Lance Easley (arrow) will umpire Richard Sherman’s charity softball game.

In the Most-Bizarre-News-line category of the day, we hear that loud-mouthed Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman rubbed salt into the wounds of every Green Bay Packers fan when he announced that he was hiring the one and the only Lance Easley to umpire his summer softball fundraiser.

If you don’t know who Easley is, you might not want to know, but I’ll tell you anyway.

He’s the official who made the touchdown call on the “Fail Mary” pass to give the Seattle Seahawks the 14-12 win over the Green Bay Packers on that fateful Monday night last fall.

Clearly, Sherman is trying to be funny and Seahawks fans will surely find a laugh somewhere in there, but for Packers fans – well, we don’t want to think about it. The loss to the Seahawks was devastating to the team at that point in the season and affected many things down the road of that 2012 season.

The call epitomized how stupid the National Football League had been up to that point in failing to carry out negotiations with the regular referees, but it also served as a wake-up call to the league to get the contract situation resolved – something they did before the start of play during the following week of NFL action.

Though the regular referees didn’t totally solve the problems of blown calls, at least they brought a semblance of professionalism back into the game – taking away the keystone cops mentality that had been running rampant from game to game up to that point.

So, we hope Sherman and all his pals have a great time with Easton and that they raise all kinds of money for a good cause.

Packers fans won’t be watching, but we will be waiting for 2013 and some redemption at some point.

But if you want to be ticked once more … here you go.

Oct 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) looks on during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman told us in February that the team had “no intention to trade” Percy Harvin. Apparently that didn’t mean they weren’t going to shop the star receiver. Word of a potential Percy Harvin trade leaked early Monday morning. Less than an hour later, Harvin was a Seattle Seahawk. Such is the reality of the NFL.

Sep 23, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin (12) catches a pass over San Francisco 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) in the first quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

In exchange for Harvin, the Seahawks surrendered this year’s first round selection (number 25 overall), a seventh round pick, and a mid-round pick in next year’s draft. [Update: the Vikings have announced that the 2014 pick is a third rounder.]

That’s a reasonable package for Harvin considering he’s available for more than the nine games he played last year. Harvin’s injury risk is the only downside of the deal for Seattle, and it’s a doozy. Besides being a somewhat undersized pass catcher, Harvin has off and on trouble with migraines that can keep him off the field on Sundays.

That issue didn’t arise last year, but as anyone with migraines knows, even after a prolonged absence migraines can still come back with a vengeance. However, if Harvin stays off the injury report, Seattle can make a strong argument for having the best roster on paper.

As for Minnesota, the trade gives them near consecutive picks at the end of the first round and the capability of big time wheeling and dealing on draft day.

The Vikings are also now in position to make a play for free agent wide receiver Mike Wallace or former Packer Greg Jennings. The trade also says a lot about Rick Spielman’s approach. While Minnesota was a playoff team in 2012, the Vikings were still several steps away from true championship contention. By trading Harvin, Spielman is letting his team take a temporary step back so that they can take a much bigger jump the following season. This was a shrewd move that will put Minnesota in the best position to wrest the division crown away from the Packers in the near future.

This is the first major action in what contends to be a very chaotic offseason.

Keep your eyes on Lombardi Ave for more developments.

Jason Hirschhorn covers the Green Bay Packers for Lombardi Ave. He has previously written for Hail to the Orange, College Hoops Net, Mocking the Draft, LiveBall Sports, and the List Universe. He is currently a senior writer for Beats Per Minute, an indie-music webzine. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JBHirschhorn.

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

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

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

Tomorrow there may be more – or less.

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

There has been no mention today of the Cowboys.

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned …

Richard Sherman makes a plea for Charles Woodson to sign with Seattle.

Richard Sherman, that loud, but pretty talented cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks, made an appearance on the NFL Network last weekend and made a direct plea for the services of former Green Bay Packers‘ cornerback/safety Charles Woodson.

Though the verbose cornerback is known for his on-field trash-talking and aggressive play, he clearly needs some spit and polish with his television delivery skills. However, he did get his message across.

Making his plea on the network’s NFL Total Access program, Sherman looked directly into the camera and said:

“Seattle … we would love to have you. We have some pretty decent players – we have a secondary that … we would love for you to call it home … we have some decent players … we play man coverage, we play zone … we have veterans like Marcus Truffant and we would love your help.”

When prompted to convince Woodson to sign with Seattle because the Seahawks are legitimate contenders for a Super Bowl, here’s what he had to say:

Charles Woodson was a lockdown cornerback with the Green Bay Packers, but time has caught up with him.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“We stumbled this year in Atlanta … 25 seconds away or whatever. We have everything in place, you know, we have a great quarterback, we have a top five defense … you can make us the top one defense … hey, top number one defense, you can make us one of the best defenses in the league, Charles … I’m just sayin’ – we’re pretty good right now, but you can make us great … just wanna be elite. Can you help us? Help us out … please Charles.”

Sherman is right about the Seattle defense … they finished with the fourth best defense in the league, giving up an average of 306 yards per game and a league-low 245 total points in 16 games. Would Woodson propel that defense any higher? It’s hard to imagine that Woodson would even crack the starting lineup of that unit, but anything’s possible.

However, I see Woodson signing with a team where he can become the heart and soul of the defensive unit, much like he did in Green Bay. He wants to go to a contender – Seattle fits that bill – but he would also like to be “the man” and a starter. For the kind of money Woodson is commanding, it’s difficult to believe that any team would sign him as a backup or even as a nickel or dime player.

In fact, I’m wondering how Sherman’s defensive teammates are reacting to his plea to Woodson. I’m sure they want to keep their jobs. Maybe Woodson would like to take over the corner position currently held by Sherman? Not likely.

Mr. Woodson, take my advice … steer clear of Mr. Sherman and Seattle. There are other teams out there with more need and more dollars for you.

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December 16, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) goes to hand off the ball against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at the Rogers Centre. Seattle defeated Buffalo 50-17. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

It was just a year ago when Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn made a name for himself by throwing a franchise record six touchdown passes in the Packers win over the Detroit Lions in the final game of the 2011 season.

Today, it was announced by ESPN’s John Clayton that the Seattle Seahawks would not be retaining Flynn’s services for next season. Flynn was beaten out by former University of Wisconsin standout quarterback Russell Wilson in training camp and has been holding the clipboard ever since. Flynn was considered the number two free agent quarterback last spring behind only Peyton Manning and eventually signed a three-year deal worth $19.5 million. If retained by the Seahawks, Flynn would be due a $5.25 million deal next year and $6.25 million in the final year of the deal. That’s quite a bit for a backup quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Granted, Wilson came out of nowhere last spring and summer and has continued to wow NFL opponents by winning games and consistently coming up with the big plays. His recent 4-touchdown performance in the Seahawks’ big win over the San Francisco 49ers have quieted critics who were seeing him as a flash in the pan. He is a serious candidate for Rookie of the Year and will be leading the Hawks into the NFL Playoffs.

As for Flynn, his meteoric rise was as fast as his descent. He started two games in his career with the Packers. His first came near the end of the the 2010 season when he nearly defeated the New England Patriots and his second came last year against the Lions when his efforts brought the Packers back from a deficit late in the game to give the Packers a win over the Detroit.

Many saw him as a valuable player who could lead any NFL team.

Now it looks like he could get the chance to do so once again as the Seahawks prepare to dump him and his salary. Where he ends up will be interesting. Many Packers fans who have seen him play only hope he stays out of the NFC North Division – some say him might see some interest from the Minnesota Vikings and possibly the Chicago Bears.

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The Packers put the rest of the NFL that not only they are they ready for the post-season, they are peaking at the right time. With the Packers 55-7 destruction of a thin and completely outmanned Titans team on Sunday, they served notice that they are every bit as good as they were expected to be this season, if not better.

I won’t overstate the win, it was against the Titans who have been a pretty poor team this season, but the dominance the Packers showed was impressive. It was such a mismatch that by midway through the third quarter I began to feel sorry for the Titans. The only blemish on an otherwise stellar defensive effort occurred after I completely lost interest and tuned to the Red Zone channel to watch what else might be of interest.

With the win, the Packers virtually guarantee the #3 seed. (Two 49ers losses and 2 SEA wins make them a 4 seed) They can add a bye week with a win next week in the Mall of America-Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome  (or whatever it’s called) coupled with a 49ers loss in Seattle tonight or versus Arizona next week.

Obviously the best chance for that is tonight in Seattle, and I fully expect the Seahawks to deliver the gift of a potential bye. They will help themselves by winning tonight as well, securing one of the 2 Wild Card slots. Hey, they owe us at least that much!

All of that could go up in smoke if the Packers can’t secure a win next Sunday in Minnesota. Adrian Peterson is going for the all-time single season rushing record and they are coming off an impressive win on the road in Houston. The H-Dome is loud and unlike many years, this game may mean a lot to both teams: A potential bye for the Pack and a playoff berth for the Vikes.

Tonight’s game is the key for next week to be meaningful for everyone.

For what it’s worth, GO SEAHAWKS! I’d like the chance for the Packers to get the bye they deserve…

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL referee Richard Simmons breaks up an altercation between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers after the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Green Bay 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

So, it was only a matter of time – actually only a day or two – before the Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks controversial game received its own Wikipedia page.

The game-ending call of a touchdown on the Hail Mary pass that raised a worldwide uproar changed the league forever. Fans were not only ticked over the call, but over the NFL’s usage of replacement referees and the lack of negotiations in solving the impasse with the National Football League Referees Association.

That all came to an end Wednesday night as the two sides finally agreed to settle their issues – and will result in the usage of the union referees for the remainder of the season and well into the future.

Now that there’s labor harmony with the players and referees for the foreseeable future, NFL fans will hopefully be spared from any type of situation like what happened last Monday night.

But in the meantime, feel free to check out that Wiki page and add your information – but make sure it’s accurate! We don’t want any more “Inaccurate Receptions!”

Can the evidence be more convincing?

If you need evidence about who caught the final pass in the Packers vs. Seahawks game last night, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Just take a look at the pictures provided on the covers of these newspapers in Wisconsin and Washington State.

If it weren’t so ludicrous, I’d be crying.

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll celebrates after referee Wayne Elliott (28) signals a touchdown on the final play against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 14-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Led by their fist-pumping, egotistical head coach Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawks have not only shown they are the dirtiest team in the National Football League, but their celebrations over what was clearly a game-ending interception by Packers safety M.D. Jennings in the end zone were stunning.

Have you ever seen this ad on television: The scene is a basketball game where the ball sails out of bounds and the referee makes the call for one team. However, an honest player on the other team tells his coach that he touched it before it went out of bounds. The coach then tells the player to go out onto the court and let the referee know that the ball belongs to the other team, which he does.

Clearly, Carroll hasn’t seen the ad, nor have his players.

Instead of taking the high road and coming clean on the last play of the game, Carroll and his minions, including QB Russell Wilson who is supposed to be a man of God, stood by and soaked in the win – exclaiming how it was a great play that was called correctly.

Many are saying that this is the game that will be the tipping point in the negotiations between the referees union and the NFL and that it will speed up a negotiated agreement.

Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt told ESPN that he wasn’t so sure. He said that there are so many other mitigating circumstances involved in the negotiations that to reach an agreement is still a difficult sea to cross.

But we must get back to the Seahawks and their integrity, or lack thereof. How can they possibly present the image of victors in a game they clearly lost? How can they celebrate and thank God for their victory on the field?

Shame on you, Pete Carroll. Shame on you, Russell Wilson. Shame on you Golden Tate.

This is what you would call integrity and honesty?

Yes, it’s the National Football League and it’s a dog eat dog league. But this goes beyond just winning and losing. Your behavior at the end of this game was pathetic, shameful and just plain embarrassing.

And where will the league come down on this? They won’t. Commissioner Roger Goodell has been hailed as the savior of the league, but he has now crashed back to Earth as he oversees this boondoggle – this sinking ship.

Maybe it’s time for the players and more importantly, the owners, to finally say enough is enough.

We don’t like seeing teams like the Seahawks get saddled with looking bad.

When you have a player like Golden Tate – who “caught” the final touchdown pass – say “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” when asked about his blatant push-off of Packers cornerback Sam Shields just before leaping for the ball, you wonder about his character … and he went to Notre Dame?

You call that classy? You call that dignified? No, it’s a blatant denial of the truth … oh, a lie, you say? Of course. Tate’s college instructors are now in hiding, shameful of the behavior of their former student.

One might ask if the Packers players and coaches wouldn’t have done the same thing … I would hope not. However, they weren’t put in that position and it’s not them we are talking about.

One thing is for sure, the Packers are a team that knows how to deal with adversity, and if there’s any situation that wreaks of adversity, it’s this. They will come back from this and live to fight another day.

And while the Packers may have lost this battle tonight, I have the feeling that the Packers will eventually win the war.

This all goes beyond whining and crying. This is about doing what’s right.

Pete Carroll and his players didn’t come close to doing that Monday night.

Sept 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) holds on to the game-winning touchdown as time expires against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Charly Martin (14) and Green Bay Packers cornerback Jarrett Bush (24) and Green Bay Packers strong safety M.D. Jennings (43) look for an officials call. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

If you’ve been living under a rock, you missed what happened in the Seahawks versus Packers game Monday night. It was a travesty, an embarrassment, highway robbery and just plain wrong.

The replacement refs were probably wined and dined by the Seattle faithful after the game, while the rest of the world wanted to tar and feather them right next to the mob that was burning Commissioner Roger Goodell at the stake.

This whole replacement referee experiment has got to go. The majority of the world thinks so – especially the Twitter world. Here’s what Clay Matthews tweeted:

Here are some other tweets that give you a flavor of the violent distaste all fans had after this game.

#Epic RT @49ersSpin: If Rodgers had Allstate instead of State Farm, he’d be protected from mayhem like this.

Not watching the NFL until the real officials are rehired

うわもうマシューズ最高

@danpack6 I had said earlier that they should fine the refs when they make terribly stupid calls. I wanna make them taste my fist.

21mDavid ‏@Midwestfan

Going to bed. When I wake up, I hope to see this: “Goodell overturns call. Packers win. Ref who signaled td has been deported to Siberia.”

@nflcommish Please make this right, and overturn the result of this universally-condemned officiating. People everywhere are outraged.  

USA TODAY Sports reporter Robert Klemko (@RobertKlemko): “Time to meet the refs’ demands. I don’t care if they want 67 copies of Moby Dick, and naked pictures of Bea Arthur. Give it to em. #Airheads”

USA TODAY Sports NFL Editor Kevin Manahan (@KevinCManahan): “The crazy thing: these guys were actually officiating games somewhere else before the NFL hired them. #nfldisgrace”

ESPN and Grantland writer Bill Simmons (@sportsguy33): “Mike McCarthy should have run back out on the field naked from the waist down.”

Green Bay Packers guard T.J. Lang (@TJLang70): “Got f***** by the refs.. Embarrassing. Thanks nfl”

ESPN columnist Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon): What robbery…what a fraud the NFL just perpatrated on the Green Bay Packers.”

Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (@JermichaelF88): Come on @NFL this s*** is getting out of Control. Caused us a DAMN game. Horrible!”

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (@drewbrees): “I love this league and love the game of football, but tonight’s debacle hurts me greatly. This is NOT the league we’re supposed to represent”

Houston Texans running back Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32): “And that is exactly y these replacement ref’s should be replaced themselves ASAP!!!”

Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson (@RealPeterson21): “Com’on can we please get the real refs back. Destroying the game that we all grew to love. WOW!!!!!”

National Post columnist Bruce Arthur: (@bruce_arthur): “Luckily, nobody gambles on these games.”

Washington Post blogger Cindy Boren (@CindyBoren): “Again…I never knew it was possible to miss another human being as much as I miss Ed Hochuli.”

Dallas Morning News reporter Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr): “If im the real refs..i go Randy Moss on the NFL now in regotiations..#Straight cash homey”

ESPN analyst Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR): “Did the ref have Golden Tate in fantasy? #itsnotoutofthequestion”

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (@ArianFoster): “Drama. Great for business. Godspeed, Ed Hochuli.”

ESPN soccer analyst Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy): “I may put in my resume to ref NFL games. Futbol, football. Come on, no difference right now.”

Radio host Jim Rome (@jimrome): “What a disaster. 100x worse than last Monday night.”

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB): Well we knew this was bound to happen but on Monday night football? Come on the replacement zebras aren’t fit for this zoo! Lol”

Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft): “Just saw that catch. S*** just got real for Roger and the replacements.”

Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (@reggie_bush): Refs single handedly blew this one…”

Golfer Bubba Watson (@bubbawatson): “All @nfl fans watch the Ryder Cup this week, we got no refs. #USA”

Louisville Courier-Journal reporter Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ): “As a person who loves football, I’m legitimately angry tonight. But imagine the gamblers. Oh, my.”

ESPN analyst Damien Woody (@damienwoody): “Was this game a Buffalo Wild Wing commercial?!?! #MNF”

New York Post reporter Steve Serby (@NYPost_Serby): “Those refs should be forced to line up in victory formation against Greg Schiano’s Buccaneers”

ESPN columnist Gene Wojciechowski (@GenoESPN): “If this loss ends up costing Packers a playoff spot, I don’t ever want to hear the league lecture players about the integrity of the NFL.”

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (@mcuban): “I would love to see what my reaction would be if a Mavs game ended like #MNF. #Expensive #NBAtime”

Sept 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) holds on to the game-winning touchdown as time expires against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

Here is some of what Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers had to say at the end of this Monday Night Fiasco:

Mike McCarthy started the conference by saying: “Don’t ask me a question about the officials”

Thought defense was outstanding

Hard to swallow

didn’t see (the last play) … communication from our players was they had the ball I was told MD Jennings intercepted

I’ve never seen anything like that in all my years in football.

tell the truth, need to move on … important for us to get back and get ready for the saints

very unusual most unusual FB game I’ve been a part of. Wild weekend in the NFL and and I guess we’re part of it.

Seattle did excellent job first half they did heck of a job

Thought offense was outstanding in second half … tough place to play … the crowd was excellent. Thought our football team responded well coming out in the second half …

I’m not in the mood for drama tonight … but I appreciate that.

Aaron was excellent on third downs. We were starting to wear the defense down.

Aaron Rodgers 

When asked about the call at the end of the game: “Awful. look at replay and the fact it was review … it was awful”

Shouldn’t have been been in that position … going for 2 points

Sucks losing and worse when it goes that way … go home and get ready for New Orleans

Crazy after the game. Nobody had no idea what was going on.

I saw one referee waving arms … touchback. the other calling a touchdown

Should have cashed in with more points.

When asked if this was the most bitter defeat in his career: “Yes.”

Sep 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Chris Clemons (91) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Here’s a look at tonight’s Packers vs. Seahawks game – play by play:

Who cares whether Trent Dilfer played for the Seahawks?

First Seahawks series

Two runs by Marshawn Lynch for 8 yards and then a false start by Seahawks

Third and seven pressure on Wilson

Punt – fair catch by Cobb

Packers first series

Rodgers scrambles for 17 yards and first down

No gain screen to Cedric Benson

Second and 10 – Benson no gain

Third and 10 – Rodgers sacked

Punt to the Seahawks 8 yard line

First two series about defense – Rodgers 1 for 1 for 0 yards; Wilson 0-1

Seahawks second series

Wilson pass for 8 yards

Second and 2 -pass for six

First and 10

pass to Anthony McCoy for nine

Second and 1 – Lynch for five

First and 10 - false start

First and 15 ball at 39 – Lynch for six

Second and 9 – Woodson holding -

First down from the 49 yard line

Wilson pressured by Erik Walden – throws it away

Lynch for six

Third and 4 – McMillian knocks down pass – big pass

Punt down at Packers 1

This could become a game of field position

Packers second series

First and 10 from 1

Inc to Jennings

Second and 10 quick pass to D.J. Williams

First and 10

quick Pass to Jordy nelson for 6

second and 4

Rodgers slipped and fell – second sack

Third and 9

Time out – Packers

offside defense

Third and 5 from 17 – seven yards to James Jones 1st down

1st and 10

Pass to Benson for 8 Sitton hands to the face 10 yards

1st and 20

Incomplete to Benson – pressure on Rodgers – Bulaga struggling

second and 20 – Rodgers sacked third sack

3rd and 26 – pass to Nelson for 10

Punt  downed at 28 – Packers ineligible man down field

Punt angain – fair catch at 35 yard line

Rodgers first time sacked three times in first quarter – Rodgers holding ball too long and Bulaga getting beat

Seahawks third possession -

First and 10 – Lynch for two

Second and 8 – Pass to Lynch – Hawk tracks him down 1yards

Third and 7

Pressure on Wilson – throws it away

Punt

Cobb two yards on return

End of first quarter

Packers 0 Seahawks 0

Late hit by Seahawks 15 yard penalty

Packers fourth possession starts at 37

Pass to Benson for 8 yards

Second and 2 – pass to Jennings for one yard – timid in running ball

third and 1

Rodgers sacked for fourth time

Punt

fair catch at 17

Seahawks 1st and 10

Lynch for 4 yards

Second and 6 – Lynch stopped by BJ Raji no gain

Third and 6 – incomplete Casey Hayward with the knockaway

Punt

Cobb Muffs the punt  - ball out to the 11

Packers 1st and 10

Cobb for 20 yards – biggest offensive play in the game

Ball at 31

Pass to Jennings for 13

First and 10 at 44

Benson for 4

second and 6

Third and 6 – Rodges fifth sack

Punt to 27

Seahawks first and 10 ball at 27

Holding on Seahawks

1st and 20 -

Penalties, sacks, defense

offsids Packers

Lynch for 8

second and 7 – Lynch 3 yard

Third and 4 – Wilson scramble for first down

first and 10 from 40

Lynch for 3

Personal foul on D.J. Smith 15 yards

Ball of Packers 42 – Touchown bass from Wilson to Golden Tate

Seahawks 7 Packers 0

6:22  of second quarter

Packers 

Cobb to the 24

First and 10

Pass to Finley for 5

Second and 5 – Pass to Cobb loses 2

Third and 6 – Pass to James Jones first down

Ball at 42 – personal foul face mask 15 yards

First down at Seahaks 47 – holding on Saturday

First and 20 at Packers 43

Rodgers sacked for seventh time

Second and 27 – Rodgers sacked – holding the ball way too long

Chris Clemons wihth trhee sacks

pass to Kuhn for 8 yards

4th and 20

Packers punt

Bush downs it at the 1

Seahawks  ball at 1

two minute warning

Lynch for 1 yard

third and four

Worthy injured

1:05 – Lynch runs for first down

Seahawks run out the clock

Seahawks 7 Packers 0

Passing

Rodgers

#12 QB

CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
12/15	86	0	0

Rushing

Lynch

#24 RB

ATT	YDS	TD	LG
16	71	0	9

Receiving

Tate

#81 WR

REC	YDS	TD	LG
1	41	1	41

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/09/24/4940/index.html#ixzz27RXkw0Ex

Packers first and 10

Cedric Benson for 6

Second and 4

Benson for 7 first cown

Incomplete to DJ Williams down right side

second and 10 – from 34

Benson good run for you – picking his way up the middle

third and 4 – Pass to Jennings for 5

Frist down and 10

Benson for 8 yards

Benson for 4 yards

First and 10 ball at hawks 44

Personal foul on Seahawks 15 yards

Ball at Seahawks 28

Benson for 3

Second and 7 – pass to Benson out of the backfield for 6

Third and 2  - Penalty too many men on the field 

First and 10 

Rodgers stumbles handing to Benson, loses 1 yard

second and 11

Pass to Kuhn for 6

Third and 5

Rodgers has time, but pass to Driver off his fingertips and he nearly makes circus catch. Incomplete

Mason Crosby 29-yard field goal

Seahawks 7 Packers 3

Kickoff to Seattle – Robert Francois personal foul after the play was over 15 yards

Rodgers, despite 8 sacks, is 15-20 for 102 yards

Russell Wilson is 5-10 for 69 yards – 41 came on the TD pass to Golden Tate

First and 10 – Marshawn Lynch for loss of 3

Nick Perry with impressive sack; 

Third and 32

Delay of game on Seahawks

Third and 37

Run for 10

Punt by Ryan 64 – Cobb returns it 2 yards

Packers

First and 10 at the 11 

Benson for 5

Incomplete to Kuhn

Third and 5 at 17

Great throw by Rodgers to Finley

Pass to James Jones 8 yards

In the no huddle – second and 1

Pass to Jennings for six

First and 10 ball at 39

Seattle timeout

Pass to Jennings for 3

Second and 7

Benson for 2

Third ad 5 

Seattle hands to the face – five yard penalty

First and 10

Benson for 7 down to the 22

Second and 3

Third and 3

Incomplete to Finley

40-yard FG Mason Crosby

Seattle 7 Packers 6

Packers kickoff – returned to 7

First and 10 – Lynch for 3

Second and 7

Lynch for 2

End of third quarter

third and 5

Incomplete

Three and out

Punt – Fair catch – flag – Ok, who was the foul on?

Packers

Bal on 19

First and 10 – Rodgers throws ball away

Second and 10

Benson for no gain

Third and 10

Pass to Finley for 13

Frist and 10 – no huddle

Rodgers low throw to Jennings incomplete

Second and 10

Pass incomplete

Third and 10

Pass to Jones for 13 – ball at the 45

First down

Benson loses 3 yards

Second and 13

Pass to Rodgers for 11

Third and 2 – Interference on Chancellur

Ball at 39

First and 10

Incomplete – Rodgers has all night

Secnd and 10

Pass to Jones of 11

First down and 10 from the 27

Pass to Benson to

offset penalties Jennings and Browner fight

Pass to John Kuhn for first down to the 11 yard line

Pass incomplete

Second and 10

TD to Jennings – Reviewed and REVERSED – ball at the 1

Ball at 1

Third and half a yard

Rodgers ruled short of the first down

McCarthy challenges spot

Rules that Rodgers made first down

Rodgers no gain = ninth sack of the night

First and goal at the 1

Benson for the TD

Review

Go for 2 no good

Packers 12 Seahawks 7

Packers kickoff

Touchback

Seattle

First and 10 at the 20

Interception Jarron McMillian but Erik Walden called for roughing the passer

Lych for 6

8 minutes

Lynch for fou

First and 10

Wilson scrambles for first down

First and 10 from the 42

Lynch for 2 – penalty holding Seattle

First and 20

Lynch for 4 – penalty holding Seattle

First and 30

Critical pass interference penalty on Shields – worst call of the season

Second and 2

Lynch to the 15

Third and 1

Wilson stopped for loss of 2

Fourth and 2

Bal at the 22

Lynch for first down

First and 10

Pass to Miller 4 yards

Ball at 10

Second and 6

Lynch no gain

Third and 6

Pass to Tate – short of first down; big tackle by Casey Hayward

Fourth and 3

Pass incomplete to Golden Tate in the end zone

Packers take over on downs

Benson hit in backfield, fumbles. Saturday recovers at 2

1:45 left

Timeout  Seahawks

Second and 15

Ball at 2

Benson no gain

1:41 left

Timeout Seattle

Third and 15

Kuhn for 2

Packers 4th down

:57 remains

:46 remains

First and 10

Ball at GB 45

Incomplete pass with Woodson coverage

pass to Rice to the 24

Incomplete to Golden Tate in the end zone – Shelds coverage

:18 left ball at 24

Incomplete thrown away

:12 left

Third and 10

Incomplete – Woodson on coverage

:08

Touchdown ruled

Appears M.D. Jennings has the interception

Holy shit

I Can’t believe it – They reviewed it and ruled it a TD – The officials ruled Golden Tate had simultaneous possession

That’s after a push-off and interference by Tate.

Seahawks 13 Packers 12

Passing

Rodgers

#12 QB

CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
26/39	223	0	0

Rushing

Lynch

#24 RB

ATT	YDS	TD	LG
25	98	0	9

Receiving

Tate

#81 WR

REC	YDS	TD	LG
3	68	2	41

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/09/24/4940/index.html#ixzz27RzQiTZF

The last time the Packers met the Seahawks in 2009, they were completely different teams. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

12thmanrising.com’s Keith Meyers probed me with a Q&A to get a perspective about the Green Bay Packers for his Seattle Seahawks followers.

We were glad to oblige, answering his questions about the Packers vs. Seahawks Monday Night Football matchup.

But before reading on, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Here is our exchange:

As the Packers go through the paces in figuring out ways to stop Marshawn Lynch and the Hawks’ running game, while looking at ways to confuse rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, they also have a familiar foe they must once again face.

The Packers released the injury report for today – a list that showed Greg Jennings, Tom Crabtree and Jamarri Lattimore sitting out and several others with limited participation. In all, 10 Packers made the report, six for the Seahawks.

Coach Mike McCarthy said at the beginning of the week that he expected Jennings on the field for next Monday night’s game.

The full report released by the Packers today  is below.

Aaron Rodgers will lead the Packers into Seattle Monday Night. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

It seems like the Green Bay Packers play the Seattle Seahawks all the time.
Well, at least for this guy it does.
It seemed like the Packers-Seahawks played almost every year for a while there. But I was surprised to learn that the last time the Pack played Seattle was back in 2009 – the year Rodgers and Company lost to Arizona in the first round of the playoffs.
In 2009 the Packers dominated a Seattle team in week 15 that ultimately put up a 5-11 record and fired its rookie coach, Jim Mora Jr.
This year, the Seahawks are 1-1, with a loss against Arizona and a win last week against Dallas.
They boast great specials teams – forcing and recovering a fumble on a kick-off last week and blocking and then returning for a touchdown a punt on the very next series.
In all, they (special teams + defense) forced three turnovers in the first quarter! The Seahawks also almost blocked another punt deep in Cowboy territory last week.
Against the Cowboys, the Seahawks went heavy with Marshawn Lynch runs and shallow underneath routes in the passing game. Based on his last game, Seattle QB Russell Wilson will give the Packers some chances at interceptions.

Familiar Foes
Sidney Rice. Remember him? He’s the guy who rode Brett Favre’s arm all the way to whatever bank they have in Seattle. He’s been hurt for the last couple years and just starting to contribute at a high level in Seattle this year.
Frank Omiyale, yea, you remember him. He spent the last three years being the appropriately-labeled scapegoat for the Bears’ shaky offensive line. He was supposed to be a back-up for the Seahawks, but was pressed into service in their game against Dallas last week and held his own against DeMarcus Ware.

Clay Matthews is off to one of his best starts ever … could he break the NFL sack record? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Can he do the same against Clay Matthews?
Seems pretty unfair for Omiyale, asking him to go against Ware and Matthews in back to back weeks.

Cheesy Connections
Matt Fynn – Packers, beater of Lions
John Moffit – Wisconsin lineman
Russell Wilson – Wisconsin, in retrospect looking like savior of 2011 season
Jon Ryan – The punter Ted let get away
Marshawn Lynch (Ted ALMOST traded for him during the Super Bowl season – NOT!)
Kregg Lumpkin – 3rd string running back, Packers
Chris Maragos (who?) – Badgers
Favorite Packers Memory vs. Seattle
A 2003 wild card game in which former Mr. August for the Packers, Matt Hasselbeck uttered words he almost immediately wished he could take back. Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzpowxGfVFE

May 30, 2012; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) participates in a passing drill of an OTA practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

They begin the series with a Q&A with Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising, another fine site under the fansided.com umbrella.

Fantasy fans and fans in general will be interested in following this series diligently put together by FantasyCPR’s Zach Thompson.

This particular posting will be of interest to Green Bay Packers fans because of the Seahawks’ newest addition, former Packers QB Matt Flynn. Following this preview will be a look at the Chicago Bears, another posting that will be of interest to Packers fans.

Anyway, you can go directly to the site here or you may just continue reading the posting below.

Seattle Seahawks – Fantasy Football 2012 Preview

As we gear up for another awesome and exciting year of fantasy football, we’re excited at Fantasy Football to be able to feature some previews from our FanSided partners. It’s extremely valuable to get the opinions of some passionate bloggers that spend all their time focused on one particular team.

We’re excited to feature as many as possible leading up to opening kickoff and we start our coverage today by talking to Keith Myers of 12th Man Rising.

Zach Thompson, FantasyCPR: Hey Keith, thanks for helping us out with our Q&A for our season preview. It’s always good to get the opinion of a fan who follows the team on how they’ll be this year. As someone who covers Seattle all year round, I’m sure your insight will help us in our fantasy football draft.

We’ll start with the obvious question… Is Matt Flynn the answer? Seattle was much-improved last year; they just seemed to be missing a QB. Is Matt Flynn the starter this year? And if he is what do you think his ceiling is for his first year as a full-time starter in the league?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: That’s the million dollar question right there. Anyone who tells you definitively that Flynn or anyone else is going to start doesn’t know how Pete Carroll does things. This really is an open competition, and both Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson have a shot on winning the job.

In the end, I do think that Flynn wins the starter’s job over the other 2, but his ceiling isn’t all that high as a fantasy QB. His arm strength would suggest that his ceiling is that of Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks can win a lot of games with that caliber of a QB, but he’ll never put up the numbers that Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers do.

Z: Marshawn Lynch dominated last year and emerged as a top fantasy running back. Is there any reason you think he won’t duplicate that kind of statistical year this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: I don’t believe there is. The O-line should continue to improve this year, as it did last season. Plus, without a big time QB and passing game feeding the ball to Lynch will be the foundation for the offense. He’s going to get his touches no matter what. I’ve seen people suggest that rookie Robert Turbin might cut into his playing time, but baring injury I don’t see that happening.

Z: What does the depth chart look like behind Lynch and is there any kind of time-share or is Lynch the rare feature-back?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The only player Lynch has to worry about in terms of playing time is rookie backup Robert Turbin, but as I said above, I don’t think Lynch will lose many touches to him. Lynch really is the feature player in this entire offense.

The one time when Lynch isn’t regularly on the field is third and long. He isn’t much of a receiver when compared to some other backs in the NFL. Last season, FB Michael Robinson was the most likely player in the backfield. That might be something to keep in mind when drafting Lynch. Don’t expect him to get you many receiving yards.

Z: I’ve always though that Golden Tate was about to breakout, but he hasn’t really done that yet at all. Is there a receiver in Seattle that will emerge as Flynn’s top target that we should look for on draft day?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Keep an eye on Doug Baldwin. He was the Seahawks’ leading receiver last season while playing in the slot, and should be even better this season even though he plays out of the slot. I’d advise people to avoid drafting Tate. He might not even make the 53 man roster at this point. He still has a lot to prove before he gets consistent playing time.

Z: Is there a player on the Seahawks offense you think will have a breakout year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Not really. I expect Doug Balwdin and Sydney Rice to put up better numbers than last season, but both had their “breakout year” in the past. It really depends on who wins the job as the starting split end. If Kris Durham or Richardo Lockette do, then I’d expect that player who have a breakout year. If not, then I don’t think anyone will qualify for that title.

Z: I love the Seahawks as a sleeper defense/special teams unit. Am I crazy to think they’ll be a top 10 defense this year? I actually like their draft pick even though many scoffed at it…

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: The Seahawks were the #9 defense last season statistically (not sure how that scored in fantasy points, but I’ve heard they were good in that regard too) And that was without much of a pass rush. The Seahawks then added a great inside pass rusher in free agency (Jason Jones) and drafted the draft’s best pure pass rusher in Bruce Irvin. The increased pass rush will only make this defense better overall, and it should also lead to more turnovers. I’m surprised that people think of them as a sleeper pick. From where I’m standing, they should be one of the best fantasy defenses in 2012.

Z: Last one, give me your realistic expectation for the Seahawks this season, and then your perfect scenario. What is the one key for them getting back into the playoffs this year?

Keith Myers, 12th Man Rising: Realistically, this team should be improved with a better pass rush, more consistent play from the offensive line, and hopefully better play from the QB position. 9 to 10 wins and a chance at a wild card spot in the playoffs is about what we’re expecting.

In a perfect situation, whoever wins the starting QB job steps in and provides a passing game to go along with the running game and defense. If this happens, the Seahawks will be tough to beat, as they’ll be one of the most complete teams in the NFL, similar to the Texans of 2011 before Matt Shaub got hurt. If that happens, 12 wins is certainly a possibility. Unfortunately, I just don’t see that passer on the roster right now.

Z: Thanks again to Keith Myers for joining us for our Seahawks preview. Make sure to check out his team’s excellent coverage of the Seahawks throughout this upcoming season on 12th Man Rising.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down with Keith Myers over at The 12th Man Rising, the Seattle Seahawks’ Fansided.com site to answer a few questions about the Green Bay Packers’ offseason and the outlook heading into the 2012 season.

I’ve posted the exchange below, but if you want to see a great site, take a trip over to the 12th Man Rising and see, among other things, what they’re saying about their upcoming season, as well as what they think about former Packers’ quarterback Matt Flynn.

Enjoy.

Home » Seahawks » 2012 NFL Preview: Green Bay Pack

Aaron Rodgers winds up for the Packers. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Another day, and another team previewed. (I’m not sure I can keep this up for 32 straight days, but I will certainly try.) This time we venture to Wisconsin to take a look at the Green Bay Packers. The Seahawks and Packers have a fun history, first with the Holmgren era, and now with John Schneider coming to Seattle from Green Bay. And who can forget the “We want the ball and we’re gonna score” playoff game.

Helping me out with the preview is Ray Rivard from Lombardi Ave.

Biggest Team Need Heading Into Offseason: Defense, defense, and more defense

Key Free Agents Retained: Donald Driver, Jared Bush

Key Player Additions: Jeff Saturday, Anthony Hargrove (despite suspension)

Key Players Leaving: Chad Clifton, Nick Collins

Quick Thoughts on Draft: It was an awesome draft for the Packers. Picking up Nick Perry to complement Clay Matthews was brilliant, but the fact that GM Ted Thompson traded up so much to get defensive players from front to back was a stroke of genius and is going to help the team immensely.

Quick Thoughts on 2012 schedule: The start of the season is brutal with tough competition and a quirky schedule for the first month. Starting on national television with a 3 p.m. game opening weekend at home against the 49ers will be tough. But then the team has to turn around and play the Bears on Thursday night. That’s simply brutal. Overall, however, the Packers’ schedule does settle down later in the year when the games really start to count. While the division schedule is always tough, playing teams from the AFC South should play to their advantage.

Most Interesting Roster Battle: The defensive line, wide receiver and inside linebacker. Thompson went out and picked up some tough players to help improve the defensive line. The competition at those positions will be heated and the cuts that come from there will be interesting. As for inside linebacker, most would say that A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop are locks. I don’t thing so – especially for Hawk who had a so-so 2011. He will really have to battle D.J. Smith for that position, as well as others to be deemed the starter. Though most will see the first four positions at wide receiver as locks for Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb, the fifth position will be up for grabs between Donald Driver and second-year players Diondre Borel and Tori Gurley. The young guys are up and coming and could result in an interesting cut or even the possibility of a trade. Many feel that Jones is potential trade bait.

Biggest Strength Heading Into 2012: Clearly, the offense should again be the team’s biggest strength. Aaron Rodgers should lead the well-oiled machine to an even higher level in 2012. Is there any defense out there that can slow them down or even stop them? Maybe on a good day. The only way the offense was slowed last year was when the Packers shot themselves in the foot (versus Kansas City and in the playoffs against the Giants).

Biggest Weakness Heading Into 2012: The defense. Finishing dead last in defense last year was an embarrassment.

Biggest Question Still To Be Answered: See above … the defense will have the infusion of many new and young players. How they perform will be crucial to an improved defense. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has got to come up with more creative schemes to allow the Packers the flexibility to surprise offenses. Will the defense show enough improvement to put this team back into contention for another title? That’s the question.

2012 Prediction: Packers record: 13-3; NFC North Division Title; Super Bowl championship.

The Packers defense was exposed last season. The needed players at all 3 levels of the defense, and I’m not sure they did enough in the offseason to make drastic improvement on the stat sheets this year. They’ll be young in some key areas, but should improve as the year goes on. Luckily for the Pack, it wont matter that much. Aaron Rogers and the offense are good enough win their division even without much of a defense.

Expect the Packers to be pre-season favorites to win the Super Bowl.

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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Matt Flynn will join the Seattle Seahawks after agreeing to terms today with the team.Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The news that former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn signed with the Seattle Seahawks came as somewhat of a surprise, given that he had also visited the Miami Dolphins.