While we’re still waiting for the announcement of the 2010 regular season schedule (something that should happen within the next two weeks), the Green Bay Packers found out who they’ll face in the preseason Wednesday afternoon.
The highlight of the schedule comes on Thursday, Aug. 26, as the Pack will battle Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. The contest – this year’s Bishop Charities Game – is the all-important third preseason game (i.e., the one where the starters play the longest). The game will also be nationally televised and should provide at least a fleeting glimpse as to how much the pass defense has improved. Or something like that.
Green Bay begins its preseason slate at home, as well, with a game against the Cleveland Browns. The exact date is still unknown, but the contest will occur sometime during the weekend of Aug. 12-15. That game is this year’s Midwest Shrine Game (available to Gold Package ticket holders only). Mike Holmgren returns to Lambeau…for about the 20th time since he left…and he won’t be on the sidelines so you probably won’t even see him.
The Pack then heads to Seattle (sometime between Aug. 19-23) for their second preseason game. There’s at least a 50 percent chance Matt Hasselbeck won’t have injured himself yet and we’ll get an early glimpse at Pete Carroll’s transition back to pro coaching. Wait – I’m actually not sure either of those things is true.
After the game against the Colts, Green Bay closes things out on the road in Kansas City (either Sept. 2 or 3). This game is almost as big as the one against Manning and Co. First, the starters will play about 30 seconds each. And, good God, it’s against the powerhouse Chiefs, so I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to check this one out.
And, finally, if you think the somewhat bitter tone of this post stems from the way last year’s preseason went for the Pack – hot as a pistol before stumbling out of the gates in the regular season – well…you’re right.
-Chris Lempesis
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