Joe Heller, the cartoonist for the Green Bay Press Gazette, best captured the moment of Al Harris’s return of an interception off Matt Hasselbeck, the former Packer, Seahawk and now Titan. Hasselbeck was released today by Tennessee.
Joe Heller cartoon

According to profootballtalk.com, the Tennessee Titans had apparently been talking to former Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for good reason – the attempt by Titans officials to cut a deal with former Packer, former Seahawk and now former Titan Matt Hasselbeck fell through today.

The release of Hasselbeck, who was scheduled to make $5.5 million as a backup to Jake Locker, seemed like a no-brainer and leaves fans of the aging QB wondering if he will find a new home.

Matt Hasselbeck attempts a pass in a game at Lambeau Field in 2009.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Hasselbeck, the 14-year veteran who was traded from the Packers to the Seahawks way back when Mike Holmgren was Seattle’s head coach (2001), has played the past two seasons in Tennessee after a great run in Seattle where he and Holmgren appeared in one Super Bowl (2005, but lost to the Steelers).

He was drafted by Holmgren in the sixth round of the 1998 draft. He played two seasons in Green Bay as the backup to Brett Favre in 1999 and 2000. He was 13 of 20 for 145 yards before Holmgren traded for him to take over as his starting quarterback in Seattle. For 10 seasons on the West Coast, Hasselbeck completed 2,559 passes for 4,250 yards (60.2 percent) 29,434 yards, and 174 touchdowns.

While Packers fans remember him as the backup to Favre way back at the turn of the century, he is best known for his “we want the ball and we’re going to score” exclamation during the coin toss of overtime in the 2003 playoff game at Lambeau Field. Hasselbeck then went on to throw the ball to Packers cornerback Al Harris whose interception was returned to the house for the game-winner.

It’s unclear as to what Hasselbeck’s future will be. He might be able to catch on as a backup with somebody, but the 37-year-old’s days in the NFL have got to be numbered.

Brad Jones sacks Matt Hasselbeck at Lambeau Field three years ago.
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Given Green Bay Packers GM Ted Thompson’s penchant for not playing the free agency game and inside linebackers Brad Jones’s recent visit to the Tennessee Titans‘ camp, one could probably consider the veteran a goner.

We recently reported here that Jones’s agent had told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that his client had as many as eight teams that had called last week expressing interest. It’s highly unlikely that Jones will pay a visit to all of those teams, but he is surely going to pick and choose.

Today’s report came from Green Bay Press Gazette reporter Rob Demovsky who stated that Jones had gone to Tennessee Thursday and was still there today. Whether he comes out of there with a contract remains to be seen, but if he does, it will deplete the number of inside linebackers the Packers have on their roster.

In addition to A.J. Hawk, who has been rumored to either be on his way out because of his salary or might be asked to restructure his deal, is joined by D.J. Smith and Desmond Bishop – who are both coming off of season-ending injuries from last season. It’s unclear whether either of those players will be ready to hit the field by the time training camp starts. In fact, they ay not be ready by the time the season rolls around.

At this point, there is no word whether the Packers have presented an offer to Jones.

Stay tuned.

Canty, 30, was cut by the New York Giants last week in a cap space saving move. Canty has gotten a lot of early interest from not only the Packers, but the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguares, Tennessee Titans (who have reportedly offered him a contract already) and the Seattle Seahawks. According to NBC Sports, Canty has also given the Carolina Panthers the impression that he would give them a “home town discount” in order to sign there. Canty, of course, was a high school football star in Charlotte, N.C.,  he’s been on record saying he would like to return home and play in Carolina.

There’s no secret that the Packers have struggled on defense the last few seasons, particularly on the defensive line.

The 6-foot-7, 317 pound Canty would give the Packers tremendous size up front and would naturally be able to clog up holes, making Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk and the other linebackers’ jobs much easier.

Canty, of course, has experience playing in the 3-4 defense, as he played with the Dallas Cowboys for four seasons where he had 102 tackles and 10 sacks while not missing a single game.

If you remember, the Packers were interested in signing Canty back in 2008. However, Canty was searching for more money than the stingy Packers were willing to give up, thus he signed in New York.

It’s early in the offseason process, however, according to Pro Football Central the Packers are the favorite amongst the interested teams to land the services of Canty.

If all goes well on Wednesday and Thursday, you could see the Packers offer Canty a contract.

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates a first quarter touchdown run by jumping into the stands during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Led by the passing of Aaron Rodgers, the rushing of Ryan Grant, and the pass catching from a plethora of receivers, including James Jones who caught his 13th touchdown of the season, the Green Bay Packers put a near-goose egg on the Tennessee Titans today, 55-7 at Lambeau Field.

The only downer of the game was the injury to WR Randall Cobb, which didn’t look all that serious at the time. Stay tuned on his condition.

The Packers defense shut down the Titans all day long, while Aaron Rodgers threw for 342 yards, three touchdowns and ran for one touchdown. He got help on the ground from old reliable – Ryan Grant – who ran for two touchdowns and 80 yards on 20 carries. In all, Jones caught seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

The Packers defense also accounted for seven sacks against Titans’ QB Jake Locker, two by A.J. Hawk, who had a heck of a day. Locker, had he not completed a long gimme pass inside of 2 minutes that led to the Titans’ only score, had trouble breaking 100 yards passing in a game when he looked thoroughly confused by the Packers scheme.

The Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans

Noon start

Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Weather

Sun
Dec 23

25°F
14°F
NNW 6 MPH

National Anthem

WEEK 16

Tennessee Titans

Sun, 12/23 at 12:00 PM CST

HOME:

Lambeau Field

Game Preview»

• TV: CBS WFRV 5
• Radio: WTMJ 620 AM / WIXX 101.1 FM
• DirecTV: 710
• Sirius: 91

TEAM	W	L	T	OVERALL PCT	PF	PA	NET PTS	TD	HOME	ROAD	DIV	DIV PCT	CONF	CONF PCT	NON CONF	STREAK	LAST 5
GB z	10	4	0	.714	344	292	52	42	6-1	4-3	5-0	1.000	8-3	.727	2-1	3W	4-1
MIN	8	6	0	.571	319	308	11	33	6-1	2-5	3-2	.600	6-5	.545	2-1	2W	3-2
CHI	8	6	0	.571	321	240	81	36	5-3	3-3	2-3	.400	5-5	.500	3-1	3L	1-4
DET	4	11	0	.267	348	411	-63	35	2-5	2-6	0-5	.000	3-8	.273	1-3	7L	0-5

Aaron Rodgers (12) during warmups prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Titans first possession

Second and 8, Harris for 1

Third and 7, Rodgers in gun from Titans 41, pass off fingertips of Cobb incomplete

Fourth down punt by Tim Masthay to the 20

Titans second possession

First and 10, Locker passes to a wide open tight end, but ball hits ground … ruled incomplete

Titans called for delay of game

Second and 15, pass incomplete, Titans called for face mask – penalty declined

Third and 15, pass over the middle by Locker to Michael Preston, but well short of the first down

Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth down punt by Titans to Cobb – receives it at Packers 28 and returns to Packers 44

Packers second possession

First and 10, pass over the middle to DJ Williams for 8

Second and 2, Ryan Grant for 3

First and 10, pass to the right sideline to Greg Jennings for 9

Second snd 1 from Titans  33, handoff to Ryan Grant for 22

First and 15, Grant runs for 9 right up the middle – nice blocking and Grant shows his fresh legs on this drive.

Second and 1, from the 6, Rodgers in the gun, changes the play, Rodgers with the QB draw for the touchdown and a display of “The Belt.”

Aaron Rodgers scores the first TD of the game.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

6:54 Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards in 2:48

Packers 7 Titans 0

 

Packers kickoff at 6:54 mark of the first quarter

Crosby kicks off to the 1, returned to the 16

Titans’ third possession

Handoff to Chris Johnson for no gain

Second and 10, Locker drops back to pass, rushed by AJ Hawk, Locker dumps the pass off to nobody and referees confer and throw a late flag for holding offense and intentional grounding … half distance to goal line. Ball placed at 5

Third and 21, ball at 5, Locker in gun, draw play to Chris Johnson and he’s tackled hard at the 11 by Mike Neal – big hit

Titans punt fro 1, to Cobb, but it’s short and lands at the 43

 

Packers third possession

First and 10 at the 43, pass to James Jones for 15

First and 10, quick pass to Jennings for 10

First and 10, Rodgers rolls right and hits Randall Cobb for the touchdown

Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards in 0:54

Packers 14 Titans 0

 

Mason Crosby kicks off to goal line returned to the 28

Titans fourth possession

Titans have 16 penalty yards and 13 total offense at this point

First and 10 from the Titans 28, Locker hands off to Johnson for 3 up the middle

Second and 7, Locker scrambles left and picks up 15 and a first down

First and 10 at Packers 47, Locker under pressure intercepted by Sam Shields

 

Packers fourth possession

First and 10 from the Packers 21, Rodgers in gun scrambles right passes long toward Cobb, but he can’t hang on

Second and 10, Rodgers in gun handoff to Grant for 2

Third and 8, 2:52 left in first quarter, Rodgers in gun, no time to throw and Rodgers sacked by Mike Martin -46th time Rodgers has been sacked

Fourth down punt by Masthay to the Titans 40

 

Titans fifth possession

First and 10, handoff to Chris Johnson who is tackled for a four-yard loss by Clay Matthews who makes a big, big play – Johnson gets hurt on the play

Second 14 from the Titans 36, Locker under center, drops back and sacked by AJ Hawk

Third and 21, Locker in the gun, three man rush, pass over the middle tipped and intercepted by Erik Walden who returns it to the Titans 15

 

Packers fifth possession

First and 10, quick pass by Rodgers to James Jones for 6

End of first quarter

Packers 14 Titans 0

Second and 4, Rodgers scrambles for 10 seconds and throws incomplete

Mason Crosby

Timeout Packers – first

Third and 4 from the Titans 8, Rodgers under pressure throws incomplete over the middle into the end zon

Crosby for the FG – GOOD

Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards in 1:01

Packers 17 Titans 0

 

 

Crosby kicks off short to the 35 and returned 5 yards

Titans sixth possession

First and 10 from the Titans, Locker rolls right and runs for 2

Second and 8, handoff for 1

Third and 7, Locker in gun, pass over the middle to Damien Williams for 7 and a first down

First and 10, ball at 47, Harper with a run for 14 up the middle and another first down

First and 10, ball at Packers 40, handoff to Harper for no gain, tackle by AJ Hawk

Second and 10, Locker under center, handoff to Harper for 9

Third and 1, Chris Johnson back, no gain

Fourth and 1, Titans go for it, Locker passes incomplete over the middle, Tramon Williams with the tight coverage. Packers take over on downs

 

Packers sixth possession

First and 10, ball at Packers 31, Rodgers under center, Harris dodges tackle in backfield and runs up middle for 2

Second and 8, Harris runs right for 10 and first down.

First and 10, Harris for no gain

Second and 10, Rodgers passes short to DJ Williams for 3 after rolling right

Third and 7, ball at Packers 45, Rodgers in the gun, pass to Kuhn over the middle for first down. Kuhn chip blocks and sneaks open.

First and 10, quick pass to Greg Jennings left for 8

Second and 2, broken play, Rodgers runs up middle for 1

Third and 1, Rodgers overthrows a wide open Jennings

Fourth down going fourth down, handoff to Grant for 2 and first down

First down and 10, ball at Titans 35, handoff to Grant for 2,

Second and 8, Rodgers under center, Grant runs left for 2 more

Third and 6, ball at Titans 31, Rodgers in gun, pass to Jermichael Finley

Mason Crosby

Crosby from 48 yards – hits upright but it BOUNCES THROUGH! GOOD!

Mason Crosby 48 yard field goal, 4:40 Drive: 13 plays, 39 yards in 5:40

Packers 20 Titans 0

 

Packers kick off to the 7 – returned to the 16

Titans seventh possession

First and 10, Johnson carries up the middle for 4

Second and 6, Locker drops back steps up, falls and Dezman Moses gets the sack

Third and 9, Pass over the middle to Williams  for first down to the 36

First and 10, Johnson up the middle for four

Second and 6, Johnson for 3

Packers time out – second

Third and 3, Locker in the gun, under pressure from Matthews and he throws incomplete

Fourth down punt to Cobb, punted to the 2-yard line and downed

 

Packers seventh possession

First and 10 from the 2, pass to DJ Williams for 9

Second and 1 pass to Jones short

Third and 1, Quick pass to Jennings ros 6 and a first down

First and 10 pass to Finley over the middle to the Packers 41

First and 10, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers steps up, avoids rush and completes a jump pass to Finley for first down

First and 10 to Finley again for 2

Time out Packers – 30 seconds left

Second and 8, ball at Titans 43, Rodgers in gun, pass over the middle misses Jennings.

Third and 8, 26 seconds remain, Titans penalty in neutral zone

Third and 3, pass to Finley and one-handed attempt falls incomplete

Fourth and 3, pass to Jones down left sideline off his fingertips – Packers give ball up on downs

 

Titans

Locker runs to the 45,

Time out Titans

Second and 3, Locker throws incomplete on the Hail Mary

End of first half

Packers 20 Titans 0

First half statistics courtesy of si.com

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	15/25	152	1	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Grant	7	42	0	18
Harris	6	17	0	10
Rodgers	2	7	1	6

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Jennings	4	32	0	9
Finley	3	39	0	23
Williams	3	20	0	9
Cobb	2	31	1	20
Jones	2	21	0	15
Kuhn	1	9	0	9

 

Titans

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Locker	3/12	35	0	2

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Locker	3	31	0	22
Harper	4	23	0	13
Johnson	8	17	0	7
Johnson	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Williams	2	28	0	20
Preston	1	7	0	7

 

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	15/25	152	1	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Grant	7	42	0	18
Harris	6	17	0	10
Rodgers	2	7	1	6

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Jennings	4	32	0	9
Finley	3	39	0	23
Williams	3	20	0	9
Cobb	2	31	1	20
Jones	2	21	0	15
Kuhn	1	9	0	9

Interceptions	NO	YDS	LG	TD
Walden	1	20	20	0
Shields	1	0	0	0

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Hawk	4	1	1
Jones	3	1	0
Matthews	3	0	1
Burnett	2	2	0
Jennings	2	0	0
Walden	1	1	0
Daniels	1	0	0
Hayward	1	0	0
Moses	1	0	1
Neal	1	0	0
Pickett	1	0	0
Williams	1	0	0

Titans

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Locker	3/12	35	0	2

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Locker	3	31	0	22
Harper	4	23	0	13
Johnson	8	17	0	7
Johnson	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Williams	2	28	0	20
Preston	1	7	0	7

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Brown	5	1	0
Martin	3	0	1
McCourty	3	0	0
Verner	3	0	0
Witherspoon	2	2	0
Casey	2	0	0
Morgan	2	0	0
Sensabaugh	2	0	0
Afalava	1	0	0
Ayers	1	0	0
Griffin	1	0	0
Harris	1	0	0
Marks	1	0	0
Wimbley	1	0	0
Shaw	0	2	0
Babineaux	0	1	0

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/12/23/5118/index.html#ixzz2FuBX9AlA

 

Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is brought down by Green Bay Packers defensive end Mike Neal (96) at Lambeau Field.
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Second half

Titans kick off to Packers Randall Cobb, ball bounces to the two, but Cobb steps out of bounds, touches the ball and a flag was thrown

First and 10 at the 40, Rodgers in gun, Rodgers chased out of pocket to the left and slides for two yards

Second and 8, Rodgers over the middle to a wide open Randall cobb for 35 yards

First and 10, Harris picks his way up the middle for 5

Second and 5, pass to Finley down the right sideline to the nine

First and goal, Rodgers in gun, scrambles to the left and picks up 2

Second and goals, handoff to Harris over right side for the touchdown

Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards in 2:52

Packers 27 Titans 0

 

Packers kickoff to Titans – Touchback

Titans first possession of the first half

First and 10, ball at 20, Johnson off left side for 7

Second and 3, pass over the middle intended to Nate Washington incomplete, Tramon Williams on the coverage

Third and 3, Locker in gun, throws over middle to Washington for a first down, Burnett on coverage and tackle

First and 10, Johnson for no gain, tackle by BJ Raji

Second and 10, Hawk up the middle for the sack – his second of the game – loss of 9

Third and 19,  Locker passes over the middle to Johnson for 6 – short of first down

Fourth down punt to Cobb, returns 10 yards, fumbles and is hurt – doesn’t look good – enter Donald Driver?

 

Greg Jennings’ touchdown today may be his final regular season TD in his GB career. The offseason will tell the tale. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers second possession

First and 10 from the Packers 29, Rodgers in gun handoff to Grant for 3

Second and 7, Rodgers in gun, pass to Jones who picks up big yards after the catch

First and 10, ball at Titans 47, Grant runs hard right, but struggles to pick up 2

Second and 8, Rodgers under center passes for 10 to James Jones for first down

First and 10, ball at Titans 35, Rodgers rolls left, steps back to the right, throws right and throws incomplete

Second and 10, Rodgers scrambles up throws incomplete – penalties – packers holding, personal foul on Titans – offset

Second and 10, screen pass to Grant down right sideline to the 2

First and goal, Quick pass to Jennings wide open for touchdown

Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards in 2:51

Packers 34 Titans 0

 

Titans ball at 24, Locker with screen to Johnson for 8

Johnson for 3 and a first down

First and 10, Locker in gun, pass to Williams for 11 and a first down, Williams on coverage

First and 10, pass incomplete

Second and 10, Locker under pressure from CB Casey Hayward throws ball away

Third and 10, ball at Titas 45, Locker in gun, Locker sacked by Mike Neal

Fourth and 10 punt, Jeremy Ross who fair catches the ball – Cobb out for the day … 

 

Packers third possession of second half

First and 10 at the Packers 20, Grant for no gain

Second and 10, Rodgers in gun, pass to a wide open Jones to the 45 – 25 yard gain. Jones with big run shedding tackles

First and 10, Rodgers to Finley for 20 down to the 25,

First and 10, Rodgers hands off to Grant who runs right for no gain

Second and 10, Rodgers in gun, pass to Ryan Taylor for 10 and a first down

First ad 10, quick pass to Jennings for 4

End of third quarter

Second and 6, quick pass to Jennings for first down to the Titans 12

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, James Jones (89) gets past Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) and safety Jordan Babineaux (26) Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

First and 10, James Jones quick pass for the touchdown. He catches the ball at the 10, splits defenders and stretches ball into the end zone. Jones’s 13th TD of the season.

Rodgers 3 TD passes, 342 yards, zero interceptions

Packers 41 Titans 0

 

Packers kick off to Titans – returned to the 22

First and 10, pass incomplete

Second and 10, Locker runs and is tackled by Casey Hayward after gain of 1

Third and 9, Locker sacked by a corner blitz by Sam Shields

Fourth and 9 punt by Titans to Ross – who returns it to the 6

 

Packers possession

First and goal, ball at Titans 6, handoff to Ryan Grant, who runs untouched off left guard for the touchdown

Drive: 1 play, 7 yards in 0:04

Packers 48 Titans 0

 

Packers kickoff to Titans who return it to the 25

Titans possession

First and 10, handoff to Jamie Harper for loss of 1

Second and 11, pass to left sideline ruled out of bounds, nearly intercepted by Sam Shields

Third and 11, Locker steps up and tosses complete, but short of first down

Fourth and 3, ball at 33, Titans go for it, Locker in gun, throws deep to Kenny Britt, but it’s caught out of bounds

Packers take over on downs – second time in the game

 

Dec 23, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant (25) rushes with the football past Tennessee Titans linebacker Will Witherspoon (92) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Packers possession

First and 10, Graham Harrell hands off to Grant for 5 ball at Titans 35

Second and 5, Grant runs hard down to the 23

Third and 1, Harrell under center, hands off to Harris, but holding on Packers – first penalty on Packers all day

Third and 11, Ball at Titans 33, Harrell in gun, passes complete to Jones for 8 – 2 yards short of first down

Fourth and 2, Packers go for it, ball at Titans 24, Harrell under center, handoff to Grant for first down

First and 10, ball at 21, Harrell under center, handoff to Grant for 2, but Titans called for facemask

First and 10, ball at 11, handoff to Grant for 1

Second and goal, Grant runs left, splits defenders and gets into the end zone for TD – his second of  the day.

Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards in 4:45

Packers 55 Titans 0

 

 

Packers kickoff to Titans returned to the Titans 40

Titans possession

First and 10, long pass down the right sideline incomplete

Second and 10, rush loses 2

Third and 12, pass complete to tight end Stevens short of first down

Fourth and 6, Titans punt to Jeremy Ross, caught at 6 and returned to 10

 

Packers possession

First and 10, Harrell under center, handoff to Ryan Grant for 2

Second and 8, Grant no gain

Timeout Packers -first

Third and 8, Harrell in gun, pass toward Driver – incomplete

Fourth down punt by Masthan 65 yards, 10 yard return

 

Titans possession

First and 10, pass complete for 6

Second and 2, Locker sacked by LB Brad Jones

2-minute warning

Third and 8, pass for 10 and a first down

First and 10, pass incomplete

Second and 10, ball at Packers 41, long pass to Kenny Britt to the 2

First and goal, pass to Britt for the TD – there goes the shutout

Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards in 1:12

Packers 55 Titans 7

 

Titans onside kick recovered by Jarrett Boykin

Packers possession

1:38 left, Packer in victory formation

 

Packers 55 Titans 0

 

Final Statistics courtesy of si.com

Packers

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Rodgers	27/38	342	3	0
Harrell	1/2	9	0	0

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Grant	20	80	2	18
Harris	8	29	1	10
Rodgers	4	11	1	6
Harrell	3	-3	0	-1

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Jones	7	100	1	27
Jennings	7	45	1	9
Finley	5	70	0	23
Cobb	3	62	1	31
Williams	3	20	0	9
Grant	1	34	0	34
Taylor	1	11	0	11
Kuhn	1	9	0	9

Titans

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Locker	13/30	140	1	2

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Locker	4	32	0	22
Johnson	11	28	0	8
Harper	6	19	0	13
Johnson	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Williams	3	39	0	20
Britt	2	41	1	39
Preston	2	17	0	10
Washington	2	15	0	8
Johnson	2	13	0	8
Thompson	1	8	0	8
Stevens	1	7	0	7

Packers

Interceptions	NO	YDS	LG	TD
Walden	1	20	20	0
Shields	1	0	0	0

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Jones	7	3	1
Hawk	6	1	2
Burnett	4	3	0
Hayward	4	1	0
Matthews	3	0	1
Williams	3	0	0
Daniels	2	0	0
Jennings	2	0	0
Neal	2	0	1
Walden	1	1	0
Moses	1	0	1
Pickett	1	0	0
Raji	1	0	0
Shields	1	0	1

Titans

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
Locker	13/30	140	1	2

Rushing	ATT	YDS	TD	LG
Locker	4	32	0	22
Johnson	11	28	0	8
Harper	6	19	0	13
Johnson	1	0	0	0

Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
Williams	3	39	0	20
Britt	2	41	1	39
Preston	2	17	0	10
Washington	2	15	0	8
Johnson	2	13	0	8
Thompson	1	8	0	8
Stevens	1	7	0	7

Defense	TACKLES	ASST	SACKS
Brown	8	1	0
McCourty	7	2	0
Casey	5	0	0
Verner	5	0	0
Witherspoon	4	2	0
Ayers	4	1	0
Martin	3	0	1
Morgan	3	0	0
Shaw	2	3	0
Sensabaugh	2	1	0
Griffin	2	0	0
Harris	2	0	0
Marks	2	0	0
Afalava	1	1	0
Wimbley	1	0	0
Wynn	1	0	0
Babineaux	0	1	0

1st Quarter

Aaron Rodgers 6 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 6:54 Drive: 6 plays, 56 yards in 2:48
Green Bay 7-0

Randall Cobb 20 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 4:28 Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards in 0:54
Green Bay 14-0

2nd Quarter

Mason Crosby 26 yard field goal, 14:36 Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards in 1:01
Green Bay 17-0

Mason Crosby 48 yard field goal, 4:40 Drive: 13 plays, 39 yards in 5:40
Green Bay 20-0

3rd Quarter

DuJuan Harris 7 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 12:04 Drive: 6 plays, 60 yards in 2:56
Green Bay 27-0

Greg Jennings 1 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 5:47 Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards in 2:51
Green Bay 34-0

4th Quarter

James Jones 12 yard TD pass from Aaron Rodgers (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 14:11 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards in 4:20
Green Bay 41-0

Ryan Grant 7 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 12:31 Drive: 1 play, 7 yards in 0:04
Green Bay 48-0

Ryan Grant 9 yard TD run (Mason Crosby extra point is GOOD), 6:25 Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards in 4:45
Green Bay 55-0

Kenny Britt 2 yard TD pass from Jake Locker (Rob Bironas extra point is GOOD), 1:39 Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards in 1:12
Green Bay 55-7

Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2012/12/23/5118/index.html#ixzz2Fubev8hb

The Green Bay Packers play the Tennessee Titans today at noon. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

All of Packers Nation is hoping for a great Christmas, and what could be better than a Green Bay Packers win today against the Tennessee Titans?

I don’t think there is a single pundit who is expecting the Packers to lose today, but we all know this is the National Football League where anything can happen on any given Sunday. A trap game? For sure. Will the Packers lose it. We doubt it.

See our predictions below and why we feel the Packers are on their way to a win and hoping for the number two Playoffs seed.

Thomas Marquardt
Staff Writer

Thomas Marquardt: I honestly think this is going to be a ‘statement’ game for the Packers in that the will flex their collective muscles on both sides of the ball.  Chris Johnson is a dangerous runner, so I think the Packers will bring plenty of run support from the secondary and force Jake Locker to throw the ball on 2nd and 3rd downs when our pass rushers will take over.

On the offensive side of the ball, I think McCarthy will continue with his dedication to establishing the run and give EDS a chance to direct the O-line.  This will be a playoff prep game and Rodgers will make plays as he always does in the passing game.  I expect Jennings role to continue to increase this week as he gets back to full game speed.

Overall, after last season’s finish, the Packers know they need to peak going into the playoffs and I expect them to deliver.  With near perfect Packer weather, sunny and in the mid-20s, I see the Packers rolling:

Packers 34 – Titans 14

Patrick Huges
Staff Writer

Patrick Hughes: In the NFL there is no such thing as a “gimme” game, but if there was, the Packers opponent this week would fall into that category. The Tennessee Titans come into Green Bay with a 5-9 record, but fresh off a victory over the lackluster New York Jets.

They are led by a promising young quarterback, Jake Locker, and running back Chris Johnson. However, the Titans offensive line is decimated by injuries, which has made it difficult for Locker to be effective. Chris Johnson, on the other hand, has still managed to collect over 1,100 yards rushing.

The Packers might be tempted to rest a few players this week. But Coach McCarthy has made it clear that there will be no letting up as he wants to roll into the playoffs with a full head of steam. Though if the Packers take a commanding lead I would not be surprised to see a few guys get a much needed break.

News also came out this week that Evan Dietrich-Smith would start for Jeff Saturday. However, word came out Saturday that Don Barclay is questionable for this game. If Barclay can’t go then that plan would most likely be nixed. As it is assumed that TJ Lang would slide over to RT and Dietrich Smith to LG and Saturday back in at center. Nonetheless, this is an interesting move by McCarthy to insert Dietrich-Smith at center with the playoffs approaching. Dietrich-Smith, often touted as the center of the future by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, might provide the Packers a little something extra the 37-year-old Saturday has shown he can’t deliver.

I’m sure the Titans will give the Packers a fight initially. But my gut feeling is this is the game the Packers’ offense has the performance Packers Nation has been awaiting. It really clicks on all cylinders, and Aaron Rodgers has a field day at the expense of the Titans 23rd ranked defense. Look for Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley and Randall Cobb to have big games. On defense, I think the line is going to gain a little confidence by beating up on the collection of backups the Titans have up front. Clay Matthews III will chalk up a couple more sacks. The defensive backs should come away with a couple of picks as well.

Packers 35, Titans 14

Bill Walton and his Family are all-in with the Packers today

Bill Walton: Hmmm … let’s see. Makeshift O-line with Barclay newly-questionable with illness, necessitating Saturday coming back off the bench so Lang can shift to RT and EDS can move back to LG – check. Three RBs (Kuhn, Starks and Green) either out or nursing injuries – check. Crabtree, Nelson, Woodson, and Wilson all out, too – check. Aaron Rodgers running on a “sprained” ankle suffered in the Bears game – check.

Looks like your standard-issue Packers game lineup to me. We should all be used to it by now, folks! Rodgers’ ankle would concern me, but he says he doesn’t tape ‘em so they’re stronger than your average ankles. Bionic ankles aside, I hope he can move around well on Sunday because that patched together O-line simply can’t do as good a job of protecting 12 as the “normal” crew.

Wife Deneen took time out from wrapping to throw a Packers 31 Titans 14 score at me. Son John, he on Christmas break, took time out from his break to convey his Packers 28 Titans 13 prediction. I figure the Packers win this one 35-14.

Jason Hirschhorn
Staff Writer

Jason Hirschhorn: It’s been quite a week for the Packers’ offensive line. First, we find out that T.J. Lang had suffered a concussion and was in doubt for Sunday. Then, right before he was to be tested, he fell ill, costing him yet another day of practice. Next, all the Lang news was overshadowed by the benching of center Jeff Saturday for Evan Dietrich-Smith.

Finally, Lang returned, but Don Barclay became ill (possibly with the same illness that befell Lang) and is questionable. If he can’t go, Lang will take his spot at right tackle, leaving Dietrich-Smith to handle left guard duties and thus Saturday won’t be benched at all. All caught up now?

While this would normally create major concerns about the Packers’ chances of winning, the opponent this week is Tennessee. Their season is over, and they’ve already had their “Super Bowl” against the Jets a week ago. They’re not playing for anything.

Alex Green may miss the game, but the Titans are in the bottom third of the league is stopping the run. The tandem of Ryan Grant and DuJuan Harris should suffice. Tennessee also isn’t particularly adept at defending the pass, which means Aaron Rodgers will do Aaron Rodgers type things to them. This one shouldn’t be a problem.

Packers 35 – Titans 17

Jerry Bulone: The Titans do not really do anything particularly well on defense. They are ranked 30th in points allowed, have a -5 turnover ratio, and have problems getting to the quarterback. Not good when you are playing the MVP of the NFL at home late in the season.

On offense they are led by Jake Locker who has just as many touchdowns as interceptions and is 28th in the NFL in quarterback ranking. Their star running back, Chris Johnson, is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get. He could rush for 11 times for 4 yards, or 18 times for 195.

Meanwhile, for Green Bay, the benching of Center Jeff Saturday is long overdue, and while there may be a slight adjustment phase during this game, our best 5 Offensive lineman are now on the football field, so that’s a good thing.

The bottom line: I expect Green Bay to win this game pretty easily. They still have a lot to play for, so there is no threat of them overlooking the not-so-mighty Titans. 

Packers 24, Titans 13, with two more missed Mason Crosby field goals

Ray Rivard
Editor, Lombardiave.com

Ray Rivard: If this game had been played earlier in the season, one could say it could be a trap game for the Green Bay Packers.

But not now.

The Packers hold their playoff destiny in their own hands. Keep on winning and they have the chance to secure the second seed. Lose and they will drop. With that on their minds, there’s no way the Packers get beat by the Tennessee Titans today. The question is how much do they win by?

In my mind, this is the breakout game the offense needs. Despite the injuries, despite the makeshift offensive line, despite the fact that the team really hasn’t had a dominant game since they played at Houston way back when – this is the time to shine. And shine they will

I see Aaron Rodgers throwing for more than 300 yards today, Randall Cobb grabbing a couple of touchdown passes and the running-game-by-committee gaining at least 120 yards.

Don’t be surprised to see Donald Driver hit the field, too, and for Aaron Rodgers to target him – This will be Double-Ds final regular season game at home … that is, if he is active.

The defense should have a field day today against the Titans’ patched-up offensive line and don’t be surprised if Clay Matthews has a couple of sacks and a couple others come from a defensive lineman or two.

This should be a cakewalk for the Packers playing their final regular season game at home.

Packers 38 Titans 16

Tim Thomas: The Packers have locked up the division and now need to win out and hope the San Francisco 49ers slip up to get a first-round bye as the Packers have a winable game against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau.

The Packers will be without Charles Woodson and Jordy Nelson for Sunday’s game as I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see of them play again till the playoffs. However, the Packers offense will be fine Sunday as Aaron Rodgers and company could tear the Titans to pieces as a final tuneup before the playoffs as Rodgers and other starters might get rested next week.

Clay Matthews is healthy again and I expect him to terrorize Jake Locker Sunday while the one player who might test the Packers is Chris Johnson as the Packers have struggled against very good running games.

However, the Packers should cruise Sunday against the Titans as this will be a blowout win and a statement to everybody else in the NFL.

Packers 38, Titans 7

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.

Dec. 22, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (63) points to the defense during the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.Indianapolis defeated Houston 19-16. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could Randy Moss be headed to Chicago? We hope not. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Word has it that the Chicago Bears have expressed an interest in signing former Minnesota Viking, former New England Patriot, Former Minnesota Viking and former Tennessee Titan Randy Moss.

What could be better for the Bears, that classy organization out of Chi-town, than to sign the sometimes he plays, sometimes he doesn’t, moon man? In keeping with their high standards for choosing the best wide receivers to join their team (think Roy Williams), Moss would be the perfect fit.

God only hopes that the new regime overseeing Coach Lovie Smith’s on field efforts don’t go this route.

Clearly I don’t like the Bears. As a Packers fan, I never have and never will. However, I would hate to see a division rival go the route of buying into the old routine of bringing in an old, worn out, washed up and insincere player. The Bears are better than that.

Let’s hope the rumor is just that … a rumor.

In Green Bay, we want a Chicago Bears team that will compete. By going the route of bringing in an overpriced and arrogant player like Randy Moss, it wouldn’t happen.

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Why would any team in the NFL want to bring Randy Moss back? Raymond T. Rivard photograph

How many times have we come to see National Football League stars make attempts at comebacks or decide to hang on for another year, moving to teams that are looking for that flicker of talent the player once showed?

Well, here we go again. This time it’s Randy Moss.

He announced via a video on UStream last month that he was ready to play again after sitting out last year completely and catching just 28 passes for three different teams in 2010.

Today an unnamed source told National Football Post that three teams have expressed an interest in signing Moss. It would probably be a safe bet that none of those teams would be New England, Minnesota or Tennessee – the last three teams Moss made home in 2010. Of course, the source wouldn’t release the names of those three interested teams.

Moss was much more popular retired than he ever was when he was a player.

Our advice to Mr. Moss should he decide to accept It?

Stay retired, live off your millions and don’t come back and embarrass yourself.

Of course, we don’t expect him to adhere to our suggestions, but we can probably guarantee that our prediction will be spot on.

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One of the banners that hang outside Lambeau Field say it all about the organization. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Have you ever been to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame?

If not, put it on your bucket list. (more…)

NFL fans only want to be able to watch the players they love, not imposters. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

The lockout and the possibility of a standoff between players and management well into this year’s training camps and maybe into the season raises some interesting questions: Number one being, what the hell do we do if there is no season? (more…)

Is Justin Harrell a bust?  Ask any Packers fan and they’ll most likely say yes.  The third-year pro and 2007 first-round pick has been hounded by injuries for the later part of his college career and first two years of his pro career.  Was he worth that first-round pick?  So far, no.  Harrell went off the board with Pro Bowl players such as Michael Griffin of the Tennessee Titans and Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers, and solid pros Aaron Ross of the New York Giants and Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs still available.  This season is crunch time for Harrell to make good on his first-round pick billing.

With Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji in competition for the starting nose tackle job, Harrell figures into Dom Capers‘ 3-4 defense as a defensive end.  At 6’4″, 320 pounds, he has enough size to take up two blockers on the line.  However, having those capabilities and actually being able to do that are two totally different things.  Harrell’s history of back injuries is a major red flag, as the back is one of the most important parts of the body.  You need that to be able to do anything athletic.  If he keeps having back problems, that renders him nearly useless.

Packers fans mostly want to see Harrell justify his status.  We’ve been watching this guy sit on the sidelines for two years, when he was supposed to be an anchor of the Packers defensive line.  The defensive line in 2009 will need all the help it can get, as most of the depth is unproven.  If Harrell can get it together and make the transition to the 3-4 smoothly, it would do wonders for the team, on both offense and defense.

Justin Harrell, step it up in 2009.

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The Packers No. 13 ranking was a drop from 2008′s No. 4 rankings.  Of course, last year’s ranking came on the heels of a 13-3 season and an NFC Championship Game appearance.  A 6-10 season will do that to you:

Lambeau is a juggernaut. The Pack’s home has been the top NFL venue each year of the Standings, and this year it landed in the top overall spot for the fourth time. Attribute that to the G-Force campaign, a team-sponsored directive launched in 2007 to rally fans. At kickoff, Lambeau’s TundraVision salutes the 79,928 G-Forcers on-screen while giveaway towels are waved from the stands and a Packers anthem (“G-Force Roar”) blares over the speakers. Not all the fun is reserved for game time, though. The Tundra Tailgate Zone, a climate-controlled area in the parking lot, opens four hours before game time, and fans can mingle with former Pack players (“Dude, is that Elijah Pitts?”), catch the action on the plasma-screen TVs and consume vast quantities of vitamin B (burgers, brats, beer). “Nothing is quite like being inside Lambeau,” a team rep says of the TTZ, “but it’s almost as good.” Not so good, though? Ownership and Coaching ranks dropped 27 and 37 places, respectively. That’s what 6 W’s and a 1–5 finish will get you. “If you’re okay following up an NFC title game appearance with a losing season,” one Packers faithful chided on packerchatters.com, “be a Bears fan.” G, that’s harsh.

Lambeau Field is nearly impossible to match as an NFL venue, so it makes sense that it was been the top NFL venue in the standings.  Even outside of the NFL, it’s hard to find something that can compare to Lambeau.  Without Lambeau, the Packers would probably be lower on these standings as well.  If the Packers rebound in 2009, they could definitely rise into the top 10 of these standings.

Despite the drop, the Packers are only the second ranked NFL team, trailing the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers were basically  give for the top NFL team after their performance in 2008.  The Packers also narrowly edge out the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, Nos. 14 and 15 respectively.

No other NFC North comes close to touching the Packers.  The Chicago Bears are ranked No. 69 overall and No. 18 for NFL teams, while the Minnesota Vikings are No. 23 for the NFL and No. 89 overall.  Everyone’s favorite losers, the Detroit Lions, bottom out the NFL teams, finishing 119 out of 122 overall teams.  Of course, most of these teams can rise, as they all have young hot shot quarterbacks (or in Minny’s case, an old hotshot) waiting to take the reigns.

When I first heard the news, I was a little shocked. McNair had fallen off my radar a little bit after retiring from Baltimore, but I expected him to come back into my attention like this.  No one has said anything bad about his death, and I’m not sure there is anything bad to say about McNair.  Whenever he was quarterbacking the Titans, you knew they were in the game.  Just the name, Steve McNair inspired confidence in every Titan fan out there that he would get the job done.   Most of the time he did.

Tragedy seems all too common these days, and it’s unfortunate an athlete, especially McNair, had to reach his ends through those means.

16 San Diego Chargers
(8-8) Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
17 New York Jets
(9-7) Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18 Denver Broncos
(9-7, Pick via Bears) Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(9-7) Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20 Detroit Lions
(9-7, Pick via Cowboys) Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
21 Philadelphia Eagles
(9-6-1) Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
22 Minnesota Vikings
(10-6) William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
23 New England Patriots
(11-6) Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24 Atlanta Falcons
(11-5) Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
25 Miami Dolphins
(11-5) Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
26 Baltimore Ravens
(11-5) Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
27 Indianapolis Colts
12-4) Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
28 Buffalo Bills
(Pick via CAR, PHI) Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
29 New York Giants
(12-4) Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
30 Tennessee Titans
(13-3) Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois
31 Arizona Cardinals
(9-7) LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh 32 Pittsburgh Steelers
(12-4) Alex Mack, C, Cal

1. Lions: waynefontes.com — MATTHEW STAFFORD, QB, GEORGIA
2. Rams: turfshowtimes.com — EUGENE MONROE, OT, VIRGINIA
3. Chiefs: kcchiefsnews.com — AARON CURRY, LB, WAKE FOREST
4. Seahawks: davekriegsstrikebeard.com — MICHAEL CRABTREE, WR, TEXAS TECH
5. Browns: nologoneeded.com — REY MAUALUGA, LB, USC
6. Bengals: bengalstripes.com — JASON SMITH, OT, BAYLOR
7. Raiders: silverandblackpride.com — JEREMY MACLIN, WR, MISSOURI
8. Jaguars: jaguarsgab.com — B.J. RAJI, DT, BOSTON COLLEGE
9. Packers: lombardiave.com — BRIAN ORAKPO, DE/OLB, TEXAS
10. 49ers: ninersnation.com — EVERETTE BROWN, OLB, FLORIDA STATE
11. Bills: buffalorumblings.com — CLAY MATTHEWS, OLB, USC
12. Broncos: milehighreport.com — MALCOLM JENKINS, CB, OHIO STATE
13. Redskins: curlyr.blogspot.com  — ANDRE SMITH, OT, ALABAMA
14. Saints: canalstreetchronicles.com —  BRIAN CUSHING, OLB, USC
15. Texans: houstondiehards.com — MICHAEL OHER, OT, OLE MISS
16. Chargers: bolthype.com — EBEN BRITTON, OT, ARIZONA
17. Jets: thejetsblog.com — TYSON JACKSON, DE, LSU
18. Bears: blogdownchicagobears.com — DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY, WR, MARYLAND
19. Buccaneers: bucem.com — PERCY HARVIN, WR, FLORIDA
20. Lions (from Dallas): waynefontes.com — AARON MAYBIN, DE, PENN STATE
21. Eagles: igglesblog.com — VONTAE DAVIS, CB, ILLINOIS
22. Vikings: vikingsragnarok.blogspot.com — MARK SANCHEZ, QB, USC
23. Patriots: patriotsdaily.com — KNOWSHON MORENO, RB, GEORGIA
24. Falcons: falcoholic.com —CLINT SINTIM, LB, VIRGINIA
25. Dolphins: thephinsider.com — LARRY ENGLISH, LB, NORTHERN ILLINOIS
26. Ravens: ebonybird.com —KENNY BRITT, WR, RUTGERS
27. Colts: 18to88.com — PERIA JERRY, DT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
28. Eagles (from Carolina): igglesblog.com — ALEX MACK, OL, CALIFORNIA
29. Giants: bigblue101.com — HAKEEM NICKS, WR, NORTH CAROLINA
30. Titans: musiccitymiracles.com — D.J. MOORE, CB, VANDERBILT
31. Cardinals: raisingzona.com — CHRIS WELLS, RB, OSU
32. Steelers: steelerstoday.com — FILI MOALA, DT, USC

Round 2 is starting now!

With the 23rd Pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…..
 
Before I get to that, let me just say that I am going to get killed for this. And it’s not my fault, honest. I mean, you see how this pretend draft has gone for me, the pretend GM of the pretend Pats. Let’s just say Rey Maualugua wasn’t going to be sliding in this particular selection process. Neither was Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing, the other USC linebackers we also liked, or even Eben Britton, the versatile Arizona tackle who would have been a nice building block for the future of the Pats offensive line.
 
So what do I do now? I’m too slow witted to try a trade with the very same people who suckered me into this draft in the first place, so that’s out. Do I go BPA (best player available) regardless of position, or CYA with a ‘need’ pick?
 
Here’s how I figured it. If I’m going to be pretend paying someone pretend first round money for a pretend four years, I’m going to give it to the best football player I can find, and not some linebacker I don’t really like, some DE-OLB tweener that I’m not sure about, or some defensive back I can probably get eleven pretend pay slots later.
 
So, with the 23rd Pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…..
 
***RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia***
 
Yeah, I know. The Patriots don’t need a running back at the moment, not with a full rotation in place for 2009. Not with Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor and Laurence Maroney tied up through 2010. Not with other needs – in the secondary or the front seven, for example – that will more immediately impact their ability to compete this fall.
 
I don’t care. Moreno is, by most measurements, a top 15 player in this draft. I’m supposed to ignore that? Did I mention that this draft couldn’t have gone any worse for me?
 
The strange thing is that this could end up working. Kevin Faulk, the Pats utility knife who is about to turn 33, is entering the final year of his contract. Maroney is teetering on the edge of full-on bust status after a disappointing 2008 season that was marred by injury and ineffectiveness. As great as he’s been in New England, Morris is 32, and if the Pats advance deep into next year’s playoffs, they’ll probably have cake in the break room one afternoon to celebrate Taylor’s 34th birthday. 
 
Best of all, by all accounts, Moreno is a well rounded, consistently productive player. He’s not a burner, but a quick, elusive and tough runner who is well suited to be a focal point, yet does the little things (like blitz pickup) right. He’s a smooth receiver who can get down the field from the backfield, or split wide. He’s got the right classroom and weight room make-up. He’s probably the most Patriot-like running back in the draft. 
 
So despite the fact that I’ll get killed for this, he’s my pick. The Atlanta Falcons are now on the clock. Hopefully, I’ll find out later that they wanted Moreno. Because after all, misery loves company.

With the 24th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select….

**LB Clint Sintim, Virginia**

Some may consider this pick a slight reach, but Sintim fills the absolute number one need for the Falcons. I would trade my first born son and the draft rights to my third born for a living, breathing pass rush in Atlanta, and Sintim goes a long way toward helping that.

Despite their magical, pixie-dust sprinkled season in 2008, Falcons not named John Abraham proved remarkably terrible at getting to the quarterback. Sintim could immediately contribute because he knows how to make his way into the backfield and has the speed and tackling potency to be one of the better pass-rushing linebackers in the league. He’s also no slouch against the run, making him–in my addled brain, at least–a legitimate first round talent.

The Falcons do have a host of needs here, including holes at safety, potentially at cornerback and a real need for a dual threat type of tight end. The first need is the pass rush, though, and Sintim represents a big piece of the puzzle.

With the 25th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select…

LB Larry English, Northern Illinois

There were two ways to go about this pick.  I could have taken the player I like the most that is still on the board – which would have been either CB Darius Butler or CB Sean Smith.  That would have also addressed Miami’s most glaring hole.  But this is a mock draft – and I’m going to select the player that I think the Dolphins would most likely draft if the actual draft played out this way.

Bill Parcells loves linebackers.  That’s no secret.  And among Miami’s top three needs is the outside linebacker position (right up there with CB and WR).  Larry English has the size and strength that this regime loves.  And while I worry a litle bit about English’s ability to drop back into coverage due to his lack of fluidity in his hips, I do think that Larry’s upside here is tremendous as a pass rusher and potential heir to Joey Porter.  He’s also tough, smart, and a “high-motor” player – all things that Bill Parcells demands from his linebackers.

With the 26th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selct…

**Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers**

The Ravens have had their most active offseason in team history, re-signing Ray Lewis, signing CB Dominique Foxworth, CB Chris Carr, C Matt Birk and TE L.J. Smith, along with bringing in multiple new coaches and cutting veterans Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister.  In re-signing Lewis, the linebackers corps remains strong, and the secondary should be helped by the new additions and the emergence of Fabian Washington.  Therefore, the main need that the Purple and Black need have is at receiver.  Derrick Mason is getting old, Mark Clayton is inconsistent and Demetrius Williams has never been healthy enough or productive enough to become a regular for the team.  With Joe Flacco as the team’s most successful quarterback since Trent Dilfer, Unibrow Boy needs a “toolsy” receiver to help him become a star.  Britt has very good speed, and great hands, and his 6’3″, 218 lb. frame makes him a big target.  When you combine all of those, you get one of Rutgers’ best receivers in school history.  Seeing him in person 8 times in Piscataway, I can tell you from firsthand accounts how daunting of a task is to cover Mr. Britt.  Picking Britt would bring the Ravens that much closer to the lofty status of Super Bowl champion.

The Indianapolis Colts are on the clock.

With the 27th pick, the Indianapolis Colts select:
 
***Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss**** 

Bill Polian has an unblemished record of hitting on first round picks in Indianapolis.  Every player he has taken has become a starter, if not an outright star.  At the same time, many of his picks were roundly criticized at the time.  Edge James wasn’t Ricky Williams.  Dwight Freeney was too small and a reach.  Reggie Wayne should have been passed over for a defender.  The Colts do not draft for need, but always take the highest player available on the board.  2009 the rare exception where the Colts greatest need IS the highest player on the board.  Polian has said publicly that he doubts the team will take a defensive tackle, primarily because history tells us that good DTs are off the board in the top 15 picks, and that the next ‘value slot’ is down around the 5th round.  If Peria Jerry were to miraculously fall to 27, however, Polian would probably do a dance and happily select him.  Jerry would be the perfect DT for the Colts system, as he is a disruptive tackle who makes plays in the backfield.  His only negative is that he is slightly undersized (something the Colts simply do not worry about).  Indy desperately needs a DT, but will not reach for a player just to fill a need.  The results have been spectacular for the Colts this decade, and the selection of Jerry would cause widespread rejoicing among the Colt faithful.

A word of caution to Mr. Jerry:  If selected he should immediately take out a large life insurance policy.  The Colts are currently experiencing the “Curse of Corey Simon” when it comes to DTs.  Indy has had a need for a top flight DT for 4 seasons now, but every time Polian addresses the need, something horrible happens to the player:

2005 Corey Simon is signed…one year later he is out of the league (chronic fatness)
2006 Montae Reagor is in a severe car accident and never plays for the Colts again
2007 Booger McFarland blows out a knee in training camp
2008 Ed Johnson is cut for refeer
2008 Quinn Pitcock decides to retire at the ripe old age of 23
2008 John McCargo fails a physical and is returned to Buffalo after a trade. He never plays with the Colts.

The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock.

With the 28th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:

Alex Mack, OL, California

Man, I love this pick.  The scouting reports on this kid are glowing.  He’s considered the best center prospect since (at least) Nick Mangold.  I’ve heard him do a couple interviews since the Combine and have been impressed with him both times. 

There’s really nothing not to love about this guy.  And the bottom line is that I’d much rather see the Eagles take a truly elite guy at the center position, rather than reach for the fifth-best dude at tackle.
As for how he fits in with the Eagles, there’s a short answer and a long answer.  The short version is right now the Eagles have four guys penciled in as starters for next year’s offensive line.  Mack will play center in this league some day, but just on raw talent and ability he can come in next year and start right away at guard, allowing one of the current guards to move out and play left tackle. 

The long version is more complicated and — let’s face it — a lot less interesting to people who aren’t Eagles fans.  But for the benefit of the folks on the blog, I’ll dig in a bit. 

Selecting Mack fixes the 2009 issue addressed above, but it’s most interesting for what it does in 2010.  Right now, there are a couple guys on this line who are never going to reach their full potential if they don’t demonstrate a more significant commitment to controlling their weight.  Fourth-year guard Max Jean-Gilles could be a dominating interior lineman, but he’s not going to get there by following his workout program from the 2008 offseason.  If he can get himself down to the 335 range, the sky is going to be the limit for what he can do.

At the center position, Jamaal Jackson has the same issue.  Once MJG got hurt last year, the Eagles offensive line was four trim dudes and one big ol’ chubs in the middle.  You could argue that the added weight helps him anchor against the league’s biggest nose tackles, but it’s also true that for every other task he has on the field, losing ten pounds wouldn’t hurt him.

Alex Mack is by all accounts a very bright guy, but I don’t foresee the Eagles turning over the line calls to a rookie with the team in the place it’s at right now.  Add that to the fact that MJG is still coming back from his rather gruesome season-ending broken ankle injury from last year, and it’s not easy to see how MJG is going to beat Jackson onto the field in 2009.

It’s a wide open competition in 2010, however, and once that all shakes out, you’re looking at one heck of a line for the next five years.  (And one that should be able to block well for whichever back-up running back the Eagles select somewhere later in this draft after not taking one with this pick.)

With the 29th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select -

Hakeem Nicks – WR, North Carolina

This is an ideal situation for the New York Giants, as the team is ready to win now, and needs a dangerous receiving threat.  I feel that the 6’1 214lb Nicks is more ready to contribute right away than any receiver in this draft.  He may not have as high of a ceiling as Darius Heyward-Bey, but his floor is also not as low and I think there is a relatively small chance Nicks is a bust. 

Nicks ran a 4.50 40 yard dash at the combine and probably has the best hands and runs some of the best routes in this draft.  He reminds me a lot of Anquan Boldin, because while he may not beat you deep, he will go up and get any ball and is great after the catch.  He is also a very willing downfield blocker and supposedly has great character.  As a senior Nicks caught 68 passes for 1222 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.  Anybody who saw Nicks catch eight passes for 217 yards and score three touchdowns in North Carolina’s bowl game against West Virginia knows he can dominate a game. 

I am not going to delve into the Plaxico Burress situation, because we all have heard it a million times this off season, but if you watched the team play at all this season you know how badly Eli Manning needs another target.  Pairing Nicks with a impressive young reciving core including Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, Kevin Boss and Sinorice Moss will really help the Giants until Plaxico Burress is able to retun to the field and should make the run first Giants much more dangerous through the air in 2009. 

With the 30th pick in the 2009 NFL draft the Tennessee Titans select….

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

The Titans are in desperate need for depth at the corner back position after losing 3 of their backups in free agency this offseason.  Combine that with the fact that one of their starters, Nick Harper, is aging and missed a lot of games last season, and that one of the backup corners they lost in free agency, Chris Carr, was their kickoff and punt returner, Moore is the perfect pick for the Titans.

Moore did it all for the Commodores.  He played corner at a very high level, returned punts and kicks, and even played some receiver.  The Titans are still in desperate need for playmakers, and Moore is exactly that.  He is slipping on a lot of draft boards because of his poor 40 times at the combine and at his Pro Day, but if you saw him play at all in his career at Vandy, you will have no doubts that he will be an excellent corner/returner on Sundays.

The Arizona Cardinals are now on the clock.

There we have it folks.  The last two picks of round one and the start of round two should be coming up soon.

This isn’t the most popular move Ted Thompson has ever made, but Tom Silverstein of JSOnline does his best to rationalize the decision:

Guys who play those positions are going to committ penalties because they’re playing all-out. Bush needs to play smarter and eliminate some of the dumb mistakes, but he’s only played three seasons in the NFL and he’s going to get better. The fact six teams inquired about him shows the respect he garners from personnel men around the league. The fact Tennessee and Baltimore were two of the teams shows that he plays with the kind of force and aggressiveness needed to survive at his position.

It makes sense.  You need the special teams players, although special teams tackles don’t look that important overall; the Jets just re-signed Ahmad Carroll after he led them in special teams tackles.  We all remember him.

This could also impact the Tramon Williams situation.  He’s definitely going to want some big money after this signing.  But more on this later.  Fact remains, the Packers have their best special teams player.

This has been on the backburner for a few days so I’m getting this out there now while I’m remembering it.  I was invited to participate in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft Among Blogs by Don from NoLogoNeeded.com, a Cleveland Browns fan site.  I, along with bloggers from blogs for every other NFL team are sending around an email with our picks for that team.  The team on the clock has 24 hours to make their pick, and if they don’t, then the pick from NFL Draft Countdown is used.

The draft order (and links to the respective blogs; some FSB guys in there!):

2009 Mock Draft — First round
1. Lions: waynefontes.com
2. Rams: turfshowtimes.com
3. Chiefs: kcchiefsnews.com
4. Seahawks: davekriegsstrikebeard.com
5. Browns: nologoneeded.com
6. Bengals: bengalstripes.com
7. Raiders: silverandblackpride.com
8. Jaguars: jaguarsgab.com
9. Packers: lombardiave.com
10. 49ers: ninersnation.com
11. Bills: buffalorumblings.com
12. Broncos: milehighreport.com
13. Redskins: curlyr.blogspot.com
14. Saints: canalstreetchronicles.com
15. Texans: houstondiehards.com
16. Chargers: bolthype.com
17. Jets: thejetsblog.com
18. Bears: blogdownchicagobears.com
19. Buccaneers: bucem.com
20. Lions (from Dallas): waynefontes.com
21. Eagles: igglesblog.com
22. Vikings: vikingsragnarok.blogspot.com
23. Patriots: patriotsdaily.com
24. Falcons: falcoholic.com
25. Dolphins: thephinsider.com
26. Ravens: ebonybird.com
27. Colts: 18to88.com
28. Eagles (from Carolina): igglesblog.com
29. Giants: bigblue101.com
30. Titans: musiccitymiracles.com
31. Cardinals: raisingzona.com
32. Steelers: steelerstoday.com

Round Two
33. Lions
34. Chiefs
35. Rams
36. Browns
37. Seahawks
38. Bengals
39. Jaguars
40. Raiders
41. Packers
42. Bills
43. 49ers
44. Dolphins (from Washington)
45. Giants (from New Orleans)
46. Texans
47. Patriots (from San Diego)
48. Broncos
49. Bears
50. Buccaneers
51. Cowboys: thedallascowboys.net
52. Eagles
53. Jets
54. Vikings
55. Falcons
56. Dolphins
57. Ravens
58. Patriots
59. Panthers: catscratchreader.com
60. Giants
61. Colts
62. Titans
63. Cardinals
64. Steelers

And the picks so far:

With the first pick of the 2009 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select:

Matthew Stafford, QB, University of Georgia

Why Stafford? The Lions current quarterback depth chart reads as follows:

1. Daunte Culpepper (Hasn’t had a good season in 5 years, played at a weight close to 3 bills in ’08)
2. Drew Stanton (Not good enough to outplay Dan “Ran out of the end zone” Orlovsky for the number 2 in ’08, is on the cusp of “BUST” status)
3. Drew Henson (Seriously?)

That’s why the Lions pick Stafford.

They have needs all over the field, on both sides of the ball. I was tempted to make a “safe” pick, such  as an OT like Baylor’s Jason Smith or Virginia’s Eugene Monroe, or Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry. All project to be first line players, long-time starters. But the need for a quality QB, something the Lions haven’t had since the glory days of Bobby Layne, is just too glaring. Stafford is the highest rated quarterback in the draft, and has the skill set to become an impact player.

The fact the Lions have drafted outright 1st round disasters at quarterback like Joey Harrington, Andre Ware and Chuck Long over the past 20 years, and Matt Millen went on a drunken skill player binge during his tenure (only Calvin Johnson remains in Detroit), cannot deter GM Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Schwartz from addressing their greatest need, that being a franchise player under center.

Plus, the Lions do have the 20th pick of the 1st round, and the 1st pick of the 2nd, so other needs can be easily addressed later in the draft.

The St. Louis Rams are on the clock.

With the second pick of the 2009 NFL Draft Among Blogs, the St. Louis Rams select:

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

According to DraftCountdown.com:

It’s common knowledge that the Rams have been aching to address their offensive line for a while now and unlike last year, when Jake Long was selected one pick ahead of them, they should have no trouble landing a top blocker in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Orlando Pace has been one of the best in the business for more than a decade but he is now in his mid-30′s and injuries have really begun to take their toll. On the other side, former first round pick Alex Barron continues to disappoint and the Rams  would like nothing more than to bring in a capable replacement.

Eugene Monroe might not be as flashy as some of the other top offensive tackles in this draft but he has a very good chance to be the first blocker off the board. Not only is Monroe a terrific all-around player who can be effective as both a pass and run blocker but he is also a much safer choice than a guy like Andre Smith because there are no concerns about his size, position or character. Monroe may not have as much upside as Andre Smith or Jason Smith but his floor is a lot higher and that’s a good thing when you’re talking about giving a guy $30 million in guaranteed money.

Don’t discount the value of program pedigree either and Monroe is following in the footsteps of former Cavaliers D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert, who have both handled the transition to the next level well.

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock.

I’ll put up a new post as picks get made, keeping all of you readers up to date.  Hopefully you’ll check back every once in a while to get the updates.  Your Packers should be on the clock at No. 9 soon…