Let's Take A Look At The Last Packer-49er Meeting

How about a look at the last meeting between the Packers & 49ers!

Score  - 49ers 34 - Packers 28

Stats:
                                      Packer Stats                                     49er Stats
Total Net Yards -                385                                                 494
Penalties                             5 - 44                                            11-85
Time of Possession            21:25                                             38:35
Total Turnovers                     2                                                    0

This one is easy!  Reverse turnovers & run the ball better & time of possession will change!

QB's
                             Aaron Rogers                           Colin Kaepernick
              21 for 37 - 333 yds, 3 TD's & 1 INT     27 for 39 - 412 yds, 3 TD's & 0 INT

To win this battle, Aaron must be good with the football, no interceptions, score in the red zone, and keep the 49er offense of the field!

Defense
Packers - Receivers Boldin & Davis killed the Pack!  Boldin 13 rec for 208 yards  and 1 TD
AND Davis 6 rec for 98 yards and 2 TD's!!!!!!

Scoring was interesting!
1st Quarter - 49ers score first then the Packers score 7-7
2nd Quarter - 49ers score first then the Packers score - halftime score 14-14
3rd Quarter - 49ers score first then the Packers score 21-21

and then the 4th Quarter - 49ers field goal & Packer TD - Packers lead 28 to 24, BUT…
49ers score TD & kick field goal to win 34 to 28.

Can our Packer defense get a 2-3 extra stops?

Drives by Packers
13 drives - 6 punts & 1 ended game.  1 drive fumble & 1 drive interception and 4 drives TD's

Drives by 49ers
13 drives - 5 punts & 1 end of half.  4 TD's, 2 Field Goals, 1 missed Field Goals

Packers Last Offensive Play Against the Bears! ONE MORE TIME!

Here we go!  ONE MORE TIME!

Here is the video with the Radio Call!

Wow!

Packers Come Up Short Against Steelers, But Packer Buddies Have Great Weekend!

The Packers have had an up & down season!  Injuries, tough loses, and CRAZY referees!

BUT, the Packer Buddies had another GREAT year!  And this was the ultimate weekend!  Snow, great game, and another NEW experience!

We wake up to snow!!  And the Packer Buddies had to get to work!!!

Great sunrise in Mishicot, Wisconsin!

Then, snow removal!

The snow removal was up early to clear the parking lot!

Breakfast in Mishicot at the Cozy Corner!!

Three of the four Packer Buddies got the steak, eggs, & biscuits - covered with gravy!

Then, onto the game!!!  The Packer Buddies cleared the seats of that wonderful snow!!!

And the traditional group shot!!!

Great weekend, difficult loss, BUT WE ARE STILL IN IT!!  Thanks - Philadelphia Eagles!

Steelers vs Packers - What To Expect?

A BIG game!  What Packers must do to win?

Defense

1 - Stop the run!
Pittsburgh Run Game Rank - 31st - 79.4 per game
Le'Veon Bell - 24th - 646 yards - 3.3 average
Packer Run Defense Rank - 25th - 123.4 per game
The Packer run defense will not have Johnny Jolly(out with shoulder injury)  Must hold the Steelers, especially on first down!  Need to tackle!!!

Pittsburgh Pass Game Rank - 11th - 260.9 per game
Antonio Brown - 3rd - 1307 yards - 8 TD's
Emmanuel Sanders - 44th - 707 yards - 5 TD's
Jerricho Cotchery -66th - 568 yards - 9 TD's
Packers Pass Defense - 22nd - 252.9 per game
The Packers need to play fast!  Unlike the Bears with their BIG receivers, the Steelers are fast!  I think Williams & Shield can handle them!  I'm worried about Cotchery, especially over the middle & he does have 9 TD's!  And they love their TE Miller, he is another concern!  The defense needs to play an entire game, not a half!

Offense

Pack Run Game Rank - 7th - 130.4 per game
Eddie Lacy - 8th - 1028 yards - 4.1 average
Steeler Run Defense Rank - 19th - 115.6 per game

Green Bay Pass Game Rank
Jordy Nelson- 12th - 1107 yards - 8 TD's
JamesJones - 47th - 692 yards - 3 TD's
Jarret Boykin - 54th - 619 yards - 2 TD's
Pittsburgh Pass Defense - 8th - 222.4 yards per game
To me this favors the Steelers, and I love Polamalu, he is a play maker!  As happened last week I think Quarless is the key.  If he catches 7-8 passes we win!

Weather looks like an issue snow!  When will it hit?  The Packer Backers will be there with their snow gear!  Come on Pack!

Next Up For Packers - Pittsburgh Steelers! Packer Buddies Will Be There!!!

Here we go!

What do Packer Fans have to look forward to?

1 - Playoffs still on the line!  (Thank You Baltimore Ravens & Justin Tucker)

2 - The Packers control their own destiny - win two and they are in!

3 - More Aaron Rogers Drama - Wednesday another medical check!

4 - Last Home Game - And Packer Buddies are there - Bill, Terry, Phil & Jim!

Jim, Bill, Dave(visitor), Terry, Phil, & John(visitor)

At Eagles & Packer Game!

What we need is a Packer 4 quarter game - start to finish!  The Steelers are still playing for a very slim chance at the playoffs!  There season has been VERY similar to the Packer season.  Injuries, and inconsistent play!

Next blog entry will analyze the matchup!

See the game history - Packers lead series 19-14-0.  First game was 1933!

Here is recent history:

2/6/2011 (Super Bowl)  Win - Green Bay 31 Pittsburgh 25

12/20/2009 Loss - Pittsburgh 37  Green Bay 36

11/6/2005  Loss - Pittsburgh 20   Green Bay 10

Remember 2011

How Did The Packers Come Back To Beat The Cowboys?

OK, a fair question:

How Did The Packers Come Back To Beat The Cowboys?

1 - They played the Cowboys in December, with Romo at QB!
(Romo now 13-21 in December)

2 - Cowboys defense is terrible!
(#32 in the league!(There are ONLY 32 teams) giving up 427 yards a game)

3 - The Packers Made Plays!!  The Packer Offense - 5 drives in second half - 5 TD's!

Jordy Nelson!

Clay Matthews!

Sam Shields!

James Jones!

Andrew Quarless!

Tramon Williams!!

Making plays, will make a team win games!

From Christmas Carol to A 37-36 Packer Win!

What do you do when your team is playing like crap?

I turned the channel to the Christmas Carol, opened my computer and listened to the Packers Radio!

AND IT WORKED!

Packers comeback and beat the Cowboys!!!!

So, for the rest of the season it is Packer Radio for me!!!  And radio is another way to enjoy your team!!

Well, in the Christmas Carol, you know it is Scrooge!  Today Jerry Jones was Scrooge! (And for all you Cowboy fans, I think Jerry Jones is a perfect Scrooge!)

At halftime Jerry Jones took a nap and was visited by the Packer Ghost from Christmas Past - Vince Lombardi & the Ice Bowl!!!!!  Jerry was scared!!!

And then the ghost of Christmas Present, Dez Bryant!  Jerry has Dez & Dez has Jerry!  That should scare any Cowboy fan!  But it just makes Packer fans smile!!!

And then, The ghost of Christmas Future!  At halftime Aaron Rogers entered the body of Matt Flynn & WHAMP!!!  A Packer comeback for the ages!  Packers Win 37-36!

A "Packer" Christmas Carol!  A new Christmas Present for all my Packer Buddies!!!

Scrooge & Jerry Jones!!!!  The same?

26-3 At Half, Are Packers A Team With No Heart?

OK, just turned on the Christmas Carol!  Halftime score was too much take!  26-3!

Dallas - 250 yards passing - 93 yards running = 343 total yards in the first half!
Romo - 16 for 27 & a TD  Murray - 11 attempts & a TD

Packers - 117 yards passing - 31 yards rushing = 148 totals yards NO TD"S!

Ugly - Packer defense - WOW!

Defense! Packers need help!

Packers vs. Cowboys - What To Look For This Week?

First, of course we will look for DRAMA……………………

1 - Will Aaron Rogers play?  My prediction NO!  (I hope I'm wrong!)
(It could be more drama - like the Washington Redskins!)

Quarterback play will be interesting!  There is also, "Romo Drama"  In December, the Cowboys QB is always under the microscope!  The game will be decided by the best quarterback.  I see points, and the first QB to reach 30 wins!  Edge to Cowboys(even if Rogers plays, he will be rusty!)

2 - Defense - both teams are BAD!  Monday night, the Cowboys looked terrible.  The Cowboys, like the Packers have injury issues!  Will one of the defenses step up?  Last week the Packers showed signs!  If a run is going to happen, it needs to start with the Packer defense!  Edge to Packers! (Can't believe I'm saying this!)

3 - Running games?  Murray is tough for the Cowboys.  Lacy has a bump ankle for the Pack!  Edge goes to Cowboys.

4 - Receivers?  Packers still missing 2 BIG weapons! Finley & Cobb.   Cowboys have their crybaby Bryant, and Witten!  My worry, Witten over the middle!  For the Pack to be successful, Quarless needs at least 5-6 catches!  Edge Cowboys.

5 - Special Teams - wouldn't it be nice to see a Packer blocked punt, or a return for a TD!  I call the special teams EVEN.

6 - Point spread by Las Vegas - Cowboys by 7 points.

My prediction?  Packers 34 - Cowboys 31!  Go Pack Go!

What Packer Free Agents Should We Sign For 2014?

OK, three games to go!  What Packer free agents will earn their way into 2014?

Here is the list of 2014 Packer Free Agents:
Player                         Cap hit 2013
James Jones                $3,750,000
John Kuhn                    2,543,750
Marshall Newhouse     1,360,462
Sam Shields                 2,023,000
Kahill Bell                      168,235
Evan Dietrich-Smith    1,323,000
Jermichael Finley         8,750,000
Matt Flynn                       294,412
Rob Francios                   725,000
MD Jennings                   555,833
Johnny Jolly                    715,000
Jamari Lattimore             556,668
Michael Neal                  920,000
Ryan Pickett                 6,700,000
Andrew Quarless         1,368,606
James Starks                   655,075
Seneca Wallace              457,412
CJ Wilson                      642,590

What do we do with these players?  The next 3 games will help decide!
Here is my list of keepers as of now:
James Jones,  John Kuhn, Sam Shields, Evan Dietrich-Smith,  Rob Francios,  Johnny Jolly,
Jamari Lattimore,  Michael NEal,  Andrew Quarless, James Starks

What are your keepers?

Packers Still In Playoff Hunt!

We are in December, and still in the playoff hunt!  After 5 weeks of no wins!  That is very fortunate!  Before we begin to look at the Cowboys game, let's take one more look at the Falcons game.

1 - 4th Quarter!  A good sign for the Packers - in fact the defense gave up ZERO points in the second half!  Points?  7 Falcon points came on an interception return & 7 more came after a Flynn fumble at the Packer 21 yards line!

2 - Flynn quarterbacks a comeback!  Packers were down & Flynn was able to score points in the second half!

3 - On the negative side - Packers give up 5 sacks, last week 7 sacks!  Rogers not officially back for the Cowboy game.  And I still think McCarthy play calling is suspect!

Watching the Monday night game - Bears - Cowboys.  This game will give us a look at 2 of the last 3 opponents!  Cowboys next week, so we will focus on the "Boys"!

1 - Running game.  The Cowboys have one & the Packers must stop this first!

2 - Romo & receivers.  Dangerous, Witten & Bryant must be stopped!

3 - The Cowboys WILL score against the Packer defense!  Can we hold them under 30?

4 - Cowboys Defense - Looks like the Cowboys can be thrown on!  (Come on Rogers!)  Ware is the key - neutralize him!  Can Flynn score over 30?

Playing on Monday night is not easy to come back the next week!  Hope it slows the "Boys" up!

Packers vs Falcons - It Will Be Cold!

This Sunday it will be cold in Green Bay - High Temperature of 18 degrees!  The Falcons are a dome team from the south, GOOD!  What will we learn this Sunday about our team?

Cool Weather Team?  The Packers have worked the running game!  We have drafted the running backs.  We have shone signs this season that we can run the football!

**  Packers are 8th in team rushing in the NFL - 130 yards per game

**  Eddie Lacy is 9th in the NFL in rushing - 822 yards (and he missed one game)

On the roster for this week - Eddie Lacy, James Starks, John Kuhn and new guy Kahill Bell.

Cold weather teams must play tough defense!  That may be an issue!  Last week against the Lions the Packers had 20, I SAID 20, missed tackles.  They have emphasized tackling this year!  Something tells me, you can either tackle or not in the NFL!  The Packers have 4 games to prove they can tackle!

My gut says it will be Matt Flynn this Sunday.  The Packers are usually very conservative when it comes to injuries.  I have a feeling we will be safe with Aaron Rogers!

To this point I am happy!  You say why?  If the Packers are to be considered one of the elite NFL teams in the NFL they need to prove they can win without Aaron Rogers.  So far, I have seen a BELOW AVERAGE TEAM, without Aaron Rogers!  I want to see a win without Rogers!

A COLD Sunday in Green Bay, a backup, to the backup, to the backup quarterback starting.  A defense that had it's manhood questioned against the Lions!  This fan is anxious to see if we have an football players left on this team!

Packer Latest Roster Moves Before Falcons Game

OK, let's go back to the original roster in September - 53 Packers.  First, forget the 3 special teams people - Mason Crosby-K, Tim Masthay-P, & Brett Goode.

Now, of the original 50, 7 offensive players & 11 defensive players did not miss a game.  So, of the original 50 players - ONLY 18 played in every game!
     12 are on the Injured Reserve - DONE FOR THE YEAR!
       4 starters lost for the year - Brian Bulaga OT, Casey Hayward CB, DuJuan Harris RB & Jermichael Finley TE.
 
Of the starting players that missed games, of the Packers 12 games:
Offense
Aaron Rogers has missed - 3 games
Randall Cobb has missed - 7 games
John Kuhn has missed - 1 game
Jermichael Finley has missed - 6 games
James Jones has missed - 1 game
Eddie Lacy has missed - 1 game
Defense
Morgan Burnett has missed - 3 games
Casey Hayward has missed - 10 games
CJ Wilson has missed - 4 games
Clay Matthews has missed - 4 games
Johnny Jolly has missed - 1 game
Nick Perry has missed - 1 game

Added today was 4th year running back Kahill Bell, Jonathan Franklin is on the IR.  Franklin has seemed to never gained the trust of the coaching staff!

Jerron McMillan was cut!  Another player that made the original roster that never seemed to help the Packers.

The injury list, players not helping, and players actually let go!  Strange year!!!

Turkey Digested, But I Still Have A Terrible "Packer" Taste In My Mouth!

Here we are, 4 days after the Lions humbled the Packers!  Josh Sitton has eaten a lot of "turkey"!  And,  now we must get ready for another game!  What should we expect this week against the Falcons?

1 - So far this season - L - W - L - Bye - W - W - W - W - L - L - L - L - Tie - L

With Rogers a win!
Without Rogers a _________?  This team MUST prove they can win without Rogers!  So, what must change this week?

Line play!  Last week the offense & defensive lines were dominated!  Why? In my humble opinion:
     a.  Josh Sitton - thanks for opening you big mouth!  Even if it is true what you said, why give any team you are playing a rallying point.  Not only did it hurt the offensive line play by the Packers, the Packer defensive line was dominated.
     b.  Juggling offensive line did not work.  Offensive line looks better when the 20 million dollar quarterback is behind them!  Quick passes, play changes, leadership, confidence, etc, etc.


Quarterback play - it is obvious!  Turnovers none.  3rd down efficiency?
Lion Game 20%     NO ROGERS - Loss
Viking Game 19%     NO ROGERS - Tie
Giants 25%     NO ROGERS - Loss
Eagles 44%     NO ROGERS - Loss
Bears 11%      NO ROGERS - Loss
Vikings 72%    Aaron Rogers played!!! - Win
Browns 54%     Aaron Rogers played!!! - Win
Ravens  35%     Aaron Rogers played!!! - Win
Lions 44%     Aaron Rogers played!!! - Win
Bengals 31%  Aaron Rogers played!!! - Loss (SHOULD HAVE WON)
Redskins 40%     Aaron Rogers played!!! - Win
49 er's 40%     Aaron Rogers played!!! -  Loss

OK, Today we looked at offense!  What are the simple keys?

1 - No turnovers
2 - 3rd Down effeciency - above 50%!

Packers Suffer Embarrassing Loss To Lions

Butt Kick!

Beat Down!

Humiliation!

Whoppin'!

Embarrassed in front of a national TV audience!  Look at the numbers!

Packers rushing yards -24 &  Lions rushing yards - 241  That is a Butt Kick!

Packers passing yards -139 &  Lions passing yards - 330  That is a Beat Down!

Packers punting - 6 punts &  Lions punting - 1  That is a Humiliation!

Packers points 10 - Detroit points  40  That is a Whoppin'!

We know Rogers was out!  But, this may be the low point of the past 5-6 years!  There are two ways to go from here, up or down.  It will be hard to go down lower, that was one of the poorer efforts of any team in the NFL this season!

Did Josh Sitton provide a little extra - BUTT KICKING?  Looked like it!  His butt was one kicked!

Should McCarthy be calling plays?  He sure is not creative & is VERY predictable!!  He should be the head coach, fire himself & try the offensive coordinator for a few weeks!

One thing I think is obvious - the Packers need a new defensive coordinator!  And Ted Thompson needs to feel some heat!  The defensive personnel is VERY questionable!

Next week - Falcons!  Two team that are struggling!  A home game!

What will this team show us?

Lions and Packers, The Game Just Got A Little More Interesting!

As if this game was not important enough, Packer guard Josh Sitton just stirred the pot!  And I quote:

"I don't think there's any question about that. They go after quarterbacks. Their entire defense takes cheap shots all the time, that's what they do, that's who they are. They're a bunch of dirtbags, or scumbags. I mean, that's how they play."

NFL Website - "Lions Are A Bunch Of Dirt Bags!"

Wow!  I think I will pay close attention to the line play!

Now, reality.  You can think this, and you can even believe it, BUT, to say it right before the game is either brilliant or stupid.  My vote for any of this type of talk is STUPID!

There is evidence, just watch the Lions play!  Coach Schwartz, suspect.  The video of Suh, stamping on a Packer linemen as he lays on the ground, is all I need to see.

If I was coach, I would not be happy with Sitton.  Take all you anger & emotion and focus it on every play, not with a reporter!

Rogers Is Throwing, But…………………...

Rogers Is Throwing, But……………………

Maybe, just maybe, one more week?

Next man up - Matt Flynn!

So, let's review……

Nov 4th - Bears & Packers - Rogers goes out FIRST series, in comes Seneca Wallace
                     ATT  COM  Yds  TD   LG   IN   RT
S. Wallace     19       11     114     0     17     1     53.4
Packers lose 27-10

Nov 10th - Eagles & Packers - Wallace goes out in the FIRST series, in come Scott Tolzien
                     ATT  COM  Yds  TD   LG   IN   RT
S. Tolzien     39        24     280    1     36      2    70.5
Packers lose 27-13

Nov 17th - Giants & Packer- Scott Tolzien plays entire game
                     ATT  COM  Yds  TD   LG   IN   RT
S. Tolzien      34      24      279     0     52     3    65.7
Packers lose 27-13

Nov 24th - Scott Tolzien starts, stumbles & Matt Flynn enters
                     ATT  COM  Yds  TD   LG   IN   RT
S. Tolzien       17         7    98      0       34    0     60.4
M. Flynn         36        21   218   1        34    0     85.2

And now, Matt Flynn starts?  We need at least 31 points!  Can Matt Flynn do that?

And the defense?  Here we go again?  Can they stop the Lions offense?  NO!  I think the Lions offense will score at least 27 points!

Let see how my prediction goes!

Packer Draft & Other Pick Ups - the Defense?

Draft & Other Pick Ups?  Last three?

2013

DE Datone Jones D1 RB Eddie Lacy D2 T David Bakhtiari D4a RB Johnathan Franklin D4c CB Micah Hyde D5a DE Josh Boyd D5b LB Nate Palmer D6

WR Chris Harper (SF)

S Chris Banjo QB Matt Flynn (D7a-08) LB Andy Mulumba G Lane Taylor TE Jake Stoneburner QB Scott Tolzien WR Myles White

2012

LB Nick Perry D1 DE Jerel Worthy D2a DT Mike Daniels D4a S Jerron McMillian D4b

G Don Barclay TE Brandon Bostick WR Jarrett Boykin S Sean Richardson

2011

T Derek Sherrod D1 CB Davon House D4 TE Ryan Taylor D7a

S M.D. Jennings LB Jamari Lattimore

Last 3 drafts - NO IMPACT PLAYERS!

To me, the blame goes to Thompson first, then Capers!

Packers Tie Vikings!

OK, the good news first!  The Pack is only 1/2 game out of first!

Bad, news, the Packers could be in first!

Matt Flynn comes in for Tolzien?  Blame - Ted Thompson, he did not calculate the back up QB situation very well!

Flynn did rally the troops, but we need Rogers back!

Lacy run for over 100 yards again.  We are running the ball, but with a dangerous passing game, we would be OK!

Miss, Finley & Cobb!  The next man up sounds good, but they are the next man for a reason!  Boykin is proving himself!

Defense, Capers must go!  We have had injuries, but is the system the problem, or again is it Thompson, the defensive

backs are not making plays!  We miss Collins & Woodson!  The safety position is REALLY week!  Sheilds did not 

play - HAMSTRING!  We seem to have corners - Williams, Sheilds, House, Hayward, Hyde - WHEN HEALTHY!

Missed Jolly today, he did not play!  To stop the run, Jolly must be important!  With Matthews back the sacks are coming, but need more from the D-line!

The original roster had 53 players - only 21 have played all 11 games!  The Pack, with different injuries every week, cannot get a rhythm!

Especially now that we have a QB rotation - starters Rogers - then Wallace, then Tolzien, then Flynn!  I think it is time to call Favre!

5 games left - Lions - Falcons - Cowboys - Steelers - Bears!  Can we build momentum?  I think Rogers must play!  It has been 20 days

since the injury - that will 23 days to the Lions game!  Collarbone, 4-6 weeks, 28-42 days.

Thanksgiving Day History Between Lions & Packers

The Detroit Lions have played football on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit every year since 1934, with the exception of the war years of 1939-44. The team they have played the most on Thanksgiving Day is theGreen Bay Packers. The Lions and Packers have met 19 times on Thanksgiving, including 13 straight years from 1951 through 1963. The Lions lead the series with a record of 11-7-1.

Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving Day Games
1951 - Lions 52 - Packers 35
1952 - Lions 48 - Packers 24
1953 - Lions 34 - Packers 15
1954 - Lions 28 - Packers 24
1955 - Lions 24 - Packers 10
1956 - Packers 24 - Lions 20
1957 - Lions 18 - Packer 6
1958 - Lions 24 - Packer 14
1959 - Packers 24 - Lions 17
1960 - Lions 23 - Packer 10
1961 - Packers 17 - Lions 9
1962 - Lions 26 - Packer 14
1963 - Packers 13 - Lions 13
1984 - Lions 31 - Packers 28
1986 - Packers 44 - Lions 40
2001 - Packers 29 - Lions 27
2003 - Lions 22 - Packers 14
2007 - Packers - 37 - Lions 26
2009 - Packers - 34 - Lions 12
2011 - Packers - 27 - Lions 15
Lions 11 Wins - Packers 8 Wins & 1 Tie

Lambeau Field Need To Bring Back Lambeau "Ghosts"

What we need, besides a clean, well-played football game?

A little help from the past!

A little Vince……..

A little defense…….

Some magic on offense….

Some special teams fire…….

Some big sacks……

Consistent kicks……

And a victory!!!!!!

Packer & Viking Memories!

How about a stroll down memory lane!

The early days coaches dressed for weather, NOT for show!

What makes John Kuhn special?  First, the PackerBackers love local boys!  John grew up 30 minutes from Lancaster, PA!  Second, John married a local girl (she ran track & field against some of the PackerBacker coaches!)  And last, and most important, John Kuhn is a throwback!  He reminds the Packer fans of their "blue collar roots!

Reggie White!  Inspirational!  Motivational!  Talented!  And a FREE AGENT!  (I wish Ted would sign one impact free agent!)  Reggie helped move the Packers into a new level!  And Reggie, we miss you!

The Packer running game was devastating!  Maybe we are getting there again!  With a healthy Rogers and running game, maybe the new Packers will make their mark!

Lately, OLD Packers are finding the Viking retirement home!

Old & New.  Tradition!  The Packers have something that most teams long for, a link to a past that is historic!  But, the NEW Packers cannot be satisfied!  This season is still there for the taking!  GHet healthy, get Rogers back and who knows?  Super Bowl?

Packers AT Home Against The Vikings - A MUST WIN!

Here we are, the Packers have 5 wins and 5 losses.  The Packers are one game out of first in their division.  6 more games to play!

Nov 24 - Vikings at Packers
Nov 28 - Packers at Lions
Dec 8 - Falcons at Packers
Dec 15 - Packers at Cowboys
Dec 22 - Steelers at Packers (The Packer Buddies will be at this game!)
Dec 29 - Packers at Bears

They play the division opponents - Vikings - Lions - Bears!
They play at Lions - Cowboys - Bears
Home games against - Vikings - Falcons - Steelers

Six games, I think they need to win 5, and sweep their division rivalries!

Let's look at the Vikings first!

Ponder against Tolzien!  A quarterback battle of your QB's!  Turnovers win the battle!

Packer Offense vs. Vikings defense.  To win the battle I think the Packers need to pass on first down to give Tolzien a chance.  It would be nice to see the Pack incorporate all three running backs - Lacy-Starks-Franklin!  Why not a few special plays for Franklin to take advantage of his speed!  And through deep, stretch the defense, Tolzien looked great going deep against the Giants!  BLOCK JARED ALLEN!

Packer Defense vs. Vikings Offense.  Pressure the QB.  Make Ponder feel the heat!  And DO NOT give up the BIG run of Adrian Peterson!  Tackle!  Tackle! Tackle!  How about a defensive TD!!

Special Teams - Watch out for Patterson returning for the Vikings!  Win the Special Teams battle!

Check out the Packer web site and the list of key game points versus the Vikings.

Another Packer Loss - This Time The New York Giants

The script is becoming predictable - the Packers lose a game and the reasons are:

Injuries - The next man up is not enough to get a Packer win.

Turnovers - the other team, this time the Giants win the turnover battle.

Tackling - McCarthy is again not happy with the Packer's ability to Tackle!
(Too bad this is tackle football!)

NFC North struggles - Lions lose, Bears win a close one (with a backup QB)

This week I think is the week - lose and it will be get ready for next year!  Can the Packers save the season?  Here are my early keys to victory!

1 - No turnovers by the Pack!

2 - Force at least 2 Vikings turnovers

3 - A defensive TD or special teams TD

4 - Play a great 4th Quarter!

In Green Bay, "The Glass Is Half Full"

In my humble view, in Green Bay, the "Glass is Half Full"!  Why?  Let me give you some evidence!

Eddie Lacy!  The more I see him run & hear him talk, the more I like what I see!
Listen to the Eddie Lacy Interview today at the Packer Website.

I like this guy!

Jordy Nelson!  Is there a more consistent dependable receiver in the NFL?  Great Hands!  Great Speed!  Catches the short pass.  Catches the long pass.  Is a leader.

Listen to a Jordy Nelson interview!

I like this guy!

Clay Matthews!  Just watch him warm up before the game!  ENERGY!  He is a unique athlete!  He reminds of a race horse.  And the things about a race horse, that body is a fine tuned machine & needs care (INJURIES).  If healthy, his athleticism is critical to Packer Defense!

Listen to Clays Interview this week!

I like this guy!

AJ Hawk!  This is our blue collar guy!  Not our most talented, but always there and great leadership!  AJ has had a great year this year keeping this team close!  And he took a PAY CUT  to stay with the Packers!

Listen to his interview with the NFL Network this week!

I like this guy!

Our Head Coach - Mike McCarthy.  No non-sense.  Hard working.  Prepared.  Poised.  Player friendly.
In charge.  Level headed.  When you look around the league, Coach McCarthy, I think is one of the best.

Listen to his press conference today with Mike McCarthy.

His current Won-Loss Record - 79-43 - 65.3%  Playoff Record 6-4 - 60%  Details….
2006  W-8 & L-8      
2007  W-13 & L-3        Playoffs
2008  W-6 & L-10      
2009  W-11 & L-5        Playoffs
2010  W-10 & L-6        Playoffs - Super Bowl Champion
2011  W-15 & L-1        Playoffs
2012  W-11 & L-5        Playoffs
2013  W-5 & L-4          ????????????????????????

So, 7 years, 5 times making the playoffs, & ONE Super Bowl Champion!

I like this guy!

It is GOOD to be a Packer Fan!

What Has AdversityTaught Us About The Packer Roster?

When we go through difficult times we learn a lot about ourselves!  When our team, the Packers go through difficult times were learn a lot about our team!  What have we learned?

The Players
1 - Aaron Rogers is worth every cent we pay him!  The way I count, there are 32 teams in the NFL & only 4 QB's that can change a team into a champion - Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, & Aaron Rogers!  Aaron Rogers is the heart & soul of this team!

2 - Eddie Lacy - Eddie Lacy is an NFL running back!  He takes a hit it gets the all important YAC (Yards After Contact)!  He blocks - this is critical for our QB!  And he seems to be a quality person!  Something Ted Thompson seems to be pretty good at when drafting!  Starks & DuJuan Harris are more than adequate NFL backs, when healthy!

3 - When healthy, Nelson, Jones, Cobb & Finley are GOOD!  They complement each other & seem to be on the same wave length as Rogers!  And Jarrett Boykin is a KEEPER!  The last few weeks he has proven that!

4 - Offensive line is good & I think could be great, if healthy!  Bulaga, Sitton, Dietrich-Smith, Lang, Barclay or Sherrod!  They seem to enjoy run blocking & have given Rogers ample time!

THIS OFFENSE IS GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN ANOTHER SUPER BOWL! WHEN HEALTHY!

1 - Linebackers - AJ Hawk is having a great year!  Without him, we would be in trouble!  Matthews, when healthy, is one of the best!  The others are average at best!

2 - Defensive line - I think is OUR WEAKNESS!  The run stop is better, but, by themselves, NO PRESSURE on the quarterback!  This to me is Ted Thompson's biggest failure!  There are NO ATHLETES, maybe Datone Jones will improve, but the others are all average at best!  NEED A DIFFERENCE MAKER!

3 - Defensive backs - I think are better than they look, because of no pressure.  The corners Williams, Shields, House, etc.  The safeties are the weakness!  Bad ball skills, getting beat deep, poor tackling, what else can I say!

DEFENSE CANNOT CARRY THIS TEAM!  NEED TO DRAFT OR SIGH A FREE AGENT!

Packers Take On the Giants - Another Big Game!

Over the past 3 years the Packers & Giants have had some big games!  And this is another BIG GAME!!  Let's review the past few years of the Giants & Packers football games.

November 25, 2012  Giants 38 - Packers 10
January 15, 2012  Giants 37  - Packers 20
December 4, 2011  Packers 38 - Giants 35
December 26, 2010  Packers 45 - Giants 17
January 20, 2008  Giants 23 - Packers 20
September 16, 2007  Packers 35 - Giants 13

So, over the past six games the teams have split, BUT the Giants have won some BIG games!

In the 2007-2008 NFL season, the Packers crushed the Giants early in the year 35-13!  BUT, do you Packer fans remember the playoff game - January 20, 2008?  I DO!  The Packer Buddies Do!  WE WERE THERE!  Favre's last game!  COLD!!  COLD!! COLD!!  And Favre's last pass, an interception on the right sideline!

The Packer buddies were at the December 4th game, a wild offensive show won by the Pack!  But again, the big game that year, the playoff game, a 37-20 EASY Giant win!

Notice a pattern?  The BIG games, the important games were won by the Giants!  This week is a big game for both teams!  My prediction?  The loser will NOT make the playoffs!  I hope the Packers can win a BIG game against the Giants!

Favre's last pass as a Packer!!!! 

BEAT THE GIANTS IN 2013!!!

Pack Loses To Eagles 27-13

My Packer Buddies and I were in Green Bay this weekend - that's is the GOOD News!  The bad news?  So were the Packers!  First the positive!

Jim, Bill, Dave(Our Eagle fan), Terry, Phil, & John

1 - Great time with my buddies!  We always enjoy our trip to Green Bay!  Whether it's eating at the local restaurants, drinking the local beer or wine(Bill's specialty), or shopping in the local stores for cheaper Packer wear!  Green Bay is a GREAT football town, in fact the BEST!!

2 - Veterans Day Tribute!  WOW!

3 - QB - Scott Tolzien - second week in a row our starting QB gets hurt in the 1st series!  Tolzien did a great job considering the circumstances!

4 - TJ Lang goes to center!  The offensive line suffered it's first crucial in game injury issue!  Lang did a nice job on almost all snaps!  

5 - Datone Jones - 2 sacks!  We need pressure on the opposing QB.  Is Jones turning the corner?

CONCERNS?

1 - Loss! Record 5-4

2 - Injuries, let's see if I can get them all?

     Casey Hayward - the hamstring again!

     Johnny Jolly - groin

     Clay Matthews is not 100% - thumb

     Brad Jones is not 100% - hamstring

     Ryan Picket is not 100% - knee

     Andy Mulumba did not play

     Mike Neal is not 100% - knee

     Nick Perry not 100% - foot

     Evan Dietrich-Smith - knee - did not finish game

     Seneca Wallace - groin - did not finish game

     Don Barclay - knee

     Randall Cobb - still out - back in 2-3 weeks?

     Aaron Rogers - still out - back 2-3 weeks?

     Sam Barrington - out for year

     Bryan Bulago - out for year

     Sederrick Cunningham - out for year

     Kevin Doesey - out for year

     Jermichael Finley - out for year

     Robert Francois - out for year

     DuJuan Harris - out for year

     Greg Van Roten - out for year

     Sean Richardson - out for year

     JC Tretter - out for year

     Jerel Worthy - out for year

3 - 4th Quarter defense

4 - Secondary - interception, ball skills, & getting beat deep!

5 - More QB pressure on opposition!

More to come this week!

Seneca Wallace, What Can The Packers Expect?

We have a new quarterback,  Seneca Wallace!  How about his career stats?

First, 10 years of NFL football.  63 games.  In 2013, he played 13 games, and 10 in 2008 & 2007.  Let's look at those years - 16 TD's & 36 interceptions.  Not too bad.

QB Rating 81, 87, & 99.  That is about average by todays QB stats!

Completion percentage - 65%, 58%, & 67%.  Not bad.

We need Seneca Wallace to be efficient.  We need the coaching staff to coach his up!  What would I do (just in case McCarthy is reading my blog)?

1 - Change the offense to run first, pass second.  That does NOT mean pass only on third down!  But, use Lacy & Starks to "punish" the defense.  Play action passing, draw plays, & get the ball to play makers - Nelson & Jones.

2 - Defense needs to contribute!  Matthews may be back, now the linebackers must create "havoc" blitzing, interceptions, force fumbles!  AND, play hard in the 4th quarter!

3 - Special Teams - we got a sneak peak in the Bear game - the Pack can do some amazing things!  They must be creative, and be aggressive!  All facets, Kick & Kick Return.  MUST try to keep opponents at the 20 & less!  Must return to OUR 30 & more!  Give OUR offense short field & opponents long field - SAME on punts!

Come on Seneca!!!

Packers Lose To Bears

What a difference a week makes in the NFL!  Packers are in first place, the injuries are healing, the running game is starting to roll, and Rogers is as sharp as ever!  Now, one week later NO Rogers!

It looks like at least three weeks - now what?

1 - Seneca Wallace.  The move to give up on our quarterbacks and bring in Wallace was I think unusual.  Now we will see if it was a wise move.

2 - Can the running game continue to grow?  With Rogers you could not load up for the run. And Lacy and Starks were looking like a formidable 1-2 punch!

3 - The defense was coping with many injuries and the lost of the spark plug - Matthews!  Early we didn't have our defensive backs Heyward & Burnett, they are back.  Our inside linebacker Brad Jones went down, Francois is in, he is lost for the year!  Lattimore comes in and does well.  Perry starts to look good at outside line backer, he misses games.  Mike Neal starts to look at home at line backer.   But the "D" does not look like it could stop someone if it had to, and the 4th quarter play is terrible!

4 - The team had a chance to put some space between the Lions & Bears, now a three way tie!

Next up the Dr. Jekyl - Mr. Hyde Eagles!

Time For Packers And The Bears! The NFL's Longest Rivalry!

Here we go!  From the Vikings to the Bears!  This is what football is all about!

Rivalry began in 1921!  THE LEAGUES LONGEST!

Bears lead the series - 92-88-6
1920's - Bears 7-6-3
1930's - Bears 12-11-1
1940's-  Bears 16-4-1
1950's - Bears 14-5-1
1960's - Packers 15-5
1970's - Bears 11-9
1980's - Bears 11-7
1990's - Packers 13-7
2000's - Packers 12-8
2010's - Packers 6-1

NFL Title - Packers 13 & Bears 9!

Super Bowl Appearances - Packers 5 - Bears 2
Super Bowl 1 - Packers 35 Kansas City 10
Super Bowl 2 - Packers 33 Oakland 14
Super Bowl 20 - Bears 46 New England 10
Super Bowl 31 - Packers 35 New England 21
Super Bowl 32 - Denver 31 Packers 24
Super Bowl 41 - Indianapolis 29 Bears 17
Super Bowl 45 - Packers 31 Pittsburgh 25

Check out the top ten moments in the Packer & Bear Rivalry!

Packers Defeat Vikings, What DId We Learn?

One thing was settled Sunday, the Packers win the Viking Dome Series - 26 wins & 25 loses!  Many great games!  Many great memories!  Packers comes out one game on top!  AWESOME!

What did we learn Sunday against the Vikings?

We learned Aaron Rogers can pass the football and at the same have a running game!!  He was 24 for 29 for 285 yards and 2 TD's with no interceptions!

We learned Lacy & Starks are running backs to be reckoned with each week!  Lacy 29 attempts for 94 yards and a TD & Starks 7 attempts 57 yards and a TD!

We learned Jordy Nelson can catch, and run, and play in the slot, or wide, and still has that speed!

We learned the offensive line can pass block & run block!  Our young tackles are progressing Bakhtari blocked Jared Allen!  Barclay blocked Robinson!

We learned, missing 3 out of our 4 starting linebackers is not the end of the world!  The "Next Man Up" Lattimore inside, Palmer & Neal outside are able to hold there own!

We learned our defense CAN hold Peterson under 100 yards (13 attempts for 60 yards!)

We learned Micah Hyde can return punts!!

And, we learned the Packers are back as a team to be reckoned with in the NFL!

Viking vs Packers, NFL Rivals

The NFL has some great rivalries!  And the Vikings and Packers Rivalry Rocks!

A look at the records by decades:

1960's     Packers 11-7

1970's     Vikings 15-4-1 

1980's     Packers 14-5

1990's     Vikings 12-9

2000's     Packers 12-9

2010's     2010's 6-1

Totals - Packers 56  Vikings 49 and one tie!

How about the Hall of Fame?

Packers -  21 Hall of Famers
Vikings - 16 Hall of Famers

And how about a few Viking jokes?

Q. How do the Vikings count to 10?
A. 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, 0-5, 0-6, 0-7, 0-8, 0-9, 0-10

Q. How do you keep a Viking out of your yard?
A. Put up goal posts!

Q. Where do you go in Minneapolis in case of a tornado?
A. To the Metrodome - there's never a touchdown!

Q. What do you call a Viking with a Super Bowl ring?
A. A thief!

Q. Why doesn't St. Paul have a professional football team?
A. Because then Minneapolis would want one!

Q. What's the difference between the Vikings and a dollar bill?
A. You can still get four quarters out of a dollar!

Q. How many Vikings does it take to win a SuperBowl?
A. Nobody knows!

Q. What do the Vikings and possums have in common?
A. Both play dead at home and get killed on the road!