by Thomas is snuffed out by Erik Walden who brings him down for a one yard loss; second and 11, Marques Colston pushes off on Morgan Burnett, but no flag thrown – touchdown Saints. That’s the 47th straight game that Drew Brees has thrown a touchdown, tying him with the late great Johnny Unitas.

Packers fans officially end love affair with regular referees.

Sept. 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; New Orleans Saints interim head Aaron Kromer during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

Packers 7 Saints 7

Saints kick off – touchback, Packers take over at 20 yard line.

First and 10 for Packers, Incomplete pass; second and 10, Benson runs left for four yards; third and six, Rodger runs left for the first down – a seven yard gain to the 31.

Quick pass on first down to Randall Cobb for five yards; second and 5, Benson up the middle for seven yards; ball at 43, the Packers run a screen to Benson, but he gets just two yards; Second and 8, Rodgers hits Cobb for 10

First and 10 from the Saints 45; Pass to Finley for 20 yards as Rodgers spreads the ball around.

First and 10, Pass to Donald Driver for four yards.

End of first quarter – Packers 7 Saints 7

Packers with a second and 6 at the Saints 22 yard line; defense in the neutral zone. Second down and 2 – pass to Finley with his third catch (40 yards) for first down.

Bal at 9 yard  line first and goal; Rodgers with all kinds of time hits Jennings in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown – it’s Jennings 50th career TD pass.

Extra point by Mason Crosby

Packers 14 Saints 7

Packers kick off  - Sproles with a 31 yard return out to the 26

Saints possession

First and 10, Brees’s pass to Lance Moore is short of the mark to bring up second and 10. Pass to the left side to Pierre Thomas for three yards; third and 7, Brees to Graham for 10, first down

First and 10 Ingram for 2 yards; from the 42, Colston hauls in 17 yard pass from Brees for first down.

Ball at the Packers 41, hand off to Thomas and he get stoned by A.J. Hawk; second and 10, quick pass attempt to Moore is knocked down by Tramon Williams on a textbook coverage play; third and 9, pass is broken up on good Packers defense.

Saints punt to nine yard line; Cobb fair catch.

Packers get ball back, but lack of a pass rush and zone defense is somewhat of a concern. Brees has been known to pick defenses apart.

Packers at the 8, Benson off left tackle for 4 yards, and on second down a flag for illegal use of hands by Josh Sitton pushes Packers back to the 6; second and 12, Rodgers is pressured out of the pocket to the right and hits Nelson on the sideline for an apparent first down, but it’s called incomplete as Nelson doesn’t maintain control of the ball all the way through the play; Packers head coach Mike McCarthy challenges the call, but loses the timeout when the referees confirm call.

Third and 12 from the 6, pass to Cobb is complete and he leaps for it, but comes up inches short. Packers have to punt.

Packers fake punt, snap it to John Kuhn and he runs for first down

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Martez Wilson (95) and safety Corey White (24) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

On first down from the 22, Benson runs for 3 yards off left tackle; Rodgers rolls right and throws down right sideline to Nelson; defensive back caught holding.

First down at the 30, Benson pushes the pile for five; Benson again up the middle for six more – he’s tripped up in the open field.

first and 10 from the 42; Benson runs right for four; Quick pass to Cobb for first down with face mask penalty and 15 yards added.

From the Saints 30, shovel pass to Benson for 10 yards and a first down as he breaks tackles and runs hard.

Ball at the 19, Rodgers hits Benson on the checkdown for five yards; on second and five, Nelson drops a Rodgers fastball over the middle; third and 5, Rodgers hits James Jones for a touchdown, his second of the game to give the Packers a 21-7 lead. Rodgers is pumped and gives the belt for the first time this year.

Packers 21 Saints 7

Packers kick off – touchback.

Saints possession

Saints start at the 20, Brees to Colston for 14 and first down; first and 10 at the 39, pass incomplete to Moore, but penalty on the Saints; first and 15, pass to Devry Henderson for 10; Second and five from the 39 Brees hits Sproles for four; third and 1 and the Saints take first time out – quick pass to Moore for 2 yards.

First and 10, Ingram for 2; second and 8, Packers offside. On second and three Woodson knifes through to stop Thomas at the 2-minute warning.

Third and 1 for the Saints, pass to Graham for first down to the Packers 40; Drew Brees throws incomplete; second and 10, screen to Sproles for 20 yards down to the Packers 20; first and 10; pass to Moore to the Packers 11; pass to Colston to the Packers 6 …

Time out Saints with 33 seconds left

Pass to Sproles for the touchdown; Brees was 9-10 on the drive for 77 yards

Packers 21 Saints 14

Saints kick off and Cobb returns it to the 25

Benson runs out the clock with a one yard run.

Halftime

• TOP PERFORMERS

Passing

Brees

#9 QB

CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
20/24	195	2	0

Rushing

Benson

#32 RB

ATT	YDS	TD	LG
11	51	0	7

Receiving

Colston

#12 WR

REC	YDS	TD	LG
5	62	1	20

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a pass against New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper (41) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

Packers 

Sept 30, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Cedric Benson (32) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer (33) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-US PRESSWIRE

First and 10 from the nine yard line, Brees throws it away; second and 10, ball tipped and inc., Burnett and Williams fight for it and it falls to the ground;

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	31/41	319	4	1

Saints

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Brees	35/54	446	3	0

1st Quarter

James Jones 12 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 9:02 Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards in 2:04
Green Bay 7-0

Marques Colston 20 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:33 Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards in 5:29
Tied 7-7

2nd Quarter

Greg Jennings 9 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 14:15 Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards in 4:18
Green Bay 14-7

James Jones 14 yd pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby kick), 4:50 Drive: 13 plays, 92 yards in 6:08
Green Bay 21-7

Darren Sproles 6 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 0:27 Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards in 4:23
Green Bay 21-14

3rd Quarter

Garrett Hartley 20 yd FG, 9:41 Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards in 5:19
Green Bay 21-17

Joseph Morgan 80 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49 Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards in 1:21
New Orleans 24-21

3rd Quarter

Garrett Hartley 20 yd FG, 9:41 Drive: 15 plays, 72 yards in 5:19
Green Bay 21-17

Joseph Morgan 80 yd pass from Drew Brees (Garrett Hartley kick), 3:49 Drive: 4 plays, 92 yards in 1:21
New Orleans 24-21

Saints

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Brees	35/54	446	3	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Sproles	5	20	0	9
Thomas	9	14	0	6
Ingram	5	11	0	3

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Colston	9	153	1	27
Graham	7	76	0	24
Moore	7	67	0	19
Sproles	5	44	1	20
Thomas	2	-1	0	3
Morgan	1	80	1	80
Collins	1	12	0	12
Henderson	1	10	0	10
Thomas	1	6	0	6
Ingram	1	-1	0	-1

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	31/41	319	4	1

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Benson	18	84	0	9
Rodgers	5	13	0	10
Kuhn	1	5	0	5
Harrell	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Nelson	8	93	1	18
Cobb	7	66	0	17
Jones	5	56	2	20
Finley	4	54	0	20
Benson	4	22	0	11
Crabtree	1	16	0	16
Jennings	1	9	1	9
Driver	1	3	0	3

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Harrell	1	1	0

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/09/30/4952/index.html#ixzz2807SqAl1

Sep 8, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fullback John Kuhn (30) spikes the football after scoring a touchdown during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Saints 42-34. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Who Dat Dish, the fansided.com fan site for the New Orleans Saints threw us some questions … we obliged and offered our insight into today’s Packers vs. Saints game.

Here we go …

A. I think there will be an “angry” factor, but it’s probably played up more than it really is. All of these guys are professionals and go about their work regardless of what’s occurred in the past. Yes, the players have an added incentive this week to come out and play “angry,” but for true professionals they really shouldn’t need that kind of incentive. That said, I think the “anger” could get them off to a hot start, which could make the difference in this game.

A. The Packers, as it happens so many times, got away from calling any run plays in the first half of the Seahawks game. If a defense knows they are going to pass every play, they can pin the ears back and go. That’s what the Seahawks did. When the Packers figured out they needed to run the ball it worked in the second half as the Packers controlled the tempo and possession with their running game.

A. The Packers secondary has played well in the early going, despite the fact that they’ve got as many as four or five rookies or second year men on the field at any given time. I really like the addition of these young players to the secondary. They bring a new attitude and aggression that should help them match up against the talented Saints receiving corps.

A. We’re still hoping that rookie linebacker Nick Perry starts playing like so many thought he would when he was picked first by the Packers in last April’s draft. When Erik Walden gets on the field, he’s also been playing well. In addition, the Packers like to bring defensive backs on blitzes, but we all know that Drew Brees can pick apart a defense when they blitz, so I’m not sure how often the Packers will bring that kind of pressure.

A. Packers fans have been hoping that’s true. Benson had a solid game against the Seahawks and we are all hoping he can use that game as a springboard for the rest of the season. Aaron Rodgers needs a good running game to take some of the pressure off his shoulders.

A. If the Packers lose, it will be a significant blow to this team. Going back to the end of last season, Aaron Rodgers has lost four of his last five games – a fact that has been ignored in all the preseason hoopla, but a fact that may begin to cast some doubt on his ability to be consistent.

A. I think the Packers will come out fast in this one. Rodgers is due to have a good game and I see him picking apart the Saints defense. Drew Brees will keep the Saints in the game, but I think the Packers will get a turnover that will make the difference.

September 23, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks for a receiver against the Kansas City Chiefs during second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Gene Higginbotham, the editor of our fansided.com fellow NFL site, Who Dat Dish, took time out of his busy schedule today to answer some questions we had about the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints matchup.

Before the season started, one would have been stunned to think this week four game in Green Bay would feature a winless Saints team marching into Lambeau Field. One would also be surprised to think the Packers would be sitting at 1-2.

This is a huge game for both teams as each looks to get back on track before the season gets along too far.

So, here’s our questions and how Higginbotham sees things:

The Saints say that they are dialed in and have been practicing fast this week.  But they have been saying that since the first week so the proof will be in the pudding.

I think the Saints will try to go back to the run but try to establish a passing game as well.  The Packers secondary to me is pretty solid though, so Brees should proceed with caution.

If the team can ever get into sync on defense they will.  The glaring problem of course seems to be in the pass rush department which the Packers don’t have a problem with.

Two stand out so far as a disappointment and both are first round picks, cornerback Patrick Robinson and running back Mark Ingram.  Defensive end Junior Galette seems to be stepping up more and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is also looking very promising.

September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) against the Washington Redskins during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Q. What young players have made a difference for the Saints this season and should be watched?

Defensive end Cameron Jordan is doing better than last year and hopefully will develop further this year.

I think the tempo especially on offense which the Saints are used to controlling should be a difference.

They say it’s not that bad but it obviously is.  Payton had that fire and could get players motivated by getting in their face which interim head coach Aaron Kromer doesn’t seem to possess.  The team has got to find a way to spark some fire from themselves or it won’t happen.

Sep 8, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) carries the football after catching a pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field.

Q. Tell us how you feel this game will go and, of course, provide us with a final score prediction.

This will probably get me some fire from Saints fans but the way they have been playing, I just don’t know if they will be able to turn it around this quickly especially in Lambeau Field.

30-27 Packers

Well, below is such an incident, as provided by the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame’s “Today in Packers History.”

Reggie, God rest his soul, wasn’t happy about a low blow he took in a 1993 game against the New Orleans Saints.

Check it out

Wainwright vs. White: Conduct Unbecoming a Saint?

August 14, 1993 – Was it a low blow or just football as usual? Reggie White, the prized free agent signed by the Green Bay Packers in April, thought it was the former. And he was steamed. In the first quarter of Green Bay’s 26-17 loss to New Orleans, Saints tight end Frank Wainwright hit White at about knee level during a running play to the other side of the field. White wasn’t happy. “That was a cheap shot, but that’s OK,” the defensive lineman said. “I went and got his number. We’ll see them again (in November).” Packers coach Mike Holmgren suggested the collision wasn’t particularly unusual. “He (Reggie) was a little upset. People will block like he got blocked.”

Brett Favre said he didn't care about the Saints' Bountygate in an interview with Deion Sanders.

Brett Favre’s always been quotable. That’s why when asked who’s better – Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck – Favre wasn’t afraid to sound off … and when he does everyone listens.

And in addition to providing his opinion about which of the two top NFL Draft picks was best, Favre also talked a bit with Deion Sanders about the New Orleans Saints, Bountygate, and how it all applied to him.

Yesterday the former Packer, Jet and Vikings great gave his short answers on the two topics – RG3 and he didn’t care, respectively.

“Griffin, he’s smaller, but if I was starting a team, I’d probably of went with RG3 just because, if they can’t protect you, you got to protect yourself,” Favre told NFL Network in an interview with Deion Sanders.

And as for the Saints and the off-season suspensions that resulted from Bountygate, Favre said he simply didn’t care. What bothered him most was the fact that the Vikings didn’t win the championship game. He told Deion that the important thing was that the Saints tried to take him out of the game, but failed. He also said that there had been plenty of other teams that had attempted to take him out and also failed.

“My feeling, and I mean this wholeheartedly, I really don’t care … They didn’t take me out of the game. They came close, but a lot of people have come close. I’m too stubborn to have come out, plus that was kind of a big game …”

More from the interview is being prepared to be broadcast next week as part of the network’s All Access program.

Defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove is now a member of the Green Bay Packers. After his suspension of eight games was announced, the question is whether the Packers will keep him. Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

With the announcement yesterday that Anthony Hargrove, the Packers’ newly-acquired defensive lineman, would be suspended for half of the season because of his involvement in “bountygate” as a member of the New Orleans Saints, the question about whether Green Bay will keep him around begs to be answered.

The knee-jerk reaction, one that many feel will be completed by Packers’ general manager Ted Thompson, is to cut ties immediately.

But I don’t think that’s the answer.

First of all, the Packers picked up the experienced player for a song. Second of all, the guy will still be able to work out and provide some competitive depth at the position as the team continues to develop their younger players. Just because he’s been suspended for half the season doesn’t mean the Packers can’t still benefit.

If they keep him, the Packers could utilize him for the stretch run starting in November. Inevitably, there will also be injuries along the line by that time in the season and he will certainly be some fresh legs who could provide quality minutes.

In my mind, the more important question is whether the Packers will keep Mike Neal. Yes, he’s also been suspended for four games and has spent the past two seasons injured. Though he came back from a knee injury last season, he was like a ghost player. He literally had no statistics and simply filled a roster spot.

Though Hargrove’s checkered past may scare some, at least he’s a player who made an impact on the field. My hope is that he’s learned his lesson, has moved on and could give the Packers a couple of quality seasons at a position that is crucial for a team’s overall success.

So, the bottom line for me is the team’s success. Though he’s gone for half the year, Hargrove still has significant value for the Packers. Let Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy worry about the character issue. Had they been worried about it before, they wouldn’t have signed him. Surely, they were aware of the baggage and possible suspension before they signed on the dotted line.

It’s time to move on, concentrate on building team chemistry, develop the young players and bring Hargrove back into the fold when the suspension is lifted.

Dec 21, 2008; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau (55) warms up before the start of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-US PRESSWIRE

What a day in the National Football League.

One of its biggest stars becomes the eighth member of the 1994 San Diego Chargers Super Bowl team to die. Junior Seau, who spent 13 seasons with the Chargers, died in what is being called a suicide gunshot wound to the chest. The shooting is much like that of Dave Duerson who also committed suicide.

Also on this momentous day, National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell announced the suspension of four New Orleans Saints players for their role in bountygate. While linebacker Jonathan Vilma was suspended for the 2012 season, the Packers newest defensive lineman, Anthony Hargrove, was suspended for eight games next season for his role when he was a member of the Saints.

While the Saints’ players punishments are big news around the league, it pales in comparison to the loss of Seau.

For years, his energy, power and personality was the face of the San Diego Chargers, something he later took to the New England Patriots.

Up until this week, those closest to him didn’t see any signs that Seau was emotionally distraught and no indications that he would be ending his life.

The 43-year-old, if indeed his situation was so dire, could be added to the list of many players who have suffered from the loss of the game … but more importantly from the rigors of the game that may have led to this day.

There are no indications that Seau was depressed or suffered from any symptoms of head injury … though the way he died was eerily similar to Duerson’s death. The former Bears player shot himself in the chest so that his brain could be used for research into head injuries.

Seau left no suicide notes and was found by his girlfriend.

But in the end, the suspensions of the Saints players for their role in the bounties look pretty weak when compared to Seau.

Life in the NFL will continue on beyond today.

Unfortunately, we can’t say that about Junior Seau. He will be missed.

August 2, 2008; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (left) and head coach Mike McCarthy (right) enjoy a moment during a training camp workout at Clarke Hinkle Field in Green Bay, WI. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

As we inch closer to another NFL season, many things have been occurring. Free agency, trades, preparation for the draft, and more.

What has been a lighter story have been the voluntary workouts which are held for all teams around this time of year.

For the Packers, their workouts began April 16. This is about a month later than usual due to the new collective bargaining agreement which reduced the length of offseason workouts from 14 weeks to 9 weeks. Strength and conditioning will be the main focus for the Packers in the first few weeks and then they will get a little into the position and team drills.

For many teams – like the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears – there have been noticeable no-shows at the workouts like Drew Brees and Matt Forte. This is due to contract disputes between the players and the teams.

The Packers did not have any real surprises. Donald Driver did not show up but that is because he is currently on “Dancing with the Stars.” Some may also wonder why Ryan Grant did not show up for workouts but this is because he is an unrestricted free agent and the Packers, according to Grant’s agent, have not made any effort to bring Grant back to the team.

With the shortened offseason program, this puts a lot more pressure on to the players to be fully conditioned and ready for when the real stuff begins in July and August. Some players will benefit from the added responsibility and some will crumble. But one thing is for certain – the players with the most desire to win will be ready when training camp arrives.

Hopefully, this means the entire Packer organization.

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The newly-released audio of New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams has shocked many. John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Many of you may have already heard this pregame speech given by New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Greg Williams prior to the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers.

If you haven’t, you must give it a lesson. Here is an impassioned man, without a doubt. A man possessed, a man on the attack. In football, that’s what it’s about.

What sets Williams apart is his tact … his mean-spirited demeanor and the wrong approach to winning at all costs. There are other ways to motivate men. Telling them to take out the head to kill the body is the wrong way. Telling his charges to hurt others for their gain is wrong.

If you had no opinion before about the bounty situation and the reason why NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on the New Orleans Saints, maybe after giving this a listen you will. This particular three minutes raised the hair on the back of my neck.

Warning: If you have small children in the room, put on a pair of headphones or turn your volume down enough so they can’t hear it. It’s disturbing enough for grown adults. It’s not something for young children.

Apr 28, 2011; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces the 32nd overall pick of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

What a crazy offseason it has been … Peyton Manning being released from the Colts, Tim Tebow being traded to the Jets, and the Saints bounty scandal are the big headliners.

As an average Packer fan, you may think the Packers did the usual thing this offseason which was … nothing at all.

Though they may not be headline news, the Packers did make some key acquisitions and have somewhat lessened the importance for the upcoming draft for the Packers. GM Ted Thompson lives and dies by the draft which means his presence in free agency is hardly ever felt. Heck, before this year, he had not signed an unrestricted free agent since 2009.

So what makes this season so different for Thompson?

Maybe having the worst-ranked defense had something to do with it. Also, losing All Pro center Scott Wells left a large hole to fill. One that a rookie just could not fill.

So Thompson went out of his comfort zone and signed former Colts center Jeff Saturday, who played with Peyton Manning his entire career. With Saturday getting way up there in age, his value in free agency was slightly diminished. His age has not caught up with him yet, so adding Saturday to the Packers O-line fills a large hole.

After Saturday, the Packers picked up defensive tackle, Daniel Muir, who also played with the Colts. Muir has not played in a year, but when he did play he was a very effective tackle on every team he was with and could add some needed depth to the Packers’ defensive line.

The final transaction for the Packers was with former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Anthony Hargrove. With his size being around 270, he could play as a defensive end in the Packers 3-4 scheme or at outside linebacker. I do believe, however, the Packers picked up Hargrove in hopes of him being able to fill the shoes of a position once held by Cullen Jenkins, who is now playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

So with the offseason winding down, what’s next for the Packers?

It’s what Ted Thompson lives for. The NFL Draft.

The Packers have 12 picks with which to work this year which ties for the most picks Thompson has had since 2006, his second year on the job. With the very nice compensatory picks the Packers received, the team have a very nice selection of picks capable of making some moves in the draft. This could mean trading down in the draft for even more picks or trading up and getting a certain player the organization have had their eyes on. This means the Packers have some leverage in this draft which is where Ted Thompson shines as a general manager.

Who the Packers should look to draft in the early rounds would be either be a pass rusher who can play outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme or draft another young offensive lineman, because center Jeff Saturday is only a short-term solution.

Players who would seem logical include Clemson defensive end Andre Branch, USC defensive end Nick Perry, or Wisconsin center Peter Konz. If Konz is available, this would seem to be a logical pick and would fill a need for the future.

With another crazy offseason coming to an end in the NFL, all that is left before players begin practicing again is the NFL Draft. An event where teams gain more depth and players begin living the dream which they have had ever since being a kid. So, though free agency is basically over, there is still something to look forward to very soon.

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Defensive end Anthony Hargrove is being named as a defensive end the Packers are considering. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

An interesting post and tweet at CheeseheadTV.com about the Packers entertaining a visit from defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove (as first reported by NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora), has me as confused as Brian Carriveau, the article’s author.

While the Packers are indeed now in a defensive mindset mode after the signing of center Jeff Saturday, it’s still sort of mind-boggling that the Packers would even entertain the thought of bringing Hargrove to Green Bay. His checkered past is not unlike that of a Brandon Marshall or even a Randy Moss. Many run-ins with the law sprinkle his career, including being a member of the New Orleans Saints during its bounty-filled days.

Considering a player with this type of history goes against the Packers’ way of doing things, unless Hargrove has had a significant turnaround in his personal life, I can’t see the team signing him.

And it’s not only his personal issues that are of concern, as Carriveau points out. He’s on the small side as a defensive lineman at about 275 pounds. Unless the Packers would experiment by placing him at an outside linebacker position, he doesn’t really fit the mold as a down lineman.

Check out Carriveau’s piece on this rather bizarre consideration by the Packers.

Given what I’ve read about this guy, the Packers should probably stay as far away as possible … but maybe Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy know more than we do.

Remember: In Ted We Trust. Right?

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Former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was indefinitely suspended today for his role in the Saints' bounties. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Today’s punishments handed down by NFL commissioner, Roger “Kenesaw Mountain Landis” Goodell, was unprecedented, hammering the New Orleans Saints organization like no other commissioner has ever handled a punishment in the league.

Clearly, Goodell is sending a message like none other … and from the sounds of it, things have just started. The talk is the players are next in line for either suspensions, fines or both.

No doubt, this has got to go down in New Orleans Saints history as one of its darkest days. The damage done to the Super Dome during the hurricane a few years back will long be compared to the strong winds blowing through the organization today.

How you feel about it all? Take the poll, leave a comment and let us know.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will be sitting at home this fall without a job. Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

I’m sure you’ve seen it blow up on Twitter and Facebook … the news that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton being slapped with a one year suspension with no pay … OUCH! Top that with the news that his former defensive coordinator, Greg Williams being suspended indefinitely, the team being fined a half-million bucks, general manager Mickey Loomis being been suspended for eight games, Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt being suspended without pay for the first six games of the 2012 season and you’ve got a day that will go down in NFL history.

Many believed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell would come down hard on this punishment, but he shocked everyone with his sledge-hammer.

Not only will this make NFL history, it will most likely go down as the week of the Payton (or is it Peyton?). Either way, the news that Peyton Manning signing with the Denver Broncos, has quickly been overshadowed by the Sean Payton news and the Saints’ punishment in time and dollars. Also making news today, but as a small sidelight to the Saints is the matter of Broncos former starting quarterback taking his Tebow Time to New York City – what better place for his circus?

While the news about Peyton Manning upsetting the NFL’s quarterback apple cart with his announcement of signing Monday was huge, the shocking news about Sean Payton and the Saints is much, much bigger.

Much will be said about this as the league starts to sort through the fallout. It’s going to affect the entire league, not just the Saints.

And you can bet those cigar boxes filled with cash that have been left laying around NFL locker rooms will most certainly find a way to the hidden corners of the facility.

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams talks with linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51). Williams will also be talking with Commissioner Roger Goodell about bounties. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Bounties; Gregg Williams; New Orleans Saints.

The terms are synonymous these days and with the news that newly-hired St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator/New Orleans, Buffalo, Washington, et al, coordinator/coach being summoned by the league big wigs for a pow-wow about what’s transpired this past weekend, one has to wonder if the fire pit has already been built.

Williams, who has been connected with bounty schemes and play for pay incentives at just about every stop along his career, has been told that he has to report to league headquarters to talk about it. Yes, Williams has gone on record and apologized – publicly admitting that he was aware of his behavior, saying that it was wrong, thus setting up an awkward meeting that will have Williams sitting across from administrators who know deep down that what Williams has done isn’t anything new.

Locker rooms with players’ cigar boxes filled with cash to be handed out to those who fulfill specific incentives is nothing new in professional football and the practice goes back to the early days of the game when it was not only a lot rougher, but not as lucrative. Not only did it add spice to the day’s game, it provided a few extra bucks for the players who not only played the games on the weekends, but held down regular jobs during the week.

To be a fly on Roger Goodell’s wall during this meeting … to hear the noble gestures about ethics and the integrity of the game would be priceless.

No doubt some type of penalties will be incurred – not only by Williams, but by the New Orleans Saints. Press conferences and news releases will include demands by the league for teams to frown upon any future shenanigans and those involved in this most recent activity will again apologize.

Then hopefully everyone will get back to the business of football. There will be hard hits on quarterbacks, players will get injured and carried off the field … that’s the grisly nature of the game.

Will players again get back to slipping one another C-notes? Probably. Will it hurt the integrity of the game? Only if they get caught.

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The question of the day is what should happen now? What will Roger Goodell do? Nothing because it happens all the time? Fine coaches and players? Take away a first round draft pick?

How about banishment? Well, maybe not.

Tell us how you feel. Take the poll.

Matt Bowen, who played a season for the Green Bay Packers and for Greg Williams in Washington, pulls no punches. He’s real, he’s sincere, and he doesn’t make any excuses. As he says, it’s part of the game. Live with it, Commissioner Goodell.

Matt Bowen tells us about bounties - bluntly and matter-of-factly.

So, if you haven’t already seen this post, click here or just see it pasted below:

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

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

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

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

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

League commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the appropriate punishment.

He had this to say today:

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the red carpet last night. Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

Was there any doubt that Aaron Rodgers didn’t deserve it

At least there was no doubt among the sportswriters who cast their ballots for MVP today.

The final score? Aaron Rodgers 48, Drew Brees 2

Yes, that’s right. All but two writers voted for Rodgers … the devil and Ndamukong Suh … as “Not Aaron Rodgers” tweeted tonight.

But kidding aside, we all had that gut feeling and every other statistic tucked into our back pocket to back up this decision. Aaron Rodgers did it all this year. His only slips came against Kansas City and the Giants – but if you rewatch that playoff game, you will see a player who gave it his all right up to the end. Take away the eight dropped passes, the strip of the football when he was winding up to hit a wide open Greg Jennings, and a hail Mary and the Packers would have won that game.

Despite all that, Rodgers had the front aisle seat at the honors award program … and is front and center in the NFL with his much-deserved 2012 MVP Award.

Congratulations, Aaron.

Boomer, from over at Fansided’s Beargoggleson.com, was angered by the Packers loss to the New York Giants. He wasn’t upset because the Bears’ arch rival to the north was finally beaten in a playoff game, but because he believes it should have been the Bears that was providing the beat down on the Packers. He curses Jay Cutler for chasing down a San Diego Charger after an interception and injuring his hand, and he blames wide receiver Johnny Knox for the demise of the Bears’ season by also getting injured.

For some reason, I’m not too sympathetic.

However, I do feel the pain of  Gene Higginbotham, the author of the piece from over at Who Dat Dish, the New Orleans Saints Fansided.com’s blog site. While the Packers were thrown completely off their game against the Giants, the Saints were within 90 seconds or so of the NFC Championship Game, but shockingly lost in the final moments to the heroic comeback by the San Francisco 49ers.

While the media has dubbed last Saturday’s catch by Vernon Davis the “Catch III,” all Packers fans remember the Catch II – the Steve Young to Terrell Owens pitch and catch on the playoff game’s final play back in the late 1990s. Terrell Owens came off the field in tears, as did Davis after he made the catch last week.

A bit overdramatic to me … so I can understand why the Saints are feeling as blue as the Packers fans today.

Check out both posts. I think you will enjoy them.

See the Bears blog here … and the Saints blog here.

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Will Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers defense show up Sunday? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What’s been talked about most this week and will be discussed right up until game time of the Packers and Giants showdown this weekend will be just how the Packers are going to deal with that vaunted defense blowing into Lambeau Field.

Well, we know it’s not the Packers’ defense everyone is talking about, don’t we? No, we’re talking about the Giants defense – that same outfit that held the Atlanta Falcons scoreless in the first round of the playoffs.

The Packers defense, on the other hand, has been an enigma, a unit that fills its roster with All-Pros, but throughout the season looked like … well frankly, I’m not sure how to describe them.

They’ve been gashed week -in and week-out on big play after big play as even marginal quarterbacks such as Kyle Orton (twice), Christian Ponder, Josh Freeman, and Josh McCown moved their teams up and down the field, throwing pretty much at will.

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

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