All Things Packers...THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

Search

G$$

New member
Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
491
Tokens
to me the packers look good so far, especially their defense. i think they are going to have a great year
 

New member
Joined
Dec 16, 2007
Messages
483
Tokens
MR mj...do you have any opinions one the fantasy value of ryan grant? thanks if you reply!
 

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,013
Tokens
I picked up Jerimichael Finly off the free agent board after the first game for my fantasy team. Looked for Sutton but they are not even offering him on the board at Yahoo....believe he will start the regular season as our number 2 rb. Go Packers!!
 

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,013
Tokens
Packers’ Rodgers comfortable, offense sharp
By COLIN FLY, AP Sports Writer
Aug 23, 3:51 pm EDT

Buzz up!55 votes PrintGREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Aaron Rodgers(notes) is a big music fan and his newest hobby is playing guitar. On the field, the Packers quarterback is keeping Green Bay’s offense in rhythm, too.

A year removed from the distractions of Brett Favre’s(notes) annual unretirement saga and with No. 4’s latest comeback 280 miles west in Minneapolis, Rodgers has been sharp and looked comfortable in two exhibition wins.

“We’re doing some really good things. I think the key is it starts up front. I think the guys—in two games, I haven’t been sacked, really haven’t been touched—and it gives you a lot of confidence as a passer,” Rodgers said after Green Bay’s 31-21 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.

Rodgers, who says indie rock and country music are his favorites, watched HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” the behind-the-scenes look at Bengals’ training camp instead of Favre’s debut with the Vikings on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Then he came out Saturday night showing all the reasons the Packers were elated when he dropped into their hands in the first round of the 2005 draft as Favre’s eventual replacement.

While the focus this preseason has been Green Bay’s transition from a 4-3 defensive scheme to a more versatile 3-4 set to take advantage of its deep linebacking corps, Rodgers and the offense have scored early and often in the first two exhibitions, building leads of 14-0 and 21-0.

“Starting fast is always a priority (of) ours,” running back Ryan Grant(notes) said. “We’re doing pretty good on third down and being able to finish drives. We want to do that to help our defense out.

“If we start fast, we kind of feel like it’ll put the other offense on their heels and give our defense an opportunity to get turnovers.”

That defense has come through with nine takeaways in two preseason games and has shown a variety of blitzing schemes that has left two opponents without an answer against Green Bay’s starters.

“They certainly showed us some nonconventional looks,” Bills wide receiver Lee Evans(notes) said. “They obviously have a lot of good athletes.”

Rodgers has led the first-team offense to five touchdowns in six drives. He went 8 of 9 for 98 yards and two TDs against the Bills and his only incompletion came when Donald Driver(notes) dropped a pass.

Driver immediately made amends, making a 5-yard TD catch on the next play after Rodgers rolled out of the pocket and eluded defensive tackle Marcus Stroud(notes) with a pump fake.

“When he jumps out of the pocket and makes that play for the touchdown to Donald Driver, that tells you something about his individual playmaking ability,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “For him to put that ball where he put it and for Donald to keep his feet in bounds, that’s exciting. Those are the type of plays that win football games.”

One of Rodgers’ biggest assets is his ability to limit his mistakes, something that hurt Favre at times. Beside throwing for more than 4,000 yards last season, Rodgers completed 19 TD passes without an interception inside the opponent’s 20-yard line despite last season’s 6-10 mark.

So far in the preseason, it’s been more of the same for Rodgers in the red zone, going 2 of 3 for 10 yards and two touchdowns.

“We just keep staying after him to be consistent,” McCarthy said. “I think he’s primed for a big year.”

The rest of the offense could follow suit.

Tight end Jermichael Finley(notes) made three catches for 46 yards, and all of last year’s rotation of receivers caught at least one pass against Buffalo.

Grant, meanwhile, ran for 43 yards on 10 carries and scored a touchdown, while undrafted free agent Tyrell Sutton, battling for a spot on the team, added 49 more yards rushing and another score.

In two preseason games, Sutton has gained 140 yards on 27 carries for a respectable 5.2 average per carry and the Packers have rolled up 338 yards rushing.

Grant said all the success goes back to Rodgers.

“He’s got a year under his belt. I think he feels more comfortable every day,” Grant said. “He’s on the same page with all the guys, that’s been big for us.”


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------:)<<
 

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,013
Tokens
Just made a trade for Ryan Grant in Fantasy. Got Santonio Holmes and Ryan Grant, gave up Kevin Smith and Steve Smith. Looking for big year from Ryan and worried about Steve Smith's shoulder.
 

Member
Handicapper
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
8,892
Tokens
MR mj...do you have any opinions one the fantasy value of ryan grant? thanks if you reply!

I've been playing the fantasy game longer than anybody...so I have an opinion.

He looks good...very good.The O-line is coming together ...hopefully without all the shuffling of the past couple of seasons...except right tackle is still a question mark but they have options there.

The passing game is loaded.

The Pack has a relatively easy schedule this year...and possibly a high pressure turn over style defense in the making.

Whats not to like about Ryan Grant? He will get opportunities.

You never know for sure in fantasy...and the Pack likes to throw the ball...but Grant looks like a rock solid pick to me...he's not a 1st tier back like Adrian Peterson....but he's solid in the middle of that next group of RB's in my opinion.
 

New member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
563
Tokens
Awesome thread! Big time Packers fan out here in Boston. (Hate the Pats!!) Was wondering if anyone out there is a season ticket holder? Father and I have never been to Lambeau and would love to take him there for a xmas present.
 

Member
Handicapper
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
8,892
Tokens
I don't wish harm on Brett...I really don't.

This looks like it was close to a career ender...in his 1st game in that damn dome. Watch your back Brett...maybe you should have went to training camp huh?

avatar.gif
 

Member
Handicapper
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
8,892
Tokens
Packers-Cardinals Preseason Week 3 Dope Sheet

posted 08/24/2009


Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet, which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24.

Honoring Calhoun, the first publicity director, the Packers are running this weekly feature as their release, which is being made available to fans exclusively on Packers.com.

A complete edition of the Dope Sheet will be available each week during the season in PDF format, located in the Packers.com Game Centers.

This is an abbreviated version of the Packers-Cardinals Preseason Week 3 Dope Sheet. To read the full version, download the PDF by clicking here.

Here are some highlights from the Packers-Cardinals Preseason Week 3 Dope Sheet:


GREEN BAY (2-0) at ARIZONA (0-2)
Friday, Aug. 28 - University of Phoenix Stadium - 9 p.m. CDT

GREEN BAY HEADS WEST TO FACE ARIZONA

- The Packers travel over 1,800 miles for their third exhibition contest against the Arizona Cardinals, a trip they will repeat in Week 17.

- In many ways, this may be the team's best test of the preseason. For starters, it is the first road game of 2009, giving the team a valuable look at how its younger players will perform in a hostile environment.

- In Arizona, Green Bay faces one of the league's most explosive aerial attacks, led by QB Kurt Warner and WR Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals are coming off an appearance in Super Bowl XLIII.

- As has been the case under Head Coach Mike McCarthy, primary starters will see their most extended action of the preseason as well. Traditionally, they have played into the second half.

- Both the No. 1 offense and defense will look to maintain the momentum of the first two exhibition games in what should be its most extended 'live' action until the regular-season opener Sept. 13 vs. Chicago.

- It will be the first trip to the University of Phoenix Stadium for the Green Bay franchise. It was an overtime away from playing at the state-of-the-art facility in Super Bowl XLII.

- Arizona lost at home, 17-6, to the San Diego Chargers this past Saturday after dropping its preseason opener in Pittsburgh a week earlier. It will wrap up the preseason Sept. 3 in Denver.

- Old-time rivals dating back to the days when the Cardinals franchise called Chicago home, Friday night marks the 21st preseason meeting between the two franchises. Green Bay holds a 14-6 advantage.

STARTING FAST
- One of the main goals in Green Bay this offseason was an added emphasis on starting fast through increasing the tempo at the line of scrimmage and ultimately improving upon point production.

- The Packers produced a total of 13 points (one TD, two FGs) on their first offensive possessions a year ago, second fewest among all NFL teams (Detroit, 10). Despite ranking No. 5 in total scoring (419 points) in 2008, the Packers produced their lowest output (61 points) in the first quarter. That total ranked tied for 20th.

- So far this offseason, it looks as though that emphasis has paid off, as the No. 1 offense has produced touchdowns on five of its six drives.

- QB Aaron Rodgers is a combined 13-of-19 for 200 yards with three TDs, producing a passer rating of 142.5.

- Not to be outdone, the defense continued its preseason shutout through six quarters thanks to four first-half takeaways against Buffalo. Through two games, the unit has recorded nine takeaways and seven sacks.

- While Green Bay has outscored its opponents 38-0 in the first half thus far, coaches and players alike know that there is plenty to correct through its first two showings.

- "There's a lot of positive information in our first two games, and we feel very good about that," McCarthy said following the Buffalo victory. "But the reality is there are things we need to correct too. So there's no reason to strike up the band or anything like that."

WITH THE CALL
- The Green Bay Packers Broadcast Partners will air the game over a nine-station network throughout the states of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Northeastern Minnesota, with CBS network production, personnel and the latest network-quality technology.

- The top-notch broadcast team includes CBS's Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) alongside fellow CBS broadcaster Rich Gannon (analyst).

- WTMJ's Jessie Garcia serves as the sideline reporter and WFRV's Larry McCarren joins the crew for pre-game segments. In addition to WFRV-TV (Green Bay) and WTMJ-TV (Milwaukee), the games are televised over WKOW/ABC, Madison, Wis.; WAOW/ABC, Wausau/Rhinelander, Wis.; WXOW/ABC, La Crosse, Wis.; WQOW/ABC, Eau Claire; WYOW/ABC, Eagle River, Wis.; WJMN/CBS, Marquette, Mich.; and KQDS-TV/FOX, Duluth, Minn.

- Milwaukee's WTMJ (620 AM), airing Green Bay games since 1929, heads up the 48-station Packers Radio Network, with Wayne Larrivee (play-by-play) and two-time Packers Pro Bowler Larry McCarren (color) calling the action. The duo enters its 11th season of broadcasts together across the Packers Radio Network, which covers 43 markets in five states.

THE DOPE ON THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT:
Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals
All-time regular season:
42-22-4
All-time, in Arizona: 3-1-0
All-time, preseason: 14-6-0

Streaks: The Packers have won five of the last six regular-season meetings
Last meeting, regular season: Oct. 29, 2006, at Lambeau Field; Packers won, 31-14
Last meeting, regular season, at Arizona: Sept. 21, 2003; Cardinals won, 20-13
Last meeting, preseason: Aug. 17, 2002, at Arizona; Packers won, 29-21

COACHES CAPSULES
Mike McCarthy:
28-22-0, .560, (incl. 1-1 postseason); 4th NFL season
Ken Whisenhunt: 20-16-0, .556 (incl. 3-1 postseason); 3rd NFL season
Head to Head: Never met
vs. Opponent: McCarthy 1-0 vs. Cardinals; Whisenhunt 0-0 vs. Packers

MIKE McCARTHY...Is in fourth year as the Packers' 14th head coach.
- Was named Packers head coach on Jan. 12, 2006, his first head coaching job after 13 years as an NFL assistant.

- Honored as the 2007 Motorola NFL Coach of the Year and NFL Alumni Coach of the Year.

- Became the first Packers coach since Vince Lombardi to lead the team to a championship game in his second season.

- One of only three head coaches to lead an offense ranked in the top 10 in the league each of the past three years.

KEN WHISENHUNT...Is in third year as the Cardinals' 34th head coach.
- In just his second season as an NFL head coach in 2008, led the franchise to its first Super Bowl berth.

- Played nine seasons as a tight end for three different clubs -- the Atlanta Falcons (1985-88), Washington Redskins (1989-90) and N.Y. Jets (1991-93).

- Before taking over the Cardinals in 2007, served as an NFL assistant coach for 10 seasons, the last six as tight ends coach (2001-03) and then offensive coordinator (2004-06) with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that beat Arizona in Super Bowl XLIII.

- Is just the second Cardinals head coach to go .500 or better in his first two seasons (Arnie Horween, 1923-24).

THE PACKERS-CARDINALS SERIES
- One of the oldest rivalries in sports, the series launched on Nov. 20, 1921, when the Packers and Chicago Cardinals tied 3-3. That afternoon marked one of four ties in the series, with the last tie coming in 1971.

- The series has been noted for its streaks, with the Packers winning 15 straight between 1937 and 1946, followed by the Cardinals winning seven straight through 1949, and the Packers winning 14 of the last 18 (with one tie) since.

- With the Cardinals franchise located in Chicago prior to 1960, the two teams played two or more times in a season 20 different years between 1926 and 1949.

- One postseason meeting following the 1982 season marked the Packers' first trip to the playoffs in 10 years and first playoff victory since winning Super Bowl II.

- In the teams' last meeting in Arizona in 2003, the kickoff temperature was 102 degrees, tied for the hottest game ever recorded in Packers history. The temperature reached 106 in the fourth quarter.

<table width="1" align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center">Advertisement</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody></table>NOTABLE CONNECTIONS
Whisenhunt, Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm, and Packers safeties coach Darren Perry coached on the same staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this decade...Green Bay's director of football operations Reggie McKenzie played linebacker for the then-Phoenix Cardinals in 1989-90...Cardinals defensive coordinator Bill Davis served on Green Bay's coaching staff in 2000 as defensive assistant/defensive line...Cardinals QB Kurt Warner got his NFL start in Green Bay at training camp in 1994. He was released before the regular season...Packers defensive quality control coach Scott McCurley was a four-year letterwinner at Pittsburgh, where he was teammates with Cardinals LB Gerald Hayes and WR Larry Fitzgerald...Cardinals defensive quality control coach Ryan Slowik played safety at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is the son of former Packers defensive coordinator Bob Slowik...Cardinals LB Ali Highsmith is the cousin of Packers scout Alonzo Highsmith...Cardinals C Donovan Raiola played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin...Packers QB Matt Flynn, FB Quinn Johnson and Cardinals WR Early Doucet, LB Highsmith and G Herman Johnson were teammates at LSU, as were Cardinals QB Matt Leinart and Packers LB Clay Matthews at USC, and Packers LB Brandon Chillar and Cardinals S Matt Ware at UCLA...Packers LB Danny Lansanah and Cardinals OLB Cody Brown played on the defense together at Connecticut...Cardinals G Trevor Canfield and Packers CB Brandon Underwood were teammates last season at Cincinnati.

INDIVIDUALLY VS. CARDINALS
In four career games against Arizona, WR Donald Driver has 10 receptions for 87 yards...LB Nick Barnett has 1 1/2 sacks and one interception in his career against the Cardinals. He had 15 tackles in the 2003 contest...LB Aaron Kampman has two sacks, both in the 2006 meeting.

LAST MEETING, REGULAR SEASON
- Oct. 29, 2006, at Lambeau Field; Packers won, 31-14.

- The Packers put together four touchdown drives of 70 yards or longer, fueled by two 100-yard rushers in Ahman Green (21 carries, 106 yards) and Vernand Morency (11-101). It marked the first time since 1985 the Packers had two 100-yard rushers in the same game.

- Green scored on two short TD runs in the second quarter to give the Packers a 21-0 lead. Brett Favre's 1-yard TD run in the third quarter preceded his first career "Lambeau Leap."

- The defense held the Cardinals to just 218 total yards, as rookie quarterback Matt Leinart had a rough day, completing just 14 of 35 passes for 157 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

- Donald Driver led the Packers' receivers with five catches for 48 yards. Greg Jennings sat out the game with an ankle injury sustained the previous week in Miami.

LAST MEETING, PRESEASON
- Aug. 17, 2002, at Arizona; Packers won, 29-21.

- With the kickoff temperature at 105 degrees, the Cardinals took an early 7-0 lead, but the Packers scored 29 straight points to lead 29-7 after three quarters.

- Green Bay got touchdown receptions from Donald Driver and Charles Lee, two field goals by Ryan Longwell, plus a safety and interception return for a score on defense.

- Driver had five receptions for 73 yards, and the Packers defense recorded seven sacks and three interceptions.

CAMP BREAKS
- The Packers had their final "two-a-day" last Thursday and moved out of the dorms at St. Norbert College on Friday, marking an unofficial end to training camp.

- The team now moves into a schedule that more closely resembles the regular season. It will hit the practice field three times this week - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - before traveling to Arizona Thursday.

- Green Bay will only have short weeks (five days) in between games for its final two contests on the preseason schedule.

INJURY REPORT
- S Nick Collins (ribs), QB Matt Flynn (shoulder) and TE Devin Frischknecht (shin) all suffered injuries against Buffalo.

- X-rays on Collins were negative, while McCarthy also indicated that Flynn's shoulder injury did not appear to be serious. Frischknecht did appear to suffer a serious injury and was taken to a local hospital.

- Sitting out Saturday night were LB Nick Barnett (knee), P Durant Brooks (hip), DE Justin Harrell (back), CB Pat Lee (back), LB Clay Matthews (hamstring), S Charlie Peprah (knee), S Aaron Rouse (hamstring) and LB Jeremy Thompson (stinger).

- McCarthy said after the game that Rouse appeared to be day-to-day, so his availability on the practice field this week will determine if he sees any action against Arizona.

FAMILIAR FACES RETURN TO LINEUP
- New defensive coordinator Dom Capers got three players back to practice at Ray Nitschke Field last week.

- LB Nick Barnett made his return to the practice field after battling back from an ACL injury that ended his season in Week 10 of 2008. One of the veteran leaders of the defense, Barnett has been a starter at middle linebacker for the past six years and was chosen as the defensive player to wear the new helmet speaker for defensive players last season. He had been on the physically-unable-to-perform list.

- Barnett participated in jog-throughs, individual work, and some 7-on-7 drills. In addition to keeping him on a "one-a-day" schedule, the coaching staff kept him out of team drills in order to keep him away from any unnecessary pileups.

- Two members of the draft class made their debuts against Buffalo: first-round pick B.J. Raji and seventh-round pick Brad Jones.

- Raji, who joined his teammates on the practice field last week after getting his contract signed, played a limited amount of reps Saturday night.

- "I thought he had some penetration, live legs," McCarthy said about the rookie's performance. "I think he's going to be an exciting young player for us. "

- Jones, who like Barnett came off the PUP list, was thrown right into the mix at outside linebacker and made his presence felt.

- The Colorado product got a sack and forced fumble right before halftime, a turnover the Packers converted into three points. Jones should see plenty of action in practice and potentially on the field in Arizona, as the injury status of both Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Jeremy Thompson (stinger) remains up in the air. Jones, with a 6-foot-3, 239-pound frame, could also make his mark on special teams.

BREAKOUT CANDIDATES
- Every preseason, a number of emerging young players or surprising rookies jump out immediately when game action begins.

- On the offensive side of the ball, it's been hard to ignore the emergence of second-year TE Jermichael Finley. His team-high five receptions thus far have showcased his ability to separate from linebackers and safeties and his abilities in the open field. An athletic specimen at 6-foot-5 and 247 pounds, Finley turned down an opportunity to play college basketball at Arizona in order to play tight end at Texas.

- "He's definitely a weapon for us," McCarthy said. "We felt that last year just the way we were able to utilize Jermichael the last couple games of the season, and now he's able to do the full gamut. He's another young player that looks like he's ready to take off."

- Also standing out thus far on offense has been rookie free agent RB Tyrell Sutton, who leads the team with 140 rushing yards on 27 carries (5.2 avg.). Despite standing 5-foot-8, Sutton has proved to be a tough runner between the tackles and has displayed some shifty moves. He also worked some on kickoff returns, which could be a spot for him to make his push to be on the 53-man roster.

- On defense, no one has had more highlight-reel plays than LB Desmond Bishop. The third-year player from California has collected two interceptions, a sack and a fumble recovery. An adept blitzer, he has also forced a number of quarterback hurries and loud hits. He is tied for the team lead with CB Tramon Williams with eight tackles.

SOLID START IN SHUTOUT WIN
- The Green Bay Packers' first units continued their dominant preseason so far, this time at the expense of the Buffalo Bills.

- The No. 1 defense forced three turnovers in four Buffalo drives, and the No. 1 offense scored three touchdowns in four possessions as the Packers bolted to a big lead and cruised to a 31-21 victory in front of 68,908 on Saturday night at Lambeau Field, improving to 2-0 in the preseason.

- After recording four interceptions in the preseason opener last week against Cleveland, the Packers and their new 3-4 defensive scheme continued to take the ball away, racking up five more turnovers in the game. Three were credited to the first-string defense, which allowed just four first downs and did not allow the Bills across midfield.

- S Nick Collins deflected a Trent Edwards pass that LB Brady Poppinga intercepted, DE Johnny Jolly and LB Brandon Chillar forced a sack of Edwards and a fumble that LB A.J. Hawk recovered, and DE Cullen Jenkins forced a fumble by running back Fred Jackson that Poppinga recovered, all in the first 16 minutes, 9 seconds of the contest.

- "The takeaways, I think we have something special," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "I think the guys are playing with a lot of confidence. They seem very comfortable in the scheme. The disguise part of it has gone very well. We're playing with more vision to the football than we did in the past, and we're off to a good start."

- Green Bay's top offensive unit was able to take advantage, after an initial stall when RB Ryan Grant was stopped for a 2-yard loss on fourth-and-1 at the Buffalo 15. Three plays later, Hawk's fumble recovery came on the Bills' 5, and QB Aaron Rodgers hit WR Greg Jennings on the ensuing snap for the first score of the game.

- The offense followed that up with its longest drive of the night, going 79 yards in just six plays after a Buffalo punt. Rodgers hit TE Jermichael Finley for completions of 18 and 21 yards, and after two defensive penalties, he found WR Donald Driver for 21 yards down to the 3. Grant took it in from there to make it 14-0.

- The third turnover - Poppinga's second of the game - put the ball on the Buffalo 41, and Grant netted 31 yards on three carries and a screen pass. Rodgers then hit Driver for a 5-yard touchdown, scrambling to the right and throwing low to the outside, where Driver made a nifty sliding catch and stayed in bounds.

- That play was particularly impressive to McCarthy, who praised Rodgers for taking all the scramble and footwork drills that are part of the head coach's quarterback school and executing them well when the situation warranted it.

- "I thought that was a big-time play," McCarthy said. "For him to put that ball where he put it and for Donald to keep his feet in bounds, that's exciting. Those are the type of plays that win football games."

- Rodgers once again put up efficient numbers, finishing 8-of-9 for 98 yards and two scores for a 151.6 rating. He completed passes to six different receivers, while Grant added 10 carries for 43 yards, plus two receptions for 21 more.

- "I think the key is it starts up front," Rodgers said. "In two games, I haven't been sacked, really haven't been touched. It gives you a lot of confidence as a passer. In the running game they're opening up holes and guys are running through arm tackles, and we're controlling the line of scrimmage."

- Meanwhile, the defense through two games has recorded nine turnovers and seven sacks. As the defense began substituting on Saturday, the big plays kept coming, with LB Brad Jones sacking backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and knocking the ball loose late in the second quarter. LB Desmond Bishop recovered at the Buffalo 26, setting up a 36-yard field goal by K Mason Crosby to make it 24-0 at halftime.

- The defense kept its preseason-long shutout intact early in the third quarter with - you guessed it - another turnover. Buffalo had driven into Green Bay territory for the first time and faced fourth-and-2 at the Packers' 21, but Fitzpatrick's pass was picked off by a diving Bishop, the third-year linebacker's second interception of the preseason.

- Buffalo finally got on the scoreboard late in the third on a 9-yard TD pass from Fitzpatrick to tight end Jonathan Stupar. The Packers came 1 minute, 9 seconds shy of going seven full quarters without allowing a point in the preseason.

- The Bills tacked on two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, as No. 3 quarterback Gibran Hamdan directed drives of 60 and 74 yards.

- In between those the Packers got some third-string offensive production. QB Brian Brohm, who played most of the second and third quarters after Rodgers came out, re-entered late after QB Matt Flynn injured his shoulder. Having had little success, with one interception, in the middle part of the game, Brohm led a 13-play, 75-yard drive for Green Bay's final score, a 3-yard TD run by rookie RB Tyrell Sutton.

SAVE THE DATE
Important dates to remember (all times local):

- Tuesday, Sept. 1 - Final practice open to public, 10:15 a.m., Nitschke Field; NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 75 players, by 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 3 - Preseason game at Tennessee Titans, 7 p.m., LP Field
- Saturday, Sept. 5 - NFL-mandated roster reduction, to 53 players, by 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 6 - Clubs may establish eight-player practice squad, 11 a.m.

WHERE THEY'LL BE FRIDAY NIGHT
- Coaches often use the preseason as a test to see where coaches are best utilized, especially with a new staff. Coach McCarthy is on the sidelines, but here's a look at where the rest of the staff will be Friday:

- Coaches' Box: Dom Capers (defensive coordinator), Jerry Fontenot (asst. offensive line), Scott McCurley (defensive quality control), Chad Morton (administrator), Joe Philbin (offensive coordinator), John Rushing (offensive quality control), and Joe Whitt (secondary - cornerbacks).

- Sideline: Edgar Bennett (running backs), James Campen (offensive line), Tom Clements (quarterbacks), Mike Eayrs (research and development), Curtis Fuller (special teams asst.), Kevin Greene (outside linebackers), Ben McAdoo (tight ends), Winston Moss (inside linebackers/asst. head coach), Darren Perry (secondary - safeties), Jimmy Robinson (wide receivers), Shawn Slocum (special teams coordinator) and Mike Trgovac (defensive line).

WHEN IT COUNTS
- No one needs to remind the Packers how important play in the fourth quarter can be.

- In eight of the 10 losses from 2008, the Packers either led or were behind by no more than one score in the fourth quarter. In those same eight games, the outcome was decided in the final two minutes.

- The "lessons of 2008", as Coach McCarthy has referred to them this entire offseason, most likely center around the Packers not coming up with the critical play in crunch time.

- Their seven losses in games decided by four points or less tied the second highest total in NFL history.

- It wasn't a problem of putting up points in the final frame, as Green Bay's 150 fourth quarter points were second in the NFL behind San Diego (152).

- Perhaps most telling was the fact that the Green Bay defense allowed the second-most fourth quarter points (135) in the league. Only Houston (136) allowed more.

- It comes as no surprise that the two-minute drill has been heavily stressed on both sides of the ball. The drill comes towards the end of practice to help simulate the fatigue and end-of-game conditions.

STAFF CHANGES HEADLINE OFFSEASON
- On the heels of a disappointing 6-10 season, a new defensive staff and scheme headlined the changes this offseason at 1265 Lombardi Ave.

- Dom Capers was brought in as defensive coordinator, and the Packers began the transition to a 3-4 scheme in offseason workouts.

- Joining Capers on the defensive staff are Mike Trgovac (defensive line), who spent the last six years in Carolina as defensive coordinator; outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene, third on the NFL's all-time sacks list and a former player under Capers; and safeties coach Darren Perry, who most recently coached in Oakland and also played under Capers in Pittsburgh. Assistant head coach/inside linebackers coach Winston Moss remains on the staff, as does Joe Whitt Jr., who spent 2008 as defensive quality control before his promotion to cornerbacks coach this offseason.

- Shawn Slocum was promoted to special teams coordinator after serving as the unit's assistant each of the last three seasons. Curtis Fuller, a former Packers safety and training camp coaching intern, will serve as his assistant. New strength and conditioning coordinator Dave Redding is entering his 23rd season at the NFL level, while Scott McCurley (defense) and John Rushing (offense) will serve as the quality control coaches.

277 AND COUNTING
- Lambeau Field saw eight regular-season sellouts in '08, bringing the consecutive sellouts streak to 277 games (261 regular season, 16 playoffs).

- Lambeau Field, the league's longest-tenured stadium, will host its 53rd season of football this year.

- A total of 565,460 fans came through the turnstiles in the eight home contests last season, an average of 70,683.

- Lambeau Field also saw the four largest regular-season crowds in stadium history in 2008 (vs. Minnesota, vs. Dallas, vs. Indianapolis, vs. Chicago). The Week 3 contest vs. Dallas (71,113) set a new regular-season attendance record.

- A number of games have the potential to challenge some stadium records this season. The primetime opener against Chicago - including the debut of new QB Jay Cutler - will be a tough ticket, as will home contests against the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens. None, however, is expected to match the Nov. 1 game against the Minnesota Vikings, where QB Brett Favre is expected to make his return to Lambeau Field wearing an opposing uniform.

SCHEDULE NUGGETS
- Green Bay's bye week - which occurs in Week 5 - is the earliest bye for the team since 1999, when it had its bye in Week 4.

- Though their bye week comes early, the Packers will get some extra rest coming off the Week 12 Thanksgiving contest. They won't play until the following Monday night, Dec. 7, at home.

- The Packers have five games against playoff teams from a year ago (Week 4 at Minnesota, Week 8 vs. Minnesota, Week 13 vs. Baltimore, Week 15 at Pittsburgh and Week 17 at Arizona).

- The first four games of the season will be broadcast on four different networks. After the bye week, Green Bay has seven straight games on FOX and could have 11 of the last 12 on the network, pending the NFL's flex scheduling. Also dependent upon the flex scheduling is the amount of 12 noon starts, which at this point is set for 10 games. An 11th, at Detroit, is set for 11:30 a.m.

- Green Bay plays three of the four teams who played in last season's conference championships. All three games (vs. Baltimore, at Pittsburgh, at Arizona) occur in the season's final five weeks. Making the season's final stretch tougher too is the fact that three of the final four games will be on the road.

- For the first time since 2003, the Packers will not play a division opponent in the season's final three weeks.

http://www.packers.com/news/releases/2009/08/24/2/
 

New member
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
28
Tokens
I landed on the right thread!!!! I've been a packer fan since 1992 when brett started with the pack and im still a die hard cheese head fan, so i guess i will be talking to you guys a lot!!

GO PACKS!!!!
 

New member
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
329
Tokens
Nothing like a few pre season wins to get the Packer fans going. Undoubtedly Rodgers and the offense are going to be great, but just don't think the defense is just going to be fine by a couple meaningless pre-season games. Teams just don't scheme well against blitzing 3 -4 defenses in the pre - season. I am waiting for them to get schemed against. Can it be good? Sure it can but most teams that transition into a 3- 4 scheme struggle in the first year. Then again most teams do not have Dom Capers as a D coordinator either.I just think the Vikes are a stronger club overall this year, but next year Green Bay maybe the NFC favorites if Raji and Matthews excel. Green Bay has better QB and wideouts but I think Minny is better everywhere else.. Pack may have a slight secondary edge.
 

Member
Handicapper
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
8,892
Tokens
It's all just rumor...but Brett could be blowing up the Vikes instead of helping them.

Of course Packer fans would love to see that. Who knows?

It sure makes for an interesting season this year...lots of story lines. :103631605

Posted <script>document.write('<nobr>'+ myTimeZone('Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:12:12 GMT-0700', '08-24-2009 09:12 PM')+'</nobr>');</script><nobr>08-24-2009 09:12 PM</nobr> <noscript>08-24-2009 09:12 PM</noscript> <nobr> </nobr>
Locker room whispers still point to Tarvaris

Posted by Mike Florio on August 24, 2009 9:37 PM ET

We reported in early July that members of the Vikings hoped that the team would abandon the pursuit of quarterback Brett Favre and give the ball to Tarvaris Jackson.

Moments ago, ESPN's Adam Schefter said during halftime of the Jets-Ravens game that this sentiment still exists in some corners of the Minnesota locker room.

It's likely gotten stronger in light of the fact that Jackson pitched a perfect game on Friday night, generating a highest-possible 158.3 passer rating on 15 attempts.


And if the Vikings struggle out of the gates, the internal calls for Jackson will only intensify.

For that reason alone, it might make sense to move Jackson to a new team.
@)
 

New member
Joined
May 13, 2008
Messages
329
Tokens
It's all just rumor...but Brett could be blowing up the Vikes instead of helping them.

Of course Packer fans would love to see that. Who knows?

It sure makes for an interesting season this year...lots of story lines. :103631605

Posted <script>document.write('<nobr>'+ myTimeZone('Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:12:12 GMT-0700', '08-24-2009 09:12 PM')+'</nobr>');</script><nobr>08-24-2009 09:12 PM</nobr> <noscript>08-24-2009 09:12 PM</noscript> <nobr> </nobr>
Locker room whispers still point to Tarvaris

Posted by Mike Florio on August 24, 2009 9:37 PM ET

We reported in early July that members of the Vikings hoped that the team would abandon the pursuit of quarterback Brett Favre and give the ball to Tarvaris Jackson.

Moments ago, ESPN's Adam Schefter said during halftime of the Jets-Ravens game that this sentiment still exists in some corners of the Minnesota locker room.

It's likely gotten stronger in light of the fact that Jackson pitched a perfect game on Friday night, generating a highest-possible 158.3 passer rating on 15 attempts.


And if the Vikings struggle out of the gates, the internal calls for Jackson will only intensify.

For that reason alone, it might make sense to move Jackson to a new team.
@)

I think the team should pay the most attention to how Jackson played in the playoff game last year and the first pre season game.. Just brutal. Jackson sucks.
 

Member
Handicapper
Joined
Mar 7, 2005
Messages
8,892
Tokens
Awesome thread! Big time Packers fan out here in Boston. (Hate the Pats!!) Was wondering if anyone out there is a season ticket holder? Father and I have never been to Lambeau and would love to take him there for a xmas present.

How To Get Packer Tickets

Packer Tickets are EASY to get. The trick is, how much are you willing to PAY? One excellent source is an outfit in Green Bay called PACKER FAN TOURS. More information is given about them down below in the TICKET BROKER section. Otherwise, other options are provided on this page. Do your homework, look around, educate yourself, and you can save yourself a few bucks by shopping around. However, there ARE opportunities to buy tickets at FACE VALUE from the Packer Ticket Office!

http://www.packersgameday.com/packertickets/packertickets.htm

:103631605
 

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,013
Tokens
My company does provide chauffeured service for Green Bay Packers games. We are usually booked for all three of our vehicles which include DTS sedan, Escalade ESV and 8 passenger Cadillac limousine. Prices are posted on our website. If you want that website just PM me as not sure can be posted here within the rules of the forum. We have six hour packages for a flat rate than hourly for extra hours over six. We do provide service for many visiting owners and families of the Packers so if interested book early.
 

New member
Joined
Feb 10, 2009
Messages
3,013
Tokens
Tough Decisions Made Up Front

by Mike Spofford, Packers.com
posted 08/24/2009

BARBRE, SPITZ, SITTON EARN JOBS ON O-LINE

Making some difficult calls, the Packers coaching staff has settled on a starting offensive line heading into Friday's third preseason game at Arizona, and at this point barring an injury or significant drop-off in performance, this is the line the offense will open the regular season with on Sept. 13 vs. Chicago.

It's Allen Barbre at right tackle, Josh Sitton at right guard, Jason Spitz at center, Daryn Colledge at left guard and Chad Clifton at left tackle.

The last two spots were never in question during training camp, but the first three have been the subject of legitimate competition. Barbre and second-year pro Breno Giacomini had been battling for the starting right tackle job, while all three center-right guard combinations among Sitton, Spitz (who plays both spots) and center Scott Wells were being used on a regular basis.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged none of the decisions was particularly easy, but the coaching staff placed a greater premium on settling things now to get a set group established and playing together than on allowing the close competitions to continue.

"If they keep progressing, this is who we'll line up with," said McCarthy, adding that he, offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and offensive line coaches James Campen and Jerry Fontenot discussed all the options at great length Sunday and Monday. "This is the five, and we're going to give it a chance to generate the continuity that you establish when you do have five offensive linemen taking all the reps together. That will be determined clearly on production, their rate of production.

"So if they continue to produce, we'll continue to have continuity with these five and we'll move forward. If it doesn't, we've got guys that are champing at the bit and that are ready to go."

At right tackle, the decision came down to Barbre simply being ahead of Giacomini in the overall development of two players who have never been NFL starters. Barbre made the switch from left guard to right tackle this offseason, but Giacomini missed all of the offseason work while recovering from an ankle injury.

McCarthy said Giacomini's response to the news was to ask if the competition could go one more week, an indication he knew he's been coming on strong since getting to practice fully in camp. But for now Barbre, who failed in his bid to unseat Colledge at left guard a year ago, is getting the first shot to establish himself as the heir apparent to Mark Tauscher.

"It's a great sense of accomplishment, that I achieved my goal that I set for myself, one of my many goals, but that's just one of them and I've got to keep stacking them," said Barbre, now in his third year out of Missouri Southern State. "I want to keep working hard and keep getting better, and you never know. I feel like I'm not even close to reaching my potential, and I'll just keep getting better and give it all I've got."

On the interior, McCarthy noted that leaving Wells out of the starting lineup was the most difficult call to make. He said he feels the team has two starting-caliber centers in Spitz and Wells, and that Wells, the elder statesman of the trio with five seasons and 42 starts at center over the past three years under his belt, had graded out very high in the preseason thus far.

But he pointed to Sitton's improvement and overall physical play at right guard, and the coaching staff's evaluation of the combination of Spitz and Sitton together, as determining factors.

"Scott is a professional," McCarthy said. "I didn't expect him to be excited and he was not. We personally talked one-on-one at length about it. He had a few questions and I answered them very honestly. He understands why we made that move.

"We feel very good about our whole offensive line as a group, definitely a lot better than we have in the past."

For Sitton, the decision gives him a chance to nail down the starting job he had earned last year as a rookie before a knee injury in the third preseason game at Denver changed the course of his season. He ended up sitting out the first five games and got only two starts.

"It's just a product of my hard work, and I just have to take this opportunity and run with it and continue to improve and continue to do the little things right so I can be a solid part of this line," said Sitton, a fourth-round draft pick out of Central Florida in 2008.

"There ain't no resting easy. They set a depth chart and what not but there's always still competition no matter what they say or no matter what the depth chart might be."

Advertisement

Spitz can attest to that. A starter at three different positions during his first three seasons here, Spitz has proven valuable as a versatile lineman who can help the line deal with injuries that crop up.

He's still capable of shifting around if needed, but for now, he'll be focusing on the position some NFL scouts projected as his best spot in the pros during evaluations for the 2006 draft.

"I've had a lot of work with 'Campy' and Fontenot the last couple of years, the technique and stuff like that," Spitz said, referring to his two position coaches, who were both centers as NFL players. "I can't truly say whether it's my best position or not. I think I've done a fair job at it and I'll continue to work.

"I'm just happy to be playing. Whether it's one spot or not, that has yet to be determined. You never know what's going to happen. We still have a bunch of versatile guys, it's a long season. You can't count on someone getting injured, but it's an unfortunate part of our business. For right now, it will be nice to get with five guys, go through the rest of the preseason and see what happens."

What they hope to see is a group that works together, stays together and succeeds. Time will tell if that's how it plays out.

"I'm real excited about what we've got and what we bring to the table as an O-line," Barbre said. "It's real exciting to see what we can do on film and I'm looking forward to the season. I think we'll have a great season. If we don't lose focus, I think we can be something special." @):)
 

Forum statistics

Threads
1,119,917
Messages
13,575,212
Members
100,883
Latest member
iniesta2025
The RX is the sports betting industry's leading information portal for bonuses, picks, and sportsbook reviews. Find the best deals offered by a sportsbook in your state and browse our free picks section.FacebookTwitterInstagramContact Usforum@therx.com