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Rob Demovsky: Heres Ted Thompson 53-man roster

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:26:00 -0500

NFL teams have to make their final roster cuts by tomorrow afternoon. Heres a position-by-position look at the Green Bay Packers projected 53.

INSIDE SLANT

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:56:00 -0500

The Packers will carry an air of supreme confidence into the season. Open talk and even printed T-shirts compliments of linebacker Nick Barnett that expressed the Super Bowl aspirations harbored by the team at the start of training camp in late July was backed up by what was accomplished on the field the ensuing five weeks. The Aaron Rodgers-led offense took center stage, running the defenses of the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts ragged in the first three preseason games. With yards through the air and points aplenty for the starting group, plenty of people have taken notice, including those of an influential ilk. "He had a really good year last year and has a lot of weapons," Colts quarterback Peyton Manning said of Rodgers, who threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns in only one half in their teams' exhibition meeting Aug. 26. "They really do some things that play to his strengths," Manning added. "He throws the ball down the field really, really well. He's a got a ton of ability." Rodgers, who was slated to play only a series in the preseason finale Sept. 2 at the Kansas City Chiefs, summed up his play in August as "very productive." That may be an understatement. "The last two years, I felt real good about where we've been at the end of preseason, but I feel better this year because I think we have a little bit more of an identity on offense, where last year we made a lot of big plays but I don't really felt like we ever established kind of what we wanted to do," Rodgers said. "And, now it's pretty obvious. We're going to find ways to get the ball to (tight end) Jermichael (Finley) and find ways to get the ball to (receivers) Donald (Driver) and Greg (Jennings), Jordy (Nelson), James (Jones). "When we get into a rhythm like we have this preseason on offense, we're going to be tough to stop. It's fun." The Packers were all about fun times the second half of last season. They won seven of their final eight games to finish 11-5 and seemed poised to make a deep postseason run. Putting up 45 points on scoreboard in an NFC wild-card game at the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 10 wasn't enough for the Packers to advance, however. Arizona did them six points better, winning 51-45 in overtime on a fumble return by Karlos Dansby after a sack of Rodgers in the NFL's highest-scoring playoff game. "I think we were as hot as any team in the league," Packers president Mark Murphy said. "It was a heartbreaking loss, but I think it's the kind of loss that will inspire us and help us in the future." Cornerback Charles Woodson, one of the team's veteran leaders, couldn't let the sting of that loss go seven months later amid the heat of training camp. "Defensively, we just dropped the ball," said Woodson, last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year. "Didn't make any plays, let them run up and down the field, picking up completions on third down and scoring touchdowns and that sort of thing. "We don't want to go into this season thinking we have an offense that can put up points so we can just go out there (as a defense) and whatever happens, happens. That's not taking any pride in what you do as a professional. We won't go out there like that." Just the kind of tough talk to be expected from a team that is thinking big this season. COACHING: Mike McCarthy, 5th year, 5th with Packers (39-28). REMEMBERING: 2009 record: 11-5 (2nd in NFC North); lost 51-45 in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals in NFC wild-card game. PREDICTING: 2010 regular-season record: 12-4 (1st in NFC North); lose in NFC title game. Atari Bigby - Al Harris - Chad Clifton - Free agent - American football positions

NOTES, QUOTES

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:56:00 -0500

--The Packers' decision Aug. 31 to place Al Harris on the physically unable to perform list for the start of the season means the Pro Bowl cornerback will have a third straight incomplete season. Although he held out hope in recent weeks, Harris wasn't deemed ready to return to the field in time for the Sept. 12 opener at the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he played from 1998-2002 before they traded him to the Packers in the 2003 offseason. Harris is nine months removed from undergoing surgery for several torn ligaments in his left knee, which he sustained in Green Bay's win over the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 22 last season. The 13th-year veteran, who turns 36 in December, won't be eligible to rejoin the team for practices and games until after the sixth week of the season in mid-October. Besides playing in just 10 games last year, Harris missed four games early in the 2008 season because of a lacerated spleen -- the first time he was sidelined in his pro career. Tramon Williams, who has 19 starts the last two seasons thanks in part to Harris' injuries, will again fill the void at right cornerback until Harris returns. --A slew of injuries from the first day of training camp July 31 to nearly the last day Aug. 31 left head coach Mike McCarthy feeling uneasy going into what many are predicting a big season for the Packers. "Compared to last year, we have a couple more players in a negative health situation than we did last year," McCarthy said. "I'd like to be healthier, but that's just part of where we are. We're actually a little more banged up this year than we were last year." Besides Harris, incumbent strong safety Atari Bigby (ankle) and rookie running back James Starks (hamstring) are on the season-opening PUP list. The Packers are keeping their fingers crossed that three projected starters on defense -- defensive end Cullen Jenkins (calf) and linebackers Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Brad Jones (shoulder), all of whom missed significant time in camp -- will be ready for Week 1. --Also being closely monitored is the health of safety/return specialist Will Blackmon. He missed portions of camp, including the final week, because of residual soreness in his left knee, which was surgically repaired after he suffered a torn ACL four games into last season. Losing the explosive Blackmon for any length of time could be detrimental to the Packers' punt and kickoff returns. He has three punt returns for touchdowns, tying him with Desmond Howard for the team record. "Will's just going through a tough spot right now," McCarthy said. "He's coming off that knee surgery, and especially at his position, it's been tough. "Will has put a lot of time into this. He had a very strong offseason, but it's probably not responding the way he would like right now." --As high as the Packers were on top rookie Bryan Bulaga with his progression in the preseason making the switch from left tackle to left guard, his unavailability late in training camp was an overriding factor in not winning the starting job. Bulaga briefly succumbed to a hip injury, and veteran incumbent Daryn Colledge was given the opening-day nod before the final preseason game Sept. 2 at the Kansas City Chiefs. "I thought Bryan was improving with his opportunities there, but when you are injured, you are not part of the equation anymore," McCarthy said. Bulaga's misfortune notwithstanding, Colledge added to his legacy of rising to the challenge when he's been pitted in preseason battles for the starting job at left guard. He enters the season with 63 starts, including playoffs, in his first four years in the league. "I don't think I ever get tired of being challenged," Colledge said. "I think I'd like to be a solidified guy. But, that's up to me; that's not up to the coaches. If I could go out there and perform every single week, then I won't have to worry about it." Bulaga, the 23rd overall pick in this year's draft out of Iowa, will work behind veteran left tackle Chad Clifton and Colledge at the outset of the season. --Jermichael Finley is notorious for running his mouth, which has rubbed some affiliated with the organization the wrong way, but the third-year tight end's superb actions on the field have been speaking louder than words since the second half of last season. Finley had 44 catches for 575 yards and four touchdowns in eight games after missing three games because of a knee injury. That includes Finley's monster six-catch, 159-yard performance in the Packers' 51-45 overtime loss at the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC wild-card playoff game. The 6-foot-5, 247-pound Finley picked up where he left off at the end of last season, proving to be a coverage nightmare downfield for linebackers and defensive backs in preseason. "I'm hungry. I'm hungry to go get it," Finley said. "So, that's what point I'm at right now. Not being conceited, I feel like that, for sure (that no one can stop him). I just go out there with my swagger and get working." Finley had 55 receptions (one shy of Paul Coffman's team record for tight ends) for 676 yards and five touchdowns in 2009. --What would have had the makings of a real-life script for Hollywood to consider about how a former cheerleader from a small college in Alabama played his way onto an NFL team is for naught this season. The Packers placed undrafted running back Quinn Porter on injured reserve Aug. 31. After opening eyes the first part of training camp with his quickness and elusiveness, Porter was felled initially by an ankle injury and then ultimately by a sprained MCL in his left knee that he suffered in the Aug. 26 preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Undeterred by not being able to play his first year at Stillman College as a walk-on, Porter stayed in the game by joining the school's cheerleading squad. That earned him the nickname "Pom-Poms" from teammates when he finally suited up for football the following year. BY THE NUMBERS: 158 -- Consecutive games, including playoffs, in which the Packers haven't returned a kickoff for a touchdown. The last such scoring play was a 92-yard runback by Allen Rossum against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 19, 2000. QUOTE TO NOTE: "I love to play on a team with a high-powered offense, but at some point during the season, they're going to need us to step up and play good football, get off the field, make plays or whatever. I don't like going in with the mindset that we have to depend on the offense." -- Cornerback Charles Woodson, on how the Packers defense needs to hold up its end of the bargain for the team to win games this season. Atari Bigby - Al Harris - Chad Clifton - Free agent - American football positions

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:56:00 -0500

The Packers defense will have to make do until at least late October without one half of its usual starting secondary from a season ago. The team placed Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris and strong safety Atari Bigby on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Aug. 31. Both players failed to pass their physicals at the start of training camp a month earlier. Harris is 9 1/2 months removed from suffering tears of multiple ligaments in his left knee. Bigby required another procedure on his surgically repaired left ankle in early August. As PUP casualties, Harris and Bigby won't be able to practice or play with the team the first six weeks of the season. They will be eligible to return to the field after the Oct. 17 game against the Miami Dolphins for a period of 21 days, and the Packers can decide at any time during that three-week window to activate the player, release him or keep him on PUP for the rest of the season. Tramon Williams, primarily a nickel back with the Packers his first three years in the league, will start in place of Harris opposite reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Charles Woodson. Not clear is whom the Packers will use at the frequently employed nickel spot -- candidates are Brandon Underwood, who has been out since suffering a shoulder injury Aug. 26, Pat Lee and undrafted rookie Sam Shields. Rookie Morgan Burnett is the starter at strong safety, where he has worked with the No. 1 unit since the spring as Bigby skipped all offseason workouts in lieu of not receiving a contract extension from the club. PLAYER NOTES --OLB Clay Matthews will enter the season not having played a preseason game after he aggravated a left hamstring injury a week into training camp. Matthews, who led the team with 10 sacks and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie last year after missing most of camp with the bad hamstring, expects to be ready to go for the Sept. 12 opener at the Philadelphia Eagles and make the start on the left side. --DE Cullen Jenkins also is counting on being healthy again for Week 1 after being beset the final two weeks of camp with a calf injury. --S Will Blackmon is iffy for the start of the season after soreness flared up in his surgically repaired left knee following the Aug. 26 preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Not having Blackmon leaves the Packers in a quandary on punt and even kickoff returns. --OLB Brad Jones, who missed most of the preseason with first a back injury and then a bum shoulder, is penciled in as the opening-day starter on the right side opposite Matthews. Jones will probably have to wear a protective harness in the first game. --OL Bryan Bulaga returned to practice for the final week of camp after a hip flexor kept him out of the Colts game and ultimately cost this year's first-round draft pick in his battle with incumbent Daryn Colledge at left guard. --RB Quinn Porter was placed on injured reserve Aug. 31. A sprained medical-collateral ligament in his left knee, sustained in the Colts game, cost Porter's bid to win the No. 3 halfback job as an undrafted rookie out of tiny Stillman (Ala.) College. --RB James Starks, who was sidelined the entire preseason, went on the PUP list Aug. 31 for the start of the season. Starks, a sixth-round draft pick out of Buffalo, suffered a hamstring injury in a spring workout after he missed his final college season in 2009 because of shoulder surgery. DRAFT PICKS TO STICK Rd. 1/23, T/G Bryan Bulaga, Iowa -- Hip injury late in the preseason cost the powerful, quick and assignment-sure Bulaga from overtaking veteran incumbent Daryn Colledge for the starting job at left guard. Bulaga may not have to wait long to be pressed into action, since he's also backing up injury-prone Chad Clifton at left tackle. Rd. 2/56, DE Mike Neal, Purdue -- Strong is a one-word description for Neal the football player and also for how he fared in the preseason. Pass-rush ability both at right end behind Cullen Jenkins and inside in sub packages will keep Neal active on a weekly basis in the defensive-line rotation. Rd. 3/71, S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech -- Incumbent Atari Bigby's contract holdout the entire offseason and then his injury setback before training camp allowed Burnett to ease into and snag the starting job at strong safety. His playmaking skills will be needed right away in a short-handed secondary. Rd. 5/154, TE Andrew Quarless, Penn State -- Out of the mold of rising standout Jermichael Finley with his pass-catching abilities, yet Quarless needs plenty of refinement to get in Finley's league. Entered the home stretch of the preseason on the bubble to make the opening-day roster at a crowded position. Rd. 5/169, T/G Marshall Newhouse, Texas Christian -- The imposing Newhouse (6-4, 320 pounds-plus) made gains throughout the preseason despite bouncing between left guard and his natural position of left tackle. He figured to survive the final roster cut. Rd. 6/193, RB James Starks, Buffalo -- The Packers are keeping the faith with Starks. His injury woes, which date back to shoulder surgery that cost him his final college season in 2009, landed him on PUP for at least the first six weeks of his would-be rookie campaign because of a nagging hamstring pull. Rd. 7/230, DE C.J. Wilson, East Carolina -- Bubble candidate who was lackluster for much of the preseason but would be hard to give up on because of his pass-rush skills from the left side, typically the strong side for opposing offenses. UNIT BY UNIT ANALYSIS QUARTERBACKS: Starter -- Aaron Rodgers. Backups -- Matt Flynn, Graham Harrell. A league MVP-worthy season is brewing for Rodgers in year No. 3 as the starter. He was lights-out in the first three preseason games that were of significance for the starting unit, compiling a league-best passer rating of 141.2 by completing 41 of 53 passes for 470 yards and six touchdowns in a little more than four quarters. Better decision making by Rodgers and improved pass protection left him with a gaudy "zero" in the interceptions and sacks categories, the latter of which was a bugaboo for most of Rodgers' Pro Bowl season in 2009 when he was sacked a league-high 50 times. Rodgers' escapability and willingness to sacrifice his body by taking off with the football -- he rushed for 316 yards and five touchdowns last season -- make him all the more dangerous for opposing defenses. Flynn remains Rodgers' top understudy for the third time in as many pro seasons and has gradually developed into reliable replacement who can lead and move the offense were something to happen to Rodgers. Harrell, the record-setting passer in college at Texas Tech, came on late in the preseason and seems a good bet to stick around on the practice squad. RUNNING BACKS: Starters -- Ryan Grant, FB Korey Hall. Backups -- Brandon Jackson, James Starks, Kregg Lumpkin; FB John Kuhn, Quinn Johnson. The aerial assault in the preseason put the running game on the back burner, particularly for Grant, who had few opportunities to get his hands on the football. His exhibition contributions will be more remembered for a concussion that knocked him out in the first game and a pair of fumbles. He is healthy for the start of the season, but the miscues are un-Grant-like -- he has the league's longest active streak of 291 rushes without a fumble, dating to the end of the 2008 season. Jackson also was guilty of putting the ball on the turf, a rare blemish in a solid camp that had head coach Mike McCarthy touting the fourth-year player as "every-down back" material. An injury epidemic in camp -- promising undrafted rookie Quinn Porter landed on injured reserve with a sprained knee, Lumpkin missed time and rookie Starks starts the season on the PUP list because of a bad hamstring -- means the Packers may have to go with Grant and Jackson as their only true halfbacks and rely on the versatile and good-hands Kuhn in a pinch. That could help Johnson, a battering ram for a lead blocker, survive the final roster cut since Hall and Kuhn aren't considered expendable for the value they also bring to special teams. TIGHT ENDS: Starter -- Jermichael Finley. Backups -- Donald Lee, Spencer Havner, Tom Crabtree, Andrew Quarless. The emergence of first-year castoff Crabtree, who jumped out from the start of camp as the group's best blocker and a solid contributor on special teams, created a veritable logjam. Since the Packers will probably be down a man from the usual three halfbacks they have on the 53-man roster, retaining all five tight ends for the start of the season isn't far-fetched. Lee is the blue-collar, soft-spoken veteran. Havner made his mark last season with four touchdown catches and is more of a commodity because he can play linebacker in an emergency. Quarless is far from polished as a rookie, but his athleticism, pass-catching skills and high ceiling would be hard to pass on. Then, of course, there's Finley, who has quickly established himself as beast among defenseless men. He could be the team's top receiver in 2010 after his breakout sophomore season of 55 catches for 676 yards and five touchdowns. WIDE RECEIVERS: Starters -- Greg Jennings, Donald Driver. Backups -- James Jones, Jordy Nelson, Brett Swain, Jason Chery, Chastin West. Even with the evolution of Finley as Rodgers' favorite target, Jennings and Driver are sure to have a lot of passes thrown their way. Jennings is out to make amends after his numbers dipped slightly to 68 receptions for 1,113 yards and just four touchdowns in 2009. Driver, who has six straight 1,000-yard seasons, needs only 607 yards to break Hall of Famer James Lofton's franchise record of 9,656 receiving yards. Driver feels rejuvenated at 35 after undergoing minor surgeries on both knees early in the offseason. Jones and Nelson, who was sure-handed, made strides in the preseason and figure to get more chances in McCarthy's liberal use of multi-receiver sets. Issues with Swain's surgically repaired knee from last year cropped up in camp, making him an iffy candidate if the Packers decide to hold onto five wideouts. OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters -- LT Chad Clifton, LG Daryn Colledge, C Scott Wells, RG Josh Sitton, RT Mark Tauscher. Backups -- LT/LG Bryan Bulaga, C/G Jason Spitz, RT/RG T.J. Lang, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, LT/LG Marshall Newhouse, G Allen Barbre, RT Breno Giacomini, RG Nick McDonald. It took most of the preseason to settle, but the Packers are content with the starting five who'll line up in the Sept. 12 season opener at the Philadelphia Eagles. Colledge, whose up-and-down play last season contributed greatly to Rodgers' high sacks total, held firm to retain his job when a surprise move was made a week into camp to slide Bulaga inside from his natural tackle spot and challenge the incumbent. Bulaga, the team's first-round draft pick this year, seemingly had the inside track to win the spot before a hip injury sidetracked him with two weeks left. Bulaga will have to be ready at a moment's notice to jump in given the 34-year-old Clifton's recent track record of injury setbacks and potentially another letdown from Colledge. Wells and Sitton bring consistently good blocking to the interior. Tauscher, 33, is as solid and dependable as ever, after he missed the first half of the 2009 season recovering from knee surgery. Onetime starter Spitz could be dangled in trade possibilities before the season starts. Lang bounced back from wrist surgery in the offseason and is a starter of the future. Once-promising prospects Barbre and Giacomini could be on their way out in favor of the younger likes of Newhouse, an imposing fifth-round draft pick this year. DEFENSIVE LINEMEN: Starters -- LE Ryan Pickett, NT B.J. Raji, RE Cullen Jenkins. Backups -- RE Mike Neal, LE Justin Harrell, RE Jarius Wynn, LE C.J. Wilson, NT Anthony Toribio. The loss of three-year starter Johnny Jolly for the season to a league-imposed suspension for a breach of its substance-abuse policy left the Packers in a bind up front to start the season, unless they land a reinforcement or two off the scrap heap. For now, the depth on the line drops off precipitously after the starting trio and Neal, a second-round draft pick who is the real deal as a brute force both outside and inside in sub packages. Jenkins is the group's only proven pass rusher, but he was slowed by a calf injury late in the preseason. Jolly's prolonged absence, coupled with the need to get 2009 first-round draft pick Raji on the field full time at his natural nose position, prompted the move of Pickett to the outside, where it remains to be seen if he can be as disruptive as Jolly was. Would-be 2007 first-round bust Harrell held up for most of camp with his chronically sore back and may have earned a reprieve for another season since the Packers have little else to count on in reserve. Either Wynn, who suffered a concussion toward the end of the preseason, or marginal seventh-round draft pick Wilson could be on the out. LINEBACKER: Starters -- LOLB Clay Matthews, ILB Nick Barnett, ILB A.J. Hawk, ROLB Brad Jones. Backups -- ILB/OLB Brandon Chillar, ILB Desmond Bishop, OLB Brady Poppinga, OLB Frank Zombo, OLB Cyril Obiozor, ILB Robert Francois, ILB Alex Joseph. Although the Packers aren't hurting for players in the linebacker corps, no one knows for sure what they have with the group. The projected starting foursome never played together in a single preseason game. Matthews, who came on like gangbusters as a rookie in 2009 to lead the team with 10 sacks and earn a Pro Bowl trip, dropped out after the first week of camp with a recurring hamstring injury. He is expected to be fine for the opener as he moves from the right side to the left side to line up away from Jenkins and keep the opposing offense honest. Jones, who took over for an injured and since-departed Aaron Kampman on the left side the latter part of last season, will try to give it a go on the right side in Week 1 after missing most of the preseason with back and shoulder injuries. The interior duo of Barnett, who had some knee work done in the offseason, and Hawk, who had an ankle sprain, also missed time in August. Chillar, who was briefly in the running for Jones' starting spot, will replace Hawk in the nickel. Zombo, an undrafted rookie converted from defensive end, took advantage of the rash of injuries on the outside to become the group's top pass rusher in preseason games and likely earn a roster spot. DEFENSIVE BACKS: Starters -- LCB Charles Woodson, RCB Tramon Williams, SS Morgan Burnett, FS Nick Collins. Backups -- RCB Al Harris, CB Brandon Underwood, CB Pat Lee, CB Sam Shields, CB Jarrett Bush, SS Atari Bigby, S Derrick Martin, S Charlie Peprah, S Will Blackmon. If widespread deficiencies in pass coverage in the preseason games are any indication, the Packers could be in a world of trouble trying to contain teams on the early part of the schedule with Harris, one of the game's best shutdown corners, out for at least the first six games as a PUP casualty. Other than Woodson, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year who had a career-high nine interceptions and caused four fumbles, the defense is without a reliable playmaker at the cornerback spots. Williams, thought to be an emerging player, was exposed by the Colts' Peyton Manning in the preseason game. What's more, the nickel spot previously occupied by Williams is a big question mark with no one jumping out from the group of Underwood, who suffered a shoulder injury in the Colts game, Lee and undrafted rookie Shields. The Packers are in better hands at safety, provided they don't lose two-time Pro Bowl selection Collins and promising third-round draft pick Burnett. The rookie takes over for Bigby, who joins Harris in PUP purgatory the first part of the season after having a second surgery on his left ankle in early August. SPECIAL TEAMS: PK Mason Crosby, P Tim Masthay, P Chris Bryan, LS Brett Goode, KOR/PR Will Blackmon. A big push in the homestretch of the preseason vaulted Masthay, a first-year player, to front-runner status in the big punting battle with Australian rookie Bryan. The final decision hinged on their performances in the preseason finale Sept. 2 at the Kansas City Chiefs. The survivor also will be the holder on kicks for Crosby, who overcame early struggles in camp to put up encouraging numbers after he was under the gun for a career-worst 75 percent on field goals (27 of 36) in 2009. The Packers were mediocre on returns after Blackmon suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 last season. His availability for the start of this season is up in the air as he endured recurring soreness with the surgically repaired knee. Atari Bigby - Al Harris - Chad Clifton - Free agent - American football positions

Consider yourself warned, Ndamukong Suh

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:06:00 -0500

Suh

Just making sure you caught Adam Schefter's report on the $7,500 fine issued to Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. We discussed the issue at hand earlier this week; Suh grabbed the facemask of Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme and then twisted him to the ground during a Aug. 28 preseason game at Ford Field.

My opinion hasn't changed. I'm all for mean and nasty defensive linemen, especially considering the way the Lions defense has been pushed around in recent years. But here's the realithy: whether you believe the takedown was intentional or an accident, NFL officials are never going to allow a play like that to go unpunished. Like it or not, the quarterback will be protected every time.

I don't care about a fine, but the Lions defense can't absorb many 15-yard penalties. And if the league had suspended Suh, a possible consequence if there is a next time, all he would have done is hurt his team further. Now let's move on.

The Green Bay Packers and the Super Bowl Discussion

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:30:00 -0500

Left and right, up and down, wherever you look, it's Super Bowl hype that seems to be swirling around the Packers.

It is a question that seems to excite some, and irritate others. Can the Packers reach Super Bowl XLV?

Seeing the Packers play in another Super Bowl would be wonderful, no question about it. But on the other hand, how can we possibly know anything about them reaching it at this point?

Why would we get our hopes up just to be disappointed like we were last season? How can anyone possibly know who's going and who's not going at this point? And how many times must we read about if the Packers can indeed reach the Super Bowl?

It gets old, repetitive, and it's just too much.

We can't answer the question, and everyone knows it. But that doesn't matter to people who simply want to know the answer to that question right now. Hence, the question continues to be asked.

The truth of the matter is, the new season is only right around the corner, and the hype and excitement begins to build. When we think about football, our minds are simply programmed to think right away, "who will win this year's Super Bowl?"

If you're not asking it out loud to yourself, then you're certainly thinking about it in the back of your mind.

There is only one way to answer the question. But it's not a simple answer, it has to be explained.

There's a difference between can the Packers make it, and will the Packers make it. Before we ever answer the question, we have to first establish what the question is.

So the answer is simply this. Yes, the Packers can make the Super Bowl. They are virtually a complete team, with the only exception being Special teams and a depleted secondary.

Every NFL expert on NFL.com agreed that the Packers were going to at least make the Super Bowl. Rather encouraging to hear, no?

But will they make it? That's the part that simply can't be answered.

Remember that making the Super Bowl isn't the same as winning it. But if they're even going to make it there, they must prove themselves throughout the regular season and the playoffs first.

Last season the Saints won the Super Bowl. The previous season they were only 8-8, and nobody thought of them as serious contenders then.

So if the Packers don't make the Super Bowl, it will be disappointing, but not surprising. Not because they won't be a very good team, but simply because other teams want it more, or the Packers simply don't give as much effort as they should.

Packers can, but we must be patient to see if they will.

Read more Green Bay Packers news on BleacherReport.com

Fantasy: It's all about Jahvid Best

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:00:00 -0500

Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid. Jahvid, Jahvid, Jahvid.

Sorry, I had to get that out of my system.

As I've noted many times before, I know nothing about fantasy football. I can usually detect when a mailbag question is geared in that direction, however, and I have to say I've been blown away by the focus on Detroit Lions tailback Jahvid Best -- especially in a division that includes fantasy elites Adrian Peterson and Aaron Rodgers.

But Best appears to be one of the great unknowns of this year's fantasy season, in part because no one seems certain how significant his role will be this season.

Based on coach Jim Schwartz's feelings for Best, and the obvious explosion we've seen from him in the preseason, I think it's more than fair to say Best will start and should get the majority of backfield touches for the Lions this season. As Jim McCormick writes for ESPN.com's fantasy page, the primary doubt is whether Best can stay healthier than he did while playing at Cal.

In three seasons with the Bears, Best had surgery to repair elbow and foot injuries. He also missed the final month of the 2009 season after a scary concussion. The Lions limited him to 15 preseason carries (on which he gained 129 yards), removing him from one game because of "tightness" and sitting him altogether in Thursday night's preseason finale.

For that reason, our friends over at Football Outsiders have tagged Best with a "yellow" risk in their 2010 fantasy projections, a part of their outstanding 2010 Football Outsiders Almanac. Yellow is defined as "higher than normal risk" and drops a player's overall value by five percent. Still, Football Outsiders projects Best for 850 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season, along with 28 receptions for another 168 yards.

Hopefully that will help you somehow. All I do is give.

BBAO: Reviewing preseason Week 4

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:15:00 -0500

In lieu of our usual Black and Blue All Over format, we'll put a bow on Week 4 of the preseason on this fine Friday morning:

Cleveland Browns 13, Chicago Bears 10
Preseason record: 0-4
Of interest: The Bears finished the preseason winless for the first time since 1998 and only the second time in the past 33 years. Their offense scored 46 points, their special teams got three punts and a field goal blocked and their defense was almost unrecognizable from its heyday. Good thing the preseason doesn't matter, huh? Thursday night, the defense recovered a fumbled snap on its first play but then went on to allow Cleveland starter Colt McCoy to complete all 13 of his passes for 131 yards. If anything positive emerged, it was that veteran quarterback Todd Collins has caught up enough to be Jay Cutler's Week 1 backup. Collins started in place of Cutler and completed 10 of 15 passes for 139 yards, including a 15-yard scoring strike to tight end Greg Olsen.
Local coverage: Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said there has been some "frustration" but "it's not like we're defeatist," reports Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Sun-Times on the Bears' pass defense this preseason: "Outside of poor pass protection, the most alarming trend has been the poor play of a battered secondary that has served up a steady diet of cushion coverage and nondescript play." Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com thinks linebacker Brian Iwuh is solid insurance behind Lance Briggs. Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com: "But is there enough time? And can they flip the proverbial switch?"
Next: Sept. 12 vs. Detroit Lions*

Detroit Lions 28, Buffalo Bills 23
Preseason record: 3-1
Of interest: A majority of first-team players started the game, including quarterback Matthew Stafford. But Stafford threw his worst pass of the preseason on the third play, a telegraphed sideline pass to receiver Calvin Johnson that Drayton Florence intercepted and returned 40 yards for a touchdown. The Lions were down 16-0 in this game before No. 3 quarterback Drew Stanton led a fourth-quarter rally. Of the Lions' bubble players, I thought running back DeDe Dorsey made two plays that will make him a difficult cut. The first was a 25-yard scoring scamper off a short pass from Stanton in the third quarter; the second was a difficult 34-yard reception along the sideline in the fourth quarter.
Local coverage: Michael Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press has seen enough to write: "For the first time in at least three years, the Lions have actual, genuine strengths. ... There are still too many holes to expect greatness, or even goodness, but they have an excellent chance at OKness." Dorsey could still be a victim of the numbers game, writes Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News. The true quality of the Lions' secondary is unknown because of so many preseason injuries, writes Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com. Safeties Louis Delmas and C.C. Brown both sat out Thursday night, while cornerback Jonathan Wade played with a cast on his hand.
Next: Sept. 12 at Chicago Bears*

Kansas City Chiefs 17, Green Bay Packers 13
Preseason record: 2-2
Of interest: In a bit of a surprise, Packers coach Mike McCarthy sat a number of key veterans, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and removed the rest of his starters after one series. The move helped the Chiefs win their first preseason game in two years. Backup quarterback Matt Flynn started in Rodgers' place and threw for 304 yards, although I'm still trying to figure out how his 77-yard pass to a wide-open Brett Swain didn't go for a touchdown; probably a combination of a short throw and Swain's less-than-devastating speed. The Packers worked tailback Kregg Lumpkin hard (11 carries, 36 yards) to give him a final chance to make the roster. Kick returner Jason Chery probably didn't win much confidence after a fumble and no returns longer than 17 yards.
Local coverage: Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel thought Swain and Lumpkin "looked the most like NFLers among a medley of soon-to-be practice squad and indoor football players Thursday night at New Arrowhead Stadium." The Packers are entertaining trade offers for offensive lineman Jason Spitz, the Journal Sentinel reports. Chery "probably did just enough to stay in contention for a roster spot, depending in part on the shaky health of Will Blackmon," reports Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Long-snapper Brett Goode's departure after a big hit left it difficult to measure the Packers' punting competition, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
Next: Sept. 12 at Philadelphia Eagles*

Minnesota Vikings 31, Denver Broncos 24
Preseason record: 3-1
Of interest: The Vikings started 20 backups, including quarterback Tarvaris Jackson -- who concluded a worrisome preseason with a terrible outing. His accuracy-challenged 2-for-8 performance brought his preseason numbers to 12-of-26 for 60 yards. No. 3 quarterback Sage Rosenfels didn’t do much better, completing 1 of 4 passes, but you have to wonder how coach Brad Childress remains so committed to Jackson. Brett Favre hasn’t missed a start in 19 previous seasons, but there have been occasions when he’s left competitive games due to injury. At this point, would you trust Jackson even for a half? Rookie Joe Webb continued to show raw potential, dashing 41 yards against a blitz on one play and tossing a 63-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Javon Walker. With two touchdowns in two preseason appearances, you wonder if Walker hasn’t made the team.
Local coverage: Jackson was booed off the field by the Metrodome crowd, reports Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. But Childress said Jackson will remain the No. 2 quarterback “as it stands right now.” Cornerback Lito Sheppard said “I don't see why not” when asked if he will be a Week 1 starter, writes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune. Safety Tyrell Johnson took advantage of extended playing time to likely win the strong safety job, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
Next: Thursday at New Orleans Saints*

*And it counts!

The Green Bay Packers' Hardest Day of 2010

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:55:00 -0500

As the classic line in the classic sports movie Bull Durham goes ---- this is the hardest thing a manager has to do, as he is about to release a player, here is the ---- hardest thing Mike McCarthy has to do, decide amongst the bubble players.

Some teams the depth is not that great, and little value will have to be jettisoned. This 2010 Packers roster could see the team Ted Thompson has so skillfully built be forced to release as many as 10 players that can get significant playing time elsewhere. Let me break down the numbers.

3 special teamers, Goode, Crosby and the Mastahay - Bryan survivor, which actually probably adds to my list with the one released.

On offense there are 16 locks.

Rodgers, Flynn at QB, Jennings, Driver, Nelson and Jones at WR, Grant and Jackson at RB, Nelson at TE, Clifton, Tauscher, Wells, Sitton and College starting on the O line plus Bulaga and Lang .... 16 spots.

On the offensive side of the ball let us say there remains 9 spots..... Graham can probably slide under the claiming notice and be shuffled to the practice squad. There still remains 15 guys for the 9 slots:

FB or RB will likely take 3 remaining spots from amongst Kuhn, Hall and the rapidly improving Quinn Johnson, and Kregg Lumpkin one very tough cut to be made.

There will be at least 3 TE or R from Lee, Quarless, Havner and Swain that make the squad and puts one more very tough cut to be made, and Chery has made a statement as a returner, so the number could be 2.

The Offensive line is where some critical and difficult decisions will have to be made. Spitz and Barbre have both put in plenty of starts and are value backups, but with Dietrich Smith, Giacomini, and Newhouse all tabbed as having more talent, and with rookie Campbell looking great there are certainly 2 and likely 3 very tough O line cuts. Campbell can likely slide through to the practice squad.

Now is the tough call for me..... predicting the mind of Thompson and McCarthy. My projections for those last 9 spots......

Lee is cut due to salary. They Waive Quarless to try to get him to the practice squad. Havner and Swain make due to special teams play, and Chery makes it as a returner. Losers Lee and Quarless, ouch!

Like with the bubble receivers I am completely horrified at having to let Kuhn or Hall go due to special teams, Johnson has really developed into that hole opener at the goal line, so .... very sorry Mr Lumpkin, as good as you have been, hope you can get to the practice squad.

That brings us to potentially some of the toughest cuts. On the offensive line my gut wants to go with the guy that has given his all Mark Spitz, but I cannot do it. Hopefully a trade for him. Newhouse might have the best odds of sliding through to the practice squad, but I do not think they take that chance. Dietrich Smith gets one spot, and I believe Newhouse the other, leaving the Packers trying to deal Spitz, Barbre and Giacomini. Only one of those 3 can make it ... and like Lee and Lumpkin, two of those 3 guys becomes very difficult cuts. They may find a way to have a magic Injury reserve like the Lee IR move last year, please fall down and be hurt Mr Newhouse, so we can groom you for a year!

Ted Thompson has done a fine job assembling talent. 4 incredibly tough cuts to make on O and the hope that a few more do not get picked up and they can be moved to the practice squad..... from the offense!

Defense is nearly as problematic.

4 Defensive linemen Pickett, Raji, Jenkins and Neal are locks.

7 LB Jones, Hawk, Barnett, Matthews, Chillar, Bishop and Poppinga are also locks

They did manage to protect seasonal depth by putting Bigby and Harris on PUP list which can see them back after 6 games. That list is flexible so after week 7 some other issues may be sorted.

7 DB are also locks Woodson, Collins, Burnett, Williams, Shields, Lee and Martin.

There is some more flexibility as relates to the defense, and Blackmon if healthy enough will certainly make it due to return ability. The number crunch down however not that much different than with the offense. Only 6 spots.

Defensive Line may be the most difficult to predict only in the fact the real quality may not be as deep. Has Harrel done enough.....probably. Talley, Toribo and Wynn have all only proven to be backups and practice teamers, while Wilson is a green draft pick. Going against the grain, I predict Harrell to hang onto the spot, and they waive all the other 4, hoping to resign 2 of the 4 to the practice squad. Average depth talent, but not the gaping hole that was anticipated with the departure of Mr Jolly. Mr Harrell thanks you for his final chance.

In my scenario that leaves 5 spots for LB and DBs from this short list of 6..... Oziobor and Zombo the LB, Underwood, Peprah, Bush and Bell at DB. As much as it pains me to say this, Bush is not the worst player on the list and sneaks in....while Bell gets cut. The only thing that could affect the survival in the defensive backfield and see us bid adeiu to Mr Bush is if the management choose to save one more player on Offense and cut our favorite whipping boy.

To me it makes a lot more sense to save one more of the young offensive linemen with the ages of Tauscher and Clifton. But I am not McCarthy and Thompson, and for once I am glad this is not my job today.

Read more Green Bay Packers news on BleacherReport.com

Game Review: Flynn Has Solid Outing In Preseason Finale

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:18:00 -0500

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Green Bay Packers dropped their 2010 preseason finale on the road to the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night, but this game wasn’t about the win or the loss.

Mike McCarthy Post-Game Press Conf. Transcript - Sept. 2

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:10:00 -0500

OK, I’ll start with the injuries. Brett Goode had a blow to the head and did not return, and Brett Swain had a bruised knee and he did return. With that I’ll take your questions. (What did you th...

Game Notes: Strong Showing For Swain

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:09:00 -0500

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- After catching only two passes thus far in the preseason and missing last week’s game against Indianapolis, wide receiver Brett Swain broke out in a big way on Thursday night in the preseason finale at Kansas City.

McCarthy on roster cuts: Its the worst time of year

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:23:00 -0500

Coach Mike McCarthy says of cutting the roster from 75 to the regular-season limit of 53 by 5 p.m. Saturday: Its the worst time of year for me.

Notebook: Flynn Replaces Rodgers

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:20:00 -0500

Matt Flynn gets the start at quarterback; Brett Swain produces; and much more from Thursday's loss at Kansas City.

Notebook: Shields gets longer look with Woodson out

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:40:00 -0500

Coach Mike McCarthys decision to not even dress cornerback Charles Woodson gave the Packers an extra long look at undrafted rookie Sam Shields as their possible nickel cornerback for the first half of the season.

Backups get the call in lackluster preseason finale

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:31:00 -0500

Coach Mike McCarthy signaled the priority of the Packers preseason finale Thursday night when he chose not to dress quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Ryan Grant and cornerback Charles Woodson.

Last chance for Packers' bubble players

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:01:00 -0500

Two Green Bay Packers who made their case to stick around with not a second to lose were wide receiver Brett Swain and running back Kregg Lumpkin.

10 situations you should all be following

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Our apologies, but we aren’t talking about fist pumping or GTL.

NFC North notebook

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Some final preseason notes for the Labor Day weekend.

Photos: Packers vs. Chiefs

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:50:00 -0500

Green Bay Packers played the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason game on Thursday, Sept. 2, in Kansas City, Mo.

Trade talk centers on Spitz

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:40:00 -0500

The Green Bay Packers have received one or more calls asking if offensive lineman Jason Spitz is available in a trade, while other teams are waiting to see whether he or teammate Evan Dietrich-Smith will be released on Saturday, NFL sources said this week.

Mike Vandermause column: Who stays, who goes when cuts come down

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:34:00 -0500

After more than five months of off-season workouts, including organized team activities, minicamp, training camp, an intra-squad scrimmage and four exhibition games, my verdict has been reached on the Green Bay Packers final 53-man roster.

Chiefs 17, Packers 13

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:29:00 -0500

It took two years and five days, but finally Todd Haley and Kansas City have beaten somebody in the preseason. Kansas City Chiefs - Brodie Croyle - Matt Cassel - NFL - Sports

How they scored

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:29:00 -0500

FIRST QUARTER

Insider: Starters didnt miss much

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:14:00 -0500

The best thing about Thursdays preseason finale at Kansas City was that quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Ryan Grant and cornerback Charles Woodson didnt have to play in it.

AP Game Story: Chiefs 17, Packers 13

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:51:00 -0500

Backup signal-caller Matt Flynn played into the third quarter and hit 23 of 37 passes for 304 yards.

Packers hardly bother in last exhibition game

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:50:00 -0500

On Thursday night the Packers closed their 2010 exhibition campaign in listless fashion with a 17-13 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Preseason Ends With Loss To Chiefs

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:30:00 -0500

With Aaron Rodgers getting the night off, No. 2 quarterback Matt Flynn played into the fourth quarter. The Packers had two chances to drive to the win in the final minutes but failed both times.

QBs spark Chiefs' first preseason win since 2008, coming at Packers' expense

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:20:00 -0500

Matt Cassel and Brodie Croyle each led touchdown drives, and the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Green Bay Packers, 17-13, Thursday night for their first preseason victory since 2008.

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:23:41 -0500

Mills Fleet Farm Presents The Lambeau Field 2010 Spring Sports & Outdoors Show Sept. 10-11

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:23:00 -0500

The Mills Fleet Farm-Lambeau Field 2010 Fall Sports & Outdoors Show returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium Friday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Ticket...

Several starters sit, offense struggles in loss

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:29:00 -0500

Green Bay's offense - minus several starters including quarterback Aaron Rodgers - got just one touchdown as the Packers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs, 17-13, Thursday night in the final exhibition game for both teams. Roster cuts are Saturday. Review the game in our blog.

Final argument: Roster allocation and roles

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:30:00 -0500

Earlier Thursday, we looked at four established NFC North players who reside on the proverbial roster bubble. Now, let's take a broader look at some key questions our teams face in determining the final composition of their rosters.

Will the Bears wipe out a good bit of their 2009 draft? Defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert, receiver Juaquin Iglesias and defensive lineman Henry Melton were the Bears' top three picks of that draft. They've all been invisible this summer and certainly haven't done anything to earn roster spots. Whether one is reserved for them is another question.

Can the Bears find room for special-teams stud Tim Shaw? He had 30 tackles on special teams last season but isn't much of a factor on defense. But he would qualify as a specialist, and there isn't always room for one on a 53-man roster. Do the Bears feel comfortable using him at linebacker, especially considering preseason injuries to Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Nick Roach? Uncertain.

How many running backs will the Detroit Lions keep? We know that Jahvid Best is the starter, and veteran Kevin Smith would be the likely No. 2 if he were completely healthy. But does Smith's offseason knee surgery make the Lions nervous? And if so, do they keep five backs behind Best -- Smith, Maurice Morris, Aaron Brown, DeDe Dorsey and fullback Jerome Felton -- or does one get released?

If they keep an extra back, could the Lions take a roster spot from the quarterback position? That's not out of the question. The Lions have established Shaun Hill as the long-term backup to starter Matthew Stafford. So is there any reason to keep Drew Stanton on the roster?

Will the Green Bay Packers keep five tight ends? We mentioned the possibility of veteran Donald Lee meeting the end of the line. It's also possible that Tom Crabtree could be sneaked onto the practice squad. But you could make an argument that all five tight ends are among the Packers' top 53 players. General manager Ted Thompson has made odd numerical choices before; last year he kept three fullbacks for what is mostly a one-back offense.

Will both players who entered 2009 competing for the right tackle job be cut? It's very possible that Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini have played their way off the team. This year's backup tackles are more likely to be Bryan Bulaga and T.J. Lang.

How will the Minnesota Vikings establish more depth at cornerback? Right now, their starters are Antoine Winfield and either Lito Sheppard or Asher Allen. The nonstarter in that group is the likely nickelback, but beyond him the Vikings have no viable candidates for depth. A waiver claim or trade would seem a near-certainty.

How many receivers can the Vikings keep? Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin are locks. You would think Greg Lewis makes the team, along with Greg Camarillo. Will Javon Walker make the Week 1 roster as a No. 5 receiver? Or would the Vikings be wary of guaranteeing his 2010 salary? Signing him back as early as Week 2 would allow them to pay him on a weekly basis.

Earlier: Final-week position battles and players on the bubble.

Final arguments: Four on the bubble

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:00 -0500

Preseason play mercifully will end Thursday night, opening what is really a five-day window for NFL teams to settle on their final 53-man rosters and practice squads. Some teams will begin making cuts as soon as Friday morning. Everyone must be down to 53 by Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, but waiver claims, trades and other player movement could continue as late as next Tuesday before Week 1 practices begin in earnest.

As we approach the NFL's flea market season, let's identify one player who seems most at risk on each NFC North team.

Chicago Bears

Player: Running back Garrett Wolfe
Comment: We've been waiting for Wolfe's speed to translate into regular playmaking for three years, and his time might now be up. Although he's been a good special-teams player in the past, Wolfe is on the wrong side of the Bears' Matt Forte-Chester Taylor tailback tandem. If the Bears keep a third running back, it could be second-year player Kahlil Bell.

Detroit Lions

Player: Offensive lineman Jon Jansen
Comment: Jansen started two games last season as an emergency fill-in and has spent the summer competing with Gosder Cherilus for the starting right tackle job. But if Cherilus wins the job, as expected, the Lions might choose a younger player such as Corey Hilliard as a backup.

Green Bay Packers

Player: Tight end Donald Lee
Comment: The Packers have five tight ends that probably should make the team: Jermichael Finley, Spencer Havner, Tom Crabtree, rookie Andrew Quarless and the veteran Lee. But that's a high number, and you wonder if Lee wouldn't be the odd man out. He's scheduled to make $2 million this season, all of which would be guaranteed if he's on the Week 1 roster. That's premium money for a part-time player.

Minnesota Vikings

Player: Kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd
Comment: A kickoff specialist is a luxury reserved for only the biggest, most consistent boomers in the NFL. Lloyd, on the other hand, doesn't have a touchback this preseason and has been a big disappointment. It's possible the Vikings will give him time to straighten out, but their health-induced duress at other positions might make his roster spot too valuable.

Check your in-box for our season preview!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:45:00 -0500

How meaningless is the fourth preseason game of the year? So much so that we here at ESPN.com have posted our 2010 season preview.

Our panel of experts predicted the following consensus ranking for the NFC North:

Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions

ESPN's Adam Schefter was the only voter to deviate from that ranking, flipping the Bears and Lions' positions.

We have a preview page set up for each team. Follow these links for the Bears, the Lions, the Packers and the Vikings.

Be sure to check out the video below, where ESPN's Monday Night Football announcing crew offers its thoughts on the NFC North. Ron Jaworski and Jon Gruden pick an over/under for wins this season.

Thursday extra point: No jobs at stake tonight

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:55:00 -0500

The Packers likely already know who they will keep on the 53-man roster. Tonight, many of the reserves arent battling for a spot on the roster, but rather for a spot on some other team.

Packers-Chiefs Press Box Notes

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0500

PACKERS TRAVEL TO KANSAS CITY FOR PRESEASON FINALE Green Bay (2-1) heads to Kansas City (0-3) to close out the preseason slate with a game against the Chiefs tonight. It is the third time in the...

Rewinding the Favre-Rodgers Great Debate

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0500

After reading this week's Great Debate about the future of the Green Bay Packers' history books, Bryan of Madison, Wis., made a desperate plea:

Could you please pump the brakes on getting Aaron Rodgers fitted for his yellow Hall of Fame jacket and at least wait until he wins a single playoff game? Yeesh.

Our friends over at Cheesehead TV were a little more nuanced in their reaction, although I think the words "shut up" appeared a few times.

Dave of Annandale, Va., wrote that my "ignorance of Bart Starr is appalling" and is "typical of you modern-day 'experts' who think the NFL started in 1990."

Dan of San Diego wasn't thrilled with my explanation for Rodgers' fumble at the end of last season's playoff loss to the Arizona Cardinals. "You need to stop being an enabler to those crybaby Packer fans," Dan wrote.

Thanks to everyone who read and reacted to a serious debate written with what I thought was an obviously light-hearted approach. Trust me, I am well aware that the statistical odds are stacked against Rodgers surpassing Favre in any way. Believe me, I am well versed in the nature of Starr's career. My approach to him in this debate was more flippant than ignorant, but I guess he is one of the untouchables. To be clear, I don't actually think Bart Starr was a mere caretaker of the Packers' championship teams in that era.

With the calendar showing almost two weeks until the start of the regular season, Tuesday was simply a good moment to have some fun with what is an emotional and at least somewhat relevant corner of the NFC North. Nothing more and nothing less. Even if it's mere speculation, I do think it's worth considering what limits -- if any -- Rodgers has on what could be a historic career.

Knowing that this post was coming, I asked Rodgers an open-ended question last month on the general subject. I wanted to know if he had spent any time thinking about where his career might take him. After all, many of the game's all-time greats didn't open their careers as strongly as Rodgers has.

After a pause, here is what Rodgers said:

"Not really, to be honest with you. I'm a pretty regimented guy. I'm blessed with one of the great teachers in the game in [quarterbacks coach] Tom Clements. And we're always working. His best quality is not letting me be content with where I am as a player, and to always point out things I can improve on. That's how I stay motivated in the offseason. One thing I do realize is that as our team's success goes, then all of our individual success goes. And keeping that I mind, I think we can all have a lot of success this year."

OK. let's adjourn until such time that we can nominate Charles Woodson as the best defensive back in Packers history. Too bad for Herb Adderley, Willie Wood and Mossy Cade.

Wednesday extra point: One-on-one with McCarthy

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:30:00 -0500

Put Packers coach Mike McCarthy in front of a podium for a press conference, and he comes off as formal and sometimes stiff. But in a one-on-one interview setting, you get the feeling youre shooting the breeze with your neighbor.

First, last impressions stick out for roster cuts

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:02:00 -0500

No one wants to talk much about it, but there it is looming ever-present and worrisome.

Previewing preseason Week 4

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:45:00 -0500

Thursday will bring us the NFL's annual "Hold Your Breath Night," when the only goal is to avoid senseless injuries in the most meaningless game in what is already a mostly insignificant preseason. Keeping in mind that health is the entire focus, let's set up preseason Week 4 in the NFC North.

Chicago Bears
Opponent: Cleveland Browns
Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: The team has already confirmed that quarterback Jay Cutler won't play. Instead, new backup Todd Collins will see extensive playing time in hopes of solidifying the No. 2 spot. There is no official word on the rest of the team's front-line players, but it's hard to imagine the Bears risking hobbled linebackers Brian Urlacher (calf) and Lance Briggs (ankle). The offensive line could probably use the extra work after failing to establish much of a preseason rhythm. Is that important enough to suit up Thursday night? I actually think so.

Detroit Lions
Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Location: Ford Field
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Quarterback Matthew Stafford said earlier this week that he would play. Coach Jim Schwartz wouldn't confirm that plan and said his thoughts could change in the hours leading up to the game. If Stafford and the rest of the first-team offense play, it's likely to be only for a series or two. The same goes for the first-team defense, although a few front-line linebackers and defensive backs probably need to play in order to secure their starting jobs.

Green Bay Packers
Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
Location: Arrowhead Stadium
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Coach Mike McCarthy said his plan was to play starters for one series, although it's possible that quarterback Aaron Rodgers might not join them. As Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com points out, Rodgers has gotten the No. 1 offense to the sideline quickly in preseason finales by throwing a deep touchdown pass right away. No matter what McCarthy ends up doing, linebacker Clay Matthews (hamstring) is one starter who definitely won't play.

Minnesota Vikings
Opponent: Denver Broncos
Location: Metrodome
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Personnel notes: Coach Brad Childress was giving consideration to playing starters for a few series, something he hasn't done in the preseason finale since 2006. The offense could use the extra work, but remember, the Vikings open the regular season three days early. Playing one series Thursday night won't offer much benefit, but substantial playing time would result in limited recovery time before making the Sept. 9 trip to New Orleans. Chances are that Childress will choose rest, but stranger things have happened.

Predicting the NFC North: The Green Bay Packers Will Be Elite in 2010

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:24:00 -0500

My NFL predictions continue today with the NFC North, the second of my predictions today (did AFC East earlier). So far the AFC East, AFC North, AFC West, NFC East, and NFC West have been completed.

The NFC North has been getting more love in recent months. The Green Bay Packers are becoming elite in many people's eyes, and believed to be a threat to the Vikings. Brett Favre made another famous return to Minnesota camp last month. The Bears and Lions both look to make strides in 2010, as they look to get to their winning ways.

Who will win the NFC North? Here are my predictions for the division.

1. Green Bay Packers—I am on the Packers band wagon, and it starts and ends with Aaron Rodgers. Last year was the first year we saw the potential Rodgers has, as he looks to become elite in 2010.

Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jermichael Finley are a great deal of weapons Rodgers has to throw to in the passing game.

The offensive line improved down the stretch in 2009, and drafting Bryan Bulaga in the first round should help clear up that weakness.

The biggest question remaining is on the defensive side. The return of Al Harris is unknown right now, and last year the Packers were torched in the passing game during the postseason. That area will need to show improvement if Green Bay wants to return to the Super Bowl, in the post Favre-era.

Prediction: 12-4

2. Minnesota Vikings—My confidence in Brett Favre's team continues to drop every day. Number four's age is continuing to be exposed in the first two pre-season games he has played in.

Couple the fact with losing the best receiver on the team in Sidney Rice for at least half the season, and this is a team I see in trouble.

More importantly, the Vikings did not make enough upgrades in the secondary to convince me they can hold any lead during a long period of time.

I believe they'll squeak into the wild-card spot, but it won't be pretty, and it may be a pick I regret later down the road.

Prediction: 9-7

3. Chicago Bears—2010 is a year where jobs are on the line in Chicago. In the end though, I see them as a .500 team right now.

Jay Cutler may have a better campaign in Mike Martz's offense, but the turnovers are still going to be an issue. Are the young group of receivers ready to take a big enough of a leap this season and emerge as a No. 1 target? Not to sure about that.

The defense should be healthier this year, but despite the signing of Julius Peppers, this is a unit that is on the decline and not the dominant force of a few years ago.

Prediction: 8-8

4. Detroit Lions—The post-Millen era is a bright one if you're a Detroit Lions fan. Another successful off-season leads to a bright and competitive season for the Lions this year.

Ndamukong Suh has already begun to show how he will be a force in the NFL, demanding double teams from opposing line man.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch provides leadership to this young defensive front, but should also put up solid numbers this year.

On the offensive side, weapons were brought in (Jahvid Best through draft, Tony Scheffler via trade) to comfort second-year starter Matthew Stafford.

I still have questions about the offensive line, and the brutal secondary. But another key off season and a .500 record isn't out of the question for next year.

Prediction: 5-11

Read more Green Bay Packers news on BleacherReport.com

BBAO: Mulling a Vincent Jackson trade

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:40:00 -0500

We're Black and Blue All Over:

We haven't spent much time discussing the possibility of the Minnesota Vikings trading for Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson, who is holding out from the San Diego Chargers. For starters, Jackson has a three-game NFL suspension looming, meaning he wouldn't be available for immediate help in light of Sidney Rice's recent hip surgery. The suspension could last six games based on how the Chargers classify his absence.

But what if Rice misses more time than anticipated? Would Jackson make more sense in the long term? Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports implores the Vikings to acquire Jackson with this deal: A conditional third-round draft pick in 2011 and a one-year contract worth $6 million with a promise not to make Jackson a franchise player next year.

Would you do that deal? I would. The question is whether the Chargers and Jackson would actually agree to those terms. The Chargers are facing zero return on a Pro Bowl receiver if they don't make some kind of deal, so they could have motivation. And Jackson would surely prefer not to sit out the season if he had a reasonable option, and I'm guessing he would consider the possibilities of playing in the Vikings' offense with quarterback Brett Favre.

To be clear, there are no indications that discussions have occurred. But it's an interesting scenario nonetheless.

Continuing around the NFC North:

The Vikings are expected to sit many of their starters Thursday night against the Denver Broncos, notes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
The Star Tribune looks at the Vikings' options to be the third-down back.
Jeremy Fowler of the St. Paul Pioneer Press considers some the possibilities for some of the Vikings' bubble players.
Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com writes that Tim Masthay would have to have a "disastrous" game Thursday night at the Kansas City Chiefs to lose the Green Bay Packers' punting competition.
Safety might be a position the Packers look to improve via the waiver wire this weekend, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Some NFL teams are interested in acquiring Packers backup tackle Breno Giacomini, writes Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett admitted the preseason has been "bumpy for me," according to Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News.
Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. said he is "very happy" with the team's new regime of general manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz, according to Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press.
The Chicago Bears need to reduce the volume in their offense, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.
Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com: "Alibis for ineptitude aren't exclusive to the Bears offense, apparently. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli attributed the team's inability to stop teams on third down this preseason to the staff experimenting to 'find the right mix of what we want.'"
Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times: "In 15 drives, the [Bears'] starting defense has given up three touchdowns and two field goals (27 points), 398 net yards and allowed opponents to convert 10 of 19 third downs (52.6 percent). Of those 10 third downs, the Bears' starting defense has allowed opponents to convert eight from seven or more yards."

NFC North: The Biggest Question Marks for Each Team

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:30:00 -0500

So the regular season is just one preseason game away. The rosters will be finalized on Saturday the 5th and each team in the NFC North will have one thing on their mind: winning.

I am going to break down the biggest question mark for each team as well as give a prediction for how they'll do.

Hate it or love it, I'm going to do my best at pointing out the main things these four teams will struggle with for the 2010 season.

Begin Slideshow

The Bump & Run Podcast: NFC Preview

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Bowen and Fortenbaugh go division by division analyzing the contenders and picking winners.Part 1 of 2.

Want to win an autographed NFL jersey?

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Start the 2010 season off on the winning foot.

NFL power rankings: Aaron Rodgers, Packers cool at No. 1

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:22:09 -0500

Dom Capers' defense makes the Packers a Super Bowl contender

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:12:56 -0500

Packers may deal backup tackle

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:45:00 -0500

The Green Bay Packers traded one former tight end turned tackle at the final cut last year and probably will have chances to deal another Saturday.

Packers' Williams ready to get started

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:26:00 -0500

Now that Al Harris officially has been ruled out of the Packers' first six regular-season games, Tramon Williams officially is the starting right cornerback for a team confident that a Super Bowl berth awaits in February. Never before has the modest Williams entered a season like this.