Will Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins have more opportunities to greet fans on his way to training camp practice? Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Tell me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me about one week ago Green Bay Packers safety Nick Collins’ agent came out publicly saying that his player client was to be meeting with coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson.

Did I miss something?

The week has come and gone and not a word about Collins on any news site, nor the Packers official site … not an inkling, not a sighting, not a single letter has been typed about his whereabouts or whether he has even met with the Packers.

I believe that Collins said he would be sure to let the Packers know his intent by the time the NFL Draft rolls around. Well, it’s rolling ever-closer, so something should be coming soon …

The initial comments from his agent a week ago was that Collins was feeling physically well and indicated he wanted to come back to the team. The real question at this point is whether the Packers will allow him back. Both McCarthy and Thompson have indicated that Collins would have to do a significant song and dance to get him back on the Lambeau Field turf.

McCarthy and Thompson were both reticent in coming out in support of Collins’ return to the field.

In fact, most are more concerned about Collins’ health, given that he just had surgery on his neck six months ago. Though the medical field has grown in treatments of all neck-related injuries (see Peyton Manning here), it’s still a sticky situation for the Packers.

Even the fans who answered the poll questions on this site voted in the majority that Collins skip his attempt to come back and stay away from football.

No doubt Collins would have to take time to get back into playing condition. That won’t happen overnight. He hasn’t played the game in many months. Would he come back at the same level he left? Probably not. Do the Packers have the wherewithal and patience to work with a player who may or may not be the same? That’s the question MM and TT must answer.

But before all those questions can be answered there must be a meeting between all parties involved with the cards placed on the table.

My guess is that something will break this week and by the time Nick Collins leaves 1265 Lombardi Ave. a decision on which direction the team – and Collins – will be headed should be wrapped up.

Whatever the decision, we only hope it’s made with all factors considered. We would love to see Nick Collins roaming the Packers defensive backfield once again, but we also want what’s best for his health and family.

Stay tuned …

Reggie McKenzie

Peter King, Sports Illustrated’s football guru, released his weekly Monday Morning Quarterback posting where, in one segment, he has nothing but good things to say about former Green Bay Packers executive Reggie McKenzie.

The newly-hired Oakland Raiders’ general manager has a huge mountain to climb to bring the Raiders back to respectability and an even larger climb in getting the team back to playoff status.

But according to King, he feels that McKenzie is well on his way.

Here is a segment of King’s interview with McKenzie:

I asked McKenzie if he wished he could have the Carson Palmer trade back. Last October, then-coach Hue Jackson dealt first- and second-round picks to Cincinnati for Palmer. “You can beat that doggone story ’til it’s worn out,” said McKenzie. “But I know this: We’ve got a quarterback we think can win the division and take us to the playoffs. Losing a one and a two doesn’t bother me one bit.”

McKenzie did a great job in Green Bay, so there’s no reason why he can’t do the same out West.

Here is the entire piece that King put together:

…we start out west, with one of those draft-pick-poor teams, and what the Oakland Raiders are doing about it.

The Raiders are actually doing things right, and Reggie McKenzie’s the reason why.

When the Raiders hired McKenzie as general manager in January, he took over a team with the most decimated draft board in recent history. No first-, second-, third-, fourth- or seventh-round picks because of prior trades or Supplemental Draft picks. McKenzie inherited a team that, in late February, was $26 million over the salary cap and had two draft choices — the 148th and 189th overall — before the annual compensatory picks were awarded. Think about it: An 18-year scout finally gets his chance to run a team and pick the players he wants … and he’s hamstrung by the worst cap situation in the league, and one of the worst draft-choice pools in NFL history. And one more thing: Peyton Manning just walked into his division.

“Never thought, ‘Woe is me,’ ” he said the other night from his office in Oakland. “Not once. Never thought I shouldn’t take the job because of things like that either. It never entered my mind. I just figured, ‘We’ll find players.’ I know how to find players. I’ve been in Green Bay when we found Mark Tauscher and Donald Driver late in drafts, and found Tramon Williams on the street, and signed Charles Woodson in free agency. It can be done.”

If McKenzie’s right, it will be done this year with low-cost free-agents starting at three positions (Shawntae Spencer and Ron Bartell at cornerback, Philip Wheeler at linebacker), and one well-paid (five years, $20 million) starting right guard, Mike Brisiel. Help also came in the form of three of the top 10 compensatory picks awarded last month in the third, fourth and fifth rounds. Oakland’s first pick will be the first compensatory choice awarded by the NFL, the 95th overall choice, which means McKenzie will sit around all night Thursday on day one of the draft, and all night Friday through rounds two and three, till the end of the third round.

I asked McKenzie if he wished he could have the Carson Palmer trade back. Last October, then-coach Hue Jackson dealt first- and second-round picks to Cincinnati for Palmer. “You can beat that doggone story ’til it’s worn out,” said McKenzie. “But I know this: We’ve got a quarterback we think can win the division and take us to the playoffs. Losing a one and a two doesn’t bother me one bit.”

McKenzie said he feels honored to be the first person in almost half a century other than Al Davis to be running the Raiders’ draft. “This is a new day in the Raider organization,” he said. “Coach Davis, he knew football. I relish the chance to follow him and get this team back where it belongs.”

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Jeff Saturday (left, 63) worked with Peyton Manning as the Colts' center for more than a decade. Having to tell Manning that he chose the Packers over his Broncos was difficult. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

When Jeff Saturday made his decision to join the Green Bay Packers, the first person he reached out to was his longtime Indianapolis Colts teammate and friend, Peyton Manning.

“Peyton is a close friend and I loved playing with him,” Saturday told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I loved the time we spent together. It was the most difficult call I’ve ever made. I told him before anyone else that I was going to Green Bay.”

Manning had pushed hard to get Saturday signed on to play in Denver with his new team, the Broncos.

But Saturday was rightfully looking out for himself. The fit, he said, in Denver just wasn’t right. He admitted that he felt like he would be second fiddle in the Mile High City and realized that he was highly appreciated and sought after by the Packers’ brass.

“I told him [Manning] I don’t think the Broncos wanted me as much as he did. They’ve got things going on that they’re happy with and are moving forward with and I didn’t think it was an exact fit. I always felt like in Green Bay I was their very first choice.”

And right he is. With the loss of starter Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy faced a huge hole right in the middle of their offensive line. Signing a player like Saturday was crucial to the team. Thompson and McCarthy knew that drafting and developing for such an important position wasn’t the right way to go. They needed to fill the position with someone who had experience … and they needed to fill it immediately. Saturday was the perfect choice.

It was a win-win for the Packers and for Saturday. Not only do the Packers get a player with 13 years of experience, a perennial all-pro and an individual who will lead by example on the field and in the locker room, but Saturday gets to play for a team where he’s wanted; a team that continues to be on the rise.

Not only that, but the Packers got him signed to a two-year deal that will pay him adequately, but far less than the inflated salary Wells accepted in St. Louis. Thompson hit a home run on this one. He was smart in letting Wells move on and he gets an equal, if not better player while having the luxury of still drafting for the future. If the Packers can get two years out of Saturday, it could turn out to be one of Thompson’s best deals ever.

“They have a great offensive line and some really good, young players,” Saturday said. “They won 15 games last year; it’s not like I have to add a lot to it. But I think I can offer leadership, and being a veteran I can help the offensive line blossom into players they want to be.”

Amen, Jeff, Amen.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

In addition, the Packers also signed Daniel Muir, a defensive end who was with the Packers in 2007 before signing with the Indianpolis Colts in 2008 and playing with the team up through 2011.

Former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (63) signed with the Green Bay Packers Friday, March 23. Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Playing for years with four-time MVP Peyton Manning, Saturday has been one of the best in the league since being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colts back in 1999. Clearly, he’s one of the best stories to come out of the league in years and now he’s a Packer.

The signing helps the team fill a huge hole left when former starter Scott Wells left in free agency to sign with the St. Louis Rams. Not only will Saturday’s skill level allow for greater flexibility on the line, but his stature and leadership among players will be a welcomed addition to the team’s locker room.

The club’s PR department issued the following press release about Saturday this afternoon:

PACKERS SIGN C SATURDAY 

The Green Bay Packers have signed C Jeff Saturday. The signing was announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Saturday, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound 14th-year player out of North Carolina, played the first 13 seasons of his career (1999-2011) with the Indianapolis Colts. He appeared in 197 games with 188 starts for Indianapolis, starting every regular-season game in 10 of those seasons. Saturday ranks No. 5 in Colts history in games played.

Saturday has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times during his career (2005-07, 2009, 2010) and twice earned first-team All-Pro recognition from The Associated Press (2005, 2007). He moved into the Colts’ starting lineup in 2000, and over the past 12 seasons, was part of a line that allowed just 242 sacks, the fewest in the league over that span. The Colts registered at least 5,300 net yards each season from 2000-10.

Saturday entered the NFL as a non-drafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 1998. After being released by the Ravens in June 1998, he signed with the Colts in January 1999. Saturday was a three-year starter at North Carolina, where he earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition as a junior and senior.

A release about the signing of Daniel Muir is as follows:

PACKERS SIGN DT MUIR 

The Green Bay Packers have signed DT Daniel Muir. The signing was announced Friday by Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson.

Muir, a 6-foot-2, 312-pound fifth-year player out of Kent State, played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2008-11, appearing in 40 games with 26 starts. He posted a career-high 66 tackles (54 solo) and a half-sack for the Colts in 2009.

Muir originally entered the NFL as a non-drafted free agent with the Packers in 2007. He appeared in three games for Green Bay as a rookie in ’07 and recorded eight tackles (four solo). Muir was a four-year letterman (2003-06) at Kent State, playing in 46 games with 45 starts.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jeff Saturday could be snapping for the Packers next season. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Ok, so the Denver Broncos, because of their Reggie White-sized signing of Peyton Manning, get an A for their grade in free Agency.

The Miami Dolphins – well, they have just flopped and failed, so yeah they get an F

The San Francisco 49ers have landed some big names – Manningham, Moss and possibly Mike Wallace, but their handling of quarterback Alex Smith has this team in purgatory. Yeah they get an incomplete until the Smith situation is resolved. If he comes back to the team, they get a B-minus; if he goes somewhere else, we may have to throw them the big F. Placing all their eggs into the Manning basket was a bad move, pissed off their QB and have so far left them without a starting quarterback. Do you think Jim Harbaugh has placed a call to the Broncos for Tim Tebow?

But let’s get to what we all like to talk about – the Packers.

Free Agency? Free Agency? Did you say Free Agency? Ted Thompson where are you?

Yes, it seems there may be have been some phone calls made, but so far nobody on the other end has been listening.

At least until now … it seems that with the loss of center Scott Wells, the Packers have made an overture to Indianapolis Colts longtime center Jeff Saturday. Though the chances of him signing with Green Bay at this point is remote, but hey, stranger things have happened.

According to some sources, the Packers have a visit set up with Saturday, but nobody seems to know when that will take place. Saturday has also been wooed by the Titans and of course, the Broncos. The beauty of rejoining the battery tandem of Saturday and Manning is appealing, but the Broncos already have a solid offensive line anchored by a talented young center, J.D. Walton.

So, could Saturday be the big fish in the shrinking pond of available free agents that may be hooked onto Ted Thompson’s line?

I hope so. Here is a durable, smart, and passionate player who would not only be a fine addition to the Packers locker room, but a solid fill-in for Wells. If there’s one player that Thompson should focus on before the conclusion of this free agency period, it’s Saturday. Landing an immediate starter through the draft is problematic and filling this hole in the Packers offensive line is one that will require immediate attention.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Dec. 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (63) points to the defense during the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.Indianapolis defeated Houston 19-16. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Jan 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the 2011 NFC Championship game against the New York Giants at Candlestick Park. The Giants won 20-17 in overtime. Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

With the news breaking yesterday that the Peyton tour had stopped in San Francisco for a visit, it was no surprise when it was announced today that 49ers QB Alex Smith was making a visit to Miami and scheduling a stop in Seattle. Clearly he wasn’t waiting around for the 49ers to float an offer his way, especially in light that the team is wooing and ogling over Manning.

Two can play this game and illustrates how quickly things can change in the free agency shuffle.

In fact, yesterday I tweeted that with Manning working out for the Niners, Smith’s reaction must have been “WTF?”

Yes, the NFL is a cutthroat business and Smith knows this. Obviously, he is smart enough to understand that the 49ers aren’t real comfortable moving into the future on his arm – and I guess you can’t blame the Niners’ brass for swooning over Manning if he indeed is serious about the potential for joining the team.

But you have to credit Smith for looking out for himself. While it’s a slap in the face to a man who took the team to within a fumble in overtime  of the Super Bowl, I say good for him in taking things into his own hands.

Though he will be competing against the likes of Matt Flynn in trying to convince either the Dolphins or Seahawks to sign him, both of those teams will be better off with either of those two quarterbacks.

And so where would that leave the 49ers if Manning turns a cold shoulder?

Most likely without a starting quarterback … yes, it is indeed a cutthroat business.

Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Quarterback Matt Flynn may be getting set to throw passes for either the Seattle Seahawks or the Miami Dolphins. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Playing the free agent game in Peyton Manning’s shadow, Matt Flynn, the Green Bay Packers backup quarterback the past four years and the best free agent quarterback not named Peyton on the market, is in Florida today getting the red carpet treatment from the Miami Dolphins.

He visited the Seattle Seahawks‘ facility late this week and though Dolphins brass were afraid he may not make it out of the Pacific Northwest without a contract, Flynn’s father, Alvin, told the Palm Beach Post, that Matt had all along planned to make at least a couple of visits before making a decision on where to continue his future.

According to profootballtalk.com, the elder Flynn was quoted in the Post as saying, “He said it [Seattle] was a really nice place, and he enjoyed it. But he wanted to look at both of them. That was the way he felt going in.”

And in speaking for himself with his son in his best interests, Alvin said, “Logic would tell me he would do something this weekend or thereabouts. He doesn’t want to drag this out.”

It’s good to see Flynn going about business as he sees fit and not waiting around for Peyton Manning to rule the day. Flynn is a deserving athlete, no matter where he signs.

Is he as deserving as much as Peyton Manning?

Take the poll

Brandon Marshall is now a Chicago Bear. Was his trade to the Windy City the biggest move of day 1 of Free Agency.Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

No doubt it was a busy day around the National Football League with the start of Free Agency.

Have you kept abreast of every move that was made throughout the day?

Me either.

While there were several moves that raised an eyebrow or two, there were also several moves that didn’t grab much attention.

This is for sure – free agency continues to be the vehicle by which the “bad” teams in the league try to improve their lot by overpaying veterans who may have a name, but won’t necessarily push that team over the top toward a Super Bowl.

Consider the teams that grabbed the most headlines on the first day: Washington, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Chicago – yes, I lump the Bears into that group … if for no other reason than the fact that they are simply Da Bears.

Anyway, the first day offered some trades (Brandon Marshall to the Bears) signings (Vincent Jackson to the Bucs) and out-of-the-ordinary announcements (Randy Moss to the 49ers – even though he signed on the eve of free agency).

So, we want to know how you feel about some of the moves made Tuesday. Take the poll as we look forward to future action, such as watching Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, as well as whether Super Mario Williams will really sign with the Bills.

After taking the poll, head on over to Facebook to Like Lombardiave.com and follow us on Twitter.

What impact will Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall have on the Bears? Andrew Mills/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

It has been nine seasons since the Chicago Bears have had a 1,000 yard receiver. Could it be that they have not had any good receivers or maybe they just have not had any quarterbacks? Probably both, but that’s not the point. The point is, they are getting a receiver in his prime who has posted a 1,000 yard season in each of his last five seasons. Not only that, but Marshall and quarterback Jay Cutler were teammates for many of those years in Denver.

In return for the trade, Miami receives the Bears’ third round draft pick this year and next. That’s it. Pretty good bargain for the Bears if I do say so myself. It has been rumored that Miami made this move in order to try and sway Peyton Manning toward them. You would think Manning would actually prefer to work with Marshall but actually this may not be the case. Manning has been rumored to be a little turned away from Miami due to Marshall and his childish attitude he seems to always have.

This move cannot be looked at by any Packers fan as being a good thing at all. Though the Bears have brought in receivers in hoping of dramatic improvements, it always seemed to end up in failure. It seems as if their offense is just not designed to incorporate the wide receivers to become a major threat in any game.

Anyway, do you think this move makes the Chicago Bears’ offense better than last year? Even better then the Pack?

Whoa, sorry … getting a little carried away right there. Take the poll and see how others think.

Jan 1, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Immediately after last season ended, speculation about where Packers‘ back-up quarterback Matt Flynn could go was a very intriguing topic.

Everyone knew it would probably be with a team such as Miami, Washington, or even Denver where the quarterback position is a major issue. However, after former Packers’ offensive coordinator Joe Philbin became the head coach for the Miami Dolphins it became almost a no-brainer that Matt Flynn would end up becoming the Miami Dolphins future starting quarterback.

What has been transpiring over the past couple of weeks, However, has basically brought the question as to Flynn’s future home back to square one.

Immediately after the release of Peyton Manning by the Indianapolis Colts, Flynn went from being one of the top free agents to becoming almost an after-thought. The Manning buzz which has been going on every day since his release, has really thrown a wrench into Flynn’s future plans. Manning has already visited the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals. Manning has indicated he would like to stay in the AFC if possible which would make Miami a more likely destination, along with the beautiful climate he would enjoy.

As of today, Adam Schefter of ESPN has reported that sources have confirmed Manning’s top two teams as of right now are the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals and Manning has indicated that he would make his future destination sometime later this week. So maybe Flynn will land in Miami after all. Then again, the Manning show has been constantly changing so stay tuned for more updates.

In addition to the Manning drama, there has also been other quarterback news that could affect Flynn’s destination. With the Washington Redskins trading up to pick #2 in the draft, there is a 99.99% chance that the Redskins will draft Robert Griffin III, the Heisman winning quarterback from Baylor. I say 99% because the NFL can bring up some surprises. But in this scenario, there is basically no chance that the Redskins will not draft a quarterback with this pick. What this means for Flynn is another possible candidate for his future home being crossed off the board.

It is a little different scenario than where we were at just a couple months ago, but nevertheless, Flynn will find a home this offseason whether it’s with the Dolphins, Broncos, or whomever. Aaron Rodgers has already stated that he thinks Flynn has the potential to become a top 15 quarterback in the league. From what we have seen from Flynn in his two career starts, there is no reason to think otherwise.

Best of luck to Flynn and his future plans.

Robert Griffin III will be all smiles when he is selected by the Washington Redskins with second overall pick in this year's draft. Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Though the deal can’t be officially completed until the start of the league season Tuesday, March 13, it was confirmed by multiple news sources Friday night that the Washington Redskins have traded for the number two pick in this year’s draft from the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams, who own the second slot in the draft, will get a king’s ransom for the pick, but on the flip side the Redskins will get the chance to pick the enormously talented Robert Griffin III. For the Baylor quarterback, the Redskins will give up first- and second-round selections this year, plus first-round picks in 2013 and 2014.

Yes, folks, that’s three first round and one second round picks.

With the opportunity to sign former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning looking dead for the Redskins, Washington brass put the huge offer on the table to get the shot at RGIII.

The trade solidifies the first two spots in this year’s draft as the Colts are slated to pick Stanford QB Andrew Luck and the Redskins set to pick Griffin. The Minnesota Vikings, at number three, will most likely pick an offensive lineman or wide receiver.

See the highlight video of RGIII below …

But before you watch, take a click on over to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Mar 7, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning speaks at a press conference announcing his departure from the team at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Peyton Manning’s emotional goodbye to his boss Jim Irsay and the fans of the Indianapolis Colts was nice to watch, but the tears dried as soon as the cameras stopped rolling and Manning was on his flight home to Florida.

Another thing that was certain after the press conference in Indiana was that Manning would be working someplace else this coming season.

But where? The speculation began and the teams began lining up with offers.

Talk about a mad rush …

So, just where will Manning land?

You be the judge and tell us.

So, will Aaron Rodgers and the Packers notch win #14 easily in Kansas City Sunday or will the Chiefs give the Packers their best shot?

OK, so it’s that time of the week when we hear from the opposing camp about this week’s Packers vs. Chiefs game.

With just three weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, we asked Patrick Allen, the bigwig over at Arrowhead Addict, what is thoughts are heading into Sunday’s Packers vs. Chiefs match-up. He was so kind to take some time to answer our questions.

Enjoy! He’s brutally honest.

And don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)

The following are his replies to my questions:

Peyton Manning will be wearing a baseball cap on the sidelines at Lucas Oil Stadium Friday night when the Packers pay a visit. Without him, the Colts are a different team. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Without Manning and with the addition of Kerry Collins, how is the QB battle shaping up? Who has the upper hand at backup and is the team planning to be without Peyton for at least the first game of the regular season?

Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky have struggled in the pre-season, and Kerry Collins makes at least one of them expendable.  My best guess now is that Painter moves to the practice squad and Orlovsky will be released.

In terms of Manning’s availability for Game 1 against Houston, I’m not absolutely convinced that he won’t start, but Collins’ presence makes it clear that team brass is very worried. I hope that Collins is a safeguard for further Manning problems, but I won’t be surprised at all to see him start against the Texans. Collins can keep the Colts afloat for awhile, but I doubt the Colts will be great with him under center.

How is the running game shaping up and are there any surprise players emerging in the backfield?

Joseph Addai is the main option again after signing a big extension in the off-season, but he hasn’t been used much in pre-season games. He should be ready for the opener Sept. 11.

Delone Carter looks like a brute and has the potential to help, especially in third-and-short situations where the Colts have really struggled in recent seasons. He could be one of the bargains of this year’s draft, selected in the fourth round (119th overall). Local product Darren Evans, picked up as an undrafted free agent, is also turning some heads and has a shot to make the roster. (more…)

Aaron Rodgers is a fan favorite and a champion. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Aaron Rodgers talked this afternoon about staying in shape, improving, winning another championship, the lockout, and of course, golf, during an interview with  media leading up to his participation in the 22nd annual American Century Championship golf tournament to be held in Lake Tahoe, Calif., in a couple of weeks.

While looking forward to playing golf in this great tournament, Rodgers also talked a lot about football and told reporters that the Packers are well positioned to possibly earn more than one more championship in the coming four to five years. He said that because of the team’s youth and experience, the sky’s the limit for a team that already has one championship under its belt. (more…)

Green Bay’s NICK COLLINS returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown on the Colts’ first play of the second half to set the tone for the Packers’ 34-14 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Collins totaled a tackle and two defensed passes.

Collins needs your votes.  That was a game-changing play, giving the Packers a much safer 24-7 lead instead of the 17-7 one they had with Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts driving.

That being said, the entire Packers organization needs your help as Pro Bowl voting has started!  You can VOTE HERE for your favorite Packers and favorite players to go to sunny Hawaii in February and represent their conference.  I’ll be posting my Pro Bowl Ballot eventually, after I evaluate the play of the players around the league.

Ever think we’d be saying that?

Well it happened Sunday, as Rodgers went 21-of-28 for 186 yards and one touchdown, while Manning went 21-of-42 for 229 yards and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns by the Packers.  The Packers jumped out to a 17-7 on the Indianapolis Colts halftime lead and never looked back.

The real story of Sunday’s game is the re-emergence of Ryan Grant, who had been basically useless for the first part of the season.  Grant carried the ball 31 times, unheard of for this season, gained 105 yards and scored his first touchdown of the season.  Grant seems to be hitting his stride at the right time of the season, similar to the same time he hit it last year.  The Packers would doubly appreciate last year’s Ryan Grant to make an appearance.

Rodgers did a good job of managing the offense, completing passes to eight receivers.  Brandon Jackson was the leading receiver, catching six passes for 37 yards.  Jackson has emerged as a solid backup option after being useless like the rest of the Packers running game for the first few weeks of the season.  Donald Lee caught the touchdown pass from Rodgers early in the second quarter.

The defense is what shined for Green Bay on Sunday though.  The highlights were two interception returns for touchdowns, a 62-yarder by Nick Collins in the third quarter and a 99-yarder by Aaron Rouse in the fourth, that helped put the game out of reach.  Brandon Chillar led the defense with nine total tackles (seven solo) while cornerback Tramon Williams, subbing for the injured Al Harris, had seven solo and a forced fumble.

For the Colts, Dominic Rhodes had 70 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 20 carries, while Dallas Clark led the receivers with eight receptions for 81 yards.  Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne combined for only four catches and 35 yards, showing a defensive prowess in a depleted secondary.

This is a solid win for the Packers going into a bye week, with the Tennessee Titans awaiting them after the bye.