Questions like these have been raised on our site and many other blogs this week in the aftermath of last Sunday’s loss in New England. While I agree mostly with what Gene and [...]]]> Is Mike McCarthy a championship caliber coach? Is he getting too much of the blame? Will the outcomes in close games ever change?

Questions like these have been raised on our site and many other blogs this week in the aftermath of last Sunday’s loss in New England. While I agree mostly with what Gene and Chris have to say on the issue, I am holding my own judgment on McCarthy until after the Giants game Sunday because we will see the true character of this team and more importantly this coach then. In short, I was fuming in how the game ended in New England, but I was far more upset two weeks ago when the scored only three freaking points against the Lions in a game they needed a lot more than the one against New England.

So, until after this Sunday I want to turn my attention to the man whose job this year shouldn’t be questioned or debated by anybody and that is Ted Thompson.

I always hate using injuries as an excuse, but to ignore the Packers’ injury list this year is very hard. It has been said numerous times this year, “if you would have done me at the beginning of the year all of these players would be on IR or miss time, i.e. Rodgers and Matthews and the team would hold their own playoff fate with two games left…”. No matter how much faith you had in the this team it would be a tough sell for this to be believable.

Defensive injuries aside, the team lost two of their top four offensive players in Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant and have survived. Look at arguably the top two teams in the NFC right now in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Take away Michael Turner and Tony Gonzalez from the Falcons and say LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin from the Eagles; would these teams still be where they are, let alone playoff teams?

Basically, what the Packers have done is pretty remarkable. However, it doesn’t negate their failures in close games because it is obvious that they still have enough talent, despite all the injuries, to compete and beat the game’s best.

All of that credit needs to be directed towards Thompson.

It makes it even more very frustrating to see the team drop close games with all of these guys out and that’s on the coach. Something needs to change quick because the next two games will not be blowouts. But, I don’t want to waste space on McCarthy’s flaws. Thompson deserves more recognition in constructing a team that is competing at a high level (even if it is for only 58 minutes some games) with seven opening day starters on the IR and numerous top players missing time.

Many fans ragged on Thompson for not making a move after Grant went down. Look at Marshawn Lynch’s stats in Seattle: 131 rushes, 445 yards and six touchdowns. Brandon Jackson’s stats: 165 rushes, 645 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson also has 316 receiving yards to Lynch’s 145. Enough about stats though, the fact is that Lynch hasn’t been any better than Jackson, so everyone was wrong on that front. The problem with the running game isn’t the guys the Packers have, it is playcalling. Just look at Sunday’s game on how effective a running game can be when it is a focus.

There are some obvious holes on the roster. The team desperately needs a pass rush opposite of Clay Matthews. The left guard needs a major upgrade and special teams are a mess. But, a lot of these weak areas we knew going in.

Look at the type of players who played major minutes in Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Guys like Eric Walden, Dmitri Nance, and Howard Green. Ever hear of those guys before the season? Well they will all find contracts somewhere in the NFL next year because of their time with the Packers. Even guys we did know like Charlie Peprah, John Kuhn, Sam Shields and Frank Zombo all have bright futures in the NFL because of their strong play this season. I hope Thompson finds the way to re-sign Desmond Bishop and James Jones, but they are both going to get paid handsomely this offseason by the Packers or someone else. The common denominator is that none of these players (maybe except Jones) were expected to play the roles they have the season.

Say what you want about Thompson constantly having one of the youngest rosters in the league and never making a big move in free agency, but he has built one of the deepest rosters in the league. Not a whole lot of teams could have absorbed the blow the Packers have received this year on the injury front.  In the last two losses, talent cannot be blamed even with this depleted roster.

In the middle of this current mess with McCarthy and the debate on his future as Packers head coach, no one should forget about Thompson because he is the reason we are even having this debate. On many other teams McCarthy probably wouldn’t even have a shot at the playoffs right now. Thompson’s patchwork of a team that doesn’t even resemble the one that took the field in Week One is only two wins away from the postseason. Let’s just hope McCarthy doesn’t screw it up.

-Adam Somers

Tramon Williams isn’t going anywhere.

Williams inked a four-year extension Tuesday that will keep him in green and gold through the 2014 season. The total value of the deal is believed to be worth $33.074 million.

Thanks to some nifty reporting from both Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press [...]]]> Green Bay Packers fans, you can rest easy.

Tramon Williams isn’t going anywhere.

Williams inked a four-year extension Tuesday that will keep him in green and gold through the 2014 season. The total value of the deal is believed to be worth $33.074 million.

Thanks to some nifty reporting from both Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette and the great Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, we can already begin to break down the particulars of Williams’ deal. The first key piece of the pie is the $6 million signing bonus, which he will presumably be given immediately. That leaves roughly $27 million coming his way. Here’s how he’ll get it:

• 2010: Earns an additional $5 million, the prorated portion of the $14.4 million 2010 salary he now carries under the new deal.
• 2011: $4.5 million total ($1 million salary, $2.5 million roster bonus, $1 million workout bonus)
• 2012: $6.1 million total ($2.3 million salary, $2.8 million roster bonus, $1 million workout bonus)
• 2013: $7.2 million total ($5.9 million salary, $300,000 roster bonus, $1 million workout bonus)
• 2014 $8.2 million total ($6.9 million salary, $300,000 roster bonus, $1 million workout bonus)

If you do the math, it’s actually a $37 million contract, instead of $33 million. That likely stems from the workout bonuses, since Williams can earn that extra $4 million at his own discretion. Either way, it’s a good deal, both for him and the team.

It’s nice to see a player like Williams rewarded. He stands as a perfect example of how to make a name for yourself – and be properly paid – the right way. As early as preseason 2008, people like broadcaster Larry McCarren were saying that Williams could start for roughly half the teams in the league. Armed with such praise – and the fact that he’s only continued to grow since the start of ‘08 – it would have been easy for Williams to demand more playing time.

He never did, though, instead focusing on getting better. And this summer, when Williams was reportedly upset about receiving an RFA tender instead of a new deal, it would have been easy for him to sit out in the hopes of forcing the team’s hand. Oh, I suppose he could have then come back, only to fake an injury/pair of injuries so he could get paid for almost no work, too (Mike McKenzie, cough, Atari Bigby, cough, cough). Again, he did not do this.

He simply set his mind to proving his true value on the field. He’s done that – and then some, becoming an All-Pro level talent this season, unquestionably the team’s No. 1 corner. And with this new deal done, he’s likely to stay in that role for quite some time to come. Great story all around and a lesson to other players: If you are good, you will be paid. Period.

Of course, there is now the question of what fallout, if any, comes from the extension. After all, there’s only so much money to go around and when one player gets paid, that likely means another player will not. And that’s a good thing, most of the time. As former Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson said in the book, “Boys Will Be Boys”, you have to reward some players, but not all players. It sets a bad precedent. We need look no further than our old pal Mike Sherman for a lesson in how bad said precedent can be.

The list of Packers with deals set to expire after this season is rather low, which is a good thing. James Jones, Brandon Jackson, Mason Crosby and Desmond Bishop will all see their rookie contracts end. There were rumors awhile back that the team has approached Bishop about a new deal. If that happens – and I think it will – that means either Nick Barnett or A.J. Hawk will no longer be around come 2011 (my early vote goes to Barnett being gone, but we can talk about that down the road).

With the new CBA in flux, to say the least, it’s unknown how the restricted/unrestricted rules will shake out (currently a factor for players still in their rookie deals). Jackson and Crosby won’t cost much, so they should be back. Jones may end up asking for a fat new deal, but either way, I’d expect him back, as well.

The one player who likely loses out the most now? Cullen Jenkins. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s highly unlikely Jenkins is back with the team next season. The fact that Jenkins – in the final  year of a four-year, $16 million contract signed in 2007 – hasn’t gotten more attention from the team has puzzled both fans and Jenkins himself. The reasons are simple, though: Jenkins has been injury prone and/or faded down the stretch in each of the past four seasons. Why hand over big money to a player like that?

Also, the Packers already have two big-money d-linemen in Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji. Then factor in Mike Neal’s return next year from injury. And don’t forget about Johnny Jolly’s return. Yes, he’s a yutz, but after serving a one-year suspension, he’ll come at a very low rate and will be ridiculously motivated to get a new contract. Throw in C.J. Wilson, a project who has shown some real flashes at times, and you already have five linemen.

To pay a 3-4 end like Jenkins big money to be the sixth makes little sense, especially when he can move back to a 4-3 defense and make even more money along the way. I’ve long suspected Jenkins would not be back in 2011 – Tuesday’s events simply confirmed it.

-Chris Lempesis

After all, for as much as we collectively love Donald Driver, we were all too aware of his age and the unforgiving nature of [...]]]> Before the season started, most Green Bay Packers fans were hoping this would be the year in which James Jones and Jordy Nelson took significant strides and established themselves as legitimate players.

After all, for as much as we collectively love Donald Driver, we were all too aware of his age and the unforgiving nature of the NFL. At some point – and quick – Jones and Nelson would have to prove they could be relied upon.

That is now happening. Driver’s time as a go-to receiver appears at its end, with Jones and Nelson filling the void opposite one of the game’s elite receivers in Greg Jennings.

Before I’m accused of sacrilege in the case of Driver, let me explain. Statistically, we all know Driver’s numbers (34 receptions, 364 yards, three touchdowns) are far, far off from their normal pace. And his injured quad, an injury that forced him to miss the Dallas game while rendering him ineffective against Minnesota (first game) and the Jets, is certainly playing a part in all this, as well.

But Driver has been on the field for each of the past two games. Is he 100 percent healthy? Clearly not, but that never bothered him before. Driver, like many other top wideouts, was previously able to put up big numbers (and come up with big plays) despite injury. He no longer appears able to do so.

Take Sunday’s game with Atlanta, for example. On a fourth-and-one at the Atlanta 41 early in the fourth quarter, Aaron Rodgers – under serious pressure – flicked a pass Driver’s way. Maybe not the greatest pass, but still, it was catchable. Despite diving for the ball, Driver was unable to come up with the catch. It was a crucial play, one you couldn’t help but think the Driver of years past would have made.

And look at the numbers. Driver was targeted just three times Sunday. Four other players – Jennings, Jones, Nelson and Brandon Jackson – were targeted more often. Can you remember the last time Driver drew such few targets in a huge game? Since I don’t have access to the coaches tape – who am I, Collinsworth? – I can’t speak to why that is. It could be the assignments he was drawing, the plays called or any number of other factors. But the fact remains – Driver is no longer a top-two option in the passing game.

In fact, he may not even be the third option, given the emergence of both Jones and Nelson over the past six weeks.

Jones, long known for his high upside and inconsistent results, has really begun to cash in on said upside in that same span of time. He’s recorded two 100-yard games and several clutch grabs, such as his touchdown near the end of the first half in the second Vikings game. Outside of one terrible drop – missing on a near-surefire touchdown that would have buried the Jets – the inconsistency hasn’t been there like it once was.

Nelson’s emergence has been a bit more on the quiet side, though his importance to the offense has become very clear. Jennings may have put up the most yardage versus New York, for example, but did anyone come up with more key snags than Nelson? And in the fourth quarter Sunday, when someone absolutely had to get open for Rodgers on fourth down with the game hanging in the balance, who did so? Nelson, showing great athleticism along the way by getting both feet in bounds.

Since the summer of 2009, I’ve been writing that Jones and Nelson would – hopefully – grow into very defined roles. Jones would become the big-play threat, while Nelson would be the steadier, move-the-chains option. That’s not to say that each couldn’t play the other’s part for stretches, but for the most part, those would be the roles each would take on. It took awhile longer than we’d hoped, but that time is now.

As each continues to grow, who better to have at their side than Driver? Despite what was written earlier in the piece, I am not suggesting that Driver is in his final year with the team or anything, large contract (as much as $5 million including salary and bonuses in 2011) or not. He is not washed up, in any sense. He’s simply not what he used to be. But he still provides tremendous value to the team. He’s a leader and a great teammate. He’ll still come up with big plays, just likely not as often.

And in some strange way, as the Packers’ future at receiver becomes the present, you get the feeling no one is more excited about that than Driver. Which is why we love him.

-Chris Lempesis

But, frankly, Scarlett, I don’t give a damn. I’m writing one, anyways.

The Green Bay Packers, as always, give us plenty to be thankful for. But what, in particular? Well, let’s get to some things now.

I’m thankful for Dom Capers. The job [...]]]> Yeah, yeah, I know – everyone writes posts like these around this time of year.

But, frankly, Scarlett, I don’t give a damn. I’m writing one, anyways.

The Green Bay Packers, as always, give us plenty to be thankful for. But what, in particular? Well, let’s get to some things now.

I’m thankful for Dom Capers. The job he’s done with what has resembled a JV squad, at times, has been nothing short of astounding. Hopefully, you take the smart approach and avoid any calls regarding head coaching jobs at season’s end. Titletown is where you need to be. And, don’t worry, Dom – the Brinks truck full of extra cheddar should be arriving at your place shortly.

I’m thankful for Mike McCarthy. It’s nice to know we have a strong-willed coach – one whom the players both like and respect – on our side. And kudos for remembering that you can line up and run the football more than just sparringly. Keep on keepin’ them honest, coach.

I’m thankful for Ted Thompson. Period.

I’m thankful for Aaron Rodgers finally hitting his stride. It’s good to see football become fun again for QB12.

I’m thankful for Brandon Jackson’s do-it-all abilities.

I’m thankful for John Kuhn. Okay, so he’s not the greatest player around. But he allows me to yell “KUUUHHHN!” whenever he touches the ball. Gotta love that.

I’m thankful for Chad Clifton proving the doubters wrong. There’s a great deal left in a man I believe to be held together by chicken wire and duct tape.

I’m thankful for Daryn Colledge not being, well, Daryn Colledge this season. Always nice when I don’t have to scream “COLLEDGE!” at the television in fits of rage.

I’m thankful for Greg Jennings regaining his elite status, James Jones being more “Good James” than “Bad James” and Donald Driver for being everything a Packer should be.

I’m thankful for Lambeau Field. See you in 11 days, baby!

I’m thankful for B.J. Raji cashing in on the promise we all knew he had and anchoring the defense. And, yes, I have to say that or else he might eat me.

I’m thankful for me upsetting Desmond Bishop on Twitter over the summer. And you should be thankful for that, too.

I’m thankful for A.J. Hawk turning in his best season yet as a pro. Something tells me this is no longer No. 50’s last year in Green Bay.

I’m thankful for Clay Matthews being an unstoppable, unblockable, long-hair waiving, anger-filled, high-motored – ouch. Matthews just sacked me. The guy is relentless!

I’m thankful for Charles Woodson shaking off his early season slump. And for making a difference in so many areas, some that can’t be seen on a stat sheet.

I’m thankful for Tramon Williams’ emergence. Don’t worry, Big Play Tra – that new deal is en route.

I’m thankful for Charlie Peprah ignoring people like me when they say things like “Charlie Peprah, frankly, does nothing for me.”

(Okay, here’s the part where I get sappy. Deal with it!)

I’m thankful for my cohorts here at OBOD, Adam Somers and Gene Bosling. Fellas, this wouldn’t be 1/1,000th as much fun without you. You are two of the best writers I know, but it’s much more than that. You really are two of the best friends a guy could ask for. Your friendship is something I will always hold in the highest regard.

I’m thankful for our buddies in the Packers blogosphere. You know who you are. We’ll never forget how you welcomed us into this weird, wonderful little universe back in early 2009. And to the newcomers, we’re always more than happy to pay it forward.

I’m thankful for you, the readers. To paraphrase a line from Jay-Z, you could have been anywhere in the world, but for a brief portion of your day, you decide to come check us out. Believe me, we take that very seriously. And we’ll never be able to thank you enough for simply caring about our work. You keep reading them – we’ll keep writing them.

Lastly, I’m thankful for all my friends and family. I love you all dearly. I won’t get to see any of you Thursday, but we’ll see each other at Christmas.

We at OBOD wish you nothing but the happiest and safest Thanksgiving possible. And, yeah, thanks again!

-Chris Lempesis

The talking heads – the analysts, the “insiders” – at ESPN won’t like hearing this. The folks at Fox Sports won’t, either. And the guys on the NFL Network, well, they’re really going to hate this. But it must be said.

His name is not Brett Favre. [...]]]> Change is coming/Now is my time – Forty six and 2, Tool

The talking heads – the analysts, the “insiders” – at ESPN won’t like hearing this. The folks at Fox Sports won’t, either. And the guys on the NFL Network, well, they’re really going to hate this. But it must be said.

His name is not Brett Favre. His name is Aaron Rodgers.

And he is the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.

If there were any doubts left regarding Rodgers still being in Favre’s shadow, he buried them once and for all Sunday in Green Bay’s 31-3 thrashing of the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field. The Packers now stand at 7-3, winners of four in a row, with the quarterback leading the way in this one.

That’s right, guys. You can go ahead and stop comparing Rodgers to the man who held his position previously. You don’t need to put up any more comparisons through x amount of games. When he makes plays, you no longer need to talk endlessly about how similar he looked to Favre on those plays.

I know, I know – that’s going to be difficult for you. After all, mentioning Favre as much as possible is good for business. And, clearly, you’re all clamoring for a piece of the post-retirement Favre pie like 12-year old girls clamor for Justin Bieber tickets. But fear not, gang, I’m here with a solution for you.

Talk about Rodgers. Should be easy to do when he turns in performances like this.

After a rough and rusty first 15 minutes, Rodgers was absolutely masterful over the final three quarters. He finished 22-of-31 for 301 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions (that last stat alone should garner him exception from Favre comparisons, but I digress).

Talk about the beautiful throws he made, balls perfectly dropped into the hands of Greg Jennings and James Jones – balls that, frankly, couldn’t have been stopped, no matter how good the coverage was. Rodgers made throws Sunday that 90 percent of the quarterbacks in the league simply could not make. The touch and velocity was otherwordly.

Talk about the chemistry he has with that group, how completely in-synch they are at times. On the first touchdown throw to Jennings (three on the day for No. 85), Rodgers bought time and signaled to Jennings where he needed to be. Jennings instinctively knew where to go and got there for the score. That wasn’t happening earlier in the year. Now it is. That’d be good to discuss a little bit.

Speaking of buying time, you really should talk about his athleticism. It was on display throughout this one. Countless times, Rodgers used his feet to escape pressure and get to an easier spot to throw from. And, oh yeah, his three scrambles for 21 yards weren’t bad, either, Rodgers showing speed and some nifty moves.

Talk about his attitude and his love for the game (yes, there are players other than Favre who love football). He’s smiling much, much more now than he was six weeks ago. Clearly, he was feeling the pressure of the lofty expectations we placed on this team before. Now, he’s not feeling the need to be perfect on every play. In tune, his play has become much better.

You need to talk about these things instead of constantly comparing Rodgers to Favre because, well, there is no comparison at this point. Rodgers has surpassed Favre in every area of the game, including the ones I just discussed. It’s unfair to compare an ascending star to a descending hack, whether said hack fattens your bank account or not. So, again, I urge you to talk about Rodgers.

It might be hard at first. Believe me, I know. I spent 15 years doing what you continue to do now. But I was able to break the habit. I know you can, too. And when you finally do it – when you finally begin to enjoy Aaron Rodgers on his own terms, as his own player – you’ll see what we’ve been seeing for quite some time.

The kid is pretty special.

-Chris Lempesis

Sorry, I couldn’t wait. The Green Bay Packers’ 9-0 win over the New York Jets was just too sweet (don’t worry, I’ll be back with more later this evening, anyways).

Here are my quick thoughts on the win, in no particular order:

In other words, I’ll be keeping this one brief (don’t worry – we’ll have a whole lot more reaction to this one later today).

Here are some quick thoughts on the Green Bay Packers’ 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night [...]]]> As I sit down to write this, the clock has just struck 12:37 a.m.

In other words, I’ll be keeping this one brief (don’t worry – we’ll have a whole lot more reaction to this one later today).

Here are some quick thoughts on the Green Bay Packers’ 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night at Lambeau Field. In no particular order:

• Man, this one feels good, doesn’t it? Actually, “good” doesn’t describe it, does it? How bout REALLY REALLY (EXPLETIVE DELETED) GREAT?!?!
• Anyone wanna argue about who the best quarterback in the NFC North is now? Yeah – I didn’t think so.
• Aaron Rodgers was not perfect, by any stretch. His first interception was terribly thrown, followed by a terrible decision on his second. He missed badly on a whole bunch of throws, as well. But, throughout the night, he played with confidence and did more than enough good to guide this offense. And, perhaps most importanly, he looked like he was having fun, didn’t he? Facing Brett Favre didn’t feel so daunting to him this time, clearly.
• Game balls – the entire offensive and defensive lines. That one’s easy.
• Speaking of the o-line, I’ve been backing Chad Clifton for much of the season. Sure glad I did. One of the best five performances of his career.
• You saw it tonight: If James Jones can finally put it all together, he can be scary good.
• I never doubted Desmond Bishop for a second. Okay, perhaps that’s not true, but he’s doing what he said he’d do to me on Twitter this summer: Eat my words. And I’ve never been happier to do so.
• If Tramon Williams isn’t an elite cornerback already, he’s damn close. Sure, he had help over the top on Randy Moss a lot of the time, but do not discount the job he did.
• Welcome back, Mr. Matthews. We needed ya. Looks like it could be an easy handoff for 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Woody’ll just have to walk across the lockerroom.
• Welcome to the show, Andrew Quarless, C.J. Wilson and Jarius Wynn. Huge plays from all three of you guys tonight.
• See, Mike, if you stick with the run, good things CAN happen.
• Brandon Jackson really isn’t that bad. In fact, I think he’s pretty okay.
• Dom, you continue to do wonderful things with a battered group. My hat’s off to you, in every sense.
• I picked the Pack to win, 27-24. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
• At 4-3, the Packers look to be in the driver’s seat in this division. Funny how fast things change in a week.
• I haven’t really mentioned Favre, to this point. I’m going to pass on ripping him for being a washed up loser, both on and off the field.
• Oops, I guess I just did.
• By the way, Brent – you think we’re going to ever forgive you? Not. Bloody. Likely. Go home and stay there. Or, at the very least, don’t ever come back to Lambeau. You’re not welcome anymore.
• Oops, just did it again.
• Finally, to every single Vikings player, coach or fan: You can go ahead and blame anyone you want for this loss. Please, go ahead and blame the refs. Say we got lucky. After all, you’re all losers anyway, so doing such things fits right in with your mentality. But, remember the following two pearls of wisdom: Winners point thumbs when things go wrong – losers point fingers. And, as Bill Parcells liked to say, you are what your record says you are. You’re 2-4. You’re a crap team. See you in a month, losers.
• Fans, what did this one mean to you? Please share your comments below. Would LOVE to hear what you guys have to say about this.

-Chris Lempesis

As Gene, Adam and myself exited FedEx Field on Sunday, following the Green Bay Packers’ gutwrenching 16-13 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins, we found ourselves using variations of the same phrase over and over:

This team just [...]]]> (Note: My streak of game recaps is officially over at 29. Don’t worry – I’ll start a new one Sunday.)

As Gene, Adam and myself exited FedEx Field on Sunday, following the Green Bay Packers’ gutwrenching 16-13 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins, we found ourselves using variations of the same phrase over and over:

This team just isn’t very good.

In the hours – about a day and a half’s worth in all – that followed our disheartened exit, our overall outlook didn’t change.

Then, upon arriving back in Minneapolis on Tuesday, I decided to grab some chinese food. My fortune cookie contained an interesting bit of wisdom: Let reality be reality, it said.

That got me to thinking about where the 2010 Packers are five games in.

What is the real reality with this team? Are the Packers the Super Bowl contenders we made them out to be for nine or so months? Are they the stumbling, bumbling trainwreck the three of us made them out to be in our postgame thoughts, which were fueled by anger (and, okay, a little bit of alcohol)?

Reality is rarely black and white. And, in this instance, so are the Packers.

They are not Super Bowl contenders, as we currently find them. Not even close. Let’s just get that out of the way right now.

There is no continuity to this team. With roughly a third of the season already in the books, it has yet to turn in a full 60 minutes of strong play. That’d be one thing if the Packers had come close, but by my count, they haven’t given us more than about 30 consecutive minutes. And that came against the Buffalo Bills, so you know, insert your own joke there.

That’s the team, as a whole, but really, that extends to each of the three phases, as well. Outside of a few instances – the middle portion of the Philadelphia game, for example – the Packers have not been able to get all three units firing at once. The offense looks good in limited minutes early on against Detroit; the defense, Dom Capers in particular, tries its best to blow the game (with an assist from a suddenly out-of-synch offense).

Sunday, on the road in an environment that grew more hostile by the second, the defense came to play. Yes, things weren’t nearly as good minus Clay Matthews (how could they be?), but forget about the yardage totals. After all, Packers fans should know more than anyone else that they mean nothing, right? On the board, where it counts the most, Green Bay allowed 13 points in regulation. That should always – repeat: ALWAYS – be more than enough to win. But it wasn’t, was it? Nope, because the head coach refused to stick with what worked, seemingly more concerned with proving his intelligence than winning. Mike Martz, meet Mike McCarthy.

The killer instinct simply does not exist. We can take as many shots at Trent Dilfer for what he had to say about the team on ESPN earlier this week, but do not argue his point. He was correct. This team looks great, particularly offensively, in quarter one. After that, it’s gone. Against average competition, opponents that continually open themselves for the kill shot, the Packers continually fail to deliver it. Again, a third of the season is in the books. Shouldn’t that have developed by now?

The offensive line is officially back to where it was over the first eight games of 2009. Aaron Rodgers and the receivers have felt compelled to join them. In other words: terrible blocking, terrible pass catching and a quarterback who is making us look foolish for spending so much time saying he’s in the same group with such legitimate heavyweights as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees. Aaron, meet Tony. You two are in the same grade!

Have I really left out the special teams all this time? I guess, but that’s only because I’d like to be able to eat dinner before midnight.

(Now, after saying ALL OF THIS, are ya ready for the part where I take you the other way?)

The 2010 Packers can still turn this thing around. They can become more than what they’ve been.

It’s not like the talent isn’t there, even with the injuries mounting faster than my blood alcohol level at the Hawk ‘n Dove last Saturday night (damn those girls from Philly!). The offense, even without Jermichael Finley, has talent. Considerable talent. Remember, Finley wasn’t Finley for 16 games last year. The unit was still pretty good, though, right?

That group just has to play better. Rodgers has to stop looking downfield with every single first read. He needs to hang in the pocket longer, even if pressure is coming. By immediately bouncing out of the pocket, he cuts down half the field. He needs to remember that Greg Jennings is on his team (and No. 85 needs to show himself to be worthy of the elite checks he cashes). Donald Driver needs to stop dropping four passes. That group feeds off his energy, positive or otherwise – I’m convinced of it. James Jones and Jordy Nelson have to cash in on the potential each has. It’s time. These are all things that can still happen.

The offensive line has got to find a way to improve. If they can’t, it’s time to swap some guys out (Chad Clifton and Daryn Colledge, I’m looking right at you). Didn’t we spend the entire offseason/training camp/preseason talking about the depth there? If the starters can’t hang, let’s see some of it, dammit.

I have no real beef with the defense, outside of some penalty issues. The defensive line has been great, both against the run and in providing pressure. That held true even after Ryan Pickett exited the game Sunday. Charles Woodson is struggling a bit, but he’s clearly good enough to turn that around. Tramon Williams has been this team’s best player, period. And we can talk all we want about no pass rushing linebacker opposite Matthews, but in a crucial moment in overtime Sunday, there was Brady Poppinga breaking through for a huge sack. It’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility that someone still emerges.

Things just need to be a little tighter overall with that group. And when Matthews returns, the defense can still take off to a very high level.

You need two more reasons? I’ve got you covered: the NFC, as a whole, and one Michael McCarthy.

The Packers have not been very good. But let’s face it – no one has in the NFC. As of now, there is only one team (the Atlanta Falcons) somewhat close to an elite level. And they’re not really that close. New Orleans is in a slump. Chicago can’t keep it up for 16 games, same for Tampa Bay. New York is looking tough, but the jury’s still out. Same for Philadelphia. And either Dallas or Minnesota will have its season, for all intents and purposes, end Sunday. Go Cowboys.

In other words, it’s chaos. And who thrives better in chaos than McCarthy?

Seriously, think of all the times we’ve written this guy off. Early in 2006. Late in 2006. Late in 2008. Midway through 2009. For a big guy, this cat sure dodges a lot of ammo. When things are at their darkest, he somehow finds a way to get the team to rally. Can he do it again? At this point, I’m not sure I’d want to bet against him.

And, really, I’m only sure of one thing: I’m done talking about the first five weeks. This team is 0-0. The injuries are an issue. The schedule is much harder. We’re going to find out what this team is made of. Call me crazy, but that excites me.

Bring on the Dolphins.

-Chris Lempesis