Lombardi Ave » Twitter http://lombardiave.com A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more. Fri, 24 May 2013 12:14:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 #PeopleAtDinnerWithGregJennings – C’mon Packers fans, what say you? http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/peopleatdinnerwithgregjennings-cmon-packers-fans-what-say-you/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/peopleatdinnerwithgregjennings-cmon-packers-fans-what-say-you/#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:48:54 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15871 We are all aware (and if you’re not, you probably don’t know there’s a new Pope) that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is kicking back and enjoying dinner with Minnesota Vikings brass tonight. So, without saying it – oh OK, I’ll say it – hope he will be enjoying a side of crow [...]

#PeopleAtDinnerWithGregJennings – C’mon Packers fans, what say you? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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This is a screenshot of the Twitter hashtag page that is providing some levity for Packers fans tonight.

We are all aware (and if you’re not, you probably don’t know there’s a new Pope) that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is kicking back and enjoying dinner with Minnesota Vikings brass tonight.

So, without saying it – oh OK, I’ll say it – hope he will be enjoying a side of crow with his dollar scallops.

So that said, Twitter has a great hashtag happening right now - #PeopleAtDinnerWithGregJennings - Check it out and let everyone know what you’re thinking.

Yes, this has been a disappointing day what with the loss in the Steven Jackson sweepstakes, but this, too, shall pass. After the initial shock of the moment, I’ve thought a bit more about all this. Even if the Packers lose out on the Greg Jennings sweepstakes, the Packers will be fine. They haven’t been involved heavily in free agency for the past decade and they continue to win. Their draft and develop theme is a slow, plodding method, but we all know it’s been effective.

So, lighten up, Packers fans. Ease up on the Ted Thompson hate and let’s move on …

In fact, let’s have some fun. Click on over to the Twitter hashtag and leave a comment – get creative – let it all out.

If you want to see a few of what’s already been posted, here you go:


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/peopleatdinnerwithgregjennings-cmon-packers-fans-what-say-you/feed/ 0 Steven Jackson: Here’s your reaction http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/steven-jackson-heres-your-reaction/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/steven-jackson-heres-your-reaction/#comments Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:50:57 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15865 I know there are thousands and maybe millions of Packers fans out there who might have a different adjective to offer, so I thought it might be fun to share with everyone what folks are saying about this mid-afternoon decision. So, hide the children, put the dog in the kennel, break out the popcorn and [...]

Steven Jackson: Here’s your reaction - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Steven Jackson is off to Atlanta … Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

I know there are thousands and maybe millions of Packers fans out there who might have a different adjective to offer, so I thought it might be fun to share with everyone what folks are saying about this mid-afternoon decision.

So, hide the children, put the dog in the kennel, break out the popcorn and prepare yourself for some entertaining reading. I’ll try to keep it as clean as I can … enjoy


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/14/steven-jackson-heres-your-reaction/feed/ 0 Twitter: Here’s what everyone is saying about Greg Jennings http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/twitter-heres-what-everyone-is-saying-about-greg-jennings/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/twitter-heres-what-everyone-is-saying-about-greg-jennings/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:31:02 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15341 The Green Bay Packers today decided not slap the franchise tag on Greg Jennings, thus clearing the way for the longtime Packer to pursue the free agency market. Jennings put his home up for sale last month in preparation for this day, despite the rumors that got started a couple of weeks ago that Packers [...]

Twitter: Here’s what everyone is saying about Greg Jennings - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (85) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers today decided not slap the franchise tag on Greg Jennings, thus clearing the way for the longtime Packer to pursue the free agency market. Jennings put his home up for sale last month in preparation for this day, despite the rumors that got started a couple of weeks ago that Packers brass were still considering using the franchise tag on Jennings.

Needless to say, when the news broke about Jennings not being franchised, Twitter came alive with comments about Jennings, the Packers and both the team’s and Jennings’ futures.

I took a few minutes to compile some of those tweets from among my Twitter friends.

These will give you a flavor of the fans’ reactions to today’s news …


 

 

 


 

 

 



 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/03/04/twitter-heres-what-everyone-is-saying-about-greg-jennings/feed/ 0 Greg Jennings: What people are saying and tweeting http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:21:13 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=15041 Yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com raised the collective eyebrows of fans across the world when he mentioned the Green Bay Packers were still considering using the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings. Here’s his tweet:   Interesting to hear the #Packers are still considering franchising Greg Jennings. Thought that ship had sailed. Apparently not. [...]

Greg Jennings: What people are saying and tweeting - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Will Greg Jennings be bringing his smile back to Green Bay?
Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Yesterday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com raised the collective eyebrows of fans across the world when he mentioned the Green Bay Packers were still considering using the franchise tag on wide receiver Greg Jennings.

Here’s his tweet:

 

Well, as you can guess, it caught everyone by surprise. Yes, most Packers fans and experts did indeed feel the ship had sailed and Jennings was bound four South Beach, Fla., Minnesota, or some other distant NFL land. Oh sure, there was mumblings here and there about the possibility of the Packers using the franchise tag, but nobody took it seriously. Until yesterday.

So, what will happen? Nobody knows for sure, but here’s what people were saying yesterday across the Internet world:


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 


]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/25/greg-jennings-what-people-are-saying-and-tweeting/feed/ 0 Ted Thompson addresses media, says nothing new … surprised? http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/22/ted-thompson-addresses-media-says-nothing-new-surprised/ http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/22/ted-thompson-addresses-media-says-nothing-new-surprised/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:36:14 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=14899 Ted Thompson took to the podium this morning from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., to address the media, but did nothing new, said nothing new and lived up to expectations. Thompson has been known for his deadpan approach to media gatherings, giving non-answers to questions and leaving those covering the conference scrambling for an [...]

Ted Thompson addresses media, says nothing new … surprised? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> Ted Thompson took to the podium this morning from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., to address the media, but did nothing new, said nothing new and lived up to expectations.

Thompson has been known for his deadpan approach to media gatherings, giving non-answers to questions and leaving those covering the conference scrambling for an angle to their story – much like I am right now.

Thompson was asked about free agents – he said they don’t talk about those things, but are working to bring at least a couple back – Greg Jennings and Cedric Benson.

He talked about injured players and said they were hoping to get by the injury bug and move on.

He was asked about running back DuJuan Harris and said, “There’s a lot more we need to get to know about him, but he did a good job for us.”

He said he was happy for those front office guys who have moved on to bigger and better opportunities in the league (John Dorsey) and then took a big swallow – you can probably guess what he was really thinking.

He was asked about the read-option and whether it was in the league to stay and said, “I don’t know. History will determine that. Several teams are doing something similar.” And then we all wonder if the Packers will be part of that movement – not.

As Thompson concluded his media address as quickly as he began it, reporters on Twitter joked about Thompson: Here’s John Rehor’s comment: “I think it would be great if Ted Thompson did an entire press conf in pig Latin, just for shits and giggles.”

While others talked about the way he stood, what he was wearing and his penchant for saying words, but having nothing really said.

And life in the NFL continues …

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2013/02/22/ted-thompson-addresses-media-says-nothing-new-surprised/feed/ 0 Tweets from Packers camp – Day 3 http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/28/tweets-from-packers-camp-day-3/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/28/tweets-from-packers-camp-day-3/#comments Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:08:42 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=10439 If you can’t be in Green Bay to watch the Packers go through their paces each day during training camp, fear not. Twitter will come to the rescue. Should you not have a Twitter account, you might want to get on and follow some of the Packers beat writers who are utilizing the social media [...]

Tweets from Packers camp – Day 3 - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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July 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) prepares to catch a pass during training camp practice at Ray Nitschke Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

If you can’t be in Green Bay to watch the Packers go through their paces each day during training camp, fear not. Twitter will come to the rescue.

Should you not have a Twitter account, you might want to get on and follow some of the Packers beat writers who are utilizing the social media platform to keep everyone informed with up-to-the-minute tweets about everything that anyone one would possibly want to know.

Poring over today’s tweets from a select group of my favorite beat writers, here are some that help explain just what’s happening.



 

 

 


 


 

 

 


 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 


 


 

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/28/tweets-from-packers-camp-day-3/feed/ 0 GB City Council to consider resolution in support of Jerry Kramer http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/15/10203/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/15/10203/#comments Sun, 15 Jul 2012 13:33:48 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=10203 Righting a wrong is always a noble act, even if unsuccessful. When it comes to the Green Bay City Council, their task of considering the passage of a resolution to encourage the induction of former Packers right guard Jerry Kramer into the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. It is the right thing to do [...]

GB City Council to consider resolution in support of Jerry Kramer - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Oct 2, 2011; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packer former player Jerry Kramer on the field during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Broncos 49-23. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Righting a wrong is always a noble act, even if unsuccessful.

When it comes to the Green Bay City Council, their task of considering the passage of a resolution to encourage the induction of former Packers right guard Jerry Kramer into the National Football League’s Hall of Fame. It is the right thing to do and aldermen will talk about it this coming Tuesday night.

The push to get Kramer into the Hall has become a Twitter and Facebook phenomena this past year – as it should be. So many are remembering the man who helped anchor an offensive line with names that conjure big plays, the Packers sweep, and Bart Starr’s sneak into immortality.

Kramer was elected to the all-NFL first 50 year team. He’s the only player from the select group not in the Hall of Fame. For those who cast the votes to ignore the importance of career is not just sad, it’s downright criminal.

How much weight the city council carries is not known, but it’s important for them to get on the Kramer train and their vote should be a help.

The 12-member City Council will consider passing the resolution during a meeting that starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 100 N. Jefferson St.

And if interested in helping with the push to get Kramer into the Hall, check out:

http://jerrykramer4hof.com/

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/kramerhof/

http://jerrykramer.packershalloffame.com/

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/15/10203/feed/ 0 Packers net profits at $42.7 million in 2011 http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/11/packers-net-profits-at-42-7-million-in-2011/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/11/packers-net-profits-at-42-7-million-in-2011/#comments Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:30:34 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=10169 What will a Super Bowl championship, an MVP quarterback, several league stars and 15 wins bring an NFL team? Just ask the Green Bay Packers - the franchise announced today that the team earned  $42.7 million in net profits this past fiscal year, a team all-time high. In fact, the figure destroyed the past all-time [...]

Packers net profits at $42.7 million in 2011 - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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The Packers are profitable for many reasons, with its fan base being one of the biggest factors. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

What will a Super Bowl championship, an MVP quarterback, several league stars and 15 wins bring an NFL team?

Just ask the Green Bay Packers - the franchise announced today that the team earned  $42.7 million in net profits this past fiscal year, a team all-time high. In fact, the figure destroyed the past all-time high of $25 million realized in 2005-05.

The team announced the numbers a week prior to the shareholders meeting set to be held Lambeau Field next week – a meeting that will be held in the shadows of major renovations at the iconic stadium.

What’s even more impressive is that much of that profit came from local income, with the majority coming from online Packers Pro Shop sales.

“A big focus for us has been driving more and more people to our website (for online merchandise sales),” team president Mark Murphy said in published reports this afternoon when the announcement was made.

Mark Murphy feels the Packers season was successful despite the first round loss to the New York Giants. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

“…we continued to ride the wave of the Super Bowl,” Murphy added.

The team won the Super Bowl in February 2011 and followed that victory with a 15-1 regular season record in 2011-12, though it failed to return to the Super Bowl. Most of the revenue increase was in local income, the majority from Packers Pro Shop sales. Sales in merchandise was $11 million, half of which came through online sales.

The Green Bay Press Gazette reported today, “The team reported total revenue of $302 million, also a record, and total expenses of $259 million. National revenue, local revenue, total profit from operations, net profit from operations and net income all were records. The previous highest net income was $25.4 million in 2004-05. The Packers reported $17. 1 million in net income for 2010-11.”

So, it’s no wonder that Murphy was quoted as saying earlier this week that despite a 15-win season and an opening Playoff loss to the Giants he thought the year was a success. The level of success in his head was clearly based not only on wins, but on all the factors that go into running an iconic sports franchise.

The numbers also demonstrate the talents employed within the organization. Clearly, the profitability of the organization comes about through the people employed – from Aaron Rodgers down to the team’s bean counters and janitors.

Murphy said that for the team to remain competitive, the franchise had to be within the top half of league rankings. At this point, the team is ranked 10th.

It’s difficult to think things could go south for the franchise with the pieces they have in place, but it does happen. Any Packers fan remembers the 70s and 80s and many wondered during those years whether the franchise would survive.

 

Back in 1987, Frank Deford, one of the most prolific and recognized writers in America, wrote a story for Sports Illustrated that was a wake-up call for the Green Bay Packers and the franchise's fans.

Remember the article the Frank Deford wrote for Sports Illustrated a couple of decades ago when he literally declared the team dead in the water and compared the franchise to the rusting street signs that dominated the city’s landscape?

Much has occurred since that time and our hope that the sky continues to be the limit.

GO PACK GO!

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/07/11/packers-net-profits-at-42-7-million-in-2011/feed/ 0 Saturday makes right decision, tough phone call http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/25/saturday-makes-right-decision-tough-phone-call/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/25/saturday-makes-right-decision-tough-phone-call/#comments Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:08:07 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8888 When Jeff Saturday made his decision to join the Green Bay Packers, the first person he reached out to was his longtime Indianapolis Colts teammate and friend, Peyton Manning. “Peyton is a close friend and I loved playing with him,” Saturday told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I loved the time we spent together. It was the [...]

Saturday makes right decision, tough phone call - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen, Jeff, Amen.

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/25/saturday-makes-right-decision-tough-phone-call/feed/ 1 Reassessing the Packers Draft Needs After Jeff Saturday http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/24/reassessing-the-packers-draft-needs-after-jeff-saturday/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/24/reassessing-the-packers-draft-needs-after-jeff-saturday/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:48:03 +0000 Jonathan Schweitzer http://lombardiave.com/?p=8873 The eyebrows of general managers across the NFL must have collectively risen late this week when it was announced that their Green Bay brethren had done something that has been become increasingly rare in the Ted Thompson era: He completely changed the Packers draft strategy by signing a starting-caliber center, Jeff Saturday, formerly of the [...]

Reassessing the Packers Draft Needs After Jeff Saturday - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/24/reassessing-the-packers-draft-needs-after-jeff-saturday/feed/ 2 The free agency frenzy starts this afternoon http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-frenzy-starts-tuesday-afternoon/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-frenzy-starts-tuesday-afternoon/#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:15:26 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8659 Twitter, Facebook and just about every other NFL blogging site is lighting up this week with the advent of one of the most enjoyable times of the professional football offseason – the free agency signing period. I like it even more than the draft, actually … and I’m a Packers fan who hasn’t had anything [...]

The free agency frenzy starts this afternoon - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatever happens will be a surprise for all fans …

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

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

 

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/13/the-free-agent-frenzy-starts-tuesday-afternoon/feed/ 0 Mutiny on the Bounty: Packers nearly hired Saints’ Williams, Payton http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/02/mutiny-on-the-bounty-packers-nearly-hired-saints-williams-payton/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/02/mutiny-on-the-bounty-packers-nearly-hired-saints-williams-payton/#comments Sat, 03 Mar 2012 05:09:34 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8520 Today’s news that the New Orleans Saints players and coaches were involved in a bounty payoff system in which money was pooled and exchanged for various on field actions is disturbing … especially in light of the fact that defensive coordinator Greg Williams and head coach Sean Payton were nearly hired by the Green Bay [...]

Mutiny on the Bounty: Packers nearly hired Saints’ Williams, Payton - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Though New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton wasn't directly involved in the bounty scheme, he didn't stop it when he learned about it. Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Today’s news that the New Orleans Saints players and coaches were involved in a bounty payoff system in which money was pooled and exchanged for various on field actions is disturbing … especially in light of the fact that defensive coordinator Greg Williams and head coach Sean Payton were nearly hired by the Green Bay Packers before they took over in New Orleans.

While bounties are hardly something that’s not been a part of football over the past century, today’s announcement by the league is the first such case in recent memory. Given the incredible amounts of money paid to these athletes, it’s unusual to see this type of behavior occurring in the NFL.

According to published reports, Williams is said to have helped manage the scheme and that while he wasn’t directly involved, Payton didn’t stop the action when he was told about it. Williams was a finalist for the Packers’ defensive coordinator’s job a few years back before Green Bay hired Dom Capers and Payton is known for saying he really, really wanted the Green Bay head coaching job before the Packers hired Coach Mike McCarthy.

What will happen with the Saints is not known, but the league clearly has its sights on some sort of punitive action.

League commissioner Roger Goodell will determine the appropriate punishment.

He had this to say today:

“The payments here are particularly troubling because they involved not just payments for ‘performance,’ but also for injuring opposing players. The bounty rule promotes two key elements of NFL football: player safety and competitive integrity.

“It is our responsibility to protect player safety and the integrity of our game, and this type of conduct will not be tolerated. We have made significant progress in changing the culture with respect to player safety and we are not going to relent. We have more work to do and we will do it.”

But to say other teams, including the Packers, haven’t had this type of behavior associated with their franchise would be naive. A few years ago, Charles Woodson and Al Harris were accused of offering bounty dollars to defensive linemen if they held Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson below 100 yards. Though accused, coach McCarthy said at the time the Packers and the league handled the matter.

One might go back a few more years and remember the name of Charles Martin and his body slam of Jim McMahon – though many felt McMahon deserved it.

So, how this latest chapter of NFL football follies will end remains to be seen. It has certainly caused a ruckus that won’t soon be forgotten.

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/03/02/mutiny-on-the-bounty-packers-nearly-hired-saints-williams-payton/feed/ 0 2011 Draft Rearview Part II http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/27/2011-draft-rearview-part-ii/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/27/2011-draft-rearview-part-ii/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:30:18 +0000 Jonathan Schweitzer http://lombardiave.com/?p=8448 The second of a four-part series showing the correlation between the Packers’ 2011 draft and their strategy for long-term team-building. See the first part here. Round 2 Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky Randall Cobb fulfilled an immediate short-term need for the Packers: A kick and punt returner who actually scared teams with his potential. He performed [...]

2011 Draft Rearview Part II - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> The second of a four-part series showing the correlation between the Packers’ 2011 draft and their strategy for long-term team-building. See the first part here.

2011 second round draft choice Randall Cobb should contribute more to the Packers receiving game in 2012. Raymond T. Rivard photograph.

Round 2
Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

Randall Cobb fulfilled an immediate short-term need for the Packers: A kick and punt returner who actually scared teams with his potential. He performed fairly well, but his real value will be as a wide receiver. At the time the Packers chose Cobb, their wide receiver position, though stacked, was not built for the long-term. It looked like James Jones would depart via free agency, Jordy Nelson was coming off a hot playoff run but wasn’t locked down with a long-term contract, Donald Driver was mostly likely playing in his last season and Greg Jennings’s contract was up after the 2012-13 season.

With that much unknown about his ultra-important receiving corps, Thompson wasn’t about to pass on Cobb. Now that the receiving corps is in a bit of a different state – Driver is most likely not coming back in 2012, Jones is locked-in as the Packers’ No. 3 receiver, Nelson is the No. 2 and Jennings is the No. 1, at least through this year – Cobb will be apprenticing for the slot receiver role which so often goes to Jennings. If Jennings does leave via free agency, the Packers will have come out on top with this draft pick. If Jennings stays, the Pack will devote many more plays to get this guy on the field as much as possible.

 

 

 

Brandon Saine was thrust into the lineup when rookie running back Alex Green went down with a knee injury. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

Round 3
Alex Green, RB, Hawaii

Thompson took a look at his running back situation after the 2010-11 season, decided that Brandon Jackson wouldn’t be re-signed (despite this awesome move he put on Urlacher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cjyuZQv80U ) and worried that Ryan Grant’s injury won’t allow him to play at the same level as he did in 2010. With James Starks as his only “sure thing,” Thompson went offense again and grabbed a back early in the 2011 draft.

We didn’t learn much about Green and his ability to run in the NFL during his rookie season. An injury early in the season prevented him from taking advantage of late season injuries to Ryan Grant and James Starks. Instead, Brandon Saine, an undrafted free agent known more for his catching ability than running ability, actually graded out better on yards after contact than Grant and Starks and now with Grant expected to depart the Packers, Green and Saine will battle in training camp for the backup running back spot. Still looks like a good pick, especially because it seems like Starks has cold streaks from time to time.

See part III about the 2011 Packers draft tomorrow …

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/27/2011-draft-rearview-part-ii/feed/ 0 Green Bay Packers 2012 NFL draft: Here’s a sampling http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/25/green-bay-packers-2012-nfl-draft-heres-a-sampling/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/25/green-bay-packers-2012-nfl-draft-heres-a-sampling/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:42:01 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8431 The 2012 NFL draft is still 61 days away and counting, but the speculation continues to heat up – especially in light of the NFL Scouting Combine taking place in Indianapolis. The imprecise science of predicting which players will go to which team flip-flops more than any presidential candidate and when it comes down to [...]

Green Bay Packers 2012 NFL draft: Here’s a sampling - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> The 2012 NFL draft is still 61 days away and counting, but the speculation continues to heat up – especially in light of the NFL Scouting Combine taking place in Indianapolis.

The imprecise science of predicting which players will go to which team flip-flops more than any presidential candidate and when it comes down to the actual draft day, the final tally doesn’t look anything like the thousands of speculative draft boards drawn up prior to the draft.

But we must admit that’s half the fun. And that’s why we will take a sampling of boards and look specifically at how they think the Packers will pick at the 28th position.

These sites, chosen at random, go with different players. They all focus on either a defensive lineman or linebacker … and rightly so. Though Ted Thompson has surprised us over the years with his picks, the consensus is that the Packers simply must select a player who is going to help them on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that player is a linebacker opposite Clay Matthews or a defensive lineman who will add to the strengths of B.J. Raji and the aging Ryan Pickett, we really don’t care.

Take a look and throw in a comment or two about how you think Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy will pick.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

• NFL Mocks

28. Green Bay Packers: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State
Packers need depth on the defensive front and get it with Cox, who can rush the passer.

 

With the 1st Pick

Green Bay Packers Dont’a Hightower Linebacker Alabama

 

National Football Post

28. Green Bay Packers: South Carolina OLB/DE Melvin Ingram                                                          Finding another pass rusher off the edge is becoming more of pressing need for the Packers and Ingram has the ability to reach the QB in a number of ways both from a two- and three-point stance.

#28) Green Bay Packers- Dont’a Hightower (LB Alabama) Dont'a Hightower- ILB Alabama
Dont’a Hightower to the Packers makes so much sense that it should be a lock in my opinion. Hightower has been a big time player for the Crimson Tide that many thought he was better than his former teammate Rolando McClain who went in the top 10 a couple of years ago. But he suffered a knee injury 2 years ago, and in his return, he didn’t look like the same player, but this year he was back to 100% and was dominant. Green Bay runs a 3-4, but we all know that they sometimes play with four or five linebackers. Hightower would fit because he can do it all at linebacker. He fits as a ILB because he is very good against the run, sheds blocks, and can blitz. Alabama also lined him up at OLB on passing downs to take advantage of his pass rushing skills.  With a creative DC in Dom Capers he would find so many ways to utilize Hightower.
#28 – Green Bay Packers
Nick Perry
OLB / DE
USC
The 15-1 Packers disappointed in the playoffs. Rodgers had an MVP type season but
the defense was a concern and proved to be the teams downfall in the playoffs. In
2010, the Packers ranked 5th overall in defense. In 2011, the defense ranked 32nd
overall. Additionally, the team went from 2nd in sacks (47) to 27th with only 29. Green
Bay needs a pass rusher opposite Matthews, who was often double/tripled teamed at
times. Nick Perry is as athletic as they come. Another impact USC player that should
easily transition to the NFL. Perry averaged 10.3 sacks in each of his three seasons at USC. Whats even more incredible is that he accumulated those 31 sacks in only 22
games. Adding Perry will give Green Bay the balanced pass rush they need, especially
for their 3-4 base defense.
28. GB
Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/25/green-bay-packers-2012-nfl-draft-heres-a-sampling/feed/ 0 Who would want to take a chance on Randy Moss? http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/24/who-would-want-to-take-a-chance-on-randy-moss/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/24/who-would-want-to-take-a-chance-on-randy-moss/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 03:51:51 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8423 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 [...]

Who would want to take a chance on Randy Moss? - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]>

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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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/24/who-would-want-to-take-a-chance-on-randy-moss/feed/ 0 Finley signs two-year deal with Packers http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/22/finley-signs-two-year-deal-with-packers/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/22/finley-signs-two-year-deal-with-packers/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:48:15 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8404 All the talk over the past few months about the Green Bay Packers slapping the franchise tag on tight end Jermichael Finley came to an end today when it was announced  that the Packers and Finley agreed to a two-year deal that will pay the talented, but underachieving player millions. Finley confirmed the agreement through [...]

Finley signs two-year deal with Packers - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

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Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley was re-signed by the Green Bay Packers today. Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

All the talk over the past few months about the Green Bay Packers slapping the franchise tag on tight end Jermichael Finley came to an end today when it was announced  that the Packers and Finley agreed to a two-year deal that will pay the talented, but underachieving player millions.

Finley confirmed the agreement through a tweet, ”It’s TRUE! Thank you so much to the Packers organization, all of my fans, and my beautiful wife. Happy Bday. Let’s GO Packers!! Back soon…”

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Finley will receive $5.75 million in 2012 and $8.25 million in 2013.

Though he was criticized throughout the season for his seeming inconsistency, team brass, and especially its head coach Mike McCarthy, are still extremely high on the 24-year-old who has what many feel is and incredible upside.

He had 55 receptions for 767 yards and scored eight touchdowns this past season.

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

… And take the poll below

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/22/finley-signs-two-year-deal-with-packers/feed/ 0 Wells, Finley most valued Packers free agents http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/07/wells-finley-most-valued-packers-free-agents/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/07/wells-finley-most-valued-packers-free-agents/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:51:32 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8300 The numbers are in and it’s clear that the Packers fans who voted last week on a poll right here on Lombardiave.com have shown they think center Scott Wells and tight end Jermichael Finley are two of the crucial players who should be brought back before the start of next season. A total of just [...]

Wells, Finley most valued Packers free agents - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> The numbers are in and it’s clear that the Packers fans who voted last week on a poll right here on Lombardiave.com have shown they think center Scott Wells and tight end Jermichael Finley are two of the crucial players who should be brought back before the start of next season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/07/wells-finley-most-valued-packers-free-agents/feed/ 0 Lombardiave’s Super Bowl XLVI pick: Eli Manning wins in big bros house http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/05/lombardiaves-super-bowl-xlvi-pick-eli-manning-wins-in-big-bros-house/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/05/lombardiaves-super-bowl-xlvi-pick-eli-manning-wins-in-big-bros-house/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:10:38 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8280 The oddsmakers are going with the B’s, or is it the BS? Belichick, Brady and company are slightly favored by the oddsmakers, but I’m just not sold. When it comes to championship games, it always comes down to the team that plays the best defense – even in this day and age of the quarterback. [...]

Lombardiave’s Super Bowl XLVI pick: Eli Manning wins in big bros house - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> The oddsmakers are going with the B’s, or is it the BS? Belichick, Brady and company are slightly favored by the oddsmakers, but I’m just not sold.

When it comes to championship games, it always comes down to the team that plays the best defense – even in this day and age of the quarterback. Just ask Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

That’s why I have to go with the New York Giants over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XVLI.

Final score: Giants 33 Patriots 28

Here’s why: Though the Patriots are the sexier pick as Belichick and Brady go for their fourth ring together and the team is trying to play off the emotion surrounding Robert Kraft losing his wife, the Giants are the better team all-around. They have a running game, dynamite receivers, a top 5 quarterback AND a defense. Matchups make the difference is championship games and the Giants clearly have the upper hand in all categories.

Don’t get me wrong, the Patriots will make a game of it and it could come down to the final two possessions, but the Giants will come up with enough pressure on Brady to turn the tables. Throw in the fact that tight end Rob Gronkowski’s injury will put a dent in the Patriots’ offense and you have enough to give the Giants the edge in this one.

It should be a great game. That’s why everyone is split pretty much down the middle on predicting its outcome.

In fact, here’s the best prediction I could find:

Greg Easterbrook on ESPN.com has this prediction – Confusion about the new playoff overtime format reigns when the Giants onside kick to start overtime and the Patriots recover but run the wrong way. Final score: Giants 2 Patriots 0

After the jump, take a look at some of the picks by the experts … and take the time for a click over to Lombardiave.com on Facebook, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/02/05/lombardiaves-super-bowl-xlvi-pick-eli-manning-wins-in-big-bros-house/feed/ 0 In case you missed these statistics http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/19/in-case-you-missed-these-statistics/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/19/in-case-you-missed-these-statistics/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:45:03 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8122 Yesterday I posted a graphic that has incredibly enlightening statistics … it shows the cost of doing business in the NFL. Did you know it costs $10 billion per year to run the league? did you know each team spends more than $30 million? Did you know each football costs more than $100; Did you [...]

In case you missed these statistics - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> Yesterday I posted a graphic that has incredibly enlightening statistics … it shows the cost of doing business in the NFL.

Did you know it costs $10 billion per year to run the league? did you know each team spends more than $30 million? Did you know each football costs more than $100; Did you know a pair of players gloves costs more than $50? Did you know Jerry Jones’s video screen cost more than $30 million.

You’ll find these and other cost statistics in this post.

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

]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/19/in-case-you-missed-these-statistics/feed/ 0 Packers FanCam puts you on the map http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/16/packers-fancam-puts-you-on-the-map/ http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/16/packers-fancam-puts-you-on-the-map/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:32:10 +0000 Raymond Rivard http://lombardiave.com/?p=8075 If you were at Sunday’s NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lambeau Field, there was one good thing that occurred – the gigapixel FanCam put you on the map. Just prior to the start of Sunday’s game, the camera that was set up at midfield snapped a 360 degree “snapshot” of all in the entire stadium [...]

Packers FanCam puts you on the map - Lombardi Ave - Lombardi Ave - A Green Bay Packers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

]]> If you were at Sunday’s NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Lambeau Field, there was one good thing that occurred – the gigapixel FanCam put you on the map.

Just prior to the start of Sunday’s game, the camera that was set up at midfield snapped a 360 degree “snapshot” of all in the entire stadium

And if you go to this Web page, you can find yourself and friends and tag your face, share it on Facebook, tweet it on Twitter and even sign up for two free tickets to a Packers 2012 game.

When you go to the page you will view the pictures on krpano - described as a small and very flexible high-performance viewer for all kinds of panoramic images and interactive virtual tours. The viewer is available as an Adobe Flash Player application for the usage on Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and on Android Mobiles and Tablets and additionally also as HTML5 / Javascript application for the usage on the iPhone and iPad.

Needless to say, it’s something that’s pretty cool and certainly provides a positive spin on what was an otherwise dreadful day for Green Bay Packers fans.

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]]> http://lombardiave.com/2012/01/16/packers-fancam-puts-you-on-the-map/feed/ 0