Lombardi Ave » Packers

Balance: It’s the key to another Packers championship

Travis Pipes — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:30 +0000

The Green Bay Packers have relied on the arm of Aaron Rodgers, but look for balance this year.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Chris Brown, author of ‘The Essential Smart Football” and a contributor at ESPN’s Grantland, wrote “it’s understandable that most fans (and even many coaches) think of football plays in terms of the strict run-pass dichotomy.”

To that point, teams usually only do one or the other well. One-dimensional franchises with predictable offenses aren’t consistently competing for or winning championships as much as they’re jockeying for lottery position in the annual NFL draft.

Oakland, for example, has appeared in exactly one Super Bowl (XXXVII) since their reign of lawless-inspired championships in the mid-1970s and early 1980s and has struggled to finish with a winning record for most of the last two decades. Dallas has won just a single playoff game since they earned three titles in the 1990s. The Dallas Morning News constantly skewers Jerry Jones for his inabilities as both an owner and general manager and frequently chronicle the failures of quarterback Tony Romo.

For some Cowboys fans, Romo is the anti-Aikman or Staubach.

The Packers can’t continue to rely so heavily on Aaron Rodgers.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

For both franchises, the element of offensive balance simply hasn’t existed in order to consistently be successful over the long run. While this may seem like an elementary concept, it has some truth.

We know this: the NFL has increasingly become a passing league. The recent passing trend has seen red-hot quarterbacks win the title. Aaron Rodgers was elevated to elite status with a victory in Super Bowl XLV in 2010 following an incredible statistical run that saw him throw nine touchdowns in four games. And there’s Joe Flacco who capped his recent Super Bowl XLVII championship run with the Ravens by tossing 11 scores during the postseason.

Consequently, as the league has evolved through the air, more traditional “run heavy” teams have seemingly taken a back seat in the pecking order. According to Pro Football Reference, nine teams in 2012 averaged less than 100 total yards rushing per game. Arizona finished 32nd with a paltry 75.3 yards per contest. Dallas, much to the chagrin of Jerry Jones and despite featuring talented back DeMarco Murray, ended up 31st with 79.1 yards per game. Jacksonville, a typically strong running team, was without running back Maurice Jones-Drew for most of the season and subsequently netted just 85.6 yards every Sunday to finish 30th in the NFL.

The high-octane Atlanta offense, led by recently-released running back Michael Turner, finished 29th in the league with just 87.3 per game.

These four teams averaged a combined 3.6 yards per rush. With the exception of the Falcons, eight of the nine teams (Arizona, Dallas, Jacksonville, Oakland, San Diego, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Cleveland) missed the playoffs in 2012.

Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris helped the Redskins lead the league in rushing last season.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

In comparison, teams that have a strong running game tend to have success in making the postseason. Pro Football Reference shows that the Washington Redskins were the best running team in the league in 2012, averaging 169.3 yards per game. Collectively, the Redskins backfield netted 5.2 yards per carry. They qualified for the playoffs and lost to the upstart Seattle Seahawks in last year’s NFC Wild Card game. Dual-threat quarterback Robert Griffin III was hampered by a Seahawks defense that keyed to stop him. Ultimately he suffered an injury, relagating the team to one-dimensional status.

The Minnesota Vikings, who feature an elite Adrian Peterson, ranked second in the NFL by logging 164.6 rushing yards per game. The issue here is that Peterson also happens to co-exist in a one-dimensional offense which lacks a legitimate threat at quarterback. Minnesota drew a road matchup in a frigid Lambeau Field in the other 2012 NFC Wild Card game. The Vikings were quickly eliminated when Green Bay stacked eight or more defenders in the box or close to the line of scrimmage and limited their running game.

Minnesota quarterback Christian Ponder was a non-factor. Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers committed to a game plan designed to contain the Vikings rushing attack, in part because Ponder led a passing game that averaged 170 yards per game, good for 31st in the NFL. This is a prime example of how a team that cannot successfully run the football, especially in cold weather on the road, are at a severe disadvantage.

According to Pro Football Reference, since Mike McCarthy took over as head coach in 2006, Green Bay has ranked in the top 15 in the NFL in yards per rushing attempt twice (2007 and 2009, at 12th and 13th, respectively) which is a major indicator of the Packers’ reliance upon Rodgers’ arm and their subsquent inability to dictate the run. We’ve all heard McCarthy talk about how he’d like to be able to do this. He knows toughness and a good ground game are important predecessor to controlling, closing out and winning games. Power running is critical in that it’s a catalyst to a team developing an attitude of toughness and becoming more physical – both elements that McCarthy has said Green Bay has lacked in recent years.

Terry Bradshaw
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

When you think of the historically tough teams over the history of the NFL you envision John Riggins of the Redskins in the 1980s. You think of Larry Csonka of the Dolphins and Franco Harris of the Steelers in the 1970s. You think of Jim Taylor wearing Green and Gold, running the power sweep up the alley, in the 1960s. These Hall of Fame power runners, not conincidentally, each won Super Bowl titles. However, they also operated within the parameters of well-balanced offenses. Washington featured quarterback Joe Theismann. Miami had Bob Griese. Pittsburgh lined up Terry Bradshaw behind center. Green Bay had Bart Starr. All four signal callers also are immortalized in Canton, Ohio. Defenses that lined up against these All-Time teams had the uneviable task of picking their gridiron poison.

For a variety of reasons, Green Bay has utilized a “pass to set up the pass” offensive philosophy. Personnel issues, injuries, blocking schemes and ever-changing assignments on a patchwork offensive line have necessitated this approach. Also consider the fact that the Packers feature the league’s best player behind center and it’s even easier to understand the strategy of putting the football in Rodgers’ hands on a vast majority of plays.

It’s no different than the approach Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula took with Dan Marino in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Dolphins essentially had no running game during Marino’s career. Everything went through Marino. Seasons lived and died on his arm. Consequently, Miami made only one appearance in a Super Bowl (XIX) and never returned during his tenure. In hindsight, the Dolphins’ lack of offensive balance was a clear catalyst in that title drought.

Despite Green Bay’s aerial prowess, when their offense stalls or fails to get into rhythm they are prone to enduring long stretches without generating points. Lack of offensive rhythm and the inability to run the football or turn to the running game to help the offense settle down were both major factors in each of the last two playoff losses to the 49ers and Giants. How many times in those defeats did we see Rodgers flip down his chin strap in disgust and trudge to the sidelines after yet another failed third down conversion attempt?

In Rodgers’ 2011 MVP season he completed nearly 70 percent of his passes for 45 touchdowns and six interceptions. At times it looked easy for the Packers as they coasted to a 15-0 start that year. Reality showed that eventually they would regress to the mean, in this case generating offense had to come through other avenues than the pass. In week 16 that season, Kansas City continuously blitzed Rodgers and the Chiefs controlled the clock on the ground. Green Bay’s winning streak came to an end.

In 2012, the Packers saw defenses adapt to their vaunted passing game by dropping a surplus of defenders into coverage. Defensive linemen ran stunts and linebackers and cornerbacks regularly showed blitz as Rodgers made his pre-snap reads, only to have them fall back into the secondary once the play began. This srategy of flooding the underneath and zone passing lanes literally took away entire sections of the field. In previous seasons these pockets were ripe for the picking by the rocket-armed ex-Cal Berkeley alum.

Take away the running game – or in Green Bay’s case, the threat of one – and eventually defenses will adjust. Last season, Rodgers made his progressions while improvising behind a shaky offensive line. He was forced to rush throws into tighter windows or if receivers couldn’t shake coverage, he’d have to throw the football away, if he wasn’t already sacked. Predictably, the result was an excess of empty three-and-out possessions for Green Bay. For an offense that is built around the big play through the passing game, inability to dictate tempo by turning to a capable ground game often spelled disaster.

A team that can call a running play depending on the game situation and then execute that run effectively has a distinct advantge over the Arizonas,

Johnathan Franklin
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Oaklands and Jacksonvilles of the NFL. Undeniably, the mere presence of Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin presumably upgrades the Green Bay ground game and theoretically would take some of the pressure off of Rodgers.

However, for the Packers it’s not really about Lacy, Franklin or even possibly Angelo Pease becoming the next John Riggins, Larry Csonka or Jim Taylor. It’s about their ability to convert third downs, protect the football, pass block and operate within the constraints of a pass-oriented offense. Green Bay runners need to run with less finesse and more agression. They need to punish linebackers and safeties at the second and third levels with the football in their hands or as a decoy. That being said, it’s still not likely to envision a Packers box score with 35-plus rushing attempts. The additions of these three rookie rushers and an improved running game isn’t going to drastically change the dynamic of the Green Bay offense. McCarthy knows this. The rest of the NFL knows this. Fans know this.

Ideally, Green Bay will utilize their new backfield acquisitions to improve on their 20th-rated 2012 rushing offense. The goal is to demonstrate improved running between the tackles and turn in a higher yard-per-carry average. If they can do that it’ll be easier for McCarthy to continue to implement heavy play-action utilizing an array of swing passes, short crossing routes and curl patterns that will augment the emergence of a genuine power running game.

In Green Bay, the threat of a run is just as valuable as the ability to run. Offensive balance would help impove their chances of controlling and winning games in the postseason by being able grind out yardage and eat up valuable clock.

For the Packers, balance is the key to another championship.

Ted Thompson: Packers’ draft guru can’t hit it in rounds 4-7

Travis Pipes — Wed, 08 May 2013 01:00:08 +0000

Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson (left) talks with head coach Mike McCarthy during last year’s training camp at Ray Nitschke Field.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Pocket aces. A second helping of Hamburger Helper. A Brewers twin bill on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The Wrigley Doublemint twins.

Besides having the distinction of being the only prime number, two has a certain intriguing appeal. Like the Green Bay Packers back-to-back Super Bowl I and II titles, as in life, good things do come in pairs.

However, for Ted Thompson, the number two represents the only middling blemish on his otherwise spotless record as general manager of the Packers. It’s the number of draft picks that can reasonably be considered in the top half of the league in terms of their skillset, role on the team and impact, relative to where they were selected.

Thompson has an ironclad reputation as both a player and personnel executive with a track record for hitting the jackpot on a number of early round draft picks as well as undrafted free agents during his tenure in Green Bay to this point. So what’s the explanation for his seemingly poor reputation between the fourth and seventh rounds of the NFL’s annual three-day talent infusion each April? What gives Thompson an edge as he transitions from typically anti-climatic closing stanzas in the warroom at 1265 Lombardi Ave. each April to sifting through the post-draft detritus to unearth productive, starter-caliber contributors on a regular basis?

Ted Thompson, the linebacker.

Thompson was a solid, if unspectacular, collegiate linebacker for Southern Methodist University. In a fitting twist of irony he went undrafted in 1975 and may know a thing or two about the post-draft mindset and experience for a lower-tier player that is forced to wander the streets of free agency before catching a break in the NFL. Thompson eventually signed with the Houston Oilers and his onetime coach at SMU, Bum Philips. He spent nearly a decade toiling in relative obscurity as a backup linebacker and on special teams from 1975 to 1984. He was durable, playing in 146 of a possible 147 games with eight total starts during his career. Some would say it was the model of consistency where he began to develop his evaluation skills that would later translate to his success as an NFL general manager.

Following his playing career and long before he hoisted the Super Bowl XLV trophy as the most powerful man in Titletown, Thompson was hired (in the same coaching coup that brought Mike Holmgren aboard) for his first-ever front office job in 1992 by Green Bay General Manager Ron Wolf. He was present in the early 1990s for the rebirth of a once proud Packers organization, operating in various scouting roles for seven years. During this period, Green Bay was a perennial playoff participant, ultimately winning the Super Bowl XXXI championship in 1996.

After helping spearhead the resurgence of the Packers, Thompson was lured to the Pacific Northwest by Holmgren, who was coaching the Seahawks. Thompson’s impact as GM in Seattle was significant. He oversaw the drafting of several standout players during his tenure, such as running back Shaun Alexander, receiver Darrell Jackson and even specialist Josh Brown. The formerly downtrodden Seahawks advanced to the playoffs twice, eventually making it all the way to Super Bowl XL.

In 2005, Thompson made his return to Green Bay as general manager and the dividends were nearly immediate. He demonstrated poise during his inaugural draft presiding over football operations by selecting Aaron Rodgers and Nick Collins. He also displayed fiscal responsibility, extricating the team from a volatile salary cap nightmare by releasing safety Darren Sharper and guard Mike Wahle.

Samkon Gado

Rodgers and Collins would ultimately help the franchise transition from and succeed following the post-Favre and Sharper era. At midseason, to replace an injured Ahman Green, Thompson procured his first notable street free agent in October, signing the diminutive Samkon Gado who played at Liberty University and was a relative unknown. Gado burst onto the scene, instantly becoming a fan favorite that season and stabilizing a running back unit that was decimated by injuries. The native of Nigeria was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Week multiple times while setting the Green Bay rookie record for most rushing yards (171) in a single game against the Lions in week 14.

The Packers never got rolling and finished a disappointing 4-12.

In 2006, Thompson fired head coach Mike Sherman and quickly hired ex-49er offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy to right the ship. That year’s draft produced linebacker A.J. Hawk and receiver Greg Jennings in round one and two, respectively. Thompson also inked fullback John Kuhn from the Steelers and signed castoff defensive back Charles Woodson from the Oakland Raiders. Woodson, who initially balked at the idea of playing for Green Bay, quickly became one of the most electric defenders in the NFL, intercepting 28 passes and scoring nine touchdowns. Next to Reggie White, Woodson is arguably the biggest free agent acquistion in franchise history and like White, during the twilight of his career, he was a focal point in a historic run to a world championship.

Thompson calmly presided over the messy Brett Favre divorce in 2007 after the future Hall of Famer infamously retired during a tearful press conference and then unretired in a span of three months. Along with McCarthy he made the decision to stick with newly-annointed starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers and maintained that commitment to the future by trading Favre to the Jets for a slew of draft picks.

In 2008, he drafted receiver Jordy Nelson. However, that was overshadowed when he erroneously waived standout punter Jon Ryan after his excellent 2007 season. Green Bay subsequently went through a stable of mediocre specialists which, along with the hangover from the Favre separation, contributed to a 6-10 season.

Clay Matthews
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Some of the compensatory draft picks from the Favre trade were used as ammunition to move up in a successful bid to acquire elite linebacker prospect Clay Matthews in the 2009 draft. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji, linebacker Brad Jones and guard T.J. Lang were among the crop of early picks that year that have blossomed into integral performers for Green Bay.

In 2010, Thompson netted tackle Bryan Bulaga who has been dominant on the right side. He recently was penciled in to start at left tackle. During the undrafted process that year he had arguably his biggest haul in terms of finding undrafted talent. Cornerback Sam Shields, punter Tim Masthay, tight end Tom Crabtree, linebacker Frank Zombo and center Evan Dietrich-Smith were all signed off the street. The year was capped with six consecutive wins (including four road playoff games) that culminated in a Super Bowl XLV title. The following seasons in 2011 and 2012, Green Bay was eliminated consecutively in the playoffs and are left searching for some answers on defense in order to return to prominence in an NFL that is rife with parity.

Thompson’s success limited after third round

However, for all of his accomplishments as an NFL GM, Thompson has had comparatively limited success targeting viable prospects in the draft after the third round. Collectively, of the 47 players he’s chosen between rounds four and seven during his eight seasons with Green Bay, exactly two have become relevant in some capacity. Sitton is a stalwart on the offensive line and was recognized as the NFL’s Offensive Lineman Of The Year in 2010. Bishop was arguably the best defender for Green Bay at the close of 2010 and through 2011, racking up 218 tackles and eight sacks. He spent the entire 2012 season on injured reserve and the jury is still out as to whether he’ll be the same explosive leader and tackling machine in Dom Capers’ 3-4 alignment. With a dearth of linebacker talent on the roster, it’s possible the California-Berkeley alum may find himself on the trading block this summer.

Thompson absolutely has a knack for finding talent amidst the pool of free agent and undrafted castoffs after the draft. The afore-mentioned Gado and tight end Donald Lee were discovered in 2005. In 2006, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett was claimed from the Rams. In September 2007, Thompson shelled out a sixth round draft choice to the Giants for the rights to running back Ryan Grant. We all know how the Ryan Grant experiment turned out. Recently, in 2012, linebacker D.J. Smith was signed out of Appalachian State. He made the final 53-man roster and was generally productive.

Ted Thompson
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Perhaps Thompson is so adept at identifying and signing undrafted and street free agents because he himself was one after his playing days at Southern Methodist. The talent pool, or lack thereof, each April likely is a major factor in Thompson’s ability to procure just two players who have had solid production in the Green Bay system. Ultimately, Thompson puts a high premium on players who demonstrate character and who are willing to be role players.

The Samkon Gados, Charles Woodsons, Sam Shields and Frank Zombos of the world all fit the mold of “Packer People” and it’s these types of players that have helped Thompson continue to add to a rock solid organizational foundation as he utilizes his cornerstone “draft and develop” philosophy. Given the recent continued prominence of the Packers, it’s safe to say his strategy has been a success.

Fourth round Value Prospects Available for the Green Bay Packers

John Dewey — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:24:16 +0000

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; General view of Radio City Music Hall during the 2013 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Were you one of those Green Bay Packers fans who went “ggggrrrrrr” after the team traded out of the third round on Friday for extra picks on Saturday?

Well, let’s see if the Packers make some selections in the final rounds that will turn that into “ggggrrrreat!”

In the fourth round, the Packers own the twelfth selection as a result of their trade-down with Miami on Friday. That will be the first of many extra picks for the Packers on Saturday.

You think it’s time for them to select an offensive lineman to protect their new $110 million investment in their franchise quarterback? Check out these names still available. I listed them with their overall ranking by well-respected draft analyst Mike Mayock.

Brian Schwenke of Cal
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

• Brian Schwenke, center, California (ranked 55th)

• David Bakhtiari, tackle, Colorado (ranked 80^th)

• David Quessenberry, tackle, San Jose State (ranked 84^th)

• Barrett Jones, center, Alabama (ranked 91^st)

Or maybe you think they should draft some secondary help with the 109^th overall pick, a position of need with Charles Woodson departing.

• B.W. Webb, cornerback, William and Mary (ranked 67^th)

• Jordan Poyer, cornerback, Oregon State (ranked 85^th)

Shamarko Thomas
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

• Shamarko Thomas, strong safety, Syracuse (ranked 95^th)

Or how about picking the best big defensive lineman available, since Ryan Pickett is not getting younger and B.J Raji will be in a contract year?

• William Gholston, defensive end, Michigan State (ranked 78^th)

• Alex Okafor, defensive end, Texas (ranked 79^th)

• John Simon, defensive tackle, Ohio State (ranked 89^th)

• Jesse Williams, defensive tackle, Alabama (ranked 97^th)

How about other players, not necessarily in positions of need, who would be tempting to pick?

• Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia (ranked 54^th)

• Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers (ranked 69^th)

Nov 3, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (7) throws a pass against the Oregon Ducks at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Or how about just pick the best player available? That currently is USC quarterback Matt Barkley, ranked 44^th by Mayock. Fat chance the Packers would select him. One, I don’t think he will last until their pick. Secondly, he doesn’t fit their needs, obviously.

Anyway, I just named 14 players still available, all listed as top 100 prospects going into the draft by Mayock. The Packers have the 12^th selection Saturday, which means one of these value picks will be available to them. I would be happy with any of them, but my personal vote is for an O lineman.

What direction would you like to see the Packers go with the first pick in the fourth round?

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Here’s the NFL Top 10 – How does it affect the Packers?

Raymond Rivard — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:41:42 +0000

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces offensive tackle Eric Fisher (Central Michigan) as the first overall pick to the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s your top 1o picks of the 2013 Draft.

Not a lot of surprise here , but one thing is for sure as it pertains to the Packers – with the Lions selecting Ziggy Ansah and the Browns getting Barkevious Mingo – the opponents will be bringing it from the line of scrimmage. Does that mean the Packers take a look at the offensive line with their first selection? Well, considering that half of the top 10 are offensive linemen, will there be any left by the time the Packers pick comes up at 26?

I’m not the expert, but if the opponents are getting meaner, it’s time for the Packers to develop a mean streak, especially along the offensive line. With Aaron Rodgers under center, the Packers have to concentrate on protecting that man.

So, with that said, could it be Menelik Watson at left tackle? Or does Ted Thompson say the heck with it and pick up where he left off last year and draft some toughness on the defensive side of the ball … What do you think?

1(1)	Chiefs	Fisher, Eric	OT	6’7″	306	Central Michigan	94.0
	2(2)	Jaguars	Joeckel, Luke	OT	6’6″	306	Texas A&M	95.3
	3(3)	Dolphins (From Raiders)	Jordan, Dion	DE	6’6″	248	Oregon	93.5
	4(4)	Eagles	Johnson, Lane	OT	6’6″	303	Oklahoma	92.9
	5(5)	Lions	Ansah, Ziggy	DE	6’5″	271	BYU	93.8
	6(6)	Browns	Mingo, Barkevious	DE	6’4″	241	LSU	92.8
	7(7)	Cardinals	Cooper, Jonathan	OG	6’2″	311	North Carolina	86.9
	8(8)	Rams (From Bills)	Austin, Tavon	WR	5’8″	174	West Virginia	91.4
	9(9)	Jets	Milliner, Dee	CB	6’0″	201	Alabama	93.2

Titans

Warmack, Chance

6’2″

317

Alabama

Green Bay Packers Draft: Another mock that brings Eddie Lacy to town

Raymond Rivard — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:17:25 +0000

Running back Eddie Lacy breaks away from Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) for a touchdown during the first half of the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

If the Green Bay Packers are going to improve enough this offseason through their preferred mode of operation – the NFL Draft – they have got to make changes up the middle and it has to start with a running back – in the case of the mock draft as prepared by Everything and Anything Sports its all starts with Eddie Lacy being selected with the number 26 pick by the Packers.

On top of that, this mock nominates Lacy as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate because, “[he's the ]only RB projected to go in the 1st round; Lacy exhibits the speed, power, quickness and decisiveness that are needed in elite backs.”

Lacy, who is also projected to the Packers in the first round by Mel Kiper Jr., had a very strong second half of 2012 that helped him to 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns. Lacy has great balance, excellent vision and powerful legs that keep churning after contact, a trait that makes it difficult for a single tackler to bring him down.

Most believe Lacy will be the only running back selected in the first round and while Packers GM Ted Thompson has never drafted a back in the first round, Lacy might be the thunder he considers to add to the Packers offensive backfield that already contains the lightning in the form of DuJuan Harris. The combination of those two backs could be a one-two punch that takes the Packers offense to a new level.

But as mentioned above, the Packers have to improve its team up the middle and that includes, in addition to running back, the offensive line. Lacy ran behind arguably the best lines in all of college football. The Packers’ line, as it stands, is mediocre at best. Will Lacy be as effective behind a line like the Packers; without some improvements?

That’s the measured question Thompson must answer before that first round selection, whether or not it’s Lacy.

Greg Jennings: You’re about to see his career disappear

Raymond Rivard — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:17:49 +0000

The NFL will never have the honor and privilege to watch Aaron Rodgers throw to Greg Jennings.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings signed with the Minnesota Vikings late Friday night, sending fans of the Purple People Eaters into celebration and the Packers’ faithful to anger, disappointment and shock.

What was Jennings thinking when he said the Vikings “stepped up to the plate?”

Translation = Money.

Yes, he signed for lots of money – lots and lots of money, but he forgot one thing as he was putting pen to paper – success on the field.

Christian Ponder will be throwing next season to former Packer Greg Jennings. How successful he will be is up for debate.
Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

He left that in Green Bay and he will never find it again, especially in Minnesota. Unless the Vikings go out and draft Joe Montana, Jennings will never again experience what he did in Green Bay with his battery mate, Aaron Rodgers. With Christian Ponder, Jennings will be lucky to total 500 yards – oh, he’ll have a few high points, will score some touchdowns for the Vikings, but what he also forgot while signing that piece of paper was that Ponder hands off to Adrian Peterson 350 times per season, which means the ball will be coming his way that many fewer times.

Consider this: The Vikings passing offense under Christian Ponder the past two seasons has averaged around 2,800 yards per season. In 2011, the Vikings ranked 28th. They improved to 20th in 2012. Will Jennings bring enough to the team to improve that ranking? Not unless Adrian Peterson can throw the ball or until that Joe Montana shows up on the Vikings’ sideline.

With Rodgers throwing to him, Jennings accounted for 1,300 yards by himself in the past two years and that’s while missing three games in 2011 and eight in 2012.

Mike Freeman, National NFL Insider for CBSsports.com, said it best today when he wrote about the move by Jennings:

”… it’s all but certain that Jennings’ career will die a slow death. Jennings went from Aaron Rodgers to Christian Ponder. I like Ponder more than most (OK, I’m the only one who likes him) but even as a Ponder backer, he’s not in the same galaxy as Aaron Rodgers. So Jennings made the classic decision. He got his money but his career is all down hill from here.

“The Packers will continue to fight for Super Bowls and Jennings will disappear like he’s wearing a cloaking device.”

Larry Fitzgerald’s career has taken a marked downturn since Kurt Warner retired. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Freeman goes on to compare Jennings’ future to that Cardinals’ wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald has experienced – and he’s right. Fitzgerald was all-world when Kurt Warner was throwing to him. When Warner retired, he disappeared. The same will happen to Jennings, I’m afraid.

So, good luck with your future, Mr. Jennings. It’s been nice seeing you succeed in Green Bay. It will be disappointing watching your career unravel in Minnesota.

Here are Jennings’ career statistics in Green Bay …

Report Created on


 
2011 Minnesota Vikings passing offense



Category
Total Yards
Yards Per Game
NFL Rank


Passing Offense
2,957 Yards
184.8 YPG
28th



 
2012 Minnesota Vikings passing offense



Category
Total Yards
Yards Per Game
NFL Rank


Passing Offense
2,751 Yards
171.9 YPG
20th

Category	Total Yards	Yards Per Game	NFL Rank
Passing Offense	2,957 Yards	184.8 YPG	28th

Category	Total Yards	Yards Per Game	NFL Rank
Passing Offense	2,751 Yards	171.9 YPG	20th



Packers At Giants Aftermath: Blindsided In The Big Apple
Bill Walton — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 22:39:27 +0000
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!



Packers at Giants: A Tough Pick But A Fun One To Watch
Bill Walton — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 06:33:56 +0000
Nov 18, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates with running back James Starks (44) and Charles Woodson (white jacket) against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Packers beat the Lions 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-US PRESSWIRE
The 7-3* Green Bay Packers take on the 6-4 New York Giants Sunday night in New York.
This game was circled as a showdown when the schedule for this season first came out. I expected it to be a game between Division leaders. It is. I expected it to be important for both teams. It is. What I didn’t expect was to be so flummoxed about which team will win.
Allow me to explain.
The New York Football Giants are a superb football team. They’ve had their way with the Packers in the playoffs, while the Packers have found ways to beat them in the regular season. Hopefully that doesn’t happen exactly that way again this year, but that’s a different piece for sometime in January.
The Green Bay Packers are an equally superb football team. They have weathered their storm of injuries remarkably well. I can’t think of a single team in the NFL that could possibly absorb the kind of injury issues that the Packers have absorbed this year and continue to be expected to win, then go out and win. After a rocky start they’re playing better, more consistent ball. Even after all the injuries.
Statistically the teams are so close offensively that it’s meaningless to try and pick the better team. Twenty yards per game separate the two teams in average total yards, passing, and rushing. Their points per game are less than a full point apart. Green Bay holds a 5 percentage point edge in third down conversions and about 11 minutes more time of possession … for the season!
Defensively the situation is much the same. The Packers give up 28 fewer average yards per game. None of the other per-game defensive averages differ by more than 15 yards. Average points per game allowed? Nothing to hang your hat on there; there is less than a full point difference. Third down conversion percentage allowed? They differ by less than 3 percentage points, but the Packers have the edge.
Without meaningful differences between the teams statistically, I could point at the injuries. But so far, the Packers have not been able to point at any of the players who have replaced injured starters and find a glaring hole. Sure, it would be great to have Bulaga, Jennings, Woodson, Shields, and Matthews back.
Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward (29) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
But Lang, Cobb, Hayward/House/Jennings and Moses/Zombo/Walden have done more than serviceable work as their replacements. I don’t include the players on IR in the discussion simply because they can’t come back at all, so their availability is moot. But it sure would be nice to have Benson back, too!
The Giants injury list is nowhere as long as the Packers list. QB Eli Manning has complained about “fatigue” in his throwing arm, but the G Men are coming off their bye and any fatigue might well be more than just fatigue if it affects Manning’s performance in this game. Otherwise the Giants injury picture is inconsequential.
Quarterback matchup? Eli Manning is up against reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers. Both quarterbacks are examples of the best at their position and Manning does have two Super Bowl wins.
I’ll still pick Rodgers for three reasons. He’s better at escaping the pass rush and improvising while on the move, he’s leading the league (again) in passer rating, and he’s thrown 27 touchdowns against 6 picks.
Manning doesn’t move as well, ranks 22^nd in passer rating, and he’s thrown 12 touchdowns against 11 picks.
Manning has developed a reputation as a comeback quarterback, but if the Packers can take advantage of his tendency to give the ball away early in games, he’ll have a tough time pulling off his fourth-quarter heroics against an improved Packers defense on Sunday night.
So when this game starts, two very evenly-matched teams will do their best to win a game that both teams need to win. I don’t think we’ll see a blowout in favor of either team Sunday night. Rather, this one looks to me like a high-scoring slugfest that either team can win, but only one team will win. The last possession might determine the outcome, but somehow I don’t think it will this time around.
Here are some of the things I’ll be watching during the game:
Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
• The Packers offensive line, along with all NFL offensive lines, has had trouble with the Giants defensive line. The re-shuffled line, with Lang now in at RT for Bulaga and Evan Dietrich-Smith in at LG for Lang, will just have to find a way to deal with the likes of Pierre-Paul, Umenyiora, and Tuck. It’s been done by other teams this season. The Packers O line won’t need to dominate the Giants DL … just beat them more than they get beaten themselves.
• There has been some disharmony of late among the Giants’ DL. I’ll be watching for signs that the Pack O line is handling their business – usually starting with a solid run game on consistent carries by Starks and Green … and Rodgers not running for his life.
• The Packers receiving corps is missing only Greg Jennings as of now, and I think it would be better to let him take another week for him to get his legs under him rather than put him back in before he’s ready. He was complaining about being out of football shape, so let him get back in shape.
• That the Packers can have the top quarterback in the league, even when missing so many key receiver weapons for so many games this season, continually proves to me that the Packers have the best top-to-bottom group of catchers in the league. I’ll be watching for the Packers receivers, especially Nelson and Cobb, to carve up the Giants defense. And to catch the ball!
Nov 4, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Cardinals 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
• Running the ball against the Giants will be up to RBs Starks and Green. They’ll need to be successful to keep the Giants defensive line honest and prevent their all-out assault on Rodgers. Both are good enough to get that done. They’ll need to be decisive in their cuts, protect the rock, and be assignment-sure when they’re called on to block – all of which they have proven they can do. I’ll be watching for them both to have some big plays in this game.
• The improved run defense, especially the big guys up front and the inside LBs, will need every bit of their ability to stop and contain Bradshaw, Wilson and Brown, but their real battle will be keeping Manning and his dancing receivers in check. I think the Giants will move the ball on the Packers defense, but when it matters the Pack D will get the job done.
• Eli Manning can and does put a few throws up for grabs each game. If he does the same against the Packers secondary, expect picks and passes defensed. The young guns in the Packers secondary have gone from a liability early in the season to a one of the team’s strengths now. I’ll be watching Manning try to figure out which CB he wants to risk throwing at.
• On special teams, Packers punter Tim Masthay has been having another steady season and I expect him to be effective again Sunday night in NYC.
• PK Mason Crosby has struggled of late. That’s not news. Crosby has a history of being streaky. The team has expressed confidence in him. The coach has expressed confidence in him. Crosby can do himself a huge favor by going out and having a solid performance in this game. I think he will.
Fearsome Predictions:
• This one’s getting to be a weekly thing, but expect the Packers to again mix the run and the pass close to 50/50 in this game. It still works. And it still looks awesome when it works.
• The Packers will be penalized fewer times and for fewer yards than the Giants. After their performance in Detroit, they need to make things easier on themselves by playing cleaner this week.
Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass to running back Alex Green (20) during a the second half against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE
• The Packers run game will be complementary to the passing game and I expect Green to have a couple of nice runs after the catch. Starks will contribute most of the yards on the ground, however.
• Eli Manning will be picked off twice and fumble once, leading to 17 Packers points. Hayward is tied for second in the league in interceptions with five. Watch his total rise by at least one in this game.
• Rodgers will throw for more than 300 yards against the Giants. He’ll also have a higher passer rating than Manning.
• The Pack D will notch at least four sacks of Manning. Keep your heads up when you hit number 10 in blue though guys!
• There will be a big play on special teams in this game for the Packers.  I could see a blocked punt, fake FG for a first down, or a big return. Cobb is due.
• If Crosby is called upon to kick a game-winning FG, he’ll make it.
We’ll be watching the game from the comfort of our own couch this week. No competition for sound boxes or putting up with Bears fans who show up just to root against the Packers. But we’ll be making plenty of noise and Tweeting like crazy. Follow me at @PackersTX.
Bring it Giants! Go Pack GO!



Tailgating in Detroit? Check out this party
Raymond Rivard — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 03:07:56 +0000
Nov 24, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to pass during the first quarter of the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
If you’re headed to Detroit for the Green Bay Packers’ next game against the Lions Nov. 18, you might want to pay attention.
The folks over at thepackmentality.com will be hosting a tailgate party that organizers are calling “epic.” If that description doesn’t want to make you stop by, I don’t know what will.
They will be offering “barbeque, kegs, Madden football, Packers trivia contests, Pack Mentality rally rags, two TVs, nothing but Packers fans as far as the eye can see and – most importantly – putting a beat down on the Lions in their own house.”
Sure sounds like a lot of fun to me – kinda wish I were going to be there.
Tickets are on sale online here and are $35 for the “Early Cheese Special” – due by Nov. 12. If you want general admission tickets, those will set you back $45.
So, what will that buy you? Well in addition to everything mentioned above, it will get you “all you can eat and drink – the best barbeque in Detroit and of course, Leinenkugel, Budweiser, BudLight & more!”
As with all events, volunteers are always quite valuable and the organizers of this event will certainly be interested in anyone who might want to volunteer.
Send an email at this address to put your name in as a volunteer.
Of course, you will need an address to get to the party. Here it is:
The Pack Mentality Detroit Tailgate 
Located at Shelter 2 NW Quad
Eastern Market 
2934 Russell Street, Detroit MI 48207
 
If, of course, you haven’t already, check out their website and their Facebook page. Great site.
And while you’re at it, Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.



Packers at Texans – All Packers All Weekend Long
Bill Walton — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 20:44:29 +0000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unless you’ve been completely out of touch you probably know that the Packers came to Houston on Sunday night and made mincemeat of the vaunted Texans.  In every facet of the game, except garbage-time blocked punts and mocking of the opposing team’s star players via meaningless celebration of individual accomplishment, the Packers dominated this contest.  It was a great weekend to be a Packers fan in Houston!
On Saturday evening, packerseverywhere.com hosted a rally held at the Brick House Tavern & Tap on HWY 290 in Houston.  The event was attended by roughly 300 Packer backers.
Team President Mark Murphy, Packer Radio Network play-by-play man Wayne Larrivee, former Packer players Greg Koch and Robert Ferguson, and several members of the Packers office and media staffs attended the event.
Many of the fans at the event were from Texas, but there might have been just as many from Green Bay or even further away in attendance.  I spoke to folks from Colorado, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, California, and Tennesse, and many other locations – but they were all Packers fans and all were excited to be in Houston for the game.
I haven’t been around that many passionate Packers fans in a long time, and it was awesome to see them displaying their support for the Pack!  Packers fans honked and waved when they saw the wife’s CheeseMobile.  Texans fans…well, let’s just say we didn’t have to read between the lines!
It’s no secret that many harbored serious doubts about the ability of the Packers to come into Reliant and hand the Texans their first loss of this season. The Packers needed to win this game more than the Texans did, and it was immediately obvious who wanted it more.
Rodgers was especially sharp, although even he missed a couple of open throws he probably wishes he had to do over.  What seemed different about this game was that when a play wasn’t executed the offense or defense didn’t seem to dwell on it.
Rather, they rebounded and continued to work harder than the Texans did for the win. WRs Nelson and Jones had three and two TDs, respectively, and they weren’t easy catches either.  All I’ll say about the officials is that they still need to gain and maintain consistency in how they call OPI and DPI.
I wrote on Saturday how I thought things might go down in H Town. I was right about several things and wrong about a few.
Here are a few of them re-examined:
Three takeaways – right on. Casey Hayward has potential. Points off turnovers- only 7, but it was enough.
The Packers did score first. In the first quarter. A touchdown indeed!
Rodgers did have his best game of the season. At exactly the right time.
Alex Green did lead the Packers in rushing…not Rodgers. But Rodgers had a better average.
Not a blowout…well, you can’t guess ’em all right. I’ve never been happier to be wrong than here.
The Texans did indeed miss Cushing. Their defense has to reset without him. Now they know it.
Pack O and D consistent for the whole game? Pretty much correct.
Packers fans did take over Reliant Stadium in the 4th quarter, but the Packers owned it for most of the game.
I don’t think NBC mentioned the similar appearance of Clay Matthews and Brooks Reed, but I could have missed it.  I was tweeting like a madman during the game.
34-27 score prediction? What can I say? I saw a victory, but not the shellacking the Packers performed on Sunday night. I’ll take 42-24 Packers any time!
If the Packers, and especially Aaron Rodgers, actually laid the “Shhhhhhhh” on the critics last night – if only for a few days, then that’s great, but not important. They needed this win. They’ll need the next one, too.
As fun to watch as this game was, it was one game. Aaron Rodgers has his “edge” back – the chip on his shoulder is there again. I see no downside to that. It looks as if Alex Green can carry the load at RB for a while, but the Packers better hit the wire because Brandon Saine went down last night and James Starks looked, at least to me, slow to hit the holes and tentative overall. One cut and go James.
Other injuries to Nick Perry, DJ Smith, and Sam Shields will have us wondering who the next man up will be and what kind of dropoff might result. We’ve seen this before. Not to diminish the importance of the injured players, but the defense didn’t seem like it missed a beat.
We’ll see.
The Texans made some really silly mistakes too, and some of them undoubtedly kept Packers drives alive. Would the Packers still have won the game had the Texans not made these mistakes? I say probably, maybe even certainly. But leaping? Really? And lining up offsides? The local media here today tried to sell the idea that Texans rookie DeVier Posey hasn’t played on the punt team before.
No soap.
They teach players not to line up in the neutral zone when they start playing football – not when they get to the NFL. He wasn’t a little bit in the neutral zone – his whole helmet and part of his shoulders were lined up in there.  Rock ‘em sock ‘em at the bottom of the pile – hitting a player with a helmet on in the head? Come on man!
For the Texans this was one game, too. They’re still a talented team that might end up in the Super Bowl this year, but there or not it won’t be because they won or lost their game against the Packers. The same is true for the Packers. Should they get back to the promised land this season, this win might have helped get them back on the right track, but there will be more important games and wins than this one to come.
Bring on the Rams!
GO PACK GO!



Packers vs. Seahawks: Questions to consider
Raymond Rivard — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 00:15:49 +0000
Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Aerial view of the downtown Seattle skyline and the Space Needle before the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
With the start of tonight’s Monday Night Football game less than 30 minutes away, here are my quick questions:
• How will the Seahawks slow down Clay Matthews?
• If the concentration is on Matthews, does this mean Nick Perry has a breakout game?
• Everyone’s looking to Marshawn Lynch as the key to this game. That may be true, but let’s look to the other side of the ball and the impact the Cedric Benson could have for the Packers.
• How will the Packers receivers match up against this talented and physical group in the Seahawks’ defensive backfield?
• How will Seahawks’ rookie quarterback Russell Wilson fare against the Packers’ multiple defensive looks.
• This game could come down to the game plans. Will Coach Mike McCarthy get out coached like he was when the Packers faced the 49ers?
• How long will it take before Gruden glorifies Aaron Rodgers?



Packers practice moved indoors
Raymond Rivard — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:43:05 +0000
If you didn’t know yet, the Packers practice was moved into the Don Hutson Center today because of inclement weather. Here is the official press release issued by the Packers: TODAY’S PRACTICE MOVED INDOORS  Due to inclement weather, the Packers’ practice today at 8:15 a.m. has been moved indoors. The practice will be closed to [...]
Packers practice moved indoors - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.


Packers’ Depth at Wide Receiver a Good Problem to Have…but a Problem Nevertheless
packerhero — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:44:59 +0000
Jan 15, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver (80) looks on during warmups prior to NFC Divisional Playoff game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
As the Packers ready-up for the 2012 season, a persistent problem has continued to linger for multiple years.
No, it is nothing about the defense or having a consistent running game.
The problem is about, simply, having too many good receivers on the roster. It’s a great problem to have but it is still a problem that the Packers’ management has to deal with from year to year. Quite frankly, the problem continues to worsen as the years pass due to aging receivers like Donald Driver who continue to make an impact on the team. It’s also a problem allowing the up and coming receivers to have their own chance to show what they are made of.
With training camp approaching, the Packers’ organization is going to have to make some really tough decisions as to which receivers should stay and which will have to be let go due to the number and depth of talent at the position.
One way the Packers look to handle this problem this year may be by having more than five receivers on the opening day roster. The Packers have stuck strong to a five receiver roster for the past few years but it seems like this year will have to change the streak.
One way the Packers were rumored to have doing before was to consider cutting Donald Driver to make room for younger receivers with more of an upside. The Packers’ organization went in a different direction, however, and brought back the longtime Packer on a reduced salary for this season. Despite his age, he can still make an impact on the football field and maybe even still pick up those extra yards he is always known for doing. Being a Dancing with the Stars champion should only enhance his moves on the gridiron.
Though it seems as if Driver is secured for the 2012 season, it is difficult to imagine the Packers keeping him around for the 2013 season. But, according to NFL.com, Driver has said, “I’m going to play two more years, this one, then next year, then I’m completely done.” He would go on to also say, “(I’m) gonna put my cleats on the shelf and do something different. I’ve always said I wanted to retire a Packer and now I get that opportunity to retire for, as I always say, the best franchise in the world.”
As a Packers fan, I love Driver and would not like to see him in a different uniform but it is really hard to imagine Driver sticking around past this season. This is because of many practice squad standouts like Tori Gurley, Diondre Borel, and Shaky Smithson who have rejected offers to play for other teams on their active roster and, instead, have been tearing it up on the practice squad waiting for their time to play in a NFL game for the green and gold.
So it is not crazy to think that the Packers will decide this year to play with six and maybe even seven receivers on the opening day rosters. Heck, they have overloaded on positions in the past like tight end last year and fullback from two years ago.
Maybe this will be the year for wide receivers…



How the Packers’ Running Game Will Impact the 2012 Season
packerhero — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 01:00:14 +0000
Nov 20, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE
Happy 4th of July everyone! What day could be better than to talk about the future of the Packers’ running game?
Last season featured the running back tandem of Ryan Grant and James Starks. Both players played effectively and were enough to keep opposing defenses at least on their feet.
Now with Grant being a free agent, how will the Packers’ running game look this year? Since no major moves were made to add another running back, most can assume it will have James Starks being the featured back and Alex Green, who is coming off injured reserve, to be his back-up. Playing time for these two backs may depend on training camp, though. Alex Green, last year, never really got to show what he was made of because of his injury so this could be his break-out season.
One player I would like to see more of is 2nd year veteran Brandon Saine out of Ohio State. He was undrafted last season and did not even play a snap for the Green Bay Packers until week 12. Although his touches were limited, he made the most out of his opportunities and may play a larger role then most may think for the Pack this coming season. Saine’s main attribute and where he will probably see the most playing time this year, will not be running the ball but catching it out of the backfield. In his limited touches last season, Saine caught 10 catches for 69 yards. It’s not staggering but it shows that he has the potential to become a threat as a receiver coming out of the backfield. Do not be surprised if he becomes a primary third down back for the Packers in 2012.
It’s hard to say how the backfield will exactly look with training camp still to come, but it’s never too early to start thinking about. Although the Packers are known for their prolific passing game, do not be surprised if the Pack can assemble a better running game then last year which could add just another dimension to the Packer offense.



Start of Training Camp Will Mean a New Beginning for Packers Defense
packerhero — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 01:22:42 +0000
With training camp quickly approaching, every team around the NFL will be having competition battles at various positions.
Focusing specifically on the Packers, it comes as no surprise that their main focus point will be to determine which 11 guys on defense will give the Packers the best chance to win. If we are just focusing on winning, then the Packers’ defense brought in a record of 15-1.
Unfortunately, this was because the offense carried the defense to victories last season and is how, ultimately, the Packers would fall in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Giants.
So as training camp approaches, nearly every position on defense will have a battle of some sort. Considering how the Packers, this offseason, drafted mainly defensive players and even dipped into free agency for defensive players, there will be a lot of competitors fighting for a job. With that said, let’s break down the key battles Packer fans should keep an eye on for this training camp.
Packers defensive lineman Ryan Picket does a good job at stopping the run, but is limited in the pass rush. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
Defensive End: Ever since the Packers lost Cullen Jenkins in free agency last year, the Packers have been struggling to find a replacement. Ryan Pickett on the other side has been doing an adequate job stopping the run but he cannot generate pressure on the quarterback which was severely lacking last season.
Raji in the middle, after the Super Bowl season, was thought to have a breakout year with the Packers but never quite reached the level that most thought he could. Then we had the right defensive end which was a huge question mark all of last season. Players from Mike Neal, C.J.Wilson, and Jarius Wynn all took turns at the position last year but none really stood out from the rest of the pack. Some brought Packers fans a spark of hope for a little while but none of the three had complete consistency. This forced the Packers to make moves by drafting Jerel Worthy in the second round, bringing in Anthony Hargrove from free agency, and bringing in Phillip Merling also from free agency. These are three players who seem to be right in the mix to contend for the starting position in training camp. Players from last year like C.J.Wilson and Mike Neal also have been working hard and should get a fair shot to fight for the position.
Who will take over the outside linebacking position opposite Clay Matthews for linebackers coach Kevin Greene. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
Outside Linebacker: Similar to the defensive end position of last season, players on the opposite side of Clay Matthews generated nearly no production and the Packers had to flop starters from week to week in order to find someone who could separate from the rest of the pack. Unfortunately, nobody ever truly stepped from the pack and the Packers’ defense suffered tremendously.
Players who took turns starting last season included Eric Walden, Frank Zombo, and Brad Jones. Also, we must keep in mind that injuries at this position plagued the Packers all season with all three having injuries at different points during the season. The Packers’ management responded by drafting Nick Perry from USC in the first round of this year’s draft. \ Perry has major athleticism and the Packers hope that he could be the missing piece to the defense.
Other players to have a shot in training camp include another rookie in Terrell Manning, second-year veteran in Jarmari Lattimore, and another second year veteran in Vic So’oto who had his moments in his short playing time last year. This will be arguably the most intriguing position battle this camp.
Safety: It’s a lock that Morgan Burnett will hold his starting position this season but losing Nick Collins on the other side threw up another question mark in the Packers’ defense. I have to say that many, including me, believed that Nick Collins was a big part of the defense but never really thought of him as being the leader on defense. Once he went down with his injury, I and many others were stunned at how important Collins truly was for the Packer defense.
With perennial Pro-Bowler Nick Collins no longer with the team, the question about who will replace him is one of the biggest heading into training camp. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
With Collins once being the player who made sure everyone was lined up right on defense being gone, the Packers’ defense seemed lost at times. Many big plays occurred and could have been avoided if everyone was lined up correctly. The player who took over for Collins was Charlie Peprah, who played very well, but the lack of communication hurt the Packers severely last season.
With that said, training camp is approaching and so is a successor to Nick Collins.
But who will it be?
Names that come to mind will be Charlie Peprah, second-year player M.D. Jennings, practice squad standout Anthony Levine, and maybe even rookie Jerron McMillian. Regardless of who it is, it is going to be a very difficult task to replace Nick Collins.
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Packers off-season workouts an important part of the team’s preparations
packerhero — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:31:20 +0000
 
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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What’s Next for the Packers?
packerhero — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:53:52 +0000
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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Packers defense looking to improve against the run
Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:31:18 +0000
The Packers defense needs to step up in the second half of the season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
The Packers defense currently ranks #7 in total yards, #3 in rushing attempts, 25th for yards per attempt and #10 for yards per game. Rankings of statistics are what they are, numbers on paper, but can tell a larger story when dug into.
Let’s discuss these stats one at a time and try to determine why they are what they are and let’s do this from the bad to the not-so-bad order.
#25 Yards per attempt average (4.6) – The Packers are facing opponents that are in a “need to pass” situations because the score is hardly ever in their favor and they are playing catch-up. This forces Dom Capers’ defense to run a lot of nickel and dime defenses leaving the front six to fend off the runs and makes them more susceptible to the running game.
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Packers’ defense in need of a bookend for Clay Matthews
Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:29:21 +0000
Clay Matthews is a stud who has become a star in the NFL. However, he still needs help from his defensive teammates. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
We all know that Clay Matthews is an excellent outside linebacker and is in the correct defensive scheme under Dom Capers in Green Bay but statistics show that he cannot do it all by himself.
Clay is tough and can play through injuries and I am not talking about just minor injuries, i.e. the hairline fracture in his leg last year … but he cannot take down an offense on his own.
The other outside linebacker, be it by committee for the last two years, has been average at best. This does not allow Dom Capers to cut Clay loose on the line or the ability to throw enough stunts at the opposing offensive lines to get to the quarterback.

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Packers taking the high road
Raymond Rivard — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:43:01 +0000
Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji are a force on the field together and also had similar thoughts about the play of the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night. Raymond T. Rivard photograph
You would think there isn’t any place for this type of behavior in the NFL, but if you thought that you’re wrong.
The Packers players weren’t pulling any punches after last night’s game when they commented about the Falcons and their propensity to perfect the life of a cheap shot artist.
But it’s not artistry we’re talking about here … it’s just bad news.
Take the jump here for a couple of quotes left after the game by B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett.
First Raji: “Great teams don’t indulge in the kind of cheap stuff the Falcons do. We’re the champions and we play that way. We walk away from the stuff they pull. These guys are coached to play after the whistle.
“I don’t know what the deal is. I think it’s a lack of talent on their part. We didn’t worry about any of that. We came out and played our game.”
 
Here’s Pickett: “It’s unnecessary. They call it playing physical. But it’s after the whistle. It’s not physical. We know it watching tape that they like to hit after the whistle. You have to watch yourself around the piles. They point at you if you react. We just felt like if we just punch them up front at the start it would end that.
Our hope is that these two teams meet again in the playoffs … In Green Bay.
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