The Packers give up their Bid for the Super Bowl
The pre playoff preparation work was done. The Green Bay Packers had a game plan and fine-tuned their plan by practicing the plays over, and over, and over…
They studied videotape, met with their respective position coordinators to go over the myriad possibilities of any given snap-play. They even tried to account for just about everything but that which no one could ever expect to prepare: the unpredictable bounce of a cold, oblong ball… and fate!
The Packers believed they were ready, physically and mentally, for their NFC divisional playoff game against the Giants at Lambeau Field, but after two weeks of structure and go, go, go, the final moments were tough as they watched their bid for the Super Bowl disappear.
Game day is here and over. And even though the season started with the NFL Lockout, these Green Bay Packers were set to host their first playoff game since 2007 when the New York Giants beat them in the NFC Championship Game. Well, the Giants did it again against the 15-1 Green Bay Packers again at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ offense was plagued with fumbles, dropped passes, and overthrows as the Giants eliminated them touchdown after touchdown. Eli Manning who was 21 of 33, with 330 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, was sharper than Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and they simply could not overcome their three fumbles. Maybe rust was a factor, and Rodgers’ three week stay from playing was a very bad idea? After all, this wasn’t no Packers vs. Bears rivalry game, this was the playoffs!
Nevertheless, both the offense and defense were lethargic and the rest is history now. Although the Packers were driving to tie at the start of the fourth quarter, Rodgers simply couldn’t connect with tight end Jermichael Finley on third and 5 at the Giants’ 39. The next play Rodgers was sacked, and the Giants took over to put together a 10-play field goal drive to take a 23-13 lead. Not to mention playing against a Giants defense dead set on covering as many receivers as possible, Rodgers had a little running room and finished with 66 yards on seven scrambles.
Safety Morgan Burnett had an interception to thwart one drive, and Brad Jones blocked a field goal. And let’s not forget that veteran Donald Driver set the franchise record for postseason receptions. But despite these highlights, this was not the same Packers offense that drove the Packers to a 15-1 record. Rodgers missed throws, numerous receivers dropped passes, and the line was shaky with Green Bay using both Chad Clifton and Marshall Newhouse at left tackle.
The Giants covered very well and refused to give up the big play. The Packers had one pass play of 20 yards or more. All year, Dom Capers hasn’t been able to fluster quarterbacks without blitzing, and a comfortable Manning made plays all game. With 15 seconds left, the back-breaker came at the end of the first half when Ahmad Bradshaw – running diagonally across the field – scampered for 23 and managed to get out of bounds to set up Nicks’ 37-yard touchdown. That play was the impending blow that sent the Giants into halftime with all the momentum necessary to carry them to a victory.
Son of Packers Offensive Coordinator Drowns in Oshkosh
Officials said today that Michael Philbin, 21, the son of Green Bay Packers coach Joe Philbin, made a “non-distress” phone call to a friend shortly before he was heard shouting for help as he apparently tumbled into the icy Fox River.
Michael Philbin was reported missing around 8 p.m. Sunday, after not returning to the residence in Oshkosh where he was staying, Oshkosh police said. Philbin was visiting friends at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and made a phone call from the area around the river around 2:10 a.m. Sunday morning. Police said they are asking anyone that was with Philbin at the time to come forward with any information.
Investigators believe Philbin traveled the 20 miles from his home in Ripon to Oshkosh to visit friends. The group went out on Saturday night in the campus area but somehow Philbin got separated from them. Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of Michael Philbin, but are trying to determine whether alcohol was a factor. Police said they will not know the cause of death until autopsy and toxicology results are returned in about four weeks.
Authorities were notified of the incident when a security guard at AxleTech, a company near the Fox river in Oshkosh, called around 2:30 a.m. Sunday after hearing someone shout for help, and seeing someone near the river. Police, fire, and dive team patrols searched the area, but did not find anyone on Sunday. A fresh search was conducted on Monday and Philbin was found around 3:15 p.m. approximately 30 yards from shore. Police did not reveal the identity of the body as Philbin until Tuesday morning, pending notification of the family. Michael Philbin is the second-oldest of six children to Joe Philbin and his wife, Diane.
In a statement released by the Packers Tuesday afternoon, Joe Philbin thanked local authorities for their efforts and compassion.
Joe Philbin has been with the Packers since 2003, and has been the team’s offensive coordinator since 2007.Though head coach Mike McCarthy calls the offensive plays, Philbin plays an active role in game-planning.
In a news release issued Tuesday morning, Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said, “The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Philbin, son of offensive coordinator Joe Philbin. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe, his wife, Diane, and the Philbin family as they cope with their loss. This is an emotional and difficult time for them, and we ask that everyone respect their privacy. All of us in the Packers family share in their grief.”
Packers: 16-0 Doesn’t mean Squat without the Lombardi Trophy
With yesterday’s 46-16 home rout of the Oakland Raiders, the Green Bay Packers brushed aside a playoff contender by halftime to win their 19th straight, moved a game away from clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and, at 13-0, kept the possibility of a perfect season squarely in sight. The Packers have the ability and type of remaining schedule to go 16-0 and they should finish the regular season undefeated.
This year, I thought it was going to be the three games in 11 days, but they passed that test. Looking at their remaining schedule – home vs. the Oakland Raiders, then at Kansas City, home vs. the Chicago Bears, and home vs. the Detroit Lions – they can finish undefeated. At this point the only way they don’t go undefeated, is if they defeat themselves.
With that said, its relevant that they are still playing for home field advantage throughout the playoffs, which they could lock up with a win and San Francisco loss. The only team remaining that worries me is the Detroit Lions. The Bears will be tough as usual, but their offense is struggling. Detroit plays dirty and hits after the whistle, and I prefer to keep our players upright and out of harms way. With that in mind,16-0 is fantastic, but I want back-to-back Lombardi Trophies!
The playoffs are a different animal and anything can happen. There are a couple of teams that will be tough the second time around, like the Saints, Falcons and Giants. The Giants did lose to New England on the last week of the regular season in 2007 and then went on to beat them the second time in the Super Bowl. In 2009, the Indianapolis Colts went 14-0 and lost their last two regular season games and then lost to the Saints in the Super Bowl. Dating back to last season, the Packers are 19-0, and if they finish 16-0 they will be 22-0 since last year. The Green Bay Packers are 33-8 since 2009. Just think how amazing that is!
In my opinion if they finish the regular season undefeated, they better be sure to win the Super Bowl. I would prefer them to have a year like last year, where they finished 10-6, got hot and won the Super Bowl. Do we want a 16-0 season – Yes! Do we want a Super Bowl win – Yes! Do I think the Pack can do both in the same season and be the first to do so since the Miami Dolphins – Yes!
Let’s sit back and continue to enjoy this incredible NFL ride the Packers are taking us on!
The Packers are the NFC North Division Champions for 2011
Following the Lions’ loss in New Orleans on Sunday night, the Green Bay Packers are the NFC North Division champions for 2011. That result, combined with the Packers’ 38-35 win over the New York Giants earlier in the day, clinched the 2011 championship crown for the first time since 2007.
Should the Packers win home field advantage throughout the playoffs, they would need to only win twice at Lambeau Field in the postseason to return to the Super Bowl. Last season, the Packers won three times on the road in the postseason en route to the Super Bowl XLV title.
The Packers currently rank number one in the NFL in scoring at 34.7 points per game. Their 382 points this season are the most in franchise history through 11 games and the fourth most by an NFL team through 11 contests since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. The Packers have scored at least 24 points in every game this season, the only team in the NFL to accomplish that feat in 2011 and the first defending Super Bowl champion to do so. It is the franchise record for most consecutive 24-point games in a single season, topping the previous mark of eight games in 1963.
The Spotlight shines on Donald Driver again
That was the message the veteran receiver sent in Sunday’s game. Driver enjoyed a two-touchdown game for the first time in six years in helping the Packers to their 38-35 victory.
Driver came into Sunday’s game with just two touchdowns on the season and no more than four catches in any given game, but he doubled his touchdown total to match the four he had last season. “I just had fun today,” said Driver, who scored on short TD passes in the second and fourth quarters.
On his first score, Driver was left all alone in the end zone when it appeared New York’s coverage was focused on Nelson. The throw was a little low, but he made sure to secure the 13-yard catch by tumbling to the ground.
His second score was vintage Driver, as the 13-year veteran stayed alive in the back of the end zone as quarterback Aaron Rodgers scrambled to his right. Rodgers fired to the sideline and Driver made a picture-perfect tip-toe catch for a key score that gave the Packers a 35-27 lead.
As a result of the win in New York on Sunday, the Packers will enjoy their first “Victory Monday” of the season, which means Monday will be an off day for them and they won’t return to practice until Wednesday. The Packers will host the Raiders at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
“I hope we’re in position to talk about it,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said of the team’s quest for an undefeated season. McCarthy said his team’s next immediate goal is to secure home field advantage for the playoffs. The Packers currently have a two-game lead over the San Francisco 49ers in the home field advantage race.
Former Packer Johnny Jolly Sentenced to Six Years Prison
AP — Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday for violating the terms of his probation for a conviction of being possession of a compound containing codeine.
State District Judge Denise Bradley imposed the sentence despite tearful pleas from Jolly and his mother, Phyllis Jolly, to allow the 6-foot-3, 325-pound lineman to be treated for his addiction to codeine instead of going to prison. Jolly’s aunt, agent and drug counselor also testified on his behalf.
“I want to go to rehab to get help,” Jolly told the judge as he wiped away tears with a tissue.
After a traffic stop in Houston in October Jolly, 28, was charged with possession of a compound containing codeine, a controlled substance. He also was charged with tampering with evidence for attempting to conceal the substance from the investigating officers.
Jolly’s truck was pulled over after he was seen throwing a bag out of the window. The bag wasn’t recovered, but Jolly was seen dumping a cup believed to contain codeine on the floor of his vehicle. Two bottles believed to contain codeine were recovered from the vehicle.
The arrest put Jolly in jeopardy of receiving prison time because in April he had pleaded guilty to a codeine possession charge in a deal that wiped out an earlier charge and spared him from prison unless he stumbled again.
After the hearing, Jolly’s attorney, Letitia Quinones, told The Associated Press that the player spent eight weeks in court-ordered rehab after his second arrest, but has only recently faced up to his codeine addiction. “I don’t look at Johnny as a criminal,” Quinones said. “I look at him as an addict.”
Jolly, who grew up in Houston, was a sixth-round draft pick of the Packers in 2006 after playing at Texas A&M. He was a starter for the Packers in 2008 and 2009. However, he sat out the 2010 season after being suspended by the NFL indefinitely the previous July.
The Packers Smash the Vikings!
The Green Bay Packers Chalk up another victory as Aaron Rodgers continued on his seemingly unstoppable march to league MVP honors. Overall the Packers remain the NFL’s lone undefeated team, and if they can just count on a defense to complement their high-octane offense, they just might be unstoppable.
The NFL’s reigning champions improved to 9-0 for the fourth time in the franchise’s history by overwhelming the Minnesota Vikings 45-7, sweeping the border war for two consecutive years. Green Bay extended its franchise-best winning streak, which includes last year’s run to Super Bowl XLV, to 15 games. A second-round rookie out of Kentucky, Randall Cobb, got it all started for the Packers.
After the Packers’ defense forced the Vikings to go three-and-out on their first possession, Cobb fielded a punt from Chris Kluwe and squeezed through a seam in the middle of the field. Cobb accelerated down the left sideline and danced the final few steps into the end zone, tossing the ball in the air as if he was shooting a basketball before doing a “Lambeau leap” into the stands. Cobb also had a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the Packers’ season opener against the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers’ scoring strikes to Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson helped build the lead to 24-0 early in the third quarter. “We’re playing with the best quarterback in the game right now,” said Nelson, who had the first two-TD game of his four-year career. “It’s an honor and a privilege, and we’re just enjoying every minute of it right now.”
The Packers Defense comes Alive!
The real surprise came on the other side of the ball: A defense that finally showed it can take charge of a game. The 30th-ranked Packers defense turned in one of its strongest efforts of the season, surrendering just 266 yards.
Entering Monday night with only three sacks in the Packers’ first eight games, the Green Bay Packers’ primary pass rusher, Clay Matthews, took down Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback Christian Ponder twice. “Tonight was no different than any other night for me,” Matthews said. “It was just the fact I was able to get home.
But Matthews, Charles Woodson and the rest of the Packers’ defensive players showed they still can take over a game by playing to their potential against the division rival Vikings, holding rookie quarterback Christian Ponder to 190 yards passing with an interception and limiting Peterson to 51 yards and a touchdown.
The Vikings did their best to make life rough for Rodgers, sacking him three times and smacking him virtually every time he took off running. In the end, their NFC North nemesis just walked away with another victory.
Top 5 Trade Predictions for the Green Bay Packers
In the NFL, the majority of trades that take place are during the NFL draft. These trades can either bring excitement or disappointment to a team. Here is a look at five likely players whom the Green Bay Packers might trade during the NFL draft.
Matt Flynn The revelation that Matt Flynn might have what it takes to be a starting quarterback came during the Packers game against New England. No one thought the Packers stood a chance against one of the best teams in the NFL, but Flynn’s play was exceptional. He almost lead the Packers to a victory, but he did put himself on some team’s radar.
Matt Flynn has a good arm and the size you want from a quarterback. Teams will have to go back to his college tape to get a good look at him, but he played well in college against top competition. He is a true pocket passer who appears to finally be putting the game together. The best thing he has going for him is his age, as he will only be 26 during the upcoming season.
There are eight teams in need of a starting quarterback and only three or four elite quarterbacks in this year’s draft. A second-round pick wouldn’t be out of the question for Matt Flynn and Ted Thompson might jump at the chance to boost his defense or offensive line with that high of a pick.
Ryan Grant Ryan Grant. He came out of nowhere and was quietly becoming one of the better running backs in the league. He was hit by the injury bug, and during the regular season it appeared that Grant was the most missed player.
Then came the playoffs and the revelation of James Starks. Starks exploded during the postseason and gave the Packers the running game they so missed from Ryan Grant. When healthy, Grant proved to be a running back that could carry the entire load. He has good speed and great vision. He holds onto the ball and can makes plays in the passing game. He has Pro Bowl–caliber talent. With Mark Ingram being the only “elite” running back in the draft, teams in need of a running back might take a hard look at Grant.
Atari Bigby Atari Bigby has been hampered by injuries throughout his short career. In five seasons, he has only played in 45 games, an average of nine games a season. In the lone season where he played all 16 games, he had 86 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles.
He has starting caliber talent at safety and has been successful when on the field. Due to his injury, Charlie Peprah filled in very well for Bigby and is a few years younger, making Bigby expendable for the Packers.
There are plenty of teams that could use Bigby’s obvious talents, but they will need to decide if they truly believe he can stay healthy. If the Packers can find a suitor, Bigby could be worth a middle-round draft pick.
Nick Barnett Another player who spent the majority of the season injured, Barnett has been the leader of the Packers defense since he was drafted. He has been one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the NFL in recent years. He isn’t great in coverage, but he has good sideline-to-sideline speed and knows how to chase down a player. He is the type of player who is always around the ball and making plays. He is a great team leader.
Due to the play of Desmond Bishop, Barnett is very tradeable. He is still young, so a team looking to add a quality middle linebacker who could lead a defense might be willing to trade an early- to middle-round pick for Barnett.
Desmond Bishop Desmond Bishop had a breakout season for the Packers. Nick Barnett was injured early during the season and Bishop stepped in and filled in nicely. However, Nick Barnett is back from injury and looking to regain his starting role with the Packers. Bishop is still rather young and could be an upgrade at linebacker for many teams playing a 3-4 defense. He is a smart player who won’t be the best player on a defense, but will make plays and impact games.
It is highly unlikely that Bishop will get traded, but if the Packers see that Barnett is the more valuable player, look for Green Bay to try to get a draft pick for Bishop.
Bringing the Super Bowl XLV Trophy Home !
We’ve been dubbing the term “Super Bowl Champions” for 44 years now, and we’re on the threshold of Super Bowl 45 where the Green Bay Packers will face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas. In contemplation of what I believe will be an excellent game between these two AFC and NFC champion football teams, it is noteworthy to elaborate on the role these two great teams have played in Super Bowl history.
How the Super Bowl Began The genesis of the Super Bowl as we know it today is the result of a merger agreement between the National Football League (NFL) and its then-rival league, the American Football League (AFL). It was ultimately agreed that the AFL and NFL champion teams would play in a final, “World Championship Game” until the implementation of the merger in 1970. After the merger took place, each league was re-designated as the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC) under the auspices of the NFL, and the Super Bowl was then played between the two AFC and NFC conference champions. (Source: Wikipedia)
Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy Since 1970 the Super Bowl trophy has been called the Vince Lombardi Trophy in memory of legendary Green Bay Packers head coach. The renaming of the trophy came after Lombardi’s sudden death from cancer to commemorate his victories in the first two Super Bowls. Details about the trophy can be seen here .
Green Bay Packers Super Bowl History
In my opinion the Green Bay Packers hold the most significant history of the Super Bowl than any other NFL football team. Not only did the Green Bay Packers both play in and win Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II, but the Super Bowl Championship trophy has been named the Vince Lombardi Trophy, in memory of the legendary Green Bay Packers head coach.
The Green Bay Packers have played in five Super Bowl games:
- In Super Bowl I the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10. The game was played on January 15, 1967 and there were 61,946 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl II the Green Bay Packers defeated the Oakland Raiders, 33-15. The game was played on January 14, 1968 and there were 75,546 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXXI the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots, 35-21. The game was played on January 26, 1997 and there were 72,301 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXXII the Green Bay Packers were defeated by the Denver Broncos, 31-24. The game was played on January 25, 1998 and there were 68,912 fans in attendance.
Overall the Green Bay Packers hold the following championship titles:
11 NFL Championships: 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, and 1967.
2 AFL-NFL Super Bowl Championships: 1966, 1967
1 Super Bowl Championship: 1996
8 Conference championships: NFL Western: 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967 NFC: 1996, 1997, 2010
13 Division championships: NFL West: 1936, 1938, 1939, 1944 NFL Central: 1967 NFC Central: 1972, 1995, 1996, 1997 NFC North: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007
26 Playoff appearances: NFL: 1936, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1944, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1972, 1982, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl History
As the oldest franchise team in the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers were founded as the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1933, by Art Rooney. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won more Super Bowl titles and AFC Championship games than any other team in the NFL. They have both played and hosted more conference championship games than any other AFC or NFC team in the NFL. With this history of Super Bowl wins, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand a good chance of chalking-up another victory in Super Bowl XLV.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have played in seven Super Bowl games:
- In Super Bowl IX the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 32-14. The game was played on January 12, 1975 and there were 80,997 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl X the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 21-17. The game was played on January 18, 1976 and there were 80,187 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XIII the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 35-31. The game was played on January 21, 1979 and there were 79,484 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XIV the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 31-19. The game was played on January 20, 1980 and there were 103,985 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XXX the Pittsburgh Steelers were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys, 27-17. The game was played on January 28, 1996 and there were 76,347 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XL the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 21-10. The game was played on February 05, 2006 and there were 68,206 fans in attendance.
- In Super Bowl XLIII the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. The game was played on February 01, 2009 and there were 70,774 fans in attendance.
Overall the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the following championship titles:
6 Super Bowl Championships: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008
8 Conference championships: AFC: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2010
20 Division championships: AFC Central: 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 AFC North: 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010
26 Playoff appearances: 1947, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
Despite all these Super Bowl wins and achievements, “We” the dedicated Green Bay Packer fans feel that it is time that the Packers bring the Super Bowl Trophy home!
It’s long overdue…
Packers Lineman B.J. Raji Advances Packers To Superbowl
Don’t let the title fool ya, the entire Green Bay Packers team played an awesome game against the Chicago Bears today. However, had it not been for the pick by B.J. Raji things would definitely be different.
What started out as a game like that of the Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons just one week ago, soon turned into a game that rested on the Packers defense — at least that’s the way I saw the game? I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw it that way either. The truth is that had it not been for the Packers defense the season would be over.
Aaron Rodgers was very effective in the first half, but once he took the hit to the helmet — a hit that cost the Bears a penalty — Rodgers’ game slowly deteriorated in aggressiveness and pass completions. One after another, Rodgers passes were either short or in the turf. I’m not criticizing Aaron Rodgers, but after the game he even admitted that he didn’t play to his best capabilities. But does it really matter? Probably not. Rodgers’ football season has been phenomenal and ultimately resulted in the Green Bay Packers advancing to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV. Those are the facts, and and only time will tell how his game will play out in the Super Bowl.
Win or loose, I faithfully supported the Green Bay Packers. My bet is the Green Bay Packers over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl!
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Packers earned the right to visit Atlanta with a wild-card round victory over the Eagles in Philadelphia. The Packers jumped out to a 14-3 lead in that game, relying on its always-stout defense and a new-found running game to grind the Eagles to a halt.
Atlanta earned a first-round bye by virtue of its NFC-best 13-3 record in the regular season — a mark that included a win over Green Bay in Atlanta. The Falcons are hoping to use the same rowdy home-field edge their division rival, the Saints, did last season en route to the Super Bowl.
OFFENSE Offensively, Atlanta’s game plan will be very similar to last weeks game. They will challenge the Packers’ manhood and try to stuff the football down their throats. They like RG Harvey Dahl climbing to the second level to maul A.J. Hawk and they like FB Ovie Mughelli on Zombo or Walden if they can get Cullen Jenkins sealed with Sam Baker and a tight end. They will have to mix some things up in order to get Roddy White free in the passing game. They’ll likely throw on some running downs and try to free him out of some run formations. Look for the Falcons to move him around in order to get a match-up they like.
DEFENSE On defense, look for the Falcons to get physical with the Packer receivers and try to force them outside and away from the slant routes. They are not too impressed with James Starks because he’s a North-South runner with little wiggle. They like Curtis Lofton stuffing him in the hole if their tackles, Corey Peters and Jonathan Babineaux can get some penetration. They felt they didn’t tackle well against the receivers last time and know they must play tighter coverage. If Rodgers has some time, the double move routes could be open.
What did New Orleans do in the last game that gave the Falcons trouble?
Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was able to successfully stop the Falcons by bracketing both Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Malcolm Jenkins, a converted safety, was the key. They basically dared Michael Jenkins to beat one on one coverage and that rarely happened. They used an assortment of rolling zones to keep the receivers in check once they controlled the threat of the run game. It was a quite complicated scheme.
PREDICTIONS The Falcons have stressed tackling all week, which could mean they are coming after Aaron Rodgers. He is going to have to make quick throws to his wide receivers Donald Driver and Greg Jennings on slants to get the ball out because there is going to be some pressure. The Falcons have to tackle quickly and not let quick throws turn into long runs.
Corners Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are going to play at times inside the shoulders of Driver and Jennings and take away the slants with leverage. We’ll know pretty early how the Falcons are going to deal with Rodgers, and he is going to get some unscouted looks from the Falcons; a blitz of the Day that has been cooked up for a week!
The Falcons are going to mix it up. Safety blitz, linebacker blitz, corners pressing, corners back. The Packers’ pass game, just from the statistics, should blow up Atlanta, but there are plays to be made.
RED ZONE The Packers have been the better team in the red zone this season because Rodgers can make plays with his feet. He is more mobile than Ryan, which is why the Packers have the edge at this position (even if Ryan wins a lot of games at home). If the Packers get inside the 20 four times, Atlanta has to force a couple of field goals. That’s going to be a big deal in this game.
OVERALL The Packers have the better quarterback.
They have better wide receivers.
When they throw the ball their completions are longer.
But it is all about turnovers and penalties. This is why the Falcons have the edge over the Packers. Granted, Green Bay plays in Minnesota every year, which is inside and buttoned up for noise. The Packers can handle a little racket, but the season suggests Atlanta makes fewer mistakes than the Packers…
James Starks Revives the Packers Running Game
Green Bay Packers Rookie James Starks, who missed his senior year at Buffalo with a shoulder injury — as well as the first nine weeks of the 2010 season — seemed to have become just an afterthought in the eyes of the NFL… But Starks, who carried the ball a mere 29 times for 101 yards in three games after being activated by Green Bay in November, was the unexpected hero in Sunday’s Packers victory over the Eagles.
Green Bay Packers Rookie, James Starks
Starks was pivotal on the game’s first scoring drive, breaking off a 27-yard run on the first play of Green Bay’s second series en route to producing 45 yards on six touches on the possession which ended with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to backup tight end Tom Crabtree with eight seconds remaining in the first quarter. When the dust settled, Starks carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards while adding two receptions for nine yards to lead the Packers to a 21-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.
On another note, Aaron Rodgers looked cool and calm, deftly avoiding pressure and accurately finding his targets down the field. Rodgers was 13 of 18 for 111 yards in the first half and threw short touchdown passes to tight end Tom Crabtree and receiver James Jones to open up a 14-0 lead with 5:21 left in the first half. But that was just the beginning. A perfectly executed screen pass to running back Brandon Jackson put the Packers up 21-10 with 7:33 left in the third quarter. The rest is history and the Packers are off to Atlanta to face the Falcons! At this point the question remains relevant: With the Green Bay Packers be bringing the Super Bowl XLV trophy home.
Here is the schedule for next weekend’s playoff games:
NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS
Saturday, Jan. 15 AFC: 3:30 PM (CT) Baltimore at Pittsburgh (CBS-TV) NFC: 7:00 PM (CT) Green Bay at Atlanta (FOX-TV)
Sunday, Jan. 16 NFC: 12:00 PM (CT) Seattle at Chicago (FOX-TV) AFC: 3:30 PM (CT) New York Jets at New England (CBS-TV)
The AFC (CBS, 5:30 p.m. CT) and NFC (FOX, 2 p.m. CT) Championship Games will be played on Sunday, Jan. 23.
The 2011 Pro Bowl (FOX, 6 p.m. CT) will be played on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, one week before Super Bowl XLV takes place at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, Feb. 6 (FOX, 5:30 PM CT).
Rodgers and Jennings Connect In the 4th
With a 46 yard pass completion to Greg Jennings, Aaron Rogers advanced the Packers; ultimately scoring with a touchdown-pass to Donald Lee for a 10 to 3 lead over the Chicago Bears.
The crowd roared when the Packers took the lead just two minutes into the 4th quarter at Lambeau field. In what could be dunned the first Packers vs. Bears rivalry game of 2011, it certainly was no push-over by either team. It has been a very entertaining game to watch — even from the couch.
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the 4th quater, Chicago has the ball on their own 3 yard line, but that does not mean the Packers are in the clear – yet.
With Tampa Bay’s 23-13 victory over the Saint’s in an early game, the Packers (9-6) have to beat the Chicago Bears (11-5) to clinch a berth in the postseason.
The Bears, meanwhile, are locked into the NFC’s No. 2 seed because Atlanta beat Carolina 31-10 to clinch the top seed.
Minutes remain to what could be the advancement of the Packers into the playoffs, or their end of the 2010 football season.
Go Pack!
Jennings and Rodgers Unstoppable
Let’s be honest, is there a better duet than Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings in the NFL right now? Whenever I have to make my NFL Picks, I always take a lot with the team facing the Green Bay Packers and basically look for the match-up Jennings will have in addition to the pass rushing defense against Rodgers.
Photo courtesy of www.zimbio.com/
This past Sunday, Jennings and Rodgers crushed the San Francisco 49ers, recording 122 yards on six receptions and two touchdowns. The amazing thing is that Jennings usually catches passes for big gains because his speed allows him to beat the secondary defense once he makes the catch.
“I’ve played here enough times in the winter to know that the wind usually blows from our tunnel to the northwest side of the field,” Rodgers said. “Unfortunately, I just forgot about that for a quick second. But it wasn’t a huge factor.”
The Packers have been great over the past few weeks, but they also showed that the connection is not only with Jennings, because on one particular play, Donald Driver proved that he can do the same. Driver scored a 61-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown in the third quarter after he scrambled from a pile of 49ers defenders. “That’s one of the best plays I’ve ever been a part of,” Aaron Rodgers said.
“It ignited our football team,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “We needed that. We had some segments there in the first half where we weren’t as sharp as we needed to [be].”
Packers vs. Vikings Rivalry, Part 2
Some important Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings pre-game facts to consider for today’s game are:
- Green Bay has won five of the last six in this series.
- Minnesota has won the last game in this series, but only by a single point.
- Minnesota has only beaten Green Bay by more than the current spread once in ten meetings.
- The Packers are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC North.
- The Packers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 3.5-10.0.
- The Packers are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 road games.
- The Vikings are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
- The Vikings are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 vs. NFC North.
- The Vikings are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. win.
- The Vikings are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.
- Brett Favre is on Minnesota’s injury report for the first time this season.
After the Vikings beat San Francisco last Sunday, Favre complained of aching in his right foot, left knee, both shoulders and neck. The 39-year-old quarterback was listed Thursday as being limited in practice because of a foot injury. When the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings faced each other a month ago at Lambeau Field, Packers left tackle Chad Clifton had his best game of the year — shutting down the Vikings’ best pass rusher, Jared Allen. However, things will be a little different in the Metrodome because Aaron Rodgers will be forced to use the silent count. Whether or not the Metrodome’s famously noisy environment impacts the Packers’ performance depends on how apathetic the Vikings’ fans are toward their team or how quickly the Packers get off to a good start to quiet the crowd. Although it is presumable that Clifton won’t be able to anticipate Rogers’ snap as easily in this environment, the “Big Cliff” will continue to push the Green Bay Packers to what is predicted to be their 4th consecutive win — the second against the rivaled Minnesota Vikings, and don’t forget Brett Favre.
Go Pack!
The Packers get the win against Philadelphia
For the first game of the season the Green Bay Packers appeared to show a little bit of hope against Philadelphia in the first three quarters of the game. Green Bay held on for a 27-20 season-opening victory at Lincoln Financial Field when the defense stopped Eagles backup quarterback Michael Vick on fourth-and-1 from the Green Bay 42-yard line with under two minutes left! The Packers not only erased 48 years of bad history – nine straight losses in Philly since 1962, including that infamous 2003 playoff game with the fourth-and-26 conversion – but proved at least for now they have what it takes to pull a game out when things start to go a little haywire.
Aaron Rogers?
But in the fourth quarter something happened when Aaron Rogers threw the fatal interception… Nevertheless, Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to a 27-20 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that became affected by wet and unfavorable weather in the second half. After only throwing seven interceptions in 2009, Rodgers started 2010 with 2 interceptions. He finished the day 19/31 for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, averaging a QB rating of 73.1.
Ryan Grant Injured
The Green Bay Packers may have picked up a win yesterday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but running back Ryan Grant managed to pick up an injury in the process.
Coach Mike McCarthy is calling it a “pretty good” sprain, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and that it will be “a challenge” for Ryan to play next week.
Congratulations Pack!