In other words, a lot of players didn’t play.

The entire starting linebacking corps was out, for example, as were [...]]]> With the “dress rehearsal” preseason game – i.e., game No. 3 – against the Indianapolis Colts just five days away, Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy took a cautious approach Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

In other words, a lot of players didn’t play.

The entire starting linebacking corps was out, for example, as were Charles Woodson and Donald Driver.

Still, some things of note came out of Green Bay’s 27-24 road win over the Seahawks. Since the Packers were shorthanded, to say the least, for this one, it seems sort of silly to write an actual game recap.

Instead, let’s take a trip to the question department to discuss some of what went on:

• Question: What, if anything, should we make of the collective performance of the “starting” units?

Answer: If you believe the preseason means anything – and everyone has differing opinions on that - you could say that the Packers very much were who we thought they were (copyright, Denny Green). In other words, this game didn’t change my feelings on the team one bit.

The starting offense was once again fantastic, with two scores in two drives. Aaron Rodgers personified this with yet another sterling showing (8-of-11, 116, two touchdowns, 20-of-24, 275 yards, three touchdowns, no picks in just over two quarters of preseason play). Jermichael Finley and Greg Jennings are clearly the top two targets and the offensive line looked great (and was much better in run blocking). Again, all pretty much what you expected.

The “starting” defense was also what you figured the depleted unit would be, allowing two scores in four drives. The run defense was once again top-notch (the starting d-line was in the house for this one) but the pass rush was non-existent and corners Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood can officially be placed in the “Not Ready for Primetime” category, as of now. Not too worried about that, though, since those guys very well could end up as the No. 4 and No. 5 corners when the season starts.

As for the special teams…well…we’ll get to them in a minute.

• Question: Okay, minute’s up. Will the special teams ever actually, you know, improve?

Answer: I wish I could say they will, but as of now, it appears unlikely. Once again, the coverage units were terrible, allowing far too many open lanes and missing a ridiculous amount of tackles. The return units were only a little less terrible than last week against Cleveland, but still nowhere near good enough (as much as I like Sam Shields’ potential, as a corner, the team must take him off return duty as he’s way too much of a liability).

Granted, yes, some of the guys drawing special teams time will be bagging groceries at your local supermarket in a couple of weeks, but still, those players alone weren’t the problem. Several key special teams players turned in awful performances once again. I fully understand it’s the preseason, but when you play on a unit that’s been as heavily scrutinized as this one has, you’d think the group would want to be better, if only to shut everyone up. Well, they weren’t.

What the hell is Shawn Slocum doing, anyways?

• Question: Is there anyone we should feel better about coming out of the game?

Answer: There’s a few guys, actually: Brandon Jackson, Matt Flynn and Mason Crosby. Jackson (11 carries, 80 yards and a game-winning touchdown run) ran extremely hard and looks to be improving in finding open spaces to hit. He’s an underrated part of what the offense will do this season, for sure.

Flynn (10-of-20, 130 yards, one interception) was much, much better than his numbers would indicate. His confidence and poise were better than they’ve been throughout camp thus far and he showed good decision-making, as well. He moved well in the pocket and, for the first time in 2010, gave me confidence that this team could survive for a stretch with Flynn if something happened to Rodgers (God forbid). Because, you know, Flynn could actually work with linemen who can block and receivers who can catch, in that scenario.

After having seemingly everyone doubt him during the offseason/start of camp, Crosby has very quietly rebounded (2-for-2 Saturday, including a 51-yarder, for example). He appears to be getting better and better during the practices, as well. I’m still not sold on him totally and likely won’t be until Sept. 12, at the earliest. But, for now, you have to feel good about the progress he’s made. For me, that’s more than enough right now.

• Question: Who improved their chances of making the roster in this one? Who’s chances were hurt?

Answer: There’s two of each, actually. Outside linebacker Frank Zombo had a really strong night and could push for the eighth linebacker spot. Fullback John Kuhn just continues to show a diversity of skills and is so valuable in goalline situations. The fullback battle is now between Korey Hall and Quinn Johnson.

The biggest player who should now worry is tackle Breno Giacomini. He was beat repeatedly in the game and is starting to wreak of “All Sizzle, No Steak,” at this point. Looking good in practice is nice and all, but it means nothing if you can’t block during the game. This is his third preseason with the team. He should be better, especially against backups.

The second player is Allen Barbre. Okay, so he was likely gone, anyways, but by giving up a sack that got Flynn absolultely popped, it’s really official now.

(Okay, okay, I can’t stop on four questions, because I hate the number four. Hmmm…I need a fifth question…wait, I got it!)

• Question: Did you ever decide on a new jersey, Chris?

Answer: Sure did. I’m going with a beauty: A Rodgers 1929 throwback jersey. I know, I know – I ripped the new jerseys back in March. Since then, though, I’ve really come around on them. In fact, I now love them. Sorry, A.J. Hawk jersey, I’ve just got to move on.

-Chris Lempesis

I decided to pass on cooking up a batch of training camp stew for Tuesday, even though the Green Bay Packers practiced twice. The Stew will return Thursday night, [...]]]> Folks, I got to the line of scrimmage, saw the look of the defense and decided I didn’t like the play. That’s right – I’m calling an audible.

I decided to pass on cooking up a batch of training camp stew for Tuesday, even though the Green Bay Packers practiced twice. The Stew will return Thursday night, though, so fear not.

Instead, we’ll be using this space to answer – or, at least, attempt to answer – some early training camp questions. The Packers are only 10 days into camp, so obviously there are many questions left unanswered.

Here are some of the bigger ones, at the moment:

• What does a potential Bryan Bulaga shift to left guard mean for the rest of the line?

It could shake things up considerably. Again, it is early, but if Bulaga is to make the switch to left guard, that only furthers my thinking that either Daryn Colledge or Jason Spitz – players who were both looked at as future building blocks, once upon a time – won’t be on the roster come opening day.

Since Spitz can play both guard spots and center, you have to think Colledge is gone if Bulaga moves over (even more so if he ends up being the starter). A guard on some team will suffer a significant injury before the preseason ends because, well, that always happens. Colledge brings value, as he’s started a significant amount of games, and could bring back decent value in a trade (a fourth or fifth rounder or a player at a spot of need, like d-line or corner).

Who, then, would be the offensive linemen for the 2010 Packers? The starters, from left to right, would be Chad Clifton, Bulaga, Scott Wells, Josh Sitton and Mark Tauscher. Marshall Newhouse, Spitz, T.J. Lang and Breno Giacomini would then be locks to serve as backups, with the team possibly keeping Evan Dietrich-Smith if it wants 10 linemen (not a necessity when you consider the versatility of players like Spitz and Lang).

All I know for certain is this: Allen Barbre is gone, baby, gone.

• What’s going on in the backfield?

Sure, Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are safe. But outside of those two, the situation is fairly clouded.

First, the running backs. The field would be set if rookie James Starks’ hamstring wasn’t a somewhat significant concern. As of now, though, it is. Starks is currently on the PUP list and it doesn’t really sound like he’ll be ready in the near future. Quinn Porter has been one of the big stories in camp so far and Kregg Lumpkin hasn’t been bad.

If those two continue to do well, I could see a scenario in which the team places Starks on I.R. at some point soon if the injury continues to bother him. Is it premature to end Starks’ season so soon? Maybe, but remember the Packers have done this before with young players even if the injury isn’t necessarily something that would keep them out the entire year (see: Pat Lee last season). At that point, it would be a two-man battle, with the early edge going to Porter. But Lumpkin’s resiliency – he’s been with the team in some form or another for over two years now – would definitely give him a shot.

Now, the fullbacks. Everyone’s just assumed (myself included) that Quinn Johnson would be assured of a spot on this team and that Korey Hall and John Kuhn would be left to fight for the other. I’m beginning to re-examine that. Johnson seems to have some potential, yes, but I wonder how good a fit he is for this team. He’s not a great pass catcher; rather, he’s more of a pure, bruising fullback, well-suited for a power running game.

Um…but the Packers aren’t really a power running team, as much as they may claim they want to be. The fullbacks have to be multi-dimensional in this offense. Kuhn and Hall have both shown to be that type of player. If Johnson isn’t, maybe the team would be better off letting him go. Either way, this thing is a three-way battle – not two.

• What should we make of Brandon Chillar no longer being listed at ILB on the depth chart?

There are two potentially major ramifications from this. The first is that Desmond Bishop finally appears to be in the mix at inside linebacker. He no longer needs to complain to the press, because he just might get his shot, finally.

The second is that the Packers appear to be coming around on the idea of using a Chillar/Brad Jones platoon at ROLB (as of now, it appears Clay Matthews will stick at LOLB once his hamstring heals). I have to admit, I love that idea, as well. The two compliment each other so well, on the surface. Chillar is more of a pure athlete, which can be utilized in both rushing the passer and pass coverage. Jones is a bit bulkier, which is great for playing the run. Jones has some ability as a pass rusher, as well. Plus, both will stay fresh if the reps are being split.

And I wouldn’t count Chillar out at ILB totally, either. He knows the position and, again, he’s such a good athlete, he could play some downs there, too.

(Now, we move to the lightening round…)

• Does the placement of Josh Bell on I.R. mean Sam Shields is guaranteed a spot on the roster?

No. But he’s dangerously close to getting one (a good thing, if you ask me).

• Still think there’s no chance the team keeps four tight ends?

I wouldn’t say there’s “no chance” anymore, as Tom Crabtree seems to have some potential. But I’d still be awfully surprised.

• Why are some people still suggesting Jordy Nelson and James Jones are battling for the third receiver spot?

Because they are idiots. It’s Nelson’s job. Lock that up.

-Chris Lempesis

We’ll let the skill position players get their due this time around, though, as we make them the focus of part two.

Not bad for a short intro, huh?

Wide receiver

Type of battle: No. 3 receiver spot

Combatants: James Jones (26 years old, 6-feet, 1-inch, 208 [...]]]> We went a different way with part one, focusing on the offensive line first.

We’ll let the skill position players get their due this time around, though, as we make them the focus of part two.

Not bad for a short intro, huh?

Wide receiver

Type of battle: No. 3 receiver spot

Combatants: James Jones (26 years old, 6-feet, 1-inch, 208 pounds, fourth year) and Jordy Nelson (25 years old, 6-feet, 3-inches, 217 pounds, third year)

Thoughts: Consider this round two in the Jones v. Nelson battle. There was really no clear winner during training camp last year and, really, no player grabbed the job during the season, either.

Jones had a slightly better ‘09 season (32 catches, 440 yards, five touchdowns) than did Nelson (22 catches, 320 yards, two touchdowns while missing three games due to injury) but the job is still up for grabs (no pun intended). One of these players needs to come through this season; Donald Driver isn’t going to be around forever, after all.

Jones rebounded from an injury-plagued ‘08 campaign last year, playing in all 16 games. He’s still got a fairly high ceiling and can definitely make big plays. These things only happen occasionally, though. Sometimes, he disappears from games (or worse, can’t hang on to the ball). He needs to become a more refined product.

Nelson strikes me as the more consistent and polished of the two, though he also seems to lack Jones’ big-play abilities. He’s had an outstanding offseason, from the sound of it, as Aaron Rodgers was apparently looking for him more and more throughout the minicamps/OTAs. Nelson, like Jones, struggles with drops, however. That needs to be corrected – and fast.

Early edge: Jones. He’s got an extra year of experience on Nelson and, again, his ceiling appears to be just a bit higher. But Nelson as a No. 4 receiver is definitely a good problem to have.

Fullback

Type of battle: Roster spot

Combatants: Korey Hall (26 years old, 6-feet, 236 pounds, fourth year) and John Kuhn (27 years old, 6-feet, 250 pounds, fifth year)

Thoughts: Quinn Johnson is a lock to make the 53-man roster, in my mind. And since I just can’t fathom the idea of the team keeping three fullbacks yet again, I have to think one of these two isn’t making it to Philly for the season opener.

Hall struggled with injuries last season, only playing in 11 games. He’s not quite the run blocker Kuhn is, but he is a better pass-catching option.

Kuhn, again, is a better pure run blocker and even saw a handful of touches in the short-yardage run game last season. He’s not a bad pass catcher, but appears to be more of a pure fullback.

Early edge: Hall. With Johnson serving as the brute force hammer at the position, the team needs a pass-catcher to help round things out fully. Hall is better at that than is Kuhn, although he must avoid injury in camp. That would tilt things Kuhn’s way.

Tight end

Type of battle: Roster spot

Combatants: Donald Lee (29 years old, 6-feet, 4-inches, 248 pounds, eighth year) and Spencer Havner (27 years old, 6-feet, 3-inches, 250 pounds, second year)

Thoughts: Jermichael Finley is officially “the man” at the position and rookie Andrew Quarless has big-time upside, despite his off-the-field issues. He’s not going anywhere and I just do not see the team keeping four tight ends – Lord help me if I’m wrong.

Just one year ago, it would have seemed silly to say that Lee and Havner would be battling it out. But 365 days can serve as a lifetime in the NFL, thus leaving us where we currently are.

I’ve written this before many times, but Lee has just not been the same player since you-know-who left town. Rodgers has never really favored Lee. Even when he has, Lee has struggled with drops. These things come together to form a picture of a player who just doesn’t have the same confidence he once did. There’s also the little issue of his salary (due $2 million this season), an awfully high amount to pay a backup, potential Super Bowl run or not.

It has not been a good offseason for Havner (see: the crotch-rocket crash that occurred while he was allegedly under the influence). Still, his shoulder appears to be healed up and hopefully Havner can begin building on his solid 2009 season. Despite catching just seven balls in the regular season, four of them went for touchdowns (plus one in the playoff loss). Rodgers looks his way in the red zone, as opposed to, say, Lee (just one touchdown reception last season). Havner is also a special teams demon, something this team desperately needs.

Early edge: Havner. He’s a cheaper option who brings more to the table than does Lee. Lee is desperately in need of a change of scenery and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him traded for help elsewhere (d-line, corner or outside linebacker) before the regular season starts. 

That’s all for the offense. We’ll be back Thursday to take a look at the defense.

-Chris Lempesis

Then came the afternoon and, well, you-know-what got weird.

After originally not knowing who the player was, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting late Saturday night that cornerback Brandon Underwood is in fact [...]]]> At daybreak, it seemed like the most interesting story involving the Green Bay Packers was Donald Driver’s Charity Softball Game, which takes place Sunday in Appleton.

Then came the afternoon and, well, you-know-what got weird.

After originally not knowing who the player was, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting late Saturday night that cornerback Brandon Underwood is in fact the player being investigated on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting two women early Saturday morning at a condo in Lake Delton, Wisconsin (near Wisconsin Dells).

It has been reported that six other players – Clay Matthews, Josh Sitton, Matt Flynn, Khalil Jones, Brad Jones and Korey Hall – were questioned by police and released with none of the six being under any suspicion of wrongdoing. The players were in the area for the 13th Annual McGovern Charity Golf Tournament, hosted by Matthews.

At this point, the case falls under the “he said, she said” category (techincally, “he said, they said,” I should say) and you can read the Journal Sentinel link for all the details.

As of now, here are my thoughts on the situation:

1. Whether or not Underwood is guilty of the charges, this situation just proves again that nothing – and I mean, nothing – good happens after 1 a.m. That increases exponentially after 4 a.m. Apparently, pro football players still haven’t gotten that memo. Unbelievable, really.
2. The big knock on Underwood, since he was kicked out of Ohio State and forced to transfer to Cincinnati, was his immaturity. Sounds like he hasn’t improved one bit, if you ask me.
3. That being said, while I have no legal background or anything, I’m just not sure how one man can sexually assault two women at the same time. More facts may come out that disprove that thesis, but as of now, it just doesn’t seem possible to me.
4. The great Aaron Nagler of Cheesehead TV pointed this out earlier today on Twitter: The top two stories on the Journal Sentinel’s Packers page, at one point this afternoon, involved sexual assault (Underwood) and a drug trial (Johnny Jolly). Not good.
5. Let’s just hope that this is the worst of it and that no further gruesome details come to light.

Again, we’ll be sure to have more on this story as it develops.

-Chris Lempesis

The deadline for doing so was Thursday, so this announcement wasn’t a major surprise or anything.

We don’t know everything yet, as far as who got what tender, [...]]]> Earlier Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers gave word that they had placed tenders on eight of their nine restricted free agents. They also tendered one of their exclusive rights free agents.

The deadline for doing so was Thursday, so this announcement wasn’t a major surprise or anything.

We don’t know everything yet, as far as who got what tender, but the fine folks at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - man, those guys are good – were able to get most of the details.

Here’s what we know (and, as always, here’s what I think):

• Free safety Nick Collins received the highest tender (a first-and-third round pick). No surprise there. Of course, I’m also pretty sure there’s NO way he’ll sign that tender. He wants a new deal. A $3.35 million salary for next season just won’t cut it.
• Strong safety Atari Bigby received a second round tender. Again, no surprise. Bigby did JUST enough to earn one more shot. At a price of $1.759 million, he’s worth one more year. And he will be back. No one’s giving up a two for Bigby, trust me.
• Center/guard Jason Spitz was also tendered at the second round level ($1.759 million). A mild surprise as that’s one notch higher than I thought he’d get. I had him pegged for a “right of first refusal” tender. In that scenario, Green Bay would get a third rounder if he signed somewhere else. Spitz is similar to Bigby in that he’s done enough to earn one more look. And, again, he will be back, because his back is still an issue until he shows he’s fully healthy.
• Corner/return specialist Will Blackmon and fullback John Kuhn received “right of first refusal” tenders. Each will make $1.176 million this season and the team can still match any contract they sign elsewhere. If the Packers do not match, they will receive a fourth round pick for Blackmon. They get nothing for Kuhn, though, as he was an undrafted free agent. I wouldn’t have brought Blackmon back. He’s got potential, yes, but he’s also always hurt. Still, at that price, I’m not outraged. I thought Kuhn was an unrestricted free agent, so my bad on getting that information wrong, guys. Again, I would not have brought him back as there are already two other fullbacks on the roster. But, since Korey Hall has had some injury troubles and Quinn Johnson is still largely an unknown, I can see why they did it. As is the case with Blackmon, I’m not outraged.
• Tight end Spencer Havner, an exclusive rights free agent, received a tender, although it is unknown what, exactly (the Journal Sentinel estimates $470,000). Good call bringing Havner back. He’s got some upside.
• Punter Jeremy Kapinos (exclusive rights) and running back DeShawn Wynn (restricted) did not receive tenders, automatically making them free agents. Kapinos, as I’ve said seemingly dozens of times by now, was terrible and needed to be let go. Wynn has some potential, but is always, always hurt. No point bringing him back. I like both these moves.

What is unknown, as of now, are the level of tenders placed on guard Daryn Colledge, corner Tramon Williams and defensive end Johnny Jolly, although the team announced all three were given tenders. The Journal Sentinel – again, man those guys are good – is guessing second rounder tenders for Jolly and Colledge and a first or second for Williams. I’d agree on the Jolly tender and it’s no real surprise. If his legal issues weren’t still pending (seriously, can we just get this thing over with?), I’d be a bit worried that another team would come after him at that level. But they are still pending, so he’ll be back.

What’s puzzling is why Colledge was brought back at a second round tender. Couldn’t the team have just put a “right of first refusal” tag on him? It’d get the same compensation if he left and save itself roughly $600,000 as Colledge was a second round pick. Am I wrong? I have some thoughts on Colledge coming back for one more year, as well, and I’ll share them soon enough.

Finally, I’d hope the team placed a first-round tender on Williams. He’s only 26 and has a bright future as a starter ahead of him. Plus, he’s the only corner not named “Charles Woodson” or “Al Harris” that the Packers can really trust. If I’m an opposing GM and I only have to give up a two for a proven player like Williams, I make that move every time. Green Bay can’t allow that to happen.

As for what these tenders will cost the Packers collectively, the Journal Sentinel – have I mentioned that I think those guys are really good? – estimates it will be somewhere between $14.89 and $15.6 million, depending on how Williams is tendered.

I did the math on this – which was tough for me because I suck at math – and the nine restricted players made roughly $11.2 million last season, meaning it will cost the Packers, as of now, roughly $4 million more to bring all of them back. When you think about the size of the group and some of the key players in it, an extra $4 million isn’t that bad.

Plus, the team saves about $800,000 by not bringing Kapinos or Wynn back…so that’s good.

(Update, Friday morning, 12:34 a.m.: The Journal Sentinel is now reporting that Williams was bumped up to a first-and-third round tender and Jolly was boosted to a first-round tender. Good move on both parts as these two – Williams in particular – could very well have been targeted by other teams before. Now, though, it’s basically a lock that the two return to Green Bay. Whew. The upgrades tack on roughly another $1.5 million, meaning it will now cost the team about $5.5 million in additional money to tender the nine players. Still, not an outrageous total at all.)

-Chris Lempesis

They did so, apparently, with a new starter at right tackle: Mark Tauscher.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Tauscher took most of the reps with the starting unit. That likely means Tauscher will take [...]]]> The Green Bay Packers got back to work Wednesday in preparation for Sunday’s road contest with the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

They did so, apparently, with a new starter at right tackle: Mark Tauscher.

According to the Green Bay Press Gazette, Tauscher took most of the reps with the starting unit. That likely means Tauscher will take over for Allen Barbre at the position.

If that’s the case, it’s an interesting decision to make at this juncture of the season, one that I have to admit I’m not completely on board with.

Yes, Tauscher is a much more experienced and (likely still) better player than Barbre. But Barbre seemed to be at least getting his feet beneath him a little bit since his disastrous first game against Chicago. He hasn’t been great, but we seem to be talking about his struggles less and less as the season goes on. That’s what we call progress, kids.

Plus, this is only his first season as a starter (third in the league) so he clearly has more upside than Tauscher, 32, at this point. It’s great if Tauscher steps in right away and plays well, but what are the odds he’s brought back for next season even if that happens? Not very likely, in my mind. That means the Packers will probably once again turn to either Barbre or Breno Giacomini and the position will remain unsettled.

The No. 1 goal the rest of the way has to be making sure Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get killed. I understand that. Maybe Tauscher can help that cause more than Barbre, maybe not.

But in a season where a Super Bowl run is unlikely, a big part of me thinks the Packers should be working on growing a cohesive unit for the future. Barbre would be a part of that future; Tauscher would not.

Why did we cut Meredith again?

Speaking of Green Bay’s right tackle situation, there’s been another interesting development in recent weeks. And the setting is Buffalo, N.Y.

That’s where Jamon Meredith has been seeing starting time at right tackle for the Bills. Well, he had been, anyways – he suffered a knee sprain against Houston last week that will likely keep him out a few games.

You remember Meredith, right? He was one of the Packers’ fifth round selections in this year’s draft. For some strange reason, though, the team decided to cut Meredith at the end of camp and sign him to the practice squad despite the fact that it knew he was a project who would take some time to groom.

Buffalo snatched him off the practice squad in late September and, by the time the team played the New York Jets a few weeks back, there was Meredith starting at right tackle.

And to hear some Bills’ coaches tell it, he played pretty well (a big shout-out to my bro-in-law, Brian Gingras, for the link).

Perhaps the Packers wouldn’t have had to go out and pull Tauscher off the scrap heap (we love you at OBOD, Mark, but come on – you know it’s true) if they had just kept Meredith on the roster.

Either way, it’s just another gross mishandling of the offensive line by head coach Mike McCarthy.

Injury report

There’s a lot going on with the Packers, injury-wise, and McCarthy provided an update Wednesday (a link can be found by clicking on the same GBPG link above):

The biggest news, in my mind, is that Jason Spitz’ ailing back isn’t getting any better. Spitz has missed the past three games and likely won’t go Sunday. It sounds like all parties involved are getting pretty worried. Compounding the bad news for Spitz is the fact that Scott Wells has played pretty well since being inserted back into the starting lineup. Even if Spitz recovers quickly, he might not get his spot back. Not good for a guy headed for free agency.

Rodgers (injuries on both feet) was kept out of practice as Matt Flynn took all the snaps. He’ll return to practice at some point and will play against the Bucs. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a huge lead early so they can get Rodgers out of the game to avoid further injury?

Jermichael Finley (knee) did not practice again and won’t go until Friday at the earliest. Again, I would not play him this week. The Pack should be able to get by without him. They will need him against Dallas, though.

Chad Clifton (ankle) was back at practice and apparently looked healthy. Healthy or not, T.J. Lang needs to keep his job. Like I said with Barbre, the focus needs to be on building a group for the future. Lang, like Barbre, is a part of that group.

Korey Hall (calf) returned in a limited capacity. He’s going to need to get in gear pretty quickly. John Kuhn has played solidly and the team is obviously high on Quinn Johnson. Hall might be on the outside looking in here.

Donald Driver (neck) and Charles Woodson (hip) were both held out of practice, but it’s likely that’s just to give them some rest as they deal with minor injuries. Nothing serious there – luckily. Can you imagine where this team would be without these two?

-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

Oh, you don’t remember Corey Williams? It’s okay – I can see why. He’s no one special.

Williams, in case you’ve forgotten, was a pretty good young d-tackle for the Packers awhile back. In 2006 and 2007 combined, he had 14 sacks.

The team, after being unable to reach agreement on a [...]]]> This one’s for you, Corey Williams.

Oh, you don’t remember Corey Williams? It’s okay – I can see why. He’s no one special.

Williams, in case you’ve forgotten, was a pretty good young d-tackle for the Packers awhile back. In 2006 and 2007 combined, he had 14 sacks.

The team, after being unable to reach agreement on a new deal with Williams after the 2007 season, franchised him and traded him to the Cleveland Browns for a second-round pick. Williams, upon his arrival in Cleveland, was clearly still furious with the Packers. He wouldn’t go into specifics, but said he was just happy to be in Cleveland because they showed him “the love” (read: a brand new, six-year $38 million contract).

It never ceases to amaze me how athletes – football players in particular – can use the whole “business side of the game” argument when it’s in their favor, then turn around and rip an organization for doing the same. It makes them look like idiots, although I suppose no one ever suggested football players were smart in the first place.

Either way, Williams has totally flamed out in Cleveland, recording just 1.5 sacks since the start of last season. Granted, he’s been playing the end spot in a 3-4 defense, so he won’t get as many sacks. Still, that’s an awful stat.

And it couldn’t belong to a better guy.

With that out of the way, let’s roll out our breakdown of Packers/Browns, set for Noon (Lambeau Time) Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Current line (not that we encourage gambling): Green Bay by 9 with an over/under of 41 points

Weather forecast (decided to bring this one back as it is now officially fall): A possible high of 55 degrees and a possible low of 46 degrees, with a 20 percent chance of rain

Injury report

Green Bay

Jordy Nelson (knee), Mark Tauscher (general rust) and Korey Hall (knee) are all out. While it hasn’t been said, I doubt Ahman Green plays, as well.

Chad Clifton (ankle) and Jason Spitz (back) are doubtful. I said it earlier this week and I’ll say it again: I wouldn’t play either of these two this week. They need to be ready for the Vikings game.

Brandon Chillar (neck) is questionable, although it sounds like he’ll be ready come kickoff.

Cleveland

Cleveland’s leading tackler, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, was just placed on injured reserve Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.

Kicker Phil Dawson (calf) and tight end Steve Heiden (knee) are doubtful.

Wide receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs (knee), defensive back Eric Wright (shoulder), offensive lineman Rex Hadnot (knee), Williams (illness) and tight end Robert Royal (hamstring, finger) are all questionable.

The Browns had nine players back at practice Friday after an illness ran through the team earlier in the week.

Key matchups

Offense

Green Bay running back Ryan Grant vs. Cleveland run defense

We keep waiting for Grant, averaging less than four yards a carry this season, to finally get himself going.

Well, this might just be the week.

The Browns are 30th in run defense this season, allowing a whopping 165.3 yards per game, and, as previously stated, are without their top tackler in Jackson.

This matchup is tailor made for Grant to dominate. He just needs to do it by running hard and showing some toughness.

Defense

Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers vs. himself

When you look at Cleveland’s offense, it’s really mind-blowing how bad it is. The Browns’ top two rushers, Jamal Lewis and Jerome Harrison, average 3.5 and 3.7 yards per carry, respectively. Things are even worse in the passing game, where Derek Anderson has completed just over 44 percent of his passes.

That’s why I’m putting this matchup solely on Capers’ shoulders. Against a bad offense, it’s up to him to call an attacking, physical type of game that allows his defense to set a tone early.

Special Teams

Green Bay coverage units vs. Cleveland returner Joshua Cribbs

Cribbs – provided he plays with his troubled knee, which I think he will – is an extremely explosive returner, a game-breaker of the highest order. This season, for example, he’s already returned a punt and a kick for scores.

Green Bay’s coverage units have been alright, for the most part, but those groups will likely have to play their best game yet. Teams – even bad ones – can feed off big returns and gain some confidence that normally wouldn’t be there. The Packers can’t allow this to happen Sunday.

The Green Bay Packers will win if…

1. They get off to a quick start. Jumping out 14-0 against the Lions was exactly what the Packers had to do in order to remind their opponent that Green Bay was the superior team. That plants all sorts of doubt in the mind of a bad team, which Cleveland absolutely is.
2. They eliminate the deep ball. For as bad as he’s been this season, Anderson still has a pretty strong arm and a quick release. Green Bay needs to pressure Anderson, and quickly, in order to eliminate the deep ball. Like big returns, completions on deep balls can provide a real confidence boost.
3. They capitalize in the red zone. With Cleveland having the league’s worst total defense (allowing just over 407 yards per game), you have to figure the Pack will get a fairly high amount of red zone opportunities. They need to score touchdowns while there and not let Cleveland’s atrocious defense gain any sort of confidence.

What I think will happen

The Packers shut out Detroit last week, but weren’t terribly impressive. Too many penalties, weak offensive line play and poor red zone production – not to mention a quarterback who still hung on to the ball too long – were all major troubles.
Green Bay gets another shot at a bad team this week and it’s imperative that the team not only win, but look good in doing so. This team needs confidence in a major way heading into a home game with Judas and the Queens next week.
And honestly? I think the Packers will do just that, if for no other reason than that Cleveland is bad in every way imaginable.
Green Bay will come out firing in all phases, burying the Browns fairly early. The Packers will not, however, get sloppy and hurt themselves as they did against the Lions. They will continue to play strong, finishing a full 60 minutes of good football.
In other words, this one should be ugly in the most beautiful way possible.

Prediction: Green Bay 35, Cleveland 13

-Chris Lempesis

Ahman Green is a Green Bay Packer once again.

Green signed a one-year deal with the team. Terms were not disclosed. Green and former Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes both worked out for the team Monday.

I’ll have a column expanding my thoughts on the Green signing later today, so [...]]]> What was rumored Tuesday became official Wednesday.

Ahman Green is a Green Bay Packer once again.

Green signed a one-year deal with the team. Terms were not disclosed. Green and former Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes both worked out for the team Monday.

I’ll have a column expanding my thoughts on the Green signing later today, so make sure to check back. But for today, let’s focus on what this means for the Packers running back situation:

• First, the biggest reason for Green’s signing comes in the form of DeShawn Wynn once again going on injured reserve. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced that Wynn had season-ending knee surgery. That likely marks the end of Wynn’s time in Green Bay. Wynn showed flashes of talent throughout his two-plus seasons with the Packers. But he could never stay healthy, missing 22 of a possible 37 (through this past Sunday) regular season games due to injury.
• What does this mean for Kregg Lumpkin? After all, Lumpkin was sitting there on the team’s practice squad, just waiting to get the call in the event someone got hurt. Well, someone got hurt. And he didn’t get called. Instead, the team went with a 32-year old running back who has missed much of the past two-plus seasons due to injury. Yes, Lumpkin has had some trouble staying healthy as well (spending most of last season on I.R., for example). But he’s a lot younger and if the team liked him as much as it claimed, how come he didn’t get signed? You have to wonder.
• Green met with the media today and, to hear him tell it, it doesn’t sound like he’ll be ready for Cleveland this week. It will be interesting to see how things shake out once he is ready. McCarthy usually only activates two running backs per week. With Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson already in the fold, will Green be battling Jackson for the backup spot? Will McCarthy activate three backs now?

Injury update

An injury update, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

A handful of Packers missed practice today, most notably left tackle Chad Clifton. Clifton re-aggrivated his right ankle injury against the Lions. It’s unknown whether he’ll go this week. Personally, I’d hold him out and give T.J. Lang a shot. The team liked how he looked against the Vikings and the Browns would provide a good chance to get his feet wet against an inferior opponent. Plus, with four penalties against the Lions, you have to wonder if Clifton is reaching the end.

Jason Spitz missed practice with his ailing back that caused him to sit out the Lions game. I have a feeling he might not play this week. Again, it’s Cleveland. Scott Wells can handle the center duties for this one. He needs to be ready for the Vikings game.

Jordy Nelson (knee) was out. Not a surprise, though, as it sounds like he’ll miss at least a couple weeks. James Jones – this is your shot to grab hold of the No. 3 receiver spot. Take it.

A pair of fullbacks, Korey Hall (knee) and Quinn Johnson (unknown), were both out today. Who’s laughing about keeping three fullbacks now, huh? All kidding aside, I am worried a bit about Hall. He’s been hurt for awhile now.

Thoughts on Mayor Schmitt’s idea
You might have noticed we haven’t run any reaction to Mayor Jim Schmitt’s idea that the town of Green Bay should welcome back Judas in a classy manner when he returns for the Nov. 1 contest at Lambeau Field.

There’s a reason why: Schmitt is just another pandering idiot politician – wait, aren’t they all? – who is trying to drum up support that he can then use for re-election, whenever that might be.

Screw your idea and screw you, Jim. No mercy.

-Chris Lempesis

No one? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

The reality, though, is Green Bay’s game with the Rams on Sunday, set for Noon Lambeau time, is exactly that.

The Packers made it that way by embarassing themselves in a 31-24 home loss to Cincinnati last week.

The idea [...]]]> Raise your hand if you thought this would be a crucial game?

No one? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

The reality, though, is Green Bay’s game with the Rams on Sunday, set for Noon Lambeau time, is exactly that.

The Packers made it that way by embarassing themselves in a 31-24 home loss to Cincinnati last week.

The idea of being 1-2 going into the Dome on Monday Night Football is one that the Packers can not allow to become reality.

Hence, they have to, have to, have to win this week.

How will they go about doing that? Let’s find out as we at OBOD break down Packers vs. Rams.

Current line (not that we encourage gambling): Packers by 6 1/2 with an over/under of 41 points.

(We’ll be going with this instead of our weather report from now on, unless we feel it’s necessary to mention the weather.)

Injury report

Packers

Atari Bigby (ankle) and Chad Clifton (ankle) are both out, as we already know.

Despite practicing earlier in the week, Brandon Jackson (ankle) suffered a setback Thursday and will once again not play.

Some more injury information, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

On the bright side, it sounds like Nick Collins (clavicle) will likely play.

It is unknown whether or not B.J. Raji (no second Raji until he plays) will finally be able to suit up Sunday with his injured ankle. He suffered a setback Thursday but apparently practiced without incident today. For some strange reason, I’m getting the feeling he’s been ready to go for awhile, but that McCarthy is purposely holding him out for the Vikings game so they can’t get any tape on Raji. One thing’s for sure, if you read the link: Raji wants to play.

Korey Hall (shoulder/concussion) is still questionable, as well.

Rams

Tackle Jason Smith (knee), the No. 2 pick in the draft, is unlikely to play.

The only other Ram of importance, starting center Jason Brown (knee), was upgraded to a full participant Friday so he should likely play.

Must be nice to have so few injury concerns.

Key matchups

Offense

Green Bay offensive line vs. St. Louis defensive line

Call this one a matchup of two struggling units.

We all know about how bad the Packers o-line has been, so let’s focus on the Rams.

St. Louis’ defense has certainly struggled, to say the least, in rushing the passer over the first two weeks. The Rams have exactly one sack, good for second worst in the league (behind Dallas, of all teams, who has none).

Still, there’s a lot of talent on that d-line, with players like Chris Long, James Hall and the truly despicable Leonard Little in that group.

(Little, if you don’t remember, was the player who, many years ago, thought it would be a good idea to get in his car after a long night of drinking and drive home. Only he didn’t make it home before he hit another car, driven by a pregnant woman. The pregnant woman died as a result, yet Little didn’t get kicked out of the league. A true scumbag in every sense.)

In a matchup of two struggling units, something’s got to give. Hopefully, it’s not the Packers doing the giving.

Defense

Green Bay front seven vs. St. Louis’ Steven Jackson

After shutting down Matt Forte in the season opener, the Packers defense got shredded by Cedric Benson for 141 yards on 29 carries last week. Benson is a tough, physical runner who can get plenty of yards after first contact.

But he’s no Steven Jackson.

Jackson has had more than his share of injury troubles since coming into the league, but when healthy, he’s perhaps the biggest beast of them all. He’ll be 100 percent for Sunday, which means the Packers will have their hands full.

Gap discipline and poor tackling brought Green Bay down last week against Benson and that can not happen this week against Jackson. The Packers need to get multiple defenders to the ball and box Jackson in to give themselves a chance. If they get caught in too many one-on-one battles with him, they’ll lose most of the time. And if they lose too many, he’ll make the 141 yards that Benson put up look like child’s play.

Special teams

Green Bay return units vs. St. Louis cover teams

Outside of Jordy Nelson’s nice kick return to start the season, the Packers return units haven’t looked that stellar. It’s not for a lack of talent as Nelson and (especially) Will Blackmon are two very good return men.

With the team coming off an embarassing showing last week, a nice return or two early in the game could really provide that confidence boost that the team kind of needs right now.

The Packers will win if…

(Quick FYI: I’m not going to say “the offensive line has to play better.” We all know that.)

1. Ryan Grant gets going. Seriously, Ryan, 3.6 yards per carry? Not good enough. The offensive line has been awful, as we all know. But Grant hasn’t helped his cause that much. Too often he’s looked tentative and isn’t running with the ferocity I thought he would before the season started. He’s got to get back to that Sunday.
2. The offense gets back to focusing on the short to intermediate passing game. Green Bay has been chasing the home run ball, so to speak, far too often over the first two games. And when you swing for the fences, as we all know, a lot of times you strike out. In fact, its only really worked once, on the game-winner to Greg Jennings against Chicago. It’s a big departure from the usual passing game under McCarthy, in which the short throws have set up the long ball. The Packers need to take that approach Sunday as that will allow the offensive line to gain some early confidence.
3. They can get some of their depth at the receiver/tight end positions involved. Where have James Jones, Nelson and Jermichael Finley been? Jones and Finley got involved a little bit against the Bengals, especially late in the game, but not enough. The depth at those spots was supposed to be the real strength of the offense before the season started. It hasn’t been there and Green Bay needs to showcase it Sunday.

How I think the game will go

This is an absolutely crucial game for the Packers and, make no mistake, they will be an angry bunch Sunday.

You might have noticed I didn’t mention the defense in the above section. Well, that’s because I’m not really worried about that group. They got embarassed last week and they know it. They’re ready to make amends and they’ll do so by punishing the hell out of Marc Bulger and his mediocre group of receivers. They might not shut down Jackson – if he’s healthy, I’m not sure if you can – but they’ll contain him enough.

The o-line will also be fired up. For two weeks, they’ve had to hear about how awful they are. Not that that wasn’t true, but still, I think they’ve heard enough. That will equal improved showings all around against a subpar Rams defense. That will translate well for the Pack’s playmakers. It’s not like Green Bay didn’t have talent; the talent just didn’t have time to shine.

They’ll get it this week. Boy, will they get it.

Prediction: Packers 35, Rams 10

-Chris Lempesis