tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53084506814035671192024-03-04T23:01:47.711-08:00Ken's Packer BlogI like to talk about the Packers. So I figured I'd type about the Packers too. I'll be posting about players and games from the past and present and of course what it's like to be a fan of the greatest team on the Planet!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-46004629861785159542014-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:002014-04-06T14:07:20.177-07:00What Do the Packers need to Do in the Draft? (Hint: It's Not Necessarily Take a Safety or Tight End)I know, I know, it's been a while. I've had an interesting past several months and haven't really had the bug to write. But it bit me today.<br />
<br />
For the past several years the Packers have pretty much held fast in free agency and stuck to their draft and develop philosophy. Not so much this year. They knew they needed help along the defensive front and they went out and got their man in Julius Peppers. I can't wait to see what the rush will look like with him opposite Clay Matthews.<br />
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But there are still plenty of holes that needed filling. I think the big ones are at safety and TE. I was really hoping Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy would go out and get a guy like TJ Ward or Jairus Byrd to put alongside Morgan Burnett and a guy like Owen Daniels to man TE. I didn't expect them to, but hey, if we didn't have hope, what would we have? It looks like those positions will need to be filled in the draft and most mocks I see have the Packers taking one or the other in the first round.<br />
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I'm honestly not sold on that approach though. I think Micah Hyde could be a very good option at safety with the skills he flashed last year. And there have been precious few first round TEs end up being worth the pick. I'm also a big big fan of the BPA philosophy in the early rounds of the draft. There's still lots of talent late in the first round but it's not always at an off season position of need. I say off season because injuries seem to happen so fast and those could make any position one of need quickly.<br />
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Look back a few years. Was QB a position of need when the Packers had Aaron Rodgers fall into their laps? Where would we be if the team had reached to fill a need instead of taking the BPA? I for one would be much happier seeing the team going into the regular season with Hyde at S and Quarless at TE knowing that they had added a true first round talent at any position than watching them reach for a S or TE if the top prospects get taken early. No, if my wish comes true, we'll see BPA in rounds 1 and 2 and then see the Packers start to fill needs like S, TE, C, 4th WR, dime CB etc.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-1190149050431788502013-09-21T15:07:00.002-07:002013-09-21T15:07:59.656-07:00Toeing the Line When it Comes to LuckI didn't have the opportunity to watch the game against Washington last week. That's ok, a son's little league tournament always takes precedence. Of course they offense tore Washington apart and Aaron Rodgers tied the Packers single game passing record. This presents a bit of a quandary. Do I believe in luck? Can I watch the game tomorrow? Is it ok for a guy to think it's not ok to wash the jersey until the Packers lose a game while wearing it and at the same time ok to watch the game a week after you couldn't and the team set records?<br />
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I hope you guys will understand if I toe the luck line and watch the game in my dirty jersey. I just can't live more than a week without the Packers during football season. Heck, I wrote a blog last year about never watching another game after the Fail Mary debacle and didn't make it a week without giving in and watching the next game. Thinking about this brought a question to mind though. What do you do for game day?<br />
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I know someone who has to eat the exact same thing and have the same exact drinks, ordered at the exact same time every week. I know a lady who walks away from the TV at my favorite Packers bar in Portland (Hi PackerMom!) when the Packers struggle. She plays video poker until she loses to sacrifice her luck so the Packers can have it instead. I myself have Packers socks that I wear on game days. Socks that I pull on when the defense needs a big play. I wear them whether I'm alone at home or at a bar with friends and I'm sure as heck wearing them to TBW3 next month!<br />
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So, tell me folks, what are your little game day peccadilloes? What strange thing do you do to make sure luck is on the Packers side? I need to know so I can add a couple things to offset the bad luck I'm creating by watching tomorrow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-21113420287053860542013-09-07T19:10:00.000-07:002013-09-08T06:07:21.617-07:00Holy Crap, Football is Back!Guess what guys? We get to watch the Packers play football tomorrow! I'm excited and yet very concerned about this season. I just don't see any easy wins on the schedule this year. The team starts with a very tough opponent in the San Francisco 49ers. The same team that knows our fearless Packers out of the playoffs last year and went on to lose the Super Bowl. And while I think the Packers are good enough to win, I just don't see it. There are still so many unknowns with this Packers team. Will the run game really step up this year? Will the D improve over last year? Will they be able to contain the read option so many teams are using so successfully? Will Mason Crosby return to form? Will freshly grilled brats and cheese curds magically appear on my doorstep tomorrow?<br />
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I've heard nothing but good things about Eddie Lacy and the Packers running game this year. It's here to stay, they say. Eddie Lacy is the real deal. Not being in Green Bay, I haven't had the chance to see him practice in person. That coupled with the fact that the first team offense didn't play much in preseason means I'm just not sold on the running game yet. We'll see if it comes to fruition like we've been led to believe it will.<br />
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The defense took a hit when Casey Heyward was ruled out. Reports are saying he'll miss at least the first month of the season. Micah Hyde has definitely shown flashes in the preseason but the one thing that was iffy was his man coverage. I guess we'll find out sooner than later how much of a learning curve he'll have. I'm excited about a couple of things on the defensive side of the ball though. I can't wait to see what kind of effect Johnny Jolly will have in the rotation at DE. I just hope the comeback continues to build steam. I'm also very interested to see what happens with the guys rotating at OLB opposite Clay Matthews. Mike Neal looks svelte and ready to rush the QB. Nick Perry is also back and playing after missing most of last year. Will the presence of Matthews on the opposite side lead to more sacks for these two? Will they lead to less double teams on Matthews? I know this, pass rush is key to success in the NFL.<br />
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Sticking to the defense, how will they stop the read option? The coaches spent time with the coaches at Texas A&M to learn how they deal with it in the college game. They have tape of a certain game in the playoffs last year. I'm sure the players still have nightmares of Colin Kaepernicking all over them on the way to the NFC Championship game. But are those things enough? And if they are, will the D be able to cover the passing that will come once they stop the running out of the read option?<br />
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Mason Crosby has been much maligned. He admittedly had a horrible year last year. The team responded by bringing in two different kickers to compete with him during the offseason. From appearances it boiled down to 2 days of kicking competitions during practice. The result? Mason Crosby is your 2013 Packers placekicker, at least for now. He went 14 for 14 on the second day of that competition, including hitting from 64 and 65 yards out. Most people are assuming (hoping really) that the team will have a shorter leash on Crosby this year and not allow things to deteriorate like they did last year. I'm included in that group. Here's to hoping there are some kickers in Ted Thompson's speed dial. <br />
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Before we get to my final question, let me give you my game prediction. I think the Packers will keep it close but eventually the 49ers will win out 35-31 but I sure hope the Packers prove me wrong. Now, who's bringing me brats and cheese curds?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-15177744178093393192013-09-02T17:22:00.000-07:002013-09-02T17:24:54.169-07:00Finally the QB2 Question Has an Answer, and I Like ItA lot has happened behind Aaron Rodgers over the past few days. The Packers have chosen the guy they want behind QB1 (at least for now) and it's not anyone that had spent time on the roster this preseason. It's Seneca Wallace. Wallace had supposedly retired from the 49ers Thursday morning according to Jim Harbaugh. Wallace refuted that report, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/49ers/ci_23987739/seneca-wallace-rips-san-francisco-49ers-coach-jim">saying that he left because the 49ers were just using him as leverage to get Colt McCoy to take a pay cut</a>. <br />
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Let's take a look at how the Packers got to this point. It started with last year's backup Graham Harrell getting cut before the final preseason game. Harrell had not done anything this preseason to earn the job backing up at quarterback in Green Bay. Then, the assumed winner of the job Vince Young stunk up the joint in the final preseason game. B J Coleman didn't look much better. When the time came for Ted Thompson and the Packers to cut to the final 53, it looked like the decision had been made. B J Coleman was the last man standing, the Packers' 2013 QB2.<br />
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A lot of us fans were in shock. Don't lie, even if you are the most ardent TT believer, you had to chant "In Ted We Trust" about 1000 times before you were at peace with the fact that Coleman was the man that would take the reins of the vaunted Packers offense. And still, you weren't really at peace with it, you just shut up about it and learned to live with it. I'm the same way. Believe me. In fact, my first Twitter post after hearing the news?<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There's no way the Packers go into the year with BJ Coleman as the backup?<br />
— Packerken (@Packerken) <a href="https://twitter.com/Packerken/statuses/373818882907062272">August 31, 2013</a></blockquote>
Fast forward to this morning. The news dropped that Coleman had been let go and we had yet another QB2. This time though, I was happy to hear that it was Seneca Wallace standing behind Aaron Rodgers. I know there's still a lot of skepticism out there so I'll explain why I feel that way. First, Wallace has a proven track record in the NFL. Wallace has a career 59.2% completion percentage. His TD/INT ratio is 31/18. He's also a very mobile guy, having run for several big gains in his career. Of course everyone will remember "The Run" from Wallace's time at Iowa State.<br />
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i7gPOl_F8HQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Not as many will remember the numerous times that Wallace was used as a WR on more than one occasion in Seattle with some success. I'm not saying that the Packers took him so he could be a 6th WR or anything. Just backing up the fact that he's mobile. His TD/INT ratio is also much better than that of Vince Young (46/51). So, while I still think the Packers would be in shambles were Aaron Rodgers to miss significant time, I think Seneca Wallace is a viable backup to get the team through a 2nd half if Rodgers gets hurt.<br />
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Once again, THE SKY IS NOT FALLING!!!1!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-87193495683485327922013-08-30T21:39:00.000-07:002013-08-31T05:09:45.484-07:00The Waiting Game is in Full SwingI know that teams have until 5PM on August 31st but I just can't stand the wait to find out who makes the week one 53. Especially when depth seems to be such a concern this year after watching the 2nd and 3rd units struggle so much in the preseason. I'm starting to think that the Packers are looking over the early cuts for guys that they want to lay a claim on.<br />
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We already know that they brought in "Kickalicious" for a try out. My opinion on that is that it was a look see in case Mason Crosby struggles an any point in the season. With Crosby taking a pay cut I just can't see him not being the opening day kicker.<br />
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The Packers are also reportedly bringing Joe McKnight in for a try out. It's definitely a sign that the team is not sold on who they have to return kicks. McKnight is also a very versatile player which is something the team seems to be lacking right now in their depth.<br />
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One thing I'd like to see the team look for is another safety. With all the injuries they are really thin at the position. The DBs in general have struggled this preseason, but with Tramon back I'm not sure things won't start to clear up on the corners.<br />
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As far as the guys I'm rooting for to see on the final 53? I'd love to see Alex Green stay on the team. I think he's looked much more decisive when he's had his chances to run the ball. I'd also love to see Johnny Jolly complete his comeback and land in the D Line rotation. He's just so disruptive and his hands are always active, looking to swat passes (or pick them off) when he doesn't get penetration.<br />
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How do you think the cookie will crumble this year?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-85639518511893633532013-08-24T14:26:00.000-07:002013-08-24T14:26:15.009-07:00Takeaways from Preseason Game ThreeWell the Packers lost another preseason game. Their record is now 0-0. See it's funny because wins and losses in preseason don't matter! What matters are the positives and negatives you can take away from the game. And I honestly think there were positives in all three phases of the game. Of course there were negatives too.<br />
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On special teams the main positive is Tim Masthay. He can boom punts and he showed it to us last night. He had several punts that were of 50 yards with great hang time. It was pretty to watch. He also boomed the opening kickoff out of the endzone. The negative is the other side of the kicking game. Masthay kicking off to open the game tells me the Packers still don't know who their kicker will be to start the season. Tavecchio doesn't have the leg that Crosby does. So if they keep him to kick FGs, Masthay could end up being the guy to kick off. Personally I'm still not sold that either of them should be the guy. I just don't know who out there would be better.<br />
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Offensively the Packers flashed early. Aaron Rodgers led them right down the field for a FG on the first series of the game. He came out after that series (earlier than you'd expect in the 3rd preseason game) and things went downhill from there. The rookie backs struggled but it's hard to equate that to the regular season because the Seahawks were really stacking the line against the run with Harrell in the game. When Vince Young came in there were more lanes as evidenced by Alex Green's 30 yard run. Jarrett Boykin had a great play to get a 1st down, but that was negated by his fumble a few plays earlier. Jermichael Finley only caught 2 of the 6 passes targeting him and was credited with a drop. Basically what I learned from the game was that as long as Rodgers is healthy the Packers will be in every game. The instant he goes down they are in real trouble. Word has just come down that Harrell has been released so Young has won
the backup job at least for now. I'm still not sold on him long term but
even with him not being in town for training camp, he really outplayed
Harrell.<br />
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Defensively we say a lot of good things. The pass rush was able to get a lot of pressure last night. Johnny Jolly was disruptive in the middle, Micah Hyde got good pressure rushing from outside and the Clay Matthews Band netted a sack of Russell Wilson. The run defense is still concerting though. The bruising backs of Seattle had a lot of success running inside against the Packers. The wide receivers also had success outside a few times as well. Hyde is always around the ball, but he got burned on a long pass to Doug Baldwin in the first quarter that got the Hawks into field goal position. I'm not all that concerned about this though. As long as Tramon Williams is ready to go wot the opener I think the DBs be ok.<br />
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Having been laid off in my life, I just want to tell Graham Harrell thank you for your time and good luck in your future. It's not easy to hear the words "Thank you for your time, but your services won't be required any longer" and get led out of the building. I hope you come back from it quickly and find something new and fulfilling.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-72423269423655260102013-08-17T21:39:00.002-07:002013-08-17T21:39:42.837-07:00See, I Told You the Sky Wasn't Falling!After last week a lot of people were concerned about the Packers and how poor they looked. Tonight things look a little different. Both the offense and defense looked much improved against the Rams. So, is Jekyll or Hyde the true Packers team this year? I also want to talk about a bubble guy who really made an impression on me in tonight's game.<br />
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The first team offense didn't score a touchdown but they were able to move the ball up and down the field on the Rams. Aaron Rodgers looked great other than the missed pass to Jermichael Finley. Finley himself looked very good both catching and with a lot of YAC. Jarrett Boykin made a nice play filling in with the first team offense. I can't remember who tweeted it, but someone said that Rodgers just looked very comfortable throwing to Boykin and I agree. He's not a burner but he just seems to make things happen. David Bakhtiari also continued his solid play at LT, even with the one whiff on Quinn.<br />
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The best part about watching the first team play tonight was Eddie Lacy. It's nice to watch a guy run through tackles and make the defense pay a price to bring him down. It always makes me wonder why he fell. After watching him play at Alabama and now with Green Bay, how can people think he doesn't have the desire to win? People say he doesn't love the game enough. It sure doesn't look like that when he's mowing linebackers down. The Lacy #27 will definitely be the next Jersey in the Packerken collection.<br />
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The defense definitely looked better today too. St. Louis should have scored with their first string in the game, but they chose to practice their forth down offense instead. Still, the Rams runners were unable to get anything done against the first string Packers D. And when you remember that the defensive backfield was minus Tramon Williams and Casey Heyward you might look at the passing numbers for the Rams a little different. Micah Hyde kept flashing tonight as well. He had a nice punt return and looked great blitzing as a corner. <br />
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The real pleasure tonight was getting to watch Johnny Jolly be Johnny Jolly tonight. He was so disruptive in the middle. He just knows when to make plays, deflecting a ball that was intercepted. He also made a play on a tipped ball to keep the Rams out of the end zone and made a Madden-esque spin move to get the ball away from the goal line. Jolly was one of my favorites before and I have to admit that I still have a soft spot for him. It's great to see him back on the field and making plays. He's one of those guys that you can see is "just a football player." I'm happier still to see that he really seems to have his life together. I would bet that he made an NFL roster tonight. I'm just hoping that it happens to be the Packers roster.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-78633722611025512582013-08-11T20:57:00.004-07:002013-08-11T20:57:55.087-07:00So, Is the Sky Really Falling?Hi guys, it's been a while since I wrote anything so I want to apologize for that. It feels good to have the itch and I'm hopeful that I'll have to scratch it often. Now that's out of the way, let's talk about that horrid game from Friday. Was it really that horrible? I don't think so, here's why.<br />
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First off, the first offense moved the ball right down the field. Even though he didn't get credit for it, Starks was in on the 4th down and the Packers should have been up 7-0. That was without Nelson and I'll be even more excited to see the offense with Lacy out there. This tells me as long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy this offense will score points. Of course I'm concerned about how the offensive line will keep Rodgers on his feet, but we saw a positive sign on that too. David Bhaktiari was solid at LT. It's been a few years since the Packers had solid at LT. And as much as I like Marshall Newhouse as a person, I'm happy to hear that Don Barclay is getting reps only at RT now and not C and G. I think over time he will prove to be a better T than Newhouse.<br />
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Second, I'm not as concerned about the defense (yet) as the rest of the world. I think it's way too early to be that concerned. With the vanilla defense that was saw Friday it's hard to make an accurate assessment. I think the games Saturday against the Rams and in two weeks against the Seahawks will give us a much better idea of where the team sits. These games are designed to look at individual players performances.
That means a lot of guys get put on islands that usually wouldn't, especially the cornerbacks. I think training camp is a better barometer this early.<br />
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Finally, it's the first preseason game! Need I remind you about the first game of the 2010 preseason? The Packers lost that one too and Jake Delhomme tore the D up. How did that turn out? I'm not trying to claim that the Pack is headed to the Superbowl again, but just the same, you can't predict the season based on one preseason game. Let's all come back off the cliff, there's no need to jump. Now if we haven't seen improvement by the time the last preseason game comes around,then it might be time to get up on a ledge.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-63187070316129564142013-01-28T21:49:00.001-08:002013-01-28T21:49:51.541-08:00Toughness is the Packers Main Offseason NeedWell, another season has ended in bitter heartbroken sadness. I'd love to blame it all on the Fail Mary but that would be a mistake. As good as the Packers are, they still have several issues. And while I think we saw a lot of good come out of this year (Casey Hayward and DuJuan Harris, come on down!), if the team can't figure out how to get back the toughness they showed in their 2010 run to the Super Bowl they will be doomed to repeat the failures of the past two seasons. To be honest, I don't believe that keeping Dom Capers is the answer to a stronger defense in 2013. But I don't see a change coming in the coaching staff, so lets take a look at the three main places the team needs to add toughness most.<br />
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1) Offensive Line - This is a line that has been decimated by injuries. I think if the starters can stay healthy they can regain their from of 3 years ago. Brian Bulaga and Derek Sherrod are the future at tackle for the Packers if they can stay healthy and the guards are both very capable players. Center is the main position of need on the line. Jeff Saturday has already announced his retirement and while Evan Deitrich-Smith is a great swing player I don't think he is the answer in the starting lineup. This is a position that must be filled either in free agency or early in the draft.<br />
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2) Defensive Line - It was nice to see B J Raji finally start to show the explosiveness that he had as a rookie. It had been missing for a long time. But Ryan Pickett is aging and I think the D Line has missed that tough presence ever since Cullen Jenkins left following the Super Bowl. Jerel Worthy flashed a bit as a specialist in passing situations but the team still needs more of a rock at defensive end Well, that or a more prototypical 3-4 Nose tackle that would allow for Raji to move outside and be his aggressive pass rushing self.<br />
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3) Safety - It's been plain to see that the defensive backfield just has not been close to the same since Nick Collins was injured and forced to retire. Charles Woodson did a fair job of trying to replace him but I just don't think he has the size to be a true aggressive run stuffing, hard hitting safety and I don't think Morgan Burnett fits the bill either. And you just can't have a tough D that scares opponents without a guy in the back that's not afraid to announce his presence with authority.<br />
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I also think that OLB is a key need for the team. With Nick Perry coming back and entering his second year with the playbook though I don't think this is as urgent. I think this team is still well inside its championship window. I just hope the coaches are open enough to changing their mindsets on how to go about winning it.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-76029779094059233072012-09-25T19:11:00.000-07:002012-09-25T19:19:08.744-07:00The One Where I Vow to Not Watch Another NFL GameFirst things first. I'm not even going to talk about the play. You all know what happened. So, I said some things after last nights game. They involved profanity. A lot of it. I said I was done with the NFL. People thought I was joking or that I would "come to my senses" and be watching come Sunday. Well, I won't be. The NFL has showed that it doesn't care and so I'm showing that I don't care either. <br />
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I had issues sleeping, still angry over the whole thing. When I woke up this morning I still had a headache, but I had calmed down a bit. I realized that nothing would change last night but the NFL would at least apologize (ala the GB/Minny game a few years back) and it's a lot easier to handle mistakes when an honest apology is given. I also assumed that this would bring us closer to getting the real refs back.<br />
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I figured I could handle just watching GB games and boycotting the rest until the refs were back and football was football.<br />
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Instead we got the following statement: <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In Monday's game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks,
Seattle faced a 4th-and-10 from the Green Bay 24 with eight seconds
remaining in the game.
<br />
<br />
Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a pass into the end zone.
Several players, including Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate and Green
Bay safety M.D. Jennings, jumped into the air in an attempt to catch the
ball.
<br />
<br />
While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13769/sam-shields" target="_new">Sam Shields</a>
to the ground. This should have been a penalty for offensive pass
interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is
not reviewable in instant replay.
<br />
<br />
When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials
determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under
the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the
offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown.
<br />
<br />
Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay
review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the
ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone,
a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in
the field of play, only in the end zone.
<br />
<br />
Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual
evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the
on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department
reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the
on-field ruling following the instant replay review.
<br />
<br />
The result of the game is final.
</blockquote>
This insults me. Nowhere do I see a "Sorry fans, we screwed the pooch on that one" all I see is "We don't care, people will still pay to see games and buy jerseys and eventually forget this one!" This lack of integrity is appalling to me. It just shows that the NFL is all about the bottom line, they are no longer concerned with the quality of their product or the safety of the players of the game. Will that change when the real refs come back? No it won't They'll still fine players for short socks or red undershirts when the team color is white all while not holding themselves accountable. Until the NFL can show me that they care about the product and the people more than the bottom line, I'm done.<br />
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It will be weird having my Sundays free. I already have some ideas on how to spend them though. I'm taking applications for a nice Premier League team to root on. I have a beautiful guitar my aunt left me several years ago (RIP Aunt Sally) that I promised myself I would learn to play. I also have two kids that don't get enough of their father's time thanks to his obsession with a certain oblong piece of pigskin.<br />
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In closing, I just wanted to say thank you to the Packers and their fans for a lot of great years. I hope you guys still make the playoffs. I hope you win it all. I hope that when the NFL changes its attitude and I come back to the sport that you'll have me back as a fan.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Ken LeibeeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-9761786219099848652012-07-29T09:15:00.001-07:002012-07-29T09:15:42.479-07:00Training Camp is Here! Did the Defense Come to Play?It's finally here! Training camp has started and with it come changes on defense. Charles Woodson has been playing safety in the base defense in camp. I would have thought this was just a gimmick but he's also attending the safety position meetings. Now he's still playing the slot in the nickel and dime, so he'll still be playing CB most of the time. I love this change to the base defense though as it allows the team to keep Woodson roving the defense and also get a more athletic corner on the field in the base defense.<br />
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The big question though is who is that corner? Sam Shields seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. He had tackling issues all last year and it seems to have carried over into camp. Jarrett Bush started camp with the ones at CB opposite Tramon Williams. I'm suppressing a shudder. Bush has always been a great special teams player. It's where he earns his money and it's why I think he's an important part of the team. But he's struggled with his back to the ball on defense for a long time. He has improved over time, just not to the level that I'd like to see in a starting corner.<br />
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The Packers have spent 2 higher round picks on the position over the past two years, drafting Davon House in the 4th round last year and Casey Hayward in the 2nd this year. House is a very talented but raw corner. Hayward didn't put up the speed or explosion combine numbers of a pure athlete, but <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/packers-hayward-playing-like-a-pro-r369frj-164162436.html">according to reports (thank you MJS)</a> he's been the best CB in camp so far. A high school QB in Georgia, Hayward seems to be picking up the playbook quickly and many of the WRs are commenting about how instinctual he is at reading routes.<br />
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I don't think it's possible for the defense to regress this year. I've heard a lot of good things about a number of the other rookies in camp. Nick Perry making plays already from his OLB position rushing the passer. I also love hearing that he cut weight to be more explosive in coverage. Jerel Worthy seems to be doing well so far too, showing some fire on the D Line.<br />
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Can you believe it? We're less than 2 weeks away from exhibition football!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-74483309964102833172012-04-27T07:34:00.001-07:002012-04-27T07:34:48.184-07:00Look for the Packers to be Active in Trade Talks TodayWell, Round 1 of the NFL Draft is over and I could not be happier. I think Nick Perry is a perfect fit at OLB opposite Clay Matthews. I never thought he would last to the Packers at 28. When he was there at 20, I started begging aloud for the Packers to move up to get him. I'm not as worried about the weight as it seems others are. I expect Perry to rush pretty much every down with Matthews being more versatile and playing in coverage from time to time. <br />
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On to Day Two and rounds 2 and 3. The Packers still have 11 picks to make. Four of those are frozen in place (Compensatory picks cannot be traded) two each in the 4th and 7th rounds. That leaves seven picks that Ted Thompson can use to move around and grab players they have targeted. The main reason I expect to see the Packers move up in rounds to grab the players they think fill the holes that remain is that there aren't really 11 holes left to fill. I think it would be silly to draft 12 guys this year knowing that 3 or 4 or 5 probably won't make the team.<br />
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That said, I also think the holes that remain are glaring holes and it's important they get filled by players that can have an impact this season. Nick Perry is a great start to help the D but they still need to fill the holes at end and safety. I don't think fans will be happy if the team goes into the season with Charlie Peprah starting in the defensive backfield. Center is another key position that I think the Packers need to address this season.<br />
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My guess is the Packers end up making a total of 8 picks in this draft. That means either they use the extras to move up or they end up trading them for picks next year.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-48390845274378792272012-04-25T21:32:00.000-07:002012-04-25T21:32:16.160-07:00It's the most wonderful time of the year!That's right folks, it's draft time! This really is like Christmas for me. I can't wait to see what holes get filled in the draft and I get excited to learn about all the new Packers. And it's especially fun when I know how many needs the team has this year. With it being official now that Nick Collins won't be in the defensive backfield any more I count 5 major needs for the Packers.<br />
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The most glaring need I see is at OLB. Clay Matthews has had zero help pressuring the QB since Cullen Jenkins left. Pass rush can help the defense on so many levels that I see it as the primary need even with the losses of Scott Wells, Chad Clifton and Collins. My close personal friend <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/users/396992-matt-miller">Matt Miller</a> of Bleacher Report fame says the Packers will try to address this in the first round with Boise St OLB Shea McClellin. I think this would be a great fit. He's not a name that's been heard a lot but many think he's one of the top few edge rushers in the draft.<br />
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Defensive End is a position that saw a huge drop off last year with the loss of Cullen Jenkins. Mike Neal was hurt again and has not lived up to the hype. Now he'll miss the first 4 games of the season and it means the line needs even more help. BJ Raji and Ryan Pickett can't do it all themselves. I think DE needs to be addressed within the first 3 rounds of the draft.<br />
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The Packers signed Jeff Saturday to replace Scott Wells at center this season. I think it was a great signing but Saturday is 36 (and will be 37 before the season starts) so I think he's at best a 2 year solution. I'd love a guy like Peter Konz but there's no way he's around when the Packers pick in the 2nd round. Ben Jones from Georgia is a possibility in round 2. It could also be a position that the team tries to fill later with someone they think might develop well.<br />
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Safety is another position that I think the Packers have an obvious need at. Morgan Burnett showed signed of being a solid safety in the NFL. He played well last season despite having to wear a club for several games. But he can't do it alone and Charlie Peprah isn't any help. If Mark Barron somehow manages to fall to 28 I think he has to be the pick in the first round. Beyond Barron I don't know of a difference maker at the position so I don't see it being an early pick.<br />
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The last real need I see for the Packers is QB. Yeah, I said it. I know Aaron Rodgers it the QB of now and the future but losing Matt Flynn will hurt more than people realize. Having a quality back up is very important in the NFL (see the Colts last year). I'm not sold on Graham Harrell. Maybe it's my fear of Texas Tech QBs but I just cannot get comfortable with the idea with Harrell being the guy to take over if Rodgers gets hurt. Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy have always been fond of drafting QBs late and developing them. I'm sure this will continue.<br />
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Of course with 12 picks in the draft this year we'll see a number of picks other places. And I just can't wait. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-44568706347493381752012-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:002012-03-20T19:42:54.939-07:00Ted, Just Say No to Tebow.When the news came out that Peyton Manning had signed with the Broncos a new question started getting asked. Where will Tim Tebow end up? At first everyone thought it would be one of the Florida teams, since he's from there and with both Miami and Jacksonville struggling to sell out at times, it makes sense (my guess in Miami because Ireland and Ross keep striking out and they need to do something in the offseason). Tebow brings a huge fan base. Tebow would put butts in the seats. So I assume he'll go to one of those two teams and head to sleep.<br />
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I woke up this morning and didn't think anything of it. Got in the car and turned the radio on to find that Skip Bayless was on Mike and Mike. Ugh. Couldn't listen so I changed the channel. I guess it should have been an omen. Then I get to work and see that Green Bay is being discussed as a landing spot for Tebow. I laughed it up. But then fan bloggers that I like and agree with most of the time started talking about how they could see Tebow in Green and Gold. I've had enough<br />
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There are three reasons why I don't want Tebow in a Packers uniform. First, he's not accurate passing the ball and that is essential to the Packers offense. He's had several years to work on his accuracy and throwing motion. If it's not fixed by now, it won't be getting better.<br />
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Second, I don't think you should have a back up QB who can't run your offense and I can't see Tebow running an offense anything like what the Packers run. Sure, Packers fans have been spoiled in this regard over the past several seasons. We've had Matt Hasselback, Mark Brunell, Aaron Brooks, Aaron Rodgers and most recently Matt Flynn backing up our starting QBs. That's quite a haul and I know better than to expect the next backup QB to be as good as any of those guys. But he has got to at least be able to run the base offense. The Broncos had to vastly simplify their offense last year when Tebow became the starter. While it worked, I don't see it working if Aaron Rodgers misses a quarter due to injury or even a game or two during a season.<br />
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The third and biggest reason is I'm scared what would happen if Rodgers had a bad game or two. How many INTs before Tebow fans start clamoring for him to start? A 2 game losing streak? A 2 pick game? What would it take? We watched it play out on national TV last year. I think it would happen sooner than people think. Skip Bayless would be after McCarthy to put Tebow in after Rodgers 1st incompletion. Tebow would bring a huge contingent of fans that would expect Tebow to take over quickly as well. While I have faith that a large core of fans would stick by Rodgers, I'm scared that it would bring about a rift in the fan base and quickly as well.<br />
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So please Ted, just say no to Tebow.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-23931175016405928372012-01-14T12:41:00.000-08:002012-01-14T12:41:55.774-08:00Privacy, Integrity Still Have Meaning in Green BayI'd like to preface this by offering the Philbin family my sincerest condolences. I cannot imagine laying one of my children to rest and I hope they can find some peace in this time of loss. I hope Michael Philbin rests in peace. <br />
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As just about every Packer fan knows, Michael Philbin's funeral was yesterday. Joe Philbin had asked "for continued respect and privacy for our family as we deal with our loss." Well, it seems not everyone honored their request. I knew there had been a few cameras outside the church and I guess that's fine as people are interested in who attended. I'm ok with that as it doesn't really invade the family's privacy. <br />
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It appears the NY Daily News didn't think anything of the Philbin's request. They sent a writer to the service. But he did more than write about the comings and goings. No, he wrote an article about what was said and who said it. He wrote about who cried and when. He wrote about what should have been a private memorial. I'm offended that someone would think this is news. I'm not going to even say the name of the author because that would give him more credence than he deserves. This is something that paparazzi would do, it's not true journalism. <br />
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I would like to personally thank the Green Bay Media for honoring the Philbin's request for privacy. So thank you Jason Wilde and Rob Demovsky and Kareem Copeland and Ty Dunne and Tom Siverstein and Mike Vandermause and Bob McGinn and Chris Jenkins and Pete Dougherty for having the integrity to honor a man's request. Thank you to all the national media who chose to stay away to let a family mourn. It means a lot to see that personal requests like that still mean something to people, whether an event is newsworthy or not. That's what makes Green Bay different (and in my opinion better) from places like New York.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-75409940682398756552012-01-11T20:37:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:19:29.664-08:00Memories of a Son's First game<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX97_3bRe8OmwrclFUHFpovRg7c09s5_a74q0YCx-A0a3ZzRcUwz08lro817bdshXpZB28Z7l1U8G_vPyX92Nn3JzjXoH6YhzLdmR6kp8pe8BrzzbPx-Bx431-kij1V-Kteztm0UZ6HE/s1600/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX97_3bRe8OmwrclFUHFpovRg7c09s5_a74q0YCx-A0a3ZzRcUwz08lro817bdshXpZB28Z7l1U8G_vPyX92Nn3JzjXoH6YhzLdmR6kp8pe8BrzzbPx-Bx431-kij1V-Kteztm0UZ6HE/s320/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter and I with @ThadCollins. Great to see good friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sorry for the time elasped between posts. Life has been busy over the holidays. Before I get into my thoughts on the playoff game, I'm going to talk a bit about taking my son Hunter to his first Packers game, the loss in Kansas City <br />
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Hunter and I had a great time visiting Kansas City. We stayed with a good friend of mine in KC and enjoyed everything right up until the game ended. During the game Hunter had some good banter with the Chiefs fan about Kyle Orton and their team. A couple of the fans around us commented on how much he knew about the Packers and even the Chiefs. He was going on about their draft needs and how next year should be a good year because they get Jamaal Charles back. It was rewarding for me to listen to him be so knowledgeable about another team. I barely knew who the Packers starting QB was when I was 9 let alone who was on IR for the other team.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUScktjbFcAvx8pa3Oh4b3vFxNTIWnvlABOSoL-f6c0-qy-8kCPUupkFboVKO3uuqwJnepW1fgswedX7AqOs0HphuYARwL6S6zJ2qtveoBo0puVX9cvVduxIA-EJkhO3928kMOnfUq7Y4/s1600/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUScktjbFcAvx8pa3Oh4b3vFxNTIWnvlABOSoL-f6c0-qy-8kCPUupkFboVKO3uuqwJnepW1fgswedX7AqOs0HphuYARwL6S6zJ2qtveoBo0puVX9cvVduxIA-EJkhO3928kMOnfUq7Y4/s320/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy C and the tats preparing for a kickoff return</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the game went on our concern grew. But the score stayed close and I just kept thinking that the offense would wake up. Then halftime came and I assumed Coach McCarthy would light a fire under everyone's rear ends and the 2nd half would be similar to the Falcons game. The Packers would take control and it would end up being the blowout we expected. Even at the end, as Rodgers ran for the last TD, we assumed the Packers were going to win. The D would get the ball back, march right down the field and score. But it never happened. <br />
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When it was over I looked over at Hunter. He had his cheesehead down over his eyes and I could tell some tears had been shed. We walked out of the stadium and walked the mile to get back to the car. We talked about how it made us both sad that the Packers wouldn't be able to have a perfect season this year. Hunter said he wasn't sad the Pack lost the game he went to. He was sad that they didn't have a shot at history anymore.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs902KEzz4BHGUMRocWBDORPnVYPllbMI7-qR-uEp9MJHkbNWEduBeTgfOyYsnBANle48plmRwN3Re1PGtb9lM59lduV7VM0KE8pMmVK39xd0fcvKY9EFMtJMn6HMWT2OOGPlYPXo4Jc/s1600/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs902KEzz4BHGUMRocWBDORPnVYPllbMI7-qR-uEp9MJHkbNWEduBeTgfOyYsnBANle48plmRwN3Re1PGtb9lM59lduV7VM0KE8pMmVK39xd0fcvKY9EFMtJMn6HMWT2OOGPlYPXo4Jc/s320/Chiefs+Game+12-18-11+034.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What flavor do you want? "Blue"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We talked for a while on the 8 hour drive home about how keeping the Lombardi trophy in Green Bay was more important than the perfect season and how it was better to lose now than in the playoffs. About how the game could be a wake up call for the defense (still waiting on that one).<br />
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A couple days after the game, I asked Hunter what he remembered about our trip because I was worried the loss would sour the memory of his first live game. So what did he remember? The taste of the cotton candy. Mason Crosby hitting a 60 yard field goal in warmups. How close Rodgers was when he scored that rushing touchdown ("We could see the look on his face daddy!"). He remembers my friend's dog Dexter's eyes having different colors and an inflatable mattress that was deflated by the time we woke up ("But it was still comfy next to you Dad"). Getting to stay up till 11 at night playing Madden ("Don't worry Dad, I won't tell mom"). Looking back, I think the loss lingered more for me than Hunter. I should have known better. As we walked into the house after the game Hunter said, "It's ok they lost this game Daddy, they can be perfect next year."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-21129814299335085322011-12-11T21:19:00.000-08:002011-12-11T21:19:14.386-08:00Where is Brett Favre's Place in History?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387510_2587195570881_1584319987_32456735_1531387742_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387510_2587195570881_1584319987_32456735_1531387742_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>When I went to Green Bay for the Rams game, I bought my son and daughter each things from the stadium Packers Pro Shop. I knew that these things would mean more to them because of where they came from. One of the things I got for Hunter was a 2011 Packers team set of football cards. He thought it was awesome. He looks at the cards over and over and is constantly asking questions about Not just the stats on the cards, but what I think about the team and who I think are the best Packers of all time. He also asked if I had cards from when I was a kid. Up into the attic I went. I happen to have a decent sized collection of football and baseball cards, including a Tony Gwynn rookie, 2 Ken Griffey Jr rookies and a few different Brett Favre rookies.<br />
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I also have a 1995 Team Pinnacle insert card with Favre on one side and John Elway on the other. Well, Hunter is already a Packers knowledge sponge and he knows that the Packers lost to the Broncos in Super Bowl 32. So Hunter starts asking me questions. About that Super Bowl. About why Favre was in a Falcons jersey on his rookie card. About Don Majkowski. And then he dropped the bombshell on me. "Dad do you think John Elway was a better QB than Brett Favre?"<br />
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The real bombshell to me was that the answer came to me so quickly. I told him that yes, I did think Elway was a better QB than Favre. Elway took the Broncos to a total of 5 Super Bowls and won 2. He had led the Drive. He was THE comeback QB for the Broncos before there was Tebow. And I think in a different era Elway would have had more yards and TDs.<br />
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The more I thought about it, the more frustrated I got. I'm a Packers fan. How could I dare to take Elway before Favre? I just kept coming back to the early Super Bowls and what could have been. I also remember thinking about how Elway grew as a player. As he got older, Elway became a much more thoughtful QB. His completion percentage went way up in the 2nd half of his career and his TD/INT ratio was much improved as well.<br />
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You can't say the same for Favre. He was the same gunslinger at 41 as he was at 23. The more I looked at the stats, the INTs, the playoff runs that were ended by horrible throws, the more I realized why I've been so mad at Favre for so long. It wasn't because he went to Minnesota. It wasn't because he thumbed his nose at the fans by saying the Viking fans were better. And it wasn't because of the obscene texts he sent. I'm mad at Favre because instead of continuing to grow as a QB, Favre chose to just sling the ball around. I'm mad because Brett Favre is the most talented QB I've had the pleasure to watch live. I'm mad because Brett Favre's place in History should be at the top of the mountain by a long shot and he's not.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-57924240419601145142011-12-01T21:08:00.000-08:002011-12-01T21:10:24.722-08:00Thank You Skip Bayless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/assets_c/2011/08/skipbb-thumb-200x274-120790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/assets_c/2011/08/skipbb-thumb-200x274-120790.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>I know, I know. WTF am I thinking? Thanking Skip Bayless? Why would I do such a stupid thing? I dislike Skip just as much as the next Packers fan. He's a troll, plain and simple. I've been begging people to stop feeding him. So why am I saying thank you? I'll get there. But first, some of the tweets that get everyone so torqued off.<br />
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1. "All I'm saying about Packers: They don't have that 1 win vs. NE, Balt, Pitt, SF, <a class=" twitter-atreply pretty-link" data-screen-name="N" href="http://twitter.com/#%21/N" rel="nofollow"><s>@</s><b>N</b></a>.O., Dallas or any hot/healthy team that made me say wow." So, he's saying we didn't play the Saints the first week of the year I guess.<br />
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2. "You'd better believe I'm taking Tebow over ARodg in last 2 mins. I've SEEN Tebow do it again/again/again. ARodg hasn't had many chances." I was left speechless after this one.<br />
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3. "Kevin Smith lost early, more DB injuries, Hanson missed easy FG, Suh self-destructs - this season meant-to-be for Green Bay. More breaks!" Yep, they've caught every break. Nothing like the great breaks of losing one of your top DBs in the second game of the year, losing your long time LT for several weeks and having a starting DE miss more than half the season.<br />
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4. "For that matter, I dare Aaron Rodgers to try to convince me face to face how all-time great HE is. He's certainly arrogant enough to do so." This one angers me more than anything. Rodgers has never claimed to be anything. It's fans, the media and Rodgers own play (but certainly not his words) that have put him on the pedestal.<br />
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So, why do I say thanks to Skp? Simple. Rodgers himself has spoken about using falling in the draft and the fallout from trading Favre so Aaron could start as fuel to keep getting better. We as fans get to watch an 11-0 football team that still plays with a chip on their shoulder. I truly believe that the naysayers like Skip are a big reason for it. So here's to hoping Skip can naysay Rodgers to the MVP and the Packers to the SUPER BOWL.<br />
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THANKS SKIP!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-41066442224297568752011-11-14T19:42:00.000-08:002011-11-14T19:45:38.619-08:00The Birth of a Packers Fan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318604_2417177720541_1584319987_32393563_1857885625_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318604_2417177720541_1584319987_32393563_1857885625_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The Packers are about to start their game against the Vikings. But I'm not even listening to the pregame right now. I'm watching my son Hunter. He's in his Mason Crosby jersey because "He's the best kicker in the history of ever!" He's anxiously wearing the family cheesehead (all game long). He's got his Packers socks on so he can pull them to help the defense on big plays. He's asking me about why they named the stadium Lambeau and telling me how awesome it is that the Trophy is named after a Packers head coach.<br />
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I can't describe how happy it makes me to see him picking up so much about the game. He calls holding on every play (just like his daddy). He looks at the other team's secondary and calls out the open receivers. He wants them to go for it on every 4th and short. Someone got him the Packers team set of football cards and he looks at them constantly during the game. He asks me who my favorite Packer is, who my favorite coach is, who I loved watching that doesn't play anymore.<br />
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I know I can thank his Wii Madden football game for some of this. He plays a game or two a day, learning the plays and what the defense looks like. He goes for 2 at least once a game to keep the other team off balance. He lets his 7 year old sister Mackenzie play with him. She plays WR or RB and he does his best to keep her involved too. <br />
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As the game goes on, his game face goes on. He jumps up off the couch and runs with Randall Cobb as he returns a punt for a TD. Last year around this time Hunter would maybe make it through a quarter. In a really exciting game it would be a half. This year, after every Packers score Hunter reminds me of a promise I made to him around I think week 3. He had asked me if the Packers could go undefeated. I said, "Hunter...if the Packers go undefeated...I'll take you to the Superbowl." Of course I said it because I didn't think it was possible.The Packers seem determined to prove me wrong.<br />
<br />
And I couldn't be happier.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-74847627900422365452011-11-05T20:44:00.000-07:002011-11-05T20:44:31.712-07:00Is This the Week the Trap Game is Actually a Trap Game?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://malocite.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/admiral-ackbar-its-a-trap.jpg?w=300&amp;h=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://malocite.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/admiral-ackbar-its-a-trap.jpg?w=300&amp;h=300" /></a></div>I say it every week. "<a href="http://packerken.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-i-was-secretly-happy-broncos-won.html">a lot of people think this game against the Broncos is a trap game. I agree.</a>" "<a href="http://packerken.blogspot.com/2011/10/packers-are-7-0-so-why-am-i-worried.html">The Packers are 7-0, so why am I worried?</a>" If you listen to <a href="http://cheeseheadradio.net/">Cheesehead Radio</a> (Hi Guys!) you heard me in the Throwback Weekend Party Line call telling the world I thought the Packers would win a close one 27-21. Now, I'm like <a href="http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/green-bay-packers-super-bowl-prediction">Brian Carriveau</a>. Every week the team proves me wrong I'm happy. But I keep saying it. "TRAP GAME!" And I'm saying it again this week.<br />
<br />
If you watched their game two weeks ago, you saw the Jets tear the Chargers apart in the 2nd half with 17 unanswered points to win. Then you saw the Chiefs rip the Chargers heart out on Monday Night Football with an overtime victory. In that game, the Chargers had the ball on the KC 15 with 1 minute to go preparing to kick the winning field goal. The Chargers come into this game with a 4-3 record. Philip Rivers looks like he's just off this season. Antonio Gates is playing hurt. Ryan Mathews, Shaun Phillips, Malcom Floyd and Na'il Diggs are all at least questionable on the Chargers injury report. They are missing G Kris Dielman and DE Luis Castillo due to injury. So, why am I saying trap game once again? <br />
<br />
First, the Chargers have not lost at home this season. I know there will be a ton of Packers fans in the stadium Sunday so I'm not as concerned about the home field advantage as I would be. Also, their wins at home are against the Chiefs, the Dolphins and the Vikings. Still, undefeated is undefeated and I can't discount the long flight and the time change as well.<br />
<br />
Second, Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates scare me. Even with Gates battling a foot injury, he can be deadly if he gets covered by LBs. And Jackson is one of the better big WRs in the league. The Packers are giving up almost 300 passing yards per game (31st in the league). Two different QBs have gone for over 400 passing yards against the Packers defense. If this is the game Rivers gets going, he could be #3 with Jackson and Gates to throw to. <br />
<br />
Finally, the Chargers are still tied for first in the AFC West even though the Chargers seem to get off to a slow start every year under Norv Turner. They know that a win against the Packers will get them to 5-3 and right back in the hunt for a playoff spot. Heck, they'd only be a game out of a bye week in the wide open AFC. In contrast the Packers are two games in the loss column ahead of the Lions and in control of their own destiny to earn home field advantage throughout the playoffs.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you all think I'm crazy for thinking every game is a trap game. You're probably right. I'm hoping so at least. But I can't get a certain cliche about a wounded animal out of my head. Here's to hoping the Chargers don't lash out until after they've lost to the Packers.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-21313450398898460592011-10-29T18:17:00.000-07:002011-10-29T18:17:16.275-07:00The Packers are 7-0, So Why Am I Worried?I struggled this week, trying to think of something to write about. I mean it's the bye week, the team is undefeated, what's to worry about? Well, I did some thinking and I did some thinking and I found two things I'm going to be concerned about for the rest of the season. First, there are a lot of losable games left on the schedule (Detroit x2, Chicago, @ the New York Giants, and of course @ the Chargers next Sunday). I'm also worried about the amount of yardage the defense has been giving up.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know I said the <a href="http://packerken.blogspot.com/2011/09/predicting-packers-season-game-by-game.html">Packers would go undefeated this year</a>, but I think every game left on on the schedule except for the Vikings game in two weeks are losable. As we get further into the season every game becomes a trap game in my opinion. There's not a lot of separation of talent in the NFL. Every player in the NFL is a great athelete so if a team gets overconfident or complacent they are in trouble. I don't think the Packers have as much of a problem with this as most teams, but I still worry. Will Aaron Rodgers find another perceived slight to drive him? Will Mike McCarthy keep finding material to keep the rest of the team fired up? Does Dom Capers have the game plan to solve the problems on defense? Can the team continue to stay relatively healthy?<br />
<br />
<br />
With the way the defense has been giving up yards (27th in the league at 391 YPG), I think I have reason to worry. Give a team like the Giants 424 yards of net offense and they will put up a lot more than the 3 points the Rams did. I don't think the Packers can continue with this bend but don't break philosophy. The Packers only have one more rookie QB on the schedule this year (poor Christian Ponder), so it won't be as easy to cause turnovers and keep points off the board. The defense has to improve on their run stopping. Green Bay's D is 14th against the run, but it's deceptive. Opposing rushers are averaging 4.6 yards per carry against the Packers. It really puts pressure on the offense to keep putting points on the board and force the opponents to put the ball in the air. If the offense sputters for a whole game like it did in the 2nd half against the Rams, I don't think the defense will hold up.<br />
<br />
Finally today, with the injury to Alex Green I think the Packers need to think about claiming Tashard Choice who was waived by the Dallas Cowboys earlier today. I know he's been fighting a couple injuries himself the past few weeks, but when healthy he can be a difference maker. With both James Starks and Ryan Grant having some injury issues in the past, I don't think you can trust them enough to go through the rest of the season with only two pure running backs.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-24757255645775680872011-10-18T20:37:00.000-07:002011-10-18T20:37:20.852-07:00So I went to a Football Game Last Week.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS3ii-0wVdKWrNKKmAWnSGnRm7Xwq1Own3iL9BXC4erjkMd4aYvMkMzwxUtI-AKg_ZhQks0VpQ61pwIue-CPTtCtLLEuhYoAGDZfJ-oAWrw67jMDaKNDPyVizLInyAcje5nqKupwpY7E/s1600/Oct+2011+076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS3ii-0wVdKWrNKKmAWnSGnRm7Xwq1Own3iL9BXC4erjkMd4aYvMkMzwxUtI-AKg_ZhQks0VpQ61pwIue-CPTtCtLLEuhYoAGDZfJ-oAWrw67jMDaKNDPyVizLInyAcje5nqKupwpY7E/s320/Oct+2011+076.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I won more Championships than Lombardi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Saturday morning came and I still couldn't believe it was happening. I WAS GOING TO GREEN BAY! You see, some twitter friends of mine at <a href="http://www.pocketdoppler.com/">Pocket Doppler</a> and <a href="http://cheeseheadtv.com/">Cheesehead TV</a> had set up a little get together called #throwbackweekend. It was going to be epic and I had managed to talk my wife into letting me go (thank you honey I owe you huge). It would be my 4th game overall and my first game in Lambeau. Nicole and the kids dropped me off at the airport bright and early at 5AM. While I waited for the plane to Chicago I met a fellow Packers fan who was taking the same flight to Appleton as I was. We chit chatted and both of our wives had to call for directions home due to a highway closure. We had a good laugh at that and enjoyed each other's company through an uneventful flight into Chicago. My back and hip didn't much care for the mile we had to walk to get our connecting flight, but they ended up coming through with flying colors. Every minute closer I got to Green Bay I got exponentially more excited. I'm sure by the time we landed in Appleton the excitement was dripping out my pores.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3x3QIGDDU0NZ1f2se7wbGDzQGnMpfpqUB3EJ8qPp9zOX6w0WM3dcTmfuCYMrNQ0eli06lt1Jr6qWXhSsfftwNmhUSLguorbhKMGQNevi7a428rsF1Ac0jNeVP89cSIL461jezYA3SXs/s1600/DSC02349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3x3QIGDDU0NZ1f2se7wbGDzQGnMpfpqUB3EJ8qPp9zOX6w0WM3dcTmfuCYMrNQ0eli06lt1Jr6qWXhSsfftwNmhUSLguorbhKMGQNevi7a428rsF1Ac0jNeVP89cSIL461jezYA3SXs/s320/DSC02349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still can't believe I met Tom Crabtree. What an epic night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I wasn't lying when I tweeted about crying as I drove by Lambeau for the first time. I can't describe the feeling to see it. To know that the next day I'd be inside that stadium, rooting my Packers on. I drove the rest of the way to the motel and checked into the room I'd be sharing with fellow Throwback Weekender Thad Collins. After a quick nap I made my way out. I met up with a bunch of my twitter friends. Then it was off to the Abbey for the official Tweet up. Everyone who was anyone was there including Packer fan icon Aunt Gert and tight end Tom Crabtree. He's smaller than I thought and bigger than I thought, all at the same time and even nicer than you'd think. Which is amazing because going in I knew he was a great guy. My son can't wait to hang his Crabtree autographed poster on the wall. I ended up staying out later than I planned to but it was well worth it. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlF74ye2jd_R08MC3x0ysuOJaC-ufMUTj_oaC1xBm2w505Qcl7QGwLkAeOX8HTbBzfr9CxA11AJZb1yoD-oIwL8V5d1kYTvEGCFOFSC31a8hyZiC2e2HbBFjbD0E33Pu1GJdKWGDwroE/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlF74ye2jd_R08MC3x0ysuOJaC-ufMUTj_oaC1xBm2w505Qcl7QGwLkAeOX8HTbBzfr9CxA11AJZb1yoD-oIwL8V5d1kYTvEGCFOFSC31a8hyZiC2e2HbBFjbD0E33Pu1GJdKWGDwroE/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the man, the myth, the John Rehor (BUNNY EARS!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sunday morning was awesome. I tailgated with all my new friends and even got to wave to my wife and kids thanks to Corey Behnke's livestream of the event on Cheeseheadtv.com. I hung out more with my twitter friends and then it was time to make my way to the stadium. I walked there with PD Angel (and my most favoritest person that I know in Idaho) Colleen and her wonderful hubby Brad. The lines to get in were long but nothing nightmarish like we heard about from the Broncos game. I got into the stadium with about a half hour to go before game time so I took a while to walk around and really just try to take it all in. I was really there. I was in Lambeau Field. The Frozen Tundra. I stopped at a concession stand to get some food and a soda and made my way to my seat. I'm amazed by just how nice everyone in Green Bay is. I sat down not knowing any of the fans around me. That lasted all of 30 seconds. Everyone around was interested in my story. Where I had come from to see the game? What did I think of Green Bay and the people? All too soon, it was time for the anthem.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPwqA0LiKQA0EcaOSgyNyO_wIlC3azFhfJpHb124nFRAV_xwh-2ubEec_WEdZ-MrzPw5QnD9CiV0se1UYrq1MybpLd15BF_oZXnEdBYyJCQfP8WRD5T_zCJ_N9-VGbAqx5fdTdQgdfRY/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPwqA0LiKQA0EcaOSgyNyO_wIlC3azFhfJpHb124nFRAV_xwh-2ubEec_WEdZ-MrzPw5QnD9CiV0se1UYrq1MybpLd15BF_oZXnEdBYyJCQfP8WRD5T_zCJ_N9-VGbAqx5fdTdQgdfRY/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look Ma, I'm at the Packer game!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I loved the anthem at Sunday's game. A simple, respectful instrumental. In the stands you could hear people singing the words. Made me proud. Then you had the flyover, deafening in it's volume. Game. Time. Mason Crosby kicked off and things were rolling. I had a superstitious moment when the Rams attempted their first FG. I pulled the right sock and they missed! So, all of you who had 0 in the first quarter in your pools, you're welcome! Soon after was the first "Go Pack Go" chant of the game. I choked back a couple of tears of joy as I belted it out with everyone else. Just another one of the many moments where the fact that I was in heaven hit me. The game itself was decided pretty early on. The Rams were just too beat up to hang with our beloved Packers.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9p0KCeUXvPVB3szXkqIqVV8jwpvw_L1KqPMz4fhYeFmC4-uz21q3yWHDr7x4NxTdk6k5FRIpUo7Ba9sO-9dZCRuiF3Rj2zLYIGBaWbwEacWn7RPF344MpN5N2EzYSh9keYXDrYhK394/s1600/IMG_0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9p0KCeUXvPVB3szXkqIqVV8jwpvw_L1KqPMz4fhYeFmC4-uz21q3yWHDr7x4NxTdk6k5FRIpUo7Ba9sO-9dZCRuiF3Rj2zLYIGBaWbwEacWn7RPF344MpN5N2EzYSh9keYXDrYhK394/s400/IMG_0226.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">V Formation!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Six and Oh feels great to me but I know that the reals tests are still to come. I have to be honest. I don't remember much of the game. Jordy Nelson's long TD reception. Getting to see Donald Driver catch a TD pass. The bruising 4th down run from James Starks. My real memories from Lambeau are of the history and the people. High fiving complete strangers and being treated like one of the guys. Getting to see the Ring of Honor and the retired numbers up close. Getting to "Bang on the drum all day." Those are the things I brought home and don't ever want to forget. <br />
<br />
To those of you who thought about coming to Throwback Weekend and didn't; WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? I can't wait for version 2.0. I don't know how, but I'm sure it will be even more amazing than the first. Thanks again to everyone who put so much work into putting the event together. I can't wait for next year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-21631536692634787442011-10-08T21:19:00.000-07:002011-10-08T21:19:23.976-07:00I'm Not Worried About Atlanta and I'm Over Brett FavreSo there's a big game this week. It's a rematch of the divisional playoff game last year that saw the Packers roll the Atlanta Falcons 48-21. I thought that game was Aaron Rodgers best as a pro. He was 31-36 for 366 yards with 3 TDs and he added a rushing TD as well. I say thought, because I think Rodgers bested it against the Broncos last week with his 6 total TD performance. With the way the game went last year and the way the offense is leading the league in scoring, I'm not scared at all by the Falcons D. I don't think another 40 point game is out of the question. <br />
<br />
All the same, at the beginning of the year I saw this as one of the few losable games on the schedule. Michael Turner scares the crap out of me. He's one of the few real bruising running backs left in the league and I think his running style can give the Packers D fits. Matty Ice and the Falcons receiving core can put points on the board as well. This game had me very concerned right up until I looked at the injury report for the Falcons as saw that their starting center Todd McClure is still out for the game. He sets the tone for their running game. Without him their are one dimensional, I think the Packers D can handle a one dimensional team without concern. <b>My prediction: Packers 45 - Falcons 24</b>.<br />
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This is hard for me. I loved watching Favre play. I think he was great and he was great for a long time. He holds a ton of records and I'd have him in my top 5 QBs all time. I started thinking it was time for him to retire after the 4th and 26 game. I still have nightmares of the INT he threw to Brian Dawkins in OT. Even though I started feeling like it was time, I still loved the guy. I mean he's Brett Freaking Favre, how can you not like him, right? He's just out there having fun! Then he finally retired from the Packers and things really started falling apart. I hated how he ended up in Minnesota by retiring and then unretiring to get around the conditions of his trade to the Jets. No one can forget a few choice texts and voicemails he sent to a then Jets staffer. Beyond that, I really didn't he said or did enough to thank the Packers fans for all the years in GB. The Fan base worshipped him there. A lot still do. When Favre left there was a rift between some fans. <br />
<br />
Then came the interview and all the words I took to be condescending. I know he'll get his number retired at some point. I know he'll be welcomed back to Green Bay by the team and probably a lot of the fans. And I don't care. At this point I'm ready to put my rookie cards on Ebay and move on. I'm over you Brett Favre.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-76191733870536184612011-09-30T23:56:00.000-07:002011-09-30T23:56:17.810-07:00Why I Was Secretly Happy the Broncos Won the Super Bowl (And my thoughts on this week's game)Looking back on that Packers team of the 90's is always a great time for me. Favre hitting Sharpe every other play for a first down. Edgar Bennett trucking his way through the line. Dorsey Levins working his way upfield. When Desmond Howard ran that kick back in Super Bowl XXXI, it was cathartic for me. Remember, I became a fan in the middle of the worst decade the Packers ever had; the 1980s. To see the team I loved reach the pinnacle of football was awesome. To be there in the pub with my family watching on projector screens, it was a top 5 moment in my life to that point.<br />
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Fast forward one year. It was January 1998. I was 21 years old living in Oregon with my parents and working as a bellman in a Portland hotel. I'd met the girl of my dreams and was enjoying the peak of the Packers '90s run. And as a bellman I had a little cash to spend. My aunt lived in Vegas and so I decided I would do a parlay on the Super Bowl, just to add to the fun. My parlay was this: Packers win the Coin Toss, Over in the first quarter, over in the 2nd quarter, over in the first half, over in the 3rd quarter, over in the 4th quarter, over for the game and of course the Packers to win straight up. That's an 8 way parlay folks. 100 to 1 odds. So I called my aunt a couple of days before the game. My sweet loving Aunt Sally, God rest her soul. I told her I wanted to bet $100 and told her what to bet it on. If the ticket came in it would be a cool 10 grand. I was sure that it would be a high scoring game so I thought I had a fair shot. <br />
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Game time comes. The Packers win the toss. Sweet! That's one. Of course the game was just as high scoring as I had thought it would be, but the Packers just weren't controlling the game the way they should. Then Eugene Robinson picked off Elway. Favre led the team right down the field. The game was tied and the tide had been turned. The Packers would win and cover. I was sure. It was about this time I got a call. From my Aunt. I found out that she had not been able to get to a sports book to place my bet. I was devastated. 10 grand out there that should have been mine. When Terrell Davis scored the winning touchdown, deep down I was relieved. Instead of costing me $10,000, my Aunt Sally saved me $100. And I can still smile on that day because of it.<br />
<br />
Moving on to the Broncos game this Sunday, a lot of people think this game against the Broncos is a trap game. I agree. Von Miller and Elvis Dumerville will provide a fierce pass rush. That means the running game will have to have success for the offense to flow. Ryan Grant is out and James Starks showed no decisiveness against the Bears. That must change against the Broncos. I also have a concern about the passing game. I'm starting to feel that Rodgers is focusing on Jennings and Finley too often. They have been the target of 43% of Rodgers attempts and have 44% of the Packers receptions. I really think targets need to even up between the Packers receivers for the passing game to keep producing at the rate it has (Yes I know Rodgers is one of two QBs to have a 100+ QB rating over the first three weeks. I'd just like to see it stay that way).<br />
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As far as the defense, I was happy to hear that Nick Collins' fusion went well. I'm sad that he's out for the rest of the year but at the same time I hope that he considers his long term quality of life before he thinks about playing football again. Morgan Burnett played very well in Collin's absence last week. Hopefully with another week playing with the ones Charlie Peprah will be more prepared to actually cover people and tackle. I still see this as a fairly easy Packers victory, 31-17 sounds about right for a score.<br />
<br />
P.S. Only 2 more weeks to #throwbackweekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5308450681403567119.post-70278051460008022532011-09-22T23:18:00.000-07:002011-09-22T23:18:23.304-07:00So there's a Bears game this week?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1374766/1994_bearsthrowback_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1374766/1994_bearsthrowback_large.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean look at that throwback!! So ugly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Who knew? I could post a ton of stuff about how the Bears still suck (they do, by the way) but I'm late to the party. They've sucked since evolution decided that it should give big ugly and hairy a shot. The Bears are on a level of suckitude not seen since Hubert Cecil Booth invented the vacuum. But I won't. I'm going to instead talk about a few current and former Bears that I don't think suck. Ten of them to be exact.<br />
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<b>10. Mike Haas - </b>I lived in Oregon when he was in college so I got to see a lot of Haas on Saturdays and I grew to love the scrubby little walk on. He was drafted by the Saints but they waived him after his rookie season. I thought it was a horrible end to a good career. It was great to see him make the Bears practice squad in 2006 and then to see him on their active roster in 2007. He earned his shot and it was nice to see the Bears give it to him.<br />
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<b>9. Brian Urlacher -</b> I've always been a fan of the underdog. Yes, Urlacher was an underdog at one time. He came from a 3A high school. Texas Tech was his dream college, but they didn't recruit him. So he went to New Mexico where he played safety/linebacker/rover. He played big there and set all kinds of records. But, it was New Mexico. This guy couldn't do that in the NFL, could he? Well, he has and I respect that. Also, it's not his fault the media plays him up so much.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/MaxUFC/nfl_g_mcmahon11_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r183/MaxUFC/nfl_g_mcmahon11_600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete Rozelle is rolling in his grave.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>8. Jim McMahon - </b>I liked the headband. I liked the sunglasses. I was young and the Packers weren't good and I liked watching McMahon and those Bears teams because they had swagger. That swagger was thanks to guys like McMahon (and a few names you'll see later).<br />
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<b>7. Kevin Butler - </b>Yes, it's a kicker. A kicker with the nickname of Butthead. A kicker who called his fiance from training camp and told her that they would have to move their wedding because he would be busy at the Super Bowl. Also, I've posted a pic of my son wearing a Mason Crosby jersey. So you know I like kickers.<br />
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<b>6. Lance Briggs - </b>He's more important to the Bears than Urlacher. He's a better all around linebacker than Urlacher. There. I said it. So why does he get overlooked when it comes to contract negotiations? Why does the media ignore him so much? I think it's a conspiracy perpetuated by Jerry Angelo to keep the chip firmly planted on Briggs' shoulder. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always been a sucker for gap toothed smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>5. William "The Refrigerator" Perry - </b>The Super Bowl Shuffle. A 400 pound DT with rushing and receiving TDs. He was hard not to like. <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=6091766">Now with the issues in his personal life</a>, he feels like an everyman. I remember watching him control the middle. I remember that gap toothed smile. And I hope get can come out on the other side and smile again soon. <br />
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<b>4. Gayle Sayers -</b> Sayers came before my time. All I have to look at are the videos of him breaking ankles over and over again. He was Barry Sanders before Barry Sanders was Barry Sanders. Seriously. You young kids born in the 90's that only know Favre and a Bears team that doesn't instill the fear to go along with the hate better go find tape. Watch it. Learn your history. <br />
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<b>3. Matt Forte -</b>13 rushes a game? Come on Lovie! Forte should be your horse! He can do it all. He's the closest thing the Bears have had since Sweetness was wearing 34 and killing the Packers every week. This has nothing to do with the face that Forte is on my fantasy team. He deserves better. So start using him right. 20+ carries and 5 receptions or so and the Bears are in the playoffs again. I can't believe I'm saying this. No one show this to the Bears brass!<br />
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<b>2. Mike Ditka - </b>Sure, he was the head coach when the Bears were great in the 80's. That's only part of why I have him on this list. Ditka changed the tight end position in the NFL. He was the first TE inducted into the HOF and without him, there's no Mark Chmura or Jermichael Finley. Before he came into the NFL TEs where just 6th linemen who were eligible to catch passes. So thank him Packer fans. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rest In Peace Sweetness. You're Missed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>1. Walter Payton -</b> I don't care how much you hate the Bears he was amazing to watch. If you didn't love watching Sweetness play against every team not named Packers then you aren't a true football fan. He did it all and he looked great doing it. I've mentioned Barry Sanders before. Barry may have been more elusive but Payton was just so smooth. His game had a flow to it. He glided through cuts. Even when he improvised it looked like it was choreographed. I have never seen a running back be so smooth. Then there was his touchdown celebration:<br />
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1. Hand ball to referee<br />
2. Return to sidelines<br />
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I like TD celebrations. The cell phone, the sharpie, the pom poms and of course the Lambeau Leap. You just scored, you should be happy! At the same time watching Sweetness just hand the ball to the ref fit. There's nothing smoother than acting like you've been there. You left too soon Sweetness.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09299926533016979672noreply@blogger.com7