Ol' Bag of Donuts » Guest Writers

Lady Lambeau’s thoughts on the Super Bowl

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:22:56 +0000

The Big Game.

I think it’s safe to assume that every Pack fan has their vacation request approved for Monday, right? Win or lose, I do not want to be at work bright and early the day after the Superbowl. I have a few game day traditions and one of them might leave me feeling slightly fuzzy the next morning.

What about you, fellow fans, do you have traditions? Do you always watch the game at the same place or wear the same shirt? I have one thing I always do. Before every game my aunt D and I send each other a “Go Pack Go” text. It’s just a nice little reminder that even though we aren’t watching the game in the same state, we are still watching the game together.

As far as the Superbowl goes, I always watch with the same group of friends at the same house. We make food that somehow relates to one of the teams. Last year we had a crawfish boil. This year, we’re frying cheese curds. Beyond that, I’m not too superstitious. I don’t have a pair of lucky underwear, I don’t touch my nose ten times before kickoff (I hope you don’t either, that’s just weird), I don’t pray to St. Vince or wish upon a star. Nothing I do could change the outcome of the game.

But, this IS the Superbowl. If there is something I could do to ensure victory, believe me, I’d try it. So tell me…what are your traditions? Are you superstitious? Is there something you’ve done for every win that I should try? Maybe if enough of us touch our noses ten times it’ll work. Whatever your traditions or superstitions I hope you enjoy the game. Win or lose, we made it to the end.

Of course, winning would be way more fun.

-Lady Lambeau

Lady Lambeau’s thoughts on Sunday

admin — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 03:23:38 +0000

Packers.

Bears.

NFC Championship.

We made it!

Before regular season even started, I thought we’d be here. I was at the first training camp practice when I saw Finley in person for the first time. My jaw dropped. Dude’s huge! I looked at my husband with wide eyes and said “Did you see that guy? He’s a beast!”. I noticed Shields’ speed, I watched Bishop blow up Quarless, I saw the quiet confidence in Rodgers, I giggled like a schoolgirl when I saw Driver. I love that guy. I left that practice certain we were going to have a season full of spectacular wins.

And then, regular season started. This wasn’t the team I saw in training camp. What happened? And THEN, the injuries. I watched, we all watched, as starter after starter got hurt. What was to come of our team, our season?

Almost as quickly as the players were going down new players were stepping up. Hope was renewed. We still have a team! Maybe we still have a shot! Can we do it?? Can we make it to the Su…Sup…nope, can’t say it either.

No doubt for most of us this Sunday will be all about football. No laundry, no running errands, no walking the dog. Just football. Packer football. Sure, it’s not the same team I saw in training camp, but does it matter? They’re still doing their job and doing it well. As we watch the Pack go up against Da Bears, no matter the outcome, we can keep our heads held high. We have a damn good team.

-Lady Lambeau

Staking out the enemy: Guest Bears blogger

admin — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:00:42 +0000

So all season we have done our weekly Q&A segment with an opposing blogger of the other team. Taking this is the third time we have met the Bears, you all have probably all grown to love Jonathon Carroll from either his blog Bears Headquarters or through Twitter. We have basically run out of questions to ask each other, so we decided to swap posts this week to break down Sunday’s historic game, so make sure you check out Jonathon’s site to see Adam’s post.

When we started doing this weekly Q&A, we hoped it would be fun and also develop some lasting relationships in the blogosphere along the way. Well, that definitely has happened with Bears Headquarters and as much as we hate each other’s teams, we respect the hell out of each other. Quite frankly, that is same way we both feel about the teams in general. There truly is no better way to decide the NFC Championship.

Here is what Jonathon had to say about the Packers and Sunday’s game.

_____

The Green Bay Packers are in the championship game because of two things. The best quarterback in the NFC and a well-coached aggressive defense. Despite injuries, the Packers find themselves 60 minutes away from a trip to the Super Bowl. With New England out of the mix, it officially becomes a wide open race.

Being a blogger for the Chicago Bears, I have seen the Packers play several times this year. While not as often as the most avid fans, certainly enough to give an opinion on how the strengths and weaknesses of the squad.

Aaron Rodgers is better than Brett Favre as far as I’m concerned. He has a lot of poise and doesn’t make the mistakes Favre used to make. He makes everyone on his offense better. I do not believe that the Packers wide receivers are that strong, but thanks to Rodgers, they play at a higher level. When Rodgers doesn’t make throws, he is able to create things with his feet. This really creates match-up problems for opposing teams.

From what I’ve seen, the best way to beat Rodgers is to minimize the damage. Do not give up big plays and keep things in front of you. This is easier said than done of course. Because just when you think you’ve got him figured out, he does something to shock the hell out of you.

Defensively, the Green Bay Packers are an aggressive bunch with a strong coordinator. Dom Capers has been around a long time creating problems for opposing offenses. Clay Matthews, Jr. is probably the most recognizable name/face on the defense, but Charles Woodson and B.J Raji also are guys to watch. Cullen Jenkins has shown an ability to get after the quarterback as well. Nick Collins is one of the leagues top safeties. So obviously, this is a group that is talented as well as coached up pretty well.

I believe the Packers show a weakness against the run. You should be able to run the ball into the secondary against this team and force plays down their throats. If you get into a shoot-out with this team, it can create problems because the Packers are able to create turnovers.

-Jonathon Carroll

Still have a Favre problem? Lady Lambeau has answers

admin — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:40:42 +0000

Hello OBOD Nation!

I was told there was a nation, but I got no love on my last post. Highly disappointing. Please, someone say hi or something.

Today I’d like to talk to the “fans”. Yes, in quotes. “Fans” are those people who claimed to be Packer fans when Favre was the QB, but immediately jumped shipped when he went to the Jets. You were Favre fans, not Packer fans. I have a sneaking suspicion you want to be back in the club now that Rodgers is lighting things up.

I personally know some of these “fans”. I couldn’t believe it when I realized they were rooting for Favre and the Jets. I was really aghast when they started cheering for the Vikings. The VIKINGS!!?? Everyone knows the Vikings are our #1 enemy.

I had someone, who I will not name, tell me that she didn’t like Rodgers because he wasn’t cute. Last time I checked the QB rating didn’t factor in cuteness. I’ve had arguments with people who thought TT was an idiot for letting Favre go. I’ve had people tell me that Rodgers wouldn’t be our QB for long because he wasn’t that good. Even after the numbers he put up last year people didn’t think he was the real deal.

And now? Now that Favre has completely fallen apart and Rodgers has taken our hobbled team into the playoffs? Now, those “fans” are happily wearing their Green and Gold sweatshirts and cheering for the Pack with gusto. They’re making Favre jokes and telling everyone that Rodgers is an elite QB. They’re acting like they never deserted the Pack.

As someone who never doubted the decision to go with Rodgers and send Favre packing I have this to say to those “fans”: Welcome Back! I’m going to set aside my judgment, anger and ability to hold grudges and welcome you back into the fold. But, please, don’t do anything like that again, I don’t give many second chances.

This Saturday, we all need to cheer loud and proud for our team. We need to let Rodgers know that we support him wholeheartedly, that he is the Quarterback of our future. We need to forget about that Brent guy for a while and enjoy what we have. We are in the playoffs with a team that is without most of its starters. We were picked by many to get to the Superbowl at the very beginning of the season, then written off by most people as our starters filled up the IR.

Rodgers is proving himself. No one can deny that. What he’s done this year should be more than enough to shut his skeptics up. Even if you don’t’ think he’s cute, you have to agree that he can do his job, and do it well. And that’s all we ask.

-Lady Lambeau

Hello OBOD Nation!

I was told there was a nation, but I got no love on my last post. Highly disappointing. Please, someone say hi or something.

-Lady Lambeau

Lady Lambeau is back!

admin — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:20:20 +0000

A few weeks back we asked for your questions for the “new” Lady Lambeau. Well, we got one that we had to file away until Week 17 because it was more appropriate now. If you have forgotten about Lady Lambeau, well don’t be embarrassed. She was a guest columnist that we had when we first started and she lasted for all of one column. We hope you enjoy the new and improved version better!

Dear Lady Lambeau,

I have been dating my girlfriend for about 11 months and things are getting pretty serious. Our relationship is amazing and she has grown to love the Packers as much as I do. I met her whole family for the first time over Christmas and unfortunately, her Dad, brothers and a good portion of her extended family are Bears fans. I was ragged on pretty hard, granted a lot of it was out of good spirit, but I am not sure I can marry into a family of Bears fans. Any suggestions?
-Confused and in Love

Dear Confused-

Did you just use the word “amazing” to describe your relationship? What is this, Saturday morning book club? Get your head together, kid.
Let’s put that aside for a moment and talk about what you’ve done right. You’ve managed to find a girl who, for all intents and purposes should be a Bears fan, and shown her the light. Her love of the Packers tells me she’s smart and she obviously digs you. She’s risking angering her father and brothers for you. This is huge. You’re relationship is amazing. I can say that, I’m a Lady.

Now, on to the tricky part. Is this girl worth it? Can you really spend the rest of your life attending family functions with F.I.B.’s? You’ve seen the SNL skit right? How are you supposed to have an intelligent conversation with her father when he answers all your questions with “Da Bears”? You marry into a Bears family and you’re marrying down. Simple as that.

The way I see it, you have two options: 1)Sit your girlfriend down and explain to her that you cannot marry into a family of Bears fans. If your relationship is as amazing as you say it is, she’ll totally understand, forsake her family and move with you to the promised land.

2) Find yourself a nice Wisconsin girl.

The Bears Still Suck,
-Lady Lambeau

Do you have a question you need answered?
Leave it in the comments or send an email to olbagofdonuts@gmail.com

Behind Enemy Lines

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:53:08 +0000

I hope everyone survived Black Friday or their Thanksgiving hangover (not mentioning any fellow OBOD writers’ names). Since it’s a holiday weekend, we figured we would provide a little treat for you in terms of some extended NFC North black and blue coverage. Call it Behind Enemy Lines if you will. The Packers vs. Lions isn’t the only clash of North Division titans this weekend, as Jay Cutler takes his slumping shoulder, interception laden circus to the Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome for the first time. As you might remember the Vikings refused to pay the king’s ransom for Cutler, so the Bears stepped in. Three draft picks and Kyle Orton’s 7-4 Broncos later we all know how that turned out.

So let’s breakdown Sunday’s game, which due to very weird scheduling is the first of the year between the Vikings and Bears (the Lions, Packers and Vikings have played already each other twice ). Gene is still on roaming around in an exotic locale, I have prior educational commitments, and Chris, well between personal endeavors and cheering on his Tennessee Titans, he’s tied up for the weekend. So we are turning to our good friend Eric Walsh to help us preview this divisional matchup. Eric’s not a Packers fan, despite his fantasy football love for Greg Jennings, so it’ll be refreshing to hear an outside perspective. If you don’t chastise him too much, we may have to bring him back as the season rolls along.

-Adam Somers

At this point, Jay Cutler might not even know what Jay Cutler is thinking.

The NFL Network five-pick Week 10 for Cutler against the 49ers can be easily summarized as a debacle. Last Sunday against the Eagles, there was more indecisiveness and, quite frankly, what seemed like carelessness apparent from a quarterback that ascended to Pro Bowl status just one season ago with the Broncos. Cutler is certainly a major part of the problem in Chicago that began Week 1 at Lambeau with four interceptions and a season-ending injury to All-Pro Brian Urlacher to boot.

The Bears face the NFC North-leading Vikings this Sunday at Brett Favre … oops meant to write … Mall of America … Field inside the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Minnesota enters the game fresh off a 35-9 victory over the below-average Seahawks while the Bears come in a mess, losers of three straight and five of six.

It should be more of the same this weekend for the 9-1 Vikings, because they’ll use the run to set up the pass and then use the pass to set up the run. That right there enough to confuse the Bears defensive unit. Adrian Peterson got shut out of the endzone last week. Chicago won’t be that fortunate this week, so expect Vikings Radio Network’s Paul Allen to announce multiple times that “Adrian Peterson is loose!” Remember Bernard Berrian? Last season, the BB Gun was the Vikings’ deep threat. Now, the former Bear wideout is just another number in the Vikings offense as Sidney Rice continues to catch more bullets with rookie Percy Harvin.

Pro Bowl corner Antoine Winfield, who targeted the Seattle game for his return from a foot injury, could be back this week. Bad news for Cutler. The Vikings have only bagged one interception since Week 5. It doesn’t matter, Tarvaris Jackson is in line for more garbage time glory.

As the venerable coach Denny Green once said…..

Prediction: Vikings 33, Bears 19.

-Eric Walsh

for the LOVE of the game

admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 04:26:14 +0000

Dear Lady Lambeau,

Have you noticed that many Packers players have really long hair? How long is too long? Any thoughts?

had it up to HAIR

Dear had it up to HAIR,

Yes, I’ve noticed. But it’s not uncommon around the league.

Nonetheless, every time the Packers take the field I cringe. It’s not the banana yellow pants, or the fact that Brett Favre’s fine tushy will never again be encased in them on the Frozen Tundra.

No, it’s the hair. You know what I’m talking about.

Al Harris.

Atari Bigby.

AJ Hawk.

Mark Tauscher.

Nevin McCaskill.

Jake Allen.

Cut it off. If your hair is longer than mine, it’s no good. If I can’t see the number on your back — let alone your name — it’s time to see the barber. If he can’t squeeze you in, anyone with a scissors will do.

This isn’t hockey. You can’t be business in the front and party in the back.

Do you know how much I pray when a purple-clad Norseman is tackling you that he grabs a fistful of your long flowing locks and gives a nice tug? Not so it hurts — just so that it’s pulled out for good and I don’t have to feel like I’m rocking out on some Bret Michaels reality TV show.

Seriously, can someone call the Commish? I’m think there should be a rule against long hair. It’s distracting. It’s unsightly. It’s annoying.

If you’re going to sport long hair, pull it back in a bun and get a bigger helmet.

Much love,

Lady Lambeau

P.S. Aaron Rodgers, Joaquin Phoenix called. He wants you to stop copying his style. I think that means you need a shave and a haircut.

*e-mail your letters to Lady Lambeau at olbagofdonuts@gmail.com.