Smith and Golic – not the Golic from “Saved by the Bell: The College Years”, as it turns out - both [...]]]> So, I’m watching “NFL Live” – why wouldn’t I be, right? Nothing screams “NFL!” like late June - and during a segment, ESPN’s Michael Smith, Mike Golic and Cris Carter debated which quarterback under 30 is the best in the league.

Smith and Golic – not the Golic from “Saved by the Bell: The College Years”, as it turns out - both put our guy Aaron Rodgers at the top of the list. Carter went with Nasty Ben (aka, Ben Roethlisberger).

You didn’t really think Carter would give love to a Packer, now did you?

Anyways, that got me to thinking: I certainly love Rodgers and have a hard time believing I’d pick any other quarterback under 30 to guide my favorite team. But, being the football geek that I am, I had to investigate it just to make sure.

(Reminder, ladies: I’m single)

My first step: Figuring out the list of candidates.

I came up with seven possible names. Keep in mind, I was pretty inclusive with the first step:

Philip Rivers, Matt Schaub, Eli Manning, Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, Rodgers and Nasty Ben. Tony Romo just turned 30 in April, so that’s why he’s not on the list. And JaMarcus Russell just barely missed the cut – barely.

Second step: Whittling down the list.

Cutler, Schaub and Ryan were the first three to fall. Cutler lacks discipline and I have major doubts about his ability to be an actual leader. My “Second Coming of Jeff George” feeling about him hasn’t subsided yet.

Schaub is certainly capable of putting up massive numbers. Last season alone, he put up 4,770 yards, 29 touchdowns and just 15 picks. Of course, last season was also the first time he made it through an entire 16 games. He needs to be better at avoiding the injury bug to earn serious consideration.

Truth be told, I think Ryan is headed for elite status…but not quite yet. His numbers from last season aren’t great (2,916 yards, 22 touchdowns, 14 interceptions in 14 games) and, sometimes, he still plays like it’s a Thursday night game at Virginia Tech. In other words, he needs to work on his decision-making. But he’s there as a leader already. He’s one of the main reasons the Falcons kept playing hard even after they were eliminated from the playoffs.

That, of course, left me with four options: Rivers, Manning, Rodgers and Nasty Ben.

Each of the four brought something to the table.

Over the past two seasons, the Chargers have become Rivers’ team. He’s certainly proven he’s worthy of such a title, throwing for over 8,000 yards with 62 touchdowns and just 20 interceptions in that time span. Rivers also has a swagger to his game that I like. He’s cocky, but it never clouds his on-field performance.

Manning’s a great fit for the running game/playaction passing system that the Giants run and has never buckled in the face of pressure that would wreck most of us. Seriously, can you imagine being Peyton’s little brother and playing in New York City? And, oh yeah – he’s got that Super Bowl ring, too, which never hurts your case.

Rodgers has put up two massive seasons and, like Manning, has never been broken by the massive amount of pressure he’s consistently been under. He’s also quieted the naysayers who questioned his toughness prior to taking over as starter. As his skill position players – like Jermichael Finley – continue to grow, he should only get better.

Nasty Ben is capable of putting up ridiculous numbers – I believe us Packers fans saw that firsthand last season – and has great improvisational skills. He’s also, hands down, the toughest quarterback in the league to tackle (there’s no way he plays at the 241 pounds he’s listed at). And if Manning’s one Super Bowl ring is impressive, what can you say about the two Nasty Ben has to his credit?

Again, though, I had to make the cuts.

The first name to go was Nasty Ben’s. The two rings are great, but with a nickname like that – and the allegations that brought on such a nickname – is there any way I could pick him? No.

Down to three. Easy enough, right?

Here’s why I didn’t pick Manning: His overall numbers. In five seasons as a full-time starter, he’s averaged roughly 3,500 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 16 interceptions a season. Those numbers aren’t bad at all, nor is his completion rate (consistently hovers in the high 50-low 60 percent range), but they don’t necessarily scream “franchise quarterback.” Now I know there’s more to that status than mere numbers, but I wonder how Manning would fare in an offense that was passing-based.

You probably think you know what’s coming next. Guess again.

Here’s why I didn’t pick Rodgers: The postseason. I’m fully aware that he’s only been at the helm for two seasons and that one player – even a quarterback – can only do so much. But with the competition he’s up against here, I had to factor in that he’s 0-1 in the second season. If I was to go back and do this list again in a year or two, Rodgers very well could have some gaudy postseason victory numbers. I hope that’s the case. But, as of now, it isn’t. So, looking at it objectively, he can’t be my selection.

My choice would be Rivers.

He’s got the numbers (see: above) and has had success in the postseason (a 3-4 record, yes, but also an AFC Championship Game appearance). He’s faced his share of pressure – the offense became his only after it was LaDainian Tomlinson’s – and has put up his numbers without the help of a big-time wideout (Antonio Gates is a tight end, remember). Despite his cocky demeanor, he seems like a solid guy off-the-field, as he’s married with four kids. Not that that’s always stopped guys before, but as of now, he’s steered clear of any trouble. All in all, I’d feel the most comfortable handing over the keys to him.

That’s my take. What’s yours?

-Chris Lempesis

But what about the best moments or games of the decade? We’d have to talk about that, wouldn’t we?

Yes we would.

After all, the past 10 years have been filled with those “Wow” moments for us Packers fans. Narrowing them down to a list of 10 [...]]]> So, the Green Bay Packers’ All-Decade Team is in the books.

But what about the best moments or games of the decade? We’d have to talk about that, wouldn’t we?

Yes we would.

After all, the past 10 years have been filled with those “Wow” moments for us Packers fans. Narrowing them down to a list of 10 proved no easy feat, to say the least. But after much deliberation, I’ve been able to do just that. Again, I know some of you won’t necessarily be happy with some of the moments/games I picked – or, at the very least, you might not like the order in which I ranked them. I’m cool with that and, as always, your comments are welcomed.

We’ll be running the bottom half of our list today. The top five will run tomorrow. I’ve also tacked on links to some of the moments/games at the end of the descriptions, so you can go back and watch for yourself. I was, unfortunately, unable to find clips for some.

Is that all the background info you need? Yeah, I think so.

Here are the first five moments/games of the decade.

Enjoy.

10. “Woody Saves the Season” – vs. Dallas, November 15, 2009. The Packers were in dire straits heading into this one. Green Bay, thought by many to be the division favorites before the season, sat at just 4-4 and were coming off an utterly embarassing loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers the week before. Dallas, on the other hand, was 6-2 and looking awfully formidable. A loss at Lambeau to the hated Cowboys would pretty much cause the Packers’ playoff hopes to vanish. Charles Woodson was not about to let that happen. Woodson was a one-man army in this one, recording nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and a game-clinching interception of Tony Romo. Sure, other players contributed – Nick Barnett had two sacks and Aaron Rodgers was money on third downs, for example – but Woodson was the clear-cut reason the Packers came out with a 17-7 win. The victory kicked off a five-game winning streak and was the centerpiece moment in Woodson being named 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watch it here. 

9. “Favre Slices Up the Champs” – vs. Baltimore, October 14, 2001. This early season matchup pitted a pair of 3-1 squads, one of which just happened to be the defending world champions. The Ravens had one of – if not the – best single-season defense of all time in winning the title the previous season. Their defense was still pretty damn good by the time they got to Lambeau, where they ran into a surgeon named Brett Favre. No. 4 was as precise as ever in this one, completing 27-of-34 passes for 337 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He completed passes to nine different receivers, with the touchdowns going to Bubba Franks (two) and Antonio Freeman. In my mind, it’s one of the best five games he’s ever had. The Packers went on to win 31-23, although the game was not nearly as close as the score would indicate. No clip available.

8. “Walk Off at Invesco” – at Denver, October 29, 2007. The first 60 minutes of this “Monday Night Football” affair weren’t incredibly memorable, outside of a 79-yard scoring strike from Favre to James Jones in the first quarter. That tied the score at 7-7, with the rest of regulation, essentially, a field goal battle between Mason Crosby and Jason Elam. The Packers won the coin toss in overtime and took over at their own 18-yard line. On Green Bay’s first play from scrimmage in the extra frame, Favre did what he normally did in such situations: He went for it all right off the bat. Off a playaction fake, Favre hit Greg Jennings in stride down the left sideline with a beauty of a bomb. Jennings did the rest, outrunning his defender to the house. The Packers were 6-1 on the season. Watch it here.

7. “The Birth of A-Rodg” – at Dallas, November 29, 2007. Nearly three years into his professional career by the time this battle of 10-1 teams rolled around, Rodgers was still an unknown for the most part. He’d slowly gotten better in each of his three preseasons, yes, but we really had no idea how well he’d hold up in a game that counted. After Favre – who started the game a horrendous 5-of-14 passing for just 56 yards and two interceptions – injured his elbow in the second quarter, we finally got to find out. With the Packers trailing 27-10, Rodgers got off to a bit of a rough start. He quickly rebounded and showed why Green Bay used its first round pick on him in 2005. He threw with precision and confidence and also showed he could make plays with his feet, something we hadn’t seen in quite some time. For a moment there, it looked as though Rodgers might actually lead the Packers to a huge comeback win. They didn’t, of course, losing 37-27. But Rodgers’ performance – 18-of-26, 201 yards, one touchdown (no picks) and five rushes for 30 yards – made us feel better, knowing the future was in good hands. Watch it here. 

6. “The Packers Save Christmas” – at Minnesota, December 24, 2004. Bitter rivals, both 8-6 at the time, met at the Metrodome on a Friday afternoon (the first Friday NFL game in quite some time, at that point) to decide who would win the NFC North. After a scoreless first quarter, the teams combined for 38 points in the second. A Ryan Longwell field goal at the buzzer cut Green Bay’s deficit to four at 21-17. A nine-yard touchdown pass from Favre to Javon Walker midway through the third provided the only points for either team as Green Bay clung to a 24-21 lead heading into the final frame. Morten Andersen (oh, the irony for Vikings fans) evened things up early in the fourth. Midway through, things looked bleak for the Pack as Minnesota linebacker Chris Claiborne picked Favre off and sprinted 15 yards to the house, giving the home team a 31-24 advantage. Favre re-gained his composure and dominated the rest of the way. On the Packers’ last two drives of the game, he completed 10-of-16 passes for 137 yards. The first of those drives ended with a three-yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver. The second ended with Longwell drilling a 29-yard field goal as the clock struck zero to give the Packers a 34-31 win. The victory clinched their third straight division title and ensured a merry Christmas for Packers fans everywhere. Watch it here.

That’s all for part one. Again, check back tomorrow as we unveil the top five moments of the decade.

-Chris Lempesis

It was a great bounce-back year for the Packers, improving by five wins and making a postseason appearance. Yes, the loss to Arizona was tough, but that doesn’t [...]]]> With the Green Bay Packers’ 2009 campaign officially in the books, it seemed like a good time to look back at some of the best moments of the season.

It was a great bounce-back year for the Packers, improving by five wins and making a postseason appearance. Yes, the loss to Arizona was tough, but that doesn’t erase the bounty of great moments experienced by the team.

I decided to narrow the list of moments, roughly 20 or so deep at first, down to 10 and provide you with links to each of them (and the time in the clip when you can find the particular highlight). There’s some seriously great stuff in here.

They won’t make you forget the heartbreaking loss, but they should at least make you smile.

Enjoy.

10. Donald Driver’s one-handed grab vs. St. Louis in week three. Despite being interferred with, Driver comes down with an amazing snag. The catch was proof positive that Driver’s career is far from over. (Highlight occurs 46 seconds into the clip).

9. Ryan Grant’s touchdown run vs. Chicago in week 14. Grant kicks off Green Bay’s second win over Chicago in high style with a 62-yard scoring run on the Packers’ first offensive play. Grant had an amazing second half of the season. (Highlight occurs 12 seconds into the clip)

8. Aaron Rodgers’ heave to Driver vs. Detroit in week 12. Late in the first quarter, Rodgers uncorks a bomb to Driver, covering 68 yards in all. The Pack went on to a big Turkey Day win over Detroit. (Highlight occurs 29 seconds into the clip)

7. Jermichael Finley’s leaping touchdown grab vs. Pittsburgh in week 15. Finley had more than one remarkable catch this season, but this one was arguably his best. Memo to the rest of the NFL: Get ready, ’cause this kid is going to terrorize you for the next decade – at least. (Highlight occurs 1:35 into the clip)

6. Driver sets the franchise receiving record vs. Detroit in week six. A short first quarter reception moved Driver past Sterling Sharpe on the team’s all-time reception list. Being at the game, it was especially cool as everyone – EVERYONE – stood up and went nuts in celebration of Driver’s achievement. (Highlight occurs 25 seconds into the clip)

5. Rodgers’ game-winning touchdown pass to Greg Jennings/Al Harris’ game-clinching interception of Jay Cutler vs. Chicago in week one. This moment is actually two moments rolled into one as you can’t really have one without the other. Rodgers and Jennings started it and Harris finished it as the Packers were off and running to start the 2009 season. Not a bad first Packers’ game, eh Nate? (Rodgers-to-Jennings touchdown occurs 4:05 into the clip and Harris interception occurs 4:29 into the clip)

4. Charles Woodson’s fumble-causing sack of Tony Romo vs. Dallas in week 10. Woodson was an absolute monster in this one (nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception), single-handedly willing Green Bay to a season-saving win, extra special since it came over the hated Cowboys. Stay tuned – this might not be Woodson’s last appearance on this list. (Highlight occurs 1:06 into the clip)

3. Jennings’ one-handed touchdown catch vs. Arizona in the wild card game. Trailing 31-10, Jennings makes a brilliant one-handed snag to cut Arizona’s lead to 31-16. Jennings was amazing in this game, proving he is an elite receiver worth every penny of his big-time extension, signed last summer. (Highlight occurs 31 seconds into the clip)

2. Clay Matthews’ strip of Adrian Peterson for a touchdown vs. Minnesota in week three. Yes, the moment occurred in a loss to Judas, but it was also the moment Matthews officially arrived as a Packer since you have to be pretty damn strong to rip the ball away from A.P. This kid is going to be something special for a very long time. (Highlight occurs 1:46 into the clip)

1. Woodson’s post-interception scream vs. Dallas in week 10. This is No. 1 on the list for so many reasons. First, it came right after Woodson clinched the win by picking Romo. Second, it showed all the doubters once and for all that Woodson, in fact, did love the game of football. Third, it showed the Packers weren’t dead after all. Just awesome all the way around. (Highlight occurs 16 seconds into the clip, but really you should just watch the whole thing)

Will next season’s list include a raising of the Lombardi Trophy at No. 1?

We can only hope.

-Chris Lempesis

The marriage of Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers was not such a merger.

After all, Green Bay waited until April 2006 to begin its pursuit of the former Oakland Raiders’ cornerback – roughly two months after the start of free [...]]]> Some marriages are based on love, amazing unions where both parties are truly, madly, deeply in love with each other.

The marriage of Charles Woodson and the Green Bay Packers was not such a merger.

After all, Green Bay waited until April 2006 to begin its pursuit of the former Oakland Raiders’ cornerback – roughly two months after the start of free agency that year (most major free agents are signed within a week or two). Yes, Woodson had been to four Pro Bowls in eight seasons. And, yes, his numbers were gaudy (17 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and 5.5 sacks, for example).

But there was also his injury history, tendency to call out coaches publicly and, oh yeah, the little fact that some believed he didn’t really like the game of football all that much.

Woodson had reservations of his own. Green Bay, for all its football history and lore, is not a particularly diverse place, racially. Woodson was told, by people around the NFL, that black men didn’t really fit in there. Plus, the Packers were in full-on rebuilding mode, Brett Favre or not. The team was trimming the cash-heavy fat from its roster and had a rookie head coach in Mike McCarthy. Their record the previous season? A putrid 4-12.

But no one else was bidding for his services. No one.

So, when the Packers came to the table with a seven-year, $52.7 million contract (if he hit all the various incentives), the then 29-year old Woodson really had no other choice but to sign on and hope for the best.

Before the honeymoon could even begin, though, there was trouble. McCarthy and Woodson did not see eye-to-eye. From Woodson, as told to the Associated Press in 2008:

“You come here and everybody has their own set of rules,” Woodson said. “You have Green Bay tradition, so a lot of those talks after practice weren’t necessarily good talks. But we talked through them, we met a couple times in private and tried to talk through things. (I) had to get some fines and that sort of thing.”

Woodson was, as he put it, fined for “everthing” at first.

The initial results on the field weren’t any more promising. The Packers lost four of their first five games in 2006, the defense surrendering 25 points or more in three of the defeats. The big free agent acquisition had recorded a grand total of zero playmaking stats (sacks, interceptions, fumbles forced, etc.) in those five games.

Then came a road contest with the Miami Dolphins on October 22. Woodson swooped in front of a Joey Harrington pass and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. The Packers won by 10. The next week, at home against Arizona, Woodson picked off Matt Leinart. The Packers won again. Hey, maybe this guy wasn’t such a bad pickup, after all.

Woodson kept the strong performances coming, finishing the season with eight interceptions, three forced fumbles and a sack. His interception total tied him for third-best in the league. His numbers weren’t as impressive in 2007 – he finished with four interceptions – but his impact was every bit as great.

Somewhere in those first two seasons, things got better for him off the field, as well. Woodson – reported by some to be wrapped up like a mummy during game weeks as a result of all his various injuries - was given the chance to opt-out of practices in order to rest. He and McCarthy began to not only respect, but like each other. He came to like Green Bay as a city. The people were kind. They showed respect. No place for a black man? Who told him that?

The 2008 season was rough, full of last-second losses. Woodson flourished despite that, recording seven interceptions and three sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl spot in green and gold. Two seasons too late, if you asked some fans. No. 21 jerseys were, suddenly, all over the place at Lambeau on gameday. By this point, it was official: We loved Charles Woodson. If you doubt me, listen to all the shouts of “Woody” when he’s introduced on gameday. It’s astounding.

As great as those first three seasons were, they were nothing but table-setters for the 2009 campaign, Woodson’s truest masterpiece to date – his “Sgt. Pepper’s” year, if you will.

Dom Capers’ new 3-4 scheme put Woodson all over the place, allowing him to showcase all his skills. The results? Mind-boggling. Nine interceptions (three returned for scores), four forced fumbles and two sacks. He saved his best for, arguably, Green Bay’s most important game of the regular season: Nov. 15, at home against Dallas.

It was a career-defining performance. Nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception. He willed the Packers to victory and, as a result, saved their season. And his best moment of the game had nothing to do with stats, Woodson screaming into the cold early-evening air after his game-clinching interception of Tony Romo. He didn’t love football? Who said that?

Woodson was rewarded handsomely for his efforts Tuesday, the runaway (and deserved) winner of the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. To second Gene’s thoughts: Rex Ryan, shut the hell up.

The honor is a fitting cap to a truly remarkable four-year journey, a journey that began with trepidation and unpleasantness, but one that is proof positive that even the rockiest of starts can end with a happy household.

-Chris Lempesis

Anyway, this week, with a playoff [...]]]> Each week, Chris and I burn through cell phone minutes like a couple of teenage girls after the Packers game in an effort to, as Chris likes to say, “recap this beeyatch.” It’s in those conversations, dear OBOD readers, that many of our best ideas are born. So, you’re welcome.

Anyway, this week, with a playoff spot in hand, we started kicking around this idea: Have the Packers replaced Brett Favre more effectively than any team has replaced a legendary quarterback in the last 20 years?

So I went to the stats, and while it’s too early to say that Aaron Rodgers — the first QB in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards in his first two seasons and a Pro Bowl selection this year — represents the most seamless transition in recent NFL history from quarterbacking legend to successor, it certainly looks headed that way.

First, let’s look at the teams that have seen Hall of Fame quarterbacks retire in the last 15 years and who replaced them:

2001: Dallas Cowboys (Troy Aikman, Quincy Carter)

2000: Miami Dolphins (Dan Marino, Jay Fiedler)

2000: San Francisco 49ers (Steve Young, Jeff Garcia)

1999: Denver Broncos (John Elway, Brian Griese)

1997: Buffalo Bills (Jim Kelly, Todd Collins)

(Note: I thought about including the Kansas City Chiefs with Joe Montana in this, but it didn’t seem like an apropos comparison, since Montana was only there two years. For all you Joe Cool fans–and I’ve always said he’s the best QB in NFL history–let’s include him in the 49ers phase.)

Of the five teams I included, four (!) made a playoff appearance within two season of their quarterback retiring. All but the Cowboys did it. But there’s an important distinction between those teams and the Packers: None of them did it with a long-term solution at QB.

The Dolphins went the next two years after Marino retired with Jay Fiedler. But they still haven’t found a franchise QB since Marino. The Broncos had a couple decent years with Brian Griese and then with Jake Plummer. But now that they’ve traded Jay Cutler, they’re hoping Kyle Orton is the guy to finally give them a long run post-Elway. The Bills used Doug Flutie, and while the 49ers come the closest to a permanent replacement with the 5 1/2 seasons they got from Jeff Garcia, they still had to draft Alex Smith with the No. 1 pick in 2005 once Garcia got too old. (Alex Smith–how’d that work out? Seems to me there might have been some other guy that could’ve been better…local kid, I think. Boy, I’d hate to be the offensive coordinator who vouched for that pick.)

The Cowboys didn’t make the playoffs until 2003 post-Aikman, but they compare favorably to the other teams in one regard: They appear to have a young successor in Tony Romo who can produce for a long time. Romo still hasn’t won a playoff game, and I’ve always thought the team he plays for and his off-the-field exploits grant him more attention than his play should warrant. But is he one of the eight or 10 best QBs in the NFL right now? Absolutely.

So where does that leave Rodgers? He’s the only first-round draft pick of the bunch to catch on with the team that picked him, and in keeping the aggressive element of the Packers’ offense alive while throwing fewer interceptions than Favre ever did and leading all NFL quarterbacks in rushing yards, he’s got a chance to make the offense more dangerous than it was under Favre. He’s thrown 515 passes this season and been picked off just seven times–an astounding interception rate of 1.4%, which leads the league. He seems to have better command of the offense’s timing than he did early this year, and he’s starting to make the tight throws that he seemed reluctant or unable to make before. But wins in the playoffs and success over the long haul are what counts, and in that sense, Rodgers still has plenty to prove.

Still, he’s unique in several senses: He’s the only first-round pick in recent history to successfully replace a legend, and he’s done it amidst a media crush that, even for QBs in his unenviable position, has been daunting. Having Brett Favre first try to come back and reclaim his spot, then force a trade and resurface with the Packers’ biggest division competitor isn’t something that any other replacement has even come close to facing. It’s been the biggest media circus in the NFL the last two years, and possibly one of the largest in NFL history. And the way Rodgers has handled it speaks to how coolly he’ll prepare for his first playoff appearance. You can argue he looked spooked in the first game against Favre this year, but that might have had more to do with Jared Allen continually able to read the washing instructions on Rodgers’ jersey. Most of the abstract or contrived stuff doesn’t faze Rodgers, and should he stay healthy, keep making smart decisions with the ball and maintain the impressive cast of weapons he currently has, Rodgers could be on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

Could he be better than Favre? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. He’s already 26, and Favre’s greatness is largely burnished by his staggering ability to show up and produce every single week, even into his late 30s.

But Rodgers clearly has the game and the mettle to make us move on from Favre quicker than any other team has gotten past a legendary QB in recent history.

It doesn’t matter how many times Favre shows up with Greta Van Susteren.

–Gene Bosling

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

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

YES!!

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

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

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

YES!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I know I’m smiling.

-Chris Lempesis

The Green Bay Packers were done. Finished. Season over, man.

If they couldn’t beat the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, how would they ever defeat the pistol-hot Dallas Cowboys? Haven’t they pretty much owned us for the past 35 [...]]]> “In the darkest hole/You’d be well advised/Not to plan my funeral/Before the body dies” – Alice in Chains, “Grind”

The Green Bay Packers were done. Finished. Season over, man.

If they couldn’t beat the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, how would they ever defeat the pistol-hot Dallas Cowboys? Haven’t they pretty much owned us for the past 35 years?

And there was going to be fallout from these failures – big-time fallout.

Mike McCarthy would surely be fired at the end of the season. Ted Thompson might not be far behind. Who would replace them? Bill Cowher? Jon Gruden? Were we going to get Mike Holmgren and try to re-create the glory days of the 1990s?

But just as soon as we ALL had this team dead and buried, there came a chilly late Sunday afternoon in mid-November.

And a shout from Charles Woodson.

It was a moment of pure excitement and joy, complete with a close-up of Woodson’s face as he bellowed, “AHHHH!!!” seemingly for all the world to hear.

Woodson very well could have been excited about his fourth quarter, red-zone interception of Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. After all, it did cap off a career day (and for Woody, that’s saying something) in which he finished with eight tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and a pick.

(Correction: Woodson actually finished with nine tackles. Sorry for the error, Charles. I love you.)

But I don’t think that was it. I don’t think that was it at all. I think Woodson wanted everyone who was watching to know one thing: The Green Bay Packers are not dead.

Green Bay showed that time and again in Sunday’s season-saving 17-7 home win over the Cowboys. The Packers are now 5-4 on the season and, for the first time, finally look like the team we all thought they could be.

There was the defense. Good Lord was there the defense.

From start to finish, the unit played inspired, emotional football. They attacked Romo relentlessly, sacking him five times and pressuring him countless others. They covered. They stopped the run (Dallas had just 61 yards rushing). For the first time all season, they got off the field on almost every third down (Dallas was 3-for-12 on third down attempts).

Dom Capers – where have you been all my life? Is this really what a 3-4 defense is capable of? If so, Dom, please accept my sincerest apologies.

There was the offense doing what it needed to do. The unit was not flashy, to say the least. Aaron Rodgers still faced quite a bit of heat throughout. McCarthy still didn’t stick with the running game as much as he could have. The false start and holding penalties were, well, still there.

But there was more than enough good in the offense’s performance, too, most of it coming from the young signal-caller. Rodgers spread the ball around. He was not afraid to run. He stepped up in the pocket. He didn’t chase the home run ball. Most importantly, he hit damn near every third down he needed to hit (at one point the Fox Sports stat people said he was 8-of-10 on third down passing). As the game went on, he displayed a confidence I hadn’t seen from him all season. There’s hope for you yet, Aaron.

There was the 15-play, 80-yard drive that started in the third quarter, but ended in the fourth (taking up 8:36 in all). Precision; execution; protection; all the key elements of the West Coast offense Green Bay should be running could be found in that drive.

There was the team – offense, defense and special teams – hanging onto momentum every single time it got it. The killer instinct we’ve been waiting for, seemingly since the start of last season, finally showed up.

There were plenty of amazing things to come out of the Packers’ huge win. More than anything, though, was the fact that this team simply refused to lose. They stood on the edge of the cliff and fought their way back to safer ground. They played with heart. Dallas could – and likely will – go on to have a very good season. But on Sunday, the Cowboys weren’t going to walk out of Lambeau Field smiling. The Packers made damn sure of that.

Will this win equal the start of greater things to come? None of us can be certain. This team seems intent on being the death of me before it’s all said and done and I’m certain there will be some more bumps along the way.

But, on one chilly evening in mid-November, this team gave us all hope. The Packers have more football left in them. If they were dead, nobody bothered to tell them.

And that’s enough to make any Packers fan follow Woodson’s lead and scream with excitement and joy.

-Chris Lempesis