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

So, instead of simply griping about it, I’ve decided to go a different [...]]]> We all know the Green Bay Packers are a beat-up bunch. It’s something we at OBOD have tried to steer away from as much as possible because, well, we don’t like making excuses about our team. We’re just so un-Vikings fan-ish that way.

So, instead of simply griping about it, I’ve decided to go a different way. I’m going to rank the nine key players currently on the team’s injured reserve list (sadly, I left Josh Bell out). This is not a ranking of their skills, but rather their overall importance. For example, the No. 1 player listed is the player I’d most like to see healthy. I’ll also take some guesses on where each player’s future with the team stands.

Everyone good? Okay, here we go. As always, enjoy.

1. Jermichael Finley, tight end (knee) - There is simply no bigger reason for the offensive struggles over the past month than the absence of No. 88. Granted, the offense wasn’t looking elite before Finley’s injury, but with him out, the field has definitely shrunk for the rest of Green Bay’s pass catchers. It’s clear the offense never had much of a plan B in the event of a Finley injury. And, most damning, Aaron Rodgers still seems lost much of the time minus his top read. Finley’s stats, projected over a full season: 84 catches, 1,204 yards, four touchdowns. He likely won’t get that fat new contract now, but should be hungrier than ever come next year.
2. Ryan Grant, running back (ankle) - It took all of about three seconds for us to downplay Grant’s importance upon hearing he was lost for the year. Eight games later, I’d like to take back much of what I said. That’s not meant to be a shot at Brandon Jackson or John Kuhn because, actually, those two have been pretty okay. But, either alone or combined, they do not bring the same threat Grant did. Grant, while certainly not an elite back, at least gave opponents something to think about when gameplanning for Green Bay’s offense. He was at least a threat to break the century mark every week. With him gone, Mike McCarthy has been allowed to fully explore the dark side of his “shotgun, five-wide” philosophy. Not a good thing. With such a big salary for next year (he could earn as much as $6 million in salary and various bonuses), you have to wonder if cheaper options won’t be explored by the team.
3. Mike Neal, defensive end (shoulder) - At first, you might snicker seeing Neal this high on the list. Don’t. Despite only playing two games before seeing his season end, Neal showed some flashes of serious potential. Stout and strong enough to play the run - and quick enough to get to the passer - Neal would have been a key cog on the d-line. His presence would have given Green Bay three dual-threat linemen (Neal, B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins). It also would have allowed Dom Capers to do a whole lot more mixing-and-matching, depending on the situation. In 2011: Neal, Raji, Jenkins (he’ll be re-signed, fear not), Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly (starting to think he’ll be back). Yes, please.
4. Nick Barnett, inside linebacker (wrist) – The emergence of Desmond Bishop and the improvement of A.J. Hawk knock Barnett a little further down the list than originally thought at the time of his injury. Still, you know those times Hawk goes too high on a tackle or gets caught out of position in coverage? Yeah, those are the times you wish Barnett was still around. And his leadership is still sort of missed, as well, though that void has been filled somewhat filled by committee (Charles Woodson, Clay Matthews, etc.). Hawk is likely gone after this season, so even with a salary approaching the $6 million range, Barnett should return.
5. Morgan Burnett, safety (knee) - Solid, if unspectacular, for the two games he played before getting hurt, it’s highly likely Burnett would just be taking his game up a notch about now. Remember, Burnett has “big-time playmaker” written all over him. Luckily, Charlie Peprah’s emergence and the impending return of Atari Bigby (could happen this week) have made up for Burnett’s loss. With Burnett solidly in the fold for the foreseeable future, it’s likely that either Bigby or Peprah will not be back come 2011.
6. Brad Jones, outside linebacker (shoulder) - Jones played his best game of the season, hands down, in the win over Minnesota. With the luck the Packers have had this year with injuries, it’s darkly fitting that his shoulder injury – problematic since camp – would flair up so bad he’d have to have surgery immediately afterwards. Jones did not provide much pressure opposite Matthews, definitely disappointing. He was good against the run, though, and his pass rushing looked to be improving before he got hurt. Finding a more proven pass rushing commodity to play opposite Matthews – thus keeping Jones in a more limited role – is definitely a possibility in the offseason.
7. Derrick Martin, safety (knee) - As we all know, Martin brings limited value as an actual safety. His true value came as Green Bay’s best special teams player. With the Packers giving up at least one big return in each of the past four games, you can see why he’s been missed. Coming off such a severe injury, his return to the team next season seems in doubt, especially when you consider Green Bay’s considerable depth at the position.
8. Justin Harrell, defensive end (knee) - Harrell would have been a key member of the rotation along the d-line as he turned in a very solid training camp. Of course, we all know what happened next, don’t we? Harrell, as always, was bitten by the injury bug, less than two quarters into the season. Harrell deserves a great deal of credit for continuing to work his way back from injury. Unfortunately, it’s just never going to happen for him in the NFL. The Packers have given him four years. They can give him no more.
9. Brady Poppinga (knee), outside linebacker – Buried on the depth chart to start the season, injuries forced Poppinga into a key role, only he didn’t last long in said role. He showed a bit more potential in the 3-4 than he did last season (example: his huge overtime sack of Donovan McNabb in the Washington game). But when you consider that he’s due over $2 million next season, it becomes clear Poppinga has probably played his last down for the Packers.

What do you think of my rankings? As always, comment baby, comment!

-Chris Lempesis

Were you worried about the offense? No, not at all. The group was deep, talented and just hitting its stride. Scoring 30 a week? Why not?

What you worried about was the defense. You worried about the pass rush, [...]]]> Think back, for a second, to late August. What were your worries regarding the 2010 Green Bay Packers?

Were you worried about the offense? No, not at all. The group was deep, talented and just hitting its stride. Scoring 30 a week? Why not?

What you worried about was the defense. You worried about the pass rush, the secondary depth, no Johnny Jolly. If someone were to tell you this team would be 5-3 at the midway point and rapidly on the verge of becoming a force in the NFC, you would have likely said it was because of a fast-improving defense.

How wrong you would be.

The story of the Packers’ emergence is one being written by the same group riddled with question marks just two months ago, a group devastated by injury, one largely comprised of rookies, no-names and nobodies. That unit led the way yet again Sunday in Green Bay’s 9-0 road win over the New York Jets.

The Packers’ defense came though with its best effort of the season – perhaps its best effort in years – in this one, recording their first road shutout since 1991 and the first shutout by any team in the 2010 season. It is a unit that continues to fight, claw and battle its way to wins.

Consider the following: No one – and I mean no one – thought Green Bay’s battered, tattered front seven could withstand the onslaught it was sure to face from New York’s top-notch running game, one powered by two good backs and an elite offensive line. Withstand the Packers did, holding New York’s duo of Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to just 76 yards on 22 carries. Those two had success, on occasion, but more often than not, the holes they targeted were simply unavailable. 

That was due to the work of players like C.J. Wilson, Howard Green, A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop, players expected to contribute little, if anything, over the summer. Actually, you can say even less about Green since, you know, he was just signed last week.

By shutting down the run game, a door was opened for some “no-names” to step up and makes plays against the pass. Charlie Peprah’s name comes to mind here, carrying over his very strong showing from the Minnesota game. It’s becoming readily apparent why he was kept around so long, despite his various injury troubles. The guy can play, delivering both strong coverage and some seriously big hits.

Of course, Green Bay’s defense is not entirely composed of nobodies. Charles Woodson. Tramon Williams. Clay Matthews. These are names everyone knows. And names that certainly made big plays Sunday.

Woodson and Williams both came up with picks that altered the course of this game, Woodson’s pick a display of freakish athleticism and Williams’ a display of pure toughness and never-say-die grit.

And when you can combine the traits shown on those two interceptions in someone, you have a great player. What you have is Matthews. Despite being kept down most of the day by right tackle Damian Woody, Matthews kept on fighting. And fighting. And fighting, until finally he broke through for a crushing, drive-killing sack of Mark Sanchez late in the game.

Overseeing this group is a man turning in the best work of his illustrious career: Defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

Somehow, someway, Capers continues to get strong, hard-nosed performances out of this group. I am only half-kidding when I ask aloud if the 2010 NFL Coach of the Year award can be given to a coordinator. If so, here’s your winner, gang.

And Capers has just one more game to get through before honest-to-God reinforcements arrive in the form of Al Harris and Atari Bigby. One more game to get through before players like Ryan Pickett can get back near 100 percent. That has to excite you.

But, even without those guys, it’s becoming clear the players in place - this rag-tag group of oddly assembled parts - have begun rallying together, determined to prove that they can play, your opinion of them be damned.

The defense has already far exceeded any expectations placed on it back when the temperature gage was still high. If the offense can ever live up to theirs, oh what a team this could be.

-Chris Lempesis

Wednesday, we learned that outside linebacker Brad Jones’ season is indeed over. Jones has been placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder. The injury initially occurred in camp and was apparently significantly re-injured in Sunday night’s win [...]]]> Okay, now we can say the Green Bay Packers’ defense is devastated by injury.

Wednesday, we learned that outside linebacker Brad Jones’ season is indeed over. Jones has been placed on injured reserve and will undergo surgery on his damaged shoulder. The injury initially occurred in camp and was apparently significantly re-injured in Sunday night’s win over Minnesota.

Jones is the 10th Packer to go on I.R. this season. Six of those players – Jones, Nick Barnett, Morgan Burnett, Mike Neal, Brady Poppinga and Justin Harrell – were expected to be at least somewhat significant contributors for that unit in 2010. And don’t forget Brandon Chillar, Cullen Jenkins, Ryan Pickett, Clay Matthews – my God this list is long – Nick Collins and Charles Woodson. Every single one of those players has either missed time, will miss time or been at least semi-affected by injury.

Oh, by the way – Al Harris and Atari Bigby still haven’t been activated from the PUP list yet. With the Packers quickly signing (or claiming off waivers) four defensive players this week – three linebackers and a defensive tackle – you have to wonder just where those two are at in the recovery process. I have a bad feeling that it could be awhile until either of those two are on the 53-man roster. Like, “after the bye week” bad.

Yet, through all of this, defensive coordinator Dom Capers has somehow, someway, managed to keep Green Bay in the middle of the pack (no pun intended) on that side of the ball. The Packers are tied with New England for 16th with 136 points allowed, 19.4 per game. Green Bay is also 18th in total yards per game allowed (338.4). Now, I can’t say I’ve studied the numbers/performance of every defense he’s ever led, but one has to think this seven-game stretch is one of the best coaching jobs he’s ever turned in.

Here’s the thing, though: I’m not sure Capers can keep this up much longer. That’s not to question his smarts, because we know he has those in abundance. I’m not sure any defensive mind could keep this up. The depth is just so paper-thin. And, who knows if the injuries will ever stop for the defense? What happens if a crucial piece – say Matthews, Tramon Williams, Collins or Woodson – gets hit with a season-ender?

But, as always, I’m not going to paint a picture of a totally baren landscape. There’s hope for this defense – and it lies in an unexpected place.

The other side of the ball.

After seven games of fits, starts, heat, cool, north and south, the time for Green Bay’s offense to become the monster we all thought it could is now. That group simply can not turn in any more uneven performances if the Packers are to make this season a special one.

The biggest thing that must now happen is an honest-to-God dedication to dominating the time of possession. Seven games in, the Packers stand just 17th in average T.O.P. at 30:06 per game. The New York Giants lead the league in this category at 33:23 per game. Doesn’t seem like much, on the surface, but as we’ve learned this season, 3:17 can be a lifetime, especially if you’re playing with a battered defense. Imagine an extra three minutes-plus in Green Bay’s favor against Miami. Or Washington.

In order to boost those T.O.P. numbers, a re-tooling of Mike McCarthy’s approach to gameplanning is in order. Stubborn as he is, you might think this impossible. But, actually, it’s not. McCarthy took some fairly major steps in this direction against the Vikings, showing more dedication to the run game than at any previous point this season. In his Wednesday presser, McCarthy hinted that we’ll see more Brandon Jackson this Sunday against the New York Jets.

Whether it works this week or not, it’s something he needs to go with the rest of the way. Jackson has shown some flashes of real potential. He won’t likely overwhelm anyone with his size, speed or toughness, but has just enough of each quality to make him intriguing (and his vision’s not bad, either). Like all backs, he’ll only get better as the carries pile up. And Bryan Bulaga’s emergence at right tackle gives Green Bay a solid side of the line to rush off of as Bulaga and Josh Sitton are both quick, tough and nasty run blockers.

The passing game, Mike Mac’s pride and joy, must also be re-worked. Simply put, this team continues to chase the home run ball far more often than is necessary. It’s killing drives and causing turnovers. Considering how far Aaron Rodgers and his receivers appear to be off in the chemistry department, it’s surprising how many deep shots this offense continues to take. Those are low-percentage throws and do nothing to get things back in-synch. If you were a basketball player, would you continue to chuck threes up on a cold shooting night? You’d try for as many layups as possible to get yourself back into a rhythm, right?

For the Packers, these layups consist of  throws within the six-to-15 yard range. This offense lived there during last season’s 7-1 finish to the regular season. And when things were looking bleak in the wild card game, how did the offense get itself back on track? Exactly.

Somewhere between the wild card loss and the start of the 2010 season, the Packers became convinced that a passing attack can only be considered great if it goes shotgun, five-wide and racks up 25 yards on every dropback. That just isn’t true (see: the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s). Look at golf, for example. Any pro can step up to the tee and crush it. The great ones separate themselves through the short game.

Getting back to that 7-1 mindset puts the ball in the hands of your playmakers quicker, thus allowing them to do what they do quicker. This approach makes for plays that, while not as sexy as the home run ball (something Rodgers seems way too preoccupied with, anyways), can be run in higher quantity. More plays equals more time of possession and a tired opposing defense.

By re-dedicating themselves to the little things – more handoffs here and more seven-yard throws there – the Packers can fully utilize the considerable talent they have on offense, even without Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant.

For a defense that becomes exponentially less considerable in the talent department seemingly by the day, it’s the least they can do.

-Chris Lempesis

That being the case, there’s quite a bit of news surrounding the Green Bay Packers, a team that’s lost three of four and desperately needs to right the ship.

What better time than now to make a trip back to the question department, right? After all, [...]]]> And Vikings week, chapter one (technically, chapter three) has officially begun.

That being the case, there’s quite a bit of news surrounding the Green Bay Packers, a team that’s lost three of four and desperately needs to right the ship.

What better time than now to make a trip back to the question department, right? After all, it’s been awhile since we’ve been here.

• Question: Are we witnessing the decline of Charles Woodson?

Answer: Sadly, maybe. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year just has not been anywhere near as much of a factor as he’s been in previous seasons thus far. Woodson has recorded just one interception, against Detroit, and five passes defended through six games. As always, those numbers only tell part of the story. Woodson, always a physical corner, has been drawing penalties left and right this season, mostly of the “illegal contact” variety. Can’t remember where I read this, but one of the Packers’ beat writers proposed the theory awhile back that Woodson – pushed around by Larry Fitzgerald in the wild card loss – is hellbent on making sure that never happens again. Thus, he’s taken his physicality to another level. If that’s true – and even if it isn’t – he needs to dial things back a notch or twelve. He’s really hurting the defense. More than that, teams are simply not afraid to throw at him this season, something that isn’t going to change until he turns in a clean game and starts making some big plays. He’s been rather good in run support, so he’s still bringing value. But for the defense, wrecked by injuries, to get back to where it was last season, he has to be better. Period.

• Question: Should we be firing up the “Fire McCarthy” bandwagon yet?

Answer: We haven’t quite reached that point yet. It’s mid-season and the Packers are once again underwhelming, so it’s natural that some fans would be calling for Mike Mac’s dismissal. I can’t lie – I’ve thought about it a time or two myself already. He’s certainly given us plenty of reason to think such thoughts, hasn’t he? Unbalanced, arrogant playcalling; a complete inability to win close games; a team that continues to take bad penalties at crucial times (if not for the entire game). The 3-3 record is bad enough, but what’s really damning is that the same problems exist with this team five years into McCarthy’s time at the helm. You can’t help but wonder if a new direction is needed. That said, it’s far too early to be calling for his firing. This was a playoff team last year and, as bad as things have been, a win Sunday night changes everything. Now, with an extremely tough schedule the rest of the way (and injuries mounting), there’s always a chance this team bottoms out. If that happens – say, they finish 7-9 or 8-8 and miss the playoffs – then it would be time to discuss firing him. But I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Famous last words, probably.

• Question: What can we honestly expect from Al Harris, Atari Bigby, and James Starks?

Answer: To hear McCarthy tell it in his Monday presser, it sounds like all three have rehabbed their injuries as much as possible and are ready to begin practicing. What happens after Wednesday is anyone’s guess. I have a feeling Harris is closer to returning than the other two and will see the field in some capacity Sunday night. He won’t start, but could see considerable time as the nickel back. But for a player of Harris’ age, coming off of that type of injury, it seems unlikely he’ll be able to go every snap in that role. Sam Shields has been decent in that role this season, when healthy, so I’d expect that he and Harris will rotate. Bigby seems further away – they wouldn’t have traded for Anthony Smith, otherwise. Still, it wouldn’t shock me if he played a portion of the game Sunday night. His biggest strength is playing the run, after all, and that Peterson guy is pretty good. It’s important for the Packers to not overuse these two right away. It’s a big game, no question, but it’s more important to get these two ready for the second half. Don’t expect much from Starks. The guy hasn’t played a meaningful snap since early in 2009. It’s going to take at least a couple of weeks for him to shake off the considerable rust he’s accumulated. If he makes any impact, it likely won’t happen until after the bye early next month.

• Question: What should we expect from the newly acquired Smith?

Answer: Don’t expect him to be a savior, but he is an upgrade. Smith – yes, that Smith, the one signed by the Packers before being released late in camp last year – knows this scheme inside and out from his time in Pittsburgh/brief time in Green Bay. If you don’t remember the story of why he was cut, well, it seemed to come down to this: While certainly capable of making big plays, Smith also allegedly freelanced too much for the coaches’ liking. There was also some issue with his apparent reluctance to play special teams. All along, though, it seemed like Ted Thompson sort of new he made a mistake in cutting Smith, so it’s not a shock that he’s back in the fold. I’m guessing he’ll start Sunday night, so here’s to hoping he can be better than Charlie Peprah. It’s hard to imagine he won’t be.

• Question: Where is this team at, health-wise?

Answer: The two key injuries to watch, obviously, are those of Ryan Pickett (ankle) and Clay Matthews (hamstring). McCarthy told reporters Monday that the two may be ready to practice later in the week. The key day, as always, to focus on is Friday. If a player practices Friday, he usually goes Sunday. Matthews’ injury seems less serious than Pickett’s, so my guess is that he’s more likely to go. Good, because this team can not win without him. Doesn’t sound like any update was provided on Mike Neal (shoulder). Neal and Pickett hopefully can go – you need all the big bodies you can get against Peterson. No word on the status of Brandon Chillar (shoulder) and Mark Tauscher (shoulder) doesn’t sound likely to play. Donald Driver (thigh) and A.J. Hawk (groin) could miss practice time, but should be fine. Brady Poppinga (knee) is going to have surgery, so he’ll be out awhile, if not the rest of the season. Finally, Jermichael Finley (knee) is officially done for the year. He’ll be placed on injured reserve to make room for Smith. Whew.

• Question: How does Shawn Slocum continue to have a job with this team?

Answer: Your guess is as good as mine. Incriminating photos of Thompson and/or McCarthy, perhaps?

-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

For part two, it’s time to look at the tough guys on defense (and those wimps on special teams…I kid, I kid).

Front seven - Yeah, that’s right. We’re going a different way on this one. It seems ridiculous to compare the respective defensive lines/linebacking corps for the [...]]]> Okay, so we’ve covered the pretty boys on offense.

For part two, it’s time to look at the tough guys on defense (and those wimps on special teams…I kid, I kid).

Front seven - Yeah, that’s right. We’re going a different way on this one. It seems ridiculous to compare the respective defensive lines/linebacking corps for the teams because, really, they’re asked to do different things. So, instead, we’ll just give an overview of the two groups and then decide who’s got the edge.

The Green Bay Packers, obviously, run a 3-4 scheme. So far, so good for the front seven in that group. The run defense, while perhaps not operating at a No. 1-level, has been more than sound. The 5.3 yards per carry allowed is completely misleading, as most of those yards came from Michael Vick’s showing in week one (against a defense that had not prepared for him).

The linebackers have been quick to the ball, like last season, and the trio of Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett has been very good. That should continue, though Mike Neal’s presence will be required on the line at some point so those three can avoid hitting empty on the tank. He’s unlikely to play in this one, though, due to his rib injury.

The pass rush generated from this group has been outstanding, as Green Bay led the NFL in sacks coming into the weekend (10). Most of this stems from Clay Matthews hitting beast mode, of course, but it’s not just him. Raji and Jenkins have also been strong in this area. Matthews should have a field day with this weak Chicago line, but at some point, another linebacker is going to have to step it up.

For the Bears, it’s the same old Cover 2 scheme that they’ve always run. If you don’t know, in this scheme, most of the pressure is generated from the front four, while the linebackers are mainly asked to play the run and drop in coverage. The run defense has been, in a word, sterling. Chicago had the NFL’s top-ranked run defense through two games, allowing just 1.4 yards per carry (with a long of eight. Eight!). Brian Urlacher is healthy and playing near his old level, with running mate Lance Briggs continuing to be the league’s most underrated linebacker.

The Bears’ pass rush has not been as effective, recording just two sacks so far. Julius Peppers, the team’s big-name offseason acquisition, has just one, although he also knocked Detroit’s Matthew Stafford out in week one with a shoulder injury. Look for him to show up in a big way here, as it’s a nationally-televised night game (his specialty). Tommie Harris is a very good d-tackle and Mark Anderson is an end who knows how to get to the quarterback.

In the end, though, I think Green Bay is better in more front-seven facets than is Chicago. Edge: Packers

Secondary - Okay, I’m keeping this one real short. For Green Bay: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins and Morgan Burnett.

For Chicago: Zackary Bowman, Danieal Manning, Chris Harris and Charles Tillman.

Who would you rather have? Edge: Packers

Special Teams - The biggest area of surprise for the 2010 Packers so far. The coverage units have been fantastic, as has kick returner Jordy Nelson and kicker Mason Crosby. Punter Tim Masthay has been just okay, but even he hasn’t been terrible. Williams hasn’t made any mistakes as a punt returner, but at some point, you’d like to see him break one.

The Bears have two really good returners in Johnny Knox and the always-fearsome Devin Hester. Kicker Robbie Gould has been his usual sturdy self and punter Brad Maynard is one of the best in the business. While I like what I’ve seen from Green Bay in this department, Chicago has been better for longer and could definitely take advantage of the Packers here. Edge: Bears

While the Packers take six out of eight categories overall, this game will still be close. The Bears are at home and desperately want to serve notice that they are a team you need to take seriously. Plus, Lovie Smith’s teams always battle Green Bay until the end. I said the Packers would win, 27-24, and I’m sticking to that, mainly because of their overall edge in talent.

But expect a nailbiter, folks. See you after the game.

-Chris Lempesis

This week’s Wednesday special is going to be all about the running backs. No injury reports. No mention of Mason Crosby winning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (outside of that one, of course). Nothing but running backs.

And, really, why not? The position is the focus of [...]]]> Don’t worry – you didn’t misread the title.

This week’s Wednesday special is going to be all about the running backs. No injury reports. No mention of Mason Crosby winning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (outside of that one, of course). Nothing but running backs.

And, really, why not? The position is the focus of conversation involving the Green Bay Packers right now as they prepare for Sunday’s home opener with the Buffalo Bills. There are multiple layers to this and we’re going to attempt to get to them now.

Let’s first talk about the situation, as it currently stands. While the Packers moved extremely quickly in signing Dimitri Nance off Atlanta’s practice squad Tuesday, it’s highly unlikely Nance plays Sunday. He’ll need at least a little time to learn everything and five days is simply not enough. That means the duo of Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn will once again handle the position against Buffalo. That shouldn’t be a problem this week.

Still, I can’t see a scenario in which Nance is strictly a “warm body”, at least for the time being. Otherwise, the Packers would have simply kept that roster spot open for Ryan Grant, who could have been ready to return from his injury before the end of the regular season. Plus, Green Bay moved so fast on him, you have to think it’d been targeting him for awhile now. And with only one true running back – Jackson – Nance will see game time sooner rather than later (I know we all love Kuhn, but give me a break – there’s no way he’ll be the No. 2 back much longer). How Nance performs in whatever time he gets will determine a lot going forward.

I say that because, after the Miami game on Oct. 17, James Starks is eligible to return from the PUP list. His hamstring injury never seemed to improve much during camp, but the team must have received a good prognosis or else it would have placed Starks on injured reserve. If Nance is playing well enough, the Packers can slowly work Starks back into the flow of things. That’s extremely important. Remember, Starks saw no real action in camp and hasn’t played a down of meaningful football since the end of his junior year at Buffalo (missed all of 2009 with a shoulder injury). Expecting him to be ready to roll right away is asking an awful lot of the youngster.

If Nance pans out decently and Starks can regain his footing soon enough, could I envision a scenario in which the team goes with Jackson, Nance and Starks as its three backs the rest of the way? Yes, I could. As Gene brilliantly pointed out Tuesday, the Packers are simply not that concerned with running the ball, no matter how much they say they are.

But perhaps the more important question is: Is that the right call to make? That’s really the most important question. Jackson’s never been a featured back in the pros and has had some durability issues. Nance is a complete unknown. Starks is, well, see above.

As good as the passing game is and as weak as the early season schedile appears to be, the fact is the schedule gets really tough really quick. And, at some point, Aaron Rodgers is going to have a bad game or two. In those spots, you’d like to have a little more than Jackson/Nance/Starks to lean on.

You’d like to have Marshawn Lynch.

Since the moment we found out Grant was done for the year, Lynch’s name has been thrown around a lot as a possible trade target for Green Bay. Wednesday, rumors were running rampant on the ‘net that a potential Lynch-for-A.J. Hawk swap was in the works (still not sure were that rumor exactly came from, but I digress). Hawk’s agent, Mike McCartney (no I’m not making that name up) said that Hawk would be open to a trade and there are reports that Hawk has put his house in Green Bay on the market.

Still, that seems unlikely to me. While Hawk did not play a single defensive snap against the Eagles, he plays an important role as a run stopper in the base scheme. And he’s a Ted Thompson guy. We all know how much Teddy hates to part with one of his own.

But trading a draft pick for Lynch? Ah – now you’re talking.

The Bills are dying to rid themselves of Lynch, a former Pro Bowler who is now, essentially, the team’s No. 3 back. It wouldn’t take much to get him (a third round pick, maybe, but a fourth seems more likely to me). Thompson has clearly been a longtime follower of Lynch, as well. It’s been long suggested that Green Bay panicked in taking Justin Harrell in the ‘07 draft because the player it really wanted – guess who? – went off the board. And there were rumors before this year’s draft that the Packers were kicking the tires on a potential Lynch trade.

And, before you go any further, please do not give me the “that’s not Teddy’s way of doing business” line. Actually, it is. Thompson has aggressively chased trades for both Randy Moss and Tony Gonzalez in his tenure, only to lose out at the last minute. He may hate free agency, but trades are a different story. And, by handing out big contracts/contract extensions to older players (Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, Ryan Pickett, Charles Woodson), Thompson is making it known he thinks this current group has a shot to win it all.

If that’s the case, why not tack on one more guy to further solidify things? Lynch has some character issues, but the Packers have enough leaders to keep him in line (plus he knows Rodgers and Desmond Bishop from their days at Cal). On the field, he’s an absolute beast, blessed with both power and speed and an ability to make plays in the passing game, a potentially nice thing to have on those crappy weather days late in the season.

Any move for Lynch isn’t likely to happen right away. The Packers will take their shot with their current group of backs first. In the end, though, I just can’t shake this feeling that the move makes too much sense not to happen.

Lynch rolls into town Sunday. In a perfect world, it’s not long before he heads back.

-Chris Lempesis

Over the weekend, I was listening to a recent Bill Simmons podcast that he did with NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi. The two discussed Lombardi’s “Blue Chip Rankings” article he wrote for NFL.com. It’s a fascinating examination, if you [...]]]> (The Green Bay Packers were off on Sunday. As such, the “Training Camp Stew” will return Monday night.)

Over the weekend, I was listening to a recent Bill Simmons podcast that he did with NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi. The two discussed Lombardi’s “Blue Chip Rankings” article he wrote for NFL.com. It’s a fascinating examination, if you haven’t yet read it.

Afterwards, I decided to check out his rankings for myself, specifically to focus on where he ranked certain Packers players and the team, as a whole.

Some background: Lombardi ranked the best players at each position as “blue chip.” Second-tier players were given “red chip” status. He only put a certain amount of players in each position/category.

Some of Lombardi’s rankings made sense; he was certainly off on some others, though.

Where was Lombardi correct?

His overall idea that quarterbacks, offensive tackles, defensive ends and outside linebackers are the most important players on a team was spot-on.

In terms of specific Packers, he was correct to give Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley and Charles Woodson “blue chip” status. It was also nice to see him give Cullen Jenkins “red chip” status as Jenkins is usually overlooked by national analysts. Giving Nick Collins “red chip” status was one I wasn’t sure on, but I ultimately decided to agree with Lombardi there. There’s still another level Collins can reach.

He’s correct in not listing any Green Bay o-linemen in either category. Obviously, he’s right in doing the same for the team’s specialists. And, for as much as I like head coach Mike McCarthy, he’s certainly not worthy of elite status yet – something Lombardi did not give him.

Okay, now it’s time for the fun part – the part where I say how wrong he was in certain spots.

While he’s correct on QBs, OTs, DEs and OLBs being the most important spots on the field, he should have included one more: cornerback. With the ever-increasing emphasis on passing in the NFL, you could argue that a top-flight corner is every bit as important as a defensive end or outside linebacker. This is especially true late in the season when front-seven players tend to wear down significantly.

As for specific Packers, he made two glaring omissions: No Ryan Grant or Donald Driver anywhere on the list. Really, Mike?

I’m not saying Grant should have been in the “blue chip” category, because ultimately I don’t think he is. Grant, however, is a pretty good back who puts up good numbers – and doesn’t fumble the ball – while playing in a pass-heavy offense. Seriously, he included Knowshon Moreno and Darren Sproles in the “red chip” category, but not Grant. Huh?

His mistake on Driver is perhaps even worse.

Driver consistently puts up 1,000-plus yards receiving every season. He stays healthy and has shown to be really good with two different, albeit fantastic, quarterbacks. Miles Austin (one good season) and Calvin Johnson (one great year and two solid ones) were both placed in the “blue chip” category, while Sidney Rice (one good year with you-know-who) was placed in the “red chip” category. I’m sorry, but Driver is better than Austin and Rice. Johnson’s a freak, sure, but for now, he’s still more sizzle than steak. Can’t say the same about Driver.

And, if you’re only going to base things on potential and not long-term production, why was Clay Matthews only listed in the “red chip” category? I guess Lombardi didn’t see how much of a part Matthews played in the defense’s turnaround last year. 

These last two names may put me in the “homer” category, but Ryan Pickett and Nick Barnett are both “red chip” players, in my mind. Not great, but certainly good – and very important – players.

Lombardi said, both in his article and the Simmons podcast, that he originally thought Green Bay would grade out higher, as a team (the Packers were just 15th in the team rankings, behind Denver and Carolina but above Tennessee). Well, if Lombardi had ranked things a bit more properly, the Packers would have. Seriously, he’s got the Redskins ranked higher, as a team.

Again, Lombardi was not completely off on his list. But some of his rankings just left me scratching my head.

What say you guys? Take a look at his rankings and give us your thoughts.

-Chris Lempesis