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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When the Packers signed center Jeff Saturday this week they upended the draft strategy - negating the need to draft an offensive lineman like Bryan Bulaga. Now the team can concentrate on its most pressing need - defense. Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

The eyebrows of general managers across the NFL must have collectively risen late this week when it was announced that their Green Bay brethren had done something that has been become increasingly rare in the Ted Thompson era: He completely changed the Packers draft strategy by signing a starting-caliber center, Jeff Saturday, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts.

Since losing Scott Wells to the St. Louis Rams in free agency, draft experts and pretty much every Packer fan expected that in 2012 the high-powered Packers offense would have to downshift to allow for the inclusion of a rookie center. Packers fans are accustomed to the Packers philosophy of ‘draft and develop.’

In the case of Wells leaving, however, the Packers did not have a ‘developing’ player to plug into the hole. The contract given to Jeff Saturday is a two-year deal, allowing the Packers to draft a center with the body type they prefer (recent reports have suggested that the Packers thought Wells too small to be an effective center) in the later rounds of this year’s draft.

So, earlier in the week, it looked like center had overtaken the need to go big on defense early in the 2012 draft. Now, the Packers can dedicate at least the first 2 rounds (I would go first three rounds) to their defensive deficiencies at defensive end and outside linebacker.

Much like the Packers’ 1999 draft, in which they selected three cornerbacks in a row to start the draft (Antuan Edwards, Fred Vinson and Mike McKenzie) in order to fill a huge hole at cornerback (and try to stop Randy Moss), the Packers need to do the same with this draft and selected a combination of at least three to four defensive ends and outside linebackers, hoping that at least one of them contributes immediately. Then the Packers can tackle the center position and grab a backup safety and another cornerback.

Remember, because the Packers lost so many high profile free agents last summer, they are due to receive up to four extra selections as compensation, giving them a total of 11 picks. This will allow them to re-stock some positions as they look to eventually replace starters like Ryan Pickett, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, John Kuhn and others in the span of the next two to three years.

So, let’s recap – assuming that no other starting-caliber players are signed, the Packers need to address the DE and OLB positions with the first three to four picks. Then the Packers should grab a center, a safety and a cornerback. If they see a running back or fullback they like, they should grab one toward the fifth round. In the seventh round, with likely three picks, they should go DT, WR and take a flyer on one more DE or OLB.

Of course, I’m sure no fan would be upset if Thompson traded up for either a better first round pick or for an extra second round pick to really find a stud outside linebacker.

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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

Scott Wells will no longer be snapping the ball to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He signed a free agent contract with the Rams today. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Though considered one, if not the best offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers, General Manager Ted Thompson didn’t stand in the way of allowing center Scott Wells walk away.

The longtime Packer had paid a visit to Tennessee this week and many believed he would sign with his hometown team. But when he left there and visited St. Louis, he found a better fit.

It’s not often that Thompson lets good players get away as his motto has always been to sign his own. But at 31 years old and having given eight years with the Packers, Thompson clearly believed it was time to part ways.

Though the Rams faithful weren’t dancing in the streets with the signing, the team will get a solid player who is considered by many to be undersized but rarely had trouble handling inside rushers. He was also an asset to the Packers run game, though it isn’t his strength.

How the Packers fill the gap in the middle of their offensive line is up in the air, but Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy may look to the draft for a quality offensive lineman in the mid to late rounds. Whether they go for a first or second round lineman isn’t likely unless they trade up to nab Wisconsin’s Peter Konz.

Most agree the Packers will use their higher draft choices to bolster the defensive line and linebacking corps.

Packers center Scott Wells (63) blocks during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Twitter is blowing up today with all the banter about free agency.

Believe it or not, the Packers have also elbowed in among the tweets about big signings (Colston) and trades (Brandon Marshall). But it’s certainly not good news for those who follow the Green and Gold.

It sounds like Scott Wells has targeted a new offensive line to anchor (more on this later) and defensive lineman Mike Neal has been suspended for use of illegal substances …

So, the questions that pop to mind are whether the Packers can make the necessary deals and/or adjustments to its offensive line to make up for the loss of Well, considered their most consistent lineman of the past few years. The drafting of Peter Konz out of Wisconsin has been bantered about, but Packers GM Ted Thompson would probably have to trade up to get him, which would mean the loss of draft choices in later rounds – something Thompson doesn’t like to do.

As for Neal … can we say bust? He was a much touted draft pick, but injuries got the best of him and his potential soon turned to disappointment. He rushed back from an injury last year because he felt he had to play (which is true), but he contributed absolutely nothing to the Packers and probably hurt the team.

What a way to start the beginning of a new year. Let’s hope it’s not the harbinger of 2012 for the Packers. There’s got to be better news down the road.

Scott Wells, Daryn Colledge and Chad Clifton anchored the left side of the Packers line for several years. All three may be former Packers by the time free agency ends this offseason. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Twitter, Facebook and just about every other NFL blogging site is lighting up this week with the advent of one of the most enjoyable times of the professional football offseason – the free agency signing period.

I like it even more than the draft, actually … and I’m a Packers fan who hasn’t had anything to shout about during this period since Mike Holmgren and Ron Wolf reeled in Reggie White.

But that doesn’t matter. It’s always so much fun watching the other teams meet with, negotiate and sign big name free agents.

We know it’s not going to happen in Green Bay, so we sit back, watch, listen and enjoy.

There are some who look at the holes that seem be appearing in the Packers roster and have wondered aloud whether this might be the year that Packers General Manager Ted Thompson might step out of his comfort zone and jump into the frenzy starting this week. Even Thompson has hinted that he may be open to the right player if he considers them “useful tool” for his team.

After all, one can do only so much through the draft – Thompson’s favorite mode for building and rebuilding a team. The draft is great for bringing in “projects” and molding those players to fit the system. Thompson’s Super Bowl XLV ring is evidence of that.

However, the Packers showed last season that if they are to fill the holes the team has, especially on the defensive side of the ball, they’ve got to do more than just draft. Thompson has always said he likes to sign his own players and he faces that task this year as the team’s most valued free agents, Jarrett Bush and Scott Wells, are ready to test the waters.

Will he get something done and signed before 3 p.m. Tuesday? That remains to be seen. If he doesn’t, most likely Bush will be gone and depending on the temperature of those waters, Wells might be, too. But if Wells doesn’t sign before the start of the period and finds only tepid waters out there, he may be back, ala James Jones.

That’s a risk that Thompson is more than likely to take.

Other free agents such as Harold Green and Erik Walden most likely won’t be signed to offers, but there is a good chance that, like Wells, if the money is available, Ryan Grant may be back in camp.

The real question is the money. The Packers are $5 million under the $120 million salary cap. Should the team shed offensive lineman Chad Clifton and restructure wide receiver Donald Driver’s contract, the team will gain at least $5 million more in cap room. With that money available, my guess is that the Packers could strike a deal with Wells and possibly Bush, but that doesn’t leave much for signing draft picks and other undrafted free agents to round out the roster.

I’m just glad I’m not an NFL team’s accountant because this must be a stressful time of the year.

Whatever happens will be a surprise for all fans …

In the meantime, get your popcorn, turn on your favorite sports station and see where all the money goes and where the players end up.

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Donald Driver will be using his moves on Dancing with the Stars. Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

Here is a compilation of some Packers and NFL news that have drawn some interest lately.

It was announced today that Donald Driver of the Green Bay Packers will compete on Dancing with the Stars. It has become a tradition that each season includes an NFL player competing on the show. With all the uncertainty surrounding Driver and his future with the Pack, this will be a good way to take his mind off this lingering issue. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers tweeted shortly after finding out about Driver being on the Dancing with the Stars saying, “Quickie on DWTS?? Guaranteed to be in the finals.” It does seem that the Packers could elect to restructure Driver’s contract so he can stay with the team.

It is becoming more likely that the Packers will have to part ways with All-Pro center Scott Wells. This is because the Packers, as reported by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have an interest in Houston Texans’ center Scott Myers. Though it is technically illegal for the Packers to have any sort of contact with potential free agents before the actual start of free agency, it is still done frequently between players and team management behind closed doors. This just seems to be reassuring the probability that Wells will be going somewhere else.

Aaron Rodgers is more popular in Wisconsin and among Packers fan than any celebrity in recent memory. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The state of Wisconsin is currently in the process of making 12/12/12 officially Aaron Rodgers Day. This just provides further evidence on how passionate and unique Packer country is.

Following up on a past article I did about the Pro Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell told ESPN’s Mike and Mike right before the Super Bowl, “After what I saw last Sunday, the NFL will consider eliminating the Pro Bowl.” I do not want the Pro Bowl to end but if the NFL just added some incentives to winning the game then maybe players would try harder. As of right now, the winning team receives $50,000 per player while the losing team receives $25,000. Obviously for players receiving millions of dollars per year, there really is no extra incentive to play harder.

Green Bay Packers center Scott Wells may be pointing in a new direction if the Packers and center can't come to a contract agreement before March 13. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Today’s story by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Bob McGinn about the rift between the Green Bay Packers and their All-Pro center Scott Wells hit Packers Nation like a shot below the belt. It was a chop block that hit everyone on the blind side.

But cliches aside, does this divide spell irreparable harm? Will the Packers allow Wells to walk, test the market and possibly come back at a lower rate, much like wide receiver James Jones did last year?

In my humble opinion, if the Packers allow Wells to walk, he won’t be back anytime soon. He will be gone.

So, should that occur, is it the end of the world for the Packers? I don’t think so.

Yes, it will put a chink in the armor that protects MVP Aaron Rodgers, but not one that couldn’t be fixed both in the short-term and long-term. With longtime left tackle Chad Clifton most likely gone, the Packers will have to do some creative shifting of players.

Either through the draft or a possible trade or even, God forbid, through free agency, the Packers will need to look elsewhere for talent to stock their line.

So, the mantra at this point has got to be “In Ted we trust.” He’s been in this position before and will no doubt make the right decision when it comes down to negotiations with Wells. If Thompson feels that Wells has priced himself out of the Packers market, he will adjust. If there is some wiggle room, I can’t believe that Thompson wouldn’t do what is right for the team.

If it means Wells has to go elsewhere, then let the business factor take over.

As popular as Well has become among Packers fans, his loss on a personal level would be difficult. However, we’ve all had some tough losses with which to deal. Remember that guy named Brett Favre? We got over that and the team is better because of it.

Though Wells’ importance doesn’t approach that of a Brett Favre, the concept is the same. The team finds a way to cope and to move on.

In this case, that too will occur.

A total of just under 500 votes were cast … voters were asked to name their top four picks of free agents who they thought should be brought back to the team this offseason.

The voting between Wells and Finley was closer than I anticipated.

Wells received 415 votes, 89 percent of the vote; while Finley tallied 409 votes, 87 percent.

They were followed by Jarrett Bush with 248 votes and Matt Flynn with 165.

The rest of the free agents were as follows Ryan Grant (152 votes, 32 percent); Erik Walden (113 votes, 24 percent); Howard Green (77 votes, 16 percent); and Pat Lee (46 votes, 10 percent).

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

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One of the major needs the Packers need to address this offseason is finding a complement to Clay Matthews on the defensive side of the football. Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Super Bowl on Sunday was a tremendous game that will definitely take its place as one of the more memorable games – ever. Watching the game as a Packers fan, however, got me to thinking about what we should expect for the Packers future and how we will get back to the big game next year.

Unlike last year, where we really did not need to make any immediate changes to the starting line-up, we will need to make changes on all sides of the ball. Of course, the main focus will be on the defensive side, but there will be some changes on the offensive side as well.

Let’s start on the easier side – the offense.

The Packers offensively last year was one of the most efficient offenses in NFL history. Aaron Rodgers won MVP and the Packers receiving corps was on top of its game. The running game was subpar but it could have been worse. Then finally, the o-line, despite the many injuries, was fairly consistent throughout the season giving Rodgers enough time to find the open receivers.

So what changes do we need?

The running game could be improved so adding another running back in the draft would never be a bad thing. Ryan Grant’s contract is expired and will most likely be gone, so adding depth could be a benefit to the Pack when considering James Starks’ injury history.

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

The receiving group is deeper than ever but this could result in a departure of Packer’s all-time leading receiver in Donald Driver. Randall Cobb showed his potential this year in many different games and now it seems more likely than ever that Driver could be heading out.

Matt Flynn showed tremendous potential in his one game vs. the Detroit Lions where he broke single-game records in yards and touchdowns. With his contract up this year, it guarantees his departure to a team like Miami or Washington – teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. This could mean the Packers going after another late round quarterback or even an undrafted one like they did with Graham Harrell. If the Packers do add another quarterback, it will probably just be a practice squad addition until the Packers groom him to where they feel comfortable to add him to the active roster.

The tight end situation is a little iffy as to what the Packers may do with Jermichael Finley. Finley was expected to be thrown the franchise tag during this offseason because of how big of an asset he is to the Packers organization. The thing is though, this year was quite disappointing. This was supposed to be the year Finley broke out and had a season over a thousand yards and became one of the NFL’s elite player at the position. Finley could have done this but he had a major case of the drops this season and put the Packers into a much tougher situation than they were in before. Should they pay a player that has the potential to be great the money of a great? Or should they just do the unthinkable and let him walk?

Then finally, the o-line for the Pack. Scott Wells is a free agent and needs to be a primary target for the Packer organization to get this guy back on the roster as he probably outperformed everyone else on the Packer o-line this season. Chad Clifton seems to be nearing the end of his career and could be another axe by the Packers this off-season. This would put T.J.Lang and Derek Sherrod in a position to battle for the left tackle position this training camp. Adding o-linemen in the draft is never a bad pick-up but I would not expect the Pack to use an early pick on one as they have much bigger issues to worry about…

Like the defense.

When the NFL Draft comes around in April, the Packers will surely be looking at prospects to help fill needs on the defense. I expect the Pack to use their first round pick on a linebacker to play opposite of Clay Matthews. With the end of Erik Walden’s time in Green Bay nearing, this issue becomes an even more of a priority. This will solve some problems but surely not all of them.

When we look at AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop commanding the middle, we think we are pretty set at that position. Some would think so, but others would argue that one of the big reasons why the Packer’s defense took a turn for the worse this year was because of the lack of a true leader like we once had in Nick Barnett. Desmond Bishop had a great year but AJ Hawk seemed, almost at times, non-existent. What I mean by that is how it seemed he just did not make enough plays this year. I give him credit for being a sure tackler but it just seemed he was not around the ball-carrier to make the tackles. I don’t expect the Packers to make any significant changes at this position but I think something has to be at least considered involving this position. Maybe give the next guy up some more playing time in DJ Smith who actually played very well when he filled in at times this year.

Besides the Packers #1 priority in the linebacker unit, the Packers will surely be focused on the defensive line as well. It became well known early in the season, that the Packers were greatly missing Cullen Jenkins and his ability to not only stop the run but get some needed pressure on the quarterback. Many players tried to fill this role but none were truly successful in doing so and, therefore, should be a position the Packers will look to upgrade on in the coming off-season.

When the draft and free agency rolls around this year, if there was one position the Packers should try and stock up on it would be the defensive back unit. There is no immediate need for an upgrade in this unit except for the issue with Nick Collins and the possibility of his career actually being over. Hopefully the Packers will be able to know the status of Collins before the beginning of the off-season so they can plan accordingly.

Regardless, we still have Morgan Burnett and Charlie Peprah that can help preserve the depth at safety. Woodson is getting up in age so adding depth at cornerback is always a smart pick for the Packers. The future seems to be Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but there really is no third guy that can be counted on. Although it may not be the first round or two, the Packers will surely be looking to adding depth at the defensive back position to prepare for the future.

Many changes are expected this off-season but Ted Thompson can surely be counted on to help bring the Packers back to where they should have been on Sunday.

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Green Bay Packers defensive back Jarrett Bush is one of eight Packers free agents. Would you bring him back? Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

The Packers have eight on the free agent list. We all know one of them will most likely be franchised, some will be allowed to walk and at least a couple of them will be re-signed.

Put yourself in Ted Thompson’s chair and tell who you would like to see back in the Packers fold.

Take the poll and let us know who is most important in your mind:

Greg Jennings, though injured, has been selected as a Pro Bowler this season.

Winning always brings post-season awards – a fact that led to seven Packers being named today to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

That’s the most Pro Bowlers from one Packers team selected to the Pro Bowl since 1967 … another not-too-shabby team from Green Bay.

In recognizing the seven players’ accomplishments, the Packers PR department released the following press release outlining each of the selections’ accomplishments in this season where the team now stands at 14-1 with one game left in the regular season.

With their win Sunday night against the Bears, the Packers secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After the jump is the information released earlier today by the Packers … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter …

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Here’s what our fiends over at The Sidelion Report have to say today -

Chris Czar: Something tells me the Lions woke up in the second half of Sunday’s win against the Carolina Panthers. The Lions looked like the team we saw in first 5 weeks of season. Matt Stafford played his best game after a miserable start, Kevin Smith was excellent in his vindication and Ndamukong Suh finally looked like the player he was last year. I think it carries over this week. It’s not going to be easy, but Smith will run the ball effectively and the defensive line provides just enough pressure on Aaron Rodgers for the Lions to hold on in a very, very close game. Detroit Lions 31, Green Bay Packers 28

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But there are two areas that should be and will be targeted by opponents as Achilles heels – the running game and even more importantly, the offensive line.

While the Packers’ running game, with the the return of Ryan Grant, a full season from James Starks, and the addition of rookie Alex Green, should be considered a strength, it will all depend on the play of the offensive line.

In theory, the starters are solid even with the loss of Daryn Colledge. But beyond that, we should be concerned. 

The backups: Derek Sherrod, Evan Dietrich-Smith, Marshall Newhouse, had their moments in preseason, but they are backups for a reason. Though Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have proven they are masters at plugging holes in the lineup without missing a beat, we all know how key the offensive line is to protection of the MVP quarterback and in opening holes for running backs.

We saw what occurred in preseason and the 15-or-so sacks given up.

Couple that with the fact that the Packers could be playing in the league’s elite division and against teams with defenses led by the likes of Julius Peppers,   Ndamukong Suh, and Jared Allen and one has to wonder about the move to keep just eight offensive lineman on the 53-man roster.

I guess we will find out real quick whether this was a good move. 

If the Saints shut down the Packers run game Thursday night and pin their ears back in the second half with their eyes in the backfield, it could be a very long night for Aaron Rodgers and would provide the template for other teams to follow this year.

Our hope is McCarthy has enough tricks up his sleeve in providing protection schemes and play calling (including appropriate use of the no huddle) to make it all work.
 
I guess that’s why he gets the big bucks.

We can only hope he earns every cent of it.

The battle between Spitz and Wells was one of the closest watched in camp.  Both players have started games for the Packers over the last few years and both have something to bring to the table.  However, Wells was hurt for much of 2008 and didn’t match Spitz’s improvement.

McCarthy had this to say about Wells:

“Scott’s a professional,” said McCarthy. “I didn’t expect him to be excited about it, and he was not. He had a few questions, I answered them very honestly and he understands why we made that move.”

Spitz commented on the move:

“I’ve always had aspirations of being a great center,” Spitz said. “Things are slowing down for me at center. Obviously, I spent a lot of time playing center in the off-season.”

Wells said:

“No one is happy when they are not playing.”

Barbre beat out 2008 draft pick Breno Giacomini, in a battle between two guys who have never started in the NFL.  However, the left side of Chad Clifton and Darryn Colledge is very experienced which balances the line in terms of experience. 

The Packers are really excited about having Sitton on the starting O-line:

“Josh Sitton earned a starting position at guard last year and lost that due to injury,” said McCarthy. “We felt that he has improved. He’s a physical player on that right side, and that’s probably the reason why we did go with him.”

Sitton is obviously excited as well:

“I’ve got to strive to get better on fundamentals, the small things,” said Sitton. “It’s gratifying. I’m happy for the opportunity to get out and show what I can do. I’m going to take this opportunity and run with it.”

Now the unit can focus on cohesion and opening up holes for Ryan Grant and protecting Aaron Rodgers.  The offensive line was weak in 2008, and it needs to perform for the Packers to get back to the playoffs.

• Linebacker Nick Barnett is opening camp on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list after he did not pass his physical.  Barnett flunking his physical has nothing to do with him being out of shape, as he is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year in a game against the Minnesota Vikings.  There is no time table yet for his return to the practice field.  Brandon Chillar has replaced him on the No. 1 unit.
• Approximately 2,100 people attended the first practice, filling the stands that have a capacity of 1,500 people.
• The battle for the center and right guard spots is interesting, with Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, and Josh Sitton all rotating around the positions as Mike McCarthy looks to find the best fit for the team.
• In the aforementioned 3-4 defense, Jeremy Thompson was working with the No. 1 unit on the right side, opposite Aaron Kampman.
• Top draft choice B.J. Raji was not in camp yesterday, as the stalemate for contracts for draft picks above him and below him affects the ability for the Packers to get a contract done with him.
• Rookie linebacker Brad Jones, a seventh-round pick, also failed his physical and was put on the PUP list.
• After suffering a torn pectoral muscle that ended his season in Week 4 last year, lineman Cullen Jenkins is back in top shape, according to McCarthy.
• Tackle Chad Clifton told reporters he also had work done on his shoulders as well as his knees during the offseason.  Greg A. Bedard said he looked “nimble and strong” in practice.

With two-a-days starting today, the Packers look to get back into shape for the season as September 13 looms in the distance.

But enough introduction, time to get down to the offensive battles to take place on the field:

Fullback
The Packers have a three-way battle for the fullback spot in Mike McCarthy‘s West Coast offense between Korey Hall and John Kuhn, who have been in Green Bay for the past two years, and Quinn Johnson, a draft pick out of LSU.  Both Hall and Kuhn are special teamers who could make the team that way, while the blocking abilities of Johnson will be tested by the coaches at every opportunity.  Ryan Grant‘s yards-per-carry average dropped from 5.1 in 2007 to 3.9 in 2008, so the Packers are looking for the best blocker they can get.  The Packers have kept multiple fullbacks on the roster in the past few years.  My picks: Hall and Johnson, with Kuhn the odd man out.  Hall will be the starter.  Hall has been solid in his conversion from a linebacker at Boise State and continues to progress, while Johnson provides some athleticism as a blocker.

Right Tackle
With long time mainstay Mark Tauscher gone, the Packers have a wide-open competition for that spot.  During OTAs and mini-camps, third-year man Allen Barbre worked with the first unit and many expect him to open camp with the first team.  Rookie T.J. Lang wants to play immediated and will be no slouch for Barbre to compete with, with while second-year man Breno Giacomini is coming off ankle surgery and could steal the job if Lang and Barbre aren’t careful.  My pick: Barbre, on experience.  This battle will be interesting, as Lang, who went to Eastern Michigan, is intriguing, but Barbre’s good performance in OTAs and mini-camps will translate into a good training camp and a starting job for him.

Center
In the past two years, Scott Wells and Jason Spitz have started all the games for the Packers at center, with Wells starting 26 and Spitz filling in on the other 6.  Wells ran into injury problems in 2008, causing the offensive line to be shuffled around as Spitz filled in at center.  This race will go down to the wire and has potential ramifications for the rest of the offensive line, as Spitz can also play either guard position, meaning that if he loses this race, he could jump in one of the guard racers and steal that spot.  My pick: I’m going to have to give it to Wells by a nose.

No. 5 Wide Receiver
The Packers already have their Top 4 lined up, but the Packers want a fifth wide receiver to make their “Big 5″ formaton work.  Ruvell Martin has held down the spot the last three years, but has seen his production decline.  One of the Packers seventh-round picks from 2008, Brett Swain spent 2008 on the practice squad but has been impressive in camps.  Also in the race are Jake Allen, who had a good preseason in 2008 and Kole Heckendorf who “flashed some ability during OTAs” according to the Packers website.  My picks: The Packers carry six receivers, allowing them to go big within the Big 5 with Martin, or smaller with Swain, creating more matchup problems.

No. 2 Quarterback
We were all shocked last year when seventh-round pick Matt Flynn came into training camp and beat out second-round pick Brian Brohm for the No. 2 spot.  However, Flynn’s brief appearances relieving Aaron Rodgers and his subsequent offseason workouts and OTAs have done nothing to secure his spot as the No. 2 QB, allowing Brohm another crack at the job.  Both players have had a year in the system and will be working against a difficult 3-4 defense so they will be tested and able to show much improvement.  Plus, they will see more time in preseason games, as Rodgers no longer needs that starting experience as much as he did last year.  My pick: Brohm leapfrogs Flynn to take the job.

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Coaching

Mike McCarthy really miffs me sometimes.  I give him props for owning up to making a mistake in challenging Adrian Peterson‘s touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, costing the Packers their second timeout, which would have been vital to a two-minute drill.  Having the second timeout would have given the Packers at least one more play, which would have allowed them another chance to get the ball closer for Mason Crosby.  No matter who the kicker is, I’d feel more comfortable with a 48-yarder than a 52-yarder.  Heck, a 50- or 51-yarder probably would have been good the way the ball was flying.

Tying into this, throwing a one-yard pass to Donald Driver with just over 30 seconds left on third-down was not the smartest decision on Aaron Rodgers‘ part and the play call was not the best on McCarthy’s.  I know the Vikings were bringing the house and if Driver breaks Madieu Williams‘ tackle, it’s a big gain, and Crosby’s field goal is a chip-shot.  However, a five-yard out along the sideline would have been a much better play call by McCarthy or a better throw by Rodgers.  I hate second guessing McCarthy, as I have tremendous respect for him, but that play just really left me scratching my head.

Another decision that I was really curious about was McCarthy going away from Ryan Grant and the running game.  Grant was having one of his better days, with 75 yards on 16 carries against a stout Vikings run D.  Earlier in the season, 16 carries would have barely netted Grant 20 yards against an average team, but Grant was showing that his stride is coming back.  McCarthy rode this horse to the NFC Championship Game a year ago; he needs to get back on it.  I love McCarthy was a coach, I have to say.  But that being said, he just makes some real head-scratching decisions.

Passing Game

Rodgers was fairly efficient in this game, completing 15 of 26 passes, but only for 142 yards and he could not connect with any of his receivers for a touchdown.  It would have also helped if he could have spent some more time on his feet.  The Vikings were in the backfield the whole entire game.  Jared Allen had two tackles, a sack, and helped force a critical safety.  Napoleon Harris was a human torpedo, leaping into the backfield on more than one occasion, getting a sack.  Linebacker Ben Leber probably had the hit of the game, as he absolutely laid-out (and I do mean absolutely laid-out) Rodgers as Rodgers attempted to go deep.  The Packers quarterback was visibly shaken up and you have to wonder how his shoulder has to be holding up after taking a beating like this.  I would say pass protection is the main reason that the passing game was struggling.  Chad Clifton was absolutely owned by Allen, and Scott Wells did not have a good game at center.

The Packers did bust out “The Big Five” for the first time this season, using the five-receiver set six times.  They netted four completions and 51 yards out of it, but it may have been counterproductive, exposing Rodgers to a vicious pass rush and some unnecessary hits.

Speaking of the wide receivers, the Packers star pass catchers were kept silent for most of Sunday.  Driver led all receivers with five receptions for 46 yards, including a great catch on a deflection during the Packers frantic two-minute drill.  Greg Jennings was shut down, catching only three passes for 37 yards.  He needs to have big games for the Packers to do well, and he was been neutralized in recent weeks.  One name appearing in the box score I haven’t seen in a while is James Jones.  Jones had one catch for five yards late in the game.  The second-year wide receiver was a key to the Packers early season success in early 2007, but has basically fallen off the map after his infamous two-fumble game against the Chicago Bears in Week 5.  I personally blame Brett Favre for Jones’ disappearance, but let’s not get into that.

Running Game

I just about covered this earlier.  Grant had a good game with 76 yards on the ground and a touchdown, but was basically written out of the game plan.  He needs to get going for the Packers to win.  It is absolutely imperative for Grant to have good games down the stretch for the Packers if they even want to make the playoffs, let alone win in them.  It was just total crap.  I know the Vikings have a great run defense that was holding Grant back and that the offensive line play was suspect, but give Grant the ball and let him make plays.

Pass Defense

The pass defense is what kept the Packers in the game for this one.  The secondary held Gus Frerotte to 151 pass yards on 15 completions out of 28 attempts.  The team picked him off three times, with Nick Collins returning one for a touchdown to cut the Vikings 21-10 lead to 21-17.  Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams also got in on the party.  Williams’ interception, however, was canceled out, as he gave up an early touchdown pass to Sidney Rice.  Williams foolishly gave up inside leverage on Rice near the goal line and Frerotte easily hit him for six.  Frerotte also had another touchdown pass to Chester Taylor after Taylor broke a Desmond Bishop tackle attempt and scampered for six.  Bishop was replacing Nick Barnett who had left with a knee injury.  Taylor was the Vikings’ lead receiver with four receptions for 84 yards with half coming on the aforementioned touchdown catch and run.  Peterson was the second-leading receiver with three catches for 33 yards.  Bobby Wade led all Vikings wide receivers with 24 yards on three receptions.  The Packers pass defense performed the best of all the units on Sunday.

Rush Defense

Can you say, “sieve?”  Well say it again, because that is what we were looking at folks.  The statline for Peterson: 30 rushes, 192 yards, one touchdown.  The Packers were absolutely gashed.  There is no way to really describe it, other than the fact Peterson was a man among boys, breaking tackles and turning gains of nothing into gains of something.  Just reading that statline should show how bad the Packers rush defense played.  There is really nothing else to say about it.  Young running backs seem to be the Achilles’ heel for the Packers: Peterson this week; Chris Johnson and LenDale White of the Tennessee Titans last week; how will Matt Forte of the Bears do next?

Special Teams

As I alluded to earlier, Crosby’s miss had a direct correlation to McCarthy’s timeout mismanagement and questionable play calling.  I trust Crosby’s leg moreso than any Packers kicker since Ryan Longwell.  People should not get down on the kid for missing this field goal.  It was makeable, but he missed.  Life goes on.  The Packers should have even been in this situation where they needed a game-winning field goal.  Why?  Field position.  The Packers took it somewhere oh so unpleasant on this facet of the game.  Their best field position came at the end of the game after a great kickoff return by Will Blackmon.  If the Packers field position had been better and they had not ended up with the ball inside the ten-yard line on numerous occasions for certain reasons (I’m looking at you, Blackmon), the Packers could have easily avoided those two safeties.  Take the safeties away, and what’s the score?  27-24.  Packers win.  But instead it was 28-27.  Packers lose.  So although I apologized to Blackmon yesterday for calling for bad things to be happing to him after his horrible decision and subsequent punt return for a touchdown, I’m not totally happy with him.  If he could get the ball out of deep in Packers territory, the safeties would have been avoided, causing at least a four-point swing.

The Packers could have come out of Minnesota with a 5-4 record and a share for the division lead.  Instead they come out 4-5, gasping for air and trying to stay above the water in the NFC North.

But what is going on with the Packers? Early season prognosticators would have had them at about 5-3 or 6-2 at this point in the year with a comfortable division lead, not at 4-4. They would not have expected the Packers to lose to the likes of the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Tennessee Titans. Aaron Rodgers was thought to be the preseason bust; not Ryan Grant. Rookies would not be calling out their quarterback (cough, Jermichael Finley, cough), and the team would be more united after trading Brett Favre to the New York Jets. But the Packers are struggling with these issues. They are forced to take “moral victories” as they did after the Titans loss.

The main problem for the Packers this year has been injuries. Last season, the only major injury I can think of off the top of my head was losing cornerback Charles Woodson for the game against the Dallas Cowboys with a broken toe, a game in which the Packers sorely missed him. The defensive line also had numerous injuries last year, but none to the same magnitude of the Woodson injury. This year, however, the injury tide has turned against the Packers. Woodson hurt his toe again. Al Harris ruptured his spleen. Nick Collins, Aaron Rouse, and Atari Bigby have all been banged up in the secondary. Grant, after reporting to training camp late, hurt his hamstring, an injury he still hasn’t fully recovered from as he has yet to hit his stride. Rodgers suffered a severe shoulder injury in the 30-21 loss to the Buccaneers, but has Favred-up and played through it. The offensive line has been beset by small nagging injuries, such as the ones to Scott Wells and Chad Clifton, causing a lack of unity which could also be affecting Grant’s abilities. Last season, these injuries weren’t a huge problem for the Packers. This year, they have been.

Luckily for the Packers, though, the rest of the NFC North has stumbled. The Vikings, a sexy preseason pick for the Super Bowl (I’m looking at you, Dr. Z), have stumbled to the same 4-4 record as the Packers. Tarvaris Jackson was not the quarterback they (and I) thought he was at the beginning of the season and he has been benched for Gus Frerotte. Adrian Peterson has performed, but he hasn’t had the 295-yard game everyone has been looking for. On a good note for the Vikings, Bernard Berrian, acquired as a deep-threat in the offseason, has been coming on strong; look for a good matchup between Berrian and Harris on Sunday. The Vikings pass defense, thought to have been shored up with the acquisition of Madieu Williams in the offseason, has been an utter failure. Despite the great pass rush generated by the defensive line, they can’t defend the pass game.

The Bears have been a surprise this year.  Lovie Smith gave the job to Kyle Orton and Orton responded nicely, leading the Bears to a 5-3 record so far.  However, Orton suffered an ankle sprain, giving the keys to the offense to everyone’s favorite quarterback, Rex Grossman.  Orton is going to miss at least a week, possibly two, making everyone ask themselves, “Is Sexy Rexy going to rear his ugly head anytime soon?”  For the Packers, hopefully yes.  The Bears have been winning the close ones, hanging in tough and pulling it out at the end.  The Packers have had a little difficulty coming back late in close games, which they will need to do, as the meet the Bears twice in the last eight weeks of the season.  Remember, Chicago swept the Pack in 2007, costing the Packers homefield advantage in the playoffs (not that it mattered anyway).

The Lions.  Ah, the Detroit Lions.  Matt Millen is gone.  Rod Marinelli is still there (for now at least).  What isn’t there is a quarterback.  Jon Kitna‘s season ending injury gave the offense over to Dan Orlovsky.  Who was horrible.  Flat.  Out.  Horrible.  I don’t think I’d seen a worse quarterback in the NFL.  Besides him running out of the back of the end zone in the game against the Vikings, he just didn’t have it.  His throws were lame ducks.  And he couldn’t run a two-minute drill.  Orlovsky trying to drive the Lions downfield at the end of the team’s 25-17 loss to the Washington Redskins on October 26 was one of the most comical things I have ever seen.  It made me want to cry.  And now the Lions are supposedly going to start Daunte Culpepper on Sunday.  Daunte Culpepper.  Yes, that Daunte Culpepper.  It’s ridiculous.  The Detroit Lions have gone from lovable losers (to an extent) to an absolute joke.  It’s not even inept management anymore.  It’s just like God is screwing with the people of Detroit now.  It’s that bad.  They could actually go winless.  I wish they were playing the Cincinnati Bengals this year.  Now that would be a game to watch.

There is a lot of time for the NFC North to shake up, at least the top three spots.  The Packers have four divisional games left this year, and all will be critical to the postseason push.  The schedule doesn’t get any easier, either.  Besides two dates with the Bears, a date in Minneapolis, and the Lions in Lambeau to close out the year, the Packers have games at the New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars, along with home dates versus the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans.  The Saints sit at 4-4 with a dangerous offense consisting of Drew Brees and Reggie Bush and whoever Brees will throw the ball to.  Harris and Woodson will both need to be at full strength for that match, as New Orleans will want to turn it into a track meet.  The Jaguars have disappointed this year at 3-5, but have a dangerous defense and are a superb two-minute drill run by Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers away from the .500 mark.  Jake Delhomme‘s Tommy John surgery has not had a negative impact on this season, as the Panthers sit atop the NFC South with a 6-2 record.  The Packers are 0-2 against the South so far this year, and will want to even that mark against New Orleans and Carolina.  Finally, the Texans, at 3-5, look like the easiest team remaining on the schedule, but with young playmakers Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton, anything can happen when Houston comes to town.  That being said, the Packers still hope to finish up strong.

Best case scenario for the Packers looks like them finishing 10-6.  The only way into the playoffs looks like through the division crown, as the NFC East teams are tearing up the league and making it difficult for any team to rip a wild-card berth away from that division.  Of course, a 12-4 or a 4-12 finish isn’t out of the question, but 10-6 looks like a happy medium.

Indianapolis Colts

Out

Roy Hall, WR (knee)

Kelvin Hayden, CB (knee)

Bob Sanders, S (knee)

Doubtful

Joseph Addai, RB (hamstring)

Gijon Robinson, TE (ankle)

Questionable

Freddy Keiaho, LB (groin)

The Colts do not have as many players as the Packers on their injury report but they have major ones in Sanders, Hayden, and Addai. Sanders and Hayden out frees up the Packers passing game a bit, as they do not have to worry about coming across the middle on Sanders. Sanders’ injury also helps the running game, as they do not have to worry about the hard hitter coming up in run support.

Green Bay Packers

Out

Al Harris, CB (spleen)

Doubtful

Atari Bigby, S (hamstring)

Jason Hunter, DE (hamstring)

James Jones, WR (knee)

Michael Montgomery, DE (ankle)

Questionable

Ryan Pickett, DT (tricep)

Scott Wells, C (shoulder/chest)

Probable

Chad Clifton, T (hamstring)

A.J. Hawk, LB (groin)

Pat Lee, CB (back)

Aaron Rodgers, QB (shoulder)

Charles Woodson, CB (toe)

The thing that really stinks about the injury report is that eight of the players listed on the injury report are on defense, with four of them not expected to play. The Packers starters are going to have to stay healthy for all 60 minutes today and not dig the team into a deeper hole on its depth chart. They’re also really going to have to exploit the absences of Addai and Sanders to the maximum.