Talkin' S-Mac

My Take -> NFC Divisional Playoffs

2012-01-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

We're the Defending Champions. We have the NFL's MVP. We finished 15-1. We're well rested. We're playing at home. Yet, most I talk to are picking the G-Men. In fact, I heard on the radio last night that 84% of the money in Vegas that is being placed on this game is being put on the Giants. Let's do this, Lambeau!

Many I talk to point to the 2007 NFC Championship game as a reason to believe the G-Men will win. I hear the "they've done it before." Sure, there are similarities. It'll be at Lambeau. It'll be McCarthy vs. Coughlin. But, there are HUGE differences. Put it this way, the Packers will start 5 players on offense (Grant, Driver, Jennings, Clifton, and Wells) and 3 players on defense (Woodson, Hawk, and Pickett) that started the 2007 NFC Championship game. What more fresh in these players minds is the 45-17 drubbing that the Packers handed out the Giants last year as both teams fought for the 6th and final playoff spot. On that day, Eli threw 4 TD interceptions. What's even fresher is the Packers 38-35 victory in New York. The Giants are undoubtedly healthier now than they were on that day, but the Packers took the Giants best shot. Regardless of health, I'm not sure the Giants can play any better than they did in our earlier match-up this year. And the Packers left with victory. It's worth noting that McCarthy is 3-1 against McCarthy. Rodgers is 2-0 against Eli.

Since Mike McCarthy became the Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2006, he's encountered immensely difficult scenarios. He dealt with the Favre exit and choosing Rodgers over Favre. Then, he had to face Favre as a Viking - 4 times. In the Super Bowl run, injuries attempted to derail the season. And, now, in the Run for the Repeat, once again, McCarthy is faced with drama. This time in absolutely tragic fashion. Obviously, the death of Michael Philbin will has had an affect on the locker room. It's an immensely sad story. Additionally, over the last week, the Packers have lost Reggie McKenzie, Philbin has had 2 interviews for Head Coaching opportunities, Tom Clements has been the subject of rumors to be an Offensive Coordinator elsewhere, John Dorsey has been offered opportunities to interview in other places, Winston Moss appears to be the leading candidate to coach the Oakland Raiders next year, and by some accounts, Darren Perry might be going with him. These are distractions. Major distractions. McCarthy has been quoted as saying "Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance." I have to believe the Packers will be prepared to receive the Giants best punch.

I have great respect for the Giants organization. They're a confident bunch who believes that they're peaking at the right time. In some ways, their season is aligned with what the Packers pulled off last year. After an embarrassing Division loss in December, they were forced to win their last two to make the playoffs. In Week 16, the Giants beat a team from New York. Last year, in Week 16, the Packers beat a team from New York. In Week 17, the Giants had to beat a Divisional Rival in order to make the playoffs. Last year, in Week 17, the Packers had to beat the hated Bears in order to make the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Giants had to get through the Falcons. Last year, in the playoffs, the Packers had to get through the Falcons.

No worries. The Packers aren't losing this game.

I have full confidence that the Lambeau Faithful will be rocking. ALL GAME! From the 1st snap, it'll be difficult for the G-Men. It'll be loud. It'll be rowdy. The atmosphere will be unparalleled in American sports.

Early in the game, look for the Giants to try and establish the run. They'll try to run the ball to the right side of our defense. Regardless of who is playing ROLB for the Packers, Capers should move either Peprah or Woodson to the right side of the defense as an 8th man in the box. Both Woodson and Peprah play the run well. While the Giants have struggled running the ball in 2011, they did have success against the Packers in the December match-up. They rushed for 100 yards on only 20 carries, averaging 5 yards an attempt. The Giants like to collapse the line and run a counter/cut-back to the left side of their offensive line. To reiterate, we must be prepared with an 8th man in the box.

Stop the run. Then come on inside blitzes with our middle LB's on passing downs. If Eli Manning gets pressure in his face, he makes mistakes. Eli is tough to sack as when the pressure comes, he throws off his back foot and floats the ball in the air. With our ball hawking DB's, good things will happen for the Packers. We'll have opportunities to make plays if we can get pressure between the guards. It'll be important to seize those moments.

I'm confident that T-Mon matches up with Nicks. I'm confident that Sammy Swagga can man-up against Manningham. I'm confident that Woodson can jam Cruz off his route at the line of scrimmage. Yes, the Giants WR's will make plays, but I believe the Packers will limit the amount of big plays that we've seen the Giants live off of in 2011. It didn't happen in the December match-up, but I have a feeling it'll be different on Sunday.

Offensively, it'll come down to protecting the NFL's MVP. The Giants DL is deep. It's lethal. It's a must to chip JPP. Early & Often. If not every play. Don't let JPP beat you. He's a game changer. In 2-TE sets, have one of the TE's chip JPP prior to his route. On long developing routes, roll Rodgers to the opposite side of JPP and have J-Mike chip JPP before running a safe, check-down crossing route.

If the Packers try to pound the ball, they'll struggle. Spread 'em out. They can't cover us. Early on, let's see some 12-yard back shoulder passes. It'll set up the stop and go for later on. Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle talk a good game. You can also beat Deon Grant. Neither is particularly good playing in space. 15 yard crossing routes. They could turn into BIG plays. We've seen Jordy Nelson get behind Antrel Rolle before, we'll see it again on Sunday.

In a back and forth game, the Packers have the ball and a 4 point lead mid-way through the 4th Quarter. Rodgers grabs the ball and the game on a big play to Greg Jennings over Corey Webster. Welcome back, Greg. Be great!

Packers 34. Giants 30.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Bye Week

2012-01-07T02:24:00.000-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

15-1! Yes, 15-1! For real, 15-1! Amazing! Truly sensational. What a ride. And while the Packers are on bye for Wild Card weekend, I figured it'd be time for a Packers Mock Draft. After all, we have also just completed the most epic week of football all year, Bowl Week. And, of course, I was full throttle with regards to analysis. But, before I get too deep, I'd be a fool if I didn't give a huge shout-out to Matt Flynn. 31-44. 480 yards, a Packer record. 6 TD's, another Packer record. All against a playoff bound team. Sublime! Last year, I was highly critical of Flynn after the loss in Detroit. He proved me wrong. Once again, so did Ted Thompson.

Speaking of Ted Thompson, he'll have to adjust due to the loss of his wingman, Reggie McKenzie. Cheers to you, Reggie. The pain is that McKenzie is the 2nd member of Thompson's staff to depart in the last year - the other being John Schmeider. I'm not going to question Thompson, but it's only natural to wonder how this will affect Thompson's draft preparations.

If you've been following this blog, you know I want the 3-peat. It'd be the first in Super Bowl history. Twice in their rich history, the Packers won 3 consecutive championships. From 1929-1931 and from 1965-1967. The coaches? Lambeau and Lombardi. That's VIP! In order to grab 3 in a row, this draft class will need to provide difference makers.

As always, I have limitations in my Mock Draft. First and foremost, if I didn't watch the guy play a game in 2011, I can't select him. Secondly, as always, time has not permitted me to be fully caught up on OL. So, I won't draft them. Though I'm on board with my good mate, Stack, who suggests OG, Kevin Zeitler, WI, in Round 3. In Round 5, I'd also like Marcus Zusevics, OT, Iowa. Generally speaking, Iowa produces top notch prospects at OT. Zusevics has the size and athleticism to play at the next level. He's also had the coaching at the collegiate level to make an impact on an NFL Roster. Rightfully so, he's often overshadowed by Riley Reiff, I look for Zusevics to also have a solid NFL career. The reality is that the Packers are relatively set at the skill positions on offense and it'd surprise me if the Packers selected an offensive weapon in the 1st three rounds, even though Lamar Miller, RB, []_[], would be the proverbial "best player available" if he's sitting on the board at #32. He'd be the final piece to the offensive arsenal at the skill positions. He'd be the sexy pick. He's a game changer. However, it's unlikely Ted Thompson will ignore the Defensive front 7 early in the 2012 Draft. In fact, just as Thompson went aggressive on the offensive side of the ball early in the 2011 NFL Draft, it's likely he'll do the same on the defensive side of the ball in 2012.

Final stats with regards to compensatory picks are:
Cullen Jenkins - 16 games. 16 starts. 5.5 sacks. 40 tackles. Man, did the Packers miss him. I'd expect a 4th Round compensatory pick for him.
Daryn Colledge - Played in 16 games. Made 16 starts. Worth a 5th Round pick in the Draft.
Jason Spitz - Played in 10 games with 0 starts.
Ras-A-tari Bigby - Played in 15 games. Made 2 starts. Finished with 18 tackles, 2 passes defensed and a sack.
Anthony Smith - Played in 13 games before being put on IR for the year. Made 4 tackles.
Korey Hall - Played in 13 games. Made 0 starts.
B-Jack - Didn't play due to an injury. Was on IR all year.

I project the Packers to receive a 4, a 5, and two 7th round picks as compensation for the FA losses of last year. It's also worth noting that the Packers traded Caleb Schlauderaff to the Jets for an undisclosed late round pick. On the year, Schlauderaff made 6 appearances and had 1 start. I've yet to see what the Packers will receive as compensation. Until I learn what selection they received, I'll ignore it in the Mock Draft. Regardless, Ted Thompson will be spoiled with a minimum of 11 picks to work with in this years NFL Draft.

1.) If Sam Montgomery declares, he's my clear cut choice at #32. Merge Montgomery's gifts with those of The Claymaker and the Packers OLB spot would be fulfilled for the next decade. If Montgomery trays in school, I'm waffling a bit. Be sure to pay extra attention to #99 in the BCS Championship. Kendall Wright has been my favorite player to watch in college football this year, but the Packers aren't drafting WR in Round 1. I really like Fletcher Cox, Jerel Worthy and Nick Perry, but I don't envision any of them being available at #32. Therefore, my selection is Dontari Poe, DL, Memphis. The DL needs to improve. Ryan Pickett is still playing at a high level, but he's not getting any younger and Howard Green has not been the same player that he was last year. Poe will improve the run defense. He's not going to solve our pass rush issues, but he'll help when teams try the ground and pound approach against the XLV Champs.
Others that I am watching: Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois. Mercilus had great success getting to the QB. He's the ideal size for a 3-4 OLB. I have his Bowl game on DVR. After I watch his game vs. UCLA, he could easily become my 1st Round choice. Lamar Miller, RB, []_[]. As I mentioned, Miller amazes me. He runs with grace. He's often the fastest player on the field. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat to take it to the house. I'd love it if Miller were the selection.

2.) Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall. He played a DE role at Marshall. He causes havoc on opposing Offensive Coordinators. He uses a variety of moves to get to the QB. With Curry, the Packers will get a legitimate playmaker who not only makes the tackle, but he swipes the ball away. I've been enamored with his game since the '10 Classic between Marshall and WVU when Curry and Mario Harvey almost knocked off the Mountaineers by themselves. In '10, Curry finished with 18 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. In '11, Curry finished with 22 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 7 forced fumbles,3 blocked kicks and a safety. Curry fits what we're seeking. At this stage, Curry is viewed as a late 2nd/early 3rd round pick. Don't be surprised if he jumps up draft boards after the Combine and his individual workout. I like Curry enough to draft him in the 1st Round, so it'll be interesting to see how he performs in the pre-Draft events as he could easily catapult to my 1st Round selection. Much like in 1999 when Ron Wolf went aggressive with CB's, it wouldn't surprise me to see Ted Thompson be aggressive with Pass Rushers.

Others: Cam Johnson, OLB, Virginia. He has had experience playing in a 3-4, however prior to his Junior Year, Virginia moved to a 4-3. He's a little heavier than the traditional 245-255 lb OLB. Nonetheless, look for the Packers to go after a number of pass rushers and in some ways, Johnson reminds me of Lamar Woodley. He has the attitude to play OLB in the 3-4. Moves well. Might be a decent compliment to Clay. At this point, Johnson is viewed as a 2-3 round pick. Billy Winn, DL, Boise. Winn is somewhat Jeckyl and Hyde. At times, he's pushed backwards or thrown to the turf. Other times, he's dominant. Alameda Ta'amu, DL, Washington. He disappointed in the Bowl game. He disappointed against Stanford. But, he's got the size, athleticism, and mobility that NFL teams crave. He uses his hands well and collapses the pocket well for his size.

3.) Since I initiated my first 2012 Mock Draft back In August, one name has been a constant: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina. He's terrific in the box. He can cover the TE. He'll blitz with a ferocious approach out of the slot. Simply stated, his game translates to Dom Capers' system. I'm still not convinced that he's an elite player when he's asked to cover in space, but he does have terrific versatility. He's causes confusion for opposing QB's. He has to be accounted for on every play.

Others: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincy. If I didn't enjoy Antonio Allen so much, Pead would be my unquestioned choice. Man, he'd fit perfectly. Great instincts. Tough to bring down. Finds space. Elite vision. One of the better runners I saw this year. Pead would fit in well in Green Bay. Let me repeat, Isaiah Pead in Green Bay would work out well for all parties. But, I'm higher on Brandon Saine than most and therefore, I'll hold off on a RB selection until later in the draft. Bernard Pearce, RB, Temple. Good one-cut runner. Sound vision. Have to question the level of competition, but regardless, he was a consistent performer with all of the tools to develop into a solid 1st and 2nd down runner. He reminds me a little of Ryan Grant.

4.) Casey Heyward, CB, Vandy. Heyward is currently a mid-round prospect. But, every time you watch him play, he's forcing turnovers, reading routes and making plays on the ball. Wouldn't surprise me if he jumps to the end of the 2nd round as we get closer to the Draft.

4a.) Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincy. He'd immediately improve the pass rush. Oddly, most have him projected as a late round pick. I see him as a 4th Round prospect. He's a great hustle player who pursues with intent. His figure doesn't seem to promote mobility, but he moves surprisingly well. He gets a good push and his motor is consistent.
Others: Nigel Bradham, ILB, FSU. Bradham attacks ball carriers. He drops well. He reads the QB's eyes with precision. He'd be a nice mid-round pick. I'm interested to see how Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise performs at the combine. Undoubtedly, he's athletic. Ideal size for the 3-4. Has shown that he can rush the passer and drop in coverage. Does he run the 4.7 that most are expecting him to run? If so, he'll be an attractive selection. Cyrus Gray, RB, A&M. If there's one thing that Mike Sherman is tremendous at, it is developing and utilizing RB's. He compared Gray to Ahman Green. Respect!

5.) Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor. Like Alex Green, Ganaway played in a spread offense, which requires a back to make a quick decision, one-cut move and then go! Ganaway had a solid year, with exclamation of an ending in his Bowl game. Ganaway runs hard. He's not going to outrun many DB's, but he's moves well for his size. He also pushes the pile forward upon contact. I'd prefer Cyrus Gray, but he'll be gone by this point and defensive improvements are top of mind in this years Draft.

5a.) Mike Martin, DL, Michigan. Martin is consistently active. He gives everything he has on every down. Not going to overwhelm you, but he's not going to be driven backwards. Stout at the point. Doesn't get moved easily. He also doesn't dominate the line of scrimmage. But, he's going to give you endless effort. And, due to his effort, he'll make plays. He reminds me of Don Davey. Davey was a little taller and a lot lighter, but they played with similar styles.

Others: The 5th and 6th Rounds look like a good time to target a WR. Jarius Wright, Arkansas, is favorite of mine. Marvin McNutt, Iowa, was an elite playmaker at the college level. BJ Cunningham, Michigan State, showed glimpses of brilliance. Joe Adams, Arkansas, is like watching a video game in real life. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M, has all of the tools to be a legit NFL WR. Ryan Browles, OK, had a tremendous collegiate career before blowing out his knee. TY Hilton, FIU, is a fun weapon. I'll never forget watching him play as a Freshman. He was a lethal KR & PR. Jordan White, Western Michigan, has all of the gifts that translate to success at the next level. At RB, I also like Dan Herron as a 4th or 5th round prospect. Marred by the Ohio State scandal, no one can deny Herron's on-field production.

6.) Olivier Vernon, OLB, []_[]. When motivated, Vernon was an absolute baller. Very troublesome though is the fact that Vernon was often uninvolved. If he played with a high motor 100% of the time, Vernon would be a 2nd round pick. He'd be a terrific project for Kevin Greene. Greene would find a way to motivate Vernon - I have no doubt. And, much like Jimmy Graham, who also came from the []_[], he might be a late bloomer and a late round diamond in the rough.
7.) Case Keenum, QB, Houston. Matt Flynn is gone. No question about it. It seems as though Thompson and McCarthy intend on promoting Graham Harrell, who is sure to benefit from an off-season with mini-camps and the QB school that McCarthy offers. How can you argue with Keenum's numbers? Granted, he did not take snaps from center, but remember, neither did Harrell in college. In fact, they're similar prospects. I believe Keenum is more mobile than he gets credit for. He throws a great long ball. He doesn't have significant zip, but in time, I see him as a reliable back-up QB. He's worth a 7th Round pick.

7a.) Sammy Brown, OLB, Houston. Brown caught my eye when I tuned into the Marshall v Houston game this past October. My intent was to watch Vinny Curry and Case Kenum. And while Curry was unproductive, Brown was a total stud. Active in pursuit. Aggressive off the edge. A potential 7th Round steal.

7b.) Najee Goode, ILB, WVU. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. This one is a reach. But, why not? Watch the film. He makes tackles. He finds the ball carrier. He's around the ball. He finished with 87 tackles, 5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He may not time well in the 40, but he gets sideline-to-sideline well. Further, he was a leader. I see him as a solid special teams contributor. ILB is not a position of need for the Packers, nonetheless, he'd be a fun selection.

Others: Tyrone Crawford, DE/OLB, Boise. Does he have a position on the field? I'm not sure. He is a tweener, no doubt. But, the guy is a football player. Arguably the most underrated prospect that I've seen in College Football. Every time I watched Boise, Crawford seemed to be making plays. Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington. Ideal size. Runs a good deep route. Well coached. Had trouble holding onto the ball in 2010, but seemed to improve this year. Good late round option. Dominique Davis, QB, ECU. Escapes pressure well. He is a run-first QB, with the ability to throw on the run. He's elusive. Sees the field fairly well. High upside. Not sure he's scratched the surface of his potential.

More Draft vibes to come after the Packers claim the XLVI Crown. Pop Tarts!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 17

2011-12-31T13:02:00.002-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

It was rich in Holiday Cheer. 14-1. The most victories in franchise Regular Season History. Defeating the Bears for the 4th time in the 2011 calendar year. Proving, in fact, that the Bears do still suck! In convincing fashion. Whether it was Nutler, Hanie or McCown as the QB for Chicago, the Packers owned the Bears in 2011. It was a magical year. Purely dominating our old rivals. Bears fans will claim injury. But, last I checked, the Bears had Urlacher, Tillman, Briggs, and Peppers all playing on the defensive side of the ball. All were neutralized. In return, the NFL’s MVP connected on 5 TD’s without his best weapon, Greg Jennings. Ultimately, as the most cherished theater in American sports echoed with “Bears Still Suck” chants, the play on the field showed that the Lambeau Faithful was quite accurate in our assessments.

Quick hits from the thrashing of the Bears:

· Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP. He beat Brees head to head. He didn’t have a 2-interception game all year. Brees has had multiple 2-interception games. He has thrown for more TD’s than Brees. He’s averaged more than an extra yard per attempt than Brees. Rodgers is your MVP. No doubt in my mind.

· Mike McCarthy, you own Lovie Smith. And we love you for it. When Lovie Smith was hired in 2004, he said his top priority was to beat the Packers. Well, Lovie, you went 0-4 in 2011. Cheers to you, Lovie!

· Jordy Nelson running the deep route to perfection.

· Clay Matthews making big plays! In the 1st half, it was almost as if he was the only one on defense who showed up. He baited McCown with a magic touch. And the interception was a game changer.

· Desmond Bishop, welcome back. You were missed.

· I’m not in panic mode, but I’m starting to wonder whether DJ Smith should be starting over AJ Hawk.

· We’re going to need improved Safety play in the playoffs. Both Burnett and Peprah appear to be a step late in pass defense.

· J-Mike, stay confident, young man. You’re a threat. Defenses key on you. You’re a match-up nightmare. In order for the Repeat to come to fruition, we’ll need you in a BIG WAY!

· Good to see James Jones step up and get the offense in rhythm with the crossing route in front of his nemesis, Peanut Tillman.

· I enjoy watching Brandon Saine run.

· Hope Starks can stay healthy for the stretch run.

· GAME MVP: MARSHALL NEWHOUSE!

· Thought TJ Lang did a remarkable job as well.

· Big ups to Evan Diedrich-Smith!

· The Packers OL > The Bears DL. Music to my ears.

· BJ Raji is struggling. Even when he gets a push, he’s not finishing plays.

· I’m beginning to wonder about Mike Neal. CJ Wilson is getting more push than him and that scares me.

· T-Mon has to get his MOJO back. Giving too much separation. Doesn’t seem overly inspired. When he’s “on” – he’s as good as it gets in this league. His body language hasn’t seemed like himself.

· J-Bush & P-Lee are absolute difference makers on special teams. Brad Jones played well on special teams as well. Fun to watch.

· Tim Masthay is LEGIT!

· Randall Cobb brings a dimension to Packers football that hasn’t been seen since Desmond Howard left. Rossum did some good things, but not to this level. Packer historians are reminded of Travis Williams! Cobb makes a 10-yard return look so exciting. Hope his injury isn’t serious.

· Let me repeat, Aaron Rodgers is the NFL’s MVP. G-Force, don’t take this for granted.

· Speaking of the G-Force. Even when the game is in doubt, the crowd needs to stay elevated. This defense needs our help. We have to make it tough on the opposition. Play our role.

This week – it’s Detroit. And frankly, I’d rest our stars. No Aaron Rodgers. And if he plays, make it one series at the most. But, seriously, save the roster spot. Make him inactive. Jennings and Starks are already ruled out. I’d do the same with Bulaga as there is no need to push him. I would also sit Woodson and Matthews. Pickett would not play. Neither would Raji. I’d work Green, Wilson, Neal, and Wynn on the DL. Run them hard. I’d play a lot of 2 down lineman. Give some of the LB’s a shot. I’d like to see Davon House. T-Mon would see limited action. So would Bishop. We’d see more of DJ Smith and Robert Francois. We’d see more of So’oto and Lattimore. I’d like to see MD Jennings at Safety. Jennings was a ball hawk in the preseason. I’d like to see him in the rotation.

Offensively, I’d give the game to Brandon Saine. I’d like to see him touch the ball 20-25 times. I’d like to see him catching passes. With the Packers likely to only have 3 WR’s in the lineup, we’ll see a lot of double TE’s. With J-Mike likely to get limited reps, I’d like to see Ryan Taylor getting his shot. The same with DJ Williams running down the seam. Give the kids the reps that they didn’t get during mini-camps. I’d also test Clifton to see if he’s good to go for the Run to the Repeat.

Frankly, it could be argued that it’d be in the Packers best interest to lose this game. Assuming the 49ers beat the Rams, the #6 seed would travel to New Orleans. If the Lions win, the Falcons would get their third crack at the Saints. Traditionally, the Falcons have battled the Saints well. It’d be a rivalry game. Remember that the Falcons beat the Saints in New Orleans in 2010. In ’09, they battled the Saints and eventually fell by 8 points. In ’08, they fought hard against the Saints, only to lose by 4 points. If you can’t tell, I’d prefer to not play the Saints in the playoffs. I’m not scared of New Orleans. In fact, I think we’d beat them. But, I’d like to make the Saints road to the NFC Championship as difficult as possible.

With that said, the Packers are playing for 15-1 with their back-ups. I’d like to see Flynn in control of the offense. A good performance by Flynn could potentially affect his status with the Packers next year. It’d also affect the compensatory pick we’d get for him. It’d be fun to see him play well.

Look for the Lions to try and attack us with Kevin Smith. The formula is to run the ball against the Packers. Smith will pound it at us. Then, they’ll send Calvin Johnson on deep routes and dump the ball to Smith underneath. The Lions will pester us. Eat the clock. Almost stunningly, the Packers are OK with the Lions strategy. The Packers would like to keep the clock moving as well as the #1 motivation for this week is to stay healthy. And, when the Packers get the ball, we see a lot of short passes. We set a lot of Saine pounding the ball. Saine pushing the pile forward. Then McCarthy calls play action and he hits Jones on a deep ball.

As the Lions spread the ball to Burleson, Pettigrew, Johnson, Smith and Titus Young, they find some efficiency. They move the ball, but break down near the Red Zone on a couple of occasions. Additionally, the Packers force 2 big turnovers. Flynn throws for 200 yards and a TD. Saine rushes for 80 yards and a TD.

The Lions haven’t won against the Packers on the road since 1991. It’s not happening this year. Even with our back-ups.

Packers 23. Lions 20.

Before I sign off, I had to give a huge shout-out to my good mate, Pat Hoeft. He's started a clothing line named "GEEBZ" - get after his line. It's fun stuff. Check out his website at www.geebzshirts.com. You'll like what you see. Well done, Pat!

Go Pack Go!

Happy New Year,

Talkin’ S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 16

2011-12-22T12:10:00.008-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

For the first time in nearly a full calendar year, we've tasted defeat. We were beat up. We were humbled. We lost discipline. We lost focus. And, for the first time in over a calendar year, we were out-coached. But, no need to panic, we're still the Champs. We still have the MVP throwing the damn ball. We still have a first round bye. We're still a victory away from having home field throughout. We're still the class of the NFL. And, really, what better way to clinch than to beat the Bears on Christmas Day in a Lambeau celebration? The Bears Still Suck!

Quick hits from the Chiefs game.

* We struggled to find rhythm. As a team, we were frustrated. Annoyed. Pestered. McCarthy didn't stick with what was working. We had success running the football. Randall Cobb is a weapon and should be used. We didn't stick with what was working.

* Defensively, we lost containment. Zombo and Walden were not discipline. They were exposed.

* The DL was abused. Beat up. Donde esta, Mike Neal? Neal must arrive soon. At some point, Neal has to make a play.

* Where was Clay?

* Rodgers is the MVP. Enough with this Brees noise. Head to head, Rodgers beat him. With that, as defenses continue to press us at the of scrimmage and drop two safeties, Rodgers must remember to dump it off to the underneath route when it's not there over the top or down the field.

* Jordy Nelson couldn't get open. It was almost as if the Chiefs new the route before the play. They were cutting beneath crossing routes as the WR's were coming out of their breaks.

* Prior to going for it on 4th & 8, on 3rd down, Rodgers had Cobb wide open. He overlooked him. I wish he wouldn't have.

* Ryan Grant had his stride.

* Stating the obvious, the OL must get healthy...meaning Bulaga & Clifton. Clearly, its present state is a huge concern.

* J-Mike. WTF.

* Bummed me out when Kuhn failed to get 3rd & 1.

* AJ Hawk must nowhere to be found.

* DJ Smith played decent, but I wish he would have dropped deeper on the seam route to the TE.

* Sir Charles was our best defender.

* James Jones couldn't get off the line of scrimmage. He was a huge disappointment.

* No forced turnovers. With this defense, we won't win much without them. With that, I'd expect our offense to score 20 points every game. So, in part, the defense put us in position to win. And the offense lacked tempo. The combination equaled defeat.

This week, it's the Bears. The hated Bears. On Christmas Day. It doesn't get better. Win and we clinch home field throughout. Win and the Bears are officially eliminated. It'd cap a perfect 4-0 over the Bears in 2011. It'd include a January 2nd bash that got the Packers into the playoffs. It included the Halas Trophy at Soldier Field inside the visitors locker room. Trump card forever. Pop Tarts! Now, we can put the dagger in their 2011 Season while clinching home field throughout. That's fairly epic and sheer domination. Word.

We know them. They know us. We're both banged up. They're coming after the MVP. We have a banged up OL. It's their strength against our weakness. We'll have to establish Grant, much like we did against Chicago in the earlier match-up at Soldier. With that, the play action will open up. Finley is a tough match-up for the Bears. He must be focused. He seems like he's lost confidence. Get J-Mike the ball early in the game. Make him feel involved.

The Bears will try to run the football in bunches. They'll want to model the Chiefs game plan. They'll coach McCown to play it safe. Expect to see less of Marion Barber and more of Khalil Bell. He is a decent back. He can catch. Runs hard. Not a HR threat but he'll move the pile.

But, in the end, the injured Packers have far more talent than the injured Bears. The Packers defense makes a big play. Hester is limited. Rodgers throws 2 TD's. It's a Lambeau celebration as the chorus of "THE BEARS STILL SUCK" echoes loudly throughout the greatest sports palace in America.

Packers 23. Bears 16.

Go Pack Go. The Bears Still Suck. Have a Merry Christmas.

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 15

2011-12-14T23:30:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

13-0. 19 straight. In dominating fashion. It took 23 minutes for the Packers to completely dismantle an Oakland Raiders team that is battling for an AFC playoff berth. For 23 minutes, the Packers were hitting on all cylinders. The offense poured on 31 points in the first 23 minutes. The defense forced 2 turnovers in the first 23 minutes, which led to 14 points. The special teams was on point for the first 23 minutes as Crosby drilled a FG into windy conditions, Cobb had an impressive 10 yard return and on each Oakland Kickoff Return our pursuit was top-notch. The last 37 minutes were slightly more than a walk-through.

Quick hits from the victory over the Raiders:

* Another brilliant coaching display by Mike McCarthy. As an offensive play caller, he's in rhythm. He understands this team. He's found the tempo of this team. He sees the mismatch. Early in the game, the Packers were quick to the line of scrimmage and the Raiders defense was on its heels the entire game.

* Congratulations to Aaron Rodgers for throwing #39. Looking forward to seeing the record breaking #40 at Arrowhead!

* It took me four years to feel this way, but my apologies to Ted Thompson. I wanted DeSean Jackson. You took Jordy Nelson. You were right. I was wrong. As DeSean Jackson pouts. Jordy Nelson produces.

* Get healthy, Greg Jennings.

* James Jones, it's all in the shoes.

* Double-D running crossing routes like it's 2004! 18.8 yards per catch.

* Randall Cobb with the ball in his hands is pure excitement.

* Rodgers' cadence at the line of scrimmage was a thing of beauty. The Raiders came out antsy to pressure the NFL's MVP. Rodgers slowed down their pace with heavy voice fluctuation.

* Good to see Ryan Grant finding open space.

* Ryan Taylor finds the end zone!

* TJ Lang played extremely well.

* Admirable performance by Evan Diedrich-Smith.

* Mason Crosby is having a Pro Bowl year.

* Huge shout out to DJ Smith. The guy was absolutely disruptive early in the game. In addition to the interception, he was all over the field. Reading screens. Taking down Bush when it looked like he had yards in bunches. He played with personality. He closes quickly on the ball. He's fun to watch. He struggled getting to the QB on the blitz, but he comes with a vengeance.

* If you've been following this blog for long enough, you know that in 2009, I wanted the Packers to use a late round pick on Robert Francois. I've been a fan of his for a while. Happy to see he's making plays. Again, he displayed solid cover skills. He's making it seem as though he should be our 3rd down ILB when the opposition is in an obvious passing down. He drops well. He moves laterally well. In 3 weeks of action at ILB, he has 2 interceptions and another near interception. He also forced a fumble that was returned for a TD. Solid game by Francois.

* Rodgers. MVP

* After watching Smith and Francois, the Packers don't need to draft an ILB.

* Sir Charles with another pick!

* Sammy Swagga with a pick!

* Is it just me or has Ryan Grant regressed with regards to pass protection? Seems uncertain. Slow to react.

* No reason to get Sherrod snaps with Rodgers at QB. Sure, Newhouse has struggled on occasion, but he hasn't been so bad that we'd need to risk Rodgers back-side.

* Rodgers. MVP.

* Last year, at this time, T-Mon was playing as one of the best cover CB's in the league. He was at the line of scrimmage. Jamming WR's in the chest. Playing physical. Against the Raiders, you could find T-Mon 8-12 yards off the line of scrimmage. It's possible that he was simply respected the speed of the Raiders WR's, but I like to see T-Mon challenging receivers.

* After Woodson's pick, I loved seeing the Claymaker beg for the ball. He wanted the pitch from Sir Charles so badly!

* The Packers special teams cover units are playing at a level that we haven't seen since the days of Lamont Hollinquest, Keith McKenzie, Mike Prior, Bernardo Harris, Travis Jervey, and Terry Mickens. Love to see the hard work of J-Bush, P-Lee, MD Jennings, Crabtree, Saine and Ryan Taylor.

* Find the end zone Erik Walden! Touch pay dirt, young man!

* The Raiders had some success pressuring the Packers up the middle of the gut. Wonder if others will come aggressively with inside blitzes in the coming weeks.

* Morgan "the Predator" Burnett making tackles in the open field is a fun sight.

* Charlie Peprah is a solid safety when he's kept in the box as an 8th man.

* Nice to see Frank Zombo grab his 1st sack of the season. It'd be fun to see Mike Neal do the same.

* After 13 games, the Packers have forced 32 turnovers and generated 27 sacks.

* In the compensatory pick column for next years NFL Draft, it's worth noting that Anthony Smith was placed on IR this week. I still think Cullen Jenkins is probably worth a 5th round pick. So is Daryn Colledge. And the combination of Ras-A-tari, Spitz, Anthony Smith, Korey Hall, and B-Jack are probably worth two 7th round picks as well.

This week - the Packers are off to Arrowhead. My wife and I are heading to Kansas City as well. Going with a crowd of friends. Bringing the G-Force. With a vengeance. We'll be witness to the 20th straight win, a Packers QB record for TD passes as Rodgers strikes for #40 and as Bob McGinn reported this week; Mike McCarthy will accomplish something Vince Lombardi never did by going unbeaten on the road. To top it off, a win gives the Packers home field advantage all the way to the Super Bowl. I'm stoked!

The Chiefs are 5-8. But, they can't be overlooked. Arrowhead is a hostile environment. And - although I expect the stadium to be 1/3 Packers fans - the Chiefs aren't going down easily. Romeo Crennel will have his time ready to play. The defense will be fired up. And - a small piece of history reminds me of a 13-0 Denver Broncos team facing a 5-8 New York Giants team in New York, only to lose to New York 20-16. In this league, if you want to win, you must be ready. Every game of the year.

Once again, the Packers will face an under-appreciated defense. Tamba Hali can flat-out rush the passer. Last year, Hali had 15 sacks and this year he has 9 sacks. Justin Houston has 4 sacks in the last 2 weeks. Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson are stout at the point of attack against the run. Derrick Johnson is a total stud at ILB. Johnson is a tremendous pass rusher when he comes on the blitz. Brandon Flowers has been a solid NFL CB. He's able to man-up with most WR's in the league. Brandon Carr can be beat, but he'll also man-up against a WR and try to run with you. Kendrick Lewis is a young and improving Safety. The Chiefs defense will fight us. They'll compete. They'll mix it up and bring a variety of blitzes. If the Packers, can protect Rodgers, the Chiefs defense can be beat on double-moves over the top.

Offensively, the Chiefs are beat up. It appears as though Kyle Orton will make his first start as a Chief. As I mentioned earlier in the year when Orton started for the Broncos, Orton has fared well against the Packers throughout his career. He's 3-2 in his career as a starter against the Packers. He possesses the ball control skills to pull of the upset. Expect the Chiefs to throw a bundle of bubble screens to Steve Breaston, Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin. The Chiefs will also try and control the line of scrimmage by pounding the ball with Thomas Jones and Jackie Battle. Then - the Chiefs will spread the Packers out and jam the ball at you with the elusive Dexter McCluster.

With Mother Nature looking to keep the rain away until Monday, the weather looks like it'll be in the high 40's to low 50's at Kickoff. Sunny skies. Football weather for the Green Bay Packers. A classic AFC v NFC battle. A rematch of the 1st Super Bowl.

Protect Rodgers. Don't turn the ball over. Don't let the dangerous Javier Arenas get loose on a Punt Return. And the Packers will win by a large margin.

I can't be convinced that Orton has a full grasp of this offense and even if he does have an understanding, just a couple of days ago he wasn't even throwing the ball in practice. Orton might know our nuances, but the Packers defense has too many playmakers. Turnovers will be had. At least two of them.

Earlier in the year, when Orton was a Bronco, he had success against the Packers throwing it deep. Look for Orton to use the height advantage that Baldwin presents on a couple of fly patterns. As the Packers keep 8 in the box to protect against the bubble screen and the Chiefs ground game, it'll be up to Burnett to provide help over the top. Burnett grabs a jump ball interception this week.

Look for the Claymaker to have a big game with 2 sacks.

Rodgers throws for 250 more yards and 2 more TDs, eclipsing the Packers single season TD record. Jordy finds the end zone. So does Finley.

Playing loose, the Chiefs keep the game close for a half. But, they can't run with the Champs.

Packers 34. Chiefs 20.

Celebrate Home Field advantage.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 14

2011-12-07T22:02:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

12-0. 18 straight. In thrilling fashion! We were battle tested. On the road. In December. Against a desperate team with a Super Bowl MVP QB, a Super Bowl winning coach, and a formidable front 4 on the DL. We were victorious. This cannot be overstated. This was a Championship type win. And it was only fitting that on the day of this victory, the Packers clinched the NFC North Crown for the 1st time with #12 as the starting QB. Pardon me, while I sip a Zyr Gibson as celebration.

Quick hits from the victory over the New York Giants:

* Sure, once again, there were faults. Again, we struggled to stop the run. We struggled to run the ball. We couldn't pressure the QB. Our pass protection was sub-par. Our secondary was soft. Still, the Packers found victory. Welcome to the 2011 Green Bay Packers. It's apparent that these "flaws" are a part of this "unflawed" Packers team. And - in some ways - the beauty of this Packers team is our ability to overcome these deficiencies. Clearly, improving the DL is the #1 priority of the off-season. Until then, we have to hope Raji impresses. We have to hope Mike Neal rids himself of rust and becomes the guy we all hoped he'd become.

* The defense gave up 35 points - including a late drive to tie the game. The final drive didn't bother me. I expected Eli to perform in the end. He's done that throughout his career. Sure, I was disappointed we couldn't get pressure up the middle to force him to throw off his back foot, however in the end it didn't shock me that we didn't get the late stop. But, what bothered me about the defense was their play during the 3rd Quarter. Up 28-17. We let the Giants move down the field with little to no hassle. Normally, that's when the Packers have been flexing their might. They've been able to get off the field defensively and then McCarthy has called the deep ball to find a 3-score lead. Our defense failed us. Then, on the following Giants possession, Masthay had pinned the G-Men deep and we not only let them out of their own territory, but the Giants also moved the ball down the field for a FG. Defensively, we didn't seize the game when we had a chance to deliver an early knock-out punch.

* Mike McCarthy has been an aggressive play caller. With supreme confidence, an elite QB and a drive to keep Defensive Coordinators confused. We saw the Cobb pass against the G-Men. Soon, we'll see the reverse to Cobb. And, we'll see the swing pass to Cobb.

* Aaron Rodgers. MVP. The two words are synonymous. 369 yards. 4 TD's. BRILLIANT!

* Double-D! Old man showing he's still got game. That smile is priceless. And the wink was sensational. Stoked that was caught on camera!

* Jordy Nelson's route running has improved tremendously in 2011. He's in tune with Rodgers. And the footwork down the sideline was beyond spectacular.

* The greeting between Greg Jennings and Aaron Rodgers after the final pass was FANTASTIC! Teammates. In unison. Greatness!

* Be great, Greg Jennings!

* With Starks hurt, Brandon Saine is our best RB. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kuhn get enhanced touches as well. Clearly, Grant is not the same player that he was prior to the injury.

* This was Marshall Newhouse's worst game of the year.

* Bulaga is our best OL in 2011.

* Diedrich-Smith struggled. Badly. But, he was a starter in a win. And we didn't have to fully change the offensive structure in the process. Be thankful.

* Catch the ball, J-Mike. Catch the ball!

* Sad to see AQ81 is done for the year.

* CM3 making plays! Loved the pick-6. Long hair - Don't care!

* Charlie Peprah covering anyone in the slot is a scary proposition.

* Liked the effort of DJ Smith & Robert Francois. But, the results left a lot to be desired. Both get a pass as it was their first start and the victory was sweet. Francois has the potential to be our best pass covering ILB.

* Erik Walden is one step away from being a really good OLB. He has 30 QB hits. Yet, he only has 3 sacks.

* In 12 games, this defense has forced 27 turnovers and has generated 26 sacks.

* MASON CROSBY! DRILLING THE DAGGER!

* J-Bush playing legitimately as a gunner.

* Tim Masthay dropping bombs!

* Don't be surprised to see Ryan Taylor earning playing Time from the line of scrimmage over the last 4 weeks.

* If you didn't buy a share in the '90's, by one now. Be an owner of the world's greatest sports franchise!

* A quick look at the potential compensatory picks heading into the 2012 NFL Draft. Cullen Jenkins has started 12 games and he's produced with 5.5 sacks. Daryn Colledge has started 12 games at Guard for the Cardinals. Ras-A-tari Bigby has played in 11 games for the Seahawks, starting 1 game. In those 11 games, he has 11 tackles, 1 sack and 1 pass defensed. Anthony Smith has played in all 12 games. He's yet to make a start, but he has produced 2 passes defensed and 10 tackles. Korey Hall has appeared in 9 games. He's without a carry or a catch. Jason Spitz has made 5 appearances in 2011. As a reminder, B-Jack has been out all year due to injury. With the way the season has progressed, though the formula is unknown as to how compensatory picks are distributed, I'd project that the Packers will get 2 5th round picks and 2 7th round picks. Had B-Jack played this year, these picks would have likely been better.

This week - it's the Raiders. Watch yourself, G-Force. Don't sleep on the Raiders! Much like Tampa Bay, almost awkwardly, the Raiders are better suited for a cold, sloppy weathered game than the Packers are. The Lambeau Faithful must be ROWDY!

While conventional wisdom would suggest that this game could be similar to the '93 game vs. the Raiders in which LeRoy Butler invented the Lambeau Leap, this game has the potential to be dangerous. The Raiders run the football. They rush the passer. They're tough minded. They're physical. They punish you at the line of scrimmage. They have speed at WR. Much like Brandon Jacobs and LeGarrette Blount, Michael Bush is tough to bring down. And, if Darren McFadden plays, he's an absolute weapon.

This vintage AFC-NFC game - the rematch of Super Bowl II - shouldn't be a trap game. There's no reason to look past Oakland, but I just hope the Packers are focused from the start. There cannot be a lull to start this game. We can't offer the Raiders hope early in this game. The Packers must grab an early lead. With temperatures expected to be in the low-to-mid 30's, this is December football in Green Bay, WI. If behind early, the Raiders will want to get on the bus. Fresh off the dramatic victory in New York, the Packers should be relaxed.

Carson Palmer has been Jeckyll & Hyde. He's had moments of fine play. He's had moments in which he's been disastrous. He'll give us chances to make plays. We must get snatch the football. Big plays are in front of us on the defensive side of the ball.

It doesn't take a genius to figure it out but there are two keys to this game: Our ability to force turnovers and our ability to protect Aaron Rodgers.

Defensively, the Raiders are talented. They pressure the QB with a highly underrated DL. Lamarr Houston is better than he gets credit for. Richard Seymour is a Pro Bowler. Desmond Bryant never gives up on a play. Tommy Kelly will beat you up.

The LB core of the Raiders is also underrated. Aaron Curry has been much better as a Raider than he was as a Seahawk. Rolando McClain - if he plays - is absolutely legit. And Kamerion Wimbley is a very good 3rd down speed rusher who will absolutely challenge Newhouse. Wimbley has 6 sacks in the last 4 games.

While I'm not impressed with the Raiders secondary, they benefit from the successes of the front 7. The pressure of Oakland's front 7 is relentless and thus the weaknesses of Stanford Routt, Lito Sheppard, and Chris Johnson are often disguised. There is not one CB on the Raiders who can cover any of our top 5 WR's. But, we'll have our work cut out for us as we attempt to protect the NFL's MVP.

The Raiders are loaded with speed at WR. Early in the game, after a couple of run plays, expect the Raiders to call play-action and to test us deep. Carson Palmer hasn't played in weather like this in a long time. The ball will be under-thrown. It'll end up in the lap of T-Mon. TRAMONDOUS!

If the Raiders come out with the 2-deep Safety look. The Packers will spread out the defense with 3 WR's, J-Mike and a single back. Through a variety of quick hits, Rodgers moves the ball with ease. The play-calling and route design by McCarthy is at a PhD. Level. His play-calling doesn't allow the physically dominant Raiders to get pressure.

The Packers get an early lead as the Raiders play ball-control. They don't abandon the run. We see a lot of Bush. A lot of Kevin Boss testing our LB's. Keeping the sticks moving. And the Raiders will annoy. But, the Faithful stays strong.

Ryan Grant has been a mudder in his career. It'll be interesting to see if he can get loose this week.

Rodgers throws for 250 yards and 3 TD's as he keeps his 2-TD streak alive and extends it to an NFL Record tying 13 games. James Jones gets into the end zone. So does Jennings. So does Nelson.

Packers 30. Raiders 20.

Bring the noise, G-Force. Bring the noise! A win gives the Packers an all-important 1st round bye.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 13

2011-12-01T00:30:00.002-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

11-0. A win this week and the thought of 19-0 can begin. The Run for the Repeat is about to take the first crucial step as the Packers are not only on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth, but we're also on the brink of earning a 1st round bye and capturing the 1st NFC North title in the career of Aaron Rodgers as a starting QB. It's so close I can taste. After all that Rodgers has accomplished in his short career, it'd mark the 1st time Rodgers entered the post-season as a Regular Season Champion. It'd further the legacy he's already created in 4 short years as a starter. And he's performing in what is among the toughest divisions in the NFL.

A couple of quick hits from the Thanksgiving Feast in Detroit:

* It's worth leading off with this: BJ Raji dominated. He was moving the pile. He was getting a push. He collapsed the pocket. He recorded a sack. Hopefully, this was the game Raji needed to jump start this DL into another dominating playoff run.

* Once again, the Packers had a two score lead in the 2nd half and the Packers got the ball back. What did McCarthy call? The dagger! Of course. This time - it went to James Jones. Right when it looked as if Jones might disappear for the rest of the Run for the Repeat, Jones comes out and grabs three balls for a team-high 94 yards. We're deep and we're unpredictable because you never know whose number McCarthy is calling next. But, whether it's been Jennings, Nelson, J-Mike, Jones, Cobb, or Driver - more often than not - the Packers have walked away from the play as a winner.

* And, suddenly, our playmakers are making plays on defense. Look out. The Claymaker with a pick and although he didn't record a sack, his pressure was solid. Sir Charles with a pick. T-Mon got his hands on a couple of balls. The cast looks like it's getting smaller on Morgan Burnett's hand. Big plays are coming.

* Sometimes even a hot fire needs to be stoked. Such was the case with Aaron Rodgers on Turkey Day. While Aaron Rodgers presently has a warning label that reads: "CAUTION: FLAMMABLE" - his red hot right arm caught potency after the thuggish defensive line from the Detroit Lions went cheap on him in the 2nd Quarter. Granted, two of the hits weren't called for penalties, but clearly, they were late hits that were meant to inflict harm. After the game, ESPN Analyst said it best, and I paraphrase, "As a coach you either teach that style of play or you discipline that style of play. And in the case of Schwartz, it appears as though he teaches that style of play." They went after Rodgers in a dirty fashion. Rodgers responded with another near flawless performance. Aaron Rodgers, ladies & gentleman, is the unquestioned MVP of the NFL thus far. Consider this - and I thank my cousin Ryan for pointing this out to me - but, presently, Rodgers is 17th in the NFL in passing attempts. He's 4th in completions. He's 1st in TD's. He's 1st in yards per attempt. He's 3rd in yards. Of the starting QB's in the league, he's thrown the least amount of interceptions. He's 1st in completion percentage. He's yet to lose a fumble. His team is undefeated after 11 games. It's almost unbelievable to consider the level of QB play that were witnessing out of the XLV MVP.

* Of course Charles Woodson was picking off a pass in Detroit. He went straight gangsta on Matthew Stafford. That play was inhumane. One of my favorite defensive plays of the year. Straight gangsta, man. Straight gangsta! Giving him 53 interceptions in his Hall of Fame career.

* Marshall Newhouse, dude. His best game of the year. Might he be the Left Tackle of the future? At times, he's showed it's legitimately possible. Should the Run for the Repeat end in the XLVI crown, I'll couple him with Bruce Wilkerson as saviors. For the most part, Wilkerson shut down Vanden Bosch.

* Champions have depth. And, on Turkey Day, the depth came through. Struggling though the most physically taxing portion of the schedule, the Packers endured the injuries that you had to assume were on the horizon. Bishop, Hawk, and Clifton all went out. In came DJ Smith, Robert Francois, and Evan Diedrich-Smith. DJ was abusive. 5 solo tackles. 1 assist. He was a menace to the Lions OL on the pass rush. He gets low. He hits with might. He was fresh. He wanted success. He found success. He has a future in this league. Francois came up HUGE with the interception that preceded the deep ball to James Jones. Francois also pitched in with 3 solo tackles. And all Evan Diedrich-Smith did was pin Suh to the turf with an epic pancake. He frustrated Suh so vigorously that Suh's retaliation led to his ejection. Pure domination.

* Another solid game for Sam Shields.

* Mason Crosby drilling a couple of big kicks.

* Say what you want about Dom Capers' defense, but man, 2 of the 3 three games, this defense has looked pretty dominant. And on the season the team has 25 sacks, picked off 22 passes, recovered 3 fumbles, has 27 tackles for loss and has scored 3 touchdowns. They give up a boatload of yards, but they have a pension for making the big play.

* Another 4 catch day for Jordy Nelson.

* Rodgers connected with 9 different receivers. How great was it to see Saine catching the swing pass and falling forward after contact and grabbing extra yards!?!? He's not a life saver as a back, but he provides a decent option. I like his moxie. I like his approach. He is a competitor. I've thought this since the first time I watched him play. And there he was - grabbing big yards after contact. These plays were supposed to go to Alex Green. Saine is making the most of his chances.

* Greg Jennings. Man. A 5 catch, 74 yard, 1 TD game is so ho-hum. What a superstar!

* J-Mike - mate, I got your back. Through thick and through thin. But, mate, you gotta hold onto the ball.

* Glad Walden kept himself out of jail. He's playing his best ball of the year.

* I'm curious to see what happens to Reggie McKenzie and the Raiders GM job. It'd be a bummer if we lost him. He's a key to continuing to build on this franchise during the offseason. He's been a staple. If Oakland grabs him, they're getting a real talent.

* Didn't agree with P-Lee's ejection. Once again, I want to reiterate that J-Bush and P-Lee have had very good seasons and have been weapons as gunners on special teams.

* Have to love Matt Flynn's beard. After watching a number of back-up QB's over the past couple of weeks - especially last weekend - it wouldn't surprise me if Ted Thompson gives Matt Flynn the money he wants during the offseason to keep him around.

This week - it's the Giants. The Packers and the Giants have developed a mini-rivalry over the last couple of years. In '07, we know what happened in the NFC Championship Game. Then - last year - the Giants were the team that allowed the Packers to get into the playoffs after DeSean Jackson danced all over the New Meadowlands and then the Giants came to Lambeau and Aaron Rodgers went bananas on the Giants secondary. Rodgers threw for over 400 yards and 4 TD's as the Packers routed the Giants 45-17.

Don't be fooled by the Giants performance last Monday Night in New Orleans. They're a physical team. They can win games with their front 4. They can pressure the QB. They can make life miserable for the oppositions offensive play caller. With that said, the G-Men are beat up on the DL. Tuck is playing at less than 100%. Osi got banged up against the Saints. Still, JPP is an absolute beast. When Kiwi puts his hand in the ground and rushes the passer, he's also a legitimate threat. Tollefson can also put pressure on the QB. Canty gets a push. They have depth on the DL. They'll try to expose Diedrich-Smith as a weakness as Sitton will be out. They'll try to attack Newhouse to see if he's sturdy enough on the outside. They'll run stunts to try and confuse our inexperienced guards. If we're not prepared, it could be a long day for Aaron Rodgers. The G-Men made a mess out of Tom Brady - in New England. This will be a tough task for our OL. Expect our TE's to chip the Giants ends. Expect Kuhn or Starks to be kept in the pocket to help block and then they'll jump out as safety valves for the NFL's MVP.

If Rodgers has time, he'll torch the Giants defense. The New York LB core is beat up. They can't cover. They don't play well in space. The Packers will own the middle of the field if Aaron Rodgers has time in the pocket.

The Giants secondary has gained depth with the return of Prince Amukamara. Amukamara is a talented CB. Ross can play. So can Webster. But, oddly, the safeties, Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips have not lived up to expectations. They can be beat down the middle of the field. In the past, Jordy Nelson has given Rolle nightmares. It'll happen again on Sunday. Look for Nelson to grab a deep ball.

Last year, the Packers attacked Corey Webster down the outside of the field with Greg Jennings. Webster couldn't run with Jennings. I expect the Packers to target this same match-up on Sunday.

Offensively, Eli Manning has some talented options, if they're healthy. Victor Cruz has emerged as a legitimate threat. Hakeem Nicks is an absolute weapon. When healthy, Mario Manningham has been tough to defend. Ramses Barden has disappointed, but physically, he has all of the tools to be a big time target and a match-up nightmare. Jake Ballard has been a great resource for Manning. With these receivers, Manning has had the best year of his career.

The Giants running game has been in flux. Brandon Jacobs is still a staple in the ground game. Ahmad Bradshaw has been out for nearly a month with a foot injury. DJ Ware has some wiggle to him, but his skills are limited. And while Da'Rel Scott is a Giants-fan favorite, he's yet to have the game in which he bursts onto the scene. And frankly, in the little I've seen of Scott, I'm not concerned that he's going to be someone that beats up. I'm hoping Bishop and/or Hawk can play this week. While Smith & Francois both played well last week, it'd be asking a lot of them to perform at that level for a 2nd week in a row.

Look for the Packers to force turnovers once again. They'll pick Manning off twice and force a fumble. Manning will float the ball down the middle. Burnett better be ready. He'll have an opportunity to swing momentum.

Rodgers gets just enough time. His receivers make plays after the catch. J-Mike has a big game as he scores twice.

Packers 34. Giants 23.

The playoff berth is clinched. Essentially, so is the Division Crown. And, so is the 1st round bye. It's a celebration. 3 of the last 4 are at Lambeau. The other is at Arrowhead. I'm making the trip to KC. 16-0 is within reach. So, is 19-0. Let's get it!

Go Pack Go!
Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 12

2011-11-23T20:59:00.001-05:00

10-0. 16 in a row. Protecting the home turf as the opposition throws their best punch. Almost oddly, Tampa is built for the cold weather, while Green Bay is best constructed to play in weather controlled environments. Regardless, the Yucs came with everything they had. They tried to steal possessions. They played well on the outside. Their DL played as well as it could play. And – we still walked away with victory. Remaining unbeaten. Clearly, through 10 games, the Packers are the class of the NFL. Prime for a repeat. Remember, Mike McCarthy teams will continue to improve. We’ve yet to hit our stride. I’m confident it’ll happen in the coming weeks.

Quick hits from the victory on Sunday:

· Mike McCarthy is a player’s coach. Let’s face it: BJ Raji is struggling. If the Packers are going to Repeat, we need more out of Raji. Raji has Hawaii bound skills. He has not played to his potential. So, what does McCarthy do? He unleashes the Freezer! Epic. Great form, Mike McCarthy! It was great to see Raji smile. His confidence needed that. He needed a little swagger to his step. McCarthy tried to provide him with that.

· Aaron Rodgers continues to be the NFL’s MVP. A “down game” for Rodgers is 299 yards with 3 TD’s and 1 interception.

· Thankful the injuries to Starks and Jennings don’t appear to be serious.

· Jordy Nelson – once again, I’ll say – the best #2 WR in the NFL. Sure, Rodgers makes everyone better. But, Nelson can flat out play. He’s a gamer.

· Double-D showing up as the weather turns bad. Then calls the Packers “the Greatest Show on Grass!” Lovely.

· Time for Ryan Grant to step up. Grant is playing for his career right now. He’ll get a chance to show his worth this week. Time to perform, Ryan. He looks slow to hit the hole and when he hits the hole, he’s lacking acceleration. Thought he’d be further along at this point of the season.

· Tom Crabtree! Get in the stands, young man!

· J-Mike may have dropped the ball, but he’s still the focus of Defensive Coordinators. On nearly every play.

· The interior of the OL is struggling. Josh Sitton, come on, man. Wells & Lang didn’t seem to be on the same page on a couple of plays.

* Is this the real James Jones? Or is he in a funk? Can’t figure it out. Looks like he doesn’t care. And the penalty on the special teams play was unnecessary. And the non-attempt to tackle after the interception is absolutely unacceptable. That's how you play yourself off the team.

* Randall Cobb in Green Bay is totally spectacular. Guy has superstar skills. A game changer. And the ability to win us a playoff game. A true difference maker. Can’t wait to see him throw a TD pass. He’s getting more involved in the offense. Soon – expect trickery. Possibly this week.

* Congrats to Sir Charles! While I haven't seen this documented anywhere, I believe he became the first player to notch more than 50 interceptions and 15 sacks for a career. I'd love it if he could get 2 more sacks this year. Would be sweet to see him finish his career with over 20 sacks!

* While the Claymaker did not get home for a sack, his pressure has been more vibrant since the bye. Good things are coming to him. It was interesting to see the Packers trying to rush Clay from the inside, while either Hawk or Bishop pursued from the outside on the blitz. Capers is desperately looking to find ways to get CM3 to the QB.

* T-Mon playing as though he's among the best cover CB's in the NFL. Clearly, once again, T-Mon is healthy. Tramondous!

* Really wish Morgan "the Predator" Burnett could rid himself of the cast.

* Walden getting to the QB!! Need more of this.

* I thought that AJ Hawk - at times - was playing his best football of the year. Really pursued with intensity. Until the big run by Blount, I thought Hawk was having his best game of the year.

* Surprised to see Mike Neal standing up on a couple of occasions. Wish they'd plant his hand and let him attack.

* Ryan Taylor continues to impress on special teams.

* Love to see Kuhn punching the ball into the end zone!

* AQ81 continues to improve as a blocker. He's a fighter.

This week - it's the game that we've all been waiting for. Thanksgiving. In Detroit. This place will be mayhem. The Lions have waited more than 15 years for a game to matter this late in the season. They feel relevant. They played well against the defending Champs last year. They have reason to believe.

The Lions will look to win by the line of scrimmage. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. While much is said about Vanden Bosch, Fairley, Corey Williams (who is injured and in question), and Suh; one guy that can flat out get to the QB is Cliff Avril. Avril is intense. He's tough. He swipes at the football. He gets the edge. He'll be a tough match for Bulaga. Vanden Bosch's grit and experience will be a tough draw for Newhouse. And - as has been well documented - the interior of the Packers OL vs the interior of the DL for the Lions will be a crucial component in determining the outcome.

Look for the Packers to send TE's in motion. Then, I'd expect them to keep them in the backfield to help block. They'll release late and be dump off options. Rodgers' patience will be tested. But, if we can avoid penalties, we'll be able to move the football.

We'll also see J-Mike chip either Vanden Bosch or Avril (likely Vanden Bosch) prior to going out for a route. Much like the Packers did with Allen & Robison against Minnesota.

It's a big game for Ryan Grant. Grant needs to perform. A QB's best friend is the run game, especially if the Lions are coming with heavy pursuit. Grant can also quiet down the intensity of the crowd.

Don't be surprised to see Brandon Saine get his chance. I envision Saine getting the ball on a swing pass or two. He'll fight through arm tackles and pick up first downs if he's put in a 1 v 1 scenario in the open field.

Big plays can be had down the field against the improved, yet still average, Detroit secondary. Chris Harris was a nice recent addition for the Lions. He brings knowledge of the NFC North. He knows what we do. Chris Houston has made some big plays this year. He can't cover Jordy Nelson. He can't cover Greg Jennings. Eric Wright was a nice offseason addition. He's a fighter. But, I'll take Nelson & Jennings. Louis Delmas is a heavy hitter. If history is any indication, you know that J-Mike will be looking to make a play on him. YOTTO!

I really believe that this is the day Randall Cobb comes up BIG on the offensive side of the ball. Be it a reverse. He could throw a pass in some form of trickery. Or it could simply be Cobb operating out of the slot. He's a weapon. Depending on how much McCarthy respects the Lions, it wouldn't shock me if he has something up his sleeve. And, it's likely Cobb will be involved.

The Lions have weapons on offense. Calvin Johnson is a superstar. But, call me crazy, I believe T-Mon will match up with Johnson and T-Mon will have a good game. Sure, Johnson is going to put up numbers. It wouldn't surprise me if he scores 2 TD's, but T-Mon will make a play as well. Titus Young is a good young talent. Sammy Swagga should shadow him all day. Burleson is a good slot option. Sir Charles will eat him up. What scares me most about the Lions is their TE play. We've struggled against TE's this year. Scheffler & Pettigrew are match-up problems for the Packers. Both can run across the middle. Both can get down the seam. Both can make the big play. Both are tough to bring to the turf.

This much is true: Sir Charles will make a play. He loves going back to the state of Michigan. He loves to play the Lions. Since joining the Packers in 2006, in 10 games against the Lions, Sir Charles has recorded 7 interceptions, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 3 TD's. Sir Charles will make a play on National TV. He always does.

It should also be noted that while Stafford has had a very good year, he will occasionally trust his arm too much and throw into traffic. He's thrown 10 interceptions in 10 games. Opportunities will be present.

Kevin Smith had a HUGE game last week. He must be contained. He's a straight ahead runner for the most part. Close the gaps and he's not going to do much. But, if he has a hole, he's a threat to take it to the house.

Throughout the 2011 Season, the Lions have mostly been a slow starting team. They've had a pension for making comebacks. If they fall behind on Thanksgiving, they aren't coming back.

It'll be a dog fight. In the end, there's too much of the NFL's MVP and a big defensive play changes the game.

Packers 37. Lions 31.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 11

2011-11-17T23:26:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

9-0. It's on. We're for real. Ready to make a "Run at the Repeat." The domination of the 'queens was sublime. Tremendous. Full excitement. On overdrive. Sure, there were still flaws. It was not perfection. But, it was the most complete game of the year. It was convincing. For the first time all year, we looked like were were primed for a repeat. We played defense. We had a strong display on special teams, minus Cobb's dropped punt. And, while the offense wasn't as polished as it has been in previous games, we still threw up 45 points via 4 more Aaron Rodgers TD passes.

Before I dig into the Packers too much, I have to give a massive SHOUT OUT to my Dad! For those that don't know, I proudly say that my Dad is the Producer of the games at Lambeau Field. I often refer to him as the DJ at Lambeau Field. After all, he is the man who both chooses and pipes in the music at the stadium. This Sunday morning on ESPN NFL Countdown, they're doing a special on the "Bang On The Drum" song that he plays after the Packers score a TD. Look for it. It'll be spectacular!

Onto the Packers demolition of the Viqueens:

* Mike McCarthy got what he wanted. He destroyed the 'queens. In every facet. He continues to call the play-action roll-out pass to Jordy. It's a beauty. It has been almost unstoppable.

* Aaron Rodgers continues to be the NFL's MVP. Sure, he hung onto the ball too long - at times. Still, he was absolutely dominant. His mobility. His poise. His confidence. He's playing at a level I've never seen before. Pure brilliance in every facet of his game. He's beating teams with his arm. He's beating teams with his legs. He's beating teams with his mind. He's been athletic. He's been totally cerebral.

* Last week - I wrote that Jordy Nelson is the elite #2 WR in the NFL. Those thoughts were furthered on MNF.

* I normally don't write anything with a negative thought early in the previous week's review, but man, Josh Sitton is not the same player that we've seen. Haven't lost confidence in him. I still consider him a robust bodyguard for Rodgers. But, he's struggled. It seems he's been beat each week. He must buckle down.

* On the other hand, while TJ Lang has had faulty plays, he's been a huge physical upgrade over Daryn Colledge.

* Bryan Bulaga is our best OL right now.

* I give Marshall Newhouse credit. He's in a tough spot. While he practiced at LT, he played RT in the preseason. He's come in and he's learning on the fly. He's been playing with fight. Mostly, he's done well. Jared Allen is a tough match. He stood up to Allen and although, Allen won some battles, for the most part, Newhouse played admirably.

* James Starks falls forward. Every time. Like no other Packers back in my lifetime.

* Another precise route by Greg Jennings leads to another Jennings TD.

* Great grab by Double-D! Turn back the clock!

* J-Mike going up and grabbing the ball in traffic on 4th down.

* Randall Cobb at Lambeau Field. Under the lights. Expect greatness. It's coming. For now, I'll overlook the dropped punt. But, remember to focus, young man.

* Note to NFL Offensive Coordinator: T-Mon is back. He's healthy. And, once again, he's in the top tier of the NFL's CB's. He's a key to the "Run at the Repeat."

* Sir Charles calling out the defense. And then playing as the Leader he is. Coming on the blitz. Covering ground across the middle. Man, I wanted that pick-6. Would've tied the record!

* Des Bishop coming on the blitz!

* Sometimes, in basketball, a shooting guard in a slump needs a lay-up to get him going. Well, the same applies to a pass-rusher. In the case of the Claymaker, look out. 2 big sacks. More to come!

* CJ Wilson with his best game of the year.

* Soon, Raji has to find himself in the backfield. A top-shelf Raji is a necessary ingredient for this team to Repeat.

* Mason Crosby!

* I gotta say that P-Lee and J-Bush have been solid special teams players this year. I've been critical of them in the past. So, I have to give them props when they are due.

* DJ Williams with the big block to spring Randall Cobb free.

* Ryan Grant is not running like I thought he might at this stage of the season. Makes me think Saine is going to get his chance soon.

* Though extremely limited, disappointed in So'oto's performance. Didn't get a long look but I was hoping he'd explode. He didn't burst off the ball. I know that I was expecting unrealistic results and I'm not giving up on him - by any stretch of the imagination - but, I really wanted him to make an immediate impact. Hopefully, that was the first of many opportunities for him. He has the tools to make an extreme difference for the Pack!

* Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Yes, soon, Mike Neal will get his first chance to make a play in the 2011 NFL Season.

This week - it's the Yucs from Tampa. And for Mike McCarthy, this game is personal. He still thinks about November 8, 2009. I was at the game. It was a disaster. The Packers were 4-3. Playing a decent brand of football. The Yucs were 0-7. There were numerous Packers fans in the stadium. Leading 28-17 in the 4th Quarter. Chants of "Go Pack Go" echoed throughout the stadium. And, then, 21 straight Tampa points. 38-28 Tampa. Ugly. Ouch. Painful. It was the worst moment of my Packers-fan life that I've ever experienced in person. For McCarthy, it was his ALL-TIME LOW as a Head Coach in the NFL. After the Super Bowl, as he celebrated with Jennings, he mentioned it. This day is etched in his coaching mind. Forever. He wants to beat Tampa. Badly. Revenge will be sweet. Normally, this would be a trap game. Sandwiched between division rivals. 3 games in 12 days. You'd think that something would have to give. The team will be reminded of the pain experienced on November 8, 2009. The team will taste the sweetness of success. 10-0 is within sight!

After a 3-1 start, Tampa has lost 4 of 5. They're banged up. And with temperatures expected to be in the mid-30's at kickoff, with a chance of flurries, the Yucs won't want to get off the plane. An early lead and this one could be a blowout as the Yucs will simply look for ways to stay warm.

Prior to the season, this was a game that scared me. I thought the Yucs matched up with the Packers really well. They play a slow-paced ball-control offense. Kellen Winslow is a possession receiving TE who has a knack for getting open on 3rd down. Blount is a punishing back. Josh Freeman is a talented QB with a pension for leading late-game heroics.

The upset is not happening.

Jordy Nelson. In college, he ate up Aqib Talib. Talib was at Kansas. Nelson at Kansas State. Talib could not cover Nelson. The same will apply on Sunday.

Like most teams, Tampa does not have the firepower to stay with the Packers lethal offense. Spread 'em out. As long as the winds are light, Rodgers should have another MVP performance. The Yucs are not applying an abundance of pressure on the QB. Our OL should win the battle at the line of scrimmage. When Rodgers has time, look out. He's putting points on the board.

The Yucs will probably try to use zone coverage and jump the short routes. Look for Rodgers to use the pump and go. Probably to Nelson. It'll net a big play.

The middle of the Tampa defense can be exposed. Expect big statistics for J-Mike.

The Packers jump out to an early lead. The Yucs are known for their comeback skills. It's not happening this week. They'll be more concerned about getting back to the Sunshine State of Florida.

Furthering his campaign for the MVP, Rodgers goes for 250 and 3 TD's.

Packers 38. Tampa 17.

It'll be one of those classic November days at Lambeau. Beautiful football weather. A rowdy Lambeau crowd. Chanting "Go Pack Go!" It's a crucial NFC Game. And victory is sweet.

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 10

2011-11-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

8-0. About to embark on the most physically tolling portion of the schedule. 3 games in 12 days. A Monday Night game against our hated rivals, Minnesota 'Queens. A Sunday game - at Lambeau - against a Tampa team that matches up really well against us. And a Turkey Day bonanza in Detroit. The intensity will be extreme.

Quick hits from the Victory over the Chargers:

* Gotta love when McCarthy goes for the early dagger. If you've watched this team long enough, you know when it's coming. Normally, it's the deep ball to Jordy. Yes, Jordy Nelson becomes McCarthy's go-to guy. Usually, it's in a run formation. Often, Nelson is essentially a one-route option. Most times, the Rodgers to Nelson combo has been sublime and it's provided the difference in the outcome. Up to scores. Early in the 4th. McCarthy calls Nelson's number. Of course, Nelson responds. Spectacular.

* Speaking of Nelson. Man, did we get a deal on his 3-year extension. I'm not crazy when I say this: At present, who is a better #2 WR in the NFL? Seriously. Name one. Pierre Garcon? I'd take Jordy. Julio Jones? Not yet. Jeremy Maclin? Possibly, I suppose, but I'll take Nelson. Dez Bryant? Sure, if he'd ever stay healthy. Mario Manningham? I'll take Nelson. Plaxico or Santonio in NY? Maybe. But, I'll take Jordy. His rise has been a crucial development.

* Aaron Rodgers. Statistically, we'll hear about his first 8 games for a LONG time. Possibly forever. And I'm not exaggerating. It's hard to imagine a QB playing any better than Rodgers has played thus far this year. MVP!

* Greg Jennings is the best route runner in the NFL.

* Good to see the YOTTO!

* Lambeau West! You deserve big ups! You brought it! Chico, well done, mate. Josh King, it looked like you were there...judging from FaceBook. Great work, men. Victory was yours! And - clearly - you played a difference.

* Loved the BJ Raji comment before the game via NFL Films. "We came out here to take care of business. It's that simple. Go Pack Go!" Gotta love Raji. Even if he's not playing at the level that we're accustomed to seeing him play. To me, they need to move him back inside if Neal comes back healthy. He's a good player at the end, but he's a difference maker at the tackle spot. Sure, Pickett has been stellar, but Pickett was solid last year and he'd be a nice rotational player for Raji. And - who knows - it's possible that a fresher Raji would be a more productive Raji.

* Des Bishop punishing the QB!

* T-Mon taking it to the house! Great read!

* Charlie! Yes, I'll take some Peprah with my salt! Do a little dance, brother. OH BABY! Not only the Pick-6, but the game sealer! And here's the thing about Charlie Peprah: Sure, he makes mistakes. He's occasionally a liability on deep balls. But, he's also a guy that can play on my team any day. No one is working harder. He sticks his nose into every tackle.

* Sir Charles got his forced fumble last week. We didn't pounce on it, but more to come...and if we would have touched Rivers down on the forced fumble, it would have put Sir Charles as the first ever player to have more than 50 interceptions and 15 sacks. Bummed me out!

* Bulaga had a nice game. He's a solid RT. Hopefully, he'll be the RT for the next 10 years.

* Marshall Newhouse! Remember, he was a 5th Round pick! Gem, TT. Gem of a find. Sure this is a ton of room for improvement, but he's filled in beyond admirably. With Sherrod in the mix, TT has found himself a load of youthful Tackle talent.

* I enjoy watching Starks fight for extra yards.

* Kuhn on 3rd & 1 has been a first down.

* The catch Jennings made in the end zone was ridiculous.

* Keep on keepin' on, Mason Crosby.

* Saine with the tackle on special teams! I really like this kid. I did in the preseason. Was happy he stuck around.

* Really with the "Z-Man" could stay on the field.

* As for the communication issues in the secondary, it's scary. But, when you have ZERO pass rush, these things are going to happen. Need Mike Neal to get healthy. It baffles me that So'oto can't get on the field.

This week - it's the Minnesota Viqueens. The eye is on the Repeat. But, first things first, let's qualify for the playoffs. Wins in the Division. Wins in the Conference. These are necessities. Tie breakers at the end of the year. And, while it would take a huge collapse to prevent this team from heading to the playoffs, let's not take anything for granted. This is a MUST win. It absolutely appears to me that McCarthy's least favorite franchise is the Minnesota Viqueens. He'll look to vanquish the 'queens in convincing fashion.

This topic is so important to me that I'm going to start off my breakdown of the game with it: So'oto gets his chance this week. It's mandatory. What we're presently doing is not working. So, I'm expecting a mix. Not that So'oto is a savior, but he's an option and it's worth seeing what he can bring to the table. On 3rd downs, I'm expecting to see either So'oto coming after Ponder or we'll see Walden shadow him to limit his ability to make plays on the move.

This time against Minnesota, there will be no surprises. The big play to start the game won't happen. We'll be ready. We've seen Ponder's mobility. The game plan will be prepared to keep him in the pocket and force him to step up. Step up - right into the lap of BJ Raji.

Sure, AP will get his. And, if the 'queens are smart, they'll watch the San Diego replay and they'll see that the biggest mismatch on our roster is to put a solid route running TE on a LB. So, if they're smart, we'll see a lot of Shiancoe coming across the middle. They'll mix in some short routes to Harvin. They'll keep the clock running. Limit possessions. But, Ponder will not the success on 3rd down that he had last time we played. That will be the big difference.

*** Side note: Against the Pack, on offense, patience is the key to beating the Packers. It has to be ball control. Sure, the deep balls can lead to big plays, but every game, eventually our secondary is going to pick one of those off. And this defense lives for the big play in the secondary. Against the Pack, on defense, you have to pressure Aaron Rodgers. If he has time, you can't stop him. In fact, when I look at the Packers remaining schedule, 7 of the games are against teams that have what it takes to beat the Packers. The 8th - being the Chiefs - is at Arrowhead, which is never an easy place to play.***

Stating the obvious, the Packers must be able to slow down Jared Allen & Robison. Both are talented. Both pursue with a vengeance. Slow them down and this could be a blowout. Early. The 'queens cannot cover us. We have too many weapons.

If it's close in the 3rd Quarter, it wouldn't surprise me if McCarthy turned to a little trickery. Possibly a reverse to Randall Cobb. Look for Cobb to throw a TD at some point this year. Possibly this week. But, more likely against Detroit on Turkey Day.

We know the 'Queens. They know us. Let's play ball. Under the lights. On Monday Night Football. Shine those helmets. Give 'em some polish.

With weather expected to be in the mid-to-high 30's, this is Football weather in Green Bay, WI. Again, Rodgers goes for 300 and 3 TD's. James Jones has had a pension for making plays against the 'queens. He has another nice game against Minnesota this Monday Night.

Packers 34. Queens 20.

Bring it, G-Force. Elevate. Leave hoarse. Let's celebrate 9-0.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 9

2011-11-03T23:43:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Welcome to the 2nd Half of the NFL Season. Thus far, at 7-0, we've played to perfection. We're well conditioned. Poised to improve. Ripe to Repeat. Offensively, we're loaded with weapons. On defense, although we've struggled to apply pressure on the QB, each week, we've had a defender make a crucial game-changing play. On special teams, we're seeing results that we haven't seen before.

As Packers fans, we've been blessed to watch the NFL's MVP play QB for our team 3 times over the last 20 years. Yet, we've never seen a QB play as exceptional as Aaron Rodgers is playing right now. He's completing more than 71% of his passes. He's thrown 20 TD's compared to only 3 interceptions. He's averaging more than 320 yards per game.

After 7 games, 7 different players are on pace to surpass 20 receptions. 3 are on pace to exceed 50 receptions. 7 different players have caught TD's. Meanwhile, we're averaging nearly 100 yards rushing per game. This offense has diversity. It's unpredictable. It's playing SUPER!

Defensively, we've given up a lot of yards. But, we've also forced turnovers. After 8 weeks of the NFL Season, the 35 year old, Sir Charles Woodson is tied for the NFL's lead in interceptions. The greatest thing about Sir Charles is that he never gets a cheap one. They're all meaningful. It's never the Hail Mary interception at the end of the game. They've been momentum altering plays that have helped propel victory. Sir Charles Woodson in Green & Gold has had a Hall of Fame ring to it. In 5 1/2 seasons as a Packer, Sir Charles has picked off 35 passes. He's also had 9 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, and 10 TD's. Brilliance!

In all, the Packers have picked off 13 passes. What's wild is that T-Mon has yet to record an interception. The Packers have 17 sacks. What's wild is that Jarius Wynn has totaled as many sacks as the Claymaker. The Packers have forced 5 fumbles. What's wild is that Sir Charles has yet to force a fumble this year. The Packers are 7-0 and a couple of their most prime time players have yet to statistically dominate like we've become accustomed to seeing them play. The defense will continue to make game-changing plays and you'd have to figure that - as a whole - the team will statistically improve in the 2nd half of the year.

On special teams, we've seen some absolutely dynamic plays. We've seen Randall Cobb go 108 yards in his career debut. We've seen Mason Crosby go 14-14, including a Packers Record 58 yard FG. We've seen Tim Masthay average nearly 44 yards per punt with 7 downed inside the 20 compared to only 2 touch backs. Don't get me wrong, the special teams has not been flawless, but unlike recent memory, the special teams units have consistently made a positive impact on our team.

After 7 games, the Packers record is perfect. And, as has been documented, there's plenty of room for improvement. Enter Mike McCarthy. As I've said before, McCarthy's teams improve as the year goes on. Typically, his teams have peaked in December. I expect the same to happen in 2011. The Packers will improve.

This week - it's the San Diego Chargers. It'll be Lambeau West. I'd guess that there will be 30% Packers fans at the Stadium. Unfortunately, it appears, the Packers will be bringing the weather with them to San Diego. There's a 40% chance of precipitation with High's in the 50's. With this roster, poor weather isn't what I was hoping for. With the 2011 Packers, as long as the weather is positive, I have a hard time seeing anyone beating an Aaron Rodgers led offense. Poor weather can be an equalizer.

This Chargers team cannot be overlooked. Although Philip Rivers has had a poor season, he's capable of a breakout game. He's due. Like Rodgers, Rivers has plenty of weapons on offense. While the health of Floyd and Mathews is in question for this week, Rivers will still be equipped with Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Mike Tolbert, and Curtis Brinkley, who impressed mightily on MNF.

If the Packers can't apply pressure and if Rivers is patient with the underneath routes, the Chargers will be able to move the football. I'd imagine that the Chargers will have some success running the football - especially with runs that are kicked to the outside against the right side of our defense. There could be times the Chargers will gain double digit yards on those carries. Additionally, say what you will about Norv Turner, but his teams always move the ball via the crossing route. Thus far, the underneath drag route and the dump off to the RB have been routes Capers has been willing to give up. If Rivers sticks with the game plan, the Chargers will cause a heavy scare. At some point, you know Rivers will test us deep on a long ball to Vincent Jackson. We have to be ready to make a play. The ball will float. The secondary must pounce.

The Packers should be able to protect Rodgers. The Chargers will be without Shaun Phillips and although, OLB's, Antwan Barnes and Travis LaBoy are high effort guys, they're generally not high production guys. In the secondary, Eric Weddle is among the best safeties in the league. He's tied with Sir Charles for the interception lead. He's always around the ball. Quentin Jammer is also a gifted player in the San Diego secondary. But, outside of Jammer and Weddle, this secondary can be had with average talent. Considering the precision that the Packers offense is playing with thus far and this game has the makings of a shoot-out. With Takeo Spikes and Donald Butler at ILB, you can throw the ball between the LB's and the S's. Spikes simply can't drop like he used to.

Expect the Chargers to attempt to slow the game down. Generally, they like to play high-powered offensively. But, that's not how you beat the 2011 Packers. Rivers and Turner will be smart enough to know this. The Chargers will move the ball effectively. They'll find a rhythm. They'll have success running the ball.

But, in times of trouble, the Packers turn to the League's MVP. The most high, he's Aaron Rodgers. He's our leader. When this team needs a play, Rodgers will make it. Looking toward Nelson on deep crossing routes, Rodgers connects on a big play. Then it's Finley down the seam. Finley and Nelson each grab 5 balls and a TD.

Sir Charles grabs his 1st strip of the season.

Randall Cobb finds a big return against the oft-sluggish San Diego special teams unit.

It'll be a tight one. But, Lambeau West prevails.

Packers 34. Chargers 30.

Buckle up. It's going to be a thriller of a 2nd half to the NFL Season.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.

talkins-mac.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Bye Week

2011-10-31T20:13:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

7-0. Just enjoyed a bye week by drinking too much whiskey and recovering with a boatload of coffee. It's Halloween weekend. And, it's fun to bring a bit of craziness to life, while in costume. Though the Packers were on bye this weekend, I was wearing my Packer gear as I went to the Lions v Donkeys game in Denver. So, the take is a little late, but better late than never, I hope.

To spice things up a bit, I've asked my good mate, Stack, to break down some college football via his early Mock Draft. Further, I've provided mine. Call it the "Buzz & Stack Vibe." Be ready. Stack can write with the goodness!

Prior to the season, I wrote that I felt the ultimate goal of this organization should be the 3-peat. Not the Repeat, but the 3-peat. Though the Packers won it all from 65-67, it's does not receive the recognition it deserves as a 3-peat in the annals of most football fans minds. Sadly, most consider the birth of the sport to be Super Bowl I. Therefore, the mission of the Ted Thompson-Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers should be the 3-peat. And this happens one game at a time.

In order to achieve this 3-peat, not only will the Packers have to finish business this year, but once again, Thompson is going to have to engineer another brilliant offseason. So, during the bye week, the thought turns to the 2012 NFL Draft and thus, it's the annual "Who Are You Watching Now?" Mock Draft take.

At this stage, I'm projecting that the Packers will receive 4 compensatory picks due to the offseason losses of Cullen Jenkins, Daryn Colledge, Ras-A-tari Bigby, Anthony Smith, B-Jack, Jason Spitz, and Korey Hall. Presently, I'd think the Packers would get a 4th round pick for Jenkins. After 7 weeks, Jenkins is tied for 9th in the NFL with 5 sacks. I'd project the Packers would get a 5th round pick for Colledge who has started in every game thus far for the Cardinals. And I'd guess the Packers would get 2 7th round picks for the losses of Smith, Bigby, B-Jack, Spitz, and Hall. B-Jack has been hurt all year, so that would either limit or eliminate his compensatory value. Smith has appeared in every game except one. Bigby has played in every game so far. Hall has played in every game except one for the Saints. Spitz has made a couple of appearances for the Jaguars. In all, I expect the Packers to have 11 Draft Picks in the 2012 NFL Draft. In the mock, as always, I don't select OL. Though it's worth noting that I've seen David DeCastro, G, Stanford and he's an absolute superstar in the making.

Here you go. Brought to you by Stack.

"There’s an insane amount of bullshit in life. On a daily basis, I can’t imagine that there’s ever been a time so filled with bullshit as these days. Thus, I find that it is important to reward yourself in life, and sometimes that reward gets a little too frequent. Sometimes frequent is just about right, and other times, frequent isn’t nearly enough. Indeed, it’s been a season of indulgences here, and it’s been a beautiful fall. Football weather.

It’s good to be 7 – 0. But the bye week always sucks. So I’ll cram in some extra college football and focus on the future. Draft information is still so diffuse and varied that assembling opinions on value and positioning is impossible, yet further complicated still by the inability to exist between Ted’s ears. Nonetheless, some of the most important tasks in life are impossible in one sense or another. I find defeat to be best left unconsidered.

Round 1: Chase Minnifield. CB – Virginia.

Of course we’re picking 32. Someone will fall to us like Sherrod the year earlier. I’m taking Minnifield here because I’m old enough to remember his dad, plus he’s a confident young guy with the game, the frame, and the desire to be good. I like what I’ve seen out of him and we need a player to be Wood’s protégé. I think Minnifield could be that guy. Looks to have nice longs arms. Good tackler, patient, sits on routes. At 32, I doubt that Devon Still will be available. If he is, I would have to consider him here as at least an equal quality prospect.

Round 2: Kawann Short. DE – Purdue

For better or worse, the worse usually arriving during Bowl season, I always affiliate with the Big 10. I guess, for lack of a better description, the teams just feel closer to home. Short is a beast. He is stout at the point, and has a nice little burst that really closes that yard of space that gets him onto people as a tackler. Pretty well-spoken guy. He’s got a little extra around the waist, but he is visibly a thick body with good lower body strength and balance.

Round 3: Kevin Zeitler. OG – Wisconsin

Okay. I know, first of all, I’m breaking with tradition and drafting an offensive lineman. Secondly, Ted never drafts anyone from UW. And I’m sure it’s not that he wouldn’t but, it just always feels like a reach. Nonetheless, I’m taking Zeitler in the 3rd for excellent value. Zeitler is a stud who pulls and operates in space better than his Badger peers. The guy has played at a consistent level throughout his high school and college career and I think that he has the ability to fit into the zone scheme. Love to see O lineman with the wrestling background, they just understand leverage so well, and this Zeitler has.

Round 4a: Malik Jackson. DE – Tennessee

I watch Tennessee. I’m not sure why. But I do. They’ve always ‘got’ guys. When I watch Tennessee, I see Malik Jackson behind the line of scrimmage on passing downs. The guy could be caught with the ‘tweener tab, but I just see him getting off his blocks and getting after the QB. Listed at 6’5” 265, he’d have to play OLB. When I look at guys who are listed in 4th round, Jackson stands out as a guy who has impressed me.

Round 4b: Marvin McNutt. WR – Iowa

Guy produces. In the Maclin mold. 4th round is a projected spot for McNutt to go. I don’t know if it is reasonable to expect that we see him or not, but it might not take too much to move up a few spots. We do have three seventh rounders in all likelihood. McNutt is one of those guys who seems like he has been around forever, because he’s responsible for highlights everytime the Hawkeyes line it up. Kind of weird that his name is McNutt, but I guess I could get over it.

Round 5a: Davin Megget. RB – Maryland

Come on, how do you not draft Dave Megget’s kid? The guy can return kicks, so while Cobb is excellent at that (as is Nelson, Tramon, etc.), he’d be an option. Diminutive stature, a with a bit more power and a bit less elusiveness than one might expect when you look at him. He’s physical. I question some of his decisions as being a bit reckless, but he is fearless and aggressive. I can see him being a good 3rd down back, especially late in the season when the weather starts to deteriorate.

Round 5b: Kellen Moore. QB – Boise State

Guy puts up the numbers and plays well in big games. He’s a little smaller than you’d like, but seems to get the ball down the field pretty well. We’re going to lose Flynn and Harrell remains a dicey proposition at the moment, so I’m taking Moore here to develop into a QB that we trade in 3 to 5 for a 2nd and a 4th. It’s good value. When they draft a QB late this year and they’re doing all the introduction to the organization and teaching them about the history of the Packers, someone should tell them the story of Doug Pederson.

Round 6: B.J. Cunningham. WR – Michigan State

Drafting two WRs might not be in the cards, but between those cards and Ted’s vest there is only a thin layer of air, which, as a matter of physics, separates any two objects of solid matter. What can I say about Cunningham? First of all we’ve got enough AJ, CJ, TJ, names on our team. Cunningham has an abundance of talent, which he displays from time to time with spectacular catches. But he also has the ability to go passive in a game. He will let things happen to him from time to time. I think Cunningham’s flaws are correctable. His talent stands out to me as I look at where he’s being projected versus his peers. That being said, he’s a big receiver who runs well and plays strong.

Round 7a: Tydreke Powell. DT – North Carolina

Powell is a big body, good thickness and he can definitely still add some weight. Doesn’t offer much in the way of a pass rush, but he knows where the football is. I think he could play either DT or DE in a 3-4. He gets beat from time to time. When I ask myself if it is an upgrade from Wynn or Wilson, I’m hard pressed to find an answer. Coach ‘em up, Trgo!

Round 7b: Manny Abreu. OLB – Rutgers

Guy has played the strong side and the weak side. Plays with force, plays with violence, loves the collisions, has pop behind his pads. There’s a variety of reports on his speed, but I’ve thought that he’s been relevant when I’ve watched Rutgers. He’s a tough guy with a rags to riches type of story, so he’d definitely probably be in the good locker room guy category.

I think Georgia Tech is a team that Packer fans should be tuned into. They play a 3-4 on D. I watched them dismantle Clemson on ESPN3 through my xbox on my tv. I’m seeing Junior DTs Izaan Cross and T.J. Barnes trash the Clemson offensive line, and yet neither of their names appear anywhere in draft talk. What am I missing?

Who knows. This shit is impossible."

Cheers for the words, Stack.

With that the BuzzBoy brings you:

DVR is new to me. It's been great for following the collegiate game. Each week - I've been trying to tape 2 games and then scout a couple of guys. So, everyone that I select will be someone who I've watched play at least one full game.

Round 1: Billy Winn, DE, Boise. After investing mightily in offensive weapons in the 2011 NFL Draft, look for Thompson to stockpile defenders in 2012. Players I considered with this pick were Devon Still, DL, Penn State; Lamar Miller, RB, []_[]; Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama; and Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. I'd like to consider Brandon Jenkins, OLB, FSU, but it's too early for Jenkins. Winn is the choice. The Packers need to improve the pass rush. Clearly, we miss Jenkins. And Neal's injury trend is becoming a concern. Winn has the size, strength and athleticism to hold the point and pressure the QB from a DE spot in the 3-4.

Round 2: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. While conventional wisdom is to go after an OLB like Bruce Irvin, WVU, I simply can't do it. Wright has been my favorite collegiate player thus far in 2011. Though he's only 5-10, he's fearless over the middle. He'll go up and get the ball in traffic. He's tough to bring down. And the kid can absolutely fly. I see him as being able to play in the slot or on the outside. He'd fit in our spread offense. Seeing that this is likely Double-D's last year as a Packer, Thompson will probably look to add another WR. Wright would further the brilliance of the Packers offense. Don't get me wrong, I'd like Irvin who was a 1st class pass rusher last year, but he's struggled so far this year and with that, his value is diminishing. I'm also considering Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis; Brandon Lindsey, OLB, Pitt; Robert Barron, S, Arkansas; Cam Johnson, OLB, Virginia; and Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall, with this pick.

Round 3: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington. Washington plays awful defense. But, Trufant can play. He's gritty. He's tough. He'll jam you at the line. He can turn and run with WR's. He'll come up and make plays against the run. I find him to be drastically underrated. Additionally, he plays with a physical attitude. Sir Charles and T-Mon would groom him to be a legitimate NFL starter at CB. I'm also looking at Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama; Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri; Robert Lester, S, Alabama; and Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M.

Round 4: Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State. Herron seeks contact. He's a tough runner with good speed. Solid hands. A fighter. He wins 1 on 1 battles in the open field. He makes people miss and has a nose for the end zone. As the Packers spread out defenses, Herron would be a terrific option out of the spread offense.

Round 4a: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina. Occasionally, Allen struggles in space as a cover safety. He does struggle in space, at times. But, the guy finds the football. He's a great 8th man in the box. He's instinctive. He wraps up. Seeks contact. He plays a similar style as Charlie Peprah. He's athletic and plays with a fun swagga. Others I'm considering in the 4th Round are Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas; TY Hilton, WR, FIU; Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College; Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas; and Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt.

Round 5: Chris Galippo, ILB, USC. Sure, he talks some trash. And probably too much rubbish is spewed from his mouth. But, the kid backs it up. I'm going to the USC at Colorado game next Friday so I can keep my eye on this kid. While not a powerful tackler, he'll take you to the ground. He's a very good cover LB. He'd flash on special teams. He's a risk taker, which sometimes makes him over pursue the play. I was shocked to see that Galippo was a projected 5-6 round pick at this time.

Round 5a: Jacquies Smith, OLB, Missouri. Smith played behind Aldon Smith over the last couple of years, so he's kind of a late bloomer. He has the size and speed to play OLB in the 3-4. He is a legitimate pass rusher who has shown an ability to drop in coverage. At some point, Thompson will have to address the OLB position opposite CM3. Others I'm considering in the 5th Round are Tim Fugger, OLB, Vanderbilt; Tank Carder, OLB, TCU; Brandon Bolden, RB, Mississippi; Case Keenum, QB, Houston; Kellen Moore, QB, Boise; and Nick Foles, QB, Arizona.

Round 6: Tony Jerod-Eddie, DT, Texas A&M. Jerod-Eddie is huge at 6-5, 302 lbs. He's not a dynamic pass rusher, but he'll get a push and disrupt plays similar to the way Johnny Jolly used to. He gets his hands in the air and alters passing lanes. Additionally, he's fairly stout against the run. I'm taking Jerod-Eddie by a hair over Frank Alexander, OLB, Oklahoma. Alexander might be this years version of Ricky Elmore. Not fast enough to get the corner. Not strong enough to stop the run. Doesn't have elite instincts. But, you can't argue with his production and having him available in the 6th round is a value pick. Others I'm looking at are Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas; and Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise.

Round 7: Dominique Davis, QB, East Carolina. McCarthy emphasizes good decision making from the QB position. Though I'd like it if the Packers would resign Matt Flynn, it's doubtful that he'll be back with the Packers. Graham Harrell has not shown that he is a legitimate NFL prospect yet. I like Davis. He composed in the pocket. He makes good decisions. He's accurate. He's mobile. He can throw on the run. And he's comfortable in the pocket. In the past, Thompson has shown that he is not afraid to go into the Season with an unproven QB. Unless Flynn is resigned, it's likely that this will be the case in 2012 once again.

Round 7a: Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, DT, Baylor. Thompson will draft DL in the 2012. It'll be a point of emphasis. Howard Green will be a FA. Although Pickett has played really well, he is aging. I'm excited about the potential development of Lawrence Guy, but he'll be a work in progress. CJ Wilson and Jarius Wynn have not taken the next step. And Mike Neal can't stay healthy. Jean-Baptiste is a big boy. A run stuffer who plugs the middle. He's quick for a 330 lb DT. Moves well side-to-side and hasn't received the recognition he deserves.

Round 7b: Brandon Taylor, S, LSU. Yes, at this stage, I'm drafting 2 safeties. But, Nintendo Nick's career is in jeopardy. And J-Bush is not a safety. MD Jennings has shown a lot of promise, but we need to ensure depth in the secondary. Taylor is assignment sure. He has displayed good hands. Because the secondary at LSU is so good, Taylor is often overlooked. While Allen would be a safety in the box Safety in the 4th Round, Taylor has the ability to play CF. Others I'm considering in the 7th round are Travis Benjamin, WR, []_[]; Jerrell Young, S, South Florida; Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU; and Jarrett Lee, QB, LSU.

Enjoy the bye week. Happy Halloween.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 7

2011-10-21T00:21:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

6-0. Defending Super Bowl Champions. Relishing the notion of living as the elite. The Lions of the Football Kingdom. And the most encourage aspect is that Mike McCarthy's teams improve. They play their best football in December. It was true in '06. They played terrific in '07. They play very well in '09. In '10, they won two must-win games to propel them into the playoffs. Mike McCarthy teams improve. And there is no reason to think that they won't improve in 2011 as well. After all, there has been obvious areas to improve. But, I'm not going to focus on those aspects. I'm going to leave them to the National Media who seem to be more focused on the imperfections of this 6-0 team.

Sure the pass rush has us all yearning for Cullen Jenkins to return. But, I'm confident that if the "Z-Man" & Neal get healthy and when So'oto makes his presence felt...well, I'm confident that the pass rush will improve. So, will the motor of the defense. And, yes, I know Zombo was back last week, but he did leave the game with an injury and he's out against Minnesota. I also think that T-Mon's injury has hurt the pass rush. Sammy Swagga's early season coverage hurt the pass rush. Sir Charles' nagging injuries have hurt his blitzing abilities. So have the Claymaker's nagging injuries. But, the bye week is coming. It's a time to get healthy. A time to study. A time to refresh. A time to retool. And while the Packers have other deficiencies, I'm not going to focus on them. I'm going to treasure this 6-0 start. I'm going to cherish the highlights of the way the defending champions are playing.

Some takeaways from the Packers thrashing of the Rams:

* Had to love McCarthy going for a 2nd Quarter dagger. Leading 10-0. Ball at his own 7. I turned to my wife and said, "*, we're 93 yards from a 3-score lead. And there's no way the Rams come back from that deficit." The next play, McCarthy picks on Ras Al. Beautiful pump fake by Rodgers. Jordy is open. You know the rest. Props to McCarthy. Great play design. Great call. Ball game.

* It drives me crazy to hear that the Packers lost aggression or got lackadaisical during the 2nd half of the game. Sure, I would have liked Jordy to hold onto the 3rd down ball. It was unacceptable. It was also ridiculous that Jennings lost focus and dropped what was a potential TD and it turned into an interception. But, let's face it. It's a long season. The NFL Season is long. And there are times in which you can't show your hand. Clearly, McCarthy wanted to end the game as soon as possible. Rightfully, he took his foot off the gas pedal. And the team followed the leader. They were in cruise control. And the Packers left with a healthy 21-point victory.

* Cheers to CM3! The Claymaker played his best game of the year. Great motor. Great effort. Great to see him taking Bradford to the turf and giving us his signature pose.

* Sir Charles with a sack! I believe he's 1/2 sack from being the FIRST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE NFL to record 50 interceptions and 15 sacks. I haven't seen this published anywhere, but I gave a quick check at those with 50 career interceptions and I didn't see anyone that has such accolades. "HOF, dude." Had to love Sir Charles talking to Jim Rome and saying that he'd probably hang it up rather than playing for another team. Totally epic!

* After 6 weeks, Aaron Rodgers is the MVP of the NFL. And it's not even close.

* I'm stoked to see Vic So'oto this week!

* Morgan Burnett lowering the boom with one hand!

* Loved DJ Williams' effort on the Jordy 93-yard TD. Though Williams did not make a crucial block, he certainly put himself in position in case it was required. Good work, young man.

* Two years in a row the Packers have busted out the 1929 jerseys - which I like by the way - and two years in a row we've convincingly beat an NFC West opponent.

* Desmond Bishop playing with a righteous viciousness. Playing hard. Seeking contact.

* AJ Hawk flipping the "Hawk" to the sidelines. Comedy. Gotta admit - I missed it during the initial action. And while it was not a classy gesture - I can't say I have a problem with it. And I don't see it as a big deal.

* Sammy Swagga playing as he did during the stretch run last year! He is a key to a repeat. And I really like the way he's turning to see the football as of late.

* Saw what you want, T-Mon is not healthy. Still shying away from contact. The bye week will do him good.

* Josh Sitton has been the biggest disappointment of the year.

* Marshall Newhouse continues to make Bruce Wilkerson like strides.

* While Lang has not been as powerful as he was early in the year, he's still an upgrade to Colledge.

* Really liked the play of Howard Green. Going to need him to be plugging holes this week as well.

* Charlie Peprah is finding his groove and playing as well as he can play right now.

This week - the Packers travel to the Dome. You know - the one that's named after a shopping mall. And, there will probably be as many Packer fans as there will be Viqueens fans. And Mike McCarthy wants this one. After dealing with the Brett Favre in Purple drama for 2 years, Mike McCarthy is ready to take his team to 7-0 as he heads into the bye! Clearly, McCarthy hates the 'queens. More than any other team, McCarthy wants to beat the 'queens. And, he will.

Don't get me wrong. The 'queens have the tools to play with the Packers. Offensively, they have a ball control offense. Similar to the City Chickens from Atlanta. They can pound the ball at the heart of your defense. A.P. is legit. Shiancoe can give the Packers match-up problems. Percy Harvin is a nightmare. And - if the 'queens can stay patient - they should be able to move the sticks and eat clock...keeping NFL's MVP off the field. Even with a rookie QB, if Ponder stays calm and doesn't panic in the pocket, he should be able to dump off the ball for 1st downs. Further, Ponder is elusive in the pocket. He can avoid the rush. He can make plays in the pocket. Additionally, on the defensive side of the ball, the 'queens have a DL that is capable of giving the Packers headaches. It's also noteworthy that the 'queens have blown big leads three times this year. They could easily be 4-2 right now. But, they aren't. And they won't have 2 wins after this week.

The 'queens have significant offensive limitations. They never replaced Sidney Rice and thus, they have no deep threat. 8 in the box. Peprah takes A.P. head on. Holds him up. Help comes. And if A.P. gets through to the second level, which we know he will at some point, hopefully, "The Predator", Morgan Burnett takes the right angle to prevent the Home Run.

Expect Capers to unleash a couple of different looks. Obviously, with Ponder making his first start, he'll be easily confused. Throw the kitchen sink at him. 7-0 would be tasty. We'd also move to 6-0 in the Conference. 2-0 in the Division. Christian Ponder, meet the zone blitz. And, I'm certain you'll meet Desmond Bishop on that blitz.

The 'queens have some significant injuries on the OL. While it looks like Phil Loadholt will be able to play, he is not 100%. Additionally, John Sullivan, the starting C, looks to be out. Just the remedy a struggling pass rush needs. Further, Charlie Johnson is a liability at LT. It's a chance for So'oto to apply a rush!

On the defensive side of the ball, if we protect the MVP, the 'queens can't guard us. Winfield is banged up, but it looks like he'll play. We saw last year that Asher Allen and Chris Cook couldn't guard any of our WR's. Cedric Griffin is a nice player, but he's still not the same post his ACL injury. The 'queens are a disaster at Safety and it sounds like Jamarca Sanford might also miss this week's game. Trouble in the Minnesota secondary.

Spread 'em out. Protecting the XLV MVP. Light 'em up!

Packers 34 Queens 16

7-0 heading into the bye.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 6

2011-10-15T12:08:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

5-0. With a date at Lambeau to move to 6-0. Fairly epic. It's never too early to start thinking about the playoffs. In no way does a win this weekend guarantee a playoff berth, but needless to say, a 6-0 start would put the Packers in prime spot. Throw in a 5-0 record in the NFC along with the Eagles, Bears, Giants, Cowboys, and Falcons struggles and a playoff berth is within sight. Granted, as the defending Super Bowl Champions, we expect more out of this season than a playoff berth, but the only way to repeat is to qualify for the playoffs. One step at a time and the playoffs are the first step.

A few takeaways from the beauty of a victory at Atlanta:

* Aaron Rodgers. Put us on your back, young man. Carry us, mate. On the move. In the pocket. He was lethal. Unstoppable. Connecting with 12 receivers. Sublime play. After 5 weeks, Rodgers is unquestionably the leagues MVP.

* Props to Mike McCarthy. Even with the shuffling of the OL after Clifton's injury, McCarthy stuck with the game plan. He stayed aggressive. He trusted his players. He trusted his staff. And he came away victorious because of it.

* Cheers to Ted Thompson. In past years, this would have been a loss. But, finally, it appears we have youth, athleticism, strength and most importantly, DEPTH along the OL. While it was totally sad to see Nintendo Nick hit IR for the year this past week, the move was inevitable. What excited me about the transaction was the promotion of Ray Dominguez. Kid has potential. He has the size. He has the athleticism to make it in this league.

* Mason Crosby from Wonderland! Arguably the play of the game.

* Huge ups to Marshall Newhouse. Keep it up, Marshall, and we'll categorize you in the same class as Bruce Wilkerson.

* Greg Jennings' TD was a thing of beauty. Watching him dance down the sidelines was a total treat.

* James Jones getting deep and beating the safeties. What was so sweet about the play was that the Falcons loaded up on Sherrod's side. Sherrod held the point of attack, while allowed Jones to be matched up with a safety. Word up!

* It was telling that on the crucial game-sealing drive, Randall Cobb was on the field instead of Double-D. Was this the changing of the guard? Operating out of the slot, Cobb gained 16 on 2nd and 18.

* I'm not going to make a big deal out of J-Mike's drops. He knows he's better than that. He will be better than that in the future.

* Nor am I going to make a big deal out of TJ Lang's 5 false start penalties in 5 weeks. He's been a significant upgrade over Colledge. He's more physical than Colledge and he's solid at the point of attack.

* I expected more out of Josh Sitton this year.

* I hope we see more of Alex Green catching the ball in the flat. Are we saving this for Detroit? It's possible. In the past, McCarthy has saved players for big games. It wouldn't surprise me to see more of Green after the bye week and then to see him get the ball out on the edge against Detroit on Thanksgiving Day.

* Keep the chin up, Ryan Grant. In order for the Packers to leave the 2011 season with the Super Bowl trophy, we're going to need you to make plays.

* Congrats to DJ Williams on the first catch of his NFL Career.

* J-Bush & Charlie Peprah grabbing picks! That's two picks in two weeks for Peprah!

* Love watching Desmond Bishop fire through the gap.

* Clay Matthews might be struggling with regards to sacks, but one of these games he's going to get multiple sacks. He's oh, so close to getting home! I hope he doesn't get overly frustrated.

* Raji & Pickett are immovable.

* Sammy Swagga's playing as he did late last year offered tremendous hope for the future.

* Soon T-Mon is going to make a game changing play. I can feel it.

* With the "Z-MAN", Frank Zombo, back at practice and with Neal/So'oto coming back soon, there is hope that a pass rush is coming soon...

* After 5 weeks, the Packers have 12 sacks and they've forced 13 turnovers.

This week, it's the St. Louis Rams. And, while St. Louis' baseball team might beat Wisconsin's team, there is no way it'll happen on the football field. So, it's up to us, the G-Force, to ensure that we are wild in the stands. If you have tickets to this game, bring the volume. Let's jump on the Rams early. Let's jump on them often. If we get an early lead, this could be a 30 point win. But, the crowd has to make it difficult early in the game.

It appears as though the weather will be beautiful. Mid-to-high 50's. In October. Green Bay, WI. That's football weather. A terrific fall day. A day for Aaron Rodgers to top 350 yards. We're going to attack the rams. Blessed with the NFL's finest arsenal of Receiving options. Defensed by a Rams defense that is floundering with injuries. They've already lost their top-3 CB's. Expect the Packers to come out gunning. And if our young tackles can contain the underrated pash rushing DE's from St. Louis, the Packers should be able to score at will. But, let's not take the Rams for granted. Long and Hall can pressure the QB. They're high effort guys. Newhouse and Bulaga better be ready.

Offensively coached by Josh McDaniels, you know that the Rams are going to try and find short passes. And, then they'll get the ball into the hands of Cadillac Williams and Steven Jackson. If they get some rhythm, you know McDaniels is calling play-action and he'll try to hit us deep. Denario Alexander was a nice college player at Mizzou. He hasn't been able to stay healthy, but he remains a threat deep down the field. The Rams also have a couple of quality prospects at WR in Greg Salas and Austin Pettis. They can't be overlooked and are due for a game in which they surprise the opposition.

But, really, the only way the Rams can win this game is if they have success running the ball. They'll need Jackson and Williams to pound away at us, however with the talented Raji & Pickett manning the front, I don't see it happening.

In fact, I see a blowout. No one loves Ras-Al more than me. He's a Packer HOF'er. A great player for us for a number of years. But, he's too old to play with the likes of Greg Jennings. Early in the game, off play-action, I expect the Packers to test Harris deep. While Harris will want to have a big game, it's unlikely.

I see big games for Jennings, Nelson and Cobb. I foresee Cobb grabbing 4-5 balls out of the slot. Working out of the shotgun, once again, Rodgers will be brilliant. Throwing for more than 350 yards and also throwing 4 TD's.

Packers 45. Rams 13.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.

talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 5

2011-10-08T17:18:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

4-0. Feelin' Super. And, why not? After all, we are the Champs. And, convincingly, we're on a mission. This team has the capacity to be righteous. Offensively, we show signs that the path to repeating undoubtedly runs through Titletown, USA. Our special teams has displayed the potential to be lethal. Though our secondary has been beaten - at times - they have also been ballhawks! Sure, the pass rush has been poor. And the LB play has been below expectations. But, this team has swagga. They have confidence. They have belief. And, to steal a line from Andre Rison in the '96 Bowl, "We got the fuckin' MVP throwing the damn ball!"

A few takeaways from the slashing of the Donkeys:

* I've always been a Mike McCarthy fan, but it is easy to be critical of him. Like when it's 2nd & 1 and we throw two balls into the end zone followed by a slow developing 4th down run to the outside. With this team, just give it to Kuhn on 2nd down and refresh the down and distance. I also don't like the 2nd & 1 draw out of shotgun. On the other hand, the onside kick was pure brilliance. A game changer. Nearly a 1st Quarter dagger!

* Aaron Rodgers. Be fanatical. Based on the Lambeau Faithful's reaction to his Leap, it is possible that he is the 5th Beatle. And, frankly, it's exactly the way he should be treated as he continues to dazzle NFL defenses. He is playing at a ridiculously high level.

* Sir Charles. Dear Football Gods, thanks for sending him to Green Bay! 50 career picks. And the 50th, naturally, goes for 6! Tying him for the 2nd most pick-6's all time with 11. I want this record to be in the hands of Sir Charles. Add it to the mantel!

* I disagree with the harsh criticism that the WI media occasionally gives the Predator, Morgan Burnett. Without him, where would this defense be? He has been a playmaker. Again, not to analyze via statistics, but in Week 1, Burnett led the team with 14 tackles. In Week 2, The Predator had 7 tackles - 2nd on the team - and he also had 2 passes defenses, a sack, a forced fumble and a pick. Against Chicago, The Predator led the team with 6 tackles. He also had 2 picks and 2 passes defended. And against the Donkeys, The Predator was 2nd on the team with 6 tackles and he also had a fumble recovery and a pass defenses. Sure, he has been beaten in coverage. He has been turned around, but he's also been a difference maker, arguably our best defender, each week. Rasta On, Morgan Burnett!

* If you can pressure the QB, the address is 1265 Lombardi Ave. Please report. ASAP! I hold out hope that a pass rush is on the horizon via the likes of So'oto, Zombo and Neal. And when, it happens, the be -unquestionably - the best team in the NFL.

* Let's hope Sammy Swagga gets back on track after that pick. We need you, mate!

* Marshall Newhouse was a fighter. Von Miller is a beast. Newhouse competed and will improve. While Miller was fierce, if Newhouse is properly tutored, he'll learn to stay low and use his feet with a wider base against a pass rusher who has a variety of moves.

* Jordy for 3 more years!!! Where does the Tight Teddy nickname come from? I don't get it.

* J-Mike as a decoy was comedy. The Donkeys were not going to let him beat them. Instead, JJ, Double-D, Jennings, and Jordy all found pay dirt! Randall Cobb also got loose. Man, did I want him to outrun Brian Dawkins.

* Speaking of Brian Dawkins. I have great respect for his game. But, dude, it was sweet when he was shown The Championship Belt!

* Charlie Peprah is not a capable safety when he is required to play in space. Need to keep him in the box.

* Totally disappointed with the play of AJ Hawk. No aggressiveness. Afraid to take on blocks.

* T-Mon is not healthy.

* Small reminder: Aaron Rodgers became the first player in the HISTORY of the NFL to throw for 400 yards while rushing for 2 TD's and throwing for 4 TD's. That could be defined as SUPER QB play. MVP. MVP. MVP!

* Liked the quick glimpse of Alex Green. Had me yearning for more. Like the way he plants his foot and goes.

* After 4 weeks, the defense has 11 sacks and they've forced 11 turnovers.

This week - the defending Super Bowl champions travel to the Georgia Dome. For those of you that have followed the blog, you know I went to the two games last year in Atlanta. For those that have just joined, welcome. And here is the long, in short. The first Packers v Falcons game was the Sunday after Thanksgiving. My in-laws live in Atlanta. So, I orchestrated a Turkey Day gathering that included 12 of us sitting together for the game. The fans were friendly. Sure, they wanted the win, but in reality, the G-Force received Southern hospitality. Nonetheless, Packers fans littered the Dome. Thus, there was a scratching of the rivalry surface. Next was the playoff game. It was intimidating. The crowd was loud. It was rowdy. And, then the greatest 2nd Quarter in my memory bank occurred. Aaron Rodgers was epic. "The Falcons tried to bite off more yardage and they just got burned." T-Mon became a household name. It was Tramondous!

After T-Mon went ATL on Atlanta, it became a G-Force celebration. I was hoarse for 10 days and after almost 3 weeks of a constantly throbbing throat, my wife wondered whether I had permanently damaged my vocal chords. I'm certain there were 10,000 other fans who felt the same way as I did that next morning. And, officially, the newest rivalry in the NFL was born. This Sunday, we are going Dirty on the Dirty Birds. The city of Atlanta is famed for the words "Peace Up. A-town Down." Yes, this Sunday Night the G-Force will walk away from the Georgia Dome with victory and Atlanta will be feeling down.

Matty Ice is a gamer. If it's close in the 4th and Matty has the ball with a chance to win it, he's tough to beat. Therefore, it's important for the Packers to come out gunning.

The Falcons were aggressive this offseason. They went out and Ray Edwards and Then they pulled off the blockbuster trade for Julio Jones. But, last I checked Jones doesn't play defense. So, while I admire the aggressive approach, the Falcons are still best suited to ground and pound. Eat up clock. Play defense. Keep the oppositions offense off the field.

Michael Turner is a bull. Tough to bring down. Peprah must be the 8th man in the box. Woodson's versatility is on display as he is able to beast up against Tony Gonalez. Though those duties will also fall on Hawk. While Gonzalez can still play, he is no longer getting down the seam. See the down and out. Read the curl. Jump those routes! A record tying pick-6 can be had for Sir Charles. This week, Woodson was quoted as saying, "I want. I think about it. Hopefully, I tie it this year and break it." Go get it, Chuckie! It will be there for you.

The physical nature of Roddy White and Julio Jones will be tough for a banged up T-Mon and a passive Sammy Swagga. Time to nut up, men.

The Falcons defense cannot stop the Packers offense. More precisely, the Falcons have no match for Jordy Nelson. Expect Jordy to top 100 yards and to find the end zone. Remember that J-Mike didn't play last year. We are a match-up nightmare for the Falcons. There's no reason to pretend that we are going to run the ball. In fact, it would surprise me if the Packers run the ball more than 12 times. Spread 'em out. Play from shotgun. Make them guard us. And if we get a 2 score lead, know that Mike Smith teams normally abandon what they do best and they'll try to score with us. Thankfully, we all know the Falcons offense can't keep up. It's a race to 30 points.

With the lead, we must go for the throat. Clearly, the Falcons are still hung over from last years crushing defeat. With a victory, the Packers would move to 4-0 in the NFC and they would take a 3 game lead over the Falcons in the playoff race.

It's a PrimeTime game and we have the NFL's PrimeTime player. Strap the belt, Aaron. You are deserving.

Packers 34. Falcons 23.

Go Pack Go.

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 4

2011-09-29T23:24:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

3-0. 3 wins in the NFC. 2 wins on the road. A tie breaker win over the Saints. Another destruction of Ray Nutler at Soldier Field. And the Packers aren't playing remotely close to their best football.

Obviously, only so much analysis can be derived via statistics, but consider this: After 3 games, the Packers have 64 first downs. The opposition has 65. On third down conversions, the Packers are 18/37. The opposition is 18/39. The Packers have 1,210 yards. The opposition has 1,243 yards. The Packers have run 185 plays at an average of 6.5 yards per play. The opposition has run 196 plays at 6.3 yards per play.

The difference? The Packers are plus-4 in turnovers and, for the most part, they've won the Red Zone. Sure there have been times in which the offense has not been able to punch it into the end zone, but the defense has thrilled with two major stops in the Red Zone against the Saints, another crucial Red Zone stop against Carolina and just prior to the half, they held the Nutler-led Bears to 3 points inside the Red Zone.

It's always a glorious day when the celebration is in the visitors locker room at Soldier Field. While nothing can match the 2010 NFC Championship game, it was a true treat to grab a 2-game lead over the hated Bears 3 weeks into the season. Further, it's comedy to me to hear Bear fans cry foul play over the officiating. Especially the punt return. Watch the replay. Bush gets grabbed. Top left portion of the screen. Fox's camera angle grabs it. Unfortunately, the normally reliable Joe Buck and Troy Aikman butchered the analysis and Fox's game production team failed to produce the proper camera angle via replay. But, if you watch the replay, the live action shot clearly depicts a hold. That's two weeks in a row in which Fox's team has failed to perform.

For the record, once again, we can confidently say: The Bears Still Suck! After all, for the 3rd time in 2011, the Packers beat the Bears.

Quick Packer Points from the Bear game:

* Cheers to Marshall Newhouse. He stepped in admirably. When Bulaga went down, I was concerned. If you've followed the blog long enough, you know I think highly of Newhouse. Regardless of how he performed in the preseason. I've still believed in him. Nonetheless, the Bears DL gives cause for concern. Newhouse was a savior.

* In the non-breaking news category: Aaron Rodgers > Ray Nutler. As Bears fans were whining about the officiating, they should be realizing that the difference in the game was found in the QB play. Trailing only 17-10 at the half, Nutler went 2-9 in the 2nd Quarter. In his defense, he did have 2 dropped balls. In comparison, Rodgers went 6-8. While the Packers only generated 3 points in the Quarter, they did make it a 2-score game. Further, the drive that gave the Packers a 3-score lead was initiated in the waning moments of the 3rd Quarter when two Rodgers completions totaled 18 yards. Thus far, Aaron Rodgers is the league's MVP.

* Playing both sides of the coin, I didn't like to see Rodgers bitch out Newhouse and then get a delay of game penalty on the next play.

* Great to see Ryan Grant running like the Ryan Grant we knew and loved from '07-'09. He looked like a back capable of another 1,200 yard season. He had great vision. He hit the hole hard. He was making good decisions.

* James Starks had his worst game as a Packer. Indecisive. Almost intimidated by Briggs. Put it behind you, young man!

* J-Mike to Hawaii? If he stays healthy, he absolutely will be there! The Bears could not defend him.

* Greg Jennings is absolutely ridiculous.

* Jordy Nelson - Lock him up!

* Is Scott Wells really our best OL right now? He's playing like it.

* It hurts me to see Double-D unable to get separation when guarded by a LB. Love the guy. Packer HOF'er. But, the end is near.

* Randall Cobb is lethal! Get him the ball. The bubble screen is an option. Unleash, the kid!

* James Jones scares me everytime he touches the ball. Why did he go out of bounds near the 4:00 mark in the 4th Quarter? Granted, the Bears bailed him out by calling a timeout, but nonetheless, Jones made a boneheaded decision.

* Tom Crabtree can block.

* Nice to see DJ Smith making special teams tackles.

* J-Bush! 2nd on the team in sacks. Trailing Jarius Wynn. Ahead of the Claymaker. J-Bush's sack was due to terrific effort.

* Morgan Burnett is a Predator. Love this guy! Play him in CF. No need to put Peprah back there. Peprah is best in the box. He has limitations in the air. Burnett has the potential to have 8 interceptions this year. He's playing at an extremely high level. He's taken better angles to the ball than he did in the preseason and the early portions last year. He leads the team in tackles, interceptions and he's tied for the team lead in forced fumbles.

* Sammy Swagga scares me.

* Ryan Pickett and BJ Raji dominated the Bears OL. Both were unblockable and paved the way for Desmond Bishop to make plays in the backfield. Thus, Matt Forte's line reads: 9 carries, 2 yards.

* While the Claymaker left without a sack, he was still a dynamic difference maker.

* Small note - AJ Hawk is tied for 9th on the team in tackles. He's tied for 11th on the team in solo tackles. Consider this: Hawk is a 3 down player. He has 5 solo tackles in 3 games. DJ Smith plays special teams. He has 4 solo tackles. We need more out of AJ Hawk.

* After 3 weeks, our defense has 10 sacks and they've forced 7 turnovers. I'm hoping we can make a run at a 40/40 season.

This week - the Donkeys from Denver come to Lambeau. An afternoon game at Lambeau! My, how I love those games. Total fiestas!

It's up to the Lambeau faithful to bring it. Sure, the Brewers might be playing at the same time. Stay focused. We need this one. It's a classic trap game. AFC opponent. Trapped between a game between a Divisional Rival and a new Conference Rival, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons game will be played in Prime Time. We can't look past the Donkeys. And, the fans must play a role. Be loud. Be proud. Stay passionate. Help get the defense off the field!

While the Packers have owned Ray Nutler, they have not fared as well against Kyle Orton. While it's true Orton has merely been a game manager versus the Packers, he does possess a 3-1 record as a starter when he's faced the Packers.

While the Packers look to be going without Ryan Grant and Bryan Bulaga this weekend, the Donkeys will be getting the likes of Champ Bailey, DJ Williams and Elvis Dumervil back into the regular rotation of the line-up this weekend. Dumervil is a speed rusher. He'll challenge both Clifton and Newhouse.

But, even with the return of the stars in the Denver defense, the most storied franchise in the history of the NFL will have too much offensive firepower for the Donkeys. I asked for it last week and it didn't come as Alex Green was not healthy, so I am going back to it. The Donkeys will use a pressure defense. Von Miller is a stud. He'll be coming with conviction. So, will DJ Williams. So, will Brian Dawkins. And, when they inch towards the line, look for McCarthy and Rodgers to call for the screen. And Alex Green is coming at the Donkey defense! Maybe I'm just begging for it, but wholeheartedly expect Green to make a big play this week.

When the Packers are in a 2-TE set or a 2-back set, I fully expect the Donkeys to be able to man up against us. But, when McCarthy spreads 'em out, the Donkeys don't have enough firepower to keep up. Cassius Vaughn and Jonathan Wilhite cannot stick with James Jones, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. In fact, it could get ugly. Look for Rodgers to connect with as many as 9 receivers. Look for Rodgers to notch over 300 yards. Look for Rodgers to toss 3 TD's.

I'm really intrigued to see how Denver tries to defend J-Mike. Will Von Miller be asked to guard J-Mike 1 v 1? He can't do it, but I'm curious to see the gameplan.

While the Packers have totaled 10 sacks thus far, they have had far from a lethal pass rush. In fact, it's bad significantly below average for most of the year. Enter Vic So'oto. Stoked to see this guy get after it!!! He'll get pressure early on. And, hopefully, as the season progresses - call me crazy - but, he might be able to legitimately take some of the pressure of the Claymaker.

In Brandon Lloyd, Eric Decker and Eddie Royal, Orton has underrated weapons. Our secondary must be ready. You know Orton is prone to a mistake. Look for Sir Charles to find the football this weekend. Orton throws two big picks.

I am expecting our rookies - Cobb, Green, and So'oto - to make a play this weekend.

Ultimately, turnovers are the difference once again.

I fear a letdown. I fear it from the fans. I fear it from the team. This game scares me. It'll be closer than any of us would like.

Packers 30. Donkeys 20.

DVR the Brewer game. It's football season! We must dominate with home field advantage.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Week 3

2011-09-22T18:25:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

2-0. It wasn't pretty. In fact, it was frustrating. But, in this league, a win is a win. Especially on the road against an NFC team. Come playoff time, this matters as we jockey for playoff seeds.

I'm happy Cam Newton is behind us. He's scary. He'll win games this year. Hopefully, they come against the likes of the Bucs, Saints, Falcons, Bears and Lions.

Takeaways from the Panthers v Packers game:

* As my good buddy Chico often says, "ifs and ands, pots and pans. Well, the world would be a kitchen." I agree. And I'm also thankful Sir Charles is a Packer. Because, without him, the Packers might have lost by 10 or more points. But, Sir Charles does what Sir Charles does. And, as my buddy Stack texted me, "HoF, dude." Spot on. He's one pick from reaching 50 from a career. I often talked about how I wanted him to finish with 50 picks and 20 sacks. He needs 6.5 more sacks to get to 20. You know he'll be coming after Nutler this weekend. Hopefully, he gets home at least once.

* I saw a glimpse of arrogance inside this team. Yeah, I said it. Didn't like it. Didn't like the 4th down call. Shouldn't have gone for it. Had it not been for a questionable pass interference call on the Panthers, it would have been worse than a 13-7 deficit at the half.

* 3rd & Goal from the 1 does not call for 5 wide. Not with the way the interior of our OL is playing. Lang, Wells and Sitton are dominating right now. Really happy with them.

* I didn't like Rodgers reaction to Kuhn after the incompletion prior to the 1st TD. Rodgers could have run it in. He held onto the ball too long. Put Kuhn in a rough spot. Then, he didn't seem satisfied with Kuhn after Kuhn's terrific end zone to extend over the goal line. This isn't about stats. It's about wins and losses. I hope we haven't lost focus.

* Greg Jennings is a smooth route runner. And you had to love the block to spring Nelson!

* James Starks is legit.

* Why do we get away from getting the ball to J-Mike? He should be touching the ball on nearly every drive. He's that dominant.

* At this point in their careers, it hurts to say, but Randall Cobb is a bigger threat than Double-D. Gotta come up with a nickname for Cobb. Right now, I'm leaning towards Randall the Rabbit. But, if you have suggestions, I'd like to hear 'em.

* The Claymaker makes the play to get us off the field on 4th down! And once again, someone on our defense rises to the occasion as a closer!!!

* Sammy Swagga is not off to a good start this year. I'm worried.

* Morgan Burnett making plays!!! The pick. The forced fumble. Going to need more of that with Nintendo Nick out for the year.

* By the way, best wishes to Nintendo Nick. Get healthy, mate. We'll miss you. You're a fan favorite. Always will be, bro. XLV for life!

* Our defensive front scares me. Other than Raji, it doesn't seem like anyone is getting a consistent push with regards to a pass rush. Wynn is improved, but not where he needs to be in order to fill the void lost by Jenkins. Wilson has not elevated his game. And, obviously, while Pickett is a standout run stopper, he's not scaring anyone with his pass rush.

* Loved the special teams play of Lattimore, Ryan Taylor and DJ Smith.

* I've got no real reason to believe this and maybe it's just hope, but I feel Davon House is going to make a play this year. I know he's yet to be activated, but my pulse tells me that he makes a play this year.

It's Bear week! And, once again, it's time to destroy our favorite enemy, Ray Nutler. While the Packers haven't been playing their best football over the last 6 quarters, they walk into Soldier Field with confidence. After all, how could they not. Last time they went to Soldier Field, must I remind you? Halas Trophy + Soldier Field + Visitors Locker Room = Trump Card. Forever. And, now, it's time for the Packers to experience the carry over effect. A win and the Packers go to 3-0 with a two game lead over the Bears. With the drastically improved Lions in the division, the Bears season would become worrisome.

The Packers have face Nutler 6 times in his career. Once as a Bronco and 5 times as a Bear. Nutler has a 1-5 record against the Packers. In those six games, Nutler has thrown 5 TD's and 10 interceptions. He was also knocked out of the NFC Championship with a questionable injury. Bears fans burned his jersey after the NFC Championship game. He was labeled a quitter. Thus far, the Packers have owned Ray Nutler.

In order for the Packers to continue their dominance over Nutler, the below average pass rush from the Packers defensive line must defeat the porous Bears OL. I imagine Capers will mix in a variety of blitzes and when this happens, we must be aware of Matt Forte. Forte is the Bears offense. Expect him to touch the ball 25 times. Forte is tough to bring down. He's elusive in the open field. He has great vision. And he has deceptive speed. If I were Capers, Charlie Peprah would shadow Forte all game.

Recently, the Packers have had success shadowing Nutler and coming with delayed blitzes. Erik Walden had two tremendous games against the Bears last year. Though Walden has disappointed so far this year, look for him to play big this week.

Nintendo Nick has owned Nutler over the last two years. In order to fill his void, Burnett should move to center field, while Peprah plays in the box and shadows Forte. Burnett should respond to the challenge and I expect him to get a pick again this week.

The Bears DL will present a tough challenge for our OL. They'll play with fire and the crowd will be spirited. In response, McCarthy will spread 'em out and have Starks pound it up the middle with fine success.

With Alex Green apparently fit to play, look for him to get his first touch for the Packers. Coming on a screen, Lang puts a hat on Urlacher. Wells puts a hat on Briggs. Green bounces his way into the Bears secondary.

As is the norm, it'll be a close one. Crosby's 4th FG is the difference.

Green Bay 26. Chicago 23.

THE BEARS STILL SUCK!

Trump Card,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 2

2011-09-15T23:46:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Buckle up. Get ready to go for a ride. The 2011 NFL Season is off to a thrilling start. And after one week, the NFC North looks like it might be among the elite Divisions in all of Football. The NFC North battled the NFC South three times on Sunday. In each contest, the NFC North left victorious.

The last 8 minutes didn't go as we had hoped, but for 52 minutes, the Green Bay Packers looked like what we are...the defending Super Bowl Champions. Here's some things I took from both the game and my trip back to Titletown, USA:

* Growing up in Green Bay, I remember a time in which I saw a deer run through my backyard. A mile from my house was farm land. You'd often see deer running through the fields. Seeing Green Bay in the fashion that it was last weekend was spectacular. It was a mini Super Bowl. The closest Green Bay will ever get to a Super Bowl. Yes, it was a Packers home game. But, it was more than that. It was an NFL Sponsored Event. For a day, Football's smallest town was the sole focus of the NFL.

* Randall freakin' Cobb. Did we just draft a DeSean Jackson type playmaker? Lethal. It was great to see the way he was received by his teammates post his TD's. After the TD catch, Donald Driver was there with a vintage Double-D complimentary grin. After the Kickoff Return for a TD, Cobb was sparkling. He was greeted by Sir Charles. Woodson had his business face on. Sure, he gave Cobb the love. But, Woodson knew there was a long ways to go.

* Aaron Rodgers for MVP.

* James Jones can complain all he wants. He can pout as he sprints off the field immediately after a dramatic goal line stop. But, the reality is that Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Cobb, and Finley are all more valuable than Jones. I don't get the Internet rumblings suggesting that the Packers should trade him. Prior to the year, anyone could have had Jones. Clearly, no one was desperate to have him on their team as he returned to the Packers for what is far less than I'm sure he assumed he'd make.

* Kudos to the OL. TJ Lang owned Vilma on the Starks TD. Lang gets to the second level. He's powerful. Moves well. For now, I'll ignore the false starts. Lang performed. Sitton has Hawaii talent. Thanks for signing your deal and sticking around, Josh! Clifton was back to his Pro Bowl form. Bulaga has grown from Year 1 to Year 2. Ted Thompson is normally extremely cautious with signing those that are 30 or above to long term contracts - excluding the likes of Clifton, Double-D, Sir Charles, and Pickett. But, if Wells continues to play like he did in Week 1, Thompson will consider adding Wells to that list.

* Finley is a beast. But, we gotta keep getting him the ball.

* I like Starks as a runner. A lot. But, man, he has to do a better job of recognizing where the blitz is coming from.

* KUUUUHHHHHHHNNNN!

* Grant showed glimpses. But, clearly, he's still trying to get his legs underneath him. His football awareness seemed to return as he did a nice job picking up the blitz.

* The back shoulder to Jennings is unstoppable.

* Nelson has really improved his running after the catch.

* For Double-D, it's one more yard until the record is his...and his alone.

* Randall Cobb is so much fun!

* Jarius Wynn has grown. His development reminds me of a young Cullen Jenkins. His play on the 3rd down stop on Ingram in the 3rd Quarter on 3rd in 1 was sensational. He showed that he couldn't be blocked by a TE.

* Let's hope T-Mon can recover quickly. Sure, it was only a "bruise" - but I won't feel better until I see him on the field.

* Sammy Swagga played the exact game that I feared he might.

* Morgan Burnett was ultra active around the football.

* Nintendo Nick forcing the first turnover of the year!

* After one week, as a team, the Packers have 3 sacks and they've forced 1 turnover.

This week - the Packers travel to Charlotte to take on the Cam Newton led Carolina Panthers. And the biggest responsibility of this game lies on Erik Walden. Late in the 2010 campaign, Erik Walden displayed a great ability to shadow a QB in Capers uniquely designed defense. Walden's ability to drop and man the middle of the field helps allow Capers to blitz from a variety of areas. Importantly, Walden does a terrific job of shadowing QB's, which allows the Claymaker to freely set his sights on the QB. I fully anticipate that Capers will employ Walden as a shadow of Cam Newton.

With Jeff Otah's status in doubt, CM3 will most likely be blocked by either Byron Bell or Lee Ziemba. Clay will get to Cam.

Against the Saints, Rodgers connected with 9 receivers. This week, it might be 10. The Panthers have a talented young defense. But, they don't have the horses to run with us. Especially when you take Jon Beason out of the middle of the defense. So, the mantra of the offense is quite simple this week. Spread 'em out. Try and make them cover us. Rodgers dictates the tempo of the game without a huddle. RJ Stanford and Josh Thomas cannot cover the likes of Jennings, Driver, Jones, Nelson and Cobb. Therefore, look for McCarthy to try and keep Carolina's nickel and dime defenses on the field. And when the defense tires, look for the Packers to come with draw plays and screens.

The interior of the Panthers defense is manned by Terrell McClain and Sione Fua. Both are solid rookies. Good potential to develop. But, they aren't ready. With Sitton, Wells, and Lang dominating the middle of the line. Rodgers has time. He gives results. 3 TD's for Rodgers. One to Finley. One to Jennings. One to Nelson. Starks grabs a rushing TD. Crosby kicks two FG's. Carolina gets a late TD to make the score appear closer than it was.

Green Bay 34. Carolina 20.

Tracking the players who left via Free Agency in the interest of compensatory picks: Cullen Jenkins notched a sack and 2 tackles. Daryn Colledge pick up a start. While Korey Hall did not get credit for a start, he did play for the Saints against the Packers. Jason Spitz, Ras-A-tari Bigby and Anthony Smith all received a games played, but none of them started. Of course, B-Jack is out for the year with an injury. Frankly, I'm not sure what impact B-Jack's injury has on the Packers compensatory picks for the 2012 NFL Draft. Nonetheless, my best guess at this stage would be for the Packers to pick up a 4th, 5th and two 7th round picks as added selections.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Week 1

2011-09-06T20:54:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Welcome back. The White House visit is behind us. So is the preseason. We've relished our time as Champions. Now, it's time to defend it. After three tremendous nights of Phish, I now have two nights to recover prior to making the trip to Football's Motherland. The last two defending Super Bowl Champions at Lambeau Field. Under the lights. In September. Fantastic!

Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. The last two Super Bowl MVP's squaring off to launch the 2011 NFL Season. It should be a dandy.

For the Green Bay Packers to repeat as Champions, the priority is to protect Rodgers. When looking at the present state of the Packers, if we can protect Rodgers, it has the makings of being a special year. When playing the Saints, the blitz will be coming. The Offensive Line better be prepared.

It's not surprising to see that Vegas has set the over/under for this game at 47 points, which is the highest over/under for Week 1. The offenses for both teams warrant significant attention. They are both high powered attacks. Well balanced. With a unique ability to score from nearly anywhere on the field. But, don't be surprised if it's the defenses that shine in this game.

Not to be so bland prior to the season opener of a title defense, but really, this is what the game comes down to: Protect Aaron Rodgers. Stop Mark Ingram. Tackle Darren Sproles on Special Teams. And hope Sammy Swagga does not have a below average game. If these occur, the Packers will win convincingly. But, that's easier said than done. If not, this one will be a nail biter.

The Packers offensive line was a question mark throughout the preseason. The Saints have a pension for bringing the blitz. Defensively, the Packers match-up well with the Saints. Priority #1 is not stopping Drew Brees. The Packers have to be able to slow down the run. Don't be surprised if the Saints try to pound away at the Packers. In an attempt to slow down Clay Matthews pass rush, the Saints game plan is likely to run right at him. They'll also attempt to pound the ball between the guards. It'd keep Aaron Rodgers off the field - limiting his opportunities as the clock keeps ticking.

The Saints will use play action in an attempt to freeze the Hawk and Bishop. Then, look for Brees to target Jimmy Graham. He's the target that scares me the most. I imagine that Colston will be lined up in the slot. Sir Charles will have to man-up vs Colston. Lance Moore might not play due to injury. Meachem and Devery Henderson are deep threats but Sammy Swagga and T-Mon can run with them. On the contrary, Graham can run. He can jump. And he's got solid hands.

I envision the Saints aggressively pursuing match-ups in which Shields is isolated 1 on 1 against a receiver. Shields needs to play as he did throughout the XLV Season.

And then there is Sproles. While Masthay is Pro Bowl material, someone has to make a tackle. Sproles is a legit weapon. Someone has to make a play on the ball.

Not surprisingly, look for the Packers to try and spread out the Saints. The intention will be to wear down the front 4 of the Saints. Shaun Rogers was a solid addition. But, you can tire him. Sedric Ellis is a force of an interior pass rusher. TJ Lang will be tested in his initial start at LG. To help Lang, the Packers will use the no-huddle, which will limit the Saints substitution patterns. We'll see the Packers start out with 3 WR's, J-Mike and Ryan Grant. It's Finley running down the seam. And the Saints can't cover him.

The Packers need to attack the middle of the field. Crossing routes. WR drag routes. I like Malcolm Jenkins, but he's still getting used to playing Safety. I thought he had a bright future at CB in this league - and he still might - but, for now, he's a Safety. We know that Roman Harper will inch towards the line. Harper loves the blind side blitz. When this happens, it's time to go after the middle of the field.

It was exciting to see the Packers get back to the screen pass during the preseason. Look for the screen pass to be a vital play in slowing down the Saints pass rush.

While Grant starts the game, look for Starks to be the back to finish the game. He'll be the bruiser that bounds away late in the game.

The Packers ride the rocking intensity that is brought by the Lambeau faithful. With true excitement, Rodgers finds his rhythm. He connects with Jennings on a puma route. He finds Driver over the middle. He hits J-Mike on a roll-out. Grant punches out 3 yards. And then, J-Mike is found streaking down the middle of the field. 7-0 Green Bay.

Early in the 2nd Quarter, the Saints look to control the clock. They find success with Mark Ingram. Ingram pushes forward after contact. Brees uses Jimmy Graham on third down to keep the sticks moving. Graham catches a jump ball in the end zone. Momentum changes and the Saints grab a 10-7 lead.

It's Starks on a screen. And good things happen. Eventually, Rodgers connects with Jennings in the corner of the end zone.

With the Packers leading 14-10 in the 3rd Quarter, Darren Sproles shows his elusiveness on a punt return. Ingram continues to pound at the Packers defense. The Saints grab a 17-14 lead as Ingram finds his way into the end zone.
Rodgers goes back to work. Finding Driver for a first down over the middle. With that, Double-D becomes the all-time leading yardage receiver in the history of the organization. The Packers reach the end zone, but the drive stalls. 17-17.
On a delayed blitz up the middle, Walden comes flying through. Untouched. He hits Brees and jars the ball loose. While the Packers can't convert it into 7 points, they take the lead 20-17.

Brees leads the Saints down the field. In 2008, Brees used Colston to take on Sir Charles. He goes at the match-up again. He has light success. But, the guy Brees looks to expose throughout the night is Sammy Swagga Shields. While Shields responds with a decent game. He struggles to help get the Packers off the field. As the Saints near the Red Zone, it's Woodson coming on the blitz. Lined up right next to Clay. Clay stunts to the inside. Woodson spins to the outside. And the pressure forces an incompletion.

Setting the stage: 3 minutes left. Tie game. National TV. Kicking off the NFL Season. The ball is in Aaron Rodgers hands. Epic.

He looks to Jennings on an out pattern. 1st down. He goes to Jordy on a comeback for a 1st down. He hits Finley. Finley finishes with 8 catches. So, it's up to Crosby. From 37 yards and the win....it's good!

Green Bay 23. New Orleans 20.

Green & Yellow. Green & Yellow. Time to go Pop Tarts on the Saints!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Preseason Week 4

2011-08-31T00:28:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Sure, it was only the preseason. But, it was also terrific drama! It grand fashion the comeback was complete. With a fine last name like McCarthy, it's almost a certainty that the Green Bay Packers Head Coach has some Irish flavor to him. In Indianapolis, the site of the XLVI Super Bowl, the luck of the Irish shone brightly on the Green Bay Packers. If you're a die hard and you were watching each snap, you can't tell me you didn't jump out of your seat with excitement on the 4th down throw from Harrell to Ryan Taylor. If you know me, you know that I was standing up prior to the play, but that's beside the point. You also can't tell me that you sat down during the 2-point conversion. the onside kick was grand. Harrell to Gurley and we're in range. DJ Williams carrying a defender for an extra two yards to clearly place the Packers within Crosby's range. Crosby from 50 yards. BOOM! A preseason thriller!

Here are a couple of takeaways from the game:

* I can't believe I'm about to write this, but Pat Lee's special teams play could earn him a roster berth. He has shown solid KO coverage skills. I'm hopeful that Lee doesn't make the roster as his best hasn't been good enough and I'd like to see how a guy like Gordy might develop, but don't be surprised if Pat Lee's special teams play grant him a spot on the defending champs.

* If J-Mike stays healthy, he could produce numbers a Green Bay Packers TE has never seen before.

* When Charles Woodson comes on the blitz on the same side that Clay Matthews is rushing from, exciting things happen.

* Morgan Burnett intrigues me, but man, when he makes a mental error, it's an enormous mistake.

* DJ Smith has tremendous football instincts. Love his heart.

* So'oto has played himself onto this team. He's outclassed Brad Jones, by far.

* It'll be tough to cut Lattimore, but he'll be on the Practice Squad if he doesn't sign with another team. Great effort. Plays with speed and conviction.

* Bulaga has played well. Some might level the competition he's played against, but he seems to be moving his feet smoothly and he's been more patient than last year. For my eye, he's been the brightest spot on the OL.

* Rough day for Chad Clifton, but he'll be fine. If you have questions about Clifton, ask James Harrison how the XLV contest went against Clifton. I'm not concerned. Clifton can still play.

* If we protect Aaron Rodgers, this team could do SUPER things.

* Ryan Taylor continues to be a bright note in the preseason. He's going to have a role on this team - this year. That's possibly bad news for Tom Crabtree, who if you follow Twitter, is a funny, engaging, personable man. It's also potentially bad news for Quinn Johnson.

* Hard to imagine Graham Harrell not making the team. So, if we're keeping 3 TE's, a minimum of 4 TE's and possibly 6 WR's, the roster will be thin in other areas...probably keeping only 9 at the OL, 9 at DB and potentially only 4 RB's.

* Interesting to see Starks as the 3rd down back. I though Kuhn would win the job. But, fun to watch Starks showing us a glimpse of his receiving abilities.

* Chastin West or Tori Gurley? Both are deserving. But, there's only one spot. That's a good problem to have. While West is the better WR today, might Gurley's punt blocking skills be the difference? It's the type of threat that could alter a game.

* Aaron Rodgers feels very comfortable throwing the ball to Jordy Nelson. I foresee Nelson as having the 2nd most receptions out of a WR at the end of the year.

* When I watch the 2nd team OL, I see as much potential in Dominguez as I see in anyone. Hope he makes the team. Loved his celebration with Taylor after the TD!

The fourth and final preseason game is about the 53 man roster, so here's my prediction:

QB: (3) Rodgers, Flynn, Harrell. Props to Harrell. He's earned this spot. He's also rocking the handle bar 'stache, which tells me he wants to be a member of this QB fraternity. Rodgers looks to be taking him under his week based on their interactions.

RB: (4) Grant, Green Starks, Kuhn. It hurts me to cut Quinn Johnson. Johnson was huge against Philly in the playoffs. He played a major role in the XLV title as he dominated the Eagles. I imagine Ryan Taylor having enough versatility to drop into the wishbone attack when McCarthy goes to this formation. Brandon Saine is a talent. I hope he makes the practice squad.

WR: (6) Driver, Jennings, Jones, Nelson, Cobb, Gurley. West has earned the praise of Rodgers. Presently, he's a better WR than Gurley. Since it's doubtful that the Packers could slide Gurley to the practice squad, Thompson is forced to make a decision. He unloads West and gets something in return - either a 7th rounder, a Guard, or possibly an ILB. I hope Kerry Taylor gets a practice squad look, but I predict Borel gets the nod.

TE: (4) Finley, AQ81, Taylor, DJ Williams. I wholeheartedly believed that DJ Williams would be the training camp winner at TE. But, Ryan Taylor has stolen the show. It pains me to cut Crabtree. He'll find a spot in this league. He's a tough, gritty blocker. A solid special teams player. Good hands. Wish him well. Would love to keep him, but it's a numbers game. All preseason, I felt the Packers would keep 5 TE's, but I've had a change in thinking. In part, this is because So'oto has should great promise.

OL: (9) Clifton, Lang, Wells, Sitton, Bulaga, Newhouse, Sherrod, Dominguez, McDonald. McDonald wins a spot over Diedrich-Smith as a back-up Center. McDonald's development has been a disappointment, but he is versatile enough to also play Guard. Either way, if Wells gets hurt, it'd be troublesome for the Packers. Dominguez gets the nod over Schlauderaff, which is probably wishful thinking. Schlauderaff is a Thompson draft pick. Thompson likes his draft picks, but it's important to note that Dominguez was a coveted undrafted FA, so that might carry weight in Thompson's eyes and trump his philosophy of keeping his draft picks.

DL: (6) CJ Wilson, Neal, Raji, Green, Pickett, Wynn. Wynn has come on as of late. He's been playing well as a pass rusher. It wouldn't shock me if Lawrence Guy is put on IR for the year out of fear that he might take an offer to join another teams practice squad.

LB: (9) Matthews, Walden, Jones, So'oto, Zombo, Bishop, Hawk, Smith, Francois. I really hope there is an ILB addition. I liked Francois coming out of college. He hasn't progressed. Apologies to Brad Jones, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him not make the squad. He hasn't been able to stay healthy. So'oto has shown me more than Jones. So, has Lattimore. Lattimore finds his way onto the practice squad. Elmore was a buzzkill. Let's hope Zombo doesn't end up on IR.

DB: (9) Sir Charles, T-Mon, Sammy Swagga, Nintendo Nick, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, Davon House, J-Bush, Pat Lee. Unreal, but yes, I just included Pat Lee on the roster once again. Gordy has provided an admirable run at a roster spot, but he loses out due to special teams skills. Brandian Ross, Anthony Bratton and MD Jennings all have shown enough to warrant practice squad consideration.

Specialists: (3) Crosby, Masthay, Goode. Masthay has Pro Bowl potential.

Practice Squad: (8) Schlauderaff, Saine, Borel, MD Jennings, Lattimore, Brandian Ross, Jay Ross, and Kerry Taylor. I suppose Elmore is also a candidate. I'm pulling for Kerry Taylor to get this spot! This is all based on the assumption of my prediction that Lawrence Guy will be placed on the IR for the year. Otherwise, he'll be an ideal candidate.

In my mind, 49 of the roster spots have been taken. But, there is an open spot at OL, in which I'm giving it to Dominguez. There is an open spot in the secondary, which I'm giving to Lee (regrettably). And then for the 52nd and 53rd spot, the battle is between Quinn Johnson, Tom Crabtree, Brad Jones, Tori Gurley & Chastin West.

This Thursday night - in the preseason finale - the Chiefs visit the most legendary stadium in American sports. The Lambeau crowd will be stoked to kick off the Labor Day weekend in winning fashion. It'll be a fun environment. If you're in attendance, litter yourself in the Fat Squirrel prior to the game. This game will feature a generic preview of a December date in which the Packers will go to Arrowhead. On a side note, I've got my tickets. You should get yours as well. And, on the Saturday before the game, I feel there should be a Packers party at the Boulevard Brewing Co. Just sayin'.

One thing to be fully cognitive of when watching this game: the Chiefs have placed an emphasis on the return game. It'll be a good challenge for the Packers. I'm curious to see how the Packers respond.

Aaron Rodgers gets one drive. This week - the Packers work on the run game to start. Starks gets some early work. And then it's play-action to Jordy. Rodgers on the roll-out finds AQ81. The offense is in motion. It's Starks on a screen. The drive ends with a Rodgers to Nelson TD. And a Lambeau Leap into the South End Zone.

The 1st team defense gets limited reps as well. There's a lot of work that needs to be done with the depth of the defense. DJ Smith needs reps. So does Davon House. This game is arguably as important for House as anyone else on the team. While House is a lock to make the team, his role is highly in question. Thus far, he'd probably be inactive for the season opener. But, if House can prove his worth in the final preseason game, he might warrant a look in the opener. Expect House to perform.

So'oto continues to impress with his endless motor. Lattimore uses his speed to get into Tyler Palko's face. Judging from Palko's college career, he's prone to making mistakes when he's pressured. This will mean opportunities for our secondary. It's time to be a ball hawk in the secondary!

Matt Flynn gets some solid work in. He targets West & Gurley who get extended looks as the WR core is depleted for this contest. Flynn finds riches in Ryan Taylor. Due to shoddy OL play, it's tough for Alex Green to find his way into the open field, so McCarthy calls the screen and the dreadlocks are flowing...

When Graham Harrell enters. He connects with Kerry Taylor on crossing routes. He gets DJ Williams involved as Williams runs down the seam and snatches the ball out of the air. Brandon Saine flashes soft hands as he's Harrell's outlet.

In the end, the Packers prevail. Once again. And it's a 3-1 preseason record.

Green Bay 27. Kansas City 23.

Have a Happy & Safe Labor Day. I'm off to see Phish for 3 days. And with that, to the NFL Season, I say "and I'm glad, glad, glad that you've arrived!"

Go Pack Go!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Preseason Week 3

2011-08-23T21:59:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

For the first time since the XLV title, the Packers were able to celebrate a post-game victory. It wasn't always pretty, but it was a victory. While winning & losing isn't the main priority of the preseason, it's always nice to walk off the field as a winner - regardless of the situation. Next week - the roster must be trimmed down to 80 players. By my count, the Packers have 86 players on the roster. Thus, it's possible that 6 players will wear the Green & Gold for the last time this Friday. As of now, my prediction is that those 6 players will be Antonio Robinson, Sampson Genus, Adrian Battles, KC Asiodu, Spencer Havner, and Chris Donaldson. Chris Campbell is also a candidate. I'm unaware of anyone that could be given injury settlements and I'm hoping that Zombo will not have to be placed on IR.

A quick position by position breakdown:

QB: The preseason has made things interesting for the Packers at QB. Rodgers has been sensational in the no-huddle. How much of a role will this play in the 2011 Regular Season? Matt Flynn has looked terrific. I doubt anyone will make a play for him via trade, so expect him to be signed away as an UFA next year. Graham Harrell is making it tough for the Packers to move on without him. He won't make it to the practice squad. And, in some ways, the Packers have to keep him as an insurance policy for next year. He's growing comfortable with the system and as a QB, he played with great confidence. It's hard to imagine the Packers keeping only 2 QB's. It was super fun to see the camaraderie between Rodgers, McCarthy and Harrell as Harrell led the team to the final TD. When McCarthy bailed Harrell out with a timeout just prior to the play clock violation, Rodgers was there to welcome Harrell on the sideline. McCarthy gave Harrell a thumb's up. Team unity is abound at the QB position.

RB: With Starks injured, Grant saw enhanced carries. With that, we saw glimpses of Grant's old self. Since Starks is back practicing, I'm excited to see how Grant & Starks are utilized with both available. Alex Green! I really wish he could have found his way into the end zone on the screen. Beautiful run. Patient. The spin move to keep his balance! Bouncing off a tackler! Epic! Had to love TJ Lang reminding him to give the fans kind vibes via the Lambeau Leap. Never let a brother down, TJ. Green will never forget again. It was good to see Nance get to the corner. Though we didn't get to see much, Saine looks like a practice squad addition. While Green learns how to block at this schedule, look for Kuhn to be our 3rd down back. I still believe Quinn Johnson makes the roster.

WR: Jennings in the corner of the end zone. Get used to it. Double-D showing that he's still got it! Chastin West states his case. A week after West played a game in which he didn't look motivated, West played with complete confidence. With a vengeance. My brother Chad posed an interesting question: Jordy Nelson or Chastin West? All preseason, we've been reading about West. Last year, he looked to have the physique to play in the league. What trade value would Jordy have? If you believe in West and if Jordy has a 3rd round tag on him, it's worth considering. Especially considering that Jordy will be a free agent after this year. Let's hope Randall Cobb is healthy. In the first preseason game, he looked like a young Wes Welker. Tori Gurley showing that he's worthy of the practice squad. I keep reading/hearing that Borel has been impressive in preseason. To my eye, Kerry Taylor has been better than Borel.

OL: As a unit, the OL has struggled. But, congrats to TJ Lang. Now go out and show that you deserve the position! I thought Dominguez looked strong. Fitting himself for a run at a roster spot. I'm not going to jump off the bridge with regards to Sherrod. Been put in a tough position. He's not playing up to expectations, but I believe he has a future in this league. Without question, he'll need time to develop, but barring injury or poor play by Lang, he'll have a year to develop.

TE: GREAT to see J-Mike back on the field! YOTTO! What a weapon. I still believe that the Packers keep 5 TE's. However, DJ Williams inability to block has clearly stunted his development and the faith that the coaching staff has in him.

DL: Injuries have caused depth to be a concern. CJ Wilson and Mike Neal must get healthy. Lawrence Guy's health is also a concern. If Guy can't get healthy this week, it wouldn't shock me if he ends up on the IR for the year. The Packers might tuck him away. BJ Raji looks like he's Hawaii bound. Ryan Pickett and Howard Green are playing at a high level. Good to see Jarius Wynn playing with intensity and putting pressure on the QB. Injuries might be saving Wynn's job in Green Bay. Thus far, Eli Joseph and Jay Ross have not been deserving of roster spot consideration. I don't see them as practice squad additions either.

LB: After the Alex Green screen and the Chastin West TD, DJ Smith was the highlight of the game for me. While it was discouraging to see AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop getting pushed around and dragged backward, it was refreshing to see Smith in pursuit. He showed great quickness. He was able to sneak his way into the offensive backfield. While he didn't always finish the play, he was in position. Clearly, he has terrific football instincts. Let's hope Zombo is not done for the year. It's good to hear that Clay is back. But, I'd take it easy with him and potentially shelve him for the majority of the rest of training camp. Walden is deserving of the starting spot. He earned it towards the end of last year when he was given a chance, but I hate to see it happen due to an injury to Zombo. Further, Brad Jones is dealing with injury. And, once again, depth is of high concern at OLB. So'oto should make the team. He gives great effort. I like his intensity. Good motor. I see him on the 53-man roster. Lattimore showed enough last week to warrant roster consideration. He's still ultra light for an OLB and if he doesn't make the roster, he's definitely practice squad material. Ricky Elmore is a stiff. If it weren't for depth concerns and the Packers ability to get through the final preseason game without having to play our starters into the 2nd Quarter, Elmore would be on my list of players who should be cut this week.

DB: It was sublime to see Sir Charles playing cat & mouse with the oppositions OL once again. The penalty on T-Mon was an injustice. I'm not concerned with the play of Sammy Swagga, but it was clearly the worst that we've ever seen him play in a Packers uniform. Nintendo Nick all over the place as he roams the secondary is always fun to witness. Really wish Morgan Burnett would have picked off the deep ball, but it was good to see him cover significant ground and make a play on the ball. Pat Lee & J-Bush continue to disappoint. With Levine & Underwood injured, M.D. Jennings has made the most of the opportunity. I was thinking it would be Bratton who would elevate. I was wrong. At this stage, Bratton might not make it through the first round of cuts. I have liked what Bratton has done, but he has yet to make a splash. He seems to understand positioning and angles. He understands where he is supposed to be on the field, but he hasn't been a playmaker. Instead, that's been Jennings. Jennings have been more physical than his size would suggest. He's been aggressive to the ball. He's making a run at having a place on this team - either on the roster or as a practice squad player. Underwood is back at practice, so it'll be interesting to see how many reps Jennings & Bratton get this week. Brandian Ross with a game saving interception in the end zone! How can you not be cheering for this guy? We've seen him twice. He's grabbed two picks. Sure, he got burnt a couple of plays prior to the interception, but it was a treat to see him in position to rebound. With regards to J-Bush & P-Lee, as I've said before, we've seen there best and in general, it hasn't been good enough. Again, thanks to both of you for your roles in XLV, but I'd be shopping J-Bush in hopes that I could get either an ILB/DL or a 7th rounder for him. P-Lee has no trade value. Josh Gordy continues to make the most of his opportunity. He's not going to go away without a fight. It's doubtful that he makes the team, but you have to appreciate his heart.

This week - the Packers travel to Indianapolis, the site of the 2011 Super Bowl. You can be sure that this is a part of McCarthy's pre-game speech. The White House trip is behind us. Yes, we still own XLV. We will forever. But, now, the sole focus is returning to Indianapolis for XLVI. Without Peyton Manning, don't expect the Colts to be much competition. Adam Schefter recently tweeted this: "Since 2005, the Colts have lost more preseason games than regular-season games (4-24 in preseason, 75-21 in regular season)." Soon, the Colts will be 4-25 since 2005.

Through 2 preseason games, the Packers have looked less than average. It's not cause for concern as the third preseason games, but it's time to show our might. The starting line-up is essentially set. No more rotating along the offensive line. Let's pummel the Colts. So far, Rodgers has been unable to generate points while conducting the offense out of the huddle. Against Indy, that will change. With the offensive starters playing throughout the 1st half, the Packers find both yards and points in abundance. So far, the defense has been far from stout. We've bit on play action. Beanie Wells ran with a mission. On occasion, Wells ran through defenders. Against Indy, that will also change. I've been envisioning a blowout for two weeks, but this week, it happens!

Rodgers finds his rhythm early. He stays in rhythm.

The connection between Rodgers and J-Mike is undeniable. They see the field together. Against Indy, in the first half, J-Mike grabs 5 balls and a TD. Rummaging through the middle of the field. Indy cannot cover him.

Again, Rodgers finds Jennings in the end zone.

Through two preseason games, the Packers have yet to notch a sack by a LB. Desmond Bishop changes that on an inside blitz. The starters have yet to force a turnover. That also changes as Burnett grabs a pick.

Flynn gets involved in the action as he gets the 3rd Quarter. Flynn finds Chastin West for good yardage. He connects with DJ Williams down the seam for a 1st down. He finds Alex Green on a screen. Finally, Green punches it into the end zone for 6 points.

For the 3rd week in a row, DJ Smith is the most aggressive player on the 2nd unit. His endless motor allows him to get sideline to sideline.

Davon House - the Rastaman - gets on the field for the 1st time. He plays with conviction. Plays the run. Finds the football in the air. Shows why it's likely that he'll be the Dime CB.

Brandian Ross continues his pursuit of a roster spot with another big play in the secondary. BOOM!

Graham Harrell comes in and solidifies a roster spot. Once again, he's looking toward Kerry Taylor. He finds Taylor.

Dmitri Nance is playing for a spot on another team's roster. Could he be dealt prior to the 53-man deadline?

Getting an extended look - both Lattimore and So'oto continue to play with a vengeance.

Sherrod plays extensively in the 2nd half. Playing strictly LT, Sherrod plays much better than he did in prior weeks.

The Marshall Newhouse at RT experiment continues - by default - and he continues to improve at his new position. Granted, he's still the back-up LT, but as mentioned previously, his versatility is vital to him being active on the Game Day roster.

Green Bay 30. Indianapolis 6.

We're playing like Champions in the building, which will determine the XLVI winner.

Go Pack Go.

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Preseason Week 2

2011-08-16T23:42:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

With the exception of Family Night, for the first time since winning the XLV crown, the Green Bay Packers will play in front of the Lambeau faithful. Expect the crowd to be incredibly rowdy. Expect the Packers to play with a sense of urgency. Expect the Packers to walk away with their first win of the preseason.

A fan can only take away so much from the first preseason game. It only carries so much weight, but nonetheless, it was great to see the defending champions take the field once again. It was refreshing. Officially, football is back. Here are some thoughts that I took with me after Saturday's preseason opener in Cleveland:

* I enjoyed the no-huddle offense. For those that have followed the blog for a bit, you know that I'm a staunch McCarthy supporter. I'm not sure why he went to the no-huddle, but I liked it. Was it possibly to give the Saints something to chew on in preparation for the Regular Season opener? Or was it to ignite a fire under this team? Let's be honest - back-ups or not - the first possession for the offense and the defense did not go the way any of us wanted it to. In my mind, the no-huddle was quite possibly McCarthy's way of installing a sense of urgency in the team. Clearly, the results were scintillating. The intensity picked up. Rodgers responded with brilliance - pure precision. Regardless of the reason, props to McCarthy.

* Quick RB thoughts: Starks played the way he left off last year. Quick to the corner. Powerful. Interesting to see him only running out of single back formations. Meanwhile, Grant was clearly getting used to contact once again. Additionally, Grant was mainly seen running out of 2-back sets. Dmitri Nance didn't leave a lasting impression. I thought Brandon Saine did some nice things. He looked like a solid practice squad player. I'm interested in seeing more of him this week. He caught the ball well. He was shifty at the line of scrimmage and seemed to have a grasp for finding the hole.

* At WR: Great to see Jennings snatch the ball out of the air and find pay-dirt! How epic was it to watch Randall Cobb? He was sensational. Not only did he grab 3 balls, but he also drew 2 penalties as defenders couldn't keep up with his quickness as he came out of his breaks. Also, in the 2nd Quarter, on 3rd & 6 from the 13, Cobb was WIDE OPEN over the middle. Prior to the play, I thought he should have been the hot read. Flynn looked to the outside and threw incomplete to Chastin West. Had he looked towards Cobb, it would have been 6 points. Speaking of Chastin West, he left plenty to be desired. So did Gurley. Granted, I haven't seen much. Truly, a small sample size. But, from what I watched, both were practice squad material. Kerry Taylor had a couple of nice grabs and should be in competition for a practice squad role.

* To no one's surprise, TE is clearly a position of strength. Pleased to see AQ81 grabbing a couple of Rodgers passes. Crabtree had a solid game as a blocker. Ryan Taylor was dynamite. Fighting for each inch after the catch. Not to get ahead of myself, but wearing #82, he reminded me of Paul Coffman! DJ Williams looked athletic snatching the ball out of the air. On the sack-fumble-TD play, clearly, either he or TJ Lang missed the blitz pick-up.

* McCarthy's desire to have versatility on the OL was ever present. In part, this is why we saw the consistent shifting of Sherrod & Lang from LG to LT. It's also partially why we saw Newhouse playing RT. In the past, as the Packers have declared inactives on Game Day, they often are left with only 7 active OL. Thus, it was a chance for each to display the versatility that they offer. I'm high on Newhouse, but man, he was awful at RT. Sherrod and Lang were both average. At times, Lang did a decent job of getting to the 2nd line of defense. On Starks' 9-yard run, Lang whiffed. Had he made the block, it's anyone's guess as to how long Starks could have run. Ray Dominguez also struggled at RT.

* On the DL, it was nice to see Mike Neal make a play at the line of scrimmage. Raji was also disruptive on 2nd and short when Morgan Burnett stepped up to finish the play. Howard Green goes Johnny Jolly and swats a pass to the floor! CJ Wilson with a nice move to get into the backfield, but he wasn't able to finish the play as B-Jack shed his tackle. Lawrence Guy showed enough effort to keep me enthused.

* At OLB, there were deficiencies as Zombo bit on a play fake and lost containment. Walden got beat down the seam. Brad Jones was non-existent. Ricky Elmore looked like he couldn't play. He might be kept as a practice squad player, but in my mind, he was the worst of the OLB we saw on Saturday night. I was pleasantly surprised with Vic So'oto. I haven't read nor heard much about him at camp. I thought he played well. Gave strong effort. He looked like a solid candidate to make the team, especially if the Packers begin to experiment with Brad Jones at ILB. Lattimore looks to light to make an impact.

* The least amount of depth on the roster is at ILB. Bishop and Hawk must stay healthy. DJ Smith showed promise. Played with passion. He offers hope and appears to have a future in the league. Francois was a non-factor. Peanut Joseph couldn't shed a block. If the Packers could take a look at Brandon Chillar at OLB last year, there is no reason to not sneak a peak at Brad Jones at ILB. The first time I watched Jones play football was when he played for Colorado at WVU. For the most part, he shadowed Pat White all game. He was able to get sideline to sideline. He applied some pressure up the gut. It's worth a look.

* In the non-breaking news category: Pat Lee can't play in this league. Thanks for playing a role in the Super Bowl, Pat, but, your time as a Packer is over. The same can be said for J-Bush. I'm so anxious to see Davon House. This Rastaman needs to get healthy! I'm jonesin' for some Davon House. I also want to see more of Brandian Ross. Josh Gordy making the most of his opportunity with the sack and an interception was cause for excitement. If the Packers are to keep 5 CB - at this stage - I'd hope they would be Sir Charles, T-Mon, Sammy Swagga, Ras-Davon, and Gordy.

* Safety also appears to be a position of depth. Nintendo Nick is a Pro Bowler. Morgan Burnett played well in limited action. While Peprah was not at his best against the Browns, he can play on my team any day after the way he elevated last year. MD Jennings looked like a natural playing the ball in the air. Levine was solid in run support and on special teams. And don't sleep on Bratton. Kid played really well in the box. He was in on the action with 3 solo tackles. I liked the way Bratton stuck his nose into each play. He's a fighter.

* Interesting stat of the day: On August 14, 2010, the Cleveland Browns beat the Green Bay Packers in a preseason opener, 27-24. On August 13, 2011, the Cleveland Browns beat the Green Bay Packers in a preseason opener, 27-17. We know how 2010 ended. Let's hope the same happens in 2011.

This week - it's the Arizona Cardinals. And, this much we already know, the Cardinals cannot stop Aaron Rodgers. In 2009, Rodgers torched the Cardinals in the preseason, in the Regular Season and in the playoffs. Though the Cardinals added Patrick Peterson in the draft, they'll be without the departed DRC and Adrian Wilson, who is injured. Expect Rodgers to go to work.

Early in the game, Rodgers tries Nelson on a deep ball. And connects. 7-0 Green Bay.

Arizona will be fun to follow with the Kevin Kolb to Larry Fitzgerald combination. It's also a make or break year for Beanie Wells. I also like the prospects of Ryan Williams. I feel his talents translate to a solid NFL career.

Look for the Packers to play their full compliment of starters into the 2nd Quarter. With Sammy Swagga healthy and Sir Charles on the field, we get to see the wicked secondary that has tormented opposing QB's in the past. I'll be shocked if the Cardinals have the success that the Browns had last week - regardless of how vanilla the defense is playing.

With Starks ailing and the Packers being cautious, it's Grant who sees early carries. He shows a burst and gets to the 2nd level. With the Packers in the Red Zone and J-Mike seeing his first live action since returning from injury, Rodgers finds him in the corner of the end zone for a 14-0 lead.

As the starters exit, showing consistent effort, Vic So'oto grabs a sack. Lawrence Guy continues to push the pocket with heavy pursuit and consistent determination. CJ Wilson makes a play in the backfield as Ryan Williams tries to spring a play to the outside. Since the Packers will be playing with a lead, Bratton won't be playing as an 8th man in the box. Instead, we'll see his coverage skills. He drops well. I predicted it last week and I was wrong, but I'm sticking with it, this week, he grabs a pick!

On offense, Flynn finds Cobb over the middle. Running a skinny post out of the slot, Cobb is loose and in the open field. We witness his first TD as a Packer.

We see the first of Alex Green in the Green & Gold. Running with a bounce in his step, he finds his way for a double digit gain. Saine gets in on the action and powers into the end zone from 5 yards out.

This one is a blowout.

Green Bay 31. Arizona 13.

Go Pack Go.

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

My Take -> Preseason Week 1

2011-08-11T22:16:00.003-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.
Pardon me while I tap my head with excitement. Repeatedly. Yes, it's pure bliss. The XLV Champs will start their title defense in Preseason battle this Saturday at Cleveland. Of course, the game will be televised live via the NFL Network. The last time the Packers won the Super Bowl, Mike Holmgren was the Head Coach. Fritz Shurmur was the Defensive Coordinator. This Sunday, Holmgren will be in the oppositions colors and Fritz's son, Pat, will be the Head Coach for the Browns. Additionally, Brandon Jackson will be wearing Browns colors for the 1st time since departing from Green Bay via Free Agency. Needless to say, there are plenty of fun story lines as we anticipate the Preseason opener.
As a fan who used to attend practices on an almost daily basis, I live for the Family Night Scrimmage. I was totally bummed to see it get rained out. Thankfully, I tuned in online and was able to catch what I could. Living out of town, the Family Night is my only way to catch the Packers prior to the Preseason opener. I enjoy the thought of Family Night. 50,000 fans coming to support an organization. A brand. An identity. With ecstasy. It's a National Reminder that the Packers remain the most authentic organization in all of American sports.
It's worth noting: last year during the Family Night scrimmage, an undrafted FA - Sammy "Swagga" Shields - picked off a pass and danced down the sidelines for a TD. Dating back to 2001, you may remember Kevin Kaesviharn. Kaesviharn returned a Favre interception for a TD. While Kaesviharn did not make the Packers roster, he did go on to have a solid NFL career. This year - another undrafted FA, Brandian Ross, picked off a pass and returned it for a TD. I'm not saying. I'm just saying. I was stoked about his play when I watched his YouTube video. He is not afraid to jab you at the line. He seeks contact. Maybe Ross has a chance. It'll be fun to follow.
Here are a few random thoughts as we enter Preseason play:

* Erik Walden will be our starting ROLB. The more I watch the final 6 games, the more convinced I become that his style of play best compliments Clay Matthews. When Zombo replaced Walden in the Super Bowl, Zombo was the OLB that was consistently rushing the QB, while Clay occasionally dropped in coverage. Walden is talented in space. He drops well. Zombo is the better pass rusher, but he's occasionally a liability in space.

* Sometimes you watch a guy play for a second and you get that feeling. For me, that feeling came with Anthony Bratton. Call me crazy, but I'm looking for him to make a run at making this squad. At this stage, I have him on my 53-man roster.

* Prediction: Mike Neal gets at least 6 sacks this year.

* I was pulling for Chastin West to make the team last year. I'm doing the same this year. Really like his game. Good frame. Like the way he uses his hands. His versatility is a concern. He hasn't shown special teams skills. Last year, the Packers tried him as a PR and he didn't show enough. I don't recall seeing him as a gunner. Maybe he gets a look during the Preseason this year? Doubtful. But, possible. The Packers are loaded at WR. In fact, my good mate, Vargas, went to practice on Tuesday night. He sent me a message that said, "Gurley. Gurley. Gurley." When we spoke the next day, I said to him, "Well, who do you like better: West or Gurley?" He says that he says both can play. "Different styles of receivers. Gurley can get deep on you. A run after the catch guy. West is more of a possession receiver." As I mentioned after the Packers signed Gurley, we have yet to see Gurley's full talent as he was under-utilized at South Carolina due to the complete arsenal of talent that the Gamecocks have. With Lattimore running the ball and with Jeffery across from Gurley at WR, he shouldn't be worried with being the 3rd option. This might be an area in which we're able to pull off a trade prior to the final cutdown. Or could this mean the end of Donald Driver's career in Green Bay? Driver is due a significant bonus prior to the 2012 season, so I imagine that this might be his last year, but if West and/or Gurley shows worth and Cobb continues to develop, well, as hard as it is to say - the best move for the future of this franchise might be to move on with out our loved one, Double-D. It's also noteworthy that one "source" says Aaron Rodgers commented last December that he believed West had a future in the NFL.

* Roster projection: The Packers keep 5 TE's this year. It's possible to see 4 TE sets this year. Give Rodgers 2 plays. Let him be a decision maker. Great fun!

* I'll be interested to see how the Packers utilize Grant & Starks. While Starks is the best back on the roster, I wonder if one of them will be used in single back formations and the other in two-back formations? Or will they both be used interchangeably? Further, who will be the 3rd down back? Does Starks get this job? Or does it go to Kuhn? Does Alex Green get a crack at the 3rd down job?

Bring on the Preseason. I'm ready to see this team play. Let's Repeat!

The Browns represent a solid opponent for the 1st preseason game. They have solid young talent. They've also brought in some solid veterans in Ben Watson, Scott Fujita and Sheldon Brown. In many ways, Holmgren is building the Browns much like the Packers & Seahawks were created under Holmgren's eye. As of now, the Browns future is in the hands of Colt McCoy's development.

Thus far, it sounds as though the Packers offense has struggled in practice. While this is not abnormal at this stage of training camp, it sounds as though the OL has had trouble. Protecting Aaron Rodgers is priority #1 in this game. And, hopefully, the first string offense will generate points. I expect Rodgers to have 1 Quarter to get in rhythm. It's important for Rodgers and Cobb to get some action together. Timing is vital. This is the time to learn the offensive cadences and to get on the same page. It'll be interesting to see if Finley gets on the field or whether the Packers give him the night off.
The Packers jump out to an early lead. While Grant gets the first carry, it's Starks who pounds away and finds the defensive secondary. Rodgers hits Jennings on a 12-yard puma route. He finds Jordy on a crossing route for a 1st down. He finds Jones for 6 yards on a comeback route. Finally, Starks rumbles into the end zone for a 7-0 Packers lead.

The 1st team defense comes out blazing. It wouldn't surprise me if Woodson gets the night off. Nonetheless, Mike Neal, BJ "The Freezer" Raji and Ryan Pickett control the line of scrimmage. Peyton Hillis pounds away without results. The Browns pick up one first down before Mike Neal gets the Packers off the field by applying pressure and forcing an errant throw from McCoy.

Cobb drops back for the punt return...OH BABY! OH BABY! OH BABY!

Rodgers gets one more drive. On this possession, it's Rodgers to Finley. Grant pushes his way for 5. Again, Rodgers finds Jennings. This time it's on a deep one and the Packers are in the Red Zone. After settling for a FG, the Packers first team offense leaves with a 10-0 lead.

Again, the first team defense, plays with a physical nature. Walden comes on a delayed pressure up the gut and gets to McCoy. The first team unit exits after a dominating 1st Quarter.

And then, the game finds rich excitement as the Packers depth and talent goes on display.

In the 2nd & 3rd Quarters, Alex Greene and Dmitri Nance share the bulk of the load. For the most part, they'll be running left behind Newhouse and either Lang or Sherrod. Newhouse dominates! Flynn comes out and has excellent targets in the form of DJ Williams, Cobb, Swain, West and Gurley.

Defensively, Zombo and Brad Jones are applying pressure. DJ Smith is getting sideline-to-sideline. There is legitimate speed found in the depth of the Packers defense.

Late in the 3rd, we get our first glimpse of Harrell. Rumored to be much improved, he, too, should have solid options in R. Taylor, K.Taylor, Gurley, West and Diondre Borel. We also see the first action from Brandon Saine as a Packer. The offense continues to move the ball.

Defensively, Peanut Joseph makes a name for himself. Playing with a vengeance - he's all around the ball. Bratton gets his hands on a pick. And - after missing time with a concussion - Lawrence Guy gets in on the action.

Packers 23. Browns 13.

What can I say? I'm excited for my first real glimpse of the Defending Champs! Should be a rager.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

2012 Mock Draft - Who Are You Watching Now?

2011-08-06T16:36:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Truth, I'm a football nerd. Thus, for me, it's never to early to talk items such as a a Mock Draft and rising stars at the college level. As the collegiate season progresses, I'll continue with the "Who Are You Watching Now?" portion of the blog, however at this point we're 3 weeks away and I'm wishing college football was on the television today. Therefore, with excitement, even though it's 8 month away, the scouting process begins.

This mock draft will work off of the assumption that the Packers will receive 4 compensatory picks due to the losses of Cullen Jenkins, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Brandon Jackson and Korey Hall. With that, I'll project that the Packers will receive a 4th, a 5th a 6th and a 7th. Really, I have no clue how the picks will be awarded, but it's a good starting point. As always, I don't select OL as I don't follow them closely enough. And, of course, I have the Packers selecting at #32 in each round.

Round 1 - Bruce Irvin, OLB, WVU. Irvin is a dynamite pass rusher. He'd be a sublime addition across from Clay as a 3rd down pass rusher. A secondary option is Don'ta Hightower, ILB, Alabama. Hightower will be among the elite ILB in college football this year and would provide suitable depth to the defensive line.

Round 2 - Devon Still, DL, Penn State. Still is a closer. He has great physical power at the line of scrimmage and knack for making plays late - to seal games. Listed at 6-5, 305 - Still is massive. He'd translate to a quality 3-4 DE. Another to watch has been the highly inconsistent and underachieving Marcus Forston, DL, []_[]. When he shows up, at times, he's unblockable. Consistency is his problem. It'll be fun to watch how he performs in his crucial Senior Year. It'll also be good to watch Trevor Guyton, DE, Cal. Over the last 2 years, a DL from Cal has jumped in the draft - partially due to the fact that Cal plays in a 3-4 defense. This year, it's Guyton's turn. He's a little lighter than you'd like as he is listed at less than 290 lbs, but he has the frame to add a little weight. He had 4.5 sacks last year and he has the quickness and hands to continue to progress. Depending on the growth of Mike Neal & CJ Wilson at DE in the 3-4, this could be the most pressing position for Ted Thompson to address in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Round 3 - Donnie Fletcher, CB, BC. One thing is for sure - Ted Thompson likes CB's who can play the ball. Fletcher is exactly that.

Round 4 - Michael Egnew, Missouri, TE. Depending on what happens with the contract of J-Mike, the Packers might be in the market for a playmaking TE. Egnew is a first class receiver. After 90 receptions last year, my buddy Mike, a Tiger alum, was positive Egnew would head to the pros. Instead, he returned to college. And, even though Blaine Gabbert left for the NFL, Egnew is prime for another big year. It'll also be fun to see what happens to the stock of Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State. Kid can play football. Hard runner. Gifted with the ball in his hands. Surprisingly power. Good ability to escape. But, how much will the legal troubles affect his stock?

Round 4 - Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St. Kellen Moore is a gamer. He wins. With accuracy. With poise. McCarty would like his chops to get his hands on Moore. Jacquies Smith, OLB, Missouri is another player to watch. What I'll be curious to uncover is whether he has the skills that translate to OLB in the 3-4. Clearly, he can rush the QB. He has a knack for the football, but his size is a question mark. Can his skills translate to OLB in the NFL? The 2011 College Season will be a determining factor.

Round 5 - Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina. I am a huge Morgan Burnett fan. I want him to be a Superstar. But, I'm not convinced that he can play in the box. Our defense improved when Charlie Peprah replaced him. Due in part to Peprah's ability to play the run. Antonio Allen can play in the box. He seeks contact. Hasn't shown me that he's overly gifted in coverage, but he burst onto the scene last year and it'll be good to see how he developed throughout a Spring Season as a starter.

Round 5 - Brandon Bolden, RB, Mississippi. Recently, while on a plane ride to Nashville, I sat next to Jim Steele, who covers the SEC for ESPN Radio near Memphis. Naturally, we talked football for the entire 2 hour and 30 minute flight. At length, he talked about Mississippi and how he thought they were going to be tough to beat this year. One name that he brought up multiple times was Brandon Bolden. With that, take note. He had 14 TD's last year and he's likely to explode in the 2011 college season.

Round 6 - TY Hilton, WR, FIU. If this guy had better size, he'd be a complete superstar at the next level. Ever dangerous with the ball in his hands. To my eye, he's every bit the player that Jerel Jernigan was at the college level. Size will be a limitation, but he was great to watch at the college level while I was living in Dade County.

Round 6 - Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas. Franklin can run. He's a tackling machine. He can get sideline to sideline and plays with a speed in the fastest conference in football, the SEC.

Round 7 - Darius Fleming, OLB, ND. Always tough for me to select a Golden Domer, but Fleming has the athleticism to play at the next level and you can't argue with his performance on an underachieving Fighting Irish squad. As an OLB, he had 6 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss while starting every game.

Round 7 - Travis Benjamin, WR, []_[]. Benjamin has swagga. He wears #3. He can return kicks. He's always dangerous with the ball in his hand. Kid can dance in the open field. Another guy I'll be watching is Benjamin's teammate: Aldarius Johnson, WR, []_[]. Johnson has the body of an NFL superstar. In fact, in many ways, in uniform, he looks like Andre Johnson, the former Cane. He hasn't lived up to expectations. It'll be interesting to see how his senior season evolves.

While the 2012 NFL Draft is far away, the collegiate season is fast approaching. Now is the time to pay attention as you'll be better educated when next April rolls around.

Go Pack Go!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/#!/buzzboy3

5 Things to Watch

2011-07-31T22:33:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

With a vengeance, football is back. Rightfully, it's a thrilling time to be following the Green Bay Packers. Sure, the Packers are the defending XLV Champs, but the kings of the football world are also well stocked for another magical run. While the likes of the Eagles, Saints and Lions pillage through the Free Agency period in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage in the NFC, the Packers will return with the majority of last years core, key veterans who are coming back from injury and a number of promising rookies who are capable of making an impact. Sure, we are all thirsting to see who wins the starting LG spot, but here's 5 things I'll be paying attention to in Training Camp:

1.) As we initiate training camp, my biggest concern is the depth of the front 7 on defense. While I'm extremely confident with our starting rotation and the depth at OLB is comforting, we need someone to step up at ILB and we could use another reliable DE. Raji, Pickett & Howard Green assure that the Packers have solid run stuffers on the DL. CJ Wilson also had a quality rookie season. It'll be entertaining to watch his development. Mike Neal showed brute force, high octane effort and good quickness in limited action last year. His health is imperative to a run at the repeat. As the roster currently sits, there will be a depth chart battle between Lawrence Guy and Jarius Wynn for the last DL roster spot. Though Wynn has shown glimpses of talent, I expect Guy to earn a roster spot unless the Packers only keep 6 DL.

Meanwhile at ILB, things need to get figured out. From a starter's perspective, Ted Thompson covered himself from the losses of Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar. But, those departures left us alarming thin at ILB. It's possible Brad Jones could be versatile enough to slide inside to provide more options, but at this point we're left with DJ Smith, Robert Francois, Elijah Joseph and Cardia Jackson. One of these prospects must elevate!

2.) It can't be overstated, Ted Thompson wanted to improve the special teams portion of the team. It was an emphasis of the offseason. Other than the selection of Sherrod, improving the special teams facet of the game was the top priority. With that, hopefully the likes of Nintendo Nick will no longer be on kickoff coverage units as Ryan Taylor, DJ Smith, Davon House, Brandian Ross, and Anthony Bratton all appear to have both a pension to become core special teams players. With the added focus on special teams, hopefully, T-Mon is no longer the punt returner. Randall Cobb brings quickness that the Packers did not have last year. He'll be given the chance to win the return job. Shaky Smithson will also have the opportunity to provide a Desmond Howard style bolt to the return game. Thompson also invested in Mason Crosby. Tim Masthay was stellar in the 2nd half of last year. The question: During training camp, who will rise up as a gunner to assist Masthay?

3.) How many TE's can the Packers keep? While it's early, my initial projections have the Packers keeping all 5. J-Mike and DJ Williams are locks. AQ81 and Tom Crabtree showed enough last year to show they're worthy of repeat roster spots. Then Thompson spent a 7th round pick on a potential core special teams player in Ryan Taylor. One thing is for certain, DJ Williams has the ability and maturity to make an immediate impact on this roster. Call it the DJ Williams effect. While the Packers are loaded with receiving options, Williams brings a dynamic dimension. He is a unique talent who is capable of creating mismatches. In college, he was well schooled by Bobby Petrino. Williams can play on the outside, he can play as a traditional TE with his hand in the dirt or he can play as an H-Back. It'll be interesting to see how Mike McCarthy utilizes DJ's versatility. Be excited, G-Force!

4.) Ryan Grant is the "starter." John Kuhn will be the 3rd down back and FB. Quinn Johnson will be the lead blocker in power running formations. Last years run-game savior, James Starks, has the running style to be an ideal "closer." So, how does Alex Grenn fit into the fold? On video, he looks like a Dorsey Levens type from the mid-90's. 2nd & long. Spread 'em out. Come with the draw. He hits the hole. Makes one guy miss and he finds chunks of yardage. Via Green, will the screen, once again, play a prominent role in the offense?

5.) The Packers are loaded with depth at WR. As of now, you'd have to predict that the toughest cuts will come at WR - especially if Shaky earns himself a roster spot as a KR. At WR, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Donald Driver, James Jones and Randall Cobb are locks to make the team. Brett Swain has spent 3 years on the roster and won't leave without a fight. Chastin West showed moments of goodness last year in the preseason. Tori Gurley, Kerry Taylor and Diondre Borel each have unique skill sets that should provide for a competitive training camp. Could this be an area where we're able to pull a trade for a future pick at the end of Training Camp? Further, I'll be curious to see Mike McCarthy's plan for Cobb. Will it be in the slot as a future Donald Driver? Will he be running underneath crossing routes like James Jones did in 2007. Will the bubble screen make an appearance? The wild cat? Time will tell and I'm anxious to witness.

Are you ready to rumble? Family Night is less than a week away. I'm pumped.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Ted Thompson is Doin' Work!

2011-07-26T23:05:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

The time is now. It's when Ted Thompson finds gems in unknown talent. It's when Dan Snyder overspends on the oppositions Free Agents. One philosophy led to XLV. The other has led to multiple seasons of disappointment.

The motto surrounding the Packers attack on the undrafted Free Agent market is "Getting Shaky Wit' It!" Since Allen Rossum left the Packers before the 2002 season, the Packers have been in search for a threat as a return specialist. Willie B. showed flashes of brilliance. But, for the most part, the Packers return game has been the most disappointing portion of our franchise for the better part of a decade. Enter: Randall Cobb and Shaky Smithson. Shaky led college football in punt yards per return after averaging more than 19 yards per return. Yes, more than 19 yards PER return! Wicked! Expect to see Shaky high-stepping down the sidelines. He's a north-south returner. Wish a legit shake to his step. Additionally, he averaged more than 24 yards per kickoff return. I fully expect Smithson to make an impact for the defending Super Bowl champions in 2011. Through the addition of both Smithson and Cobb, look for the Packers to incorporate the bubble screen into the office in attempt to get these guys into space.

Other than Shaky, the guy I'm most stoked about is Brandian Ross. He's 6-0. More than 190 lbs. Not afraid of contact. Plays the ball in the air. A former safety. Turned CB. He looks for contact. He'll be a special teams gem. It's clear that Ted Thompson wanted to improve the special teams unit. Look for Ross to have the opportunity to win the job as the gunner. Further, his versatility in the secondary is invaluable - though I imagine he'll enter into training camp strictly as a CB.

Thompson went for riches at the WR position. Reportedly, he's agreed to terms with Tori Gurley, Kerry Taylor, and Diondre Borel. I don't have any insight to add on Borel other than what you read in highly publicized circles, but I have seen much of both Gurley and Taylor. I'm excited about the prospects. During the 2010 college season, I wondered how good Gurley could be. He has elite size. Great physique. Looks to have good hands. In the epic game against Auburn last year, he found his way into the end zone, but the problem is that Alshon Jeffery was across the field from him. For those not familiar with Jeffery, he might enter the 2011 college football season as the best player in the game. Thus, Gurley's opportunities to shine were limited. Taylor - the nephew of former 49er star, John Taylor - is an exciting addition as well. Taylor should be pro ready having played in Dennis Erickson's offense. While it's true that Taylor and Erickson didn't always see eye-to-eye, Taylor was a consistent performer. Taylor won't be a speed demon, but he's fast enough. He's physical for his size and runs with might. He's sure handed and a go-to guy on 3rd down. In the dramatic Arizona-Arizona State game in which Arizona State's Alex Zendejas got his Extra Point blocked in double overtime to lose, Taylor was dynamite grabbing 6 balls for over 100 yards.

Undoubtedly, the Packers need depth at the Safety position. Thompson got what he wanted in Anthony Bratton. Bratton is a workout wonder. He's 6-0, 213. He ran a 4.46. He notched 2 picks and forced two fumbles showing he has a nose for the football. He is a safety that likes to enter the box as he laid down the wood to the tone of 99 tackles his senior year. Thompson also targeted MD Jennings. Jennings is a playmaking, small school safety who had a statistically loaded collegiate career.

Brandon Saine had solid production when he was on the field. He simply had difficulty staying healthy. Good one-cut runner. Runs low to the ground. He'll power through defenders - almost surprisingly for his size. In many ways, he runs like Brandon Jackson. Not going to out-run you, but he'll find a way to sneak into the defensive secondary and he'll also occasionally bust a decent size run.

I like the OLB additions. Gotta enjoy depth and young prospects with a successful resume with regards to getting to the QB. Jamari Lattimore looks like a legit prospect. He has the speed and athleticism to take the corner, but at only 230 lbs, I wonder whether he can sustain the point of attack. After watching nearly 15 minutes of his video on YouTube, he looks like a lighter Erik Walden, another former MTSU player. Great hustle. Never quits on a play. Likes the speed rush. Looks like he played in a 3-4 defense, but he's looks more accustomed to having his hand in the dirt rather than standing up. He'll be a good project for Kevin Greene. Vic So'Oto is a virtual unknown to me.

The interior of the OL could use depth. Thompson signed three undrafted free agents. Most notably, he agreed to terms with Arkansas standout Ray Dominguez. I don't have familiarity with neither Theo Sherman nor Sampson Genus.

Thompson also grabbed the Joseph twins from Temple as he signed Peanut and Eli Joseph. Eli has the power necessary to play the 3-4 DE spot. He played NT in the 3-4 for the Owls in college, but he won't be big enough to do the same at the next level. I imagine he'll get the opportunity to compete at DE instead.

Finally, Thompson added to his FB group. With the uncertain return of John Kuhn and with Korey Hall likely headed to Seattle, Thompson brought in the former Gopher, Jon Hoese.

All in all, I like it. Frankly, prior to yesterday, I only had familiarity with Shaky, Ross, Taylor, Gurley, Bratton, Saine, Lattimore and the Joseph brothers. And with the exception of Shaky, Taylor, Gurley and Saine, my familiarity came via reading a variety of internet articles prior to the draft. Nonetheless, in Ted I Trust. I like the positions that he targeted via Free Agency. I'm ready to get this thing going. Let's Get Shaky Wit' It!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Goodness to Cullen Jenkins!

2011-07-25T19:45:00.003-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

With the lockout over and Free Agency staring us in the face, it's time to direct our attention toward the Packers pursuit of a repeat. XLV is ours. Forever. Now, it's time to play for the present. XLVI. The 3-peat is the mission. But, first, we need XLVI. It's expected that Ted Thompson won't be a player as far as acquiring another teams talent. And, unless there are significant concessions from his current stable of UFA's, it's unlikely that he'll make much of a play on the likes of Cullen Jenkins, Daryn Colledge, B-Jack, Ras-A-tari and James Jones - even though each has made significant contributions over the last 4 years. During that time, the Packers have made it to 2 NFC Championship games, and of course, the Green & Gold captured the XLV crown. Considering these successes, how can anyone judge Ted Thompson in a negative light?

Ras-A-tari was huge in '07. He was a physical presence that brought intimidation to the secondary. He's been injured ever since. Jones has been a solid WR since his arrival in '07. B-Jack has been a dependable 3rd down back with the exception of the one play in the 2nd Quarter of the '07 Championship Game. If you watched the game, you remember the play. Colledge will be tough to replace. I won't be shocked if Thompson makes an offer, but he's going to receive compensation that the Packers won't be able to match. And, then, there's Cullen Jenkins.

Dear Cullen Jenkins,

It seems our time together is over. Sadly. I'm going to miss you. Since your arrival in '04, you've been a feisty competitor. A beast. Consistently, you won your one-on-one battles. You've solidified the point of attack and made it difficult for teams to run against us. During your 8 years with the Packers, you manned multiple positions. Starting as a DT in the 4-3, you were an underrated, often under-appreciated pass rusher.

In '04, on 3rd down of the Eagles opening series in the game where Favre's TD streak was snapped, I recall you bursting through the line and throwing McNabb to the turf. With excitement, the Packers were off the field! My cousin, Ryan, and I screamed thru telephone lines into each others ears. I was in Miami Beach. He was in Green Bay. For a moment, due to your efforts, it felt like we were sitting on the couch together!

In '05, you developed into a legitimate 4 down player. Playing in 16 games, notching 3 sacks and totaling 37 tackles, Cullen Jenkins was becoming a constant on the Packers DL.

Then, in '06, the NFL world was introduced to Cullen Jenkins. The average NFL fan started to learn what die-hard Green & Gold fans already knew: Cullen Jenkins was a blossoming NFL talent. At 4-8, the Packers season was over. Sure, we were in the developmental stages under a new organizational regime, but, man, this team was searching for answers. One decision was to move you to RDE in place of future Packer HOF'er and master sack artist, KGB. In chronological order, it was arguably the 4th controversial decision that the Ted Thompson led Green Bay Packers had to make since taking the reigns of the most unique American sports franchise. To reflect, first Ted Thompson drafted Aaron Rodgers as the eventual replacement to #4. Then, Ted Thompson selected Mike McCarthy over Sean Payton when the Packers gig was Payton's desired choice. Payton had a successful track record. McCarthy was a virtual unknown who had recently preferred Alex Smith to Aaron Rodgers. Third, Thompson traded away Javon Walker, who at the team appeared to be a budding superstar. This acquired pick was once again traded. Eventually, via that trade, Thompson selected Greg Jennings. The 4th controversial decision was moving Jenkins into the starting rotation over KGB. While this decision wasn't necessarily Thompson's, it was done under his watchful eye and it also reaped immediate rewards. Flourishing in his new role, you rebelled your way to 3.5 sacks in 4 games. The Packers were suddenly a forceful defense. Rummaging thru all 3 divisional foes along with a convincing victory in SF. The Packers swept thru December and had significant momentum entering the '07 season. Cullen, you earned your new contract!

In '07, with the rotation of yourself, AK-74, KGB, Corey Williams and Ryan Pickett, suddenly, the Packers had a dynamite front 4. Cullen, you had your best year with regards to combined tackles with 44. Defensively, we had a pension for creating the big play. It was initiated by the domination on the DL.

In '08, you were off to a Pro Bowl start to the season. You were a menace to opposing OL's, Cullen. At 2-1, the team was off to a good start. I was at the fateful game in Tampa when your season was cut short. Vividly, I remember the play. You bullied your way thru the line on 3rd down. You had Griese in your grasp...and after that play, for the rest of the '08 season, the Packers defense was not the same. We lacked confidence. You swagger was missed. So was your attitude. Consistently, the Packers lost close games and could not get a key defensive stop.

In '09, once again, Cullen, you were asked to change roles as the Packers moved to a 3-4. Being the solid teammate you are, you did so with only minimal complaint. With a vengeance, you returned from injury. 16 games played. 4.5 sacks. 32 tackles.

I'd argue 2010 was your best year. Playing in only 11 games, you fought your way to 7 sacks. Working with an injury and an uncertain future with the Packers, you were the consummate professional. Again, you were asked to play a variety of different roles along the defensive front. Again, you excelled. It was culminated with a BLING, BLING RING and an XLV Season. Pop Tarts, Cullen! Pop Tarts!

Cullen, if this is good-by, I want to say thanks. In my mind, you'll always be a Green Bay Packer. You'll always be the beast who made life difficult for the opposition. You'll be remembered as a team player with a win first attitude. I won't blame you if you sign with another team. Just don't make it the Lions, Bears or the Viqueens.

But, Cullen, before I let you go...I want to say one last thing: Imagine this scenario. You take a significant discount. You'll still make millions. You stay with the Pack. You sign for 4-5 more years. Basically, a lifetime contract. You continue to play at your current level. The Packers win another Super Bowl or two. You retire as a Packer. And as a millionaire. Oh, and at that moment, you'd also join your former DL mates KGB & AK-74 as those retiring as more than worthy members of the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame! To me, there would not be a price on that honor. I realize that there are two sides to every negotiation and I am not a fly on the wall at 1265, but what if you came to the mystical place referred to as Lambeau Field with a take-it or leave-it offer?

Jerry Garcia made these words famous: "I Know You Rider gonna miss me when I'm gone." Cullen, if you leave, you'll be missed. Wholeheartedly, I hope these lyrics don't apply to you.

Go Pack Go!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Free Agency Leads to Draft Picks

2011-07-18T21:52:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

***As a preface to this take, I'd like to thank Brian Carriveau and Aaron Nagler from CheeseheadTV for providing insight as to the expected, impending CBA rules. Without their writing, I would not have clarification on a couple of important pieces included in the CBA. If you aren't following CheeseheadTV, what are you waiting for? While Tom Silverstein and Bob McGinn go on summer vacation, there are only two outlets that deliver top notch Packer Packers insight: Bill Huber at Packer Report and cheeseheadtv.com. So far, the writing of Tyler Dunne - the new writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - has been first class and I'm excited to read more. Sure, there is an enormous quantity of fluffy Packers information available, but quality information is hard to find. Don't sleep on CheeseheadTV.***

Ted Thompson has built his Green Bay Packers rosters through the accumulation of draft picks, raging the undrafted Free Agent pool and locking up his superstars prior them hitting the Free Agent market. Don't think XLV will alter his philosophy. Thompson entered the 2011 draft with 8 picks. He left with 10. Prior to FA starting, Thompson locked up Desmond Bishop, T-Mon, and AJ Hawk. Thus, if history continues, the futures of Cullen Jenkins, Brandon Jackson, Daryn Colledge and James Jones will not be in Green Bay unless there is an extreme discount attached to the contract.

Even if a discount is attached to the contract, it's important to remember that Ted Thompson values the NFL Draft. Clearly, he cherishes draft picks. He relishes the opportunity to scout young talent. And after compensatory picks are handed out next year, it's not unfathomable to believe the Packers could have as many as FOUR - yes, FOUR - compensatory picks. Thompson has always had his eye on the future. He's planned for something like this. He wants to infest the development of this roster with a continued youthful exuberance. Thompson is salivating over the notion of multiple picks that can be found in abundance without tarnishing his current roster depth. In fact, we're built for this to occur. And since compensatory picks cannot be traded, Thompson will have his other picks to potentially use as ammunition to trade up and win the middle rounds of the draft.

It's conceivable to think the Packers could lose as many as 11 players via Free Agency without adding anyone from another roster. Cullen Jenkins, Ras-A-tari, B-Jack, James Jones, Daryn Colledge, Jason Spitz, Anthony Smith, Korey Hall, Matt Wilhelm, Brett Swain, and Spencer Havner. I'm writing this under the assumption that the Packers re-sign Crosby and Kuhn. I can't see either of them going anywhere. Though, with Kuhn, I suppose anything is possible.

For the record, I don't know the science associated with providing teams with compensatory picks. What I do know is that Colin Cole had 48 tackles in 16 games in 2009. Decent stats. Due to his performance, the Packers were awarded with a 5th round pick.

Wherever Jenkins signs, if he stays healthy, he's sure to make an immediate impact and the Packers would likely receive a 4th round pick in return. If you've followed this blog, you know I think Cullen Jenkins a total star. But, Thompson has positioned himself well with the likes of Mike Neal and CJ Wilson to replace. Additionally, Dom Capers' wide variety of defensive packages would ease the departure.

James Jones would start on most rosters. Most teams have less offensive talent than the Packers. Therefore, it's not inconceivable for Jones to have a 65-70 catch year. If so, he'd likely be a 4th or a 5th round compensatory pick. There is WR depth in Titletown. It's hard to imagine Jones returning.

Daryn Colledge has started every game for 3 years. He plays through pain. He'll likely play 16 games for someone else next year. Assuming he plays at the level Colledge has played throughout his career, that should warrant a 4th or 5th round pick. I would like to sign Colledge. But, it'd have to come at a discounted rate. Thompson has built a roster with the likes of TJ Lang, Dietrich-Smith, McDonald, and Schlauderaff to compete for this starting LG position. Look for Sherrod and Newhouse to also get reps at Guard. Losing Colledge would be the scariest of our Free Agents to depart as the Packers don't have a proven replacement.

Brandon Jackson is a durable third round back who has a pension for protecting the QB. He'll be on someone's roster in 2011. Assuming it's not the Packers and that he performs like B-Jack has throughout his career, he'll garner approximately a 6th round pick. The Packers have Grant, Starks, Green, Nance, and Quinn Johnson in the backfield already. I foresee Kuhn being brought back. Thompson will sign an undrafted FA.

Jason Spitz is likely to sign elsewhere. If he stays healthy, it wouldn't surprise me if Spitz starts 16 games. That could also net the Packers a 6th or a 7th round pick.

Ras-A-tari has been injury filled since his breakout 2007 year. He won't be back in the Green & Gold. With Burnett, Nintendo Nick, and Charlie Peprah on the roster, Bigby will not get playing time with the Pack. So, he's gone. Again, if healthy, he's a good candidate to start somewhere, which could generate a 6th or a 7th round pick.

Korey Hall, Anthony Smith, and Brett Swain have all shown special teams ability. Hall has also done an average job at playing FB. Swain has also shown glimpses of being a capable 3rd or 4th WR. With the addition of Cobb, that's one less WR roster spot. Also, remember my Chastin West prediction! I also envision Thompson targeted undrafted FA's at the WR position. Last year, we grabbed Anthony Smith for a 7th round pick. It's unlikely that he'll get much attention and it's possible that he'll return to Green Bay, but should the Packers not being interested, Smith will be on an NFL Roster in 2011. Should the Packers lose all 3, it's possible we'd get a 7th as compensation.

If my calculations are correct, Thompson will be loaded with draft picks in the 5th-7th rounds. Can you imagine a draft in which Ted Thompson has 11 picks? He can.

Get your popcorn ready. Free Agency is coming. It's going to be fast. It's going to be furious. While other teams raid the Packers roster, Thompson will be targeting the undrafted market. And, as Packers fans, we're all comfortable with that.

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

The Power of the Undrafted Free Agent

2011-07-10T22:33:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

The Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl Champions! Yes, XLV is ours for life. Regardless of how much the NFL lockout tries to kill our buzz, don't let it. The Packers hold the title. Rodgers wears the belt. The only positive vibe in the league is ours. Fitting, for the place referred to as Titletown.

Post the NFL Draft, the Packers roster consists of 85 players. 26 of them were undrafted FA's. Yes, more than a whopping 30% of the Packers current roster was undrafted. It should be noted that Josh Bell is still listed on the roster and he is one of the undrafted players. Clearly, he won't be on the roster once the league opens for business. Listed among the 26 undrafted players are some extremely prominent figures on the 2010 title team including are T-Mon, Sammy Swagga, Frank "Z" Zombo, Cullen Jenkins, and John Kuhn. There were 5 first year undrafted Free Agents on the roster at the end of the year. Clearly, a major strength of the Ted Thompson/Mike McCarthy combo is their ability to identify the best players that weren't drafted and then to coerce them into signing with the Packers. Then, the Packers have shown a unique ability to develop these youngsters into solid contributors. Undoubtedly, the lockout is going to impact the effect a rookie will have on the 2011 NFL Season.

One of the discussions in the current lockout is how many players will be allowed on training camp rosters. Under the previous CBA rules, NFL teams were allowed to have 80 players in training camp. There is speculation that under the new CBA rules, rosters could expand to 90 or more. Assuming the Packers lose the likes of Bell, Jenkins, Tauscher, Barnett, Spitz, B-Jack and Bigby due to FA, trade, retirement or by release, there is a strong possibility that Thompson will be able to add double digit undrafted FA's. Below, you'll find a list of the players Thompson might be interested in - ranked by position.

QB:

1.) Scott Tolzien, WI. He's accurate. He showed composure. He won at the college level. Both McCarthy & Thompson were in attendance at his pro day. McCarthy spent significant time with Tolzien on the sidelines. He'd be a decent developmental prospect.
2.) Pat Devlin, Delaware. During the East-West Shrine Game, he was extremely inconsistent, but he did show moments of ability in which he displayed the potential to develop into a back-up QB at the next level.
3.) Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M. He was tutored by Mike Sherman, so you know he's familiar with the Packer way. He had an awful Senior Year after a promising Junior Year. He's gifted athletically, but struggles with decision making.

RB:

1.) Noel Devine, WVU. It's partially amazing that he didn't get selected. At times, he was absolutely brilliant at the college level. Each game, he seemed to get loose at least once. He's consistently a threat to take it to the house. It'd be exciting to see the Packers sign him!
2.) Graig Cooper, []_[]. Prior to his injury against WI in the bowl game his Junior year, many viewed him as a legitimate NFL prospect. He never fully recovered. He seems to have lost his burst, but he might be a guy who is worth tucking on the practice squad.
3.) Mario Fannin, Auburn. He was an offseason workout wonder. Some saw him as a 3rd-4th round pick. Not a lot of tape on him as Auburn was a Cam Newton based offense, but he's size and physical tools make him attractive.
4.) Derrick Locke, Kentucky. He has the make-up of a decent 3rd down back. He can catch the ball. Has some elusiveness. Not overly fast, but he was productive.
5.) Damien Berry, []_[]. Playing in a crowded backfield, Berry had moments in which he looked like a quality NFL back, but he had issues holding onto the ball. And, thus, he lost playing time. He's undersized, but he's a surprisingly powerful runner who always seems to get additional yardage after contact.

WR:

1.) Terrence Tolliver, LSU. A big receiver. He can get down the field. Though he didn't have dynamite hands, he was reliable in big-play situations. I can see him lined up on the right outside where we watched James Jones last year.
2.) Armon Binns, Cincy. Another WR with a big frame. When Binns played with Tony Pike as his QB and he had Marty Gilyard running routes across from him, Binns was a playmaker. Without them, Binns wasn't so special. Still he's a guy that can make plays in traffic as he'll out-fight defenders when the ball is in the air.
3.) Lester Jean, FAU. When I went to watch the FIU/FAU game last year, I had my eye of T.Y. Hilton and Rob Housler. While Hilton was a stud, Jean stole the show. He was man among boys with over 100 yards and a TD.
4.) Jamel Hamler, Fresno State. Thompson has shown an attraction towards Fresno State WR's and the Packers showed interest in Hamler during the offseason.
5.) Jeremy Ross, Cal. He's a sound kick returner with decent speed and an ability to get deep. He's also willing to play special teams.
6.) Shaky Smithson, Utah. It was widely reported that the Packers viewed him as a special teams threat. While the selection of Randall Cobb makes this a less likely addition, it's still a decent possibility that they'll bring in another option as a kick-returner.
7.) Jeff Maehl, Oregon. Ted Thompson would call him a "football player." Not fast. Not necessarily quick. But, he catches everything and he finds ways to get open.

TE:

1.) Ben Thayer, Eastern Michigan. It's highly doubtful that the Packers will bring in additional competition at TE since they have 5 on the present roster, but Thompson has always had a knack for bringing in undrafted players from the state of Michigan. Thayer has the size required to play in this league.
2.) Schuylar Oordt, Northern Iowa. Oordt has NFL size and he was productive at the collegiate level. Further, he's a Midwestern kid with a hard working mentality.

FB:

1.) Henry Hynoski, Pitt. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He seeks contact. Sound blocker. When the ball was in his hands, he was a force to bring down.

DL:

1.) Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas. During the Senior Bowl practices, he looked like he had the ability to be a 3-4 pass rushers. He was quick. With active hands. Aggressive off the snap. Truly impressive.
2.) Martin Parker, Richmond. At the East-West game, he was rock solid. In fact, he was the Defensive MVP of the game. He applied consistent pressure up the gut. He was disruptive throughout the game. A difference maker.
3.) Scooter Berry, WVU. He was a decent run-stopping defender for the Mountaineers. He got a good push. Gained extensive experience as he was in the rotation early in his collegiate career. Won't be afraid of the lights. A fighter.
4.) Brandon Blair, Oregon. I call him a poor man's JJ Watt. Every time you watched him, he was winning his battle with effort. Good length. Uses his hands well. Distinguished himself as a player during his Senior year.
5.) Ian Williams, ND. He was a star at the Senior Bowl with 5 tackles. He's best suited inside, but he could possibly translate as an end in the 3-4.
6.) Anthony Gray, SMU. Fits the mold of Ryan Pickett and Howard Green. He'd be the type of guy who could rotate in the Big Beefy front.

LB:

1.) Mark Bellore, Central Michigan. Could he be this year's Frank Zombo? They played together in college. He does a decent job getting sideline-to-sideline. He had an average East-West game. If I had to predict one guy the Packers would bring in, it'd be him.
2.) Marc Schiechl, Colorado School of the Mines. He's a beast. Local Denver radio was heavy in discussing the Packers interest in him. He holds the D2 collegiate record with 45 career sacks and he's a workout wonder.
3.) Mario Harvey, Marshall. I love his game. Finds the football. Doesn't have elite size, but he makes up for it was heart and a punishing attitude. Looks for the ball. Finds the ball. He makes plays all over the field. He'd be a special teams stalwart.
4.) Mark Herzlich, Boston College. He has a great life story as he's a cancer survivor. Prior to cancer, he was viewed as a 1st round prospect. Worth a look.
5.) Adrian Moten, Maryland. He's an active LB who was productive both in coverage and against the run. Might be better suited for a 4-3. I'd be surprised if he doesn't make an NFL roster this year.
6.) Matt Berning, Central Michigan. Undersized. Great effort player. Good statistical performer. He'd be a solid camp player. Wouldn't make a roster, but he's the type that will do anything that is asked of him.

CB:

1.) Devon Torrence, Ohio State. Solid production at the collegiate level. NFL size as he's in the 6-0, 200 lb range. Super special teams ability. Impressive game against the []_[] last year. Made the game changing play in the victory over Penn State as well.
2.) Ryan Hill, []_[]. He was a workout phenom. He flew at the Miami pro-day. Could he be this year's version of Sammy Swagga? One thing that was consistent with the Randy Shannon era at the []_[] is that his players have played better at the professional level than they did at the collegiate level. Hill could fit in that mold. Plus, it'd be sweet to bring more swagga to Lambeau!
3.) Mario Butler, Georgia Tech. The Packers could pair him with his former collegiate mate, Morgan Burnett. Butler started for 3 years. He'd need to put on weight, but he stands 6-1. He'd be a good player to hide on the practice squad and see if he could develop into a decent NFL back-up.

S:

1.) Deunta Williams, UNC. He was a big-time player at North Carolina. He can do it all. He'll stuff you at the line of scrimmage. A converted WR, Williams also has shown good ability to play the ball in the air. He picked off 12 passes in his career, but he's coming off of a broken leg, so he'd be viewed as a long term prospect. He might be the guy that I want most out of any undrafted FA's.
2.) DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson. I always pay extra attention to safeties that played for Clemson. It's the Brian Dawkins rule. McDaniel was a physical specimen who could step into the box with excellence at the college level. He struggled in space, but he was an absolute intimadator when he put his helmet on you.
3.) Zac Etheridge, Auburn. A leader in the secondary for the National Champions. A vocal presence. Plays the ball decently in the air. Not overly physical. Has good flair and a crowd energizer.

With that, my 10-player mock undrafted Free Agent list is the following (as always, no OL as I don't follow it closely enough):

1.) Nick Bellore, Central Michigan, LB
2.) Ryan Hill, []_[], CB
3.) Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas, DL
4.) Anthony Gray, SMU, DL
5.) Lester Jean, FAU, WR
6.) Jeremy Ross, Cal, WR
7.) Graig Cooper, []_[], RB
8.) Marc Schiechl, Colorado School of the Mines, LB
9.) Scott Tolzien, WI, QB
10.) Martin Parker, Richmond, DL

Let's end this lockout!

Go Pack Go,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Bling, Bling!

2011-06-21T23:51:00.002-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

It came with a sparkle. A super shine. It was extravagant. Elite, in nature. The ring has been revealed. And, thus, Sir Charles has himself a full trophy mantle. Yes, once again, the pleasant reminder was on display: The Green Bay Packers own the Sports World.

Blessed with 105 diamonds which represents the numbers of years that America's greatest organization has been in existence (92) plus the number of World Championships the Packers have won (13). Proof that America's smallest sports town rules America's most prominent sport. Truth!

"Mind, Goal, Purpose, Heart." Forever, the words of Sir Charles will echo in the archives of the Packers rich history. These sentiments were the catalyst for Titletown's glorious Super Bowl run. To cement those words place in NFL history, the phrase was elegantly etched into the XLV Super Bowl ring.

The recent talk regarding a lockout agreement along with the Super Bowl ring ceremony has me fully animated to talk football. Last night, once again, I watched the Packers v Falcons playoff game. Each time I watch it, I am convinced it's the single greatest quarter of football that I've watched the Green Bay Packers play. It's worth another review. Other than the failed Kickoff coverage, the Green Bay @ Atlanta Divisional Playoff game includes:

* A 7-0 deficit turned into a 28-14 lead.
* 17 Aaron Rodgers pass attempts. 15 were completions. 2 were TD's. 5 were completions of 20 or more yards. He connected with 5 different receivers. Driver, Jones and Jennings all caught balls of 20 or more yards.
* The birth of THE FREEZER lead the way for a John Kuhn TD.
* A 2nd & 14 sack by Sir Charles paves the way for a 3rd & 21 interception by T-Mon.
* 195 yards of offense.
* A sack by the Claymaker, which knocked the Falcons out of FG range. Therefore, the Falcons were forced to make a decision. They wanted one more play. T-Mon stole the show and in the famous words of Joe Buck, "They tried to bite off more yardage and they just got burned!" It's so much fun to watch Nintendo Nick usher his best mate into the end zone. In the words of Lil' Wayne, "Pop Tarts!" Dude. Seriously. Pop Tarts!
* The 2nd Quarter of the Divisional Playoff game convinced the Green Bay Packers that we were the team to beat. After the game, Rodgers and BJ Raji can be heard having this conversation: Rodgers says, "We're going all the way, baby. Let's go!" Raji replies, "I like it. I like that!" Sir Charles started the post game speech with "we came into the Dome and made it our home today." Yes, belief was circulating around the locker room of 1265.

What a thrill!

Since I started following the Packers in the early 1980's, camaraderie amongst the players seems to be at an all-time high. The locker room appears relaxed. Laid back, yet motivated. Close-knit. Especially between our Superstars. The Claymaker and Rodgers appear to be great friends. T-Mon and Collins seem like they're attached at the hip. Rodgers refers to Sitton as his "bodyguard." J-Mike often says that he wants Aaron Rodgers to be his QB for the rest of his career. Sir Charles is enamored with the notion of retiring as a Packer. The bond in this locker room is firm. There's intense confidence in one another. This is a TEAM. There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and there is an "E" and everyone has to do his part. This roster has a positive, winning culture.

Last night, I took a moment to analyze the Packers 2011 schedule. Below is a quick glance at each game and it's ranking based on difficulty - obviously, this is based upon pre-free agency rosters, so at present, the rankings are somewhat flawed. 5 stars being the most difficult.

Week 1 - New Orleans at Lambeau (5 stars) - A battle of the past 2 Super Bowl winners. In previous years, the Thursday night game has gone to the defending champions, but the Saints are as formidable of an opponent as the Packers will see all year. Much has been made of the Saints spending significant time as a unit during the offseason. The Saints look to enter the 2011 Season well armed and healthy.

Week 2 - Green Bay at Carolina (2 stars) - Panthers fans must be excited to see Cam Newton in their colors, but let's be honest, at this stage, anything less than a 3 score victory in the contest would be disappointing.

Week 3 - Green Bay at Chicago (5 stars) - Every time these two teams meet, it's bound to be a classic. It's a rematch of the NFC Championship. Small reminder: Halas Trophy. Soldier Field. Visitors Locker Room. Trump Card!

Week 4 - Denver at Lambeau (3 stars) - While the Broncos are rebuilding, they do have players that can be game changers. Look for the Broncos to be competitive in 2011. John Fox has been a winner. The attitude is changing in the Mile High City. They won't be a playoff team, but they'll fight.

Week 5 - Green Bay at Atlanta (5 stars) - The rematch. The Falcons traded a bundle for Julio Jones. Clearly, they felt that in order to win in the NFC, they'd have to out-score the Packers and the Saints. This one will be epic!

Week 6 - St Louis at Lambeau (3.5 stars) - There's plenty of reason for excitement in St Louis. A bright, young QB. A successful defensive Head Coach. A talented RB. But, I doubt the Rams will be up for this challenge.

Week 7 - Green Bay at Minnesota (4 stars) - Don't be fooled by Minnesota. They still have AP. They still have a big OL. Shiancoe can still play. Harvin is a threat. We'll see where Sidney Rice ends up. And, they still have talent on defense. Plus, the Dome is rarely easy.

Week 9 - Green Bay at San Diego (5 stars) - Though the Packers will be coming off of a bye, this will arguably be the toughest game on the schedule. As the weather turns in Green Bay, it'll still be plenty hot in San Diego. This is also the time of year in which the Chargers normally start playing elite football.

Week 10 - Minnesota at Lambeau (4 stars) - Monday Night. Lambeau Field. Under the Lights. Polish those helmets! The 'queens are headed to town.

Week 11 - Tampa Bay at Lambeau (4 stars) - Josh Freeman can play football. The Bucs are climbing quickly. Once again, they'll compete for a playoff spot. Remember, if the Lions had not knocked off the Bucs in Week 15 at Tampa Bay, the Packers would not have made the playoffs.

Week 12 - Green Bay at Detroit (5 stars) - Thanksgiving Day. This game might be for first place. Look out for the Lions in 2011.

Week 13 - Green Bay at NYG (5 stars) - This has become a solid rivalry. 2007 and 2010. Two games at Lambeau. Two dramatically different outcomes. Both were the gateway to a Super Bowl Champion. Could 2011 be the springboard for Part III?

Week 14 - Oakland at Lambeau (2.5 stars) - The Raiders are an improving team. They believe they'll compete in the AFC West. They have a solid running game. They have a pursuing defense. They have a new, energetic Head Coach. But, I can't imagine the Packers losing at Lambeau to a warm weather team in December.

Week 15 - Green Bay at Kansas City (5 stars) - At Arrowhead Stadium. This sounds like a solid road trip. Throw in the Boulevard Brewery. And this is really a no-brainer. Many say that Arrowhead is as difficult of a place to play as Lambeau and while I disagree, this will be a rowdy crowd in a hostile Stadium against a team on the rise.

Week 16 - Chicago at Lambeau (5 stars) - Christmas Day. Evening game. Are you kidding me? Truly sublime stuff!

Week 17 - Detroit at Lambeau (5 stars) - New Years Day at the most hallowed of theaters in American sports. Last year in Week 17, the Packers needed a win against the Bears to make the playoffs. This year - the same could apply for either the Lions or the Packers in Week 17 at Lambeau. The Lions haven't won at Lambeau since 1991. I have to imagine that this streak will continue.

In order to repeat, the Packers will have their work cut out. This schedule will not be easy. We are the Champions. We'll have to be prepared on a weekly basis as everyone will be gunning for us.

Bling, bling goes the diamond. 105 times.

White House on 3,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Bling, Bling!

2011-06-21T23:51:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

It came with a sparkle. A super shine. It was extravagant. Elite, in nature. The ring has been revealed. And, thus, Sir Charles has himself a full trophy mantle. Yes, once again, the pleasant reminder was on display: The Green Bay Packers own the Sports World.

Blessed with 105 diamonds which represents the numbers of years that America's greatest organization has been in existence (92) plus the number of World Championships the Packers have won (13). Proof that America's smallest sports town owns America's most dominant sport. Truth!

"Mind, Goal, Purpose, Heart." Forever, the words of Sir Charles will echo in the archives of the Packers rich history. These sentiments were the catalyst for Titletown's glorious Super Bowl run. To cement those words place in NFL history, the phrase was elegantly etched into the XLV Super Bowl ring.

The recent talk regarding a lockout agreement along with the Super Bowl ring ceremony has me fully animated to talk football. Last night, once again, I watched the Packers v Falcons playoff game. Each time I watch it, I am convinced it's the single greatest quarter of football that I've watched the Green Bay Packers play. It's worth another review. Other than the failed Kickoff coverage, the Green Bay @ Atlanta Divisional Playoff game includes:

* A 7-0 deficit turned into a 28-14 lead.
* 17 Aaron Rodgers pass attempts. 15 were completions. 2 were TD's. 5 were completions of 20 or more yards. He connected with 5 different receivers. Driver, Jones and Jennings all caught balls of 20 or more yards.
* The birth of THE FREEZER lead the way for a John Kuhn TD.
* A 2nd & 14 sack by Sir Charles paves the way for a 3rd & 21 interception by T-Mon.
* 195 yards of offense.
* A sack by the Claymaker, which knocked the Falcons out of FG range. Therefore, the Falcons were forced to make a decision. They wanted one more play. T-Mon stole the show and in the famous words of Joe Buck, "They tried to bite off more yardage and they just got burned!" It's so much fun to watch Nintendo Nick usher his best mate into the end zone. In the words of Lil' Wayne, "Pop Tarts!" Dude. Seriously. Pop Tarts!
* The 2nd Quarter of the Divisional Playoff game convinced the Green Bay Packers that we were the team to beat. After the game, Rodgers and BJ Raji can be heard having this conversation: Rodgers says, "We're going all the way, baby. Let's go!" Raji replies, "I like it. I like that!" Sir Charles started the post game speech with "we came into the Dome and made it our home today." Yes, belief was circulating around the locker room of 1265.

What a thrill!

Since I started following the Packers in the early 1980's, camaraderie amongst the players seems to be at an all-time high. The locker room appears relaxed. Laid back, yet motivated. Close-knit. Especially between our Superstars. The Claymaker and Rodgers appear to be great friends. T-Mon and Collins seem like they're attached at the hip. Rodgers refers to Sitton as his "bodyguard." J-Mike often says that he wants Aaron Rodgers to be his QB for the rest of his career. Sir Charles is enamored with the notion of retiring as a Packer. The bond in this locker room is firm. There's intense confidence in one another. This is a TEAM. There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and there is an "E" and everyone has to do his part. This roster has a positive, winning culture.

Last night, I took a moment to analyze the Packers 2011 schedule. Below is a quick glance at each game and it's ranking based on difficulty - obviously, this is based upon pre-free agency rosters, so at present, the rankings are somewhat flawed. 5 stars being the most difficult.

Week 1 - New Orleans at Lambeau (5 stars) - A battle of the past 2 Super Bowl winners. In previous years, the Thursday night game has gone to the defending champions, but the Saints are as formidable of an opponent as the Packers will see all year. Much has been made of the Saints spending significant time as a unit during the offseason. The Saints look to enter the 2011 Season well armed and healthy.

Week 2 - Green Bay at Carolina (2 stars) - Panthers fans must be excited to see Cam Newton in their colors, but let's be honest, at this stage, anything less than a 3 score victory in the contest would be disappointing.

Week 3 - Green Bay at Chicago (5 stars) - Every time these two teams meet, it's bound to be a classic. It's a rematch of the NFC Championship. Small reminder: Halas Trophy. Soldier Field. Visitors Locker Room. Trump Card!

Week 4 - Denver at Lambeau (3 stars) - While the Broncos are rebuilding, they do have players that can be game changers. Look for the Broncos to be competitive in 2011. John Fox has been a winner. The attitude is changing in the Mile High City. They won't be a playoff team, but they'll fight.

Week 5 - Green Bay at Atlanta (5 stars) - The rematch. The Falcons traded a bundle for Julio Jones. Clearly, they felt that in order to win in the NFC, they'd have to out-score the Packers and the Saints. This one will be epic!

Week 6 - St Louis at Lambeau (3.5 stars) - There's plenty of reason for excitement in St Louis. A bright, young QB. A successful defensive Head Coach. A talented RB. But, I doubt the Rams will be up for this challenge.

Week 7 - Green Bay at Minnesota (4 stars) - Don't be fooled by Minnesota. They still have AP. They still have a big OL. Shiancoe can still play. Harvin is a threat. We'll see where Sidney Rice ends up. And, they still have talent on defense. Plus, the Dome is rarely easy.

Week 9 - Green Bay at San Diego (5 stars) - Though the Packers will be coming off of a bye, this will arguably be the toughest game on the schedule. As the weather turns in Green Bay, it'll still be plenty hot in San Diego. This is also the time of year in which the Chargers normally start playing elite football.

Week 10 - Minnesota at Lambeau (4 stars) - Monday Night. Lambeau Field. Under the Lights. Polish those helmets! The 'queens are headed to town.

Week 11 - Tampa Bay at Lambeau (4 stars) - Josh Freeman can play football. The Bucs are climbing quickly. Once again, they'll compete for a playoff spot. Remember, if the Lions had not knocked off the Bucs in Week 15 at Tampa Bay, the Packers would not have made the playoffs.

Week 12 - Green Bay at Detroit (5 stars) - Thanksgiving Day. This game might be for first place. Look out for the Lions in 2011.

Week 13 - Green Bay at NYG (5 stars) - This has become a solid rivalry. 2007 and 2010. Two games at Lambeau. Two dramatically different outcomes. Both were the gateway to a Super Bowl Champion. Could 2011 be the springboard for Part III?

Week 14 - Oakland at Lambeau (2.5 stars) - The Raiders are an improving team. They believe they'll compete in the AFC West. They have a solid running game. They have a pursuing defense. They have a new, energetic Head Coach. But, I can't imagine the Packers losing at Lambeau to a warm weather team in December.

Week 15 - Green Bay at Kansas City (5 stars) - At Arrowhead Stadium. This sounds like a solid road trip. Throw in the Boulevard Brewery. And this is really a no-brainer. Many say that Arrowhead is as difficult of a place to play as Lambeau and while I disagree, this will be a rowdy crowd in a hostile Stadium against a team on the rise.

Week 16 - Chicago at Lambeau (5 stars) - Christmas Day. Evening game. Are you kidding me? Truly sublime stuff!

Week 17 - Detroit at Lambeau (5 stars) - New Years Day at the most hallowed of theaters in American sports. Last year in Week 17, the Packers needed a win against the Bears to make the playoffs. This year - the same could apply for either the Lions or the Packers in Week 17 at Lambeau. The Lions haven't won at Lambeau since 1991. I have to imagine that this streak will continue.

In order to repeat, the Packers will have their work cut out. This schedule will not be easy. We are the Champions. We'll have to be prepared on a weekly basis as everyone will be gunning for us.

Bling, bling goes the diamond. 105 times.

White House on 3,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take - > Packers Draft In Review

2011-05-01T21:55:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

This draft was a unique combination of securing the continuance of Aaron Rodgers' dominance and replenishing defensive depth with players who had great production at the college level. First, we ensured that the XLV MVP's blindside was protected for the next 10-12 years. Then, we gave him weapons. Drafting players with high character, Thompson patiently waited to see which impact performers would fall into his lap. Biding his time, Thompson found top-notch SEC talent in the first two-rounds: Derek Sherrod & Randall Cobb. In the 3rd round, Thompson drafted a Home Run threat in Alex Green. On the draft's 3rd day, Thompson loaded the roster with statistically dominant players in Davon House, DJ Williams, DJ Smith, and Ricky Elmore. Thompson brought competition to the offensive & defensive lines in Caleb Schlauderaff and Lawrence Guy. Thompson also added Ryan Taylor who'll bring special teams talent & versatility to the offense.

Plainly stated, Thompson knows the Green Bay Packers. He recognized that the Packers offense almost prevented the XLV run. It was the offense that faltered in Detroit. It was the offense which struggled in Week 17 against Chicago. It was the offense which stalled in the 2nd half at Philly. It was the offense, which failed to produce results in the second half of the NFC Championship. It was the offense that had issues in the 2nd half of the Super Bowl. Additionally, we had issues with our special teams units. These issues have been addressed with high profiles.

As my wife went out with her sister on Friday night, I was left with a Cuban cigar & a bottle of Zyr. She left at approximately 8:00. After the Cobb & Green picks - two guys I'm very familiar with - I was yearning to learn more about Sherrod. So, I lit my cigar, popped open the bottle of Zyr and went to my DVR Playlist. I tuned into the Senior Bowl. I watched every snap that Sherrod played. Competing against Cameron Jordan (1st round pick), Ryan Kerrigan (1st round pick), Jeremy Beal (7th round), Pierre Allen (undrafted), Ian Williams (undrafted), and Christian Ballard (4th round), Sherrod showed great ability. He moves his feet well. He has great length. Uses his body well when bellying up against defenders. A terrific run blocker. He moved his feet with grace. On run plays, it was nice to see him get to the 2nd level. He finishes blocks well in the run game. With that, he definitely needs to add strength. At times, he struggled with the bull rush. He needs to utilize his arm length as occasionally, he lets defenders get into his body. He looks like a LT for the future to me, but he'll take light seasoning and he'll need to add strength.

Against speed rushes, Sherrod did a great job of pushing defenders up the field, which created nice passing lanes. On three goal line plays, Sherrod was impressive as won his battle each time. He showed natural athleticism when he came with cut blocks. As I said, he did struggle with the bull rush. On one play, Pierre Allen came with a power move and pushed Sherrod into the backfield. Greg McElroy broke his hand as he hit it on Sherrod's helmet on his follow-through.

Bottom line: I'm stoked with the Sherrod pick. With Bulaga & Sherrod, we have our tackles for the future. Sherrod is a 2-time 1st-team SEC performer. He had a 3.54 GPA. And he appears to be a high-character individual who is cut out for zone blocking scheme.

One coincidence: Post the XXXI title, the Packers drafted Ross Verbal. He wore #78 and was a LT. According to packers.com, Sherrod will wear #78 as well.

Get ready, G-Force! Randall Cobb is about to amaze! What a thrill! Literally, this pick had me jump off the couch and scream with joy. A resounding: "YES!" About 8 picks before our selection, I was enamored with the thought of drafting either Hankerson, Cobb, Salas or Daniel Thomas. Prior to the draft, I didn't foresee a scenario in which Cobb would be available in the 2nd round. I had envisioned a big run on WR's in the 2nd round. Cobb will bring added dimensions to the offensive & special teams units. Finally, we have a return man!

Cobb has a nose for the end zone. After all, he did have a hand in FOUR touchdowns against the National Champion, Auburn Tigers. He ran for 2 TD's, he caught a TD & a threw a TD. He's a football player. Put him on the field. Put the ball in his hands. Watch him make plays. Consistently. He makes people miss. He makes defenders look foolish. He's a threat to score a touchdown every time he touches the ball. Watch his highlights. See the slant. Watch him take it to the house. Think about how that applies to our roster. Amazing!

His press conference was terrific. His comment in which he's "trying to get a hold of Aaron Rodgers right now, so that he can be wherever Rodgers is at as soon as possible" is exemplary of his leadership skills.

His first tweet as a Packer: Green and yellow green and yellow!!!!! Uh huh u know what it is!!!!!!

No doubt - Randall Cobb will be a fan favorite. Immediately.

The Alex Green pick surprises me. Unquestionably, Green has the skill, speed, size & power to be a terrific addition to our team. He ran a 4.46 & a 4.48 in the 40. Playing in Hawaii's spread offense, he led the league in yards per carry. He's a perfect fit when we go to our 4-wide formations. He sees the hole & he hits it viciously. He has good shake. He's smooth. He's flashy. He's good in space, a threat to take it to the house. Against New Mexico State, he ran for 327 yards. In 12 of 14 games, Green had a play of at least 20 yards. He scored 19 TD's as a Senior. He catches the ball well. He'll be a solid third down back. For these reasons, I'm totally thrilled with the pick. But, I have a huge concern: He fumbles. Often. In 2 years, he fumbled the ball 8 times at Hawaii. When I re-watched the East-West game prior to writing my draft blog, I thought to myself: Man, Green looks good in his uniform. He's sporting dreads. Looks the part. Then, Green fumbled twice.

Since Aaron Rodgers took over, the Packers have won the turnover battle. On running plays last year, the combination of B-Jack, Starks, Grant, Kuhn & Nance had ZERO lost fumbles. Winning the turnover battle has been a foundation of our success. For this reason, I didn't envision Thompson drafting Green. I absolutely believe that he has the tools to be a star in the NFL, but he must solve his fumbling issues. And, if he does, he'll be a legitimate threat. Thompson obviously believes that the Packers can fix his fumbling woes. At this stage, who would I be to second guess Thompson? He went to Green's Pro Day. He's a master evaluator. It does concern me that Edgar Bennett will not be the one who is coaching him on ball security as Bennett is now working with the WR's.

Super cool connection of the draft: Like Aaron Rodgers, Green went to Butte Junior College prior to going to Hawaii. While at Butte, Jordan Rodgers (Aaron's brother) was handing the ball to Green.

My Dad called me mid-way through the 4th round and said, "Well, Scott, give me a name." I said, "I'll give you five. Greg Jones, Lawrence Guy, Cedric Thornton, Davon House and Brandon Burton." Needless to say, I got what I wanted. Not only did we get House in Round 4, but we got Guy in Round 7.

Davon House is a playmaker. 11 interceptions in his college career. 3 of them were returned for TD's. That's Packer football. He gets his head turned. Looks fluid. Can turn and run with receivers. He sees the football and plays the ball well in the air. While he isn't overly physical, he isn't afraid to stick his nose into a play to make a tackle.

House has the size and speed to be a big time NFL Corner. He also had been developed by DeWayne Walker who was the Head Coach at New Mexico State. Prior to being the Head Coach at New Mexico State, Walker was a secondary coach for the Patriots, the Giants and USC. Most certainly, the infancy stages of his development have been taught.

As a man, he seems to accentuate the positive with a hard working mentality. It's noteworthy that his favorite CB is T-Mon! Here's a twitter exchange between the two of them:

House - Packers got them a steal with the 31 first pick in the 4th round. Glad to call this place home
T-Mon - Anyone know if Davon House has a twitter? I want to congratulate him.
T-Mon - Davon, Welcome to Green Bay big dawg!
T-Mon - I just read Davon House said I was his favorite corner. respect respect
House - Tramon, cant wait to meet you. its going to be a pleasure working with you!!!
T-Mon - Davon, Same here fam. U comin to a great organization with great coaches and players. Plus u representing the WAC!! Good to have u
House - Woke up this morning saying whooooo feels good to be a PACKER

Gotta love the camaraderie! Continuing to build the locker room!

In the 5th round, the Packers got a total steal! DJ Williams is a tremendous talent! I thought he'd be a mid-3rd round talent. Almost certainly, I thought he'd be off the board before the Packers drafted at #96 in the 3rd round. So certain that I didn't even keep him on my tracker. The Mackey Award winner has great hands, he's a solid route runner, he manages the middle of the field & can beat LB's down the seam. Additionally, he can be a load to bring down. I believe that he'll make an instant impact. He's also a great insurance policy in case J-Mike doesn't return after he's a FA this year.

Here's additional camaraderie built in the Packers locker room via twitter:

DJ Williams - Thanks everyone for your support with all the tweets and text!!! I will try my best to respond haha green & yellow go packers
Finley - DJ, welcome to titletown USA!! I just saw your story online pretty amazing. Hit me if u need anythin. Oh and AROD, he's a beast!! champs repeat yotto!!!
Williams - Jermichael, thanks man, I will. Glad to be apart of the fam

Our locker room is unified. And our best players are the leaders who are publicly welcoming the newest members of the organization.

I don't know much about Caleb Schlauderaff or DJ Smith. But, from what I read, I like the picks. Schlauderaff seems to enjoy a nasty streak. We needed to look at OG as Colledge's status is uncertain. Further, we haven't identified a definitive a replacement for Colledge. We needed additional competition. Should Colledge leave, it'd be a battle between McDonald, Dietrich-Smith, Lang, Newhouse & Schlauderaff. While each have shown good promise, no one has been able to secure the job and I'd like someone to secure the job by winning it outright - not by default.

DJ Smith means the end of Brady Poppinga. Appears as though Smith will be a heat-seeking missile on special teams. He's a bit undersized, but I read comparisons to Dexter Coakley. There are two players in Appalachian State's football history who amassed 500 tackles in a career: Smith & Coakley. Should Smith be anything similar to Coakley the Packers will have gotten an absolute bargain in Smith. Dear DJ, on special teams, find the football, young man!

For the 6th round, the Ricky Elmore pick was excellent! Great value. While watching Arizona, Elmore was as much of a fighter as his teammate, Brooks Reed. Elmore had 21 sacks in 2 years! He ripped up Ricky Stanzi from Iowa for 2 sacks. He got to Jake Locker. He had 3 sacks against Washington State. In his rivalry game against Arizona State, he had 8 tackles & 3 sacks. Elmore is a battler & will immediately compete with Walden, Jones, and Zombo for snaps as a 3rd-down pass rusher. The combination of Clay Matthews & Elmore gives us two Pac-10 Sack-Masters!

Elmore has the motor that the Packers seek in OLB's. He has great fight and a nose for the QB. While he isn't blessed with great spin moves, Elmore has the fight that Kevin Greene covets. And while he doesn't time well in the 40, he has shown the ability to beat Tackles around the corner with speed rushes. He's smart, disciplined and possesses a high football IQ on the field. In many ways, Elmore's style and competitive streak reminds me of Zombo.

Further camaraderie building: On twitter, Elmore suggests that he's going to grow his hair out. He also has been training with Clay Matthews' Dad & Brother. He also posted this twitter message: Proud to be a packer! I can't wait to get to Titletown.

Unless Ryan Taylor gets moved to FB, this pick confused me. I read that he has solid special teams talent, but how many TE's can you keep? I'd expect the Packers to keep Finley, Quarless, Crabtree & DJ Williams, so it'll be interesting to see how he's utilized. Hopefully, he's a special teams demon.

I love the Lawrence Guy pick. No doubt that he'll be on the roster. He'll make the team. He'll be a solid 3-4 DE for the Packers. Bret Bielema called him the most disruptive DL that the Badgers faced all year. Guy would have benefited from staying in school for his senior year, but nonetheless, he'll be a nice developmental prospect for the Packers. It wouldn't have surprised anyone if he had been a 4th round pick. Getting him this late was a total bargain.

I had a feeling that Thompson was trying to accumulate picks because undrafted Free Agents won't be immediately available for signing. When that time comes, my guess is that the Packers will look at Jeremy Ross, WR, Cal; Nick Bellore, ILB, Central Michigan; Martin Parker, DL, Richmond; Cedric Thornton, DL, Southern Arkansas; Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M; Scott Tolzien, QB, WI; Lester Jean, WR, FAU; Graig Cooper, RB, []_[].

It was an exciting 3 days for the Packers. We're armed for another Super Bowl run. We're layered with talent. I was happy that we went after offense early in this draft. We got great defensive value late. Thompson targeted big schools as 6 of his 10 picks were from the SEC, ACC or Pac-10. He tried to win the 6th round of the draft by accumulating 3 picks. Clearly, he saw good value between picks 131-197 as he made 5 selections inside that 66 pick segment. I imagine that the Packers will give immediate action to Cobb, Green, House, and Williams. Elmore will compete for 3rd down snaps. Guy will find his way into the rotation at some point in the season. And, hopefully, Taylor & Smith will add immediate value to special teams. If we're lucky, Bulaga & Clifton will remain healthy so Sherrod will have a year to develop and add strength. Through it all, it was a total treat to watch Thompson work his wizardry.

Cheers to Ted Thompson!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Epic Mock Draft Final Version

2011-04-24T14:39:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Caution: Hear me out on this one. Please read carefully.

Most experts write that the longer the CBA lasts, the better off the chances are for the repeat. I'm not sure that I agree.

This isn't about the Repeat. It's about the Three-Peat. Not since 1965-1967 has an NFL team won 3 consecutive titles. Sadly, the history of the NFL is not as cherished as in other sports. Most football fans only understand the Super Bowl era. Unfortunately, the Lombardi Three-Peat is often not recognized by the average fan. Thus, as a fan, my mission is the Three-Peat. With that, I'm concerned that the current CBA situation is punishing the Packers run at 3 in a row. I view this off-season as a "rebuilding" offseason. Not a "reloading" but a "rebuilding." Ted Thompson has built these Green Bay Packers rosters through the Draft. Not via Free Agency, so we won't "reload" with weapons - other than those that are returning from injury. This is an offseason in which we need to replenish our depth with additional youthful talent.

The CBA has dramatically affected the Packers approach towards this draft. Consider this: Had the CBA been signed, the Packers might be looking to trade Matt Flynn for a 2nd round pick. Flynn's trade value cannot get any higher than it is right now. We might be trading Nick Barnett for a 5th round pick. It's possible that we'd get a 6th round pick for Chillar. We'd move Brad Jones to ILB. And Ted Thompson would possess 12 picks, including 6 picks in the first 4 rounds. Further, he'd have the magical number: 4 of the top 100 picks. That'd be lethal.

Additionally, in Free Agency, the Packers would have lost Cullen Jenkins, which would presumably give the Packers a 4th round compensatory pick in the 2012 Draft. It's possible we'd also lose the likes of Korey Hall, Daryn Colledge, B-Jack, and James Jones. These losses would generate four more picks in the 2012 Draft. If the CBA gets remedied soon, it's probable that this scenario will still occur, but the longer the lockout lingers, the more likely the demand for FA's will diminish as there will not be enough time to get players adjusted to new systems. Also, in some instances, I imagine that teams will approach the draft as "need based" rather than the typical best player available.

To paraphrase from an Aaron Rodgers interview post the Super Bowl, "we're bringing back most of our players from this year & we'll be getting the best TE in the league back from injury." I agree, Aaron. Not to get ahead of myself, but let's think Three-Peat...one game at a time.

While I agree with the speculation that the CBA is benefiting the Packers because they got to play into February, I also view the off-season as a vital time for the development of our young roster. This was a big offseason for the likes of Neal, Burnett, Sammy Swagga Shields, Walden, Zombo, Chastin West, Quarless, Starks' pass protection, and Marshall Newhouse. However, there is no doubt that the rest will be a bonus for the Packers. A quick look at recent history shows the following:

In 2005, the Steelers played the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. In 2006, the Steelers failed to make the playoffs. The Seahawks finished 9-7 and won their division. They won 1 playoff game, which happened to be when Tony Romo dropped the snap on a short FG at the end of the game.
In 2006, the Colts beat the Bears in the Super Bowl. In 2007, the Colts did not win a playoff game. The Bears failed to make the playoffs.
In 2007, the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. In 2008, the Giants did not win a playoff game. The Patriots did not make the playoffs.
In 2008, the Steelers beat the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. In 2009, the Steelers did not make the playoffs. The Cardinals won 10 games. Made the playoffs and won 1 playoff game, which was 51-45 victory over the Packers. We all remember the rubbish play that ended this game.
In 2009, the Saints beat the Colts in the playoffs. In 2010, neither the Saints nor the Colts won a playoff game.

Add it all up & a Super Bowl champion has not won a playoff game the following year in the last 5 years. The Super Bowl loser has only won 2 playoff games. And both of those victories required extremely fortunate circumstances. Clearly, there is a Super Bowl hangover. Still, I argue that our team has enough youthful energy on the roster to combat this trend. Additionally, I hold firm on the belief that Ted Thompson builds this team via the Draft & it's crucial for us to have draft picks at our disposal so Thompson has the ammunition to wheel & deal. Currently, the CBA is limiting Thompson from fully capitalizing on his draft-day talents.

Due to the lockout, most of my friends are not as interested in the draft as they have been in previous years. I also feel that coverage of the draft has not been as detailed as in previous years. Moreover, most publications are only giving information that is 2-3 rounds deep. If you're like me, you're devoted to the first 5 rounds. You're absolutely glued for 5 rounds. Your heavily interested through the 6th and you're simply following along in the 7th round. Well, in this version of the mock draft, I'm going to attempt to provide a list of names to keep you entertained throughout the 7 Round NFL Draft. Admittedly, I have followed less this year than in past years. Nonetheless, I still feel armed with knowledge.

Below is a quick breakdown of each position & a list of potential prospects that I'm interested in. I believe these prospects could fill needs for us.

QB: Presently, we're in solid shape. We have the Super Bowl XLV MVP. We have the most talked about back-up in the NFL. We have a developmental prospect in Graham Harrell. Assuming the Packers hold onto Flynn, I cannot imagine Ted Thompson drafting a QB in the first 3 rounds. Below are a couple of names to consider with 4th-7th round picks:

- Greg McElroy, Alabama. Projected Round 5-6. A winner. Reminds me a lot of Matt Flynn will he was in college. Crafty. Good moxie. Knows how to move the football. Natural leader. Football instincts. Would need to be developed and wouldn't be ready to step in for a couple of years. Probably a career back-up.

- Scott Tolzien, WI. Projected Round 6-7. I'd be excited to draft Tolzien as a new toy for McCarthy. I felt that Tolzien grew as a player over the last 2 years. He grabbed command of the offense. He managed the game well. He picked up crucial 3rd downs in big games. He took his team on the road and quieted the crowd. If he lands in the right situation, Tolzien could have a nice career as a back-up/emergency QB.

- TJ Yates, UNC. Projected Round 7 or undrafted FA. Yates possesses a never-say-die situation. Faced with all types of problems this year at UNC due to his teammates off-the-field issues, early in the year, Yates showed his leadership as he fought hard to bring UNC back in the game against LSU. Not overly athletic. But, he's not afraid to attempt most of the throws. He comes across as a confident guy. But, he's inconsistent. At times, I'd watch him and think he has a chance to play in this league. Other times, he looks like a guy that won't get a shot. My guess: he'll get a chance & be an extra arm in someone's camp.

RB: James Starks became the Savior in 2010. Ryan Grant is returning from injury. Quinn Johnson is signed. So is Dmitri Nance. McCarthy appears to be high on Nance. Kuhn, B-Jack & Korey Hall are all Free Agents. Kuhn figures to be back. B-Jack's status is in question. Korey Hall was not offered a tender, which means he's free to go. Expect the Packers to draft a RB at some point this year. It wouldn't surprise me we picked a RB in any round this year. Here's my list:

- Mark Ingram: If he's available in Round 1, I expect the Packers to take him. I doubt he'll be there, but it's possible. Remember that Ted Thompson has ties to Ingram's father from his 1st go-around with the Packers, when Mark Ingram was catching passes from Favre. It should be noted that Ingram set the record for the fastest 10-yard split in the history of the NFL Draft. By now, we know Thompson is big on this number.

- Mike LeShoure, Illinois. Projected Round 1-2. LeShoure has a solid combination of speed, strength & elusiveness. Get him in space & LeShoure will make good things happen. He dominated the Wrigley Field game when Illinois played Northwestern. The typical workhorse who gets better as the game goes on. He'll wear you down. Beat you up. And he'll keep on running.

- Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech. Projected Round 2-3. Since the first time I watched him play against Alabama in the '09 opener, I've admired his game. He knows where the yard marker is at. He finds the goal line. He'll beat you to the corner. He's performed well in big games. He took it to the []_[] with HR ability. He's a bit short, but he makes up for it with toughness.

- DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma. Projected Round 2-3. Murray can run. He can catch. He's not afraid to stick his nose in the action to block. Some potential durability issues. But, when given the chance, Murray performs. An athletic back who'll bring good versatility to someone's offense.

- Daniel Thomas, Kansas State. Projected Round 3. His running style mirrors Ryan Grant. Runs the stretch play with grace. Gets to the corner. Hits the hole hard. Good one-cut runner. A threat to get into the oppositions secondary. My concern is that a lot of his yards came via the wildcat formation. He has the speed and awareness to get to the corner & generate a big play.

- Jordan Todman, UCONN. Projected Round 3-4. At 5-9, he doesn't have great size. But, he's 200 lbs. He can absorb contact. While he runs a 4.40, he doesn't seem to fly by players on the field. But, he produces. Every time you watch Todman play, he'll impress you with his steady production. He delivers consistently.

- Shane Vereen, Cal. Projected Round 3-4. Quicker than fast, Vereen has his eye on the big play. Good hands, which makes him a constant match-up problem. Hits the hole hard. Big play capability. Not an every down back, but will fit into someone's rotation nicely.

- Charles Clay, Tulsa. Projected Round 4. He has terrific hands. He's got a unique build. He's not a fierce blocker, but he's a constant mismatch problem for opposing defenses. Every year - it seems that the Thompson/McCarthy regime makes a head-scratching decision at either FB or TE. This year, it's in the form of Charles Clay who can carry the ball, but he could also be viewed as a guy that could play FB or potentially, TE.

- Damien Berry, []_[]. Projected Round 7. While Berry occasionally has had issues holding onto the football, he has shown glimpses of brilliance in his collegiate career. While he's not the most powerful back, he'll throw his body into the line of scrimmage & push for additional yardage. He's got NFL ability if he can stay healthy. He's fearless & might turn out to be a better NFL player than he was as a collegiate player.

- Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech. Projected Round 7. I can't say that I love his game. He played in a gimmick offense. He's not overly elusive. Not overly powerful. Not overly fast. Not overly impressive. But, he's consistently gaining yards. Gets yards after contact. A lot of uncertainty surrounds his game due to the type of offense he played in.

- Nic Grigsby, Arizona. Projected Round 7. If he had stayed healthy in college, he might be a 4th-5th round prospect. Good one-cut runner. Sees the hole & bursts thru it. HR potential. Good speed. He would be a great late round value pick. Good nose for the end zone & tough to take down in space. I'd like to see him in Green & Gold.

- Noel Devine, WVU. Projected Round 7. While he's tremendously undersized, you can't argue with his speed. Nor his collegiate production. He's a threat every time he touches the ball. Get him in space and let him make someone miss. It'll be 6 points. I'll bet most teams are confused because he didn't return kicks at the college level as Jock Sanders took over most of these duties. I'd be interested to see if he's capable of returning punts. Definitely worth a shot late in the draft.

- I'm going to pass on Jacquizz Rodgers, Alex Green, Derrick Locke, and Dion Lewis. I don't think that any of them fit into what the Packers style. Rodgers is too small and I'm not sure he can return kicks. Green is a valuable 3rd down back, potentially, but I fear he'll have fumbling issues. Locke & Lewis are too small. I am also not sold on Roy Helu, Bilal Powell, Evan Royster & Mario Fannin.

WR: Greg Jennings has solidified himself as an elite WR in the league. Donald Driver can still play, but his game is on the decline. Jordy Nelson played his best game as a pro in the Super Bowl. He was featured. It wouldn't surprise me if the Packers insert him in the starting line-up in 2011. James Jones should not be re-signed. Brett Swain's ability is limited. I remain high on Chastin West. I truly believed that West would make a big impact during training camp last year. It didn't happen. Expect West to play a prominent role in the preseason this year. Still, it's necessary that the Packers draft a WR. Don't be surprised if the Packers draft 2 WR's this year.

- Leonard Hankerson, []_[]. Projected Round 1-2. Bring the Swagga to Lambeau! I want Hank in Round 1! Rodgers could use another weapon. Keep his stable of stallions stocked with youthful, fearless energy. Hankerson fits! He can play in the slot. He can beat the jab at the line of scrimmage. He'll occasionally have a mental lapse & drop a pass, but he's also a legitimate playmaker. He'll beat you deep. He runs a solid down-and-out. He'll run the post. He'll run the slant. He'll catch the ball in traffic. He's not afraid to take a hit. He has a nose for the end zone. He has great work ethic. He worked out with Mark Duper, his childhood idol, before his Junior Year to improve his route running. I want him. I can't guarantee that he'll be a Pro Bowl WR, but he'll be a solid NFL WR for the next 10 years, if he stays healthy.

- Randall Cobb, Kentucky. Projected Round 2. Utility player. Can return kicks. Great with the ball in his hands. Has played QB. Elusive. Gifted athlete. Might need to be developed as a WR, but he's a classic Ted Thompson style "football player."

- Jerrel Jernigan, Troy. Projected Round 2-3. This years Dexter McCluster. Just find a way to get him the ball. Undersized. Quick. Every time he touches the ball, he's thinking TD.

- Titus Young, Boise State. Projected Round 3. A poor man's DeSean Jackson. Not positive I'd draft him because I believe he's afraid to take a hit. He'll have alligator arms on routes across the middle, but his return value makes him a legitimate prospect. Great speed. Dangerous returner. Loves the deep route. Without his return value, I don't list him.

- Greg Little, UNC. Projected Round 3-4. Without the character issues, he'd be listed much higher. Watch his video & it shows a talented WR who has the size to be an elite WR in the league. He has the size & speed to be a mid-round steal of the draft. He's also played RB. Overly physical. Seeks contact. Tough to bring down. A fighter with the ball in his hands. Physically beats down Defensive Backs. Possible attitude issues. But, Thompson has shown that he's not afraid to take a risk on a middle round pick.

- Greg Salas, Hawaii. Projected Round 3-4. Watch Greg Salas play and you'll think Greg Jennings. He is football smart. He understands angles & is great at improvising both with the ball in his hands & without the ball in his hands. He is a premier player after the catch. He goes up & gets the ball in jump ball situations. He may not fly in the 40, but he's football fast. He will make people miss, but he'll also fight through a defender for additional yards.

- Terrence Tolliver, LSU. Projected Round 4-5. Ideal size for the NFL. I thought he improved as the season went along last year. Seemed more focused. Will go over the middle with confidence. Great NFL size. Excelled, at times, against top notch competition. From what I saw, he looked good in the workouts prior to the East-West game as well.

- Austin Pettis, Boise State. Projected Round 5. Whoever drafts Austin Pettis will get a solid football player. He'll never be a #1 WR, but he'll have a long career. Above average hands. A big-game player. A go-to guy on 3rd down & late in games. He's a winner. Solid route runner. I like him better than Titus Young. Take away return abilities and I'd rank the WR's in this draft like this: 1.) AJ Green 2.) Julio Jones 3.) Leonard Hankerson 4.) Greg Salas 5.) Greg Little 6.) Austin Pettis

- Jeremy Kerley, TCU. Projected Round 5-6. How can you not root for this guy? Doesn't have ideal size. Doesn't have ideal speed. He just gets open. Wiggles his hips. Makes you miss. Solid returner as well. Worth a mid-to-late round pick. Reminds a little of a young Antonio Freeman.

- Lester Jean, FAU. Projected Round 6-7. Had a chance to see a little of him while I was living in Miami Beach. He definitely looks the part in his uniform. A little raw. Played against questionable competition. I went to the FAU v FIU game to watch Anthony Gaitor, TY Hilton & Rob Housler. I left the game being most impressed with Lester Jean. A developmental prospect who will get a look after getting a chance to perform at the East-West game.

- Stephen Burton, West Texas. Projected Round 6-7. By now, we know Ted Thompson loves Texas kids. This can't be stated enough. Burton has the size at 6-1, 221. He's a junior college prospect who thrilled scouts at his Pro Day. Good leaping ability allows him to get up and make plays against defenders. He uses his body well to shield receivers to create space.

- Dwayne Harris, WR, ECU. Possession WR. Looks like a slot receiver who would have a hard time beating the jam at the line of scrimmage, so it'd be necessary to slide him inside.

- Jamel Hamler, WR, Fresno State. Big, athletic WR. Had some big games for Fresno last year. Good developmental prospect.

- I'm not sold on Jonathan Baldwin, Pitt. I also have concerns over Torrey Smith's route running. Sure, he has the speed, but most of his success can on go-routes. He'll need more than that to thrive in the NFL.

TE: J-Mike returns. Assuming he's healthy, he'll be in the Pro Bowl. I have concerns over his long-term status. He'll have contract demands. It's questionable whether Thompson would be willing to meet his financial desires. Quarless showed promise, at times. He was forced into action sooner than the Packers would have ideally liked him to play. He was inconsistent, but he showed enough to offer hope for a more productive 2nd year. Crabtree is a legitimate blocking TE. The guy also has solid hands. Remember that he played most of the year with 1 hand. He'll be more involved in the offense this year. Donald Lee will not be back. I foresee Ted Thompson adding a TE in the middle rounds of the draft. We have to prepare for a worst case scenario (ie: losing Finley). It's in the DNA of Ted Thompson to add a TE when he has an elite prospect nearing a contract year.

- Luke Stocker, TN. Projected Round 3-4. Physical TE. Good blocker. Solid possession receiver. A bear to bring down. He'll run you over. Good hands in traffic. While some compare him to Jason Witten, I look at him as being more comparable to John Carlson.

- Jordan Cameron, USC. Projected Round 3-4. Can you say mismatch? This former basketball player knows body control. Great at snatching the ball out of the air in traffic. Uses his body well to shield defenders to create separation. Not only is he talented coming out of a 3-point stance, you can also stand him up. Put him at WR. Have him run the slant. Throw it up. Let him go get it. He'd be a terrific insurance policy in case J-Mike leaves via FA after next year.

- Virgil Green, Nevada. Projected Round 4. Workout wonder. Great combine. Solid performance in the East-West game. Has potential. I believe him to be slow off the snap and thus, at times, he fails to create separation. Might be too soft. But, he has the build to be a guy the Packers would be interested in.

- Rob Housler, FAU. Projected Round 5. I went to a game of his to check him out. A man among boys at his level of competition. But, while he looked the part in uniform, he didn't blow me away with his production. He's a workout maniac and I've read the Packers have had discussions with him.

OL: Bulaga has a future. Sitton has Pro Bowl potential. Wells has 1-year remaining on his contract. Clifton had a solid campaign in 2010, but he's nearing the end of his career. He'll be a Packers HOF'er. I doubt Colledge comes back. With that, there will be an opening at LG. TJ Lang would be the leading candidate for the gig. McCarthy has long stated that he believes Lang to be a Guard. Nick McDonald & Evan Diedrich-Smith have also garnered praise from McCarthy as developmental prospects. Personally, I'm high on Marshall Newhouse. He had a great pre-season. He dominated the game-winning final drive of the Seahawks game. He was a stud against the Colts in the preseason. High hopes surround Newhouse. Still, it's imperative that the Packers draft a couple of OL in this year's draft. As always, I lack knowledge with regards to OL as draft prospects. Although, I would be excited if the Packers traded up for Gabe Carimi in the 1st round. He & Bulaga would be the book-ends of the future.

DL: BJ "the Freezer" Raji is one of the fastest rising defenders in football. He was durable. He was a consistent playmaker. A force in the middle. Pickett remains a solid player, but he has had injury issues the past couple of years. He's also not getting any younger. CJ Wilson showed promise. Mike Neal has 7 sack potential, if he can stay healthy. If fit, Neal could become a legitimate force in the 3-4. Howard Green is a capable run defender. While Jairus Wynn gives great effort, he can be upgraded. Cullen Jenkins will most likely be gone via FA. Jolly will never wear #97 in Green & Gold again. Therefore, the Packers must address the DL in this years draft. Thankfully, the DL position is arguably the strongest position in the draft.

- Cameron Heyward, Ohio State. Projected Round 1. If he's available at #32, I believe that he'll be the pick. Ideal 3-4 DE. Would fill in for Cullen Jenkins when we lose him via FA. Can play the run & the pass. Has the genes as his Dad was a former NFL player. Spends time in opponents backfield.

- Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple. Projected Round 1. Great athlete. Dominated light competition. Fluid for his size. Perfect fit for a 3-4 defense.

- Kendrick Ellis, DT, Hampton. Projected Round 2-3. 6-5. 345. Massive. He'd be a great addition to our DL. He'd fit our Big Beefy package.

- Terrell McClain, South Florida. Projected Round 4. Super athletic big man. Fits the 3-4 DE spot. Holds the point of attack. Uber quick for his size. Played both the run & the pass very well. He'd add pressure and can hold the point of attack - though not overly powerful.

- Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas. Projected Round 5. Watched him extensively during the Senior Bowl week. Hard worker. Small school player that competed admirably against the big school players. Active hands. Good spin moves.

- Martin Parker, Richmond. Projected Round 6. Had a great performance in the East-West game. Moves well in small spaces. Showed a good motor in the East-West game. Good pressure on the QB. Smart defender. Reads plays well. Has good size for either the 3-4 or the 4-3. He has the capacity to have a nice rotational NFL career.

- Anthony Gray, SMU. Projected Round 7. Big boy. Stout run defender. Would be able to hold the point of attack at DT in the 3-4. It's possible he could slide out to DE in Big Beefy front.

- Brandon Bair, Oregon. Projected Round 7. From a weight perspective, he's a bit undersized for the 3-4, but he's an active player with a great motor. No one will work harder on the field & he has a nose for the football.

LB: The Claymaker is among the elite players in the NFL. Desmond Bishop legitimized himself as an ILB. I'm stoked that he got his contract! AJ Hawk earned his contract as well. Together, Hawk & Bishop showed great continuity. Erik Walden's development was an encouraging sign. Frank "The Z-Man" Zombo showed ability. Between Zombo & Walden, we have enough talent at OLB and therefore, drafting an OLB early in the draft is not overly necessary. I also don't think that you can discount the relationship between Zombo & Clay. Clearly, from the NFL videos that I've seen, there is a mutual respect & strong camaraderie. The Packers will also get Brad Jones back. Expect to see Jones get some action at ILB this year. The status of Barnett & Chillar is up in the air. Diyral Briggs & Matt Wilhelm were nice mid-season additions, but I would think we can find an upgrade. I envision the Packers drafting at least one LB; and probably two of them.

- Akeem Ayers, UCLA. Projected Round 1. For a part of the 2010 college season, Ayers was my favorite player in college football. I thought he'd be an ideal fit across from Clay. Ayers can drop in coverage. He attacks with a vengeance. Great athleticism. Then, with great excitement, I tuned into the UCLA vs Oregon game. Ayers was slow. He got beat to the corner a number of times. Then he ran a poor 40 at the Combine. Don't get me wrong, if we're drafting OLB early, I want it to be Ayers. He's an instinctive football player. Looks the part. He'd be a fun addition to the Packers defense.

- Brooks Reed, Arizona. Projected Round 1-2. What I liked most about Reed was his ability to close out games. Early in the year, in close games, Reed was applying pressure and sealing wins for Arizona. I'm concerned that he was a DL at the college level who will have to convert to OLB. We've never seen him stand up and drop in coverage. He had a great combine - especially in the 10-yard split, which is what Thompson covets. I like Reed, but I don't see him as the best player available at #32. If he's our 1st pick, I hope we trade down & grab additional picks and get him around #40.

- Casey Matthews, Oregon. Projected Round 3-4. Definitely not his brother. But, he has a nose for the football and the heart of a lion.

- Colin McCarthy, []_[]. Round 3. Immediately, he'll be a stallion special teams player. Finds the football. Moves well. Gets sideline to sideline.

- Greg Jones, Michigan State. Round 3-4. At one time, he was considered a top-15 prospect. Now, we might last until Day 3. It's almost unbelievable. Every time he plays, he seems to lead the game in tackles. Even at the Senior Bowl, he had a dozen tackles. Not the best size. Not the best speed. Just a football player. I'd take him.

- Akeem Dent, Georgia. Projected Round 6. Great awareness. Sees the field. I envision him immediately contributing on special teams. Gets to the sideline well. Will take on blockers. He's not going to shy away from contact.

- Orie Lemon, Oklahoma State. Projected Round 7 or Undrafted. Might be able to play both ILB & OLB. Active player. Appeared to have good discipline during the East-West game. Versatile defender. Can drop in coverage. Decent awareness.

- Mario Harvey, Marshall. Round 7. You know when you watch someone play one time & he instantly catches your eye? That happened to me with Mario Harvey. Not ideal size nor speed. But, he plays like Desmond Bishop. Crushes you. I'd take him in a heartbeat in Round 7.

- Marc Scheichl, Colorado School of the Mines. Round 5-7. So, I wrote about the Packers being present at this Pro Day. Well, Schiechl became the talk of local sports radio for a night after he posted a 35-inch vertical jump and ran up 38 reps on the bench pressure. He stands just over 6-2 & weighs 251 lbs. Speculation was that the Packers were a huge player in conducting drills that tested his ability to drop in coverage and play as an OLB as he was mainly a DE at the college level. Further, he holds the D2 record with 45 career sacks. He was a man amongst boys.

- Cheta Ozougwu, Rice. Round 6-7. Arguably, the most naturally gifted of the bunch. Moves with grace. Totally fluid. Good lateral movement. Played DE in college, but I believe his skills translate to OLB in the NFL. Runs like Walden. Good developmental prospect.

- Matt Berning, Central Michigan. Probably an UFA. But, what would a Ted Thompson prospect list be without a guy from Central Michigan? He needed to be on the list.

- Bruce Miller, UCF. Projected Round 7. Put this guy on the field. Let him get after the QB. I'd love to see the Packers take a shot on him either in the 7th round or as an undrafted FA. Consistently, he's applying pressure. Great effort player. Late him games, I've seen him seal the deal.

- I view OLB's Dontay Moch, Chris Carter, and Mason Foster all as players who will make rosters & bring solid special teams contributions. I don't necessarily view them as players that will be upgrades over our current roster.

CB: With Sir Charles, T-Mon, and Sammy Swagga, the Packers are in good position. But, depth concerns me. Underwood, P-Lee, and J-Bush have not shown consistency nor true development. Josh Bell remains on the roster, but I don't have confidence in him either. I like Josh Gordy as a developmental prospect. I liked him out of college. I'll be interested to follow him in training camp. I foresee the Packers drafting at least one CB this year.

- Jimmy Smith, Colorado. Projected Round 1. If he's available at #32, man, he'd be tough to pass up. Baltimore, Philly, NYJ and Pittsburgh seem like logical spots for him. But, it's possible he could fall. Ideal size. Attitude is a concern, but I think our locker room would straighten him up.

- Aaron Williams, Texas. Projected Round 1-2. Many think he'll have to play Safety at the next level. Not me. I think he'd be a solid CB both in the slot and on the outside. Great tackler. Aggressive. Gets his hands on the ball. Plays the ball well in the air. I'd like him at #32 if he's the pick.

- Ras-I Dowling, Virginia. Projected Round 2-3. As I've said before, he were healthy, he'd be a top-15 pick. I love his game. 'Nuff said.

- Curtis Brown, Texas. Projected Round 2-3. Has the size, the speed and awareness. Good out of his breaks. Legit prospect. Will be a great pick for someone.

- If Korey Lindsey, Brandon Hogan, and Marcus Gilchrist stood at least 5-11, I'd write with great length about each of them. But, since they're only 5-10, they haven't fit the typical Ted Thompson profile.

- Cortez Allen, Citadel. Projected Round 5. Sometimes I watch players and think "Green Bay Packer." He fits the bill. Long, lanky. Good extension. Aggressive. Looks the part.

- Richard Sherman, Stanford. Round 4-5. Raw. Only played one year of CB. Previously, he was a WR. Has great size. Small similarities to Ras-Al. We struck gold with a 1-year collegiate CB last year.

- Antareis Bryan, Baylor. Projected Round 5. He's 6-1, 200. He ran a 4.37 at his Pro Day. He's had injury issues. As a sophomore he had 9 passes defensed. He's a Texas kid. He didn't get a combine invite. It's widely known that the Packers have interest. He's a classic Ted Thompson pick.

- Chris Rucker, Michigan State. Projected Round 4-5. Gets in your face as a CB. I enjoy his game. Jabs you. Runs with you. Gets his head turned around & finds the ball.

- Kevin Rutland, Mizzou. Projected Round 5-6. Fast. Powerful. Would be a great late round pick. Can rush the passer from his CB spot with great success. Really helped developed Mizzou's defense last year. Gets his hands on the ball. A legit prospect. Will be on a roster next year.

S: The Packers have great depth at S. Nintendo Nick, Morgan Burnett, Charlie Peprah, Anthony Smith, and Anthony Levine will be back. While most would look at this depth chart & assume the Packers would not draft a Safety, I've learned with Ted Thompson to expect the unexpected. Therefore, I've looked into late round safety prospects.

- Tyler Sash, Iowa. Projected Round 3. If Ted Thompson drafts him, he'll say "football player." He makes plays that you're used to seeing in backyard football. A lot like Jim Leonhard.

- Zac Etheridge, Auburn. Projected Round 7. The leader in the secondary for the National Champs.

Special Teams: While I'm not overly sold on Mason Crosby, Thompson won't be spending a draft pick on a K. Tim Masthay was a hero over the last half of the season. We could use help with a kick returners. I've read the Packers are spending pre-draft visits with kick returners. Even though McCarthy has been outwardly against using a small receiver, I've long believed that if given the opportunity, McCarthy would enjoy diagramming a play to get it to a scat-back type player who was a weapon in space.

- Shaky Smithson, WR/KR, Utah. He led the nation in punt return yards and punt return average. He'd be a 6th or 7th round pick, possibly an undrafted FA. The Packers visited with him. I've watched every YouTube video I could find on him. Guy has bounce. A swing to his step, he'll dance in the open field. He can be seeing throwing a TD pass, catching deep balls for TD's, and looking like a magician returning kicks.

- Jeremy Ross, WR/KR, Cal. Ross can absolutely fly. He blew up at his pro day, running under a 4.40. I've watched all of his YouTube videos as well as I understand the Packers brought him in for a visit. Standing 5-11, 213 lbs., Ross is a beast. Not a great route runner. He has limitations as a WR. Still, he could be worth a late round draft as a kick returner & a deep threat on offense. His video also showed him as a weapon running a reverse. Further, he holds a number of Cal records for strength & conditioning in events such as the power clean, the bench press, the squat and the vertical jump. Best of all, he wore #3 in college. Sounds like a Ted Thompson prospect to me.

As always, though they are necessary, no OL in my mock draft. I'd like to draft 2 OL, but I don't know the prospects all that well. For the record, I'd like the Packers to trade out of the 1st round with hopes of grabbing a total of 6 picks in the first 4 rounds. I like the magical 4 of the top 100 as we refuel. I doubt that pick #32 will have significant trade value as it appears that most teams near the end of the 1st round are interested in trading down. Though the demand to trade up for QB's will be high towards the end of the 1st round, I imagine that supply will outweigh demand. The Seahawks, Bears, Patriots. Steelers and Packers are all rumored to be interested in trading down & out of the 1st round. Again, this draft is about replenishing the depth on our roster. Since the CBA won't allow for teams to trade players, I project that Flynn will be on the roster in 2011 and thus, the Packers won't draft a QB. Always remember, Ted Thompson likes players with roots from TX, CA, FL, and MI.

Round 1 - Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State - Kills me to not type Hankerson, but we must continue to win the line of scrimmage on the defensive side of the ball.
Round 2 - Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii - It's probably a bit early for him, but Thompson gets his guy.
Round 3 - Daniel Thomas, RB, K-State - Ryan Grant is in the last year of his contract. Typically, Thompson buys himself insurance in this scenario.
Round 4a - Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State - So much production. Nose for the football. Line him up. Put pads on him. Let him play.
Round 4b - Jordan Cameron, TE, USC - Though we are loaded at TE, his athleticism is too good to pass up.
Round 5 - Antareis Bryan, CB, Baylor - Vintage Ted Thompson pick. Texas product. Injury issues limited his college production.
Round 6 - Martin Parker, DL Richmond - Furthers the depth. Really like his ability to move.
Round 7a - Mark Schiechl, OLB, Colorado School of the Mines - while we might be able to get him as an undrafted FA, why take the chance?
Round 7b - Jeremy Ross, WR/KR, Cal - he'd potentially solve our issues at KR. He'd also be a nice developmental WR.

In Ted Thompson, I trust.

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Epic Mock Draft Volume 2

2011-04-03T22:54:00.000-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

For some, April brings baseball season. For me, it's the start of NFL Draft month. The 2011 NFL Draft is less than a month away. Ted Thompson has 9 picks. If his guy falls in Round 1, he'll have the ammunition to trade up. Also, depending on what happens with the likes of Christian Ponder, Jake Locker, and Ryan Mallett, the #32 pick might be coveted. The new draft format gives added value to the later picks on Day 1 & the earlier picks in Round 2. Remember that last year the Viqueens were able to swing a deal with the Lions at pick #30. The Broncos also traded up to pick #25 to grab Tebow. It wouldn't surprise me if Thompson were to receive a solid offer for pick #32 - depending on what happens with the QB position. Every year, I say that I like having 4 of the top 100. This year - Thompson has 5 of the top 131.

And now for Volume 2 of my Epic Mock Draft. Once again, I don't include OL. Time limits me & quite simply, I don't follow it closely enough to make an opinion. I wish I had more time to dig into the OL as it's a crucial component to the 2011 Draft, but unfortunately, I've been busy.

Round 1 (#32): Leonard Hankerson, WR, []_[]. I've tried to convince myself to go another direction & to grab a DL or OLB at this spot. I've looked at options to potentially grab WR later and while I'm intrigued at the possibility of grabbing a gifted WR later in the draft, my focus is on giving Aaron Rodgers another weapon. Too many times we've seen this offense stall late in games. It was our defense that saved games. With the majority of our playmakers coming back on defense, it's vital to add more talent on offense. By now, we know that Ted Thompson places an emphasis on spending early picks on pass-catchers. See: Terrence Murphy, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, J-Mike. This year - the choice is Hankerson. He leaves THE []_[] having caught more TD's than any player in the rich history of Miami football. Hankerson not only has a knack for finding the end zone, but he's also had a pension for getting open on 3rd down. He's not afraid to go across the middle. He can play in the slot. He can also play on the outside. He's solid in traffic. He's a gifted WR. Occasionally, he'll drop a pass, but I believe he'd look great wearing either #86 or #84 next year.

Others to watch: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple. Great talent. Impressive quickness for a big guy. Powerful. Don't think he'll make it to #32, but if he does, he'd be a solid 3-4 DE. Same applies to Cameron Heyward, DL, Ohio State. For the record, I don't want Brooks Reed, OLB, AZ with our 1st round pick. After watching him play 5 times this year, I don't see him as a 1st round talent. He has a great motor. He's a closer. He'll finish games with a sack, which intrigues me. But, he was strictly a DE in college. He didn't drop in coverage. His hand was in the dirt. Yes, he'd add variety to the Defense, but I've never considered him a 1st round talent. I viewed him as a 3rd rounder, at best. If he's our 1st pick, I hope we've traded down & accumulated extra draft choices. Also, earlier in the college season, I wrote that Akeem Ayers would fit the Packers better than anyone else at the college level. I viewed him as a perfect compliment to the Claymaker. He dominated Texas. But, this was prior to knowing that Texas was awful last year. Additionally, then I watched him play Oregon. Against Oregon, he looked slow. Granted, Oregon made most defenders look slow, however that's the type of speed that Ayers will face on a weekly basis in the NFL. Consistently, Ayers was beat to the corner. The Combine also showed that Ayers lacked speed. He wasn't overly physical. Still, I'd like Ayers, a lot as our 1st round pick. I've seen him dominate. He has the ability. I'm no longer juiced with the notion of Martez Wilson, LB, IL in the 1st round. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas. Often times, in late-March/early-April, teams forget about the tape. They remember the pre-draft workouts. Players who consistently made plays at the college level drop in the draft. It's always confused me. For me, this applies to Williams. At one point, Williams was viewed as a 1st round pick. The draft advisory board listed him as a 1-2 round prospect. Now, while reading the draft "experts", they express concern rather than discussing his positive attributes. While at Texas, Williams did it all. He picked off passes (4), he got to the QB (3 sacks, 3 pressure), he made plays against the run (12 tackles for loss), he forced fumbles (6) and he blocked punts (5). At times, he even returned punts. In some ways, his style of play reminds me of Sir Charles. He's physical. He attacks the football. Additionally, as we know, the McCarthy/Thompson combination requires rookies to play special teams. Well, not only did Williams block kicks, but he also finished tied for the team lead with 9 tackles on special teams. Most speculate that his college teammate, Curtis Brown, will be selected before him. Williams stands 6-0, 200 lbs. He ran a 4.42 in the 40. Presently, it appears #32 will be too early for Aaron Williams. It's doubtful that he'll be around when the Packers select at #64.

Round 2 (#64): Kendrick Ellis, DT, Hampton. 6-5. 345. Massive. He'd be a great addition to our DL. He'd fit our Big Beefy package. I've often wrote that Ted Thompson will occasionally draft for next year (meaning 2012) rather than this year. Well, Ryan Pickett is aging. Howard Green has one more year on his contract. Couple that with the assumption that Cullen Jenkins will be gone via FA & the Packers must draft a DL in the early portions of the 2011 NFL Draft. Thankfully, DL is largely considered the most talented position in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Others to watch: Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy. Elusive with the ball in his hands. He'll make you miss & he's a highlight film in the making. But, the big question mark is his size. Is he physical enough to withstand the punishment of the NFL game. Truly, I believe that Mike McCarthy would love to design plays to get Jernigan in the open field. Randall Cobb, KR/WR, Kentucky. The Packers love versatile performers. Cobb played both QB & WR for Kentucky in his career. He was also a dangerous KR. I envision Ted Thompson calling him a "football player." Christian Ballard, DL, Iowa. I've seen his name attached to the Packers at the end of Round 1. I don't see him as a 1st round pick rather I see him as a mid-to-late 2nd rounder. If he's around, he'd be a solid pick as he'd be able to rotate with Mike Neal/CJ Wilson at DE. He'd also be able to pressure the QB in the 2-4-5 defense that the Packers often use. While I believe the Packers are in good hands with the Grant/Starks/Kuhn combination, there might be good talent available when the Packers pick at #64. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech. Williams is a game changer. He gets better with more carries. He's a home run threat. Mikel LeShoure, RB, IL. LeShoure is a nifty runner who was extremely productive at the college level. For his collegiate career, he averaged 6.0 yards per carry. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia. If he'd have stayed healthy, he'd be a top-20 draft pick. Great frame. Sees the field. Plays the ball. As I've said before, when healthy, he outplayed his college teammate, Chris Cook who was an early 2nd round pick for the 'queen in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Round 3 (#96): Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon. Totally wishful. There looks to be good value in the 3rd round at ILB with the likes of Colin McCarthy, []_[] and Greg Jones, Michigan State, as other options. I know that it's unlikely that Matthews will be a Packer, but man, it's attractive to consider. He'd fit the 3-4. He has the long hair that we require to play LB. He's instinctive. He has the bloodlines. Plus, we have a true requirement to add an ILB. If Matthews is on the board at pick #96, I want him!

Others to watch: I'm enamored with Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St. The guy will have a career in the NFL. He runs solid routes. Great size. Solid hands. A gamer.

Round 4 (#129): Jordan Todman, RB, UCONN. Every time I watched UCONN play over the last two years, Todman was making plays. He has a nose for the end zone, he gets tough yards and for his size, he falls forward. Would be a solid addition to our backfield. Again, Thompson will draft for 2012 over 2011 - at some point - in this draft. Todman might be that pick if he doesn't expect to resign Ryan Grant after this year.

Round 4 (#131): Terrell McClain, Super athletic big man. Fits the 3-4 DE spot. Holds the point of attack. Uber quick for his size. Played both the run & the pass very well. He'd add pressure and can hold the point of attack - though not overly powerful.

Others to watch: Charles Clay, RB, Tulsa. He has terrific hands. He's got a unique build. He's not a fierce blocker, but he's a constant mismatch problem for opposing defenses. Every year - it seems that the Thompson/McCarthy regime makes a head-scratching decision at either FB or TE. This year, it's in the form of Charles Clay who can carry the ball, but he could also be viewed as a guy that could play FB or potentially, TE. I know I previously said that I'd undoubtedly have him as my pick at #129, but surprisingly (even to myself), I've changed my mind. Virgil Green, TE, Nevada. A physical specimen. A threat that has the size & speed to create headaches for defensive coordinators. If utilized properly, he could turn into a true gem. Alex Green, RB, Hawaii. Out of a spread offense, he led the nation in yards per carry. He also rushed for over 1,000 yards. Solid 3rd down back.

Round 5 (#163): Antareis Bryan, CB, Baylor. He's 6-1, 200. He ran a 4.37 at his Pro Day. He's had injury issues. As a sophomore he had 9 passes defensed. He's a Texas kid. He didn't get a combine invite. It's widely known that the Packers have interest. He's a classic Ted Thompson pick.

Others to watch: Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State. I'll be ultra-interested to see where Thomas is selected. A tremendous athlete. Former TE. Sound hands. Great confidence. Anthony Sherman, FB, UCONN. A bruising FB who the ability to catch the ball. Looks for contact. Similar player to Kuhn. He could also be used as the occasional runner. Solid blocker.

Round 6 (#197): Marc Scheichl, OLB, Colorado School of the Mines. I continue to read on the Internet & hear on the radio that the Packers are showing interest in Scheichl. The DII prospect has the size and physical attributes to play at the next level. Not only were the Packers 1 of 3 teams to be in attendance at his Pro Day, but they have now scheduled a private workout with him. It might be in hopes of him being signed as a UFA, but with the CBA restrictions I'm guessing the Packers use a draft pick on him.

Others to watch: Bruce Miller, OLB, Central Florida. Every time I watched him, he was around the football. Especially late in games. To me, he's almost every bit the prospect as Brooks Reed. Nic Grigsby, RB, Arizona. Has the speed & tools to be a big-play threat. Was limited in college, but he would be a good compliment to the running styles of Grant/Starks.

Round 7 (#204): Scott Tolzien, QB, WI. He's a great prospect. A heady football player. Can make the throws. Great moxie. Intelligent QB. Developmental player. McCarthy could use a new toy. Tolzien fits the bill.

Round 7 (#233): Dwayne Harris, WR, ECU. Last year, Thompson drafted CJ Wilson from ECU and he scored well. This year it's Dwayne Harris, the highly productive college performer. Harris scored 10 TD's as a Senior after scoring 7 as a sophomore.

Others to watch: I'm confident that Thompson will look at WR in the later rounds. Names the Packers have spent time with: Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian; Jamel Hamler, Fresno State; Lester Jean, FAU; and Stephen Burton, West Texas.

Tick-tock to the draft. It's the time when Ted Thompson generally plays like "Pop Tarts!"

Wishing you an XLV-like April!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Epic Mock Draft Volume 1

2011-03-16T23:23:00.001-04:00

Greetings, G-Force.

Presently, it's 5:49 on a Wednesday cocktail hour in March. I just completed a 5 mile run. To refresh, I'm sitting on my balcony. Sipping an Aguila, the last of which I brought with me from Miami Beach to Denver. I chose a light beer tonight as tomorrow will be flocked with Guinness. I'm wearing shorts, sandals & a t-shirt. Culture's Cultural Livity disc is ringing in the background. Last I looked, it was 71 degrees outside. There's 2 robins picking at the grass in my front yard. Must be spring time again. And, I've decided to take a moment to bask in a quenching XLV thought. Pop Tarts!

If you're looking for CBA commentary, at this time, this blog is not the place for that topic. The original intention of the blog was to provide an optimistic yet realistic view of the Green Bay Packers. For all posts in which I'm the author, presently, I intend to keep it that way. I'm excited for other authors to possibly join the blog as they'll diversify the flavor. Once again, I'd like to reiterate that if you'd like to post a take to the blog, simply write to me & I'll add you as an author.

I've begun a thoroughly analyze the NFL Draft. I've watched all of the Senior Bowl practices that I have on DVR. I've watched the 1st half of the East-West Game & the 1st half of the Senior Bowl. I've done a fair amount of reading on the Texas vs. the Nation game. Over the last 2 weeks, I've committed 10-15 minutes a day to internet researching the draft.

As I've delved into the Draft, I've started to compile a list of guys that scream Ted Thompson to me. Some have been uncovered via reading that the Packers have attended their Pro Days. Others just by watching the way that they move. And some of the players are guys that I've enjoyed watching over the last year. Here's the list so far along with the expected round that they'll be drafted:

QB: Christian Ponder, FSU. Round 1-2. It wouldn't shock me if he ends up being the top QB in this draft.
Greg McElroy, Alabama. Round 5-7. Screams Matt Flynn to me.
Scott Tolzien, WI. Round 6-7. It's been widespread that McCarthy spent significant time with him during the WI Pro Day. Would be a good developmental prospect.

RB: Mikel LeShoure, IL. Round 1-2. If Marshall Faulk says that the kid has an NFL career, I believe him.
Ryan Williams, Va Tech. Round 1-2. While I can envision Thompson drafting a RB early in the '11 draft, I've seen Williams single-handedly dominate games.
Jordan Todman, UCONN. Round 3. He catches the ball. He's deceptively elusive. Small shake to him. Runs harder than he appears.
Shane Vereen, Cal. Round 3. When healthy & given the chance, this guy has performed at elite levels. Good hands.
Noel Devine, WVU. Round 7. I've been watching him forever. He's a Home Run waiting to happen. Wishful thinking, but have to include him.
Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech. Round 7. Not the fastest guy. Not the best shake. Straight ahead kind of guy that seems to be in the mold of Thompson's style.
Nic Grigsby, Arizona. Round 7. Sometimes, you just get a feeling about a guy. I have that feeling about Grigsby. Kid can fly. Underrated prospect.

FB: Charles Clay, Tulsa. Round 3-4. If there is one guy I'm certain the Packers will draft, it's Charles Clay. Can play TE. But, he's a FB. An H-Back. Much in the mold of Rod Bernstein. A bigger Larry Centers. Not a great blocker, but he's decent. Terrific hands out of the backfield. He's versatile. Good after the catch. He's a utility player who creates match-up problems. The Packers interchange the TE & FB. Clay seems to fit this description identically. From now on, he'll be included in my mock draft.
Stanley Havili, USC. Round 4. He, too, is a match-up problem. More of a threat as a pass-catcher & a runner than a blocker. He runs like a HB, in many ways. Similar to Kuhn. I can see him playing special teams as well.

WR: Leonard Hankerson, []_[]. Round 1-2. He has the size, speed, and flair to be a big-time NFL player.
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy. Round 2. Kick-return skills. McCarthy would have to devise plays for him. He'd have to find a way to make him fit. I imagine he'd be able to successfully do so.
Jeremy Kerley, TCU. Round 4-5. He's a Texas kid, which makes this possible. We know Ted Thompson loves Texas players.
Ryan Whalen, Stanford. Round 5. Reminds me of Jordy Nelson in many ways.
Stephen Burton, West Texas A&M. Round 7. Another Texas kid. Ran a sub 4.4 at his pro day. He's super quick & has NFL size.
Lester Jean, FAU. Round 7. Great production at the college level. Often talked about in South Florida circles. The Packers were at his Pro Day.
Jamel Hamler, Fresno State. Round 7. Ted Thompson likes players from TX, CA, FL, and MI. Especially receivers.

TE: Virgil Green, Nevada. Round 4. The Packers spent significant time with him at the Combine. Nevada was loaded with athletes this year.
Rob Housler, FAU. Round 3-4. The Packers spent time with him at his Pro Day. Has the size & speed to create difficulty for opposing defenses.
Julius Thomas, Portland State. Round 5. Ted Thompson likes athletic TE's. Thomas is a former PF in college basketball. Much like Jimmy Graham last year, he could burst onto the scene late in the season next year.

DL: Adrian Clayborne, Iowa. Round 1. It baffles me how someone so productive at the college level could start to dip down draft boards due to a less than stellar combine. We need to replace Cullen Jenkins. Mike Neal is part of the solution. Clayborne could be the other piece.
Cameron Heyward, Ohio St. Round 1. NFL bloodlines. He, too, would be a nice addition to replace Cullen Jenkins.
Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple. Round 1-2. True athlete. Great mobility for a big man. Looks the part.
Kendrick Ellis, Hampton. Round 2. Supposedly there were 5 times at his Pro Day. The Packers were one of them. He's huge. 6-5. 345. Our Big Beefy formation was crucial to our success. Another thing I've learned about Ted Thompson on draft day is that he doesn't necessarily draft for this year rather he drafts for next year. Next year Howard Green is a FA & Pickett will turn 33.
Terrell McClain, South Florida. Round 5-6. Super athletic big man. Fits the 3-4 DE spot. Holds the point of attack. Ultra quick for his size.
Blaine Sumner, Colorado School of the Mines. Round 6-7. Rumor has it that 3 teams showed up at the Colorado School of the Mines Pro Day. The Broncos, Bills & the Packers. During the Pro Day, Sumner tied the Combine record with 49 reps on the bench. The Packers witnessed this.
Brandon Bair, Oregon. Round 6-7. While it's clear that 300 lbs is the ideal weight for a DE in the 3-4, the last two years Thompson has drafted someone in the 280-290 range in the later rounds. Bair gives the effort needed to succeed. He's active with long arms. In many ways, he's a poor man's JJ Watt.
Frank Kearse, Alabama A&M. Round 7. The Packers have spent significant time with Kearse during the off-season. 6-5, 325. He'd give Raji a breather. He'd also fit the Big Beefy package.

OLB: Martez Wilson, IL. Round 1. Might be the ideal prospect for the Packers. Played OLB early in his college career. Made the transition to ILB. A total beast. Can see him being a guy opposite CM3.
Akeem Ayers, UCLA. Round 1. During the '11 college season, at one point, I wrote that he was my favorite player in college football. It didn't end that way after I watched him play Oregon. Still, I have no doubt that he can play at the next level.
Justin Houston, Georgia. Round 1. Played in a 3-4 in college. Had great success. Can get to the QB. Can he drop in coverage? That, I don't know.
Brooks Reed, Arizona. Round 1. It baffles me that he's considered a 1st round prospect. Early in the college season, I was writing about him before most draft publications even listed him. I wrote about his motor. I wrote that he was a closer late in games. I wrote that he could pressure the QB. I envisioned him as a 5-6 round prospect, 4th at best. Now, I read that the Packers were front & center at his pro day. Shocked. I wouldn't mind him being drafted as a Packer. Just not in the 1st round. I'm not center that he's a massive upgrade over the Brad Jones/Erik Walden/Frank Zombo combination.
Sam Acho, Texas. Round 2-3. While I am not positive that he's an ideal fit, man, he's had quite the offseason. Texas' defense struggled this past year, but Acho has been a superstar in the Combine & in the post-season bowl game. Gifted. Gets around the edge. At times, he's unblockable.
Dontay Moch, Nevada. Round 2-3. Did anyone have a better combine than him? I was writing about him early in the year as well. I first saw him on ESPN against Mizzou 2 years ago as he was stripping Blaine Gabbert on a sack. He can fly around the corner & has the size to play.
Marc Scheichl, Colorado School of the Mines. Round 5-7. So, I wrote about the Packers being present at this Pro Day. Well, Schiechl became the talk of local sports radio for a night after he posted a 35-inch vertical jump and ran up 38 reps on the bench pressure. He stands just over 6-2 & weighs 251 lbs. Speculation was that the Packers were a huge player in conducting drills that tested his ability to drop in coverage and play as an OLB as he was mainly a DE at the college level. Further, he hold the D2 record with 45 career sacks. He was a man amongst boys. By request, he's been invited to attend the pro day for Air Force.
Cheta Ozougwu, Rice. Round 6-7. The most naturally gifted of the bunch. Moves with grace. Totally fluid. Good lateral movement. Played DE in college, but I believe his skills translate to OLB in the NFL. Runs like Walden. Good developmental prospect.
Matt Berning, Central Michigan. Probably an UFA. But, what would a Ted Thompson prospect list be without a guy from Central Michigan? He needed to be on the list.

ILB: Casey Matthews, Oregon. Round 3-4. It's in the genes.
Colin McCarthy, []_[]. Round 3. Immediately, he'll be a stallion special teams player. Finds the football. Moves well. Gets sideline to sideline.
Greg Jones, Michigan State. Round 3-4. Another guy whose stock has plummeted post his collegiate career. At one time, he was considered a top-15 prospect. Now, we might last until Day 3.
Mario Harvey, Marshall. Round 7. You know when you watch someone play one time & he instantly catches your eye? That happened to me with Mario Harvey. Not ideal size nor speed. But, he plays like Desmond Bishop. Crushes you. I'd take him in a heartbeat in Round 7.

CB: Aaron Williams, Texas. Round 1-2. I've loved his game since the first time I watched him play.
Curtis Brown, Texas. Round 2. With all this talent on defense, it amazes me that Texas couldn't stop anyone this year. Many think he is better than Williams. Not me.
Ras-I Dowling, Virginia. Round 2-3. Without the injuries, he'd be a top-15 pick. Plus, he's got a sublime name.
Richard Sherman, Stanford. Round 4-5. Raw. Only played one year of CB. Previously, he was a WR. Has great size. Small similarities to Ras-Al. We struck gold with a 1-year collegiate CB last year.
Ryan Hill, []_[]. Round 5. Ended up starting over DeMarcus Van Dyke. Had a great pro day. His stock is flying high.
Devon Torrence, Ohio State. Round 7. Every time you watch him play, he's grabbing highlights. Will get beat on occasion, but worth a look this late.

S: Tyler Sash, Iowa. Round 3-4. Not the fastest guy. Not the biggest guy. Just a football player. No doubt, Ted Thompson loves this guy.
Zac Etheridge, Auburn. Round 7. The leader in the secondary for the National Champs.

At this point, I envision a draft that includes additions to the DL, OLB, ILB, OL, QB, WR, and Charles Clay. With the compensation pick for AK-74, I expect either another DL or another OL. Per the norm, I'd prefer to see the Packers trade down. Unless Gabe Carimi is available. But, I hear he won't fall past Chicago. If Carimi is off the board, I wouldn't mind a trade down to accumulate more picks to continue to build depth & training camp competition.

As always, this will change in the near future. In fact, if you would have asked me yesterday, it would have been different. But as of now, my ideal mock draft is as follows: (as always, I don't list OL)...

Round 1: If Clayborn or Heyward are available, I'd like one of them. However, I don't foresee that happening. Right now I'm tugging between 3 guys: Leonard Hankerson, Muhammad Wilkerson & Martez Wilson. For now, I'm sticking with Hankerson. We need to continue to load Rodgers with weapons. True, YOTTO is coming back, but I believe Hankerson would be a terrific compliment to Jennings. He can play the slot & learn from Driver. He can replace Jones and run the deep routes. He'll make the difficult catch. He has a nose for the end zone. He'll bring more swagga to Lambeau. We struck it rich with the []_[] last year. I have a feeling that most of the players from the []_[] will have better pro careers than they did college careers as Randy Shannon was not gifted with developing players. While I'm taking Hankerson, note that I've listed 4 defenders as potential replacements. We must continue to add to our front 7. The front 7 was dominant over the last 6 games of the XLV run.

Round 2: I'm tugging between two players: Jerrel Jernigan & Kendrick Ellis. Jernigan would solve a problem at KR. He's also a weapon at WR. He'd add more diversity to the offense, but I've already gone Hankerson in Round 1. Therefore, Ellis is the selection. We learned in 2011 that when the Packers stop the run, we're tough to beat. Stopping the run puts our 3 Pro Bowl DB's in position to make plays. Ellis would aid in this component of the game. He'd also be a terrific long term compliment to Mike Neal. One side note: if Christian Ponder falls this far, it'd be interesting to see how Thompson would respond.

Round 3: Presently, for me, it's a no-brainer that the Packers draft an ILB in Round 3. McCarthy, Matthews & Jones are all talented players who played for big time Universities & made a number of impact plays against top-notch competition. Of course, I'm going with Casey Matthews. I'd love another long-haired wonder in our LB core!

Round 4: Book it. For the rest of my mock draft preparation, I'm selecting Charles Clay in Round 4. He's a Ted Thompson guy. Over the course of the next 6 weeks, two things won't change: 1.) I'll have the Packers selecting an ILB in Round 3 & I'll have Charles Clay as the pick in Round 4.

Round 4a: I'm budgeting a 4th round pick as compensation from the loss of AK-74. I see some project a #3. I doubt we'll get that due to his injury. If Ras-I Dowling is around, he's the pick. If healthy, he'd have been a 1st rounder. No doubt. But, injuries derailed his year. He has talent. He was better than Chris Cook & the Viqueens used a top pick in the 2nd round on Cook last year. Dowling's stock is dropping fast, but I don't see him falling this far. So, the Packers select Richard Sherman. While raw, he's showed he can play the ball. Solid hands. Still learning the position, but he'll receive guidance from some of the best next year.

Round 5: Marc Scheichl. Clearly, the Packers have a genuine interest. His production at the D2 level is unmatched in the history of the game. I imagine that it's a priority to find someone opposite the Claymaker in the 2011 Draft even though I really liked the way Walden progressed. Scheichl interests me.

Round 6: Scott Tolzien. McCarthy needs a QB to develop. Tolzien has the tools. He's smart. Well-spoken. Generally, he makes good decisions. He's deceivingly mobile. He understands the game. He could develop into a legitimate QB.

Round 7: Nic Grigsby. He has the quickness. He sees the seam & goes for it. Didn't see a lot of him in college, but what I did, I really liked. I hope Thompson accumulates a couple of late rounders as I see solid talent later in the draft. I like names such as Jamel Hamler, Bruce Miller, Frank Kearse, Mario Harvey and Brandon Bair. I believe that all have the talent to play in this league.

XLV for life!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Random Packers Vibes!

2011-03-04T00:35:00.003-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

I wanted to remind you that we'll have to wait until pick #32 in the 1st Round before we make our initial selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Ever since my good mate, Vargas, & I conjured a plan to someday open a restaurant called the "Irish Mexican" - I've based my NFL Draft Party around Irish & Mexican goodies. Well, and maybe a lil' Zyr Vodka. Looks like this year, I'll have to stack the plate of nachos a little higher. And, potentially, I'll have to buy an extra 4-pack of canned Guinness.

Damn, it feels good to be a Cheesehead! Yes, we're Super Bowl Champions. As proud supporters, yes, we the G-Force are Super Bowl Champions! Beauty! While the CBA & impending lockout is a total buzzkill, it's not enough to thwart the continued excitement that the final 6 weeks of the 2010 NFL Season brought to life. XLV FOREVER!

I got my Super Bowl goodies in the mail from the Packers Pro Shop. When I pulled out my XLV Flag, I couldn't help but run around the house. Wrapped in the flag, I belted out "Olè, Olè, Olè, Olè...Olè, Olè!" I couldn't help myself. It was instinctive! Purely natural.

Cheers to Ted Thompson. Have to like the AJ Hawk signing. Hawk & Bishop will be manning the middle of our defense for the next 4 years. Together, they had great continuity. They were teammates. They complimented each other. They were in lock-step. Unified.

Speaking of such camaraderie, in case you missed it, I wanted to share a Twitter conversation between Clay Matthews & Aaron Rodgers:

Rodgers writes to Matthews: were u the big man on campus dropping clawledge and looking for designs for ur next tribal tattoo??
Matthews replies: When r we gonna take out ur SB MVP camaro n look for cougars!? I just got a new barbed wire tat around my ankle!! #clawledge
Rodgers responds: when u stop dousing ur hair with water 5 times a game on the sideline just so u can do that hair flip u love to do
Matthews comes back with: Chicks dig the flip. And so does Suave!! :) Is it true ur dating Mila Kunis!? Ur so Hollywood bro!! #MVP
Rodgers writes: if by dating u mean met for the first time the other night, then yes. Uve changed bro. Ur so socal now. sorry I forgot that guys like u stay at the 4 seasons
Matthews jabs: You've changed... I want my old friend back!!

Camaraderie. Teammates. Locker room leaders. Youthful. Playful. Together - forever. Our Offensive MVP & Defensive MVP = Littering a conversation with fun sarcasm. Further evidence of their relationship is revealed as Matthews talks about hanging out with Rodgers' brother at sporting events. Additionally, it appears as though Twitter shows that Rodgers has relationships with Matthews' brothers. Making the relationship even thicker is the fact that Matthews' brothers seem to have brotherhood with Rodgers' brothers as they exchange messages back & forth. Clearly, the relationship between Rodgers & Matthews is deeply rooted. Bring out the Belt!

I believe that team camaraderie is partially the reason that Thompson signed Hawk. In some ways, Hawk defines the Packers of 2010. The consummate team player. Early in the year, he was buried on the depth chart. He never complained. He was the subject trade rumors. He never said anything negative about the organization. He played thru pain. As the captain of the defense, he engineered a terrific defensive performance throughout the 2010 NFL Season.

Oh, and via twitter, the Claymaker had something to say about this as well: Happy 2 see AJ Hawk inked a new 5 yr deal w/ the PACK! I still have better hair!! #longhairdontcare #suave

Barnett, on the other hand, challenged the Packers organization publicly. He negatively responded to Aaron Rodgers' comments prior to the Super Bowl as well. At least partially, I imagine this played a part in Thompson's decision making. Barnett has played his last down in Green & Gold. At this stage, I'd trade him for a 5th or 6th round pick. Though I doubt we'll even get that.

If you haven't watched the replay of the 2nd Quarter of the Packers at Atlanta playoff game in the last week, what are you waiting for? Live that moment again. As I reflect on games that I've gone to in my life & think about the most fun Quarters that I've attended, a quick look at my top 5 would be:

5.) 4th Quarter: Dallas @ Green Bay in Week 13. I was sitting in section 22 - approximately 40 rows from the field. I was with my Mom, my brother Bob & my sister, Marni. The Cowboys had been the thorn in the Packers side throughout the 90's. Leading 24-10, the Cowboys started driving as Troy Aikman hit Michael Irvin on a deep ball. Jerry Jones walked out of the tunnel & onto the field. Wearing a trench coat, he enthusiastically applauded along the Cowboys sideline. Emmitt Smith punched it into the end zone to cut the score to 7. Then the Packers went to work. Favre to Freeman for 6. Levens pounded away as he marched near 200 yards rushing. Pounding through defenders, Levens was Dorsey the Horsey! Levens punched it in to give the Packers a 21 point lead. The party was finished when Darren Sharper picked up a fumble & danced into the end zone. 21 fourth quarter points & Mac was blaring "Mama don't let your babies grow up to be Cowboys" through the loud speakers at Lambeau!

4.) 1st Quarter: San Francisco @ Green Bay in the 1996 NFC Divisional Playoffs. In the freezing rain, I was sitting in Section 22 with my brother Chad, approximately 9 rows from the field. After the Packers forced a Steve Young offense into a 3 & out, Desmond Howard returns the punt 71 yards for a TD. Again, Young walks onto the field. Another defensive stop. Another huge Howard punt return leads to a Brett Favre to Andre Rison TD. 14-0 Packers. An injured Young gets replaced by Elvis Grbac. This set the tone for the entire 1996 playoffs. It confirmed that the '96 Regular Season was not a fluke. We were, indeed, the best team in the NFL. Convincingly so.

3.) 2nd Quarter: Green Bay @ Atlanta in the 2010 NFC Divisional Playoffs. I was sitting upper deck with my brother, Bob, & my brother-in-law, Paul. Trailing 7-0, the Packers were driving. Just over 3 minutes into the 2nd Quarter, Rodgers hits Nelson to equalize! A special teams blunder makes it 14-7 Atlanta. Then the nearly unparalleled excitement begins. Kuhn gets the Packers even after he bulls his way into the end zone from a yard out. On this play, the "Freezer" was born! Then Chuckie gets a big sack to force 3rd and long to slow Atlanta as the Falcons entered the Red Zone. The following play, T-Mon kills the drive by baiting Matt Ryan into a bad pass. The MVP goes back to work. 5 times in the 2nd Quarter, Rodgers connects with passes of at least 20 yards. Punctuated with a tremendous TD pass to James Jones in the corner of the end zone. Then, on the final play of the Quarter, it's T-Mon to close the half. Ecstasy! I can't get enough of Joe Buck's call of that play. Seriously sensational!

2.) 1st Quarter: Pittsburgh vs. Green Bay in Super Bowl XLV. I was sitting 21 rows from the field with my Mom, Dad, and my brother, Chad. Obviously, there was a bit of uncertainty as to how the Packers would fare against the veteran Steelers roster. While I believed the Packers were the better team, seeing is believing. Rodgers hits Jordy for 6. Howard Green applies the pressure. Nintendo Nick grabs the pick. And the return. 14-0 Packers. It was SUPER!

1.) 3rd Quarter: New England vs Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXI. Sitting with my Uncle Pat approximately 25 rows from the field, the Packers entered the 3rd Quarter with a solid 27-14 lead. Early in the quarter, it was back & forth. The Packers were driving and looking to take a 3-score lead, which in essence, would have ended the game. On 4th & 1, Holmgren called a questionable run with Dorsey Levens to the outside of the field. Levens was stopped. The Patriots responded. Nerves were at an all-time high. Obviously, I'd never tasted a Packers Super Bowl Title before. I did not know what it felt like to be a Champion. After Curtis Martin cut the Packers lead to 27-21, Desmond Howard goes 99 yards for a Packers TD. Favre hits Chmura for a 2-point conversion & the lead was 14. After the Packers kicked off, it was vintage Reggie White. As the Packers faithful shouted "Reggie, Reggie" with wholehearted passion, the Minister of Defense responded. Dominating Max Lane on 3 straight plays, he sacked Drew Bledsoe twice. At this point, we knew the Packers would win Super Bowl XXXI. For the 1st time, I'd felt the Super Sensation. While the first 12 minutes of the quarter were nail biting material, the final 3 minutes were the ultimate. It was celebration time!

Continue to revel in the notion of Super Bowl XLV. Hopefully, the CBA will be agreed upon in the next week or so. If so, I'll have a post on the current state of the Packers union & how I'd approach the offseason. If it doesn't happen, I'll continue to slowly put together draft thoughts as the draft is now less than 2 months away.

Go Pack Go!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

Pre-combine Mock Draft

2011-02-21T22:35:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

The Super Bowl buzz remains stiff. The Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl Champions! For me, the defense of this title begins Thursday with the beginning of the NFL Combine. While Ted Thompson & his staff have been preparing for the 2011 NFL Draft for quite some time, I have been unable to motivate. I've been stuck in Super Bowl savoring mode. Rightfully so. However, with that said, I'm further behind in my analysis of the NFL Draft than I've been in recent memory. Sure, I watched numerous college football games in the '10 campaign & I did write the occasional "Who Are You Watching Now?" during the season, but the majority of my notes did not travel across country with me as I moved from Miami Beach to Denver. Additionally, while I still have the Senior Bowl, a couple of Senior Bowl practices & the East/West Game on DVR, I've yet to watch them in their entirety.

Any way, for those that are new to the mock draft poriton of the blog, there's one rule that I follow: In my mock draft, I don't select OL. Only because I don't follow OL closely enough during the college season. Furthering my 2011 mock draft difficulty, I feel the Packers most pressing need going into the NFL Draft is the OL. Assuming the CBA gets worked out & players are forced to play 6 years on a team before becoming an UFA, the Packers rosted will be loaded at most positions - except for the OL. On the OL, I really like Sitton. I believe he has Pro Bowl ability. I feel Bulaga has a career in the league. Then come the question marks. Clifton is aging. Colledge's career in Green Bay might be coming to a close through FA. Wells is steady, but he's in the middle-tier of NFL Centers. With regards to depth, I want to like Lang, but I'm not sure where he fits. I thought Marshall Newhouse showed a ton of progress in the preseason, but at this stage, he's a developmental prospect. Is for players like Marshall Newhouse that I hope the NFL keeps a 4-game preseason schedule. Those games are imperative to the development of late round draft picks. Continuing with the depth chart, Jason Spitz has played his last down as a Packer, Tauscher has probably done the same unless he comes back at the league minimum as a back-up, and both Nick McDonald & Evan Diedrich-Smith fit into the developmental category. Clearly, to me, the Packers need to draft OL. It just won't happen in my mock draft.

Round 1: Ted Thompson has been aggressive with winning the perimeter on the offensive side of the ball. It has been a priority of his since he took over in 2005. 5 times in 6 drafts, Thompson has drafted a pass catcher in the 1st 3 rounds (Terrance Murphy, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley). While he hasn't invested an early round pick in a pass-catcher since 2008, it wouldn't surprise me if Thompson provided Aaron Rodgers with a weapon in Round 1. After all, Donald Driver isn't getting younger, James Jones has not only disappointed - at times - but he's potentially going to be a FA, and Jord Nelson has had issues with consistency. Two WR's that are presently listed as 2-3 rounders interest me as a potential selection at #32. Don't be surprised if the stock of Leonard Hankerson, WR, []_[], climbs significantly during the combine. He has scored more TD's than any WR in the history of the []_[]. He had a great Senior Bowl. At times, in college, he was unguardable. Not afraid of traffic. He can run the deep route. He has the build that attracts Thompson's eye. For now, my 1st round pick is Hankerson. I realize that NO ONE has Hankerson as a 1st round pick. Still, it's early in the evaluation process. If, after the combine, he's still low on the totem pole, I'll reconsider.

The other WR that interests me is Titus Young, WR, Boise State. In some ways, he reminds me of DeSean Jackson. Electric with the ball. Undersized. He gets deep. He can return kicks. He, too, is listed as a 2-3 round prospect. Wouldn't shock me if he solidifies himself as a solid early round 2nd round prospect. Therefore, if we want him, we have to get him at #32.

Many consider the Packers #1 requirement to be OLB across from the Claymaker. For me, I believe that I saw enough out of Erik Walden to give him a chance to be the starting OLB across Clay. I thought Walden was a terrific addition to our defense. Still, I won't complain if the Packers #1 pick is an OLB. One of the strengths of the 1st round in the 2011 Draft might be the availability of 3-4 OLB's. Von Miller, Bruce Carter, Akeem Ayers & Justin Houston all are potential 1st round picks. I like all of them. At this stage, I see Miller, Carter & Ayers all being selected prior to #32. If Houston is available, he'd be a great pick at #32. For a while, this year, I thought Ayers was as good as any LB in the country at the college level. It'll also be interesting to track how Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue drops in coverage at the Combine. He didn't do much of it in college, but the guy could get to the QB.

If the Packers deem CB to be the pick, Aaron Williams, Texas, is the guy that interests me the most. Williams plays the run well. Also, he aggressive in coverage. To me, he fits in the Dom Capers scheme.

Round 2: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple. Perfect for the Packers 3-4. He can rush the passer. He can stop the run. He'd be a solid fit in the 2-down lineman rotating with Raji. Though Jolly should be back in 2011, I expect the Packers to lose Cullen Jenkins due to FA. While Mike Neal looks to be a gem, he has to stay healthy. I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers added depth to the DL. For now, most have Wilkerson projected as a late 2nd, early 3rd. Don't be surprised if he climbs the charts post a solid combine. But, until I see his name climbing the ranks, he's my choice.

A couple of other 2nd round prospects to keep an eye on: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado; Jerrell Jernigan, WR/KR, Troy; Brandon Hughes, CB, WVU; Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia. Smith has shut-down capabilities. Jernigan is a threat every time he touches the ball. He'd solve our return woes. Hughes, though only 5-10, was a stand-out at WVU. He battled injuries at the end of the year, so I'd check his durability. The same can be said with Dowling who could not stay healthy this year. When healthy, Dowling was a better player than Chris Cook who was the Vikings 1st selection last year.

Ryan Williams, RB, Va Tech, is a big play gamer. He has a flair for running hard & making big plays in big games. Doubt the Packers look for a RB in the early portions of the draft though.

Round 3: Presently, I see ILB as the best 3rd round value. Casey Matthews, ILB, Oregon, Greg Jones, ILB, Michigan State, and Colin McCarthy, ILB, []_[] have all grabbed my interest at this point. Naturally, I would like Matthews to be the selection as it'd be great to see the long-haired brothers manning the Packers defense. Therefore, my selection is Casey Matthews.

If Ted Thompson finally chooses a scat back who can return kicks, Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State could be the pick.

Round 4: I'm giving the Packers two 4th round picks. The bonus pick will be for Aaron Kampman. I project a 4th round compensatory pick. In the 4th round, the Packers grab Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford. At this point, Sherman is virtually off the board. No one is talking about Sherman. They will soon. From what I saw at the Senior Bowl, he has superstar potential. He reminded me a little of Al Harris. Big CB. Likes to put his hands on you. Then, he'll turn & run with you. He hasn't played a lot of CB. He's fairly raw. Thompson struck gold with Sammy Swagga, who had a similar background. Sherman learned under the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh. He'll be NFL ready.

Others: I like CB value in this draft. Chris Rucker, CB, Michigan State, Marcus Gilchrist, CB, Clemson, Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado are all names that could be solid picks in this area.

With the other 4th round pick, the Packers grab Bruce Miller, OLB, Central Florida. A classic work-hard OLB. Endless motor. Gets to the QB. Closes out games. Every time I watched UCF play, Miller was making plays in workman-like fashion.

Others: Jordan Todman, RB, UConn. I like the way Todman runs & catches the ball. If he lands in the right spot, he'll have an NFL career. Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU. Kid can flat out make plays with the ball in his hands. He, too, can return kicks.

Round 5: Noel Devine, RB, WVU. I'm amazed that most have him as a 6-7 round prospect. Unbelieveable. He was lethat - at times - in college. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat. He didn't return punts in college. I'd like to see if he can do it, but man, this guy is dangerous. He's undersized, but at this point, he seems like the classic mid-round Ted Thompson selection.

Others: At some point, Thompson will to draft a CB. Shareece Wright, CB, USC could be a solid 5th rounder. Also, at OLB, Mark Herzlich, BC would be a great value pick - if his health clears. Two years ago, he was an elite player. Now, he is a recovered cancer patient. At times, he returned to form in 2010. Will be interesting to track where he falls. WR, Terrance Tolliver, LSU, is a playmaker. He, too, can stretch the field. He'd be solid running the "go" routes that McCarthy designs down the outside of the field. He'd cause potential match-up issues on Rodgers' deep balls.

Round 6: Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama. McCarthy needs a new toy. McElroy is similar to Flynn. In college, he was a winner. Held onto the ball. Managed games. Created crucial third downs. Won a National Championship. Did a lot with his legs. Solid - at times - with his arm. When the game was on the line, he won. He has enough tools to be a weapon for McCarthy to sharpen.

Others: Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall. Undersized, but always around the ball. Great effort guy. Classic special teams wizard. Jerrell Powe, DT, Mississippi. Big boy. Questionable effort, but you gotta like the size as a 6th rounder. Made some plays against top-notch competition.

Round 7: DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, []_[]. 4 year starter. Going to be reunited with Sammy Swagga. Van Dyke might end up as a better pro than college player. Wouldn't shock me. Good size. He can run. Sees the field well.

Others: Scott Tolzien, QB, WI. Another guy that McCarthy could play with. S, Zac Etheridge, Auburn. Playmaker in the secondary for the National Champions. DT, Brandon Bair, Oregon. A little undersized, but a high energy/high effort guy who produced for Oregon. Often, he was their best defender. Good value pick.

More to come post the combine.

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

10 Most Crucial Plays of the '10 Season

2011-02-16T23:32:00.001-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

You may have noticed a post from my cousin, Emmett McKenna. If not, take a look. It's a thorough review of the Super 2010 Packers season. After the season, he mentioned that the blog inspired him to write his thoughts as well. Growing up, most Holidays were spent at either our Grandparents house or at his house talking Packers football. With that, I am stoked that Emmett will be adding his thoughts to the blog as well. Soon, I anticipate his brother, Dan, to be providing his take as well. Further, if anyone else would like to get involved, let me know & I'll set you up as an author. Further my good mate & IT Director in life, PatRad, has suggested some minor changes to the layout of the blog. So, look for those in the near future.

Damn, it feels good to be a Cheesehead! Still, I savor this Super feeling. Thoroughly. This is an easy Championship to relish. Especially as the lockout looms. Through it all, we reign supreme.

As I reflect on the 2010 Season, I've began to think of top-10 lists. But, the one that sticks in my head is the top 10 Most Crucial Plays of the '10 Season. Without these 10 plays, we might not be cherishing the view of the Claymaker holding up the Championship Belt, placing it over Aaron Rodgers' shoulder, and pointing in his direction. Damn, what an epic sight. Ingrained in the mind forever. Seemingly best friends. Teammates. A leader on defense. A leader on offense. Ours. For today. And for tomorrow. Brilliant!

10.) Coming into the season, one could argue that the biggest hurdle the Packers needed to leap was the aura of good ol' #4. Under the lights. Sunday Night Football. At Lambeau Field. We got our chance at revenge. CJ Wilson applied the pressure. Desmond Bishop made the play. Intercepting the gunslinger & returning it 32 yards for a TD. This was the "monkey of the back" game of the year. I believe it to be a unifying game for the locker room.

9.) Opening week. In Philly. Mid-way through the 3rd Quarter, it looked as if the Packers might roll over the Eagles. Then, Michael Vick took over. Looking unstoppable, Vick led the Eagles into Packers territory late in the 4th. Trailing by 7. Facing 4th & 1, Andy Reid called for a QB Sneak. Clay plugged the hole. Brad Jones & Nick Barnett came in to assist & the Packers escaped with victory. This play set the tone for the season. 7 more times after this game, the Packers defense made a 4th quarter stop to preserve victory. 6 of those occasions occurred in the waning moments of a contest.

8.) Facing the #1 seed in the NFC. On the road. In what was a hostile environment. Leading 21-14. Less than 10 seconds in the half. The Falcons gambled. T-Mon played the role of Kenny Rogers. The celebration ensued. The feeling was TRAMONDOUS!

7.) Week 17. Lambeau Field. The hated Bears in town. A playoff berth on the line. Trailing 3-0 in the 3rd Quarter. Seemingly, momentum was fully on the side of the Bears as they were near the red zone & threatening to take a 2-score lead. Then, Ray Nutler arrived. Lofting a beautifully thrown pass into the arms of Charlie Peprah, the 2010 Season had life.

6.) The NFC Championship. Soldier Field. Halas Trophy at stake. After knocking Nutler out with a mysterious injury, it looked as though the Packers would walk away with a convincing victory. Until we discovered that the Bears best QB was their 3rd stringer, Caleb Hanie. Hanie led a valiant comeback attempt. He got the Bears within striking distance until Sammy Swagga jumped in front of a 4th down crossing route. Trump card. Forever. The thought never gets old. Halas Trophy. Visitors Locker Room. Pop Tarts!

5.) NFC Championship. Freezer > Fridge. Totally crucial. 'Nuff said.

4.) NFC Wild Card. Once again, Vick was driving. Looking to give the Packers another heartbreaking playoff defeat in Philly. Much like 1960 & 2003. Then, T-Mon introduced himself to the 2010 Playoffs. Soon he'd become the Defensive MVP of the playoffs. TRAMONDOUS!

3.) Leading by 3. With the ball. Needing to milk the clock. And, hopefully add points to a nail-biter of a Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers gave us a moment we'll remember forever. I've watched this play about 100 times - probably more. 3rd & 10. It wasn't the TD on Ike Taylor that Lil Wayne envisioned, but man, it was just as nice. Marvelously threaded to Greg Jennings. Off the finger tips of Taylor. In front of Polamalu. Into the hands of Jennings. Legitimately beautiful. True courage displayed by the MVP.

2.) By now, we've all seen the NFLN Sound FX. But, the Kevin Greene & Clay Matthews conversation is priceless. The full-blown conversation is extraordinary. Clay understanding Greene's message. Pre-snap, Clay recognizes the play. Clay instructs Pickett - leading his teammate in the right direction. Pickett does his job. Clay goes in unblocked & forces the fumble. Desmond Bishop recovers. Perfection.

1.) While the #1 play should be the Miracle @ the Meadowlands - as without this play the Packers would not have made the playoffs - my #1 play still involves DeSean Jackson. Potentially, this entire playoff run would have been erased had it not been for a Desmond Bishop tackle with less than 2 minutes in the NFC Wild Card. While it's true that the Super Bowl MVP would have got the ball with a chance at either tying or winning the game with approximately a minute left, the circumstance would not have been welcoming. Just to replay: Desmond Bishop, INSIDE LINEBACKER, stopped his college teammate, DeSean Jackson, one of the most lethal open field runners with nothing but green in front of him. It looked as though Jackson would take it all of the way if not for Bishop's arm tackle in the open field. To this day, that replay is cause for a deep breath. Hell, after typing it, I had to exhale. In my mind, without this tackle, there is no T-Mon interception to seal it. There is no celebration in Atlanta. There is no TRUMP CARD over the Bears & the ultimate reminder that the Bears still suck! Without this play, we are not Super Bowl Champions. Thus, for me, the #1 most crucial play of the 2010 Season is the Bishop tackle & regardless of what happens over the next 4 years of his contract, due to this play alone, he's already a financial bargain.

Once again, I'd like to welcome Emmett & soon-to-be, Danny. Again, if anyone else would like to provide their buzz, hit me up.

I've got the Senior Bowl & East-West Shrine Games on DVR. The combine is coming fast. We may not have FA, but we'll have a draft. We'll keep you updated with thoughts leading up to the Draft. But, for now, it's sweet to enjoy this SUPER feeling.

Go Pack Go!

Cheers,

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

The Packers Won the Super Bowl! Season in Review.

2011-02-15T21:41:00.003-05:00

Before the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl, I wrote “notes” on Facebook about the upcoming games. My cousin Scott’s weekly blog updates inspired me to write those notes, and I enjoyed doing them, so he invited me to write for his blog, which I gladly accepted. So thank you for the opportunity Scott! Since this is my first post on the blog, it will be long because I’m going to recap the season for me, and I’m still excited about the Super Bowl win so I have a lot to write! So this will be a summary of what was an unbelievable season for me.

I had high expectations going into the season, but I had some concerns going into the season that not many other people were talking about. My main concern was what were the Packers going to do at nickel back? It was no secret that after Al Harris got hurt last year, their defense was vulnerable to good passing teams. Many people told me the cornerback situation wouldn’t be a problem since Al Harris would return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after week 6. That never eased my concerns though. What were they going to do those first six weeks at corner? I didn’t trust Brandon Underwood, Pat Lee, or Jarrett Bush. Besides, even after Al Harris returns, he was never that fast of a corner anyway, he’s getting older, and he just blew out his knee the previous year. How well would he be able to overcome that injury, and would he ever been his old self? I didn’t think he was a particularly good fit for the 3-4 defense either, so I was never confident of him making a big impact this year.

So the nickel back was my fear coming into the season, but I was wrong. Not because Al Harris would come back and make an impact: he didn’t. They released him mid-season and never took him off the PUP list. The Dolphins signed him only to release him later in the season. I was right about Al Harris, he’s done. But the guy who stepped up into that nickel spot right away in the season and played fantastic was not one of the three veterans I mentioned in the previous paragraph; it was an undrafted rookie from the University of Miami: Sam Shields. When the Packers signed him as a free agent, I was excited: not because of his cornerback ability, but I thought he would be a good kick returner. My only knowledge of him was watching him return a kickoff for 84 yards against the Badgers in the 2009 Champ Sports Bowl. So I was excited the Packers found a kick returner finally.

Well what I didn’t realize: Sam Shields can’t catch kickoffs. The 84 yard return I saw was a reverse to him, and apparently for good reason. But little did I know that Sam Shields would fill that nickel slot and possibly be one of the best nickel backs in the league (though when Shields is in, which is the majority of snaps, he’s on the outside and Charles Woodson actually plays the nickel slot). I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong: I wanted the Packers to draft Kyle Wilson, cornerback out of Boise State, in the 2010 draft. They took Brian Bulaga at 23 instead, and he did a good (not amazing, but good) job as a starting tackle in his rookie season. Kyle Wilson went to the Jets at 29, and he saw very little playing time. So at least for this season, he didn’t live up to what was expected of him. Sam Shields was one of two best rookie cornerbacks this year, and he was undrafted. The other, Devin McCourtney, went at 27, four picks after Bulaga. So while McCourtney would’ve been a solid pick as well, we got Bulaga AND Sam Shields. So, once again, Ted Thompson proves he knows what he’s doing better than the fans. But Sam Shields emerged as the nickel back the Packers needed to be an elite team and defense, and nobody saw that coming.

So the nickel back wasn’t a problem all year; in fact, it was the opposite, the Packers played the nickel back something like 75% of the time, unheard of in the NFL, and they had a lot of success in it. They actually were more of a 2-4-5 team than a 3-4 team. If I knew the nickel back problem would be resolved, I would’ve been very confident going into the season, but of course, other problems arose.
The Packers suffered more significant injuries than any team in the NFL. To name a few of the most significant ones: starting runningback Ryan Grant went out for the season week 1, starting inside linebacker and former All-Pro Nick Barnett went out for the season in week 4 ,and starting tight end and possibly the second most talented player on offense (next to Aaron Rodgers) Jermichael Finley went out for the season in week 5. These are just three of the sixteen players who went on injury reserve for the season; many others would’ve been huge for the team as well. It didn’t make me feel any more confident when the Packers started 3-3, with 3 close losses. And they failed to trade a third round pick for Marshawn Lynch, a guy who I thought would’ve been a big help to the Packers. So six weeks into the season I was not confident at all.

But the Packers pulled off some impressive victories to get me excited again. They shut-out the Jets in New York, which few expected. They beat the Vikings twice, including a 31-3 beat down in Minnesota that cost Brad Childress his job. They dominated Dallas on Sunday Night Football, which also cost Wade Phillips his job. While you might say beating Dallas and Minnesota doesn’t mean much now, these were two teams expected to make possible Super Bowl runs going into the season, and both of them have a lot of talent on them. These were some big wins for the Packers, but questions still arose if they could win a close game.
Then they went to Atlanta, considered the best team in the NFC at the time. They played a great game and should’ve won big, but some crucial turnovers and a defensive letdown at the end allowed the Falcons a last second winning field goal. This seemed too familiar to Packers fans; they could play with anyone, but they had trouble sealing the deal. The following week they beat up a bad 49ers team, who would also later fire their coach in the season. It was a nice win, but didn’t answer some of my concerns.

The next week came the low point of the Packers season. The Packers lost to the Lions in Detroit 7-3. Aaron Rodgers missed over a half with a concussion, but he didn’t look very effective in the game when he was in either. Not to mention, the Lions were on their third string quarterback Drew Stanton. The defense played good for the most part, but the offense was terrible. And the Packers fell far behind in the race for the division title, and the wild card was even a long shot. Even Scott, perhaps the most optimistic Packer fan I know (which I love about him), said in his blog that this loss was probably the end of the season and he said “barring a near miracle, the 2010 season looks as though it'll go down as the most disappointing Packers season of my life.” I shared his sentiment though.

The following week was an interesting week for the Packers. First they were playing the Patriots in New England, who were the hottest team in football at the time. Aaron Rodgers was out with a concussion, and Matt Flynn was making his first career start. Everyone was picking a Patriot domination, including me. I made score predictions throughout the season, and I expected the Patriots to win huge in that game, which I don’t think I ever did before. But the Packers shocked people, they outplayed the Patriots, and ended up losing by 4 points on the final play after giving up some inexcusable plays to help the Patriots out. They lost, but the team learned that, even without their starting quarterback, they could play with the best teams in the league. However, the close loss, while impressive, continued to raise the question if they could win big games. But even with that impressive loss, they got huge help with the Eagles mounting a major comeback, and returning a punt for a touchdown in the last seconds, to defeat the Giants. The Buccaneers also lost. So all the Packers had to do was win their next two games, both at home, but both against good opponents: the Giants and the Bears. Then they would qualify for the playoffs. So to win the Super Bowl, the Packers needed to win six straight games – no easy take, regardless of the opponents.

I went to the Giants game in Green Bay the following week, unfortunately the only game I went to this season. For both teams, it was practically a playoff game. Giants would’ve qualified with a win, and the Packers would’ve been eliminated. But the Packers just dominated the game and won 45-17 and an extremely fun game to go to for me. Aaron Rodgers looked fantastic in first game back from a concussion.

The next week, the Packers played one of their two biggest rivals, the Chicago Bears (between them and the Vikings, depends on who you talk to). The Bears were playing for nothing except to keep their momentum going and to try to knock their divisional rival out of the playoffs, who they likely feared making it knowing how good of a team they were. The Bears played their starters the entire game and put 100% effort into it, which I was very impressed with and I gained respect for Lovie Smith for going all out in a meaningless game for his team. However, the Packers won a close game 10-3, after the Bears drove down the field at the end only to throw a game ending interception. Note the defense making a huge stop in the late game to secure the victory in a close game: this becomes a trend. And this is not something I don’t think most Packer fans are used to.

So the Packers qualified for the playoffs and were playing against the Eagles in Philadelphia! This was actually the game of the playoffs I felt least confident about. Their first game of the season: played the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly. The Packers won in Philadelphia in week 1, but it was a close game, and Michael Vick only played a half after Kevin Kolb got a concussion. This was the beginning of Vick’s “comeback season.” Vick played very well and brought the Eagles back into the game; however, Dom Capers was gameplanning for a Kolb team, and Vick presented a whole new challenge. Nonetheless, the Packers stopped Vick and the Eagles late to hold onto a close win. Early on, the Packers attacked the Eagles early and often, and James Stark had his national coming out party. They had a chance to put the game out of reach by halftime, but James Jones dropped a major touchdown just before halftime that may have sealed the game (I have more thoughts on James Jones that I’ll save for another blog post). However, the Eagles made a late push for a lead on the last drive of the game, and Tramon Williams had a game ending interception in the end zone. Finally the nation learned what Packers fans knew all season: Tramon Williams is one of the elite cornerbacks in the NFL.

So the Packers headed to the #1 seed Atlanta, where they lost on a last second field a couple months earlier. The Falcons were 13-3, “Matty Ice” Ryan was 20-2 at home in his NFL career, and the Falcons were coming off a bye so they were well rested. But I felt more confident about this game than I did the Eagles. I never believed the Falcons were that good of a team, mostly just a lucky team. So I picked the Packers to win, which some people gave me grief for since I had a bad record picking Packer games in the regular season. But I honestly did not see the Packers losing to the Falcons. I just expected the game to be close. Early on, it looked like it would be close, or the Falcons might dominate. They scored early and were winning at two different points in the first quarter (the ONLY game the Packers trailed in the playoffs from what I recall… Think about that for a second). But the Packers dominated that game like I’ve rarely seen in the playoffs, and Aaron Rodgers had one of the all-time best playoff games in NFL history: 31/36 for 366 yards, 3 touchdowns passing, and another touchdown rushing. Unbelievable. But as impressive as Aaron Rodgers was, the play that changed the game and was the most important came from Tramon Williams. The Falcons had success rushing against the Packers the first time they played, and they had success at the beginning of the play-off game. So their gameplan was to continue running on the Packers, but with the Packers holding a 21-14 lead shortly before halftime, the Falcons tried to gain a few yards to get in better field goal position. Matt Ryan threw an out to Roddy White, but Tramon Williams stepped in front of it and impressively returned it for a touchdown. Instead of it being 21-17 going into halftime, it was 28-14, and the Packers commanded the game the rest of the way. The Falcons had to abandon the run, and Matt Ryan had no success passing on the Packers defense. Aaron Rodgers was hot, so the Falcons couldn’t afford to try to get in a shoot-out with the Packers. After the dominating 48-21 performance, I honestly believed the Packers had a good chance to win the Super Bowl, though I still remained nervous.

Then the Packers returned to Chicago to play their divisional rival Bears in the NFC Championship. The oldest rivals in the NFL meet for a chance to go to the Super Bowl. The Bears beat the Packers early in the season in Chicago on a last second field goal, in a game where the Packers committed an absurd 18 penalties. The Packers beat the Bears in the final regular season game to qualify for the playoffs, but it was a close (10-3) game, and the Bears were driving at the end to tie or possibly win before a Packers interception. The game was meaningless for the Bears: they were the #2 seed in the playoffs, win or lose, but they played because they wanted momentum and they wanted to knock the Packers out of the playoffs. I told my brother Dan I had a lot of respect for Lovie Smith for playing that game so hard. Going into the NFC Championship, I had no question the Packers were the better team, but I also knew the Bears always played the Packers tough, and for whatever reason, Aaron Rodgers had more trouble with the Bears defense than anyone else. I watched the game at my brother Dan’s house, and the night before, we watched a replay of the earlier Packers loss to the Bears on the NFL Network. After watching that, I was more convinced than ever that the Packers would win; the Packers should’ve dominated that game if not for so many uncharacteristic mental mistakes.

The Packers got off to an early lead against the Bears and looked like they were going to run away from the game. Just before half, as the Bears were driving for points, but Sam Shields came away with a crucial interception, preserving a 14-0 lead. But Jay Cutler got hurt and only played for a little over a half, and I said to Dan that this might actually be bad for the Packers: without Cutler, Mike Martz might actually run the ball, which is the way I predicted the Bears would be able to beat the Packers. Martz is too stubborn to run the ball with his starting quarterbacks, and has cost his teams many victories because of this (See: Super Bowl Eventually the Bears did have some success running the ball and third string QB Haleb Canie was looking decent, and it changed the momentum some. They cut the lead 14-7, and I was nervous. Then B.J. Raji, underrated but dominant second year defensive tackle, dropped in a zone blitz and intercepted a pass, running it in for a touchdown – a 340lb guy scoring a touchdown in the NFC Championship game! Dan, my sister-in-law Jeanne, their kids, and I celebrated like the Packers made the Super Bowl! We thought that was game: a 14 point lead in the fourth quarter should’ve sealed it. But Haleb Canie drove the Bears down to a score to cut it to 21-14, the Packers offense stuttered on the next drive, and the game seemed in question. The Bears were driving the field again, but on 4th down Sam Shields came away with his second interception to clinch the game. Remember, the initial concern I had coming into season was the Packers nickel back, and in the NFC Championship game, an undrafted rookie came away with two interceptions as a nickel back! Sam Shields was a significant piece that helped lead the Packers to the Super Bowl.

So after the Packers beat the Bears, Dan, Jeanne, and I watched to see who the Packers would face in the Super Bowl: Steelers or Jets. I figured the Steelers would win, but I was much more confident that the Packers could beat the Jets. The Steelers jumped out to an early lead, but the Jets rallied just to fall short at the end (similar to the Packers victory over the Bears). At the beginning of the game, I thought the Steelers would beat the Packers, but after watching them I became less convinced. I thought the Packers had a legitimate shot at beating the Steelers in the Super Bowl! But I still had my doubts.

The two weeks between the NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl were exciting, but nerve wrecking. I spent a lot of free time thinking about the individual matchups and the different game plans trying to figure out who had the edge. Honestly, there were nights I had trouble falling asleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about the game. But the more I thought about it, the more convinced I became the Packers had the edge and probably should win. The Steelers were a good team and I wasn’t discounting them winning by any means, but I believed the Packers had the advantage. The one thing people kept saying was “the Steelers had the advantage in Super Bowl experience.” I never bought that; that may help the Steelers during Media Day, but once the game starts, it’s still football, and both teams have experience playing football. So I tried to think about other ways the Steelers could win: one thing people were saying was the Steelers had a good running game and the Packers run defense was vulnerable. The Packers run defense wasn’t spectacular during the season, but it also wasn’t as bad as people made it seem. Remember, the Packers played with 2 defensive linemen on the majority of plays, which may have left them open to the run a little more. So teams would break off nice runs and occasionally get some yards on the ground, but I said few teams were able to drive down the field running the ball against the Packers. So I discounted the significance of the two advantages the Steelers supposedly had over the Packers: experience and the running game.

I thought a lot about how the Packers could win the game. Teams haven’t effectively rushed against the Steelers all season, and the Packers running game obviously wasn’t their strength. But the Steelers pass defense was vulnerable; their secondary was not that good, and with Aaron Rodgers spreading the field with four fast receivers in a dome, I thought the Packers offense could score on the Steelers. The more I thought about it, the more confident I became. I even took the step to call into a national sports radio show for the first time ever (Sean Pendergast) the Friday night before the game to explain how I believed the Packers would win by spreading the field and throwing on the Steelers. Sean, while picking the Steelers, admitted I made a solid point, and after the Packers won by doing what I said, he gave me credit for it on Monday.

I didn’t expect the win to come easy. I knew the Steelers would put up a fight, but I didn’t expect that fight to include losing a starting wide receiver and two starting cornerbacks (I consider Sam Shields a starter since the Packers play the nickel more than a standard 3-4) who were so important to our team. While I expected the game to be close, the Packers jumped out to a huge 21-3 lead early in the game, and I started to think it would be a blow-out. The Steelers had some success running against the Packers, but not enough to sustain long drives against the Packers. Also, great passing by Aaron Rodgers and a huge interception returned for a touchdown by Nick Collins gave the Packers a large lead and made the Steelers more pass oriented (like the Packers game against the Falcons). But then the injuries started: Driver, Shields, Woodson, all missed over a half of the game, and the Steelers cut it to 21-10 at halftime. The injuries to Driver, Woodson, and Shields changed everything, and I became extremely nervous. Now the Packers really needed their backup receivers and cornerbacks to step up and make plays.

So at halftime of the Super Bowl, my concern returned to the concern I had in the pre-season for the Packers: the cornerback position. With losing Sam Shields and Charles Woodson, the Packers needed to depend on both Pat Lee and Jarrett Bush to keep the Steelers from scoring! The thought of this terrified me: last year the Steelers scored 37 points against the Packers when Jarrett Bush was the nickel back, and this is when Charles Woodson was still in the lineup! The Packers offense obviously needed to step up too to put up enough points to fend off the Steelers, so the pressure was on.

And the Packers did not handle the pressure well at first. Brett Swain, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones dropping crucial passes kept the Steelers in the game. Jordy Nelson had a good game overall, but dropped a few significant passes that I have trouble forgiving him for. I do not care to see James Jones and Brett Swain on the roster next season because I think the Packers can upgrade at the position and be even more dangerous offensively, but I’ll save that for another post. Meanwhile, Jarrett Bush, while having a nice pick in the first half, got embarrassed on a touchdown by Hines Ward that cut the lead to 4. If the receivers wouldn't have dropped so many balls, and the cornerbacks didn't get hurt, this game would have been a blow-out.

The Steelers got the ball back in good field position, and looked to take their first lead of the game. Cameras caught Outside Linebackers coach Kevin Greene (former Steeler) saying to Clay Matthews before the play “Since Woodson is out, NO ONE has stepped up as a leader. It’s time… It’s time.” I found these to be beautiful words of encouragement trying to get a young star and future leader to step up into his role. Then before the play, Clay told the defense “I think they’re running at me, they’re looking at me… This play is headed toward me!” On the next play, Rashard Mendenhall got the ball and was headed toward Clay’s side, but first he got nailed in the backfield by both Ryan Pickett and Clay, and Clay’s hit knocked the ball loose, which Desmond Bishop scooped up. This play was a significant game-changer that swung momentum back in the Packers’ favor.

The Packers had good field position and they were looking to takeover this game. Aaron Rodgers, despite his receivers’ drops, was not giving up and drove the Packers down to take a 28-17 lead with a Greg Jennings touchdown. I celebrated, but I knew this game was far from over. The Steelers got the ball back, drove the field, and beat an injured Sam Shields for a touchdown. Shields wanted to try to play through his injury, but only made it a few plays. The Steelers convert the two-point conversion and it’s 28-25 with plenty of time left.

The Packers next drive was crucial for the Packers: they desperately needed points and to take time off the clock. This drive could have been a legendary drive for Rodgers. How would he respond? It didn’t look good at first and second down, but on third and 10, Rodgers hits Jennings running a seam route for a huge gain. This was one of the biggest plays of the game for the Packers. It kept the Steelers offense off the field and they would have had good field position. The Packers continued to drive, and McCarthy trusted in his quarterback on this drive, just like he needed to. However, the Packers stalled on third and goal and had to settle for a field goal. The field goal helped because it made the Steelers score a touchdown, but the Packers needed a touchdown to seal the game there. It was a good drive , but that drive wasn’t the legendary drive Packer fans hoped for because once again, just like against the Eagles and the Bears twice during this “must win” span of six games, the Packers offense was unable to seal the game and depended on the defense to stop the opposing team from taking the lead or tying the game.

We all know: Roethlisberger has had a last minute Super Bowl comeback before. Could he do it again against the Packers fourth and fifth string cornerbacks? I didn’t feel very confident in the Packers chances of stopping the Steelers since I don’t trust Jarrett Bush or Pat Lee on defense. The Steelers gained a first down on the first play, then gained five yards. Then Dom Capers decided the Packers needed to put some pressure on Big Ben or his cornerbacks would get eaten up. So he started blitzing heavier, and this worked. Under pressure, Big Ben missed his next two throws, so it was fourth and five. Mike Wallace runs a curl route and Big Ben throws it to him, but Tramon Williams (hero of so many games this season) reads the play and swats the ball away. Ball game. The Packers could just take a victory kneel down.

The Packers won the Super Bowl! I still can’t believe it. What an impressive six game run to end the season too. In the six must-win games for the Packers, they beat teams with a combined record (including playoffs) of 71-34, which is equal to about 68%. That is remarkable to beat so many good teams in a row, and three of those were away, and one was neutral. Also as impressive was not only the injuries the Packers overcame during the season, but overcoming the injuries in the Super Bowl. My biggest fear coming into the season is that the Packers would have Jarrett Bush, Pat Lee, or Brandon Underwood as their nickel back, and I don’t like any of them. I thought that was the Packers weakness. As I said earlier, Shields filled that roll for the season. But in the Super Bowl, with Woodson and Shields out, both Jarrett Bush and Pat Lee are playing! You can imagine how nervous that made me. But honestly, they did a serviceable job; they weren’t great (Bush had an interception, but also got beat pretty bad for a touchdown), but it wasn’t a disaster like I would’ve expected. What an incredible season for the Packers, and barring a major injury to Aaron Rodgers, you have to think they’ll continue to contend for years. Sure, we thought the same thing about the 96 Packers, but they were an older team and Holmgren had bigger aspirations. The Packers are young and their GM and coach situation should be stable for years to come. If there is a season next year, I am optimistic about the Packers chances. If the deal doesn’t get done until August or September, it will – in a way – favor the Packers since they have such continuity, and teams implementing new schemes or bringing in a lot of new players will struggle.

This post ended up being much longer – and taking much longer – than I initially anticipated, but I enjoyed going back and thinking about the season again. I can’t wrap up a Super Bowl season as exciting as this one without rambling on! Look for a future post about what the Packers should or will do in the off-season whenever that off-season occurs, then I’ll also write one (or more) about the draft.

My Take -> Super Bowl XLV Champions!

2011-02-09T01:34:00.002-05:00

Greetings, G-Force.

I went to my 1st game in December of 1982. I remember it vividly. My Mom & Dad took my brother, Chad, & I to Lambeau Field to take on the Detroit Lions. The Packers were in the thick of the NFC Central race. I remember my Dad telling us about the Lions RB, Billy Sims, & their best WR, Freddie Scott. Not knowing any better, I thought it was cool that I shared a name with Freddie Scott. Foolishly, I asked if I should cheer for him if he scored. My Dad promptly educated me that we never cheer for the rival at Lambeau Field. I remember Freddie Scott scoring a TD & thinking that it would have been nice if I could have cheered for him. We were sitting in Section 22. The Packers got crushed by the Lions.

Later that year, I went to my first playoff game. The Wild Card game against the St. Louis Cardinals. James Lofton & John Jefferson had legendary performances. I remember going to McDonald's during the week after the game with the Flanagan's. Sean & I fell in love with Jefferson. When we'd play backyard football, we'd pretend to be him. Chad had fallen in love with Lofton & Paul Coffman. Chad loved Coffman so much that he mastered the down-and-out & the down-and-in routes. When we played backyard football, Sean & I couldn't stop those routes.

By 1983, I was regularly attending home games with my Mom, Dad, & Chad. When the Packers beat the Redskins in the famed MNF game, Chad & I were unable to attend due to my parents school curfew. We were supposed to be in bed at halftime. Instead, we simply shut the door to the bedroom & turned the volume down low. I remember Chad jumping up out of bed & pumping his fist after Mark Moseley missed the chip-shot FG.

By this time, every Sunday morning, Chad & I would sit outside the bathroom as my Dad would get ready in the morning. The three of us would have a weekly Fantasy Football Draft. We'd only select Green Bay Packers. Mixing Eddie Lee Ivery, Jessie Clark, Gerry Ellis, & Harlan Huckleby, we all got a RB. Combining WR & TE, we'd mix Lofton, Jefferson, Coffman & Philip Epps. Chad would normally win because he'd select Coffman first.

By 1984, we'd occasionally attend my Uncle Tim's tailgate parties. My cousin, Danny, Chad, & I would whip a football around Lambeau's parking lot. The Packers were our religion. We lived for the Bears game & the "F@ck Chicago!" shirts that were sold. We were constantly belting out "the Bears Still Suck!"

In 1985, Chad & I sat through the Snow Bowl. I was 8 years old. Today, that game would be canceled.

Fast forward to 1996. By now, I quit my summer job so I could attend the Packers practice. I went to everyone practice that was open to the public. I went to 10 regular season games. I went to the two playoff games. I went to the Super Bowl with my Uncle Pat, Aunt Kathy & Aunt Mary. Sitting next to my Uncle Pat, he famously suggested, "now, we'll find out what Champions are made of." The next play Desmond Howard returned the KO 99 yards for a TD.

In 1997, the Super Bowl was played on my 21st Birthday. I was in SD for the game with my Mom & my Dad. After the loss, beer didn't taste good.

In 1998, my Grandpa bought me stock in the Green Bay Packers. My share allows me to lay claim to franchise ownership!

Speeding ahead to 2005, I was pissed the Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers. I wanted Odell Thurman.

In 2007, after the NFC Championship, I remember sitting in the parking lot with my Mom, PatRad & Vargas. Total buzzkill. We were listening to the post-game show. When I heard Mike McCarthy speak, I was convinced that he'd bring the Packers the Super Bowl Championship. In my blog, I compared the '07 vibe to the devastation of '03. And on January 27, 2008, I wrote:

"The major difference between '03 and '07 is that I trust Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy. While in Green Bay, prior to the game, I read a terrific quote from Ted Thompson:

'The difference between winning and losing in the NFL is so small. But the emotions that are attached to them - winning and losing - are so different. When you lose, it feels as though something inside of you has died. When you win, you've never felt more alive.'

Post the loss, during Mike McCarthy's interview, Larry McCarren asked McCarthy if he'd look at this season as a successful one after the dust has settled...

And McCarthy responded, 'I will look at this year as a season of exceptional progress, but we had our eyes on the target. And today, we missed a terrific opportunity to win the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field.'

In light of these two statements, I feel that our franchise is in good hands. I trust McCarthy and Thompson. I'm happy that both are going to be locked up for 5 more years."

Which brings me to 2010. Aaron Rodgers, I apologize. I was wrong. Today, you are a Super Bowl MVP. And I wear YOUR NAME on MY BACK every time that you step onto the football field. You've become an idol of mine, Aaron. I admire you. So do your competitors.

To Mike McCarthy & Ted Thompson, I'm glad that I have stood by your side. It should be noted that during this stretch, McCarthy beat Tom Coughlin, Lovie Smith (twice), Andy Reid, Mike Smith & Mike Tomlin. I wonder if anyone questions whether he can out-smart a good coach in a big game anymore?

The 2010 NFL Season goes down as the most emotional season that I've endured. Coming into the season, we had heightened expectations. Injuries seemed to have derailed those aspirations. Sparked by an elite defense & the Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings combination, once again the Packers had life. At times, they looked invincible. Then, came the "Disaster at Detroit." I declared it as "the day the music died." I felt the season was over.

And then, irony occurred.

While I have always stood in Thompson's corner, I wished he had made two decisions. I wanted Randy Moss in 2007. And I wanted DeSean Jackson in the 2008 NFL Draft. He passed on Jackson for Jordy Nelson. The irony: The Packers should fit Jackson for a Super Bowl ring. Without him, we would not have made the playoffs. His Miracle in the Meadowlands gave the Packers life & proved that God is a Packers fan. Then, in the Super Bowl, Nelson came up HUGE with 9 receptions and the game's 1st TD. Say what you will about the drops & yes, Nelson dropped 4 balls, but Jordy Nelson was a match-up nightmare for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 6 game playoff season for the Packers goes down as the most legendary performance in my lifetime. Undoubtedly. 6 games. All against quality opponents. In each game, we were clearly the better team. In fact, we were Super!

The playoff game in Atlanta with my brother, Bob, is the most celebratory I've ever been during a Packers game. My throat hurt for 2 weeks. Seriously. Zero exaggeration. My wife even suggested that I see a Doctor.

My trip to Dallas began with a special surprise. I was late to board a plane. Scrambling to find a seat, I grabbed a middle seat. I asked this young lady if the middle seat was open. She responded, "you're just lucky you're a Packers fan. Otherwise, I'd have kicked you to the back."

Her name was Catherine Lundy. She was an ultimate Packer fan. She knew the history. And all the details. The Packers were as much her life as they were mine. Instantly, we were best friends. Sharing stories, the flight flew by. She told me that she wrote her thesis analyzing the media's response to Brett Favre's back-to-back retirements. Further, she coined the term "TRAMONDOUS!" From here on out, I'll use it as my own.

Walking thru the NFL Experience on Saturday, we saw Kevin Greene. Yes, the same Kevin Greene that struck fear in offenses while he wore the Black & Yellow of Pittsburgh in the '90's. Well, on this day, he was decked out with a Packers shirt, a Packers coat, and a Packers visor. I couldn't help myself. I patted him on the back as he walked by. His loyalties were with us. No doubt about it. It was clear for all to see.

After a 2-hour wait to get into the Stadium, we were in our seats. 21 rows from the field. Beauty!

Small Observations from the game:

The Packers showed up with a playful business approach. The Steelers looked lackadaisical. I commented to my Dad that the two teams warmed up similarly to the way the Packers & Broncos warmed up in '97. The Steelers looked like the '97 Packers, while the Packers looked like the '97 Broncos. Small reminder, the final of the '97 contest: 31-24. Super Bowl XLV final score: 31-25.

This was the 5th time I've been around a Super Bowl. This was the 3rd I've attended & the '06 & '09 Super Bowls were in my backyard. For each, I attended pre-game festivities and for all but the '96 Bowl, I went to the NFL Experience. I caught the vibe. This game was unique. Both teams fans were full of class. It was total respect. I give the Steelers fans mighty props. They were louder than Packers fans. They had more fans in attendance than us. In the 3rd Quarter, they helped change the tide of the game.

It was the first time I'd ever studied James Starks' pre-game movements. He's excitable. A leader. He & Edgar Bennett had great camaraderie. A treat to witness.

It was evident early in the game that McCarthy & Rodgers liked the Jordy Nelson vs. Bryant McFadden match-up.

The 3rd & 10 Rodgers to Jennings strike on the final possession was simply sublime. A play for the ages. Vintage, Aaron Rodgers. One of those moments where prior to the play, you say to yourself, "I like the Steelers defense. But, I love my QB!"

The best pre-game shirt that I saw read: Hey Ben! Everyone loves a BJ! Beneath that slogan was a picture of Raji. Yes, that was true brilliance.

Tom Crabtree with the diving catch!

I give "Z" huge props for his performance. Big spin move sack to knock the Steelers out of reasonable FG range. And the miss that ensued on the following play was one of the biggest plays of the game.

The Claymaker causes the fumble! And Des Bishop scoops it up.

Quite fitting that T-Mon made the final play of the post-season. He was the most dominant Defensive Player of the Postseason & the runner-up MVP of the Playoffs. TRAMONDOUS!

I give Sammy Swagga massive props for fighting thru pain & giving it all he had.

Howard Green with the pressure leading to Nintendo Nick grabbing the pick-6! Thanks to Nintendo Nick for accurately proving the laws of probability. With the interception for a TD, Nick Collins joins Willie Wood & Herb Adderley as the players with big-time interceptions in the Super Bowl for the Packers. Only Adderley & Collins have had Super Bowl interceptions that were returned to paydirt. It should be noted that both Adderley & Wood are Hall of Famers. I'm not sayin'. I'm just sayin'. Collins has been to 3 straight Pro Bowls. Again, I'm just sayin'. I love Collins' heart & determination. Battling dehydration. Selling his soul. He's a champion. A Super Bowl Champion.

Desmond Bishop is a beast. A leader on our defense. A staple in the heart of the 3-4 for years to come.

While Charlie Peprah didn't make the tackle as often as I'd have liked, it was good to see him in position.

AJ Hawk viciously finishing plays.

Thought Clifton & Bulaga did a solid job on Harrison & Woodley.

My apologies to J-Bush. You came thru. After rightfully cursing you in '07, now, I'll remember you for stepping in front of Big Ben's pass, which led to 7 points for the Packers.

Jennings grabs the TD! Absorbs the Polamalu hit! Gives the ring motion & in essence, he "cut Troy Polamalu's hair off!"

Aaron Rodgers = MVP. Get used to it.

Sir Charles has a full trophy mantle! In some way, I hope the City of Green Bay permanently acknowledges him as a Knight. Forever, his presence shall remain.

Double-D has his ring!

Dom Capers > Dick LeBeau. No disrespect. It's truth.

The relationship between Aaron Rodgers & Mike McCarthy is unmatched in the NFL today. True admiration.

Watching Kevin Greene on the sidelines is an absolute treat. Capers provides the brains from the booth. Greene provides the energy from the sidelines. Great design. A winning combination.

It'd be great if we could keep our coaching staff together through at least the 2011 NFL Season.

When Clay popped the Championship belt over Aaron Rodgers, while Rodgers was holding the Lombardi Trophy, it was the greatest sports moment my eyes have witnessed.

For this trip to Dallas, I was with my Dad, my Mom, & my brother, Chad. Just as it all began for me. My brother, Bob, and my wife, A*, were severely missed. So was my nephew, Chai. In the 2011 Super Bowl, in Indy, I hope we'll all be together. With the Packers as our religion. And the Super Bowl as our tradition.

As I walked out of my final bar of the trip to Dallas, it was semi-quiet. Near 1:00 am. In full throat, I belted out "Hey Packers fans!" I had EVERYONE in the bars attention. To paraphrase, I followed with, "If you're a part of the G-Force, raise your index finger! We've earned this. And the Lombardi Trophy is coming home. Go Pack Go!"

2010 is the year of revenge. Buh-bye to Favre with a sweep. Time to come home, Brett! The Giants grabbed '07, but we got '10 from them. The Bears took the Division title, but we repaid with the NFC Championship in their house! Vick got us in '02. So did the Falcons. Hasta la vista to both. The Eagles in '03. We took care of them as well. The Steelers have tried to steal our City's nickname, Titletown. They've also tried to claim that the real home of the Lombardi Trophy is in Pittsburgh. Well, not so fast. They have the Terrible Towel. We have the Title Towel. And, for today, we'll hoist the Title!

Today marked the Return to Titletown. Also on today's agenda - for Ted Thompson - was his 1st tune up for the NFL Draft. Yes, his 1st NFL Draft meeting was today. Just as he did after the NFC Championship game, he took one day off. After the NFC Championship game, he headed to the Senior Bowl. So much for savoring the title. He wants another. So, soon, I'll analyze what I'd like for the off-season. But, for now, you'll have to pardon me, I'm off to smoke my victory Cuban Cohiba. I've been saving it for nearly a month. The Lombardi Trophy is coming home! And, in the words of Lil Wayne, we'll remember the 2010 Season as "Pop Tarts!"

But, before I go I want to remind everyone of one thing: Nutler gets mysterious injury to knee. Followed by Halas Trophy at Soldier Field. Visitors Locker Room. "White House on Three!" Bears fans burning Nutler jerseys in the parking lot. Equals TRUMP CARD FOREVER!!! The Bears still suck! "Pop Tarts!"

In Thompson, McCarthy, Capers & Rodgers We Trust. The Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl XLV Champions! We rule the football world. Raise your index finger! "Pop Tarts!"

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com

My Take -> Super Bowl

2011-01-31T18:41:00.002-05:00

Greetings, G-Force

The significance of the #12.

The Packers have 12 World Championships.

Super Bowl XLV will mark the 12th time in which either the Packers or the Stealers have competed in a Super Bowl.

A quick look at past Super Bowl QB winners shows the #12 in abundance. Off the top of my head I can think of Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Bob Griese, Ken Stabler, Terry Bradshaw, and Tom Brady.

The #12. Aaron Rodgers. The future MVP of Super Bowl XLV.

It's the Green Bay Packers & the Pittsburgh Stealers to determine the World Champion for the 2010 NFL Season. The Packers with 12 World Championships. The Stealers with 6 Super Bowls. Green Bay, the Original Titletown. Pittsburgh, the city that has tried to steal the nickname. Hence, I'll refer to them as the Ste"a"lers. History wants this contest. The Packers bring a 5 game win streak. Winning 5 MUST WIN games, I'd argue that if we win a 6th game, it'll go down as the greatest 6-game stretch of my life. Beating the #1, #2, and #3 NFC teams on the road as a #6 seed, the Packers are prime for this battle. Experts suggest that experience will play a factor in this contest. Well, as a #6 seed in 2005, the Stealers lacked experience & they left victorious. Plus, haven't the Packers gained experience over the last 5 games? I feel so.

In reality, by most, these are probably the two most respected organizations in the league. Jerry Jones, not included. Jerry Jones spent $1.2 billion on JerryWorld. He built it with the vision of watching the Cowboys play in the Super Bowl inside his stadium. Instead, it'll be the two teams outside of the NFC East that he dislikes the most. Thanks for the red carpet, Jerry!

I'll be heading down to the Big "D" along with my Dad, my Mom, & my Brother, Chad. We're bringing the G-Force. We're expecting victory.

I like the way the Packers match-up with the Stealers, especially with the injury to Pouncey. This game will be won at the line of scrimmage. I foresee the Packers utilizing a lot of 2 down lineman. BJ Raji & Cullen Jenkins holding the point of attack. CM3 bringing pressure. Walden shadowing Roethlisberger. Most would argue that the most crucial component to stopping the Stealers attack would be to slow down Mendenhall. I'd argue that it's containing Big Ben. When you make contact with Roethlisberger, you have to bring him to the ground. As I've reviewed this epic playoff run, I've become convinced that Erik Walden is as vicious of a tackler as we have on the field. I'm confident he can bring Roethlesberger to the turf. Walden hasn't missed tackles. He's punished offensive players. Walden's mobility is vital to the success of the Packers defense regardless of whether "Z" can play. Roethlisberger is deceptively athletic. If the Claymaker can get pressure on Big Ben & force him to his left, it'll also limit Roethlisberger's effectiveness. And when this happens, Roethlisberger is prone to making mistakes. If you pressure Big Ben, it's when he's at his weakest. He's best at making things happen on broken plays. So we must keep him in the pocket - much like we did to Michael Vick for most of the game. And when you get to Big Ben, you can't bite on his ball fakes. Run right through him! Don't fall for the pump fake. Go at his torso. Not at his legs. He's too strong & he'll fight thru those tackles.

On 1st down, I'd like to see some of the Big Beefy defensive front with Howard Green, BJ Raji, & Ryan Pickett matched up against the banged up, vulnerable Pittsburgh OL. Not only will this limit Mendenhall's rushing lanes, but it'll also allow Clay to play the pass. Clay will expect pass. He'll come on the speed rush. I'm confident that Clay will be able to beat the aging Flozell Adams to the corner. He'll wreak havoc to the Stealers game plan. Then, on 2nd & 3rd downs, I'd like to see the 2 down lineman with the Packers rotating Cullen Jenkins with CJ Wilson.

BJ Raji must dominate the interior of the Pittsburgh OL. He will. Jazz Hands! G6! The Freezer! Getting busy!

I like the way the Packers match-up with the Stealers on the perimeter. Blessed with an abundance of speed, the Stealers have Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders & Antonio Brown. Further, they have possession receivers with Hines Ward, Heath Miller, and Matt Spaeth. Roethlisberger likes Spaeth inside the red zone & on play-action passes. While Spaeth only had 1 TD & 9 catches this year, he's an option that we must be aware of. Big Ben also loves Heath Miller on third down on curls in which Miller boxes out a defender & uses his big body to create space.

The Stealers might try to go to 4-WR's to try & get J-Bush on the field. They torched him last year. Don't be surprised if we see Pittsburgh in some formations with Wallace, Sanders, Brown & Ward on the field. They'll try to outrun us on a deep route. Roethlisberger loves to take chances. He'll take at least 3 shots deep down the field. Normally, he throws a decent deep ball. We must be prepared with Nintendo Nick playing over the top. Hopefully, Nintendo Nick plays the ball better than he did against the Bears on the Earl Bennett TD. My guess is that he will.

Roethlisberger does not play favorites, so we must honor all of his weapons. We must be cognitive of all of his options & stay focused on our man. Especially if Big Ben gets loose out of the pocket. Don't watch the QB! Watch the receiver!!!! Watch the guy you are guarding. Especially Wallace who will run deep on broken plays. And if you blink, Wallace's speed will get him behind you. If we stay disciplined, I feel that Sammy Swagga & T-Mon are a perfect cover for Wallace, Brown, & Sanders. Hines Ward no longer scares me, even though he's still targeted on 3rd down.

It should be noted that neither Nintendo Nick nor Sir Charles has forced a turnover in the playoffs. Based on the laws of probability alone, I'd expect one of them to be holding the ball in the air at some point on Super Sunday. I envision Sir Charles coming on the blitz out of the slot. Often, he has the tendency to bite on the fake. This week, feeling Super, Sir Charles plays with a vengeance and flies thru Big Ben - ignoring Roethlisberger's actions. Sir Charles gets home on a sack!

Offensively, if I were Mike McCarthy, my strategy would be similar to the approach we took against Atlanta. Let the pass set up the run. I'd study three games in particular. All games in which Troy Polamalu played. I'd look at the 4th Quarter of the Stealers v Cardinals Super Bowl. I'd watch the 1st half of the Patriots v Stealers game from this year. I'd watch the 2nd half of the Jets v Stealers game in the AFC Championship. In each occasion, the Stealers knew the opposition was going to pass. In each occasion, every one in the stadium knew the Stealers opposition was going to pass. And in each occasion, the Stealers opposition had great success. The Stealers can't cover us on the outside. They can't compete with us on the perimeter. If we go 4-wide, you're taking a LB off the field. Clearly, the LB's are the strength of the Pittsburgh defense. We have to trust our OL. And if we get beat on the OL, Rodgers is capable of escaping. Ike Taylor is solid, but he can be beat. Bryant McFadden couldn't play with the Packers WR's last year. William Gay can't stick with Jordy Nelson nor James Jones. We'll be fighting for extra yards. And getting them.

Greg Jennings says that he & Aaron Rodgers are bread & butter. Hit Jennings on the slant & let's watch a #85 run thru the middle of the field like we did Max McGee in Super Bowl I.

Further, if you believe in historical #'s & their recurrence, I encourage you to look for #44 & #86. #44 Donny Anderson was a rookie in 1966. On just 7 carries, he had more yards than any KC Chief in Super Bowl I. In Super Bowl II, Anderson was a stud. I'm not saying, but I'm just saying. Look for James Starks to have an admirable game. Fighting for 70 hard yards. Pushing the Pittsburgh defense. And, almost oddly, I'm predicting a Donald Lee TD. See, the #86 has played a huge role in all 4 Super Bowls that the Packers have played in. In Super Bowl I, it was Dowler's injury that paved the way for Max McGee to have a big game. In Super Bowl II, Dowler was found getting loose in the Oakland secondary. In Super Bowl XXXI, Antonio Freeman caught - what was at the time - the longest TD in the history of the Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XXXII, had the Packers won, I had heard speculation that Antonio Freeman was going to be the Super Bowl MVP. Therefore, I'm predicting a short TD pass to Donald Lee in Super Bowl XLV.

I envision a big day for Aaron Rodgers. On a controlled surface. Rodgers finds his rhythm early. He stays possessed throughout. The Stealers come on a variety of blitzes. Cerebral in nature, Rodgers recognizes the blitz. Goes to work. Hits Double-D over the middle on 3rd down. He hits Jennings on a slant. Nelson on a quick hitter. Jones on a comeback. The Packers grab an early lead.

While Tim Masthay has been a true godsend, I still lack confidence in the Packers special teams units. With that, the Stealers also have poor special teams units. Though Antonio Brown can get loose returning kicks, he's also one who will liable to put the ball on the ground. A special teams turnover would be sweet!

The Packers control the line of scrimmage. Frustrating Roethlisberger the defense gets off the field.

On 3rd & long, I like the Stealers defense, but I love our QB! The Packers grab a 2-score lead as Crosby nails a FG.

Back & forth the game goes. The Packers survive the Stealers push. Matching the mighty Pittsburgh defense blow for blow, The Packers come away as the more physical team. It wouldn't surprise me if the Packers win by 2 scores. But, the game is late. The Packers leading by 4. While the defense have been our savior all year when the offense has failed to pick up a 1st down late to run out the clock - this time - Rodgers connects with QUICKIE on a crossing route. Driver raises the ball in the air, flashes his impeccable smile and points 1st down. The Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl Champions! Let me write that again. The Green Bay Packers are Super Bowl Champions!

Green Bay 27. Pittsburgh 23.

There's no exceptions for 2nd best. Sir Charles finishes off his mantle. Erik Walden is remembered as the defensive version of Bruce Wilkerson. The Lombardi Trophy is coming home! As my brother Chad says, we'll be talking #4 & it won't be about Brett Favre rather it will be about our 4 Super Bowl trophies. Soon, on your next visit to Green Bay, you'll be driving down McCarthy Lane. And, it'll feel Super!

Go Pack Go!

Talkin' S-Mac.
talkins-mac.blogspot.com