It’s been awhile since we at OBOD have written anything controversial.
There’s a good chance that, in the next week or so, that’s going to change.
That’s because this week, as previously stated, I’m going to wrap up the decade that was for the Green Bay Packers. This is the first part of that, in which I will select our All-Decade Team. Today, I’ll be naming the offense. Tomorrow it will be the defense and special teams. After that, I’m going to list off the top 10 greatest games/moments of the decade on Wednesday and Thursday.
I’m bound to leave off – or vote on – a player or moment that just baffles one of you, whatever it may be. In other words, somebody is bound to get pissed at me in the next four days for something.
I want you to know that I am fully aware of that and all I can say is that I hope you know I’ve put a lot of thought and research into this. As long as you know that, I’m okay with you disagreeing with me and, as always, I welcome any comments you might have.
Does that cover me on the disclaimer portion of things? Yeah, I think so.
With that out of the way, let’s tee this thing up, shall we? Here is the offensive unit for the All-Decade Team.
(Also, the stats listed for each player are strictly the stats they put up with Green Bay and the years begin with 2000. That player may have been with the team before that, but for this list, that’s where I began).
As always, enjoy.
Quarterback: (Blank). Quick musical history lesson: In 1977, the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen” reached No. 2 on the charts in the UK. The Pistols were so hated - many considered the group a vulgar, disgusting disgrace – that many listings decided to leave the No. 2 spot blank that week. Yeah, you can probably see where I’m going with this one.
Running back: Ahman Green (2000-2006, Present). One of top running backs the franchise has ever had (he is the all-time leading rusher, after all), Green could kill you in so many different ways. He had great speed, an ability to punish defenders – especially at the second level, where he was just a monster – and was a truly great pass-catching back. His 2003 season, in which he ran for 1,883 yards, is still tied for the eight-best ever by a running back. He is one of only two backs in league history (Bo Jackson being the other) with two 90-plus yard touchdown runs. Oh yeah – he was also voted to four Pro Bowls. Decade stats: 103 games, 8,322 rushing yards (4.5 per), 54 rushing touchdowns, 34 fumbles, 350 receptions, 2,726 receiving yards (7.8 per), 14 receiving touchdowns
Fullback: William Henderson (2000-2006). Sturdy. Dependable. Solid. Those words describe Henderson perfectly. He never ran the ball much (only 123 carries in 12 years), so Henderson decided to make his mark with his great hands, deceptive athleticism (seriously, how many times did he catch a two-yard pass, hurdle a guy and turn it into seven yards?) and underrated blocking ability. Henderson became a fan favorite and lockeroom staple during his time as a Packer. In my mind, he’s up there with San Francisco’s Tom Rathman in terms of greatest West Coast offense fullbacks. Overlooked by fans and writers for years, Henderson finally got his due in 2004 as he was voted to his only Pro Bowl (he made it to the All-Pro team, as well). Decade stats: 109 games, 182 receptions, 1,374 yards (7.5 per), 10 touchdowns
Wide receiver: Donald Driver (2000-Present). Began the decade as a roster afterthought; finished as one of the top five receivers in team history. Driver compliments his speed and toughness with great hands and an almost uncanny ability to find open spaces against every type of defense imaginable. His emotional, rags-to-riches story – along with his now-legendary work ethic – has made him perhaps the team’s most beloved player. He has recorded at least 1,000 yards receiving in seven of eight seasons since becoming a starter in 2002 and, this past season, became the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. Three-time Pro Bowler. Decade stats: 145 games, 643 receptions, 9,019 yards (14.0 yards per), 48 touchdowns
Wide receiver: Greg Jennings (2006-Present). Jennings’ selection in the second round of the 2006 draft came as a surprise to some Packers fans. Jennings quickly proved he was worthy of such a high pick and has never looked back. Jennings’ outstanding speed and knack for making big plays more than counteracts his somewhat diminutive stature (5-feet, 11-inches and 195 pounds). Jennings is arguably one of the top five receivers in the game already and, at just 26 years old, he should only get better. His $27 million contract extension, signed last summer, will make him a Packer for at least the next three seasons. Decade stats: 58 games, 246 receptions, 3,957 yards (16.1 per), 28 touchdowns
Tight end: Bubba Franks (2000-2007). Franks’ selection might come as a surprise at first glance. After all, injuries and a decreased role in the offense upon the arrival of Mike McCarthy caused Franks’ career in Green Bay to come to a rather unceremonious end. But, for awhile there, Franks was a very solid tight end, recording at least 30 catches in each of his first five seasons as a Packer. He had at least seven touchdowns or more in three of those five seasons, as well. Those numbers were enough to earn Franks three trips to the Pro Bowl. Even as his numbers declined later on, Franks still provided value as a blocker. Decade stats: 114 games, 256 receptions, 2,300 yards (9.0 per), 32 touchdowns
Left tackle: Chad Clifton (2000-Present). Left guard: Mike Wahle (2000-2004). Center: Mike Flanagan (2000-2004). Right guard: Marco Rivera (2000-2004). Right tackle: Mark Tauscher (2000-Present). I’ve decided to write one capsule for all five of these guys. Why? Because, simply put, they formed one of the most badass offensive lines in team history. These five could do it all. They protected the quarterback as well as any line in the league, finishing in the top 10 in least sacks allowed every year from 2001-2004 (including two third place finishes and a tie with the Indianapolis Colts for first place in 2004 by allowing a paltry 14 sacks). Green certainly owes these guys quite a bit as he ran for at least 1,100 yards in every year from 2000-2004. The group was also criminally underrated. Of the five, only two were ever voted to the Pro Bowl as Rivera went three times and Flanagan once (Clifton eventually went but not until 2007). Even cooler was the fact that the group had some personality. Tauscher was the all-around good kid – the home-state boy. Flanagan was the wise-cracking center who never met a tape recorder he didn’t like. Rivera was the warrior who’d always be out there on Sundays, no matter how bad his knees were destroyed. Wahle had some seriously badass tattoos and once responded to the question, “Beer, Wine or Whiskey?” by saying simply, “All three.” Clifton was sturdy and somewhat reserved, but also the guy who gained a legion of fans for his ability to battle back from the serious injuries caused by a cheapshot hit from Warren Sapp (again, screw you, Warren). Together, they formed the engine that powered the Packers during some seriously great times. Decade stats: Clifton, 143 games, 138 starts. Wahle: 97 games, 83 starts. Flanagan: 98 games, 64 starts. Rivera: 80 games, 80 starts. Tauscher: 130 games, 128 starts.
And, really, I can’t think of a better way to end part one. Again, check back for part two tomorrow.
-Chris Lempesis
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