Ahmad Bradshaw – should Ted Thompson make a move?
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, Packers Nation let out a collective moan when St. Louis running back Steven Jackson said sorry to Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers and signed on for three years and $12 million with the Atlanta Falcons.

Jackson and the Packers have been rumored to be interested in one another going back three years and things warmed up last fall when more trade rumors were circulated. A little more than a week ago Jackson voided his contract with the Rams and was then videotaped a couple of days later with Sports Illustrated’s Peter King talking about how joining the Packers would be a good fit. “Makes sense,” is what Jackson answered when told by King that he should go to the Packers.

From there, the cyberworld exploded with stories and speculation about how Jackson was just a signature away from making his way north to Wisconsin.

Well, that all came crashing down when Jackson spurned all the talk and the Packers and signed with Atlanta.

On top of it all, Greg Jennings is in Minnesota discussing a move west.

So, where does that leave Green Bay?

Well, we all know that Ted Thompson is not the kind to get into bidding wars over any player. He’s not going to play the game. It’s pretty clear that if he is going to join in the free agency sweepstakes, he’s going to wait until all of the hype has died down, sneak in and try to sign quality players – if they are available.

Now that the market has set its benchmarks and has begun to soften and the Packers are still considering bolstering its running game through free agency, there’s one player who has been rated even higher than Jackson and is still sitting out there – former New York Giant Ahmad Bradshaw.

As the days pass and Bradshaw’s phone stays silent, he might be one that Thompson should consider calling.

The oft-injured running back, to me, has a bigger upside than Jackson, not only because of his age, but because it seems to me he would fit much better into the Packers’ uptempo game. He runs like a bull between the tackles, can break it to the outside and catches the ball very well out of the backfield.

The only sticking point with Bradshaw, I feel, has been the money. But now that the market is set, it’s time to pounce.

In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that I wrote a post comparing Jackson and Bradshaw and came to the conclusion that the best fit for the Packers would be Bradshaw – you might want to give that another read.

Let me know if you agree.

Unless Thompson is adamant about addressing the running game through the draft or simply going with the players he has in-house, now is the time to consider Bradshaw.

Dec 13, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole (58) and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (97) sack Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Though the talk around Green Bay Packers Nation this past week was how great it would be if former Packer Cullen Jenkins would re-sign with his old team … but that’s not what the Packers were saying.

In fact, the Packers said nothing about Jenkins. While he was criss-crossing the nation and visiting teams that showed an interest, the Packers did nothing. They didn’t reach out and didn’t invite him for a visit – even though Jenkins said he would be open to coming back to Wisconsin.

It didn’t happen … and for a reason. While the Packers brought former New York Giant Chris Canty into town last Thursday, they didn’t offer him a contract … and I think that was also for good reason. You see, Ted Thompson doesn’t do anything without a plan. His plan was to allow the 32-year-old Jenkins to set the bar, which he did today by agreeing with the Giants on a three-year, $8 million contract with $3 million of it guaranteed. If the Giants are lucky, they will get a year out of Jenkins, maybe two.

In the meantime, Thompson was watching from afar, thinking about what his next move will be, whether he will have the funds to sign Canty and whether he’s the answer to the Packers defensive line issues. He’s also considering whether they can address that hole through the draft or another free agent.

Either way, it was pretty clear that the Packers did not want Jenkins or they would have made a move for his services. The next step will be played out within the next couple of days. If Canty signs elsewhere, Thompson didn’t see him as the answer and it will probably mean that the Packers will address the defensive line need through the draft.

Stay tuned …

Cullen Jenkins (97) celebrates his fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The rumors continue to fly around the National Football League and the Green Bay Packers are far from immune to them as this morning it’s being reported that former Packer Cullen Jenkins would be open to a return to his former team.

Jenkins was released by the Philadelphia Eagles a couple of weeks ago in a salary cap money-saving move and has been traversing league cities in search of a new home.

The 32-year-old defensive lineman’s agent, Brian Levy, told the Green Bay Press Gazette that Jenkins would consider a return to his former team.

“He wants to go where he’s going to get an opportunity to play and be a part of a team that has a chance to compete for the Super Bowl,” Levy is reported as saying in today’s published report. “I think Green Bay provides him with both those opportunities. Plus he’s been there — I don’t think he wanted to leave in the first place.”

Since being released from the Eagles, Jenkins has visited with the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, but no contracts have yet been offered or accepted.

Jenkins was an instrumental cog in the Packers’ defensive team that helped lead them to their Super Bowl win in 2010, but left following that season after the Packers refused to offer him the lucrative contract he received from Philly. In his two seasons with the Eagles, Jenkins was productive, racking up 9.5 sacks.

Cullen Jenkins
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

However, since Jenkins was cut loose, the Packers haven’t made any attempts to contact Jenkins, making everyone think they had no interest. Levy thinks differently, telling the Press Gazette that he feels many teams, including the Packers, might be waiting for the market for defensive linemen to shake out.

The Packers had former New York Giant Chris Canty in for a visit Thursday, but Canty left Green Bay without a contract offer. His agent said he was planning to call the Packers to talk money today, Friday. Reports have the Tennessee Titans as the only team to have offered Canty a contract after his visit there last week. Canty has also visited with the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the new free agency rules allowing agents and teams to start talking this weekend, there will be more rumors and activity starting Saturday and that may be when the Packers jump into the Jenkins’ sweepstakes.

However, like Canty, Jenkins is free to sign a contract at any time because they were released by their teams.

“A lot of teams are scared to get out there and put a number out that might be too high for the market,” Levy said. “Maybe they can save money, and maybe they’re scared they’re misinterpreting the market,” Levey told the Press Gazette.

We will stay abreast of any Packers movement toward Jenkins and Canty as teams begin to amp up their free agent moves – though we know the Packers have shied away from signing veteran players. It may be a different Ted Thompson we see this free agency period. Just the fact that the Packers brought Canty in for a visit signals something a bit different.

So, should the Packers conclave show any smoke, we’ll be there.

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Former Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson may have as many as four suitors as of today.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, we here at lombardiave.com reported that Charles Woodson may have been getting interest from Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.

In this age of Internet news, that may be so, it may be wrong – that’s because today’s information indicates that there are at least four teams that have joined the Woodson band and are seeking the services of the former Green Bay Packer.

Tomorrow there may be more – or less.

But just for the sake of staying current we’ll focus on those who have been mentioned today. There have been several news sources, including the the bigblueview that have posted today the New York Giants have joined the fray that is also occupied by the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and Miami Dolphins.

There has been no mention today of the Cowboys.

One thing is for certain – it appears that if these rumors turn out to be true the former Raider and Packer will have plenty of offers from the field in which to consider. How fast things move along in an actual signing also remains to be seen.

If Woodson stays true to his word that he wanted to join a “contender,” then that may narrow the selection process. I’m not sure he would consider the Jets or the Dolphins contenders at this point, but who am I to say? Should he indeed choose one of those two teams to hammer out an agreement, he might know more than we do.

As for the Giants and Seahawks – well, he would have a good argument for signing with either of those two teams.

Again, these are simply rumors that are flying across the Internet today, so take them with a grain of salt. They may die by the time the next news cycle comes around.

Stay tuned …

Jan 8, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) gets to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) just as he gets the pass away during the first half of the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

In a bit over a day, something out of the ordinary will take place at 1265 Lombardi Avenue – the home of the Green Bay Packers: Former New York Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty will pay a visit.

It’s not a casual, social visit either. The very fact that the Packers have invited Canty to town means they are dead serious about the possibility of signing Canty. In fact, the Packers seem to like Canty. They showed serious interest in Canty four years ago when he left Dallas in search of a new home, but didn’t make a stop in Green Bay. Instead, he decided rather quickly to sign with the Giants where he has had somewhat of a pedestrian stay in the Big Apple.

Now that the Packers won’t have to pay Greg Jennings because the team refused to slap the franchise tag on him, they can get serious about using some of that money on a free agent or two. In addition to Canty, the Packers have also shown an interest in Ricky Jean-Francois, and some believe even former Packer Cullen Jenkins have drawn an interest. However, neither one of those players have as of yet been invited into the Packers’ inner sanctum.

So, just how serious are the Packers in getting into the free agency game? Well, serious enough … clearly, Ted Thompson is targeting defensive linemen at this point most likely so that they can focus their high draft picks on the offensive side of the ball.

Whether Canty sticks around for a while and comes away with a contract in hand will be up to Thompson. But one thing is for certain – it won’t happen unless the Packers are serious.

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.

Though Jenkins started all 32 games for the Eagles over the last two seasons, he had just 9.5 sacks over those two seasons. His sack total is way down compared to 2010 when he 7 sacks in just 11 games for the Green Bay Packers.

It appears the Eagles are trying to get younger with the new hiring of former University of Oregon football coach Chip Kelly. Along with Jenkins, the Eagles have mulled releasing former All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, and have even stated they will release him if he doesn’t agree to restructure his deal.

So what does this all mean for the Packers?

Well, as we all know the Packers are thin at the defensive line position. C.J. Wilson and Mike Neal haven’t come close to filling the big shoes that Jenkins left when he departed Green Bay. Should the Packers consider brining back Jenkins?

I am in favor of bringing Jenkins back. He understands Dom Capers’ defense after playing in it and excelling in it for two seasons. Since he hasn’t played well the last two seasons he will probably be relatively inexpensive for the Packers. The Packers also have been rumored to be interested in defensive tackle Chris Canty, formally of the New York Giants.

Cullen Jenkins celebrates a sack with the Packers.

Packers’ beat writer Tom Silverstein has tweeted several times today that he thinks the Packers would be interested in bringing back Jenkins, for the right price, of course.

In any event, a defensive line of B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Chris Canty and Mike Neal, along with the other depth, makes the Packers’ defensive line a strength for a defensive that has struggled at that position the last two seasons.

New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw has pounded the Packers over the years.
Jim O photograph

A couple of weeks ago, the New York Giants released running back Ahmad Bradshaw and I immediately thought, ‘the Green Bay Packers have got to have an interest.’

Well, time has passed and it seems there isn’t a whole lot of interest among any of the 32 NFL teams in his services, including the Packers.

Given his injury history, I’m sure many teams have cast only a glance, but from what I’ve seen of this guy he could bring a whole new attitude to the Packers backfield. He runs with abandon, punishing tacklers in his wake. Maybe that’s why he’s had the injury history. But he seems to be the prototypical NFL runner – he can run it between the tackles, but has the speed to also get around the corner when asked. In addition, he can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Anytime this guy has played against the Packers and has been given the ball, I have cringed … he’s always running north and south and gouging the defense for yard after yard. Was Ted Thompson watching the same Packers vs. New York Giants games when we all saw him continually run into the Packers secondary?

If so, you would think he wouldn’t waste time in at least exploring the opportunity.

Before we get back to the injuries, consider that he’s just 26 years old – young for an NFL running back; he’s got two Super Bowl rings and comes at a relatively small price. He was scheduled to make $4.25 million this year, but could probably be signed to an incentive-laden contract with a base much less than that $4.25 million – especially if there are few other teams that come forward.

But then again, we get back to the injuries. In 2012, he missed two games, but still collected 1,015 yards (4.2 yard average); he had 659 yards in 2011 (missed four games); and in 2010 he had 1,235 yards.

In six seasons with the Giants, he has rushed for 4,232 yards (4.6 yards per carry), with 32 touchdowns. He has coughed the ball up a lot, however – 19 times during those six seasons. He fumbled seven times in 2010.

What that tells me is that he’s either had some really bad luck or is simply injury-prone. That’s why a contract would have to include incentives. Despite the injuries, he comes back strong and continues to be productive.

He would also be a huge improvement over Cedric Benson and would be a great complement to DuJuan Harris and Alex Green.

What do you think? Should the Packers pursue him before someone else takes the leap?

Let us know with a comment below; tell us on our Facebook page or send a tweet on Twitter.

It was one of the games with the coldest temperatures; it was one of the most exciting National Football Conference Championship games; it was one of the most crushing defeats in Green Bay Packers history; it was Brett Favre’s final game as a member of the Packers.

It was Jan. 20, 2008, a date that will live in infamy among Packers Nation and as one of the happiest for those fans of the New York Giants.

When Giants’ kicker Lawrence Tynes connected on a 47-yard game-winning field goal in overtime and sprinted off the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Packers faithful sat in stunned silence.

Just moments before, their hero, Brett Favre, had thrown his final pass for the franchise after nearly 9,000 previous attempts. This one landed in the arms of Giants cornerback Corey Webster who had stepped in front of Packers wide receiver Donald Driver for the pick. After moving the ball into field goal range for Tynes, he made the kick that would send the Giants to the Super Bowl and end the storied run for Favre, who would “retire” a month later.

The temperature at gametime was -7 degrees with a windchill of -27 degrees. Packers weather. But the Giants also came to play and weren’t about to roll over.

In fact, it was the Giants, behind their strong running game and a passing combination of Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress that would eventually do in the Packers. Burress, working against the Packers’ All-Pro cornerback Al Harris, would catch 11 passes on the day for 151 yards, while Brandon Jacobs would pound for 67 yards and would be joined by Ahmad Bradshaw, who picked up another 63 yards on the ground.

But the Packers weren’t about to roll over either. Going back and forth in the first quarter, the only scoring would come from Tynes who hit a 29-yard field goal to give New York an early 3-0 lead. The Giants would add to that with another Tynes field goal early in the second quarter for a 6-0 lead.

However, Favre would connect with Driver who got behind the Giants defense down the right sideline and then outran everyone for a 90-yard touchdown that ignited the chilly crowd sitting on the aluminum Lambeau Field seats. The Packers defense continued to bend, but didn’t break through the first half and when Mason Crosby added a 36-yard field goal, Green Bay headed into the warmth of the locker room with a 10-6 halftime lead.

It was back and forth throughout the second half as the two teams slugged it out and exchanged scores during a high-scoring third quarter. Brandon Jacobs found paydirt first with a one-yard run to give New York a 13-10 lead. That was followed by a Green Bay drive that ended with a Favre to Donald Lee touchdown pass to give the Packers a 17-13 edge.

When Ahmad Bradshaw ran in from four yards out, the third quarter ended with the Giants up 20-17.

The battle of the heavyweights continued through the fourth quarter with the only scoring coming off the foot of Crosby, who tied the game at 20-20. Tynes missed two field goals in regulation, the first from 43 yards with 6:53 remaining. However, the biggest miss by Tynes came with four seconds left in regulation – a huge kick down the stretch that would have given the game to the Giants.That attempt was from 36 yards.

The game went into overtime and it seemed Favre wanted to end it quickly. After Koren Robinson returned the kickoff 19 yards, the Packers took over from their own 26 yard line.

On first down, Ryan Grant ran off left end for 2 yards and on second down and eight Favre threw the interception to Webster who caught it at the Packers 43 and returned it nine yards. After Bradshaw rushed for a total of five yards on first and second down, Manning threw incomplete on third down to force the 47-yard game-winning field goal by Tynes.

Instead of hitting the tight end over the middle or opting for a wide open check down pass to Ryan Grant, Favre threw the ball to the right outside sideline where Webster made history.

“I didn’t throw it outside enough,” Favre said in his post-season press conference. A gross understatement in the eyes of Packers fans.

The Giants would go on to win the Super Bowl that season, upsetting the previously undefeated New England Patriots.

If you want to look at indepth statistics from this game, visit http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200801200gnb.htm#pbp_data::none.

If you dare watch video of the overtime period, click below:

If you want to watch something better, click below:

And here’s a flashback to years gone by:

There are a few scenarios that could transpire that would be to the Packers benefit. Either way they are in the playoff tournament with the potential to bring the Lombardi trophy home where it belongs – in Green Bay!

If the season were to end today the Packers would be a number 3 seed. Their opponent would be a rematch of their week 17 matchup, the Vikings, who would bring up the rear with the 6^th seed playoff spot.  With that said, the Giants, Bears, and Cowboys all have hope to edge out the Vikings for the number six spot.

The game Packers fans have the most interest in this week is the match-up that pits the San Francisco 49ers against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks could pay the Packers a well-deserved favor with a victory over the 49ers in Seattle. Doing so would ensure the Packers, provided they win their next two games, the 2^nd seed in the NFC Playoffs.  This would grant the Packers a first round playoff bye and a game on the “Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field (insert Chris Berman voice).” Possibly home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

If the 49ers, who many of the experts believe are the best team in football, defeat the Seahawks and their week 17 opponent, the lowly Arizona Cardinals they would claim the number 2 seed. In this instance the Packers would play the Vikings, Bears, Cowboys, or Giants. Looking at the schedules of these four teams and each of their two remaining opponents it seems the Bears would be the Packers’ most likely first round foe. Over the next 2 weeks the Bears play the Cardinals and the Lions at home. As the Cowboys have the Saints and the ‘Skins, the Viking have the Texans and the Packers, and the Giants play the Eagles and the Ravens.

A first round playoff match-up with the Bears is intriguing. After all, the only thing better than defeating the Bears and Jay Cutler twice in a season would be to beat them 3 times. An entertaining game for sure, however, it could be one that makes Packers fans a bit weary. Odds are the Bears will beat the Packers sooner or later and the playoffs would be a miserable time for logic to win out. But we in Packer Nation are optimists, and confident that the Packers would swiftly lead the Bears to the playoff exit.

On the other hand if the Seahawks or the Cardinals happen to defeat the 49ers over the next two weeks the Packers would be matched up with the winner of the first round wild card playoff game. In this scenario the most likely challenger would be the Redskins or the Seahawks.  But the Cowboys could be in the mix here as well. Best bet would be the Seahawks with their ferocious defense.

Nevertheless, January 2013 will prove to be an exciting time in Packers Land. With the Giants seemingly left for dead the largest obstacle in the way of the Green and Gold looks to be the 49ers. The Falcons, although they put the hurt on the defending Super Bowl Champs, don’t appear to have what it takes to win in the playoffs.

For the NFC, the road to the Super Bowl goes through Green Bay … with maybe a stop in San Francisco.

Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) trips up Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

There are times when a writer lacks the words to adequately describe, in original terms, a game like the one the Packers lost to the Giants on Sunday night. But I’ll try.

There are those who believe the game didn’t mean much; a “mulligan” if you will. There are those who have expressed their seemingly omniscient foreknowledge of the events that transpired in New York. There are even those who think it’s time to break up the defensive staff and start over.

Me? I saw what you saw, and I liked none of it.

Nothing the Packers did in this game worked. Let’s be honest and admit that the way the Packers were playing the game was probably out of reach by the end of the first quarter at 17-7 Giants. Without a doubt it was out of reach by halftime at 31-10 Giants. Green Bay didn’t have what it was going to take to beat the Giants in this game. Nobody saw the Giants coming into this game and dominating it the way they did … me included, but dominate it they did.

A few things jumped out at me during the game.

November 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks over offensive line before a play against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. The Packers won 27-15. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE

- The offensive line looked as if they were out of sync and not communicating. All one has to do is look at one stat from the game to verify this: Rodgers was hit, sacked, or under heavy pressure on more than half of his pass attempts. I would have thought even more than that as I watched, but half is still way too often. The Giants had a very effective defensive game plan that made the Packers look totally inept on offense. It didn’t help that so many of the offensive formations didn’t leave anyone for additional pass protection though.

- On defense, the Packers made several of the same mistakes they’ve already made many times this season. In this game the impact of every defensive mistake was increased. Poor and in some cases mediocre tackling, DBs got their hands on the ball in defense but could not catch it, and it seemed obvious to me that once the game was out of reach they were going through the motions. But these are things that can and must now be fixed.

- What has me really concerned is that the Packers do not deal with adversity well. They have not come back from more than 14 points down to win a game in about forever or from 21 points down to win a game in actual forever.

- The way the game started, with the Giants scoring quickly on the screen play and then the Nelson TD, had me thinking the game would be a shootout. I would have been OK with a shootout because the Packers have more than held their own in games like that. Last team with the ball wins? OK! Bring it on.

But this game was no shootout. Once it was obvious the Packers would have to throw the ball to get back into the game it was over. The Giants took away the deep throw by playing their safeties deep and pressured Rodgers so much that he couldn’t consistently make the shorter throws either. The Packers offensive brain trust must figure out a way to execute the passing game against what has become the de facto defense against the Packers passing game – the cover two look with the safeties playing deep.

Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands the ball off to running back James Starks (44) against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

- The Packers have got to figure out a way to run the ball consistently. For more than just carries – for actual yards. When they need them and when they don’t, against all kinds of defenses by all kinds of teams. This is the most effective way to force a team to abandon the cover two and open up the passing game. Have you heard this before?

- It occurs to me that no matter how great a RB is he won’t be successful if the O line isn’t opening holes. Will it take a massive overhaul of the O line? Will they need to use a high draft choice on a RB? Whatever it takes they have to make it happen. This is the most effective way to force a defense to abandon the cover two concept. Heard that before?

There’s not much point in doing the usual chest bumps and thumps after this game. The list would consist of nothing but thumps – mostly huge ones.

The same is true of the fearsome predictions, which for this game might have just as well been called feeble predicaments. Nothing I thought would happen in this game took place. I usually pull at least one prediction off, but this one went south in a hurry and never came back. You have my most sincere apologies.

As for game notes, due to the fact that I was watching the game, what I wrote as I was watching the game will go with me to the grave. There is no need to share that kind of angry-fan vernacular with the public. It’s bad enough that my son heard a little bit of it!

So is it time to put out the fire and call the dogs? Throw in the towel? Hang ‘em up? Burn jerseys? Start firing coaches, staff, or cutting players? Start looking forward to next season?

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb runs back a kickoff during the second quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

No. This was indeed one game. I agree with Aaron Rodgers and what he said post-game. There is work to be done. Improvements are needed. Flaws were masked that need to be remedied. The Packers have the right people in place to fix what ails them. They are a talented team with great players with bright futures. Let’s let them work.

In this game the Giants did to the Packers what the Packers did to the Texans and to a lesser extent the Bears earlier this season. The Giants played two lousy games in a row, had their bye week, and then came back and took it to the boys in green and gold. OK. Any given Sunday, right? It’s over. Learn what can be learned. Moving on.

I don’t expect the Packers to have another performance like this anytime soon. The Packers still control their destiny, much like they did in 2010 and 2011. Win and they’re in. What happens from now on, not what happened last night, will tell the true tale of the 2012 Packers. I can’t wait to see what happens!

Bring on the Vikings! Go Pack GO!

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Like any classic horror story, the beginning of last night’s Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants game was nothing like you would expect.

The Packers took the field trailing 7-0. With the wind in their face, the crowd noise buzzing in their ears they stood right in the face of adversity. And on the fourth play from scrimmage Aaron Rodgers threw a perfect 61-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson.

It was a great play, it silenced the crowd, and it made us wonder, is Rodgers about to enter “the zone?”

The next possession the Packers then forced a 3 and out, and it really seemed like momentum was in the Packers favor. They looked like a team ready to make a statement.

But like any story with a great villain the likes of Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, or the New York Football Giants … it wasn’t going to be that easy.

The Packers got the ball back and began their march right toward the Giants end zone. With every play, they systematically got closer and closer.

Then all the sudden on a desperate shoelace tackle by Chris Canty the drive stalled. With it being fourth and 5 from the New York 37, Coach McCarthy did the unthinkable, he sent Mason Crosby to try a 55-yard field goal.

What?! No!! What is McCarthy thinking?

A struggling kicker, trying a 55-yard field goal in one of the most windy stadiums in the NFL? This could only end one way, badly.

As that kick sailed to its almost certain destination, left of the goal post and no good. You could feel the momentum switch in the blink of an eye.

Eli Manning
Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

The Giants started at the 45 yard line, scored fairly easily, and it was the beginning of the end for the Green Bay Packers.

What would follow was maybe the worst three quarters of football the McCarthy/Rodgers era has ever produced. In the end they lost by four touchdowns. Rodgers and the Packers walked off the field dejected, frustrated, and embarrassed, much like the last time these two teams met.

Going forward McCarthy, Rodgers, and company will say all the right things. They will talk about how they have already put this game behind them and are now focusing on this Sunday against the Vikings.

While they may be focusing on the Vikings, it is much tougher to simply put a performance like this behind them.

This type of loss tends to stay with you. It may not show up next game or the game after that, but at some point they will face adversity much like they did last night in New York.

Aaron Rodgers
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

What will they do?

Will they self-destruct and feel sorry for themselves or will they stand up and fight, like they have so many other times in the past?

Time will tell.

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Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty (99) trips up Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Last night’s 38-10 thrashing at the hands of the New York Giants no doubt has all Green Bay Packers fans feeling rather foul this morning – the morning after is a difficult one, if not one of the more difficult we’ve had to deal with in some time … well, at least since the last time the Packers faced the Giants.

Once again, the Giants dominance along both the offensive and defensive lines was the difference. Hopefully Coach Mike McCarthy takes note.

We could write all week long about what went wrong in this one, but truth be told? It’s not worthy.

This is a game you stick in the trunk and bring out just before the Packers meet up with the Giants again in January. Hopefully, by that time the Packers will be healed up and prepared to stand toe-to-toe and absorb blows. Yes, it’s a tough loss, but it’s simply a single game – one that should be remembered.

Could it be the Packers lost the battle last night en route to winning the war? We shall see as the Packers venture off to fight more battles -all-important battles – within the division.

Oh, and by the way, Mike McCarthy needs to lose the mustache.

But just for one last look, we’ve taken a stroll around the Internet to see what’s being said out there …

Here’s a sampling:

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Head Coach Mike McCarthy on the loss:

“This is a game that really makes everybody look inside and find out what you’re about,” McCarthy said. “I believe in what we’re about as a football team. I haven’t felt like this since probably the first game I coached as a Green Bay Packer head coach. Beaten very thoroughly tonight. Doesn’t taste good, doesn’t feel good.”

From JSonline.com – Packers players quotes on the loss -

 

Morgan Burnett
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Morgan Burnett, S

On the loss: ”That was tough, man. That was a real bad loss. The only thing we can do is just learn from it and make sure it never happens again.”

On if it’s even tougher considering last year’s problems returned: ”It was just all-around. We, as a team, we didn’t get the job done. The Giants came out, and give them credit, those guys came and did what they were supposed to do. We didn’t get the job done and that’s why the outcome of the game ended like it did.”

On if the Giants’ physical play is what separates the two teams: “Yeah, they made their plays. They took advantage of making plays. It was a good team over there and we didn’t finish like we were supposed to. We didn’t come out with that intensity like we normally do. So the only thing we can do is everyone look at themselves in the mirror. Myself, I missed a lot of tackles I should have made. Just have to regroup, reload, learn from this and make sure it never happens again.

 

Aaron Rodgers
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Aaron Rodgers, QB

On the disappointment: “It’s disappointing. It’s one game. We had an opportunity to put ourselves in a better position than we’re in right now and didn’t do that. We’ll be disappointed watching this film but as we move on we have five games left — three at home, four against division opponents. Everything’s right in front of us. We win out, we win our division and accomplish our first goal — winning our division. So that’s what we’re trying to do.

“We have to regroup. I think we have to get a couple things shored up. You win five in a row and everybody’s happy but there’s often things, like I said last year, there are things that kind of go under the radar that need to be handled. Sometimes it takes a loss to handle those things. Now, that being said, I’ve never been on this side of this kind of loss before but I know that if you play long enough, at some point you will. Hopefully we’ll remember this feeling and not have this kind of embarrassment happen again.”

On how it’s different: “It’s just a lot more embarrassing. National TV. Good opportunity. Good opponent. They played well tonight. You have to give them credit. But it was not the way we wanted to play. We’re better than this. We’re going to regroup. We have Minnesota at home and we’ll be ready for them.”

On where things went wrong on offense: “We’ll have to look at the film and look at the execution, learn from it and get better. Teams are going to play us like this so we’re going to have to have answers and execute better than we’ve done most of the season. …You have to run the ball effectively. You have to throw at a high percentage. I think that moving forward, we’ll see. We’ll talk about it. We’ll look at the film and figure out what we have to do to score some more points.”

 

B.J. Raji
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

B.J. Raji, NT

On McCarthy’s message: ”Coach was a little upset. He didn’t say too much. He’s never been a part of this so it’s not like he had a speech ready. Taking Aaron out of the game in the fourth quarter, that doesn’t happen here too much. But I’m sure he’ll have something positive to say when we meet on Wednesday.”

On if the loss is troubling: “That’s a good question. At this point, without evaluating the film, it’s tough to say. But it’s not something we can’t overcome. We have everything in front of us that we need. We can still go out here and win our division and still have homefield. But we’re not going to do that playing the way we played tonight.”

 

Josh Sitton
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Josh Sitton, RG

On fixing what went wrong: ”There wasn’t any crazy crap that happened out there. It just comes down to fundamentals and winning your one-on-one battles. There’s always room for improvement. So we just need to watch the film, figure out our mistakes and try to improve upon them.”

On improving as a line: “Everything is pretty simple, especially on the offensive line. It comes down to fundamentals. I know it sounds simple and pretty cliche but that’s really what it comes down to — hand placement, footwork, small things. There are things we can improve on for sure.”

From packers.com

Randall Cobb: “I think the biggest thing is we have to come out and play with some emotion. I feel like our care level just wasn’t there tonight. I don’t know how else to put it.”

Tramon Williams: “We were flat out there. They got a couple turnovers and we were trailing the whole time. It was a total downfall, I guess you could say.”

From CheeseheadTV.com

“Whether it’s Eli Manning this week or Christian Ponder next week, almost any signal caller will pick apart a defensive backfield if given enough time. The Packers pass rush has to improve, especially on third down in the red zone.”

Giants players quotes from www.bigblueview.com

Justin Tuck on if he knew the Giants would play such a dominant game Sunday night:

“That? No. I saw us playing better. I thought we had a great week of practice. I thought we in some ways just had a refreshing week off. People seemed like they were kind of refreshed coming back this week and we had a great week of practice, but Green Bay’s a great football team. I didn’t see us winning it like this, but I felt very confident going into the game.”

Mathias Kiwanuka on the meaning of the victory:

“I think for us, it’s a start. The message has to be continued on. You can’t just be a fluke. For us, it’s we came back after the bye, we put it together. We had a good week of practice and everybody was clicking. We have to make sure that we build on that and I think that will be a better message than just one game.”

Ahmad Bradshaw on Andre Brown’s injury:

“I feel bad for Andre. He’s my little brother, man. It’s heartbreaking for me just to see him so down. When I was a rookie, I told David (Wilson) that D(errick) Ward broke his fibula and I had to step in and be a big part of our offense and that’s what I expect from David and I told him just to get right and get ready for the following weeks to come…. Once we get him going and get him learning a little more and different things in different areas, I think he’ll be a great asset to our offense.”

Eli Manning on lowering his shoulder into a Packers’ defensive back instead of sliding:

“It’s kind of one of those circumstances where if I slide, I wasn’t sure if I had enough yardage for the first down and the new rule that if you do slide it’s from where you start your slide. I thought it might be close to the first down so I just thought I might have to go get an extra yard. I didn’t think the guy was running at me, he was kind of stopped in a DB so I just tried to make sure I got the first down. I’m sure I’ll get some heat from it or maybe guys will be proud of me in the meetings tomorrow.”

Oct 14, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Head coach Tom Coughlin on the performance of his team:

“We played well tonight, really in all three phases, something we needed to do. We approached this game as if it was the first of a six-game season. I thought we had a good week of practice. I thought the guys were very committed, very serious. I thought they came back rested, both mentally and physically. I thought they were really into preparing and supporting each other and so on and so forth. We challenged our team to play. Adam (Merchant), a young man who was with us from Make-a-Wish on Friday, said to our team, ‘Play like world champions.’ The message was loud and clear. We had Adam in the locker room after the game as well and had him in the middle. Guys were very appreciative that he was here and really what he said was most meaningful. We picked up on that and that’s basically the challenge that we kept throughout the weekend and on our Saturday night meetings, ‘play like world champions.’ “

From jerseyal.com

Pathetic, flat, uninspired and unemotional.

These are a just few words that could be used to describe the dud that the Green Bay Packers put up against the New York Giants on national television Sunday night.  It was a game many fans had circled on the calendar since the schedule was released in spring.  The Giants ended the Packers’ season in the playoffs last season and many a player and fan were eager to get some revenge on the Giants in their own house.

Instead, by a score of Giants 38, Packers 10, salt got added to the wound and boy does it burn.

Well, that’s probably enough … time to move, wouldn’t you say?

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) before the start of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Tonight the Green Bay Packers hit the field against reigning world champion New York Giants. Need I say more?

Unfortunately, I have to.

The Packers got an early touchdown on a bomb from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson, but that was to be it for the Packers offense as they were dominated by the Giants 38-10.

Packers came into the game riding a 5-game win streak. The Giants were coming off their bye.

Green Bay sat at 7-3 and needed to win to stay atop the NFC North. The Giants likewise.

The Packers failed as they gave up big plays, had stupid penalties and couldn’t get anything going on defense.

The Giants came out to score on the opening drive of the game and didn’t let up. Aside from the long TD pass to Jordy Nelson, the Giants defense hassled, sacked and shut down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said it was a “very disappoint  loss,” but he said he still had utmost confidence in his players, citing their character and ability to fight back from adversity.

He was also positive about the future and indicated his team’s fate was still in their own hands.

“This game makes everyone look inside and find out what they’re about. We were beaten very thoroughly tonight … but we’ll be ready for Minnesota [Dec. 2). Everything we want to accomplish is still in front of us."

So, if you're interested, here is the play by play ...

First quarter

Giants wins toss, elect to receive

Jordy Neslon on reason for Packers' 5-game winning streak: Execution. Everyong on same page working together to make plays."

On Randall Cobb: "Very special play get ball in his hands so he can make plays for us."

Packers kickoff and it's returned to the 28

Giants first possession.

Running play for 3

Second and 7, Manning under center, back shoulder throw to Nicks on left sideline, House on coverate for first down

Fist and 10 at 39, Manning hits Victor Cruz wide open over the middle and he drops it. Erik ?? on coverage

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Second and 10, 59 yard screen pass to Bradshaw to the 2 yard line outruns everyone, but Davon House runs him down and makes tackle.

First and goal, Manning under center misses pass badly over the head of tight end who was wide open at the goal line.

Second and goal, handoff to  rushing touchdown off left guard, his 8th TD of the year

Tynes extra point

Giants 7 Packers 0

Giants kickoff, Cobb returns it to the 24,

Packers possession

First and 10, handoff to starks for 3

Second and 7, Alex Green drags tacklers for 8 and a first down

First and 10 Rodgers passes quickly over the middle to John Kuhn for 5

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Second and four, Rodgers drops straight back and hits Jordy Nelson for 61 yards down the right sideline, beating Corey Webster on the coverage.

Giants challenge the touchdown, saying Nelson went out of bounds. He appears to be in – ruling on the field stands

Jordy Nelson 61 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers, 10:44 Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards in 1:54

Packers kickoff to Giants

Returned to 24, Bush on the shoestring tackle

Manning in the gun, hands off to Andre Brown off-tackle left for 4

Second and 6, ball at 20, Manning passes to the left flat incomplete

Third and 6, Manning in gun, Passes quickly toward Cruz, nearly intercepted by Casey Hayward. Great coverage.

Fourth down punt

Punt to Cobb with nice return of 15 yards to Packers 46 yard  line

Packers second possession

Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) looks at the goal posts prior to a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Packers first and 10 from the 46, Cobb takes end around pitch to the left, eludes Pierre-Paul and picks up 12

First and 10, Rodgers handoff to Starks for 5 off tackle. Nice blocking so far by Packers line.

Second and 5, Rodgers under center, hands off to Kuhn for 2 up the middle

Third and 3 from the Giants 33, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers has all day, escapes pass rush up the middle and gets tripped up short of the first down by Chris Catnty

Mason Crosby misses left from 45 yards

This may be another nail in Crosby’s coffin … fans disappointed. Twitter and Facebook blowing up.

Giants third possession

First and 10 from own 45, Ahmad Bradshaw off left tackle for 6

Second and 4, Bradshaw for 8 first down run off right tackle.

First and 10, Manning steps up in pocket and passes to Bradshaw who drops it – however, AJ Hawk called for illegal contact.

First and 10, Bradshaw for six off right tackle

Second and 4, ball at Packers 31, Manning under center, handoff to Bradshaw off left guard for 2,

Third and 2, Manning under center, Giants called for false start.

Third and 7, ball at 34, Manning scrambles up the middle and picks up 13 yards for first down, takes hit from Tramon Williams

First and 10, ball at Packers 21, pitch to Brown for 5 off right tackle

Second and 5, Pass over the middle for Hakim Nicks behind and knocked down by Williams

Third and 5 Manning pass to Rueben Randle in the back of the end zone for TD  who beats Davon House

2:38 Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards in 4:37

Giants 14 Packers 7

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is sacked by New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn (93) during the first quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Giants kick off to Cobb

Packers third possession

First and 10, Aaron Rodgers is intercepted by Cory Webster who runs it down to the 2 yards line. However, he was ruled down by contact at the Packers 38 yard line

Giants fourth possession

First and 10 at the Packers 38, Manning passes over the middle, but MD Jenning makes great tackle  for no gain.

Second and 10, handoff to Bradshaw for 9,

Third and 1, Manning under center from 29, handoff to Bradshaw who is stopped short with nice defensive push

Tynes with 43 yard field goal

Giants 17 Packers 7

Giants kick off to Cobb who returns it 21 yards from the goal line

Packers fifth possession

First and 10 at their own 21, Rodgers in gun, Giants LB Chase Blackburn rushes untouched up the middle to bury Aaron Rodgers

End of first quarter

Second and 18

Third and 13, Rodger hits Cobb with a quick slant for 6

Tim Masthay punt to the Giants 38 yard line, 36 yard kick

Nov 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (left) scores a touchdown while being tackled by Green Bay Packers free safety M.D. Jennings (43) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-US PRESSWIRE

Giants fifth possession

First and 10 from the 38, Manning throws to Nicks over the middle incomplete

Second and 10, Andre Brown for no gain

Third and 9, Manning in gun, passes long to Nicks for 25

First and 10, ball at Packers 35, Manning passes left to Bennet who stretches for another first down.

First and 10, from Packers 24, handoff left to Bradshaw who bounces it off left tackle for 11

First and 10, handoff to Brown who carries players for 4 yards

Victor Cruz.
Tim Farrell/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

Second and 6, pass to left side of end zone,  Davon House on coverage

Third and 6, touchdown pass over the middle to Victor Cruz, MD Jennings on coverage

Extra point Tynes

8 plays, 61 yards in 3:58

Giants 24 Packers 7

Giants kick off to Cobb who returns it 30 yards to the 28 yard line

Packers sixth possession

First and 10, handoff to Alex Green, who hesitates and gets no yards

Second and 10, inside handoff to Green who is tracked down by Chase Blackburn

Third and 9, Rodgers in the gun, Giants neutral zone infraction

Third and 4, pass over the middle for Kuhn for a big gain of 32 yards

First and 10 at Giants 36, Alex Green for 5 – Evan Dietrich-Smith called for holding

First and 20, Starks up the middle for 3

Second and 17, Rodgers has all day and rushes for 6

Third and 11, Rodgers again with all day rushes right, throws right incomplete, but defensive holding called on Giants

First and 10, ball at 33, Rodgers chased right out of the pocket and hits Randall Cobb over the middle for 13 yards

Jermichael Finley
Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE

First and 10, Finley drops a pass to the left flat

ANOTHER DROP BY FINLEY – THIS IS THE END FOR HIM

Green Bay timeout

Second and 10 ball at Giants 20, Rodgers rolls left and hits Finley over the middle and he punishes tacklers. Well, Ok so he has play designed to get the ball back into his hands. He does a good job, but fall short of the first down by one yard – comes back to haunt the Packers on the next play …

Third and 1, ball at 11, Green With the second effort falls near first down line and is short by half a yard

Mason Crosby FG attempt, from 28 yards, GOOD!!!

Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards in 6:00

Giants 24 Packers 10

Giants fifth possession

Packers kick off to Giants returned to the 26

First and 10, Dezman Moses sacks Manning for loss of 6

Second and 16 from 20, Brown up the middle for 11

Third and 5, quick pass right to Bradshaw and House makes solid tackle to force a punt

2-minute warning

Fourth down Giants punt to Cobb fields the high bouncing ball and takes it back 5 yards

Packers sixth possession

First and 10 from the 24, Rodgers chased out of the pocket right and throws incomplete

Second and 10, Rodgers in gun, pass left to Cobb for 15 yards

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (91) as he scrambles during the second quarter of an NFL game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

First and 10, Rodgers in gun, drops back is hit by Uninyora, fumbles and Pierre-Paul recovers and Giants have ball at Packers 23

First and 10, pass to Randle complete hit, knocked back by williams who can’t make the tackle and he runs forward for first down

First and 10 – 50 seconds left, Manning hands off to Bradshaw up the middle wide open for TD 13 yards

This is turning into the worst Packers defeat in decades. 

Kickoff to Packers by Giants returned by DJ Williams

First and 10, pass to Cobb over the middle

Second and 4, Rodgers again forced left and throws incomplete

Third and 4, Rodgers handoff to Kuhn for 6 for first down

Giants take timeout

Packers one last chance – Ball at 42, Rodgers scrambles right and throws ball out of bounds to mercifully end the first half.

Giants 31 Packers 10

Packers

Giants

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Andre Brown 2 yard TD run (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 12:38 Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards in 2:22
New York 7-0

Jordy Nelson 61 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 10:44 Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards in 1:54
Tied 7-7

Rueben Randle 16 yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 2:38 Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards in 4:37
New York 14-7

Lawrence Tynes 43 yard field goal, 0:23 Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards in 2:03
New York 17-7

2nd Quarter

Victor Cruz 9 yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 9:37 Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards in 3:58
New York 24-7

Mason Crosby 28 yard field goal, 3:37 Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards in 6:00
New York 24-10

Ahmad Bradshaw 13 yard TD run (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 0:44 Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards in 0:19
New York 31-10

Second half

 

Giants kickoff

November 25, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs back a kickoff during the first quarter of an NFL game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

First and 10, Rodgers is hit on the rush, throws a duck that’s tipped and picked out of the air by Jermichael Finley for a first down

First and 10, Packers penalty

First and 15,

Second and 11, Rodgers in gun, rushed and passes behind Cobb

Third and 11, Rodgers sacked

Fourth and 15 Punt by Masthay to 30 fumbled, but recovered by the Giants

 

Giants first possession of second half

First and 10, from the 31 yard line, Manning under center, Brown one yard

Second and 9, Manning pass over the middle to Cruz for first down

First and 10, Manning launches one long, but overthrows everyone by 10 yards

Second and 10, ball at Giants 42, draw to Brown for 9 yards

Third and 1, Manning in gun, pitch to Brown, short of first down

Fourth and 1, punt to Cobb fair catch at the 9

 

 

Packers second possession

First and 10, Green for 5,

Second and 5, pitch to Green is cut down by Alex Webster for no gain.

Third and 5 from Packers 14, Rodgers runs for 10 for a first down

First and 10 from 25, Rodgers throws low to Starks and it falls incomplete

Alex Green
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Second and 10, Green has nice 10 yard run, but TE Tom Crabtree caught for holding

Second and 20, Green off right tackle for 3

Third and 17, pass to Cobb behind him, tips into the air and then incomplete

Punt by Masthay, fumbles and Giants recover – again

 

Giants third possession of second half

First and 10 from 48,Pass to Marcellus Bennet for first down to the Packers 37

First and 10, Big pass play to Nicks down to the 7 – 30 yard gain

First and goal, Packers called for illegal use of hands to the face, half distance to the goal

First and goal, Manning pass toward Nicks in left side of end zone falls incomplete

Second and goal, ball at 3, Bradshaw scores on run, but offensive holding called

Second and goal, Ball at 14, Manning throws low and incomplete

Third and goal, pass over the middle caught and called short of a touchdown – Giants challenge the call

Call on the field is overruled and it’s a touchdown

Tynes extra point

Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards in 2:27

Giants 38 Packers 10

Giants kick off to Cobb

Packers third possession of the second half

First and 10 from the 25, Green for no gam

Second and 10, pass over middle to Green for first down

First and 10, shovel pass to green incomplete

Aaron Rodgers
Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Second and 10, Rodgers sacked

Third and 10, Rodgers scrambles left and then hits Finley over the middle for 20 – Giants Pierre-Paul and Kenny Phillips both injured on play.

First and 10, ball at 38, Alex Green runs hard for 8,

Second and 2, Rodgers flushed out of the pocket and hits Nelson for 7 and a first down

First and 10, Rodgers throws low to Crabtree incomplete

Second and 10, from the Giants 19, Rodgers pressured, but flips and pass to Green for 2

End of third quarter

Third and 9, Rodgers screen to Green short of first down

Fourth and 5 – Packers go for it, Rodgers passes over the middle and it’s broken up by Blackburn

Packers turn the ball over on downs

Giants fourth possesion

First and 10, from the Giants 13, Manning hands off to Brown who rips off 8 yards to the outside

Second and 1, handoff to Brown for 2 and a first down

First and 10, Brown for loss of 1

Second and 11, Manning pass incomplete

Third and 11, pass to Cruz for 19

First and 10, Manning down sideline incomplete

Second and 10, Brown rushes off left tackle for 15

First and 10, at Packers 42, handoff to David Wilson for 3

Second and 7, Manning passes to the flat for 8

Third and 2, Wilson stuffed for no gain

Fourth and 2, Giants go for it, Manning pass to Bennett for first down

First and 10 from Packers Packers 18, Wilson runs for 2

Second and 8, Wilson for 3

Third and 5, pass to the goal line incomplete, but Jarron McMillian called for personal foul

First and goal, pass to left corner of end zone with Nicks incomplete, House on coverage

Second and goal, Wilson for 2

Third and goal, Wilson up the middle for three

Fourth and goal, from the 2 Giants go for it , ball is tipped and it falls incomplete. Giants give the ball up on downs

Packers ball at own 2

 

Graham Harrell
Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

Rodgers pulled from game and Graham Harrell comes in

First and 10, handoff to Kuhn for 4

Second and 6, Starks runs for 5

Third and 1, Starks gets five for first down

First and 10, from the Packers 16, Alex Green for 6

Second and 4, Starks rushes for first down, picking up 10

 

2-minute warning

First and 10, checkdown pass from Harrell to John Kuhn for first down

First and 10, handoff to Starks for 3

Second and 7, handoff to Starks for 3

Third and 4, Graham passes behind DJ Williams incomplete

fourth down punt, out of bounds.

Giants Victory formation

Giants 38 Packers 10

 

• Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Andre Brown 2 yard TD run (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 12:38 Drive: 6 plays, 74 yards in 2:22
New York 7-0

Jordy Nelson 61 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 10:44 Drive: 4 plays, 77 yards in 1:54
Tied 7-7

Rueben Randle 16 yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 2:38 Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards in 4:37
New York 14-7

Lawrence Tynes 43 yard field goal, 0:23 Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards in 2:03
New York 17-7

2nd Quarter

Victor Cruz 9 yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 9:37 Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards in 3:58
New York 24-7

Mason Crosby 28 yard field goal, 3:37 Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards in 6:00
New York 24-10

Ahmad Bradshaw 13 yard TD run (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 0:44 Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards in 0:19
New York 31-10

3rd Quarter

Hakeem Nicks 13 yard TD pass from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes extra point is GOOD), 3:36 Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards in 2:27
New York 38-10

Giants

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Manning	16/30	249	3	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Brown	13	64	1	16
Bradshaw	10	58	1	13
Wilson	6	13	0	4
Manning	2	12	0	13

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Nicks	5	77	1	30
Bennett	3	44	0	17
Cruz	3	36	1	17
Bradshaw	2	61	0	59
Randle	2	26	1	16
Wilson	1	5	0	5

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Randle	2	0	1
Tryon	0	0	1

 

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	14/25	219	1	1
Harrell	1/2	11	0	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Starks	8	35	0	8
Green	10	30	0	8
Rodgers	3	22	0	11
Kuhn	4	17	0	7
Cobb	1	12	0	12

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Cobb	4	39	0	15
Finley	3	51	0	26
Kuhn	3	49	0	32
Green	3	20	0	15
Nelson	2	71	1	61

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Rodgers	1	1	0

 

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	14/25	219	1	1
Harrell	1/2	11	0	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Starks	8	35	0	8
Green	10	30	0	8
Rodgers	3	22	0	11
Kuhn	4	17	0	7
Cobb	1	12	0	12

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Cobb	4	39	0	15
Finley	3	51	0	26
Kuhn	3	49	0	32
Green	3	20	0	15
Nelson	2	71	1	61

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Rodgers	1	1	0

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Hawk	8	2	0
Jones	6	2	0
Jennings	4	1	0
House	4	0	0
Burnett	3	5	0
Moses	3	5	1
Raji	3	0	0
Williams	2	1	0
Daniels	2	0	0
Pickett	2	0	0
Zombo	2	0	0
McMillian	1	0	0
Walden	1	0	0
Worthy	1	0	0
Wilson	0	1	0

 

Giants

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Manning	16/30	249	3	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Brown	13	64	1	16
Bradshaw	10	58	1	13
Wilson	6	13	0	4
Manning	2	12	0	13

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Nicks	5	77	1	30
Bennett	3	44	0	17
Cruz	3	36	1	17
Bradshaw	2	61	0	59
Randle	2	26	1	16
Wilson	1	5	0	5

Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC-O
Randle	2	0	1
Tryon	0	0	1

Interceptions	NO	YDS	LG	TD
Webster	1	0	0	0

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Kiwanuka	5	1	2
Phillips	5	0	0
Rolle	5	0	0
Boley	4	3	0
Blackburn	4	2	1
Amukamara	3	0	0
Canty	3	0	1
Webster	3	0	0
Joseph	2	2	0
Brown	2	1	0
Hosley	2	0	0
Umenyiora	2	0	1
Pierre-Paul	1	2	0
Hill	1	1	0
Paysinger	1	1	0
Tracy	1	0	0
Tuck	1	0	0
Bernard	0	1	0
Sash	0	1	0

Fumbles	FORCED	REC-D
Pierre-Paul	0	1
Umenyiora	1	0

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/11/25/5060/index.html#ixzz2DIgDaFmN

 

 

 

Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands the football off to running back James Starks (44) during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The staff here at lombardiave.com pulls together once again to take a look at this week’s Green Bay Packers game.

This week, the New York Giants are up. The Packers put their five-game winning streak on the line as they travel to the Big Apple to take on the world champs. The Packers beat them there last season, but we all know what happened when the Giants visited Lambeau Field in January.

The Giants are coming off their bye week and the Packers are coming off a tumultuous, yet satisfying win over NFC North rival Detroit Lions on the road.

The Packers hope to extend that win streak against a rested Giants unit that has been playing poorly as of late.

Here’s what we all think about today’s game:

Ray Rivard
Editor
Lomardiave.com editor

Ray Rivard: I think we all know this is going to be a fight to the finish. The Packers offensive line will struggle to keep the athletic and overpowering Giants’ defensive linemen off the back of Aaron Rodgers; The Packers run game will be two yards-a-crack once again; and Eli Manning comes out of his two-game slump.

That said, the Packers have that player named Aaron Rodgers. Yes, he’s the league’s MVP and is on track to be considered for that title once again. He will find ways to keep this one close. This one could come down to which team has control of the football last. Yes, once again it might be decided on the foot of a kicker. Can I smell overtime? Maybe.

I don’t often pick against the Packers, but if there’s one game the team can afford to lose, it’s this one. If they’re competitive and lose, fine. I certainly don’t want to see a blowout on either side of the ball.

I have a feeling Mason Crosby will miss at least once in this one and it could be the difference. Playing on the road against a fresh team could also play a part. Maybe the injuries catch up to the Packers in this one.

Giants 27 Packers 26

Dan Turczynski
Staff writer

Dan Turczynski: Arguably the toughest game on the Packers’ schedule all season, going to New York and taking on a hungry New York Giant team just doesn’t seem like a game the Packers will walk away winning. The Giants have lost their last two games and were embarrassed by the Bengals prior to their bye week last week.

The Giants have had an extra week to prepare for the Packers, which also bodes well for them. Though the Packers have won the last four games in New York, this one just seems a little out of their league right now. Don’t get me wrong, the Packers can win this game just as easily as the Giants can win it, that’s why it is a “toss up” game.

I never thought that the Packers would go undefeated in the second half of the season, which would be very tough to do. Originally I circled this matchup as a potential loss for the Packers and I will stick with my initial gut choice. The Packers will also be hungry for obvious reasons, but the Packers spot the Giants this win because these teams will meet in the playoffs, and the Packers will get their revenge then. However, for now, the Pack lose a tough one in New York.

Giants 24 Packers 21

Bill Walton (left) with his wife, Deneen (right), and algebraically-challenged son, John (center).

Bill Walton: When the Packers take on the Giants on Sunday night in NYC I think the two teams are so evenly matched that neither has an obvious statistical advantage. In my preview piece for the game I pointed out the similarities between the two teams. I also pointed out that the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, who I now think will be the single biggest difference-maker in the game. If Rodgers plays well, the Packers will win.

This is also a revenge game for the Packers, who had a really good thing going last season until the Giants went into Lambeau and laid the wood to the Packers in the playoffs on their way to their Super Bowl win. How much revenge will play into the game I don’t know, but it will be served cold.

I see this as another Texans game, at least from the standpoint of the Packers being a road dog, in a big game, against a solid opponent. I don’t think this game is quite as imortant as the Houston game was, but should the Packers win it should set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

Tryptophan-addled wife Deneen sees the Packers winning 42-35. Algebraically-challenged son John picks the Packers on top 42-14. I would be perfectly happy with either of those two outcomes, but I see it ending up more like 33-27 Packers.

Jason Hirschhorn
Staff writer

Jason Hirschhorn: Predicting Sunday night’s game boils down to a single determination: Whether you think the Giants will continue their cold streak or return to their early season dominance. If the former, Green Bay, who have won five straight, should take it to New York. Otherwise, it should be a tight affair with the Giants ultimately coming out on top.

Each team is facing serious injury concerns. For the Packers, Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, and Greg Jennings are all unlikely to play or out. While Jennings’ production has been ably-replicated by Randall Cobb and James Jones, this game is when the loss of Woodson’s veteran savvy and ball-hawking ability will truly be missed. No analysis is necessary for the absence of Matthews.

The Giants’ defense has struggled, giving up an average of 25.5 points over their last four games, a full two points less than what the Packers offense has averaged during the same span. However, the Giants are 5-3 in games after the bye week under Tom Coughlin and have won each of their last four.

But what of Eli? He hasn’t thrown for a touchdown in over a month. While the bye week helps, Manning’s struggles can’t be ignored. It’s rare to see an established quarterback go through a stretch like Eli has and even rarer to see him work out of it during the season. I don’t buy the “tired arm” explanation for his poor performance. This smells like one of those undisclosed injuries you only hear about after the season. I don’t think Eli will be back to his old self, and that will make the difference.

Packers 31 – Giants 27

Thomas Marquardt
Staff writer

Thomas Marquardt: This game depends on which teams show up, the “good” Packers and Giants or the mediocre Packers and Giants. If the Packers that faced Houston and the Giants that faced SF show up it will be a classic.

I’m hoping for that and that means an offense completely in sync for the Packers.

I think that will be enough to win, even without Clay Mathews.

Packers 34 Giants 27

Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes: This is a difficult game to pick.  On one hand the Packers offense is bound to have a breakout game and unload on an opponent. On the other hand the Giants are coming off a bye week and this is typically the time of the year that they hit their stride.

The Giants have been in a bit of a funk. In their last game before the bye they got thrashed by the Bengals 31-13. This is hardly what you would expect from the team that knocked the Packers out of the playoffs last January and went on to win the Super Bowl.

Their offense has been just so-so, and Eli Manning is said to have his confidence shaken a bit. On the defensive side of the ball they are led by their menacing defensive line that will make Aaron Rodgers and his offensive line earn every nickel of their lunch money.

Green Bay’s offense has been effective enough for the Packers to win their last five games. But it hasn’t been as explosive as expected since the 42-24 drubbing of the Houston Texans in week 6. One key to this game will be how LG Evan Dietrich-Smith bounces back from a poor performance against the Lions. If Eli Manning continues to be out of sorts, the youth in the Packers secondary could be also be pivotal to the outcome of this contest.

The Giants are favored by 2 ½ and many of the quote-unquote experts are picking them to win. I am going to go against the grain on this one and pick the Packers. I think the offensive line will play well enough to give MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers the time he needs to perfect his chemistry with TE Jermichael Finley. The defense will be anchored by the pass rush of Dezman Moses and coverage of rookie cornerback Casey Hayward. A hard fought game but the Pack comes out on top.

Packers  31 Giants 24 

Jerry Bulone: The last time these two played, things did not go well for the a Packers. The Giants were as hot as any team going in, and they did a good job of pouncing on a Packers team that looked rusty and out of sync. Aaron Rodgers, like the rest of the Packers walked off that field beat up, embarrassed, and looking for answers.

Here’s what others are saying:

Tom Coughlin.Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Justin Tuck. Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

Earlier this week New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin and defensive lineman Justin Tuck conducted a phone conference call with members of the media covering the Green Bay Packers.

This weekly endeavor gives each team’s media a chance to ask some questions of the head coach and at least one member of the opposing team.

As always, Coughlin is as gruff and direct, while Tuck says all the right things so as not to produce an bulletin board material for the Packers’ locker room.

This conversation is posted on the Packers official website and I’ve embedded the mp3 from each call for your listening pleasure below.

121121-giants-coughlin

121121-giants-tuck

Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws in the pocket against the Green Bay Packers at the Lambeau Field. The Giants beat the Packers 37-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

With Sunday night’s big game between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants we got Joe Tufaro of Fansided’s GMenHQ.com to consider our Q&A.

A. The Giants understand they need to perform better up front, and of course they look at the changes you have needed to make upfront as an opportunity.  That being said the Giants respect your team and coaching staff enough to know it’s not going to be an easy task.  Osi even said today “don’t expect a sack party” just because the O-Line might be your weakest spot.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball during. Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Q. Are Giants fans concerned about the play of Eli Manning over the past couple of weeks and can you pinpoint exactly why he hasn’t been himself lately?

A. The Giants fans believe, trust, and love Eli for all he has done, and know he will figure it out and get back to being Easy E.  I think it comes down to facing more pressure the past few weeks than they had been, and the defenses deciding to stop playing zone and force the receivers to be more physical.  Eli is fine physically and if he was distracted by personal issues, as all the Giants were during and after the Hurricane, he will be back mentally also.

A. Packers defense is strong, but missing a few key elements.  I think both teams understand that much has changed since January, and that that game may have been an aberration anyway.  Film doesn’t lie, and we have had two weeeks to study, so I don’t think changes in personnel will be an issue.

A. They need to establish the run, but as always Eli is free to do as he pleases depending on the front the defense chooses.  He will continue to see what match-ups favor the Giants, and run the plays he thinks gives them the best chance to be successful.

Randall Cobb is a rising star for the Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Q. Randall Cobb was the Packers best kept secret the first half of the season, but now that he’s fast becoming a star, what do the Giants do to try to slow his meteoric rise?

A. Hopefully they keep a close eye on him.  Tom Coighlin is well aware of what he has become and has spoken highly of him all week.  They have used certain players on the scout team this week to simulate some of the looks the Packers have been using with Cobb.  I wouldn’t expect to see him field too many punts in bounds Sunday night, and most kickoffs will be either out of the end zone or in a corner somewhere.  You can’t shut him down completely, but you can be smart about how many opportunities you allow to have to beat you.

Q. Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been lighting up teams like he did last year, but he is Aaron Rodgers – the league’s MVP and arguably the best player in the league. What do the Giants do to slow him?

A. Hopefully they can get pressure from somewhere and everywhere, and force him into some quick throws.  There is no way to stop Rodgers, you really just hope he has a bad day and makes a few mistakes.  Again, I think the Packers know their team and our team pretty well and I expect to see quick throws, screens, slants, and draws to protect your line and to get the ball out of Rodgers hand quickly.

A. Close, but could be high scoring.  31-27?

Lindy Infante

If there was one good thing about Lindy Infante, is that his public relations skills were top-notch. The press loved him.

As you can tell by the posting below from the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, he was always good for a quote and a one-liner.

Check it out. It will surely make you smile.

Lindy Infante Knocks ‘Em Dead at Packers Press Conference

August 8, 1988 – Lindy Infante’s first preseason game with the Green Bay Packers may not have gone as planned, but the first-year head coach maintains his sense of humor when facing the media the Monday following the 34-3 loss to the New York Giants. “Anybody got the autopsy back,” Infante asks reporters at the start of his press conference. “I expected to see the coroner out here instead of you guys.” Turning serious, Infante declares: “It’s still too early to proclaim us dead.” Green Bay opens the 1988 season with five straight losses before Infante secures his first regular-season win, a 45-3 dismantling of the New England Patriots.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may have been relaxed at last week's Family Night, but tonight the Packers get down to business against the Chargers. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

To preview today’s preseason game, Ernie Padaon of Fansided.com’s Boltbeat queried Lombardi Ave, the FanSided Packers site, to get a little more info on what is going on out in cheese land. Here is what I had to say:

1. What Packers veterans are on the bubble? 
There are a few Packer veterans who might see reduced playing time or may end up being cut. CB Sam Shields has had a rough start to his camp. He’s been beaten consistently and doesn’t seem to be playing like the third-year player that he is. He’s in a battle with Jarrett Bush and second-year player Davon House, among others. It will be interesting to see if he sticks. Though A.J. Hawk signed a long-term contract after the 2010-11 Super Bowl season, there are many who feel he could be beaten out by second-year player D.J. Smith. Smith started for Hawk when he was injured last year and made impressive play after play. Smith has a nose for the ball and always seems to be around it. The Packers already cut Charlie Peprah because they want to go with younger players and also play Charles Woodson on the back end of the defense. The next couple of weeks should be interesting as the competition for spots continues.

2. A lot of Chargers fans wanted to draft Nick Perry before we got a chance at Melvin Ingram, how is Perry doing in camp so far? 
Glad you asked that. He’s been kind of the Invisible Man as he makes the transition from a down defensive lineman to a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Nobody’s panicking yet because he is a beast of an athlete and most feel that when he learns the system and gets more playing time that he will come around and be the perfect complement to Clay Matthews.

3. What Packers youngsters are looking to steal a roster spot coming into the game? 
It looks like Marcus Tyler, the FA running back from Southern Cal is going to get some playing time and if he plays well, could make a move for at least a practice squad spot. On defense, the Packers are really high on Casey Hayward. He’s looked like a player during the first week or two of training camp, but his value won’t be known until he gets some playing time. With Davon House, the Packers may be seeing a real resurgence of young players at the cornerback position.

4. What is your favorite cheese? 
ahahahahahaha – I always come back to sharp cheddar!

5. Predict the Packers season
After a 15-1 season and then getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Giants, the Packers are coming into this season with a chip on their shoulders. The team is looking for redemption. Though I doubt they will go through the majority of the season unbeaten again like they did last year, I see this team winning at least 12 games and possibly 13. They will need that many to win the division. In the end, I can honestly say that if they don’t make the playoffs, it will be a huge disappointment. I think the team won’t disappoint and will compete for a Super Bowl berth. Anything less would be very disappointing.

Ernie Padaon’s Comments
Nick Perry as the invisible man? Could you imagine if we took him with the first pick and he was an invisible man? People would be calling him a bust immediately and calling for AJs head for another failed draft pick.

The sharp cheddar is always a good go-to cheese also. Even in the land of cheese, cheddar can always be counted on for deliciousness.

What is your favorite cheese?

The Packers will face Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens next year, as well as all the teams from the AFC North. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

While it’s not a good thing to look too far ahead when it comes to the National Football League, we caught this quick snippet on CheeseheadTV – the home and away schedule for 2013.

I’m saying it right now – the Packers better make hay this year because when they enter the 2013 regular season, they will be playing a schedule that will be be tough – very tough.

The Packers will be facing teams from two of the roughest divisions in the entire league – the AFC North and the NFC East. In addition to that, they will play opponents from the NFC South and NFC West with similar records from 2012 – those opponents are to be determined.

Throw in the North Division opponents, Bears, Vikings, and Lions – well, you can see where I’m going.

Here’s the home and away schedule:

Home

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Redskins

Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC South opponent

Away

Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants

Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals

NFC West opponent

We all know what the NFC brings, but even tougher still will be the opponents from the NFC North – Pittsburgh and Baltimore play a style of game that’s both brutal and just plain mean. Throw into the mix a much-improving Cincinnati Bengals squad and the who-knows-what-team’s-going-to-show-up Cleveland Browns and we see contests where the Packers will have to bring their A-game week-in and week-out.

In addition, having to face the NFC East Eagles, Giants, Cowboys and Redskins will make for an interesting season. IMO, there isn’t a weak opponent anywhere in sight.

But that’s next year. We all know that it’s the now and present that is important as training camp is a mere four days away. The team’s focus is on opening day against the San Francisco 49ers, followed four days later by a tilt with the Chicago Bears – that’s a pretty brutal start to a season right there.

We’ll worry about 2013 next year. I just thought I would throw it out there for you.