The Packers and Bucs line up in the Snow Bowl

Tooling around YouTube tonight, I came across a Green Bay Packers’ game that I remember well, but had not thought about for many years – the famed Snow Bowl that featured the likes of Lyn Dickey, Steve Young and about 36,000 no shows.

It’s got to be the only game that’s not featured a filled Lambeau Field in recent memory.

That’s because a foot of snow fell prior to the game and another five covered the field during the three hours the game was played.

This edited version of the original broadcast on Channel 7 out of Wausau even includes a crawler that announces another 8-14 inches of snow was being projected to fall during that night, so the fans traveling west from Green Bay probably had a tough go of it – if indeed there were any travelers.

I remember turning this noon game on and being flabbergasted it was even being played in those conditions. It sure was fun to watch and reliving it here was just as much fun – especially watching a very youthful Steve Young struggle as the Bucs quarterback.

Anyway, I hope you find watching this post as much fun as I had finding it and bringing it to you.

NFL Network announcer Warren Sapp has declared bankruptcy. Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The news today that seven-time Pro Bowler and NFL Network loudmouth Warren Sapp has filed for bankruptcy. The Associated Press says he owes more than $6.7 million to creditors, also owing back child support and alimony.

Wow!

How does this happen to a highly successful player who spent years making millions of dollars? In fact, his MONTHLY income is reported to be $115,000. Among the assets he lists? Lots of shoes and a lion skin rug.

According to published reports, here is a description:

Sapp’s $6.45 million in assets includes 240 pairs of Jordan athletic shoes worth almost $6,500, a $2,250 watch and a lion skin rug worth $1,200. He also reported losing his 2002 Super Bowl ring with the Bucs and his 1991 national championship ring from the University of Miami.

Remember his blindside hit on Packers offensive tackle Chad Clifton and his face-to-face showdown with then-head coach Mike Sherman? Those incidents, his continued head-butting with Brett Favre and many other run-ins with players and coaches throughout his career were only superseded by his flapping lips – something that he’s carried into the NFL Network’s studios. He most recently got himself into hot water when he called tight end Jeremy Shockey as the “snitch” responsible for the New Orleans Saints’ Bountygate.

According to the bankruptcy filing, his NFL Network contract is up in August. We wonder if he will be renewed.

He was a great player, no doubt. He recorded 96.5 sacks in a career in Tampa Bay and Oakland, but that doesn’t matter now.

Sapp’s situation is a sad, sad statement on our society and an embarrassment to a supposed superstar who can’t support his children and former mate … consider all those in the world who don’t have a roof over their heads nor food in their stomachs. It’s pretty difficult to be feeling sorry for Mr. Sapp.

In fact, his last name says it all … yes, he is a sap.

Mike Sherman will get a second interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new head coach to take over for Raheem Morris, who was fired after a disappointing 2011 campaign.

After Oregon coach Chip Kelly decided he wasn’t interested in the job, the Bucs have amped up the search with a second round of interviews – at the top of their list is former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman.

According to profootballtalk.com, Sherman, with his second interview, is being considered a finalist for the job. There has also been talk that should Sherman not earn the job in Tampa Bay, new Miami Dolphins head coach and former Packers offensive coordinator, Joe Philbin, may consider Sherman for a job as a member of his staff – possibly as his offensive coordinator.

Sherman, who is the head coach at Texas A&M, was one of the first candidates to interview with the Buccaneers who hope to make a selection sometime soon.

Clements is being bantered about as a possible replacement to Raheem Morris as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if he doesn’t land there or take another coordinator’s position outside of Green Bay, speculation is that he will be promoted to the position by Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported today that because of their penchant to promote from within, Clements will take over the position vacated by Philbin who was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

“Your first intent is to look within,” McCarthy is quoted by the newspaper. “That’s where you start. But I don’t want to talk about that now. This is Joe’s moment. He deserves all the attention. You don’t replace people like Joe. I’m going to miss him personally a whole lot, forget as a professional. He’s someone I enjoy being around. He’s a great guy. This is a very good opportunity for him.”

But if McCarthy is going to keep Clements around, he most likely will have to act fast – that is unless Clements is offered the head coaching job in Tampa.

Joe Philbin is now the former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator, having accepted the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

With the announcement last night that Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin will be taking the helm as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, huge decisions now face Packers coach Mike McCarthy about how to fill the vacancy and what other coaches and players may follow.

The announcement isn’t a shocker for the Packers given the fact that Philbin interviewed twice with the Dolphins and has certainly earned the right to become a head coach – helping to build and develop the Packers’ vaunted offense behind the play of star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Philbin is ready to make the move. He’s been with the Packers for nearly 10 years and has earned his stripes. And without question, his move comes at the right time. Surely he enjoyed his time in Green Bay, but the loss of his son to drowning two weeks ago probably gives him good reason for a new venue for himself and his family. There’s something to say about getting a fresh start in a new situation.

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

(more…)

That’s because the Green Bay Packers FanCam will be at Lambeau Field to take a 360-degree image of fans in the stadium.

The camera that will take the shot from the 50 yard line is an ultra-high-def, 5-billion pixel piece of equipment capable of taking a 360-degree image.

This is according to the published report on Packers.com:

The exciting fan feature, which has been popular with fans of the Wisconsin Badgers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, New York Rangers, Michigan Wolverines and Kentucky Wildcats, allows fans to identify themselves by using an optic-zoom and tagging feature.

This high-definition image will capture Lambeau Field in its entirety, and the image takes between 5-7 minutes to shoot. While looking at the photo, fans will be able to “step inside” a view they otherwise may never get to see.

The resolution of the photo will be so high that fans will be able to visit Packers.com, follow the links to the photo, zoom in to find themselves or friends, “tag” themselves with a Packers G-Force logo, and share via email, Facebook and Twitter.

So be sure to be in your seat by 3 p.m. for your photo session Sunday and then enjoy the game as the Packers take the field against the Giants in what is sure to be a classic playoff game at Lambeau Field.

And don’t forget to 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…)

Could Mike Sherman be headed to Tampa Bay?

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

Interesting.

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

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

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

To read the post, check it out here.

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

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

The Green Bay Packers are undefeated for many reasons ... One of which is Aaron Rodgers.

Think back to the 70s, 80s, and very early 90s, if you are old enough like me … Or if you can’t, get out some books check out Wikipedia or some other resource and look up the record of the Green Bay Packers.

Then take a look at the most recent article posted by Bob McGinn over at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

What you will find is something just short of astounding.

And I’ve wondered why I’ve been so much happier on Monday mornings than my Bears, Lions and Vikings friends.

The statistics that McGinn posts to support the reasons why the Packers have rolled to 18 straight wins is both a fabulous study in excellence, but is also a template for the entire league to follow.

I beg you to look at McGinn’s piece. It will literally blow your mind and certainly give you good reason to smile ear-to-ear.

Will the train be stopped any time in the near future? It’s difficult to say, but I will say this: it’s going to take a mighty locomotive or maybe John Henry to slow this behemoth.

You can jump directly to McGinn’s story here or take the jump just below for the complete story without leaving Lombardiave.com.

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

Tony Dungy, photographed when he was still coach of the Colts, thinks the Detroit Lions organization should shoulder some of the blame for Ndamukong Suh's behavior on the field.

Tony Dungy, the former NFL coach-turned-broadcaster with NBC Sports, has come out and said that the Detroit organization should shoulder some of the blame for the actions of Ndamukong Suh.

Suh’s stomping of Green Bay Packers right guard Evan Dietrich-Smith has raised the ire of many fans, players and coaches around the league and will result in a fine and probably a suspension from Commissioner Roger Goodell.

In addressing the situation, Dungy said on the Dan Patrick Show, “I really have to fault the Detroit organization. I think they really could have stopped this.”

No doubt the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianpolis coach is right. Suh has been a loose canon since his rookie season last year and well before that in college and even high school, according to some.

We here at Lombardiave.com feel that a suspension of at least two games is warranted for Suh and not only because of this latest incident against a Packers player. The fines for several other dirty incidents raises a red flag above the normal “aggressive” play.

A message needs to be sent loud and clear to Mr. Suh and it starts with the commissioner and should be emphasized by the Lions organization, as Dungy says. Dungy is absolutely correct. Encouraging a player to use their skills to be aggressive is one thing. For that player to take it to the lowest level is uncalled for and requires swift and immediate action.

Like Lombardiave on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Aaron Rodgers had a bad day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, but his "bad" day is as good, if not better than most turned in by his league counterparts.

“I’m just frustrated. I didn’t throw the ball very well. I’m not trying to be ridiculously humble right now, I’m just frustrated. The ball wasn’t coming out the way I wanted it to today.”

That’s what Aaron Rodgers had to say about his performance against  the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, despite having what many NFL quarterbacks might call a good, if not great day at the office.

Watching last season’s Super Bowl MVP mope and hang his head at the podium following yesterday’s 35-26 win was unusual, even for Rodgers. So, the question came from the back of the room: “23-for-34,  299 yards, over 110 quarterback rating and you’re not satisfied?”

Throw in the fact that he also had three passing touchdowns and another 28 yards on five scrambles and he still wasn’t happy.

Clearly, like his team, the Packers, Rodgers wants to be perfect or as near to it as he can be. That’s a good thing and a motivating factor not only for him, but for his teammates. It’s part of his inspiration and his drive to be great, as his teammate Greg Jennings so aptly reminds everyone daily.

As long as the Packers win – yes they did do that Sunday, despite a rather uninspiring team effort overall – this could very well be another long run of success for Green Bay.

Should we say the team was flat? Probably. But if that’s the case and they still go out and put 35 points on the board, then that’s OK. Let’s just hope they pick up that same ball and take it to Detroit on Thursday.

(more…)

Donald Driver caught four passes today for the Packers for a total of 72 yards. The yardage also took him over 10,000 yards as a Packer.

For the first time this season, the Green Bay Packers needed a late fourth quarter drive that ended in a 40-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson to gave them a comfortable lead as they held on for a 35-26 win at home against a pesky Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad.

The Packers got a rushing touchdown from B.J. Raji near the end of the first quarter and a 5-yard TD pass to Tom Crabtree just as the second quarter started as the Packers took a 14-0 lead and it looked like the blowout was on.

However, that was before the Bucs got a 54-yard touchdown run one minute later from Lagarrette Blount as Tampa Bay cut the Packers lead to 14-7.

Tampa then got its offense moving, but as the Packers have done all season, they bent but didn't break. After the Bucs converted a field goal, the Packers came right back when Jordy Nelson caught his first TD pass just before halftime to give Green Bay a 21-10 lead going into the locker room.

Tampa scored the only points in the third quarter, a field goal, but opened the fourth quarter with an eight-play, 91-yard drive that ended with a 9-yard TD pass to Mike Williams. Tampa went for the 2-point conversion, but failed and GB led 21-19.

The Packers then came back with their own long drive, 8 plays, 85 yards, that was capped when John Kuhn scored from two yards out.

After the Packers held the Bucs, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception and the Bucs went on 5-play, 50-yard drive for a score to cut the Packers lead to two points, 28-26.

That's when Nelson caught the touchdown that was the difference-maker.

Highlights included Nelson catching six passes for 123 yards and two scores, Driver catching four for 72 yards, and Rodgers going 23-34 for 299 yards, 3 touchdowns and a QB rating of 112.3.

Driver's catches also took him over 10,000 yards as a Packer.

On defense, Tramon Williams also came up with two huge drive-stopping interceptions for the Packers.

Oh yeah, B.J. "the freezer" Raji scored the first touchdown of his career on a one-yard plunge in the first half.

The Packers will take their 10-0 record to Detroit Thursday for an 11:30 a.m. Thanksgiving Day game.

NFL Mocks does a great job of covering the draft. Check them out as you get ready to watch the Packers vs. Bucs today.

It’s early … it’s WAAAAY early, but for some, like NFL Mocks, it’s never too early to start thinking about the NFL draft.

With the Packers undefeated, probably the furthest thing from Packers fans’ minds is the draft that comes up in April 2012.

Well, it’s certainly not too early for Fansided’s NFL Mocks, a site that specializes in the NFL Draft, mock draft database, scouting reports and fantasy football.

In fact, they haven’t forgotten about the Packers. Recently, they put together a seven round mock draft for the Packers.

It’s something to think about and look forward to as the Packers get ready to go 10-0 today at Lambeau Field vs. the Tampa Bay Bucs and make their run toward the post season.

Check out their page and Don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan blog site, The Pewter Plank headed by editor Patrik Nohe, caught up with Lombardiave.com for our take on today’s game at Lambeau Field.

The following is the Q&A that concludes with our game score prediction:

Q: Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind, be honest because I don’t want a homer answer here, nobody dreamt he would be this good in Wisconsin, did they?

A. The only ones who knew what Aaron Rodgers brought to the table were GM Ted Thompson and Coach Mike McCarthy. When they dealt Brett Favre to the Jets and told everyone that Rodgers was the guy, I’m sure you could hear the collective scream all the way down in Florida. Brett was God in these parts and nobody knew anything about Rodgers other than the fact he rode the bench for three years.

So, you’re right – nobody was ready to jump on Rodgers’ bandwagon and it took nearly two seasons for fans to warm up to him.

And then last year happened … And now with what’s going on this year, nobody talks about Brett Favre anymore.
(more…)

One of the highlights of tomorrow's game at Lambeau Field will be a performance by the UW-Madison Marching band. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Headed to Green Bay tomorrow for the Packers vs. Bucs game?

Well, Green Bay Packers officials are reminding all about some very important information that everyone should heed as they head to, get to, and enjoy the game.

The following is a press release the Packers distributed yesterday. You may want to take a quick gander:

The Green Bay Packers have reminded gold package season-ticket holders to plan ahead for enhanced screening that will take place at Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and allow extra time for entry into the stadium.

Game attendees traveling to Green Bay on U.S. Highway 41 also should note that construction zones will require increased drive time. Additional information on highway construction and specific affected areas is available online at http://us41wisconsin.gov.

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

(more…)

The Minnesota Vikings will invade Lambeau Field Monday night.

We here at Lombardiave.com took some time to answer questions from Dan Zinski of The Viking Age.

While you can see Zinski’s answers to our questions here, you can also take some time to read what we had to say about Monday night’s match-up between the Packers and Vikings.

Take a look below:

TVA: The defense has to be a concern for everyone in Packerland right now, right? Or do you guys figure you can just outscore everyone the rest of the way?

LA: Well, for anyone who follows that Packers, yes, the defense is a huge concern. How can this team continue to rely so heavily on its offense to score 30-plus points the entire season? It can’t. One of these weeks, the offense is going to throw a stinker and the team will lose because of it.

I don’t know, maybe that’s the best thing for the Packers … maybe the defense needs a wake-up call. All we know is that the right combination hasn’t been dialed up as yet on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, they are an opportune bunch and have week-in, week-out come up with the big play … the fumble recovery, the interception, the stop. But we all know the clock is ticking on this unit and this team.

Does the defense let the team down this week? Or next at Detroit? Or the next at the N.Y. Giants? We don’t know, but it’s bound to happen unless they can return to somewhat of a semblance of what they were last year.

All I know, is that we don’t want that equation to catch up to the Packers in January.

(more…)

Jarrett Bush said it best when describing the Vikings as "hungry." Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Can we draw comparisons between the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers team of two years ago that was led by a then-rookie making his first start (Josh Freeman) with the 1-5 Vikings being led by another rookie making his first start this coming Sunday (Christian Ponder)?

We all know what happened in that Tampa Bay game … They upset the Packers and upset Packers nation so badly that there were calls for Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson’s heads.

Well, we can make the leap an compare the two situations or we can listen to a veteran tell us about it … according to Ryan Pickett, who was interviewed this week about that scenario by JSonline, it’s a different time and a different place.

“Mentally, we’ve grown. We’ve been playing defense a lot differently around here since that game two years ago. So we take no one lightly — rookie, 15 years in the league, it doesn’t matter. It’s about how we prepare and how we get ready ourselves. That’s how we look at it.”
(more…)

The matchup between the Packers and Lions will be a heated affair this Thanksgiving. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

People can pick their game of the week, follow their favorite teams, or just watch for fun. However, all eyes will be on Detroit on Thursday, November 24^th. What could be the biggest game of the season is on Thanksgiving Day!

Imagine watching two 10-0 teams play each other, and these two teams are in the same division. Who would not enjoy watching this intense game?

What are the odds that both teams go 10-0? Statistically, not very good, even if both already have four wins down. However, before shrugging it off, look at the schedules. The combined record of teams the Packers must face between now and then is a mere 8-16 (.333).

Both the Rams and the Vikings are winless, and Green Bay plays Minnesota twice in that span. The Falcons (2-2), Chargers (3-1), and the Buccaneers (3-1) are the other opponents. Green Bay can certainly pull it off. It may not be likely, but it is certainly attainable.

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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