Freddie Mitchell, the receiver who caught the infamous 4th and 26 first down conversion from QB Donovan McNabb had his comeuppance today when he pleaded guilty to tax fraud.

I guess what goes around, comes around – especially for former Philadelphia Eagles‘ wide receiver Freddie Mitchell. Today, according to a report by Josh Alper of profootballtalk.com, Mitchell has pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges.

Alper cites the Orlando Sentinel in describing how Mitchell faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for his role in the scheme to intentionally file false tax returns for another individual.

Here’s how Alper described things:

Mitchell and two others filed false tax returns on behalf of another athlete, identified only with the initials “A.G.” The plan was devised to receive a larger refund from the IRS and was done without the other athlete’s knowledge. Mitchell’s role was to recruit athletes and the two others filed the returns while also charging for their services as tax preparers.

Here’s what the Orlando Sentinel wrote about Mitchell and his statement to the judge presiding over the case:

“…he knew fraud was being committed and yet he did not stop the illegal activities or report it to law enforcement …”

Packers fans will remember Mitchell for his role in the playoff game completion in Philadelphia that would forever be etched in Packers’ fans memories as the “4th and 26″ play.

The Packers were leading the Eagles 17-14 late in the Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, playoff game. Faced with a fourth and 26 from their own 25 yard line, no timeouts and just 1:12 left on the clock, quarterback Donovan McNabb dropped back and hit Mitchell who had run his route down the middle uncontested and right between the Packers defensive backs, catching the ball at the first down marker.

The Eagles’ David Akers would kick the game-tying field goal to send the game into overtime where Packers quarterback Brett Favre would throw an interception to Brian Dawkins. The Eagles drove the ball down into field goal range where Akers again would convert to win the game, 20-17.

Packers fans will never forget Freddie Mitchell … today, the court system will never forget – or forgive him – either.

I hate to do it to you, Packers fans – but here’s the video …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cullen Jenkins
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cullen Jenkins (left), Johnny Jolly (center), and Aaron Kampman (right) formed a formidable line for the Green Bay Packers. Jenkins was released Monday by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Nine-year National Football League veteran and former Green Bay Packers defensive end Cullen Jenkins was released today by the Philadelphia Eagles after having been with the NFC East team for the past two seasons.

Jenkins was a star defensive end for the Packers and helped them to the 2010 NFC Championship and Super Bowl XLV win over the Pittsburgh Steelers before moving on to the Eagles. During his time with the Eagles, Jenkins started all 32 games and recorded 9.5 sacks, 56 tackles and 11 assists. He also had two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

“I had a chance to speak with Cullen today and let him know of our decision,” general manager Howie Roseman was quoted as saying in published reports. “It’s one of the most difficult parts of the job. He has been a very productive player in this league for a long time but we felt it in our team’s best interests that we go in a different direction. By releasing him at this point, it gives he and his agent more time to sign on with another team. We wish Cullen and his family all the best as he continues his NFL career.”

Jenkins spent the first seven years of his career in Green Bay as a productive defensive end. During that time he played in 93 games, starting 66 of them. He posted 29 sacks, 132 tackles, 61 assists, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and 16 passes defensed. Those were solid statistics for the 6-2 305-pounder, but like most aging players (31), he became a victim of the Eagles’ salary cap. He was scheduled to make $5.5 million this year from the Eagles, who will be looking to rebuild its defense after a horrendous season last year.

At this point, it was unclear if Jenkins would look to move on or whether the Packers might even have an interest, but that’s highly unlikely.

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Jenkins career statistics are below:

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) unloads pass against the New York Giants during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Michael Vick, the beleaguered, oft-injured quarterback who had probably his most inconsistent season in 2012, has been re-signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adam Schefter reports that Vick has agreed to a restructured single-year deal that keeps him in Philadelphia for one more year under new head coach Chip Kelly.
Vick and the Eagles are scheduled to play in Green Bay this coming season, though that date has yet to be decided.

The summer of Opposite Ted continues as Ted Thompson has dipped into the free agent market to pluck running back Cedric Benson.

The official reports from various media outlets confirmed Friday that Benson was in Green Bay for a visit on Friday and that a contract signing was completed today.

Many in Packer Nation were up in arms with this decison, some saying that Benson is nothing but a headache and the Packers would be better off just striking a deal with former Packer Ryan Grant. While Benson is better known for his events off the field rather than on the field, I feel he is a better option than Grant at this point in both of their careers.

Grant, who made some great plays while with the Packers seemed to really tail off after his ankle injury in the ’09 opener against the Eagles.

Now you could say Grant didn’t have enough attempts to even be a great runner being in the Packers pass-happy offense. I believe Grant had plenty of attempts to flourish last year, but he seemed like he couldn’t find the holes when they were open.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009 Grant excelled at finding the hole and bursting through it. Another telling point about Grant is the fact that it’s not only the Packers who haven’t had interest – there are 31 other teams who see the same thing Ted Thompson does. I believe Benson brings a nice set of tools to this offense.

Packer fans will remember Benson as the former Chicago Bear who was lazy and really couldn’t run all that well. That Benson seemed long gone when he suited up for his second season with the the  Cincinatti Bengals in 2009, rushing for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns.

Benson has turned into a tough downhill runner as he has matured. That presence of a violent runner is what the Packers have been missing these last two years. There were times last year where the team couldn’t convert on third and 1 or fourth and 1. The Packers short yardage man was mainly John Kuhn, so when he came in everyone knew why he was in there and who was getting the ball.

With Benson the Packers could put both in and surprise the defense with the ball carrier, because Benson has the ability to get that 1 yard.

I feel Green Bay is the right place for Benson to be and stay out of trouble. He’s been in trouble with every team he’s been with, but those teams didn’t have strong veteran leaders in the locker room.

Guys like Woodson, Rodgers, and Driver among others should keep Benson in line.

Let’s relax before we condemn Benson coming here to Green Bay, Ted Thompson knows what he’s doing and I’m sure once again he’ll prove most of us wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s the home and away schedule:

Home

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Redskins

Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC South opponent

Away

Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants

Baltimore Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals

NFC West opponent

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

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

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

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

Lombardiave.com's Tim Thomas thinks Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Brandon Boykin could be the Green Bay Packers' second overall choice in next week's NFL Draft. Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

By Tim Thomas

Contributing writer – Lombardiave.com

Tim Thomas, Lombardiave.com’s newest contributing writer, takes a stag at all seven rounds and 12 picks the Packers have in this year’s NFL Draft.

Take a ride along with Tim as he considers some of the best fits for the Packers.

The NFL Draft is now two weeks away and the Packers are finishing up their draft board and should be ready for the draft by now. Ted Thompson is one of the best general managers at finding talent through the NFL Draft which is why the Packers have won so consistently and one Super Bowl with Thompson as GM. So, what will the Packers do this year to put together a Super Bowl caliber team?

Round 1, Pick 28, The Green Bay Packers select USC DE/OLB Nick Perry.

Nick Perry was a very successful player at USC and has the potential to be an immediate starter at outside linebacker as he could form a great tandem of outside linebackers with another former Trojan, Clay Matthews. Perry fairly productive at USC as he garnered tons of sacks including 9.5 last season to lead the Pac-12. Perry also has good speed and strength for a 3-4 outside linebacker as he ran a 4.64 in the 40 and benched 35 reps at the NFL Combine. Perry has proven he could be an immediate upgrade over Brad Jones at outside linebacker and a long term solution opposite of Clay Matthews.

Round 2, Pick 59, The Green Bay Packers select Georgia CB Brandon Boykin.

Brandon Boykin was a very impressive player at Georgia as he has a great work ethic which led to Boykin having a productive career. Boykin has great speed which allowed him to be a dangerous playmaker on special teams. Boykin could take the kick and punt return man role from Randall Cobb which would allow Cobb to focus on becoming the elite receiver everyone expects him to be. Boykin’s speed will allow him to stay up with some of the speedier receivers in the NFL like the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson. Boykin will also have time to develop before he becomes a starting cornerback for the Packers. Boykin could be an impact player for the Packers for a long time.

Round 3, Pick 90, The Green Bay Packers select Nebraska DE Jared Crick.

Crick is one of the most underrated players in the entire draft as he could be a great pass rusher as a five-technique defensive end in Dom Capers’ defensive scheme. Crick is a perfect fit for the Packers as a 3-4 defensive end due to the fact that he has experience as a 4-3 defensive tackle and a 4-3 defensive end at Nebraska. Crick also has good strength and decent speed as he ran a 4.99 at the Combine and had 26 reps at Nebraska’s pro day. The one concern for Crick is his health. That is why he has fallen from the last of the first round to the end of the third round. Crick could be a major steal at this point in the draft as he could be an instant starter at Lambeau.

Round 4, Pick 128, The Green Bay Packers select Michigan C David Molk.

David Molk is a great young center who will get the chance to learn and develop behind one of the best centers in NFL history, Jeff Saturday. Molk has great awareness for a center which is a key trait of great centers and he also showed excellent leadership. Molk also has impressive strength as he had a very impressive NFL Combine in which he pushed 41 reps on the bench. Molk has a high ceiling and should be a great center that could be as good as Jeff Saturday.

Round 4, Pick 132, The Green Bay Packers select Notre Dame S Robert Blanton.

Robert Blanton was a fairly productive defensive back in his time at Notre Dame and he has the potential to be a really good safety. Blanton has good speed for a safety and he proved he has a great ability to jump up and get the ball as he showed that at the NFL Combine with a vertical jump of 34 inches. Blanton can be that safety who replaces Charlie Peprah in the long term.

Round 4, Pick 133, The Green Bay Packers select Utah State RB Robert Turbin.

Robert Turbin is one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL Draft and was very productive last year with 1,517 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. Turbin also showed an impressive combo of speed and strength necessary for a starting running back at the NFL Combine by having 28 reps on the bench and running a 4.5 in the 40. Turbin has a very high ceiling, and he has the potential to be an upgrade over James Starks and the best running back the Packers have had in a while.

Round 5, Pick 163, The Green Bay Packers select San Diego State QB Ryan Lindley.

The Packers need a young quarterback to develop into a good backup and Lindley is exactly that quarterback. Lindley has an impressive arm but the one thing that is lacking right now is Lindley’s lack of consistent accuracy. When Lindley is accurate, he is a very good quarterback and is a first two round quality quarterback. When he is inaccurate, he is not a draft-worthy quarterback. Lindley’s potential is high and he could be as good as Brett Favre but he should be at least as good as Rex Grossman.

Round 6, Pick 197, The Green Bay Packers select Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict has first round talent but the one problem with him is that he loses control of his emotions on the field which causes to rack up lots of penalties. Burfict has the potential to be a great middle linebacker if he controls his emotions. He proved that by being very productive in college. Burfict also has good strength and the potential to be a starter for a long time if he controls his emotions.

Round 7, Pick 224, The Green Bay Packers select Oklahoma DE Frank Alexander.

Frank Alexander is a good defensive end that could be a very successful NFL player. Alexander has the talent to be an outside linebacker or a defensive end as he has the right size to be a defensive end in Dom Capers’ system. Alexander showed good strength at his pro day with 24 reps on the bench. Alexander could be a good steal this late in the draft as he could be useful as depth in the long term or even start.

Round 7, Pick 235, The Green Bay Packers select USC FB Rhett Ellison.

Rhett Ellison is one of the best fullbacks in the draft and has an ability to be a threat in the passing game along with the running game. Fullbacks don’t have the best longevity in the NFL so Ellison could be groomed behind one of the NFL’s best fullbacks, John Kuhn. For being a potential late round pick, Ellison is already a good player who could make a decent impact in his rookie season.

Round 7, Pick 241, The Green Bay Packers select Oklahoma State OT Levy Adcock.

Adcock is the prototypical size for a NFL starting offensive tackle as he is 6 feet 6 inches and 320 pounds. At his pro day, he showed off his strength by having a total of 26 reps which is better than potential first round pick Ohio State OT Mike Adams. Adcock also has the potential to move inside to play offensive guard as his size will allow him to do that. Adcock is a high upside pick this late but he could really be a steal.

Round 7, Pick 243, The Green Bay Packers select Utah CB Conroy Black.

Black is the type of player you would expect the Packers to take at the end of the draft, a raw talent that has all the skills capable of becoming a really good cornerback. Black has elite speed and good height for a cornerback and could be a long term replacement for Charles Woodson or Tramon Williams. Black has high potential and could be a steal at this point in the draft.

The Packers have 12 picks in this draft but knowing what Ted Thompson has done in the past, it would not surprise me if he pulls off some trades to climb up in the draft and maybe he will trade back into the first round like he did when the Packers got Clay Matthews. The Packers will definitely be able to bring in the improvements that can help them win more Super Bowls.

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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If tagged with the franchise designation, would Jermichael Finley be considered a tight end or wide receiver? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Today was the first day NFL teams could apply the franchise tag to a player of their choosing. Not any were done right away but this is to be expected as teams would prefer to see how free agency falls out before they make any large financial commitments.

So how should the Pack use their franchise tag, if they even choose to do so?

The most probable candidate will be tight end Jermichael Finley. At the beginning of last season, it was surely expected that the Packers would apply the franchise tag once the off-season came around. But after a disappointing year by the young tight end, it has made Packers fans somewhat uncertain as to using the tag on Finley – is he even worth it?

It’s only a one year deal, but it pays the player as being one of the tops at that position. There is an issue with Finley about this though. There has been some speculation that Finley may argue that he is a wide receiver and, therefore, would make double the money if he were to be considered a tight end. To determine this, they will have to review how many times Finley lined up as a wide receiver and compare it to the tight end. This would surely determine if the Packers decide to use the tag on Finley or not. If he is considered a tight end, then the Pack will most likely use the tag on him but if he is considered a wide receiver, then it would be more likely that the Pack decide not to use the tag and may have to let him go.

Obviously Packers fans would be saddened if this should happen but there would still be the chance the Packers could work out a 1 or 2 year deal. This is unlikely, however, and the Pack will be faced with either giving him the tag or letting him walk.

Another scenario the Packers could opt for is franchising quarterback Matt Flynn. This probably will not happen because if they chose to do so, they would be paying Flynn more money than MVP Aaron Rodgers next season. The benefit of doing this would be to get good trade value for someone who is considered by many teams as a franchise quarterback.

Last year the Philadelphia Eagles had Kevin Kolb and ended up trading him to the Arizona Cardinals for lots of picks and valuable players. It would be nice for the Pack to be able to get some nice pieces for Flynn but I just cannot see the Pack doing this.

The most probable scenario will be the Pack either franchising Finley as a tight end or letting him walk and the Packers opting not to use the franchise tag this year.

Though today was the first day teams were able to place the franchise tag on one of their players, the Packers’ crucial decision will still probably be a few weeks away.

Could Mike Sherman be headed to Tampa Bay?

Josh Hill over at The Pewter Plank today blogged about the possible coaching candidates to consider for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coaching position – placing current Texas A&M and former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman at the top of his list.

Interesting.

I was never a Mike Sherman fan, especially after the Packers debacle in the Sunday, Jan. 11 , 2004, playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles … can you say 4th and 26?

Though Sherman did have a successful run in Green Bay up until his draft decisions finally caught up with him, he hasn’t been considered for another NFL head coaching gig for a reason.

But what do I know. Maybe The Pewter Plank’s bloggers knows what the Bucs need more than I do.

To read the post, check it out here.

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If you dare relive one of the worst memories in Packers history:

Packers GM Ted Thompson has a plan for improving the team's future. Over the past year, those plans haven't included the likes of Cullen Jenkins, Johnny Jolly and Aaron Kampman. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Part 1 of a 3 part series

After the Packers-Chargers game, the leader of the Packers’ defense, Charles Woodson, implored Defense Coordinator Dom Capers to get Clay Matthews more involved in the pass rush. Could this plea (and the Packers’ 5th surrender of 400 plus yards) have been avoided?

Let’s put that question a different way, should Cullen Jenkins have been preparing for Minnesota Monday night rather than lining up for the Eagles against the Bears??

It’s a question that underlines the Packers’ approach to team-building. Put succinctly, even casual observers of the Packers know that when it comes to free agency, the Packers aren’t biting. This oft-criticized strategy was vindicated earlier this year with the arrival of the Lombardi trophy to Green Bay.

The Packers strategy in free agency is clear: They don’t do it.

(more…)

NFL Insider Adam Schefter said the information came by two league sources.

The trade of Brown came on deadline day and, in the least appeared to be a quick fix for the Lions. Brown could have been an added weapon to an already potent offensive attack.

Lions rising star Jahvid Best has had concussion issues, and is uncertain to play this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. 

When healthy, Best has been very effective as a runner and receiver.

Through six games he had 84 touches for 390 yards – a 4.6 yard per carry.

Brown, as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, had just 13 carries for 38 yards – a 2.9 yard average.

How the lions fare in their running game now lies on the shoulders of Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams against Atlanta and Schwartz said he likes “a lot” about both.

Deion Sanders thinks it will be the Packers and Bears vying for the NFC North Divisional crown ... not the Detroit Lions.

It was interesting listening to Deion Sanders yesterday during the post-game sessions that run nonstop on the NFL Network.

 Aside from his continued love pats toward the Packers … “I just love the Packers” … Deion left watchers with an interesting tidbit about how he feels about the 3-0 Lions and how he feels things will turn out by the end of the season.

 While also saying the Lions were a good team and that he loves how they play, he doesn’t feel Detroit is ready to take the next step as a contender or even win the division.

(more…)

Packers president Mark Murphy leads a team that is worth about $1 billion. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Well, according to a Forbes recently published annual report, the Dallas Cowboys are worth $1.85 billion, making Jerry Jones’ team the most valuable of all American franchises, valued just less than England’s Manchester United’s $1.9 billion.

The New York Yankees are valued at $1.7 billion, according to Forbes.

According to the report that was recently highlighted on ESPN, other NFL teams in the top five in value are as follows: Washington Redskins ($1.55 billion); New England Patriots ($1.4 billion); New York Giants ($1.3 billion); and New York Jets ($1.223 billion).

These numbers were based on 2010 factors and showed that the Giants recorded the largest increase at 10 percent, mainly because of the team’s move into the new Meadowlands. The Jets, which shares that stadium with the Giants, showed a 7 percent single season increase.

As might be expected, the Packers, last season’s Super Bowl champion, also showed a hefty 7 percent increase in overall value.

However, when compared with the entire league, the Packers could be seen as nothing more than “average.”

The Packers are lumped together with 15 other teams that have a value of about $1 billion. In addition to the Packers, other teams in that group are Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Denver, Pittsburgh, Miami and Carolina.

Considering many of the teams listed above, success isn’t a huge factor in determining wealth. Though given the fact the Packers are among the smallest franchises in all of professional sports, being valued at $1 billion is pretty remarkable.

With the structural improvements planned to be completed this coming year on Lambeau Field, the team’s overall value should increase accordingly.

Also considering the value of much larger market teams with less value – franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars – the Packers continue to be one of the most remarkable success stories in all of sports.

For The Green Bay Packers, this was a weekend of rest and relaxation … A well-deserved weekend of relaxation with their Thursday night season-opening victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Though the weekend of games were entertaining, they also provided insight into the future. 

In planning for the immediate, the Packers watched Cam Newton, this year’s top pick and next opponent, pick apart the Arizona Cardinals’ defense for 422 yards and an impressive display in the vertical passing game.

Granted, the Cardinals’ defense isn’t the Packers’ defense, but the rookie has shown that the Panthers made a good decision in taking him first overall and that the Packers will have to plan well.

Dom Capers will need to design packages to confuse the rookie for 60 minutes … If he can do that the Packers should win going away. If the Packers allow the Panthers to stay in the game into the fourth quarter this could be one of those trap games that could come back to haunt them at the end of the season.

Another factor that stood out from the weekend was the NFC North’s domination of the NFC South.

Though the Packers game came down to the final play and the Lions/Bucs game to the final minute, the Bears’ creaming of the Falcons placed the final stamp of divisional domination on the weekend.

Yes, the Packers and Lions games were close, but all that matters at this point are the records: NFC North 3 NFC South 0.

Even the the Vikings showed some spunk against the San Diego Chargers by holding a lead for three quarters despite Donovan McNabb’s dismal debut – he ended up throwing for fewer than 40 yards total in the game.

Sure, had the Vikings been playing without Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson it wouldn’t have been close, but the fact of the matter is that the Vikings do have those players and they make a difference.

The Vikes’ performance also underscores the notion that the NFC North should be considered one, if not the toughest division in all of professional football.

It also creates a heightened awareness among all players, coaches and fans that when these NFC North teams meet this year, it’s going to be brutal. These games will be bitterly fought spectacles that should be well worth the price of admission. 

Looking around at some of the other games this past weekend, we really didn’t see any major upsets. The closest thing to an upset was the shellacking the Ravens put on the Steelers … But when a team turns the ball over seven times like the Steelers did, there’s no way they’re going to win.

Other mildly interesting games simply because of the score differentials came in the Buffalo vs. Kansas City game, and the Indianapolis vs. Houston game. 

Some of the most entertaining were the 49ers vs. Seahawks, Giants vs. Redskins, with honorable mention to (zzzzzzz) the Jags and Titans.

But without question the best game of the weekend was the Jets vs. Cowboys. There was enough drama what with the Ryan boys and the return of Plaxico Burress to last the week. And the high drama in action was highlighted by Tony (the fumbler) Romo showing his true colors.

So, all in all, the first weekend came to a close with lots of action (could there be a better showing than Tom Brady’s 500-plus yards, 4 touchdown performance and 906-total yards between him and Chad Henne?), lots of drama, but not a lot of surprises.

A great start to another season for America’s Game …

Can it get any better? Stay tuned …

For the first time, 32 legendary NFL alumni, one representing each team, were part of the pregame celebration at Lambeau Field Thursday night. 
The alumni held their team’s flag and formed a chute on the field with players representing the NFC on one side and AFC on the other. 

You saw Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr walk through the gauntlet onto the field holding the Green Bay Packers flag followed by the Super Bowl XLV Champions running onto the field. 

Following the introduction of the Packers, the 2010 championship year was unveiled on the interior stadium wall and celebrated with a brief fireworks display.

The team flags will be flown by each team at their stadium during their first home game.

The NFL alumni who were on-hand at Lambeau Field to hold their team’s flag were: 

Arizona Cardinals, Ron Wolfley (RB)
Atlanta Falcons, Steve Bartkowski (QB)
Baltimore Ravens, Matt Stover (K)
Buffalo Bills, Andre Reed (WR)
Carolina Panthers, Muhsin Muhammad (WR)
Chicago Bears, Richard Dent (DE)
Cincinnati Bengals, Ken Anderson (QB)
Cleveland Browns, Kevin Mack (RB)
Dallas Cowboys , Jay Novacek (TE)
Denver Broncos, Randy Gradishar (LB)
Detroit Lions, Charlie Sanders (TE)
Green Bay Packers, Bart Starr (QB)
Houston Texans, N.D. Kalu (DE)
Indianapolis Colts, Bill Brooks (WR)
Jacksonville Jaguars, Don Davey (DT)
Kansas City Chiefs, Willie Lanier (LB)
Miami Dolphins, Dwight Stephenson (C)
Minnesota Vikings, John Randle (DT)
New England Patriots, John Hannah (G)
New Orleans Saints, Deuce McAllister (RB)
New York Giants, Harry Carson (LB)
New York Jets, Al Toon (WR)
Oakland Raiders, Ted Hendricks (LB)
Philadelphia Eagles, Eric Allen (CB)
Pittsburgh Steelers, Dermontti Dawson (C)
St. Louis Rams, Aeneas Williams (DB)
San Diego Chargers, Junior Seau (LB)
San Francisco 49ers, Dwight Clark (WR)
Seattle Seahawks, Cortez Kennedy (DT)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Alstott (FB)
Tennessee Titans, Eddie George (RB)
Washington Redskins, Larry Brown (RB)

How would you like to have a roster like that?

Packers General Manager Ted Thompson has implemented a build from within model that has produced one Super Bowl title and a team deep with talent and youth. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Free agency?

What’s that?

Maybe Andy Reid knows …

Surely Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson know what free agency is … and frankly, they seem to be the only duo in the National Football League who stay true to their word and don’t go into the period lathered in saliva while bending over.

For that, I give the Packers an A+

For the Philadelphia Eagles, whose surprise deep foray into this year’s market netted them new players for about 20 percent of their team, I am speechless.

However, I do know what grade I will give them: F

But let’s get back to the Green Bay Packers, the team about which this column is focused. Every team general manager in the National Football League stands at the podium after each season and explains that the team’s goal is to win the Super Bowl the coming year. To do that, they all say the same thing: They must build through the draft. (more…)

It was this kind of play, a first down dive to secure the Packers' win at home against the Lions, that helped build the legend of John Kuhn last year. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

So the Eagles landed Asomugha …

Well, we’ve got Kuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhnnnnnn!

Let’s see the Eagles fans come up with something that even closely resembles the Packers love-call they associated with Kuhn last year. 

The newly-inked Packer brings his versatility back to the team that he helped resurrect from near oblivion last year when he moved up from his fullback position to play running back after Brandon Jackson failed miserably in the same role.

According to Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Kuhn will be around for awhile because he signed a three-year deal to stay in Green Bay. The deal, according to Kuhn’s agent, makes the fullback one of the highest paid in the league. Former Packer Vonta Leach is the top-earner as he signed a three-year $11 million deal … with $6 million of it guaranteed.

Kuhn caps a productive day for the Packers after following receiver James Jones back to Green Bay. Jones also signed a three-year deal to stay will the Packers.

Where did this all come from? This afternoon … The last time I checked … The Eagles weren’t even in the running. That’s the nature of what has been one of the most incredible few days of movement in league history … It’s unprecedented what we’ve seen and this deal is the perfect capper!

All I can say is WOW! 

I thought Ochocinco was a surprise and Reggie Bush and maybe even Kevin Kolb and Donovan McNabb to a certain extent …

… To name just a few among so many transactions …

I don’t even know where to begin in describing this past few days.

I will say that I might have gone insane in trying to follow the dizzying action this past week. As a Packers fan, the team’s inaction in free agency has been nothing short of boring. But we expected it, didn’t we?

We really didn’t expect Ted Thompson to go after Nnamdi? Did we? 

So as the free agency “season” comes to an end and training camp gets under way, let’s all catch our breath and start watching the season unfold.

Congratulations to the Eagles. They certainly have a lot to live up to now.

And by the way, will there still be room for Asante Samuel?

As the lockout ends and the start of training camp looms, I thought it a good time to search YouTube for some video from last year’s season.

As a matter of practice I don’t like watching too many highlight films during the offseason, but given this is a championship season I can’t help but burn up the YouTube files.

That’s why I’m posting this video from Truthseeker … This covers the playoffs of the season just to whet your appetite … Enjoy the action … It’s a part of a season we will not soon forget …