Saturday, June 28, 2008

Catch It On Replay!

Greetings, G-Force!

On Monday at 8pm, the NFL Network is going to be replaying one of the most crucial events in NFL History.

September 20, 1992.

Cincinnati at Green Bay.

Site: Lambeau Field.

While the Favre to Kittrick Taylor pass is the most remembered play. I encourage you to pay close attention to the strike Favre throws to Sterling Sharpe just a few plays before the pass to Taylor. This pass to Sharpe is one of my favorite passes that he threw in his career.

Take note in Favre's desire at a young age to look for the TE as he forces the ball to Jackie Harris over the middle.

And, of course, pay attention to T-Buck! The 58 yard punt return for a TD remains an epic! Additionally, you will see T-Buck make a terrific break on a third down pass across the middle only to have it bounce of his hands.

Finally, you'll witness the 1st TD of Favre's career. A short pass to Sterling Sharpe, which I believe was a 5-yarder.

Catch it on replay. 8pm EST. Monday. NFL Network. The Bengals come to Lambeau in '92.

Enjoy.

Talkin' S-Mac.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

A Jason Taylor Rant

Greetings, G-Force.

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer as much as I have mine. I just got back from NYC where I was once again reminded of the NFC Championship. All I can do is say "Congrats." Take it in stride and be thankful that the Patriots did not go 19-0. Deep down, my disgust for J-Bush & Ruvell Martin grew thicker.

It was good to see the Packers in the news again this week. The rekindled flame of the Jason Taylor story brought me excitement until Taylor quickly hushed the rumors. Taylor claims that there are 12 teams that interest him. The Packers are not one of them. I question he reasoning for wanting to continue playing. He says it is because he wants to win a Championship. Does this mean he does not consider the Packers contenders?

Ted Thompson wants this more than ever. It is officially Ted Thompson's Green Bay Packers. It is not Brett Favre's team. It is Thompson's. He's brought in the talent. He's built the infrastructure. The Packers success and failure depends on the players/coaching staff that he's brought in and the system that they've implemented.

As an organization, the Packers have momentum. The Packers believe in themselves. Mike McCarthy has installed internal conviction within the locker room. The team expects greatness. At this stage, I feel the Packers are probably 1-2 years away from being a Super Bowl team, the organization seems to feel differently. My concern is that Rodgers is not ready to go into a place like Tennessee and win while facing a Jeff Fisher coached defense. Rodgers is growing on me, but I question whether we are Super Bowl ready under his direction.

The caveat to this scenario is whether our defense can play as an elite defense in the NFL. We seem to have the names to force turnovers. Now, the players have to be playmakers. A playmaking defense expedites the growth of a QB. He's not forced to lead an offensive juggernaut rather he simply has to manage the game. Taylor could assist in the continued development of our organization & our young QB.

Jason Taylor should recognize that the Packers are playing in one of the weakest divisions in football. Jason Taylor should witness the traction that is following our organization. From what I hear & read, there appears to be positive energy surrounding 1265 Lombardi. We are not littered with distractions. We are prepared to win. We just need one more defensive player to help push us over the top. Taylor could be that guy - if he still can play as a peak performer. This leads me to question whether Taylor believes that he is still the dominant figure that he once was. Does Taylor think that he could be the guy to propel a team that was close to the title or does he want to be a shadowed piece of the puzzle.

Jason Taylor could go to the Patriots. He'd be in the shadow of Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Adalius Thomas. He could go to the Cowboys and be in the shadow of Owens, Romo, & D-Ware. He could go to the Bolts and hide beyond LT & Merriman. Didn't Joey Porter try to do a similar thing last year in the shadow of Taylor? That did not go very well for Porter.

If Taylor were to come to Green Bay, he'd instantly make us a favorite in the NFC. And he'd be the MAN. He'd be the new FACE of the organization. Does he want that responsibility?

Jason, I ask you, what is your main motivation for wanting to play another season in the NFL?

On a side note, I am excited about our current #99, Jeremy Thompson. If you have not made it a point to check out this guys photo. Make sure that you do. He looks like a football player. And I'm happy to have him on the roster.

Enjoy. Training Camp is near.

Sun will Shine,

Talkin' S-Mac.