Packers’ Super Bowl hopes dashed

Well, now that the greatest player in the history of sport has returned to the Vikings as expected, the Green Bay Packers will have to decide if they want to bother to even play this year knowing they have no chance to win the division or achieve any of their goals. Even if they do play they won’t have the same edge knowing that no matter how hard they try they can’t win.

In reality, I think the Packers, like myself, are glad that Butt Favre is back with the Queens. Revenge will not be as sweet without Favre under center October 24 when the Queens come to Lambeau. I just hope the old coot doesn’t get hurt by then.

I also think the Packers, like myself, believe they have the better team this year and are relishing the chance to make things right. The Packers have the better quarterback, the better receivers, the better tight end and the better defense. I would rate the offensive lines equal with Daryn Colledge at left guard but better than the Vikings if Brian Bulaga wins that job.

Like the Packers the Vikings made no major offseason acquisitions and their top two receivers and quarterback have not even practiced yet. The Vikings are also an older team than the Packers and last year might have been their best chance to win it all. For everything to fall into place again like it did last year is asking an awful lot.

While the Packers’ defense did get lit up by the Vikings last year, the Vikings defense was a middle-of-the-pack unit and I don’t see them being better this year. The Queens were fortunate to play the Packers twice before the emergence of Jermichael Finley in the second half of last season and simply put the Vikings don’t have anybody on defense that can cover Finley.

The Packers have concerns of their own on defense but outside of Charles Woodson and Al Harris they are younger and have more potential. And the good news is Harris may start practicing as early as next week, which would be huge. I think given the way teams are going to attack the Packers they will always give up a lot of passing yards, but when you can’t run you have to pass like it or not. If the Packers could somehow generate a better pass rush opponents would really be in a bind. That is my biggest concern regarding the Packers’ defense – lack of pass rush.

Listen to Sportsline after reading this and you’ll know where I’m coming from. According to Harry and Chris “your Packers” season has come to an end tonight. I sure wish we had a local radio show that was hosted by Packers’ fans. I have to stop listening to those guys, they just piss me off too much.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 6:59 pm and is filed under Al Davis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • KB

    All I know is Rodgers has yet to beat favre or win a playoff game. That’s the facts jack!

    • Jeff

      Hey KB , the fact is that none of that means anything now. Packers finished only one game behind the queens with the queens winning both game , Packers are the better team now and will win this division , stop thinking with you rear end.

  • Pat Weber

    That’s right KB … that’s the facts jack … and at one point in time, Kobe couldn’t win the big game without Shaq … and that was the facts then too … but now he’s won two without him, and that’s the facts jack now … just sayin’ that history doesn’t necessarily repeat itself … Peyton Manning wasn’t ever going to win the big game cause he couldn’t do it in Tennessee … Phil Mickelson wasn’t ever going to win a major cause he always choked at the wrong moment … and Aaron Rodgers won’t ever beat Favre or win a playoff game … sorry, just like those other guys who proved the nay-sayers wrong, Aaron will probably do the same too … he’s just way too talented.

  • TRIP

    I agree with Pat.. though you can hold him to those facts until he does come through with the big wins.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    No question we have problems with pass defense and ST’s where the Vikes could hurt us. But the chances #4 will have the year he did last year are remote. If we don’t improve I say it’s likely we split home and home with or without #4. The Saints and Jets ought to soften #4 up for the game in Green Bay if he lasts that long. What we have to worry about is the Eagles and getting our season off to a good start. Kolb is supposed to be looking good and he has some good receivers.

    • Jeff

      You must be kidding , you can not truly be worried about Kolb. Rodgers will outgun him.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    I, too, am so glad he is back. Every time I think of the guy I think of the “not my job” comment. Well, I’ve got new for him; it wasn’t Pickett’s job to help Raji last year, nor is it necessarily Clifton’s job to help Buluga this year. But, thats what happenned last year and is hapenning this to the overall betterment of the whole team.
    I should think at some point or another, for team spirit alone, you would want to help make your eventual replacement a better player. I know in industry, when I was working, it was company policy to “groom” your replacement.
    The locker room is still a very important place when your success depends, always, on how the others around you perform. Has the game changed that much, that the two examples above are the anomaly, I hope not? I’m sure Driver has had a hand in the development of Jennings too.

  • Monty

    I agree with KB, until the team, not just Rogers overcomes Butt Farve (that was GREAT Al!) and wins in Philly (Remember we have not won there since 1962). As for ST, Slocum says that once the season starts things will come together. Reminds of when we couldnt stop the run in Preseason a couple of years ago, after we had traded Corey Williams to Cleveland. But the coaches said once the regular season started things would be ok cuz the starters would be playing all the time. If you remember correctly (2008) we sucked at stopping the run all season (one reason we had a losing season that year). Me thinks the same will happen with ST this year if they dont fix it now it will be the downfall of us this year. I dont know wny McCarthy insists on hiring crappy coaches.

  • Mel e Mel

    Mark down the Vikes Bears game, I believe that Favres career will end there. LT Bryant McKinnie was totally dominated by Julius Peppers last year, so bad he was benched. The book is out on the Vikes now, no one knew what to expect from them. Now they have a 1st place schedule and good teams will pressure Favre and strip Peterson. When does Tavaris Jackson demand a trade?

    Capers says he is not worried about Pass Rush, I defer to his expertise.

  • sammy

    prognostigate all you want (did i spell that right?) anyway, that is why they play the game. the packers are 1 injury from a 6-10 team. also, every team needs some LUCK to make it to the big dance. i just can’t wait…now let’s play some f’ing FOOTBALL….i was so deparate this summer that i watched football, errr, soccer.

    • Jeff

      You must be sick , this team is so deep , and you say they are one injury away from 6-10 , when did the people in America turn stupid.

  • Doug R

    BF came back last year to stick it to TT; this year, he is only playing not to “let his team down.” As soon as his ankle gets jacked, he will be done and can say “I gave it my best shot, etc” – I give it to 2nd half of Saints game

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Fellas #4 is the Vikes problem. we have a lot to do to get our team ready and a lot of football before we play the Vikes. I repeat it’s going to be very hard to beat the Eagles the Bears and Skins away and the Fins at home. Who really gives a damn what happens in MN.

    • Jeff

      Hard to beat the Bears?? The Bears have no offense and they may be the worst team in the division , the Packers are superior to the Bears.

  • jake c

    Just be thankful the camera crews and media frenzy aren’t in Green Bay for the diva’s entrance. The one thing I’ll never understand about this guy is how he can make himself out to be bigger than the team. He sat at home in Mississippi and basically pimped the Minnesota Vikings for more money, and the organization had to beg him to come back. People can be mad about what happened in Green Bay, but we didn’t allow him to string us along, and for that, I’m grateful. Football is a team sport, I don’t want the biggest primadonna in the NFL overshadowing everyone else.

    • zach

      If only more people were able to see things from this viewpoint…..I dont see one reason why the Packers should not have stood their ground in this debacle. Fact is, Favre is old and not even half the QB he was fifteen years ago. Why would anyone want to limit the team like that?

      And, on a side note…Favre wins one SB in 20 years and Rodgers is already being scrutinized for not winning one yet?? He’s got 15 more years to accomplish that by this logic.

      If you don’t like the Packers for not bringing that “me, me, me” player back, do us all a favor and quit being a Packer fan please.

  • KB

    Hey, just for shit and grins, you think favre will sign a contract next year and retire a packer?

  • Jack in Columbus

    KB – Ah, no.

  • roy jamison

    I listened to ol’ number 4 today, and am convinced he will live to regret this season. The Saints solved the way to stop him. Hit him high, hit him low. At 40, there’s really no direction to go from his spectacular last year’s performance. With a bad ankle and a longer healing process, it could be a really long year for number 4.

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Roy, they also hit him late, took cheap shots and went after his legs. Which is something that’s been called when it happens to Tom Brady. Our own #12 got a helmet to helmet shot the officials admit they missed vs the Cards that changed the outcome. This used to be tolerated back in the ’80′s but so many QB’s went down on both sides that it stopped. It will be interesting to see how the officials call it in NO when everyone expects it and Chilly’s already lobbying about those tactics.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Harrell:Enigma! Nothing to show for fourth year. When in there (once, I can remember) he really pushed people around and got into the Titan backfield.
    Doing OK this camp, reportedly, until Tues. night back tightness. Looks like he is done for sure this time.
    However, the money is in the bank for this year so why not keep him on the bench and see if he can play in rotation once in a while, because he seems to be a real force when in there.
    Or, cut at end of camp putting another potential on the roster from the rookie class or pick up a FA floater out there just as a backup.
    Enigma!

  • CheesyD

    Can’t wait to see Favre ruin another season for the Queens.

    They had to send players there to BEG him to come back?? How embarrassing for the Viking organization. Pathetic.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    Don’t feel bad for Butt, Mark. The Vikes have Jared Allen who’s been fined a few times for cheap shots of his own and has gotten away with a couple uncalled shots to A. Rodger’s legs (twice last year, I think). They’re no better than the Saints.
    A couple things from the game that I thought I noticed. First, it seemed that the Brown’s D rushed pretty heavy inside. I don’t know if they think Grant doesn’t have the speed or moves to get to the outside and I’m not so sure either, but they seemed to be playing to clog the inside running lanes. Second, Shields as a gunner makes sense. And also as a returner. Go easy on the guy for the muff. It wasn’t an easy play for his level of experience. As a matter of fact, that’s a play I’d like to see the Packer’s special teams incorperate into it’s play book. The high 30 yd. punt gives a team the chance for a turnover. Just try to push, pull/carry/whatever it takes, their blockers towards the ball and into PR and hope it bounces off one of their players. I’ve seen that happen to the Badgers and Packers too many times. Be nice to see it turn out the other way a few times!!!!!!

  • jimmyus333333

    The stuff happening in MN expresses heavy emotions in me. It’s funny, but it also makes me angry. I am not angry at Favre, but at TT.

    Surprise, surprise!! Favre is only doing what he has always done. So, why do we care?? It hurts because he’s not on OUR team doing it to the Vikes or the Bears, et al. To me, that makes TT the traiter. No matter what path Favre took to get revenege against his sole adversary(TT), in the end, TT many times(not just Favre), sold-out our franchise and made the Vikes the stronger team as a result…..Additionally, this is sad since what the MN fans have done in support of Favre shows how extremely complacent many of us fans had become over the 16 years that Farve was our quarterback. This support and additional motivation amplifies why I believe TT messed up 3 years ago.

    We are 1 missed block and holding the ball too long, early in the season from losing Rodgers for the season, and maybe forever. We are having to deal with this knowing that the guy that gave us Superbowl credibilty for many years is playing for our rivals and giving them THEIR chance.

    We frickin’ could have had both guys in 2008 and perhaps 2009. Now…we only have 1 QB, with nothing else to show for it, AND we gave one team standing in our way several key players with motivation and desire to help them beat us, twice a year.

    In addition to not only having incompetent starters, we’re in a position where the backups we have are not in a position to carry the team through the season….

    Our depth is so thin on both sides of the ball. NOW, the Vikes have Favre AND they have Jackson. Even if Favre gets hurt after 3-4 games into the season, Jackson is ready to keep the team afloat and in the hunt for the Superbowl.

    • Packer’s Advocate

      Do you really think Rodgers was going to keep sitting on the bench when his contract expired???? You say Rodgers is one hit away from being injured, so Butt isn’t????

      • http://Orlando Mark

        jimmy, do you think #4 could have survived the 50 sack season #12 had with his tackles hurt. Without the threat of Peterson #4 isn’t as effective as #12 in any case.

        • jimmyus333333

          Probably not, but he won’t be playing for the Vikes either, with the additional incentive for revenge.

          • Steve Cheez

            That sounds like the people who say we shouldn’t fight terrorists because then they won’t like us.

    • Reid

      This “logic” is so flawed it’s not worth taking the time to point it all out.

    • Rocky70

      jimmy boy …… Thanks for the comic relief ……… Did you just wake up? ….. You’re whole argument is from a few years ago.

  • JeffN

    All I gotta say is I’m looking forward to see if Favre holds up or not this year. A lot of that might depend on how things go for their offensive line.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    On a different note, I’d like to see Jolly appeal his suspension and come back to camp. Underwood could end up suspended as well. Seems a little unfair we’d have two players sitting out when the Vike players failed their drug test and haven’t served their suspensions from two years ago. Our guys will serve their suspensions when/after the Vikes players do. I’d like to see someone make a little noise about the whole thing. The NFL seems content to let it go til they retire or Butt does. It’s a simple case. It’s not like one company, lets say UPS, having to follow the rules of each state. NFL teams compete against each other and makes following state laws an unfair competition.
    As for playing Butt this year, I hope they come after him hard. He’s gotta be getting brittle. Rather go down swinging on defense than laying back for a slow death. That said, we’ll get one of those wins. This is a better team w/o the problems we were going through last year when we played them. They’re a little better also, but they only have one direction to go………

  • oddball

    The Queens are a better team with Favre than without him, and I think most of us knew his ankle was going to feel much better once training camp was waning. Same shit – different year.

    But I think Favre is going to regret coming back this year.

    Seriously, if you knew you were one good beatdown away from facing Tavaris Jackson instead of the guy who threw 33 TDS to only 7 INTs last year, wouldn’t you throw everything in the pantry at the guy? I like our chances at a Vikings sweep and an NFC championship this year.

  • http://www.packernet.com admin

    Hey Jimmy Favre fan – if Jackson was so good why did they have to beg Favre to come back. And no, we couldn’t have had Favre AND Rodgers the last two years. You must be a fool to think that. No way Rodgers was going to sit for FIVE years before getting a chance to start. Favre didn’t give the Packers’ Super Bowl credibilty, he hasn’t won one in 15 years and always implodes in the playoffs. Rodgers at this point in time is twice the QB Favre is. That will be proven this year.

  • roy jamison

    Rodgers number 12 multiply number by 2 add 2 to get age . number 4, multiple number by 10 to get age. As Al said, how many Super Bowls should Favre been in? Of course, the Jerry Rice fumble that wasn’t didn’t help. If Favre survives this season with his consecutive streak in tact, I will be really surprised. The only way he makes it through the season is if the Vikes rest him and let his backups play.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    I think a couple concussions would go along well w/Percy Harvin’s migraines!!!!! Ring his bell, Pack!!!

  • Mel E Mel

    Is There another Football Team in the NFL that has has 3 consecutive Pro Bowl QBs. 1989 Don Majkowski (Runnerup MVP) #4 multiple times and Aaron Rodgers 2009. Amazing. Its little wonder that we are so spoiled.

  • KB

    I just hope we can beat the bears Vikings a dream to beat at best

  • iccyfan

    You gotta love the good vibes Brett is bringing to Viking TC! I’m liking our probability to win the NFC Norris better & better! Quote(s) from Jason Cole’s article on Yahoo Sports:

    “In short, even as Minnesota’s best hope to win a Super Bowl this season was rejoining the team, Childress was losing more ground with his team in the battle for respect. One of the biggest issues playing out behind the scenes in Minnesota is that many players, particularly on offense, have no respect for Childress. Among those players is Favre, who officially returned to the team Wednesday. According to multiple team sources, Favre’s disdain for Childress is deep. “Brett thinks Childress has no clue about offense,” a Vikings player said.
    Childress’ presence, not Favre’s ankle injury, was one of the biggest reasons Favre was hesitating about playing again, sources said. In early July, Favre had indicated to one player that he was likely to play. However, after Childress visited Favre on July 19, Favre’s desire to return declined.”

  • JeffN

    Icy, can you post a link to the article you found that in?

    • Packer’s Advocate

      I don’t know how to paste a link, but if you search Yahoo sports and go to the NFL section, it’s right there in the main stories section. Listed as “Vikings’ Credibility Gap”. Click “Cole story”.

  • Rick

    On to Packers not Vikes football.

    Did you see Shields blow by the blockers three different times on punting and down one at the 3? He is the gunner we need. Get the opponents to fair catch or down the ball deep in their territory is HUGE for ST and our team. That 20 -30 yard advantage from last year would be a great benefit all season.

    Flynn looked shakey and indecisive until the two minute drill when he just did not give a
    $h!t and threw the ball and looked real good with the twos. I think he is over thinking the throws with Herrel in camp playing behind him. Good to know that he does not respond well when he is challenged instead of being the challenger like he was against Brohm.

    Havener back as LB. I am unsure. He just is not a 3-4 LB. I know we are thin on depth this preseason but I think this shows poor roster thoughts. I appreciate the Havaner can play both sides but jack of all trades and master of none comes to mind.

    • Packer’s Advocate

      From what I’ve read, Sheilds hasn’t been doing PR lately. Hope they don’t give up on him. If not for this year, maybe next.

  • Mel E Mel

    Let Shields cover Kicks and grow as a corner.

  • roy jamison

    If the Favre – Childress story is true…you gotta wonder how wacko Favre is. He has made or will make between 15 and 30 million bucks because Childress begged him to play. I’m waiting for Brad…no matter how bad a coach he is…to call and beg me to play.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Oh, the wonderful world of the NFL. Javon having tryout with the Vikes. Just keeps getting better and better.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    The whole thing could real ugly!!!!!!!! Once this got printed and w/all the egos, this is primed to implode. All it’ll take is some losses.

  • Packer’s Advocate

    I’m hoping on Farve’s return trip to Lambeau, everyone will make up lots of signs for him. How about “Hey Brett, email me a picture of your crock!!!!

  • Rocky70

    Blast from the Past ……. Faver’s quotes when Javon Walker held out in 2005……… Incredible irony here.

    ____________________________

    “Nowadays you’re seeing more and more guys pulling that stunt,” Favre said. “If guys continue to do that and are successful getting away with it, then I’ll be gone, but I think the game will be ruined. My reaction to Javon’s situation was, ‘Here we go again.’

    “Javon has tremendous potential. We got to see some of that last year. The sky’s the limit for that guy, and I’d be the first to defend him, but he’s going about it the wrong way. What happened to honoring your contract and saying, ‘Let’s work as a team to see if we can get this done?’ Why not go about it that way?

    “Maybe I’m old-school, but I always thought you honor a contract. Sure, sometimes guys pass you up in salary, and maybe it’s a lesser player, but it’s all based on what a team has as far as value in that person. “I sure hope the Packers don’t give into him,” Favre said.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    Chemistry, ah chemistry. There are those who think it doesn’t matter, especially when you’re winning. But, could you imagine a locker room with Favre and Walker (or does #4 have his own), ailing Harvin, fumbleitis Peterson (check the Saint game stats again), and players picking up on the great one’s respect for the coach (any coach?)? Throw in the Williams’ and a couple of other old Packers. OMG! They better get off to a fast start or they will implode before our eyes in a hurry.

    • Rocky70

      The Vikes first 7 games of the season ………. @NO, Miami, Det., @NY Jets, Dallas, @GB & @NE ……… IMO, The Vikes are in for a huge tumble ………. It’s feasible that they could start 3-4 or even as bad as 2-5 ……….. If the losing is early & often, watch for the back-stabbing to begin ……. Face it, as long as you are winning, most attitudes remain confidential but losing brings out the truth ………. I’m gonna love it.

  • http://jlworden1suddenlink.net LarryTex

    On another subject, will GB keep 4 starting caliber WRs with Finley able to play the slot? I hate the thought of it but we have trade bait at that position w/ depth. OR, do we stand pat for the eventual retirement of #80? Tough choice if your one or two players away from the SB.

  • KB

    Seattle will easily be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. With that said it should make our D look pretty good if not… Going to be a long season!!

  • http://Orlando Mark

    Pre-season is pretty meaningless but we have some units that need to improve. I’m hoping the D-line can bring some pressure up the middle. Are we going to see Blackmon and the punters do something. Can Flynn show he can lead the team. Can the run game get going with Bulaga. Q. Johnson is a load when run blocking, can he pick up a blitz or catch an outlet, otherwise he’ll be cut.