Packers Inside Linebackers - Uh Oh!

Uh Oh!  Packer inside linebackers!  Somehow we made it work!

AJ Hawk
Brad Jones
Sam Barrington
Jamari Lattimore
Nate Palmer
Joe Thomas

To begin the year - AJ Hawk & Brad Jones
AJ Hawk has had a GREAT career as a Packer!  Great leader!  NEVER hurt!  Call the defensive plays.  He knows how to play defense!  The problem is, he is 31 in his 9th year!  His speed is not there, and he never was a speed demon!!!  By season end, AJ was not playing many defensive snaps!

Still was third on the team in tackles with 89!  But, ……

AJ Hawk - a great Packer!!

Brad Jones was our starter.  Signed a nice contract!  $3,750,000 a year (only Matthews & Peppers make more!)  He played terrible early!  And was beaten out by Sam Barrington, drafted in the 7th round in 2013!!  Brad Jones also had some issues on special teams!!!  So,………..

We had Clay Matthews playing some inside linebacker!

And, Sam Barrington was starting!  If you watched the games Barrington had impact!  A rugged tackler!  Speed to chase down running backs & cover tight ends!  In his second year, starting at inside linebacker, had a nice season!!!

Jamari Lattimore - injured most of the year, Lattimore was helping!  He has shown signs of being a quality back up & special teams player, but starter?

Nate Palmer, and Joe Thomas practice squad players, did not play at all, unknown!

So, we need to either draft an inside linebacker in rounds 1, 2, or 3.  Or, free agent time!!!

This is a BIG NEED!

Next Up, Packer 2015 Cornerbacks

Just like our Packer safeties, the Packer corner backers had a nice season.  Here are the present
list of cornerbacks on our roster:

Jarrett Bush
Tay Glover-Wright
Demetri Goodson
Casey Hayward
Devon House
Sam Shields
Tramon Williams

Starters Tramon Williams & Sam Shields had adequate seasons.

Williams - 70 tackles, 2 interceptions
Shields - 40 tackles, 2 interception

Our two starters are not lock down corners, but they are not bad.  Williams, at age 31 and a free agent!  He may not be back!  Shields, signed last year, will be.

Devon House and Casey Hayward
These two players played a lot of football!  Both are above average back-ups.  At 6' & 5'11 are not the biggest, so wide receivers like Calvin Johnson & Julio Jones are difficult match ups!  At year 4 & 3 respectively, they are young enough to get better!

Next, subs, Jarrett Bush, Demetri Goodson, & Tay Glover-Wright will fight hard to make next years team. Bush is the old man with 9 years experience.  The other two are rookies!

If available, I would draft a quality corner early.

Packer Defense - Let's Start With Safeties

The Packer Defense did improve.  By the end of the year, not bad!

Let's begin our breakdown at safety:

Morgan Burnett
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Chris Banjo
Jean Fanor
Sean Richardson
Micah Hyde

Morgan Burnett
Something happened this year! And the BEST way to notice is the voting for the playoff run
captains.  Out of all the defense, Morgan!  When a player has the respect of the team, not many awards
can top that!!

Leading the team in tackles - 130, Had two interceptions, 1 fumble recovery

Was used to cover on passes and lined up with the linebackers to help with the run!  Watch the interviews with Morgan this year, and you can see the maturity, the confidence, and the leadership!

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
A great rookie season!  If you had a chance to watch the Pack, you could see the improvement
from week to week.

Second on the team in tackles with 93.  One interception.

Next year, with Morgan, will we have TWO of the best safeties in the league!!!

Micah Hyde
Hyde was everywhere.  Safety & corner.  Punt Returns. Special Teams.  He is one of those players that is not just a safety, but a FOOTBALL PLAYER!  Those kind of players are VERY valuable on a football team.

14 punt returns - 15.8 yes/return, & 2 TD's!

 He can play safety, corner, return man, & special teams!  Another great value!!

Chris Banjo
If you could keep up with the defensive substitutions, you would have seen Chris Banjo on many defensive snaps.  He also was a special team player.  Early in the year, the coaches had a lot of good things to say and he had a nice year!  Should have a great shot next year!

Sean Richardson
Richardson the past 3 years has mostly been a special teams contributor.  He has filled in when the injury bug hit.  May have a difficult time sticking.  But, he has earned the shot!

Jean Fanor
A practice squad player that needs a closer look.  The off season workouts & next training camp is the best way to show his ability.  Time will tell!

This group is a Packer strength!  Burnett, Clinton-Dix & Hyde lead the way!!!!

Packer 2015 Offensive Line - A Consistent Year

The 2014 Offensive Line Stats:

Sacks given up - 12th in the league with 30

Quarterback Hits - 7th in the league with 64

Total Offense - 7th in yards - 361/game

Rushing Yards - 3rd - 127/game

Passing Yards - 6th - 234/game

The big boys did two things

1 - Stayed Healthy
2 - See the stats above!!!

Adams, Aaron  - T
Bakhtiari, David - T
Barclay, Don - G/T
Bulaga, Bryan - T
Gerhart, Garth - C
Lang, TJ - G
Linsley, Corey - C
Madsen, Joe - C
Sitton, Josh - G
Taylor, Lane - G
Tretter, JC - C/G
Vujnovich, Jeremy - T
Walker, Josh - G

Nice list, look at the starters:

Bakhtiari, David - T
Bulaga, Bryan - T
Lang, TJ - G
Sitton, Josh - G
Linsley, Corey - C

This group started relatively healthy, many played through minor injuries demonstrating their overall
toughness!  Rookie center Corey Linsley was a pleasant surprise!  Lang & Sitton are the heart of this
line.  And our tackles Bulaga & Bakhtiari provided the size & heal the edge!  Bulaga, the only free
agent should be signed.  This group should continue to get better!

Top subs:

Barclay, Don - G/T
Tretter, JC - C/G

Remember, before injury, Tretter was our starting center.  He must have game!  And Barclay, injured
for most of the year should be ready for 2015!

Next in line:

Adams, Aaron  - T
Gerhart, Garth - C
Madsen, Joe - C
Taylor, Lane - G
Vujnovich, Jeremy - T
Walker, Josh - G

This group has not really been battle tested!  More than half spent most of the season on the
practice squad.  This group should have 1 or 2 that will help!!

Packer Tight Ends

Let's take a look at the Packer Tight Ends:

Andrew Quarless
Richard Rogers
Brandon Bostick
Justin Perillo

Just take a look at those names.  OK, nothing exciting.  So, what next?

Andrew Quarless - in his fifth year Quarless had to step up, especially when our top tight end was lost - Finley.  He did not have an All Pro season, but enough to make the Packer Offense work!  And, he did provide some leadership!  That was a nice surprise.  Stats?
29 receptions for 323 yards and 3 TD's.  We need to keep Quarless around!

Richard Rogers - a rookie.  Nice year for a rookie!  A coaches son.  I like coaches sons!!!  Stats:
20 receptions for 225 yards and 2 TD's.
Not bad for a rookie.  Needs to become a better blocker, I can still remember that safety against the Lions in the first game - Rogers blew the block!  Again, we need to keep him around, year two for a rookie is a great sign to see if he improves!

Brandon Bostick - sorry Brandon, I will never get that on-side kick debacle out of my Packer mind!  And, really did nothing this year:  2 receptions for 3 yards.  And, our special team were no good, and you were on most of the teams!  And, this was year two of your NFL career and did not see a lot!  So, bye bye Brandon!

Justin Perillo - rookie tight end and not much to go on!  I would bring him back and see what the pre-season shows.  But, expendable!

The Packer 2015 draft & free agents should be looked at!

Packer Wide Receivers - Lot of Talent, Lot of Numbers, Big Decisions!

Here is the present roster of wide receivers!!!

Jordy Nelson
Randall Cobb
Davante Adams
Jarrett Boykin
Jeff Janis
Jared Abbrederis
Kevin Dorsey
Myles White

That is 8!  We usually keep 5-6 on the 53 man roster & practice squad!

Free Agents:  Randall Cobb & Jarrett Boykin

Randall Cobb - NEED TO sign him!  Why?
1 - Aaron Rogers TRUSTS him!!!!
2 - Playmaker - special teams, lines up in backfield, gets open on Rogers scrambles!
3 - Quality Person - has shown his class the last 4 years!
4 - Pro Bowl - other people Know it!!

This year - 91 receptions for 1,287 yards & 12 TD's!

Jarrett Boykin - had his chance, would not re-sign.

Davante Adams - had a GREAT rookie season & is gaining Rogers trust.  Our #3 receiver!

Stats:  38 receptions for 446 yards & 3 TD's

Rookies Jeff Janis & Jared Abbrederis.  Abbrederis was hurt early & did not play a game this season.  At the time of the injury the Pack was high on him!  Janis spent most of his time on the Practice Squad. A quality Div 2 receiver that need one more year!  Both players need another year to blossom!!!

Myles White & Kevin Dorsey - Packers have kept White(year 2) & Dorsey(year2) around because they see something in them, but next year is it!!!!

No real need to draft a wide receiver, unless someone cannot be passed on!!

What To Do With The Packer Running Backs?

Packer Running Backs

John Kuhn
Eddie Lacy
James Starks
DuJuan Harris
Rajion Neal

First. our All-Pro Fullback - John Kuhn (Kuhn is a free agent this year)
I would sign him!  A coach on the field.  Personal protector for Aaron.  Blocker for Lacy &
Starks.  Leadership!  And of course, the Packer Fans - Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn!
Probably has one more year in the tank!

Eddie Lacy - second year became a three down back!  Improving his receiving!  Still running hard.  I thought early in the year ran a little to much side line to side line, but finished strong.  Eddie is definitely a positive weapon in the Packer Arsenal!
246  carries for 1139  yards at 4.6 yards per carry and 9 TD's
42 receptions for 427 yards and 4 TD's

James Starks - A VERY valuable back up!  At times he was lost on the bench!  When Starks had his chance, he was ready!
85 carries for 333 yards at 3.9 yards per carry and 2 TD's
18 receptions for 140 yards

DuJuan Harris - was lost on the bench!  I would have LOVED to see Harris used as the Eagles use Sproles.  Spread him out, a quick screen.  But, for some reason, NO Harris this year!
16 carries for 64 yards.

And Rajion Neal, a practice squad player & unknown quantity!  Nice size at 5'11 - 220 lbs.

So, try to sign Kuhn for one year, and bring them all back.  I would would draft a RB after round 3-4.

Another Packer strength!

Breaking down the present Packer Roster.

Here we go!  I'm ignoring all the football hype about the Super Bowl!  And, I have not watched ESPN or the NFL network at all!!!

I will start with the easy one - Quarterback!

Aaron Rogers
Matt Flynn
Scott Tolzien

I guess we will keep Aaron!  When healthy, I think the BEST quarterback in the NFL!  And I have said this before - WE NEED TO THROW MORE!!!  I would have the PASS set up the run!  Are running game is very good, but I still think we under utilize A-rod!  Especially at the END of games!  We take all the anxiety our off the opposition defense when McCarthy starts running on first & second down, and making Aaron throw to gain that first down & run out the clock!!!!!  I will not even mention our LAST GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Final Stats for Aaron:

Completions  Attempts    Percent   Attempts per Game   Yards
       341            520           65.6%           32.5                  4,381

Aaron was 14th in the league in attempts, 9th in percentage, and 7th in yards.  Numbers are misleading, some QB's HAVE to throw more, they are always behind or just throw more!  But, I would like to see his numbers higher in the fourth quarter!

TD Passes - 38, 3rd behind Andrew Luck & Peyton Manning.  Interceptions - only 5!  That was tops among starting QB's!  QB Rating 2nd right behind Romo - 113.2 to 112.2 a VERY efficient year!

And the most remarkable games, were when Aaron was injured!  Not many QB's could have that games he had!!!  Aaron is 31!  The next 5 years we NEED at least TWO Super Bowl trips!!!!

Matt Flynn - did not play very mush this year, when he did - nothing spectacular!  I would let him go!

Scott Tolzien - Did not play at all this year, I would make hime the new back-up and draft a QB in the later rounds.

So, R-E-L-A-X!  We are fine at QB!!!!

Packer Free Agents 2015 - Who Should We Sign?

Here is the list of Packer free agents & their 2014 salaries:

Tramon Williams - $9,500,000
BJ Raji - $4,000,000
Bryan Bulaga - $3,829,000
Jarrett Bush - $2,033,333
Jamari Lattimore - $1,431,000
Matt Flynn - $1,078,750
John Kuhn - $1,051,875
Randall Cobb - $1,021,179
Letroy Guion - $985,000
Davon House - $720,145
Scott Tolzien - $645,000
DuJuan Harris - $645,00
Sean Richardson - $571,667
Don Barclay - $570,833
Jarrett Boykin - $570,000
Chris Banjo - $87,353

Keepers (Of course, the bottom line is $$$$$$$$$$$)

Tramon Williams - I would not offer more than 5-6 million a year.  Age is a factor!
At 31 a NFL cornerback is considered old, in fact, probably any position except QB!  Has had a great career with the Pack, but it all comes down to money.

Bryan Bulaga - At age 25, Bulaga is in his prime!  Is he over the injury bug that has plagued his career?
would try to sign him, and keep the lid on. Sitton is around 7-8 million, I would not go above that for Bulaga.

John Kuhn - Kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhn.  I think, and I'm biased, he is worth keeping around if healthy!  All-pro FB, a leader, protector for Rogers, and a local favorite - 1 year around 1 million.

Randall Cobb - a must, but cannot break the bank.  Had a great year.  Is very versatile playing special teams & lining up in the back field!  When Aaron scrambles, he gets open!  Nelson is around 11 million, Cobb should be around 7-9 million.

Letroy Guion - a slow start, but finished strong!  Seems to be a good locker room fit and helped the Pack figure out the run defense!  Try ti stay in the one million range.

Davon House - a great Special Teams guy and maybe replace Williams at corner if we do not sign him.  Would come at a cheaper cost & at least deserves the shot!

Scott Tolzien - time to move on from Flynn & draft a young QB?

DuJuan Harris - since the Pack never gave him a chance, this may be a cut.  But, I still think he has something to offer.

Don Barclay - need offensive linemen!  And he knows the system.  Sign him.

Chris Banjo - another special teams guy & played some at the end of the year!

Leave them go……

BJ Raji, Jarrett Bush, Jamari Lattimore, Matt Flynn, Sean Richardson, & Jarrett Boykin

Next, the present Packer roster!

This Packer Fan Is Ready To Forgive! And Forgiveness!

#1 - I forgive Mike McCarthy! Too conservative in the second half!

#2 - I forgive Morgan Burnett! For taking a knee and not getting more yards!

#3 - I forgive Aaron Rogers calf! That is just silly!

#4 - I forgive the Packer first half red-zone offense! See #1 again!

#5 - I forgive Brandon Bostick! A tight end should have good hands - right!

Healing is a strange thing.  We all heal in different ways.  We all heal from many things!

It is a little over 4 years from my open-heart surgery - quintuple by-pass!  That was quite a

Physical Healing! (at least 3 months till I golfed again!)

I remember a Romantic healing about 45 years ago, my first real girl friend dumped me!

Romantic Healing! (Lucky my wife of 39 years didn't dump me after this weekend!)

I retired from education three and a half years ago, no more getting up for full-time work!)

Retirement Healing! (That took about ten minutes!)

And, retirement from coaching!

Coaching retirement!  (I still have that itch!)

And then the is, you FAVORITE TEAM LOSING HEALING!  A lot depends on the loss!
And am still not over this past Sunday!  But, I'm forcing myself to look at the positive!

Here goes!

1 - We made the playoff for the 6th straight year!  Tied with the Patriots for the best!
2 - We won our division for the 4th year!
3 - We seemed to get a handle on our injury problem! (Of course, there was that Aaron calf thing)
4 - We still have Lambeau field, Green Bay, and all those awesome Packer Fans!
5 - We still have Aaron Rogers!  If you are counting - that is since 1992 - 23 years of great QB's!)

So, as Packer Fans we are still ahead of the game!

I am moving on to next year!!!  Next Blog entry - PACKER FREE AGENTS!!

A Letter From A Fan

I am not the only fan suffering!  (Click here for the original website)

Have a read:

Like most people who follow the Packers I watched Sunday’s game against Seattle. Like most people, I’m still having trouble believing what I saw.

Up 19-7 after making an interception with more than 5 minutes to play. Out of the playoffs after a miraculous comeback by Seattle, one aided by a botched onside kick recovery by the Packers and a successful 2-point conversion by the Seahawks in which the ball floated in the Seattle sky for what seemed like a mkinute before it was caught..

My wife and I watched the second half at Foggy Mountain Brewpub, a delightful place on Church St. in Asheville. It’s owned by Wisconsin people who on Sundays turn their place into a Packers bar.

This was our first time there and the mood was festive until the Seahawks began their comeback. When Russell Wilson’s pass found Jermaine Kearse’s hands in overtime, the collective ground from the patrons was probably heard throughout the city.

A devastating loss, one that Packers fans will never forget.

The following letter is from Peter Hess, who like me, grew up in a Milwaukee suburb and now lives in Asheville. His remarks are particularly meaningful to those of us who idolized the Lombardi Packers.

Here is Mr. Hess’ letter:

When you grow up in Wisconsin in the fifties and love sports, you naturally become a Green Bay Packers fan. You root for them. You get to know the names of each of the starting players on both offense and defense. You watch every one of their games, exquisitely announced by the late Ray Scott.

You become immersed in the small-town story of Green Bay and the unlikely local ownership of a pro football franchise harkening back to the founding days of the National Football League.

In the late Fifties, as football was just coming into my consciousness, Vince Lombardi took the Packers out of obscurity, restored pride in the team, and took them to championship after championship. He was a gap-toothed disciplinarian who became regarded as the greatest coach legend ever.

Such were my roots as a football fan.

I followed the Packers with a quiet fervor, and a pride in their colorful characters and Mid-western toughness. They were “my team” for life, taking pleasure in their victories and hurt in their losses. After the sixties they went into a decades-long swoon of painful mediocrity. Then, under new management, they were slowly brought back to competitiveness and the occasional season of real accomplishment.

Aaron Rodgers took his rightful place in the pantheon of Packer heroes, a quiet, calm presence with extraordinary talent so reminiscent of my youthful heroes.

There were never any green and gold shirts or towels, no bumper stickers, and certainly no cheese-heads trumpeting my Packers. But there was always a strong loyalty to the residents of Lambeau Field and an unwavering partisanship with the team I came to love many years ago.

Watching how the game slipped away so inexplicably (Sunday) brought on a heavy sadness I hadn’t felt before. Of course they had broken my heart many times in the past, but never so thoroughly, never with such an onslaught of lapses on plays, any one of which could have so easily gone the other way and prevented the loss. One can only wonder how it happened.

Rodgers, with hollow eyes, commented after the game that he would remember the hurt of the loss for the rest of his career. I think he underestimated how long the pain might endure.

Wisconsin boys and girls of my age all over the country are no doubt in mourning today. No, no one died, of course. But we all feel the common, numbing pain of this most crushing loss.

Many Fans are healing this week!

Time To Watch A Packer Video From Our Last Super Bowl Victory!

Here it is! A video from our last Super Bowl Win!!




Now that was fun!!

This Packer Fan Is Taking A Big Break

Due to the terrible decision making by the Packer coaching staff this block is on vacation!

It's Sunday In Seattle & Packers Arrive

It is Sunday morning & it is time for football!

And guess what, it is cloudy & a chance of rain!  Seattle!!!

Time for a little warm up!

Seattle vs Green Bay, a Battle of Contrasts!

It seems that many times a sporting event will allow time to focus on people playing the game!  This game in no different!  The Seattle vs Green Bay football game is no different!  How about a look at the people & teams that are battling for the 2014 NFC Championship!

Head Coaches - Mike McCarthy(Packers) vs. Pete Carroll(Seahawks)
First, take a look at the article - Mike McCarthy Ideal for Green Bay

I already touched upon my view of Pete Carroll, and I know his past will tell you a lot about his path to Seattle.  Check out the coaching career of Pete Carroll.  The path was back & forth from college to the pros.  The personalities could not be more different.  Carroll, a San Fransisco, CA boy and McCarthy, a Pittsburgh, PA boy!  I need not say more.  Carroll, an interesting ride throughout the years to say the least!  McCarthy, a more conservative path to success.  Both good coaches, both Super Bowl Champs, but personality wise, I'll take McCarthy!

Next, Quarterbacks - Aaron Rogers(Packers) vs. Russel Wilson(Seahawks)

This is a difficult pick, for many reasons.  As far as personalities, I like both QB's.  Wilson seems to be a hard working & good person.  Rogers, the same.  Wilson has the ability to extend plays and make good decisions.  Rogers the same.  Wilson has one Super Bowl ring.  Rogers the same.  Wilson is 26 years old, and Rogers 31 - both in their prime!  The only real difference that I see is Wilson has better movement, Rogers has the better arm.  For this game, Rogers calf injury, makes the battle more interesting!  So, a little drama is great for TV.  Remember the USA Olympic Team & it's win over the Olympics as big underdogs?  Remember the Boston Red Sox, Curt Schilling with blood on his socks & the Red Sox winning the World Series?  For you old timers, Willis Reed hobbling around the basketball court winning an NBA title?  I think it is time for Aaron Rogers to be added to a list of great stories!!!  I'll take Aaron Rogers!

Next, Wide Receiver, Jordy Nelson(Packers) vs Richard Sherman(Seahawks)
They will not always match-up on the field, but when they do - Ohhhhh  Baby!  Richard Sherman of the Seahawks has an incredible background - straight A's, #2 in his high school class academically!  Star in football and track(California state triple jump champ, 3rd in the 110 highs & 6th in long jump)  Great football stats - scholarship to Stanford!  And Jordy Nelson, all state football(played QB in high school) & basketball.  Another track & field star!  Winning 100, 200 & 400 meters at states!  And a farm boy from Kansas!  What a match up, two incredible athletes!!!!  I'll take Jordy Nelson!!

I could go on & on!  The coaches & athletes are some of our countries finest!  But,………………..

I'll take the Packers!

31- 24

The Seahawks Offense - Not Great But Dangerous

The Seattle Offense

Russel Wilson - QB

A QB that keeps a play alive?  Sound familiar?  Wilson cannot come close to the arm of Aaron Rogers, but he keeps the play alive & is always looking downfield to throw - sound familiar?  At 5'11", short by today standards, throwing in the pocket is not his first choice, so I say, keep him in the pocket!  Easier said than done, Wilson very illusive - Matthews & Peppers, must make plays!

3,475 yards passing - 63.1% - 20 TD's - 7 interceptions

Very efficient, very illusive, & very smart!  Stop the big play & 3-4 sacks & 2 interceptions would be nice! The Packers must win the turnover battle!

Marshawn Lynch & Robert Turbin - RB

The Packers second issue - tackle Lynch!  We all know he runs hard, we all know he is a strange dude, so, just tackle him!  The Packers will need Morgan Burnett to have a BIG game!  He needs to help at the line of scrimmage on 1st & 2nd down!!  Our D-line must be "gap" secure & allow our linebackers to stay unblocked!  Bend, but not break, NO runs over 20 yards!

Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, & TE-Luke Wilson - Receivers
Not fancy, but effective!  This group will not scare you, they do not have big stats, but they get open enough to move the chains!  I would gamble & play a lot of one-on-one press coverage, to free up Burnett, & our LB's to rome the field.  It is not time to be conservative, rush 4-5, cover, & track down Wilson when he scrambles!

Seattle O-line - Okung, Carpenter, Unger, Sweezy, Britt
Again not flashy, but effective (sound familiar with this offense!)  Unger is back at center & that is a big help for the line!  It comes down to one-on-one match ups!  Beat the man in front of you!  Time for Perry & Jones to earn they high draft picks for the Pack!  And Mike Daniels!  Lead the way!  He has been the voice of the D-line this year - NOW it s time to show it!!!

Packers vs. Seahawks - NFC Championship

Here we go.  Back in July & August preseason football was upon us.  32 teams with a goal, win a super bowl!  32 teams are now down to 4 - the NFL Final 4!

New England Patriots
Indianapolis Colts
Seattle Seahawks

And yes, our GREEN BAY PACKERS!!!

Our 4th division title in a row - NFC North Champs!
A first round BYE!
A first round win!

Many teams are envious!

Now we focus on the Seattle Seahawks!

As far as drama, you could not ask for a better matchup!
….. Pete Carroll, a coach you can dislike - left USC in shambles & controversy!  His Heisman Trophy winning running back had to give it back!

From Wikipedia…

NCAA ruling[edit]

On June 9, 2010, The Los Angeles Times reported that Carroll, along with other active and former USC officials, had appeared in front of a ten-member NCAA Committee on Infractions the previous February.^[52] The next day, June 10, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program including a two-year bowl ban, the elimination of thirty football scholarships, and forfeiture of some football victories from 2004–05 (a season which had included winning the Bowl Championship Series title), and all team victories from the undefeated 2005–06 regular season, when USC lost to Texas in the BCS title game.^[53] With the vacated games removed, Carroll drops to fourth on USC's all-time wins list, behind John McKay, Howard Jones and John Robinson. His 97 on-field wins would put him ahead of Robinson for third in Trojan history.

Wow!

The Seattle Defense - VERY aggressive & defensive backs are the key.  Tight corner coverage & tackle well!

LCB- Richard Sherman
RCB- Bryon Maxwell
FS- Earl Thomas
SS- Kam Chancellor

In the beginning of the year, in the pre-season, flags were flying!  One of the main reasons was the Seahawks!  Hands on receivers, grab, hold, hit, and molest the entire play!  That early display of flags have gone!  Get ready for a physical game!

First game the Pack stayed away from Sherman.  Aaron recently said that he will throw to the open receiver!  I would like to see more crossing patterns, drag receivers & tight end across the field!  Attack the middle of the field!  And run straight at the D!  Make the defensive back honor the run!!!!

The linebackers:

LOLB - Bruce Irvin
MLB - Bobby Wagner
ROLB - KJ Wright

Speed and tackling ability!  With Wagner leading the way, this group covers sideline to sideline!  The best way to attack speed in my book, run right at them!  Lacy, 4-5 yards at a crack, not bad.  Keep the d-backs honest, open up play action!

And the d-line:

LDE - Michael Bennett
LDT -  Tony McDaniel
RDT - Kevin Williams
RDE - Cliff Avril

An "old" 4-3 style of D!  I think this is the key to the game!  Can the Seahawks pressure with 4, and not blitz the QB?  And now it is simple math!  Can the Seahawks back 7, cover the Packers 5 eligible? The Seahawks defense is not complicated, rush 4 & cover with 7, usually a Cover 2.  The safeties, are very aggressive, and tackle well!  The corners, especially Sherman cover head-up & hands on!

So, can we get 28 points?  That is what I think we need!!!

Next up, Seattle Offense!

The Packer Buddies Meet Some Great People (And MISS a FEW!)

Wow!  Do the Packer Buddies meet some interesting people?  YES!!!!

During the 2014 season we talked to……..

….. a young lady from Vermont taking her father to his first Packer Game!

…… a family, that were using their grand parents season tickets! (This happens a lot)

…… a family from our own town standing behind us in the line to board the plane!

……. eating at Cozy Corner in Mischicot, WI a local keeps asking question about our group!

…… a lady living in Shippensburg, PA that was from Fond du Lac, WI

and the BEST one this week….

Take a look at this website - Warrior Events

The President & Founder, John O'Leary, is doing an incredible job, the mission:

Warrior Events is an all-volunteer non-profit 501 3(c) organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. Its sole purpose is to enrich the lives of those wounded while serving our country as well as the lives of their family members. With the help and support of our community, Warrior Events hosts monthly events for these warriors and their families to show our appreciation for their immense sacrifices. Events such as sporting events, spa days, date nights, and much more have helped us develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships with these Americans. Warrior Events fundraises throughout the year to raise money to grant wishes for these warriors.

A great concept!  Sometimes we forget that there are more important things than that big football game!

Thank You Jeff O'Leary

AND,

Thank You to ALL  Military Veterans! 

Thank You for Your Service!

Packer Buddies End The Season Undefeated!

Yes Packer fans!  The four Packer Buddies ended the 2014 undefeated!

We were prepared for cold weather!  But, it was 26 degrees at game time!

We were prepared to be LOUD!  And we were as loud as four 60 year old guys could be!

We had our pre-game breakfast at the Bay Motel!

We were dressed in our Packer green & yellow!

AND, the Pack did it!!!

So, what were the highlights?

1 - Of course, Aaron Rogers - on one leg - 24 for 35 for 316 yards & 3 TD's.

2 - Davante Adams, 7 receptions 117 yards & 1 TD

3 - Randall Cobb - 8 receptions 116 yards

4 - Eddie Lacy - 19 attempts for 101 yards

5 - defense 5 sacks

6 - Julius Peppers - 6 tackles, 1 sack & 2 forced fumbles

7 - Mason Crosby - 2 for 2 on field goals, 30 & 40 yards

8 - Second half score - Packers 16 -  Cowboys 7 

And of course the Packer Buddies secret weapon?????

And the games last play!!!

Why The Packers Will Beat The Cowboys

Do you want to know why the Packers will be the Cowboys this Sunday?

1 - Lambeau FIeld!  The Frozen Tundra!  The Cowboys CANNOT WIN a playoff game at Lambeau!

2 - Aaron Rogers!!!  We had Bart Starr, and Brett Favre, and NOW Aaron Rogers!  NOT ROMO!

3 - Packer Stock Holders vs Jerry Jones?  PACKER STOCK HOLDERS!!!

4 - Jordy Nelson vs Dez Bryant? Are you kidding me!  Jordy!!!!

5 - The Pack is the better team!!

Packer Buddies Prepare To Travel To Green Bay

Here we go again!  Off the the frozen tundra and it is cold.  So far, as of today, looks like:

Sunday High Temp - 21 & Low Temp 7!

This has to help the Packers!  And a key is a quick start!

1 - Get up on the cowboys & it will be colder for them!
2 - Take away the cowboys run game!
3 - Take away those awkward "man hugs" of Jerry Jones & Gov Christie!  YUK!

Packer Fans - get loud!!!

1 - The new additional seats were suppose to help!  So, we need to make Lambeau Field
a LOUD field for the opposition!!

Kicking Game

I have not mentioned it, but this is critical.  We NEED no blocked kicks, great kick & punt coverage
and some quality returns - WIN THE SPECIAL TEAMS BATTLE!!!

Plan & simple, on Sunday we will see how far the 2014 Packers have come!  To win a Super Bowl
we need 3 more wins!!!!

Go Pack Go!

A Closer Look at The 2014 Cowboys

In an earlier blog, I looked at the 3 possible teams to face the Packers, the Panthers, Cowboys, and Cardinals.  Now we know we have the Cowboys.  I stated:

Cowboys - Wow, the Cowboys are back!  I MUST say here, I WAS an ex-Cowboy fan!  YES, in my darker days, Ice Bowl, Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, etc.  But Jerry Jones & Jimmy Johnson made me discover the PACK!  AND THE REST IS HISTORY!
So, Romo is having a great season, why?  I think RB-Murray is the answer!  NFL rushing champ!  And WR-Bryant, is maturing - I guess?  I still feel he is one play away from a meltdown!  And WR-Williams is good enough to keep you honest.  And TE-Witten is still Romo's security blanket!  And of course the O-line, LTSmith, LG-Leary, C-Frederick, RG-Martin, & RT Free are opening the running lanes & protecting Romo!  A very dangerous offense!
The defense is the biggest surprise!  A lot of no-mames - LDE-Crawford, DT-Hayden, DT-Melton, RDE-Mincey, OLB-Carter, MLB-McClain, OLB-Durant, LCB-Carr, RCB-Scandrick, FS-Church, & SS-Wilcox.  The one thing they do is fly around the field!  They can be beat, but are reckless & fast!

Now, a closer look.

1 - Yes, I was an EX Cowboy fan.  Then Jerry Jones bought the "Boys" and they dismissed Tom Landry, and hired Jimmy Johnson!  Needless to say, I was a shattered fan!  I wandered aimlessly through my life.  Should I follow the home town Eagles(90 miles away)  NOPE!  Should I pick a team with a cool uniform, say the powder blue San Diego Chargers - NOPE.  Should I try a brand new team, with no hope, say the Browns, DON'T THINK SO!  Then mu Pack Buddies invited me to a Packer Game at Lambeau!!  I FELL IN LOVE AGAIN!!!!

2 - Cowboy-Packer History?  Yes, way back to the 60's!  Some great games!  And NFL history - the famous ICE BOWL!  Every fan should watch and read about this game!!

3 - Cowboys coaching?  Jason Garrett - a perfect yes man.  Cowboy players, the hot dog - wide receiver Bryant!  Another DIVA!  But dangerous!  And needs to be handled!  Romo, the QB.  A good quarterback, but has not had a playoff run, and the Pack defense must not let him have time!  The running game is very good!  Murray, the NFL leading rusher!  This is my biggest concern.  The defense has a lot of no names, but fly around the field & are aggressive!

Cowboys rankings?

Team Offense - Cowboys 7th in yards 383, & 5th in points 29.2 - (Pack is 6th & 1st)
Team Defense - Cowboys 19th with 355 yards & 15th in points 22 - (Pack is 15th & 13th)

Key players

WR - Bryant - 8th in yards with 1320, & 1st in TD's 22
RB - Murray - 1st in yards with 1845, & 1st in TD's 13
QB - Romo - 14th in yards with 1405, & 1st in QB rating - 113.2 (edged Rogers 112.2)!!!!

These numbers should grab you attention, going to be a tough game!!!

Cowboys And Packers, Could This Be Another Classic?

A little history:

The following is a list of all regular season and postseason games played between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. The two teams have met each other 31 times (including 6 postseason games), with the Green Bay Packers winning 15 games and the Dallas Cowboys winning 16 games.

Scores?

Nov 13, 1960 - Packers 41 Cowboys 7 @ City Stadium, Green Bay

Nov 29, 1964 - Packers 45 Cowboys 21 @ Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Oct 24, 1965 - Packers 13 Cowboys 3 @ Milwaukee County Stadium

Jan 1, 1976 - Packers 34  Cowboys 27 @ Cotton Bowl, Dallas (NFC Champ!)

Dec 31, 1967 - Packers 21 Cowboys 17 @ Lambeau Field  (NFC Champ!)

Oct 28, 1968 - Packers 28 Cowboys 17 @ Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Nov 26, 1970 - Cowboys 16 Packers 3 @ Cotton Bowl, Dallas

Oct 1, 1972 - Packers 16 Cowboys 13 @ Milwaukee County Stadium

Oct 19, 1972 - Packers 19 Cowboys 17 @ Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Nov 12, 1978  Cowboys 42 Packers 14 @ Milwaukee County Stadium

Sep 28, 1980  Cowboys 28 Packers 7 @ Milwaukee County Stadium

Jan 16, 1983  Cowboys 37 Packers 26 @ Texas Stadium, Irving TX NFC Div Game

Sep 23, 1984 Cowboys 20 Packers 6 @Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Oct 8, 1989 Packers 31 Cowboys 13 @ Lambeau Field

Dec 24, 1989 Packers 20 Cowboys 10 @  Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Oct 6, 1991  Cowboys 20 Packers 17 @ Milwaukee County Stadium

Oct 3, 1993 Cowboys 36 Packers 14 @ Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Jan 16, 1994 Cowboys 27 Packers 17 @ Texas Stadium, Irving TX  NFC Div Game

November 24, 1994 Cowboys 42 Packers 31 Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Jan 8, 1995 Cowboys 35 Packers 9 Texas Stadium, Irving TX  NFC Div Game

Oct 8, 1995 Cowboys 34 Packers 24 Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Jan 14, 1996 Cowboys 38 Packers 27  Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Nov 18, 1996 Cowboys 21 Packers 6 Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Nov 23, 1997 Packers 45 Cowboys 17 Lambeau Field

Nov 14, 1999 Cowboys 27 Packers 13 Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Oct 24, 2004 Packers 41 Cowboys 20 Lambeau Field

Nov 29, 2007 Cowboys 7 Packers 27 Texas Stadium, Irving TX

Sep 21, 2008 Cowboys 27 Packers 16 Lambeau Field

Nov 15, 2009 Packers 17 Cowboys 7 Lambeau Field

Nov 7, 2010 Packers 45 Cowboys 7 Lambeau Field

Dec 15, 2013 Packers 37 Cowboys 36 AT & T Stadium Arlington TX

Total Series - Cowboys 16 Wins Packers 15 Wins

In the 1960's - Packers 6 Wins Cowboys 0 Win

In the 1970's - Packers 2 Wins Cowboys 2 Wins

In the 1980's - Packers 2 Wins Cowboys 3 Wins

In the 1990's - Packers 1 Win Cowboys 9 Wins!

In the 2000's - Packers 2 Wins Cowboys 2 Wins

In the 2010's - Packers 2 Wins Cowboys 0 Win

At Lambeau Field - Packers 6 Wins Cowboys 1 Win!

So, at first glance, Packers Win!  the 2010's are the Packs!

Lambeau Field is the Packs!  And Rogers BEATS Romo!

2015 - The Packers Make The Super Bowl Run!

OK Packer fans!  It is time for that Super Bowl Run!

First, remember, the Super Bowl only started in 1966!  Before that,
they had 9 championships!  1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, & 1965!

Let's take a look at previous Packer 4 Super Bowl runs!!

Super Bowl 45

2010 Regular Season Record 10-6

1st Playoff Game - Packers 21 & Eagles 16

2nd Playoff Game - Packers 48 & Falcons 21

NFC Championship - Packers 21 & Bears 14

Super Bowl - Packers 31 & Steelers 25

Super Bowl 31

1996  Regular Season Record 13-3

1st Playoff Game - Packers 35 & 49ers 14

NFC Championship - Packers 30 & Panthers 13

Super Bowl - Packers 35 & Patriots 21

Super Bowl 2

1967  Regular Season Record 9-4-1
1st Playoff Game - Packers 28 & Rams 7
NFC Championship - Packers 21 & Cowboys 17
Super Bowl - Packers 33 & Raiders 14

Super Bowl 1

1966 Regular Season Record 12-2
NFC Championship - Packers 34 & Cowboys 27
Super Bowl - Packers 35 & Chiefs 10