You know what? I’m going to say that one again, this time with feeling:

THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE IN THE (EXPLETIVE DELETED) PLAYOFFS!

YES!!

Sunday’s 48-10 home demolition of the woeful Seattle Seahawks – what’s happened to THEM? – combined with a New York Giants loss puts the now 10-5 [...]]]> The Green Bay Packers are in the playoffs.

You know what? I’m going to say that one again, this time with feeling:

THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE IN THE (EXPLETIVE DELETED) PLAYOFFS!

YES!!

Sunday’s 48-10 home demolition of the woeful Seattle Seahawks – what’s happened to THEM? – combined with a New York Giants loss puts the now 10-5 Packers back in the posteason after a one year absence.

The game itself was a mini-vacation to bizzaro world – A.J. Hawk and Jarrett Bush had interceptions and Brandon Jackson and Ahman Green combined for four touchdowns, after all – so we won’t really be focusing on that.

Instead, let’s take a look ahead at the possible playoff opponents for the Packers. Things won’t fully shake out until late Sunday afternoon next week – the numerous scenarios are truly mind-boggling as Gene and I figured out on the phone Sunday night - but for now there are four possible opponents for Green Bay. And here they are, ranked by least-to-most fearful:

1. Arizona Cardinals, 10-5, winners of the NFC West – The Cardinals, who will play the Pack next week, present some difficult matchups, no question about it. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin form the best receiver tandem in the game, Kurt Warner can pick defenses apart with his quick release and the defense is much better than it gets credit for. Plus, this group knows how to win in January. It’s still weird to say that about the Cards, but it’s true. On the other hand, the Cards don’t present much of a threat in the ground game, offensively (27th in rushing) or defensively (19th in run defense). The Packers’ ever-improving run game could take advantage there, allowing Green Bay to eat time up and keep the offense off the field. When Arizona’s offense is on the field, Warner is pretty immobile and prone to turning the ball over at times. The Packers could be able to tee off on Warner, as he plays behind a somewhat shaky offensive line.
2. Dallas Cowboys, 10-5, second place in NFC East – The Cowboys clinched a spot with their win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday night. A win over Philadelphia next week will give Dallas the division. The Cowboys seem to have pulled themselves out of their usual December nosedive, Tony Romo is playing better ball as of late and the front seven can still wreak havoc for opposing offenses. Plus, as Gene likes to say, the mob refs will be in the house for the first playoff game at Jerry Jones’ new palace. Don’t discount the trouble that could cause. On the other hand, Green Bay already proved it could beat Dallas (a 17-7 win in early November saved the Pack’s season). Outside of Jason Whitten and Miles Austin, Dallas doesn’t have much in the way of gamebreaking talent on offense. Quick throws and timely running can stifle the Cowboys’ pass rush. Finally, with all the pressure that will surely be on Romo and head coach Wade Phillips, don’t you think a quick 10-0 or 14-3 deficit would cause Dallas to fall apart fast? I sure do.
3. Minnesota Vikings, 11-3, winners of the NFC North – Believe it or not, the Packers could be in for round three versus Judas in the first round of the playoffs. Just thinking about that almost makes my head explode. Can you imagine? Anyways, obviously we know about the troubles Minnesota presents. In two wins over Green Bay this year, the Vikings got stellar efforts from Judas, the receivers and the offensive line. The defense was pretty good, too, particularly in rushing Aaron Rodgers. On the other hand, this would not be the same Vikings team Green Bay saw earlier. Judas is doing his usual December flopping act (plus, there’s trouble in paradise between him and head coach Brad Childress). Adrian Peterson is still being shutdown far too often. Percy Harvin’s medical issues take away a key Judas target. Most importantly, the defense is not the same monster it was. The front four is tiring considerably as the season goes on and E.J. Henderson’s gruesome knee injury took away the leader of the defense. Most importantly, the Packers proved to themselves in the second half of the second game that they could indeed play with Minnesota. They didn’t know that before, in my mind. A third meeting would give them a chance to see that through.
4. Philadelphia Eagles, 11-4, first place in the NFC East – Without question, the worst possible matchup for the Packers in the first round. Donovan McNabb can still avoid pressure with the best of them and is usually great in January. The defense thrives on pressure and turnovers (much like Green Bay). What scares me the most, though, is the overall offensive speed Philly has. I’m not knocking Green Bay’s defense or anything, but let’s be honest: It’s not the fastest group you’ve ever seen. You saw Minnesota take advantage of that twice already this season. I mean, I see the name DeSean Jackson and I see six catches, 131 yards and two scores against the Packers’ defense. Jeremy Maclin is also a burner and Brent Celek has emerged as a top-five tight end this season. On the other hand, the Eagles haven’t really beaten anybody special as their four biggest wins have come over New York (twice), a Matt Ryan-less Atlanta and Denver. There might not be a playoff team in that bunch if Denver misses out. Philly is also not much of a threat to run the ball, healthy Brian Westbrook or not, and head coach Andy Reid can get tight in big games. A game with the Eagles would almost surely be a high-scoring affair, which could play into Green Bay’s hands because of its ability to run the ball.

Anyway you slice it, the Packers will be in for a fight. It’s the playoffs, after all.

But ever since the loss to Tampa Bay – seven weeks ago, essentially a lifetime in the NFL – the Packers have shown an ability to fight, an ability to battle back from adversity. They’re mentally prepared for what they will face.

So, in the end, maybe we shouldn’t worry so much about our young, sometimes bipolar, Packers. Maybe we shouldn’t worry at all.

Our squad is in the playoffs. The season is already a smashing success.

I know I’m smiling.

-Chris Lempesis

I know I am.

There have been plenty of titles for Sunday’s contest between the Green Bay Packers (4-2) and Minnesota Vikings (6-1), set for 3:15 p.m. Lambeau Time at, well, Lambeau Field.

I’ve pretty much stuck with “Round Two” because, to me, it most encapsulates everything this game is.

It’s another shot [...]]]> Are you ready for round two?

I know I am.

There have been plenty of titles for Sunday’s contest between the Green Bay Packers (4-2) and Minnesota Vikings (6-1), set for 3:15 p.m. Lambeau Time at, well, Lambeau Field.

I’ve pretty much stuck with “Round Two” because, to me, it most encapsulates everything this game is.

It’s another shot to take over first place; it’s another shot for the o-line to prove its mettle; but, more than anything, it’s another shot to bury that  hillbilly traitor Judas.

How will the Packers go about winning the second round? Well, let’s find out as we at OBOD break down Packers vs. Vikings.

Current line (not that we encourage gambling): Green Bay by three with an over/under of 47 1/2 points.

Weather forecast: A high of 42 degrees with a low of 28 degrees and a 30 percent chance of precipitation. In other words, a typical early November afternoon at Lambeau.

Injury report

Green Bay

Korey Hall (knee) and Jordy Nelson (knee) are both once again out.

Jason Spitz (back) and Jermichael Finley (knee) both missed practice Friday. I don’t think Spitz’s back is so bad that he can’t play. Rather, it’s a case where the team feels comfortable with Scott Wells at the position and he will likely start. I would be surprised if Finley plays. Mike McCarthy is saying he could go, but I think he’s just trying to give Minnesota one more thing to worry about.

Chad Clifton (ankle) was back practicing Friday and saw some time with the No. 1 offense. Still, I really believe T.J. Lang will get the start at left tackle Sunday. Clifton just isn’t 100 percent; that’s not good enough against Jared Allen. I do think Clifton will be kept close by if Lang struggles.

Mark Tauscher (knee) has been given the medical green light and has been practicing all week. As ready as he might be, the guess here is that Allen Barbre will get the starting nod. Tauscher, like Clifton, will be at the ready if Barbre fails.

Minnesota

Minnesota’s top corner, Antoine Winfield, is out with a right foot injury.

Wide receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) is questionable, as is Percy Harvin (illness). Is it just me or is Harvin always ill? I didn’t know weed could make you sick.

Middle linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) was limited earlier in the week but has now been upgraded to probable.

Key Matchups (different from the first Vikings game, I promise)

Offense

Green Bay wide receivers vs. Minnesota defensive backs

With Winfield out, that means everyone on the Vikings’ depth chart moves up a peg yet again. That could lead to numerous big plays for the Packers’ receivers. After all, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are very good – but they are not Donald Driver and Greg Jennings.

With the offensive line clearly at a disadvantage heading in, it’s up to the receivers to break free very quickly. That cuts down on time Rodgers has to hold on to the ball.

The receivers didn’t do a good job of this in the first game. Simply put, they – Jennings in particular – have to do much, much better.

Defense

Green Bay CB Al Harris vs. Minnesota QB Judas

I almost – wait never – do a specific player vs. player matchup for this section. In this case, though, an exception must be made.

Say what you will about him, but Judas was very smart to throw right at Harris in the first game. He knew he’d be in trouble if he threw too much at Charles Woodson. A backup strong safety (Derrick Martin), combined with Harris’ propensity for getting way too keyed up for big games, equaled a big day for Old Graybeard.

Harris must stay calm and be his normal aggressive self. With Atari Bigby covering him on the back end, there’s no reason for Harris to panic.

Special Teams

Green Bay kick/punt returners Tramon Williams and Brandon Jackson vs. Minnesota coverage teams

The Vikings’ coverage teams aren’t quite as bad as they were last season. But they still aren’t that good either.

That bodes well for Williams and Jackson. If they can bust a big return or two, that can really get the crowd into the game. Not that it won’t be anyways, but big returns always seem to turn the home volume up a notch or two.

The winner of the return battle also tends to win the game in close matchups like this.

The Green Bay Packers will win if…

1. Rodgers is sacked no more than four times. Rodgers got beat up the first time these teams met. Some of it was his fault; some of it wasn’t. Regardless of who is to blame, Rodgers can not suffer a similar pounding Sunday. Four seems like an acceptable number. Anything higher means the offensive line is really, really struggling and if that’s the case, Green Bay will have a hard time winning this one.
2. McCarthy really incorporates screens, draws and three-step drops. Whenever McCarthy ran these types of plays in the first game, guess what? They worked. That, combined with Baltimore’s highly successful use of these plays two weeks ago against the Vikes, should be enough to convince McCarthy to make them a big part of the plan Sunday. These plays are the perfect counter to an aggressive defense like Minnesota’s. They don’t allow the defensive linemen to pin their ears back and tee off. More importantly, they can quickly tire out those d-linemen.
3. Dom Capers employs an exclusively bump-and-run approach for the corners. Green Bay played far too much zone defense in the first game. That allowed the Vikings’ receivers to find open spots all day as the Packers were generating no pressure with their front seven. A bump-and-run approach is more likely to cover Green Bay in the event it fails to get to Judas once again. Plus, it’s what Harris, Woodson and Williams do best. Let them do it then.

What I think will happen

Whatever cute title you want to use, let’s call this game what it really is: The Packers’ last shot at first place in the NFC North.

A win puts the Pack a half-game out (with a trip to winless Tampa Bay the next week). A loss and Green Bay is essentially three games behind Minnesota as the Vikings would then have the tiebreaker. Crazier things have happened, yes, but a loss and we’re likely just hoping to make the playoffs as a wild card.

And you want to know something? I really believe the Packers will show that desperation Sunday – but in a good way. You’re going to see the hardest, toughest, best 60 minutes of football this team has played all year, if for no other reason than it has to. This game isn’t Minnesota’s season; it’s Green Bay’s, though.

Still, the Vikings are just too good for this thing to be a blowout. Judas will hit a couple of throws and Adrian Peterson will break a couple of runs. That said, I think the defense will hold more times than not. There will also be a turnover or two in there somewhere. Nick Collins – now is the time to step up and prove you’re a big money player.

Offensively, the line will hold up more times than not. That’ll allow Rodgers to have his way with the Vikings’ secondary. And I really believe McCarthy will call a smarter, more efficient game this time around. If he doesn’t, you have to wonder what’s going on in that block head of his.

Throw in a rabid, angry, anti-Judas crowd (don’t let me down, Packers fans) and that’ll be enough.

Hope is a good thing. But, sometimes, so is desperation.

See you Sunday night after we win.

Prediction: Green Bay 28, Minnesota 24

-Chris Lempesis

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush [...]]]> “You can’t lose what you don’t put in the middle…but you can’t win much either.”
-Mike McDermott, “Rounders”

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush to dish out the Vikings’ offseason review, so thank you for your paitence.)

That has been the story of the Vikings offseason, like it or not.  A team that is coming off their first division title since 2000 seemed to have most of the pieces in place to make another playoff run, maybe even a dark horse for a Super Bowl bid.  The only hole on the roster was and still is at at the most important position in the game.  They went all-in on the ultimate gamble with Judas and lost.  

They may be fine without him, but the coaching staff and front office obviously felt otherwise.  When you have a chance to go for it in the NFL, you do it.  So, they pushed their chips in the middle and now hope the repercussions do not derail their division title defense.
 

Where they were heading into the offseason:

Coming off a 10-6 season and their first division title in eight years, the Vikings sat in a nice position to build on last year’s success.  One of the league’s top defenses, ranked sixth overall and first against the run, returned almost their entire starting lineup, including  starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, who missed most of last season to injury. 

Couple that withthe league’s fifth-best rushing attack in 2008 and perhaps the NFL’s most dangerous player Adrian Peterson, it seemed like the Vikings were just a solid passing game away from being a serious contender in the NFC.

There was also the court decision on Kevin and Pat Williams’ suspension for testing positive to banned substances, which was delayed and now looks like they may not get suspended at all.

What happened in free agency:

As far as signings, there was nothing of any real significance.  They seriously flirted with T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who turned down the purple to sign withSeattle.  With Housh out of the picture, the biggest offseason acquisition in Minnesota was the trade for Sage Rosenfels.  In desperate need for some competition for incumbent Tavaris Jackson (before all of the Judas courting), the Vikings ship a 4th round pick to Houston for the 31-year-old quarterback.  Rosenfelsthen signed a two-year, $9 million deal after going 2-3 in five starts last season, throwing for 1,431 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  Not earth-shattering stats.

The biggest name to be signed took place just last week when Antoine Winfield ended his offseasonholdout, inked a new five-year deal worth $36 million and $16.1 million guaranteed.  Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance of his career last season Winfield,32, signed probably his last contract of his career.  Given his age, physical style of play and demanding position of cornerback, some have to question giving out a lengthy contract with a good chunk of guaranteed money.

 Perhaps the biggest storyline of the Vikings’ free agency was their departures.  Starting safety/relative of Judas/ former Packer Darren Sharper ended his stay in Minnesota after signing a deal with New Orleans.  Not a huge loss for Minnesota as it looked like Sharper lost a step last season.

The bigger loss though is on the offensive line and departure of long-time center Matt Birk to Baltimore.  Birk was the longest tenured Viking and at 32, still one of the better centers in the league.  The team had plenty of cap room to re-sign him, especially for the deal Baltimore gave or maybe they were saving the room for Judas and others?  Either way, the loss of Birk hurts in many areas, on-field and in the locker room.  Withuncertainty at quarterback, Birk could have been a stabilizing force.  Now the Vikings must turned to first-year starter John Sullivan, a fifth round pick in 2008.

What happened in the draft:

After missing out on the Houshmanzadeh sweepstakes, the Vikings focused their wide receiver needs on the draft.  Picking #20 overall, they took multi-faceted and talented Percy Harvin from Florida.  On paper, it is a great pick because they kid has tremendous talent and upside.  However, red flags caused him to drop in the draft.  Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, among other off-field concerns.  Seriously, how can you test positive at the combine.  You know they are testing everyone and it is the biggest job interview of your life!  I will never understand it.

I digress.  Harvin is a very unique talent that can bring different dimensions to the Vikings.  For starters he a dangerous return man.  He can also catch passes out the backfield and get open downfield.  There has been talk of Brad Childress installing a version of the Wildcat for Harvin.  It can be scary to think what he can do with Peterson in the backfield.

However, can he stay on the field and out of trouble?  Is he big enough?  Can the Vikings even get him the ball enough?

Those are all legitimate questions and concerns.  At best, he is Devin Hester with better offensive ability.  At worst, he can’t stay out of trouble and his size hinders him and is looking of work in three years.

Withtheir second-round choice, they drafted mammoth offensive tackle Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma.  A savvy choice by the team, especially after watching right tackle Ryan Cook struggle all through last season.  At 6-foot-8 and 343 lbs, Loadholt is expected to compete for a starting job right away with Cook.  Size doesn’t always matter, but Loadholt looks down to about anyone next to him.  I’m sure Peterson was happy on draft day.

Where they are now:

 Ironically, they are basically where they were the day after they lost to the Eagles in the playoffs.  Yes, they lost Birk and Sharper to free agency, but they also gain back Henderson on already stout defense. 

Does the acquisition for Rosenfels make this team any better than they were last year?  Jackson did get the team to the playoffs and then flopped.  So, maybe bringing in Rosenfels to compete pushes Jackson or provide a decent fall-back plan.

What it all comes down to is the courting of Judas.  For weeks, even months it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he was going to suit up for Minnesota.  The coaches believed it, most of the players did.  Even earlier this week when it started to leak that he was going to stay retired, guys like Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson were trying to convince him to return.

Now what do those guys and other players, who said it publicly or not do that Favre isn’t there.  Is there going to be a rift or second-guessing with Rosenfels and Jackson?  Teammates and coaches can say that they are behind those two until their faces turn blue, but how much is that true or just saving face?

Jackson and Rosenfels have both said they are ready to compete and have put this Favre saga behind them.  They say there is no ill will with their teammates and coaches, but how pissed off do you think they are? 

Imagine at your job, you are competing for a job promotion with an equally talented and experienced co-worker for a few months.  Things are going well and then your boss says we want to bring in another guy from a different company to take the position because we don’t think either of you can improve this company more than it already is, but he can.  He has a heck of resume and knows people inside the company, despite on the verge of retirement and less commitment we still would like to have him over you two who have a brighter future.  Almost all of your co-workers, especially the heavy-hitters and the ones who have been there the longest all agree.  He then says thanks for all your hard work and competition between you two, but you now are back to your old, lesser roles.

Then right before he is about to start, he decides to retire after all and your boss comes back and tries to sell that he still have faith in both of you to do a great job and improve this company. 

Wouldn’t your confidence be shot a little bit?  Wouldn’t you be pretty upset for: a) your boss and co-workers not having faithin you; b) having your dreams and hopes built up, then it taken only for it to be given it back when the other option failed; and c) everyone trying to pretend it’s no big deal, we had faith in you the whole time and it will be ok.

I know these guys are all pros and this is the real world, but if I’m Jackson or Rosenfels, I would be ‘WTF?  Before they didn’t think I was good enough, but now they do because Judas isn’t coming and they have no other option?’

And what about all the players who wanted Judas there?  What is going through their minds?  Is it going to be the same ol’ song and dance like the last few years are quarterback?

On the flip side, all of this could motivate Jackson and Rosenfels and the best man will win the job in training camp.  That is what the Vikings pray will happen.  We have seen it thousands of times, the whole ‘no one believed in us’ motivational tool.  Maybe it will happen here.

All of this has to be taken into consideration.  On paper, this team is built to win and built to win now.  Not a lot of personnelchanges were made and sometimes that is the best formula.  The coaching staff returns with the same game plan.  Their defense is one of the best and so is their running game.  Adding Harvin and Loadholt should help the offense and the sky is the limit for Peterson right now.

Now, the biggest question in maybe the entire NFL looms, can Brad Childress circle the troops after the affair with Judas? 

We won’t know that answer for some time, but the Vikings went all-in to win now.  Sometimes in the NFL that’s what you have to do.

Offseason Grade: C