Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: St. Louis Rams running back (39) Steven Jackson runs the ball in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

While we wait with baited breath for Steven Jackson to announce where he’ll play in 2013, let’s remember back to 2009 when the now former-St. Louis Rams running back nearly ended up in Green Bay.

Torry Holt was one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the 2000s, but in 2009 he was age 33 with his best days behind him.

It was a very tumultuous time in St. Louis’s history. The Rams were coming off an appalling 2-14 season which saw head coach Scott Linehan axed after four games. Linehan never earned the respect of the team leaders Torry Holt, Marc Bulger, and the aforementioned Jackson, and the entire season was marked by mutiny.

When interim head coach Jim Haslett failed to shift the momentum, St. Louis made sweeping changes. Billy Devaney was promoted to general manager, and within a month the team also had a new head coach. Steve Spagnuolo, fresh off a championship season as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, was brought in for the rebuild.

With these pillars now in place, the Rams looked to expunge their bloat and rebuild the roster with young talent on cheap contracts. St. Louis released Torry Holt in early March, and team officials began discussing internally the possibility of trading their franchise running back.

At this time, Green Bay was right in the middle of its transition out of the Brett Favre era. Aaron Rodgers, while extremely impressive in his first season under center, was not enough for the team to overcome its various deficiencies. Head coach Mike McCarthy hired Dom Capers to remodel the defense while GM Ted Thompson made a few calls to see who might upgrade the other side of the ball.

With Aaron Rodgers a full season into his career as a starter and Driver and Jennings forming one of the NFL’s best wideout tandems, the Packers believed their offense was about to take off.

The Packers offense wasn’t without talent, however. Besides Rodgers, Green Bay boasted two 1,000 yard receivers in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver and a 1,200 yard back, Ryan Grant. Not wanting to dilute the air attack, Thompson made a formal offer to the Rams for the suddenly available Steven Jackson. The compensation details vary depending on the source, but the offer did include Grant and draft picks.

What appealed to Green Bay was not only Jackson’s powerful running style, but also his utility in the passing game. Jackson had just caught 40 passes out of the backfield for 379 yards, the first of a five-year streak of 300+ yard receiving seasons that continues through today. The running back also demonstrated reliable pass blocking, something that Grant had not developed (and never would). Thompson felt that with Jackson, Green Bay could vault into the upper echelon of the league.

Dec 30, 2012, Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Red Bryant (79) during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

But it was not to be. The Rams ultimately decided to hold onto their star player, hoping that he would be part of the turnaround in St. Louis.

As we know now, the Packers ended up a playoff team without Jackson in 2009, and a Super Bowl Champion a year later. The Rams, on the other hand, have yet to win their division, make the playoffs, or even break .500 in the years since their near trade with Green Bay.

Now with a championship under his belt, Thompson can’t be too upset the Rams kept Jackson. He’ll have even less reason to care if Jackson signs with the Packers – at discount – later this week.

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.

Are the Packers interested in signing St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson and do they have the wherewithal to do so?
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King got all of Packers Nation talking Friday when he was caught on video telling St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson that he’s gotta “go to Green Bay” and Jackson saying that it “makes sense.” But the talk today is that Jackson’s best bet will be the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking at replacing Michael Turner who was cut late last week. Chris Wessling, an Around the League writer for NFL.com posted today that according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jackson’s best move would be to go to the Falcons. However, he also doesn’t write off the Packers and also makes mention of the Denver Broncosas another team that might have an interest in Jackson.

Cedric Benson went down with injury early in the year. Will the Packers bring him back?
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The real question on this end is whether the Packers have an actual interest in Jackson. There have been no rumblings coming from anyone associated with the Packers on any type of interest or even any contact with the runner who is a perennial 1,000-yard rusher. The Packers running game was in a shambles last year after Cedric Benson went down with a foot injury a few weeks into the season. The Packers attempted to push second-year runner Alex Green into the position, but it was clear after a few weeks that he wasn’t going to be the guy. oft-injured James Starks made a brief comeback and showed some of his 2010 abilities, but he, too, went down with injury. The Packers then turned to DuJuan Harris late in the season and he showed some spunk and power – however, most agree he would be most effective as a change-of-pace back and not an every down back. And while the Packers brought back Ryan Grant late in the season, he was mostly ineffective and won’t be brought back in 2013. Jackson would fill that role as he not only runs with power, but catches the ball out of the backfield well. Whether Ted Thompson would want to commit – or whether he has the money to commit – to Jackson is a question only he can answer. The Packers are around $21 million under the salary cap, but when you start adding up the funds that will be needed to sign restricted free agents, draft choices and undrafted free agents, you’re looking at least $7 million. That still leaves the Packers with what might seem plenty of cash until you look at who they have yet to sign – quarterback Aaron Rodgers and linebacker Clay Matthews - for sure – and possibly defensive lineman B.J. Raji.

Will DuJuan Harris be a big part of the Packers running game in 2013?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Just Rodgers alone is going to command more than $20 million per year and Matthews will most likely get at least half that, so the bank account will be quickly depleted. The only way Thompson frees up more money is if he cuts ties with tight end Jermichael Finley, who’s due a bunch of money at the end of March, or linebacker A.J. Hawk, who will be due more than $5 million this year. Those are intriguing situations which have Packers Nation divided at this time, but will be resolved sometime soon. So, in the end, Jackson may end up going to Atlanta or Denver because the Packers can’t afford it. Though Jackson is right – from a football standpoint, having him in the Green and Gold does make a lot of sense. Stay tuned.

Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles against the St. Louis Rams during the second half at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday’s win at St. Louis was somewhat of a struggle for the Green Bay Packers as they didn’t play the flawless game they played at Houston the week before, but it certainly was good enough to record a win … and we all know what they say about the National Football League? A win is a win.

Not only was it the second straight win for the Packers, the first streak of that kind this year, but it also raised Green Bay’s record above the .500 mark for the first time.

Taking a look at the game, Nathan Kearns, the editor and lead writer for fansided.com’s Rams site, ramlinfan.com, asked some questions, which we were happy to answer.

To see the posting on ramblinfan, go here. But if you just want to stick around, see the post below.

Enjoy.

A. I think the injuries the Packers have experienced the past couple of weeks hasn’t really had a huge impact. Yes, Jackson and Richardson had some success at various times against the Packers, but most importantly, the Packers were able to contain the Rams running game and held the, for the most part to field goals and not touchdowns. I think that’s all the Packers coaches were hoping for. They felt that if the defense controlled the Rams offense that they could outscore them with their potent offense.

A. The Packers run game has been mediocre for years. Even with Cedric Benson, the Packers philosophy is to get just enough of a run game to keep the defense honest. I feel they did what they had to do to make sure that was the case once again today. You noticed that McCarthy called a decent mix of pass and run … he’s usually around 60-40. He would prefer 50-50, but that’s probably never going to happen as long as the Packers have a healthy Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are clearly a pass-first offense and if they can get 50-75 yards per game on the ground, that’s a successful day. Between Green, Cobb and Kuhn, the Packers ran for 70 yards today.

A. I’ve got to look at rookie cornerback Casey Hayward and offensive tackles Bryan Bulaga and Marshall Newhouse as the team MVPs in this one. Hayward picked off his fourth pass in three games, while both Bulaga and Newhouse neutralized the tough, speedy Rams’ defensive ends. Now, one might think that Randall Cobb could also be considered, but I think the efforts of the other guys were crucial in bringing about this win.

As for the Rams, you glottal look at that Givens kid. Like Cobb for the Packers, he’s a star in the making. He’s going to cause problems for a lot of defenses for a long time to come.

A. I think the conversion of third downs on those early drives in the third quarter were crucial in keeping the Rams offense off the field and led to being able to push the ball into the end zone. I also think the punting of Tim Masthay was crucial in turning the field position in the second half. Starting deep in their own zone didn’t help the Rams.

A. No question, Chris Givens is quickly placing his stamp on the game. He’s not a big guy, but can get open. When he catches the football, he can turn it on and make people miss. Like I said above, he is a player who is going to make many defenses look bad. Richardson is also an important cog in helping the Rams continue to improve. These two are very important additions that will also help Sam Bradford raise his level of play.

If you like what you just read, please follow us on Twitter at @RamblinFan and like us on Facebook Ramblin’ Fan to join in on the conversation we are having daily about the St. Louis Rams and the NFC West division. 

Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Edward Jones Dome. The Packers defeated the Rams 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

Nathan Kearns, editor and lead writer for Fansided.com’s St. Louis Rams site, reflected on the Packers versus Rams matchup and what’s ahead for the team he writes about.

He sat down with us to answer some post-game questions and to look ahead.

The problem earlier in the year was the lack of balance on the offensive side of the ball, which was perpetuated by the inconsistency on the offensive line. As of late, the Rams have been able to move the ball, but have not been able to convert on the short field. That is why Zuerlein has 17 field goals already this season.

Today seemed to be a mixture of problems. Brandon Gibson not being able to haul in the pass on fourth down in the first half, costly penalties and mistakes by the offensive line, and poor decision-making on the play calls (i.e. throwing the ball to receivers that aren’t past the first down marker).

Jackson and Richardson had a good day out of the backfield, combining for 20 rushes for 93 yards and the first rushing touchdown by a running back this season. Richardson also had 3 catches for 43 yards.

The one weak spot in our defense has always been the safeties in the secondary. Quintin Mikell is an aging Pro Bowler and Craig Dahl is more of a run support guy than a coverage safety. I would not say they were outmatched, but Janoris Jenkins did have a bad game when going head to head against Jordy Nelson. A majority of the big plays came on defensive offsides penalites, which took Chris Long out of the play. No pressure on Rodgers is always going to end badly for the opposing defense.

There a ton of holes that need to be filled, but the big ones right now are probably wide receiver, right tackle, outside linebacker, and safety. Depending on how our young receivers develop throughout the season, the wide receiver spot may become less of a priority. If Scott Wells comes back and is effective, Rub Tunrer will likely move back to left guard. An outside linebacker to anchor the second level of the defense with Jo-Lonn Dunbar and James Laurinaitis would push the Rams defense over the top. I have a strong feeling that Trumaine Johnson will get moved to safety at some point either this season or over the offseason.

Everyone has a shot at the NFC West right now. The Seahawks (4-3 overall, 0-3 in the division), 49ers (5-2 overall, 1-0 in the division), and Cardinals (4-3 overall, 1-1 in the division) are all within reach right now. There are still a ton of games left in the season, so anything can happen. The Rams have a much easier schedule in the second half of the season, with should-win games against the Arizona Cardinals (already beat them once), New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Bucs, and winnable games against the Seattle Seahawks (already beat them once), San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings.

I think a solid goal for the season would be to end the season with a record about .500, and get some consistency on the offensive side of the ball. We are a young team that just needs some experience and to build momentum heading into the future.

Oct 21, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) catches for a touchdown while under pressure from St. Louis Rams cornerback Bradley Fletcher (32) during the first quarter at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-US PRESSWIRE

October 14, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) reacts after a play during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Coming off of last week’s solid performance, It could be easy for the Pack to relax, if it weren’t for weeks 1, 3 and 5. The focus was there on both sides of the ball from the first snap and lasted until the game was well in hand. That’s the Packers everyone expected to see this season. They showed signs of it in earlier games, particularly the Bears game, but never put that complete game together until last Sunday night. Will that focus and intensity carry through to this week’s game at the Rams?

GB Offense vs Rams D:

The Packers have given up the most sacks (23) in the NFL thus far, including 8 in the first half at SEA alone. That’s the bad news. The good news is that since that debacle in SEA (Ugh! I was there!) The Packers O-line has been very good in protection.

Since that 1st half against the seadawgs, the Packers have only allowed 7 sacks in 14 quarters (5 in the second half vs Indy). What they face this week is a defense who knows their offense will, most likely, not give them any room for error. The Rams Defense, like the rest of the Ds in the NFC West, is no slouch. They are tied for 5th in the league in sacks with 18 through 6 games. That makes them dangerous against the Packers pass first approach, especially considering that 9 of those sacks came on 1st and 2nd down.

I’d expect to see Rodgers under some pressure early in the game, probably from the 2 DEs Chris Long and Robert Quinn.  If the line can slow down the pass rush enough to give Rodgers time to get the ball out or use his mobility to create space, I think the Packers Offense will have a big day. If the opposite occurs and the Packers offense get’s itself in 2nd or 3rd and long situations, it will be a recipe for disaster ala Seattle.

I’d hope the game plan includes some quick passes to take some pressure off of Newhouse and Bulaga from the outset, an early screen pass might be nice. The secondary can be beat, especially if Rodgers gets some time.

GB Defense vs Rams O:

The Packers lead the league in sacks thanks, in a major part, to the Clay Matthews effect. The way Dom Capers has elected to move him around to create matchup problems is working well. Jeff Fisher has probably worked all week on addressing the matchup challenges he poses, but the Rams have some of the same protection problems as the Packers, giving up 18 sacks though 6 weeks.

I expect the Claymaker to draw the attention and while the Rams might hold him without a sack, it will likely be a net loser for the Rams offense as Worthy, Neal, and Pickett pick up the slack. If the pass rush can’t get to Sam Bradford multiple times today I’d be surprised.

The Rams rushing offense has been even more anemic than the Packers. They have just 1 rushing TD on the year, by Sam Bradford. Steven Jackson has been pedestrian and I don’t expect the Rams rushing game to suddenly come to life. I’d expect the Packers to ensure that is the case and make Sam Bradford beat them with his arm.

Bottom Line: The Packers are the better team in talent, coaching, and experience. The question is : Was last week the awakening of the sleeping giant or a moment of clarity for an inebriated drunk stumbling home? I’m betting on the former. PACKERS 31 – Rams 17

Will Aaron Rodgers really get sacked at least five times in St. Louis? Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

It’s always fun to take a look at what the opposing side is saying, so that’s what I did this morning when I clicked on over to Fansided.com’s St. Louis Rams fan site Ramblin Fan.

What I found was a posting by their lead writer and editor, Nathan Kearns, which has the headline that includes “5 bold predictions.”

First of all, these are his opinions and his alone. While I’m not sure he watched the Packers’ beatdown of the Texans last week and remembers his Rams losing to the Miami Dolphins – at home – I think these bold predictions are just that – very bold.

I find it difficult to believe the Packers won’t reach 300 yards of total offense, nor do I believe the Rams will get five sacks on Rodgers, nor do I think this game will be as close as Nathan feels.

But hey! Maybe I’m all wrong. Maybe Nathan knows more than I see going in.

I guess we’ll see.

But in the meantime, take a look at what he’s said … you might want to read it before the game starts, too.

And while you’re at it, check out Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Packers won’t be wearing their throwbacks today, but they should take care of business by dispatching the Rams and raising their record above .500 for the first time this season. Mary Langenfeld-US PRESSWIRE

It’s been a strange and wacky schedule for the Green Bay Packers so far this season. The number of noon games played by the Packers has been minimal, though it does get better now that the season is moving on … and it starts today when the Packers visit St. Louis.

So, with that in mind, we’ve decided to throw our picks out there will all the other prognosticators.

Here we go:

Jerry Bulone: The Rams have the better defense and they are palying at home, where they are undefeated this year. However Aaron Rodgers may be back to his 2010-11 form, and when he plays like that, he doesn’t lose. Jerry’s pick: Packers 24, Rams 16

Bill Walton: On Sunday the Packers take on a Rams team that is playing at home after a frustrating 17-14 loss to a Dolphins team they probably didn’t take seriously enough. The Packers come into the game with some momentum after their all-phases beatdown of the Texans. The Rams definitely won’t take the Packers lightly, and the Packers will hopefully step on the Rams and not let them up in the second half, as they did against the Colts.

One could say this is a must win game for both teams. For the Rams to keep up with division-leading San Francisco at 5-2, and both Seattle and Arizona at 4-2, looking down at them. The Packers need to put two wins together and maintain their momentum. Yes, it’s early in the season but the Packers at 3-3 are looking up at Minnesota and Chicago with 4 wins each. The good news for the Packers: Their division games so far are all wins. It’s back to Lambeau after this one for some home cookin’ against Jacksonville.

We’ll be at Tailgator’s in Magnolia for the “watch party” tweeting and eating with a bunch of Packers fans, so come on by!

Here are our picks – Bill and and wife Deneen both come in at 34-17 Packers. Son John likes the Packers, too, at 35-12.

Tim Thomas: Today’s game between the Packers and Rams is key for the Packers as with two home games against Jacksonville and Arizona before the bye week, the Packers could ride a huge wave of momentum. Aaron Rodgers is ready to have a big game as he is playing like the man who won the MVP last year while Jordy Nelson is playing like the receiver that was Pro Bowl caliber last season. The Packers’ offensive line will have to deal with Chris Long and Robert Quinn. However, the Packers defense can dominate St Louis with their weak receiving corps as you can expect the Packers to force a few turnovers with Clay Matthews being a dominating force pressuring Sam Bradford as the Packers go above 500.

Prediction: Packers 31, Rams 14

Tommy Marquardt: The Packers are the better team in talent, coaching, and experience. The question is: Was last week the awakening of the sleeping giant or a moment of clarity for an inebriated drunk stumbling home? I’m betting on the former.

PACKERS 31 – Rams 17

Ray Rivard: From here on out, every game is a must-win and both the Packers and Rams will be playing like that – at least for the first quarter. Though the Rams’ defense has come to play week-in and week-out, the Packers offense has just started to hit its stride as we saw last week.

If Aaron Rodgers stays upright and if Coach Mike McCarthy adjusts well as the game progresses, there’s no reason the Packers can’t hit the 30-point mark today. When the Packers do that, they usually win. However, the wild card in this one is the Packers defense. If they can keep Steven Jackson from running wild on them – like they did with Arian Foster last week – they will be able to control QB Sam Bradford and keep the Rams to field goals instead of touchdowns.

It might be a bit of a slugfest early on, but the Packers should roll in the second half of this one.

My pick: Packers 34 Rams 16

Who will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February 2012? Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Yesterday, July 26, everyone was pretty giddy with the start of NFL training camps across the league.

The focus here, of course, was Green Bay. But it didn’t matter whether you were – Chicago, New Orleans, New York or San Francisco – the talk was all the same.

“Guys are flying’ around;” “Great to be back;” “Ready to get going;” “Super Bowl.”

Everyone is going to the Super Bowl, if you believe what players and coaches were spouting yesterday. Well, of course it’s great to hear that all are optimistic about going to and winning a Super Bowl. That’s the way it should be on the first day of training camp.

But now that the first day is gone, let’s get real. Let’s stop the talk and let’s just get down to brass tacks. Jacksonville is not going to the Super Bowl. Tennessee is not going to the Super Bowl. Cleveland is not going to the Super Bowl. St. Louis is not going to the Super Bowl.

To get to the Super Bowl may never happen for some teams in the NFL, such as Cleveland and Jacksonville, but I guess it’s OK to have goals and the set the bar high.

But let’s move on now. Let’s start talking about the nuts and bolts – the competitions within each camp where players are fighting for that 53-man final roster spot. Yes, let’s get real.

While the Chicago Bears have as good a shot at reaching the Super Bowl as just about anyone in the League, at least Brandon Marshall hit the nail on the head in his interview yesterday when asked about the words “Super Bowl.” Almost in awe, he said, “It’s real.”

Will Marshall, Cutler and company make it real? Well, they have to get by the Packers, Lions and Vikings to do it. Is that “real?” I can’t say yet.

All I can say at this point is that it truly is time to get real.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen, Jeff, Amen.

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

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.

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

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.

Miami defensive end Kendall Langford (70) could be pointing his way toward Green Bay. Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

Hold on to your cheeseheads, Packers fans … reports coming out of Green Bay late today indicate that Ted Thompson may have awoken from his free agency nap and decided to try to catch up with the action … maybe.

In a published report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a phone call from the Packers was confirmed by the agent of Kendall Langford, Miami Dolphins defensive end.

According to Langford’s agent, Adisa Bakari, a visit is a possibility.

Published reports have said Langford has visited Cincinnati and was headed for St. Louis.

The Journal Sentinel report described Langford as a 6-foot-5½, 295-pounder considered a classic 3-4 end whose main strength is playing the run. Last season, he played in all 16 games with 12 starts and had no sacks and just one quarterback hit.

He finished with just 25 total tackles in the Dolphins’ 3-4 scheme, but claimed the low output was because teams ran away from him. The Dolphins ranked No. 3 against the run under coordinator Mike Nolan, who has since moved on to the Atlanta Falcons.

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

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

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

Me either.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, how do you feel about this trade that has the NFL abuzz today?

Cleveland Browns quarterback Seneca Wallace (6) looks to throw during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Steelers won 13-9. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Not every team in the NFL has a franchise quarterback.

Ok, MOST NFL teams don’t have a franchise quarterback.

They’re difficult to find and even more difficult to develop. Just ask the Minnesota Vikings, the Washington Redskins, the Oakland Raiders, and the Kansas City Chiefs, to name only a few.

Another team one could add to the list is the Cleveland Browns. Not only has this team never made it to the Super Bowl (though they have been close, right, John Elway?), this team has been void of a quarterback who had any chance of leading the Browns to the promised land.

With last night’s announcement that the Washington Redskins had given away the farm to trade for this year’s first round second pick that once was the St. Louis Rams’ there were many fans in the league whose hearts sunk and minds raged.

What you will see below is one of those fans. His rant speaks for itself and should be viewed, if not for the entertainment value, but to understand what it might be like if your favorite team probably had a shot at pulling off what the Redskins did last night.

Packers fans who live with the security of a healthy Aaron Rodgers and years of success into the future have a difficult time understanding. But remember, we have also gone through the decades of failure brought on by a trade that involved John Hadl; we have played on through the years that included Scott Hunter, Jerry Tagge, David Whitehurst, Anthony Dilweg, and Blair Kiel.

So, yeah, many of us can understand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See the highlight video of RGIII below …

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

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams talks with linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51). Williams will also be talking with Commissioner Roger Goodell about bounties. Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Bounties; Gregg Williams; New Orleans Saints.

The terms are synonymous these days and with the news that newly-hired St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator/New Orleans, Buffalo, Washington, et al, coordinator/coach being summoned by the league big wigs for a pow-wow about what’s transpired this past weekend, one has to wonder if the fire pit has already been built.

Williams, who has been connected with bounty schemes and play for pay incentives at just about every stop along his career, has been told that he has to report to league headquarters to talk about it. Yes, Williams has gone on record and apologized – publicly admitting that he was aware of his behavior, saying that it was wrong, thus setting up an awkward meeting that will have Williams sitting across from administrators who know deep down that what Williams has done isn’t anything new.

Locker rooms with players’ cigar boxes filled with cash to be handed out to those who fulfill specific incentives is nothing new in professional football and the practice goes back to the early days of the game when it was not only a lot rougher, but not as lucrative. Not only did it add spice to the day’s game, it provided a few extra bucks for the players who not only played the games on the weekends, but held down regular jobs during the week.

To be a fly on Roger Goodell’s wall during this meeting … to hear the noble gestures about ethics and the integrity of the game would be priceless.

No doubt some type of penalties will be incurred – not only by Williams, but by the New Orleans Saints. Press conferences and news releases will include demands by the league for teams to frown upon any future shenanigans and those involved in this most recent activity will again apologize.

Then hopefully everyone will get back to the business of football. There will be hard hits on quarterbacks, players will get injured and carried off the field … that’s the grisly nature of the game.

Will players again get back to slipping one another C-notes? Probably. Will it hurt the integrity of the game? Only if they get caught.

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

Could Brandon Chillar be back with the Green Bay Packers this coming season? Jarrett Bush thinks so. Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

What do you do when your best blitzing linebacker is also your best cover linebacker?

It’s a big problem, because it means that you are sacrificing pass rush for coverage, or vice versa. It’s a problem the Packers encountered all season last year. So what is your first move in free agency?

You’ve got to find a cover linebacker, fast.

That’s what the Green Bay Packers have done, according to a tweet from Jarrett Bush this morning. Of course, such a process is a lot easier when said cover linebacker is as familiar to you as Brandon Chillar – the guy who was cut before training camp last year seems likely to be back with the Packers this year after tight ends perpetually exploited the cover skills of the Packers’ A.J. Hawk and other linebackers.

This move allows the Packers to make some easier decisions in obvious passing downs. For instance, the coaches can let Desmond Bishop, who has shown a great knack for blitzing, run wild into the backfield, or at the very least be a rushing threat. Last year, opposing offensive coordinators knew that between A.J. Hawk and Bishop, the Packers were more likely to use Bishop in coverage, despite the fact that Bishop is a much better blitzer than coverage guy.

Why?

Because Bishop is much better in coverage than Hawk, who isn’t as fast or as agile as his fellow inside linebacker. Additionally, this move should take some of the coverage burden off Clay Matthews and Erik Walden, who are built to rush the passer and not cover. By signing Chillar, the Packers are acknowledging that their linebacking corps didn’t get the job done in rushing the passer last season.

Oh, and if the Packers did want Chillar to rush the passer from time to time to catch the opponent off guard, I’m sure his speed and agility would be helpful, just take a look at this play from 2009.

A 2004 fourth-round pick by St. Louis, Chillar’s most productive season was his first in Green Bay, during the 2008 campaign, when he had nine passes defended and 59 solo tackles in 14 games. He played reserve roles in each of the next few seasons and played in only eight games during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 2010-11.

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

Kevin "It is Time" Greene has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here he encourages linebackers Clay Matthews and Frank Zombo. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Mike Spofford of Packers.com posted the story below about Kevin Greene and the fact that for the first time he has made the cut as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Green Bay Packers’ linebackers coach who has brought enthusiasm and a player’s attitude to the coaching ranks for the Packers, has been in Green Bay for the past three years and is probably most well known among the general public for his comments in last year’s Super Bowl that were caught on tape when he told linebacker Clay Matthews that “It is time…” Matthews consequently went out and forced the game-changing fumble by the Steelers’ Rashard Mendenhall.

Spofford’s story spells out the full field of finalists and gives us a look at the personal bio of Greene’s.

Greene named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

Posted by Mike Spofford on January 7, 2012 – 3:27 pm 

A semifinalist three times previously, Packers Outside Linebackers Coach Kevin Greene for the first time has advanced to the finalist stage for potential induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

See more after the jump, like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

(more…)