Week 17
December 30, 2012 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Mall of America Field
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Packers 34 - Vikings 37
The playoff scenarios were simple in this Week 17 matchup against the rival Minnesota Vikings. For the Vikings: win and you're in. For the Packers: win and you knock the Vikings out, put the Chicago Bears in, and you still have hope for the #2 seed in the NFC.
Photo credit: packers.com
Adrian Peterson was a man on a mission Sunday. Coming into the game Peterson needed 208 rushing yards to set the single-season rushing record held by Eric Dickerson in 1984. Peterson dominated the Packers defense rushing for 199 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings did their job beating the Packers on a 29-yard Blair Walsh field goal as time expired. With the Vikings victory, the Packers clinched the #3 seed in the NFC and the Vikings clinched the #6 seed in the NFC which sets up a rematch at Lambeau Field next week for the Wild Card Round.
The Packers started very slow in this ballgame. We were playing catchup the entire game as the Vikings jumped out to a 13-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter. The Packers fought back into this game and even tied the game twice in the 4th quarter, but we were never able to overcome Adrian Peterson.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns. Rodgers was also sacked five times in this game. Greg Jennings played well as he caught eight balls for 120 yards and two touchdowns. DuJuan Harris also had a decent game as he rushed for 70 yards on fourteen carries.
The Packers and Vikings are set to play for the third time this season next week at Lambeau Field for a Wild Card playoff showdown. Hopefully the Packers figure out some type of answer for Adrian Peterson as he has gashed the Packers for 409 rushing yards in the first two games.
To the playoffs we go...
Green Bay Packers 11-5
Minnesota Vikings 10-6
Chicago Bears 10-6
Detroit Lions 4-12
A week after the Packers clinched the NFC North title, they faced the weak (5-9) Tennessee Titans and absolutely dominated the AFC South opponent. The whole team performed well as the Packers scored the third most points in a single game in Packers history.
Photo credit: packers.com
Aaron Rodgers threw for 342 yards passing and three touchdowns and also added a rushing touchdown. Great stats for a quarterback who only played three quarters. Ryan Grant rushed for 80 yards on the ground on twenty carries and punching in two touchdowns. James Jones caught seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Other touchdowns for the Packers went to DuJuan Harris, Randall Cobb, and Greg Jennings.
The defense was dominate all game long. In fact, we nearly had a shut-out, however, the Titans scored their only points of the game with 1:39 remaining in the 4th quarter. Titans quarterback Jake Locker had a long day. Locker was sacked seven times and threw two interceptions. Packers who recorded sacks: AJ Hawk (2), Brad Jones (1), Clay Matthews (1), Mike Neal (1), Dezman Moses (1), and Sam Shields (1). Erik Walden and Sam Shields both intercepted Jake Locker to close out his miserable day.
It was good to see the Packers play well against an opponent they should have handled easily especially with the playoffs only two weeks away.
Week 15
December 16, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Soldier Field
Chicago, Illinois
Packers 21 - Bears 13
Photo credit: packers.com
The Packers clinched the 2012 NFC North division crown for the second consecutive season after beating the rival Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns, all thrown to James Jones. Rodgers finished the day with 291 yards passing to go along with his three touchdowns. Jones had a great day receiving and so did Randall Cobb who caught six balls for 115 yards.
The defense controlled the Bears offense the whole game. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked four times including two by Clay Matthews. Cutler also threw an interception to rookie Casey Hayward which killed the last hope the Bears had at winning this game.
After a 2-3 start to the season, the Packers rebounded perfectly to capture the division title and are still in the discussion for the second seed in the NFC playoffs.
Green Bay Packers 10-4
Minnesota Vikings 8-6
Chicago Bears 8-6
Detroit Lions 4-10
Week 14
December 9, 2012 - 7:20 p.m. - NBC
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 27 - Lions 20
Things did not start off well for the Packers against the division rival Detroit Lions on a snowy night at Lambeau Field. Approaching the six-minute mark in the second quarter, the Lions had a controlling 14-3 lead. The Packers hadn't really shown anything to that point. Then, Matthew Stafford gave Mike Daniels and the Packers the ultimate gift.
The Mike Daniels' defensive touchdown sparked the momentum shift the Packers needed going into halftime. Aaron Rodgers and newly added running back DuJuan Harris added touchdown runs in the second half to give the Packers a 27-20 victory. This win gives the Packers 22 straight victories against the Detroit Lions at home, which is the longest streak in the NFL.
This game will definitely go down as an ugly win for the Packers. But in Week 14, a win puts us one game closer to a second consecutive division title.
Week 13
December 2, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 24 - Vikings 10
Photo credit: packers.com
Adrian Peterson had a hell of day for the Minnesota Vikings. Peterson rushed for 210 yards on 21 carries and also recorded a touchdown. A big chunk of that yardage, 143 yards to be exact, came after contact. Peterson also busted an 82-yard touchdown scamper. Peterson crushed the Packers defense all day long (hints his nickname 'ALL-DAY').
But, the Packers came out on top when it was all said and done. Packers were fortunate safety Morgan Burnett intercepted Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder twice in this matchup. We didn't play particularly well in this game, however, we got the win. At this point, that is all that matters. Also to note: the Chicago Bears lost to the Seattle Seahawks this week so we are officially tied for first place.
Aaron Rodgers finished the day with 286 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley both six balls. And Mason Crosby, despite his horrendous season, went 3 for 4 in the field goal kicking department.
Green Bay Packers 8-4
Chicago Bears 8-4
Minnesota Vikings 6-6
Detroit Lions 4-8
Congratulations to the Wisconsin Badgers after they destroyed the Nebraska Cornhuskers 70-31 in the Big Ten Championship and earned a trip to the "Rose Bowl" in Pasadena for the third consecutive season! This football game was a beat down as the Badgers rushed for 539 yards and lead 42-10 at halftime. Montee Ball finished the evening with 202 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The most impressive night belonged to running back James White as he rushed for 109 yards and four touchdowns along with throwing a touchdown pass.
To those who are saying the Badgers do not deserve this championship or their spot in the Rose Bowl, the Badgers cannot control the acts by other teams outside the gridiron that results in such punishments and penalties. The Badgers are just taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
Week 12
November 25, 2013 - 7:20 p.m. - NBC
MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Packers 10 - Giants 38
The New York Giants were too much for the Packers tonight in primetime. The Packers brought nothing to the table in this matchup. You very rarely see the Packers blown out in a football game. We are one of the most competitive squads out there. However, we brought nothing tonight. Maybe it was the injuries suffered to this point that finally caught up to us. I do not know... But what I do know is the Packers were never in this football game and Eli Manning and the Giants made this one a laugher.
Photo credit: packers.com
Aaron Rodgers threw for 219 yards and one touchdown along with one interception. Rodgers was also sacked five, count them, five times. Rodgers was under pressure all night. To save his life, Graham Harrell made an appearance in the second half.
As I mentioned earlier, this game was a laughter. The Packers were down 31-10 at halftime. Yikes. Just a bad game to forget about.
Eli Manning played well as he threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle caught the touchdowns for the Giants. Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown rushed for a combined 122 yards and two touchdowns.
Chicago Bears 8-3
Green Bay Packers 7-4
Minnesota Vikings 6-5
Detroit Lions 4-7
Week 11
November 18, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan
Packers 24 - Lions 20
Photo credit: packers.com
The Packers continued their winning streak to five games with a victory against the division rival Detroit Lions, but it wasn't easy. Today's game from an offensive perspective was an ugly win for the team in green and gold. Coming off the bye week, the offense was almost nonexistent. This game continued a trend for the Packers offense struggling and seeming to not be on the same page.
Late game heroics by Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb jolted the Packers to victory as Rodgers hit Cobb for a 22-yard touchdown to give the Packers the lead for good with 1:55 remaining in the 4th quarter. Cobb had an outstanding game with 9 catches for 74 yards and the game winning touchdown. Jermichael Finley also had a decent game with 3 catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Also note: there was a little defensive by the Packers in this matchup as safety M.D. Jennings had an interception of Matthew Stafford and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown.
Green Bay Packers 7-3
Chicago Bears 7-3
Minnesota Vikings 6-4
Detroit Lions 4-6
After starting the season 2-3, the Packers have reeled off four straight wins and have a 6-3 record coming into the bye week. The schedule is not easy as the Packers have back-to-back road games in Detroit and New York.
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Detroit Lions 34-24 in an offensive shoot out. Adrian Peterson rushed for 171 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Stafford threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns.
The Houston Texans defensively dominated the Chicago Bears 13-6 in Chicago on Sunday Night Football. Jay Cutler was knocked out of this game with an injury.
Chicago Bears 7-2
Green Bay Packers 6-3
Minnesota Vikings 6-4
Detroit Lions 4-5
Week 9
November 4, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 31 - Cardinals 17
Photo credit: packers.com
A victory in Week 9 was essential with the injuries piling up on both sides of the ball and a bye week in our sights... not to mention keeping pace with division rivals Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. Randall Cobb was phenomenal against the Cardinals grabbing two of Aaron Rodgers four touchdown passes leading the Packers to a fourth straight victory. Cobb is truly a playmaker. He needs to touch the football a minimum of ten times a game whether through the passing game, out of the backfield or the return game. Big things happen when Randall Cobb touches the football.
I've had some friends of mine ask me how many points the Packers will win by this week and last week versus the Jaguars. My answer both times is the following: "I have no idea, I just want a W." My reasoning is the long injury list. We are without Cedric Benson, Greg Jennings, Jerel Worthy, Nick Perry, Desmond Bishop, Charles Woodson, and Sam Shields. In addition, Jordy Nelson has been plagued with a hamstring injury, however, he started today but left with an ankle injury. Just great (he should not have played today). Right tackle Bryan Bulaga left today's game with a hip injury and his condition is unclear at this point. And Clay Matthews left today's game with a hamstring injury. Troy Aikman said it best: "Mike McCarthy preaches 'next man up' but eventually you just run out of guys." Aaron Rodgers has also complained about a calf injury bothering him. Short-term solution: next week is a BYE WEEK! This is probably the perfect time for the bye to get some of these guys healthy.
In my opinion, Rodgers didn't have his best game despite throwing four touchdowns. He was 14/30 passing. Last time he finished a game under 50% passing was vs. the Chiefs in 2011. However, beggars can't be choosers. He's still the MVP and even on an off day, he throws four touchdowns and leads his team to victory.
Photo credit packers.com
Mason Crosby is becoming a problem. He missed an early field goal attempt from 44 yards wide left. After that kick, Mason had missed 5 of his last 9 attempts. That is terrible. I'm concerned for later in the season when a field goal make is necessary to keep the season alive.
Some good aspects from this game had to have been the running game. It's about time James Starks got some meaningful carries. The Packers as a team rushed for 176 yards led by James Starks with 61 yards. So much has been made of the Packers not having a 100-yard rusher since Brandon Jackson in Week 5 of 2010 against the Redskins. Today, James Starks, Alex Green, Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb busted out 176. Encouraging against a tough Cardinals defense. Also, despite Rodgers low completion percentage, I liked how much the ball was spread amongst the offense. Eight players caught a pass today. Also encouraging getting more players involved which is key with so many injuries.
Chicago Bears 7-1
Green Bay Packers 6-3
Minnesota Vikings 5-4
Detroit Lions 4-4
Week 8
October 28, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - CBS
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 24 - Jaguars 15
Photo credit: packers.com
A total grind-it-out victory on Sunday against the seemingly weak Jacksonville Jaguars has given the Packers a three-game winning streak and propelled us to a 5-3 record. Coming into this game, I expected us to dominate the 1-5 Jaguars; take control and possibly give starters some rest in the 4th quarter. That did not happen. Aaron Rodgers quoted this game, "an ugly win." He was right as threw for 186 yards on 22/35 passing. Even worse, his counterpart, Blaine Gabbert, threw for 303 yards. Not exactly what you want to see from your defense against a team that was 1-5. But nonetheless, the Packers squeezed out the victory which is the most important task at hand in Week 8.
A little history in this game for Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers threw two touchdowns in this matchup which gives him 153 career touchdown passes surpassing Bart Starr for second all-time in Green Bay Packers history. Of course, number one is that guy who wore #4 with 442 touchdowns.
Chicago Bears 6-1
Green Bay Packers 5-3
Minnesota Vikings 5-3
Detroit Lions 3-4
Week 7
October 21, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri
Packers 30 - Rams 20
Photo credit: packers.com
Aaron Rodgers continued to show in the ShowME state there is nothing wrong with the Packers. Rodgers absolutely dominated the top 10 ranked defense of the St. Louis Rams. Rodgers finished the game 30/37 for 342 passing yards and three touchdowns. In the last two games, Rodgers has nine touchdowns and zero interceptions. I think it's safe to say Aaron was indeed angry and upset with the negative media attention towards the Packers. "What's wrong with the Packers?" Apparently nothing.
The Rams had a great game plan in the first half. They controlled the time of possession and kept the Packers offense on the sidelines. The only problem for the Rams was they couldn't get into the endzone. Our defense has that mentality of a "Bend not Break" defense and that was evident in the first half.
Randall Cobb has truly become an essential part of our offense. Cobb caught eight balls for 89 yards and two touchdowns. Whether it's lining up in the backfield with Rodgers or as a wideout, we need to keep feeding the ball to this young kid. Jordy Nelson had another good day also catching eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Offensive line was a little shaky at the beginning of the game, but they clicked it into gear and did a decent job. Bryan Bulaga had a good game against Pro Bowler Chris Long. As for the running game, there was no running game. But that is who we have been the last three or four years. Maybe give James Starks a chance? Worth a shot.
Defense was average today. I'm still not a believer yet. There were some good moments and some bad ones today in St. Louis. With the Rams having two backup offensive linemen starting, I expected more pressure on Sam Bradford. We had three sacks and six quarterback hits, but they had some trouble getting off the field again.
Special shout out to rookie Casey Hayward as he collected his 4th interception of the season through 7 seven games. Today was the first time he has started this season and he already has four picks; three interceptions in the last two games. Hayward is now tied for the league lead in interceptions. Ballhawk.
Photo credit: packers.com
I also want to give props to coach Mike McCarthy and special teams coach Shawn Slocum on the successful surprise onside kick. It's amazing how a couple years ago, our special teams was sickening. This year they have pulled some good tricks out of the bag. Gutsy call but it worked.
Injury note: Mike Neal left the game with knee injury. It was said he came back into the game later so I guess it is not serious. However, Neal just can't get a break with injuries.
Feels good to get on a winning streak. But this team still has a lot of things to work on.
Aaron Rodgers on Randall Cobb: "He's a star in the making. See's the game through the eyes of the quarterback. He asks the right questions."
Chicago Bears 5-1
Minnesota Vikings 5-2
Green Bay Packers 4-3
Detroit Lions 2-4
UPDATE: Sadly, it was announced on Monday that Charles Woodson suffered a broken collarbone during the Rams game. This is the same injury he sustained in the Super Bowl. It is currently projected he will miss 4-6 weeks or about one month's worth of the season. I saw Woodson go down late in the game, but I assumed it was nothing when there wasn't any injury updates from the team after the game. This is certainly a blow to the defense. We are starting to get pounded by injuries. I have to believe the defense will miss his presence on the field and as a leader of the team. Hopefully he comes back sooner than later. Next man up.
The Packers trip to Houston to take on the 5-0 Texans was virtually a playoff game for the Green Bay Packers. Lose and they would fall to 2-4; two games behind the division leading Chicago Bears. Lose and they would be written off by just about everyone as a playoff team in 2012. Win and the season remains alive. The Packers not only won the game, but they sent a message to the rest of the NFL and the NFC North. The Packers dominated the undefeated Texans in front of their home crowd on a national stage. Offense, defense, and special teams were impressive. It was the first game in this 2012 season that the Packers played a "complete game."
Photo credit: Sportscenter
As for the message to the rest of the NFL and the NFC North opponents? The Packers are STILL are team to be reckoned with. This was the statement game of the season so far and "should" hush the media and critics for the time being. But as Mike McCarthy said in his press conference, they have to spring these wins together now and get a winning streak going.
Offense looked like the offense of 2011 as Aaron Rodgers tied a franchise record throwing six touchdowns in a single game with Matt Flynn (who is still holding the clipboard in Seattle). Jordy Nelson broke out three touchdown receptions and James Jones added two touchdown catches as well. James Jones has become the first Packers receiver since Don Hutson to have three-consecutive two touchdown games. And Alex Green looked pretty decent as well. Perhaps he can handle the load as the starting running back.
Of course the huge victory didn't come with some type of loss. ILB DJ Smith has been lost for the season with a torn ACL. RB Brandon Saine was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. OLB Nick Perry hurt his knee and CB Sam Shields hurt his shin. Brutal. Next man up. #gopackgo
Aaron Rodgers to the critics: "Shhhhhhhh."
Chicago Bears 4-1
Minnesota Vikings 4-2
Green Bay Packers 3-3
Detroit Lions 2-3
Received my postcard on September 24, 2012 with my update on the Packers season ticket waiting list. Slid down to 60,765 which is about 400 spots closer than where I was at in 2011. I highly doubt I will see these tickets in my lifetime but hopefully my children will. If not them, well then I guess my grandchildren.
Hello everybody, my name is AJ Whistler, and this is my blog. On December 9, 2011, I became an owner of my beloved 13-time world champion Green Bay Packers. I missed my opportunity during the 1997 stock sale, however, I didn't make that mistake twice in 2011.
Christmas 2011
This blog is my journey as an owner of the greatest sports franchise and organization in the world. It will be kind of a log book of each of the Packers games week in and week out. I do not plan on doing a whole lot of analysis of the team because I believe there are many Packers blogs already out there who do a great job and those I enjoy reading.
I am looking forward to writing about my passion and love for my favorite sports team. I've heard some people say to me, "you only own one share and you don't really have any decision making power." That maybe 'somewhat' true, but I will say this: it's not just about owning a share of the team; it's about having a connection to something you love, care, and put so much of your life into. I always then ask that person, "what would you give to own a piece of your favorite team?"
Week 5
October 7, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
Packers 27 - Colts 30
Prior to this week 5 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, the head coach of the Colts Chuck Pagano announced that he had been diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia and would miss several weeks to undergo treatment. I want to say everyone including myself is pulling for you Chuck. Situations like this are bigger than football and everyone is behind you and looking forward to seeing you back on the sidelines soon.
With that said, the Packers should have won this football game. I had some concerns about winning this football game due to the Colts playing with emotion on their sleeve and coming off a bye week. However, the Packers were leading 21-3 at halftime. That is what makes this loss look pathetic.
We looked like the team of 2011 in the first half as James Jones and Randall Cobb were on the receiving end of Aaron Rodgers touchdown tosses along with John Kuhn adding his first rushing touchdown of the season. The defense played lights out in the first half. The game looked like it could lead to a blowout.
The Colts came to play in the second half. Packers got the ball first and Aaron threw an interception which shifted the momentum completely for the rest of the game. The defense couldn't stop rookie quarterback Andrew Luck who finished the game with 362 yards passing and two passing touchdowns. The ageless wonder Reggie Wayne also had a pretty good day for the Colts. Actually he probably had the best game of his career. Wayne caught 13 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown. Unbelievable. I was sitting in front of my TV just watching the Colts move up and down the field in the 2nd half. On their final game-winning drive, I just sat there knowing they were going to score. It just felt like it was destined to happen. The Colts might not have been the better team, but they were playing with more emotion. They were playing with more energy. They were playing for their coach Chuck Pagano.
Game-winning touchdown reception by Reggie Wayne
The Colts took the lead with 35 seconds left in the game. Shockingly the Packers had an opportunity to tie this game with three seconds left, but Mason Crosby missed a 51-yard field goal badly. He completely pulled the poop out of the kick. Maybe it was just a game destined to go to the Colts. However, all things considered for the Packers, this loss was horrible. To be up 21-3 at halftime and blow it all away is bad.
More bad news as Packers running back Cedric Benson left the game in the first-half with an ankle injury. It was later announced he suffered a lisfranc injury and is out eight weeks. Benson was placed on the injured reserve list with the new option to come off the list later in the season. Defensive tackle B.J. Raji also left the game with an ankle injury and tight end Jermichael Finley left the game with a right shoulder injury.
This season already has many similarities to the 2010 season. That doesn't mean this year will have the same result though.
Week 4
September 30, 2012 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 28 - Saints 27
Photo credit: packers.com
One week after having a victory literally stolen from us, the Packers were able to squeak out a victory against the 0-3 New Orleans Saints. Going into this game, the Saints were 0-3, however, they are a much better team than their record represents. There were huge questions of how we would respond after the Seattle Seahawks game. The first set of good news was the regular officials were back! The first set of bad news was the Packers game had Jeff Triplette. The second set of good news was the Packers offense appeared to start clicking again. The second set of bad news was the Packers defense who was torched by Drew Brees and the Saints offense.
Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns in the first half and the Packers took a 21-7 lead late into the 2nd quarter. The Saints scored a touchdown just before halftime and added 13 straight points in the 2nd half for 20 unanswered points to take a 27-21 lead in the 4th quarter. The Packers had an opportunity to put points on the board in the 3rd quarter but Rodgers was poked in the eye which forced him to leave the game for a play. The first play from scrimmage, backup quarterback Graham Harrell fumbled a handoff to Cedric Benson and the Saints recovered. All the momentum the Saints built in the 3rd quarter was gaining more and more. Soon after the turnover, Drew Brees threw an 80-yard touchdown pass that gave the Saints the lead for the first time. It felt like this season just wasn't to be. Then, midway through the 4th quarter, Rodgers led the Packers on a 4th quarter comeback rally with a 11-yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson with seven minutes left.
Photo credit: packers.com
Maybe the football gods were looking down on us when the Saints kicker Garrett Hartley lined up for a field goal attempt to give the Saints the lead. Hartley made the 43-yard attempt, however, it was called back for holding. After an encroachment on the Packers, Hartley then missed the 48-yard attempt! Aaron Rodgers and James Jones closed out the game with a back-shoulder play to run out the clock.
One thing I won't forget to mention is the refs blowing another call. It just feels at this point every call is going to go against us this season. Darren Sproles fumbled the ball on a kick-off return, however, the refs ruled he was down by contact when the replay clearly shows he wasn't. It didn't that the Packers didn't have any challenges remaining but still, the refs missed another one that could have contributed to another loss. However, the Packers defeated the Saints and refs.
Certainly some concerns on defense as Drew Brees torched us for 446 yards passing and three touchdowns. That's right, 446 yards. *facepalm*
Chicago Bears 3-1
Minnesota Vikings 3-1
Green Bay Packers 2-2
Detroit Lions 1-3
Week 3
September 24, 2012 - 7:30 p.m. - ESPN
CenturyLink Field
Seattle, Washington
Packers 12 - Seahawks 14
Leading up to this game, I didn't have a big problem with the replacement refs in the NFL. It's amazing how fast your opinion can change. There is no way around it; the Packers were robbed of a victory in Seattle. We won this game and it was stolen from us by a guy who was fired from the Lingerie Football League. I have never been so upset after a Packers game in my life. I was shouting. Screaming. I was throwing things all over my house. I couldn't sleep that evening because I was so upset and disgusted. Clearly M.D. Jennings intercepted that football but there wasn't one ref in the area code to see that play happen. And not to mention we didn't get any help from the replay booth.
What was the most disappointing to me was the NFL coming out the next day saying the "call on the field was correct." Okay, here's the deal, about three days after this game ended, I have moved on. I changed my attitude towards the situation. At this point, I am disappointed in the NFL and quite honestly, I am embarrassed to say I am a fan of the NFL. As a Packers fan, I wasn't requiring the NFL to overturn the result of the game. I was seeking something along the lines of an apology to the team, fans of Green Bay, and the fans of the NFL. I was looking for an admittance along the lines of: "okay, we admit it, the call was made wrong and we apologize to the Green Bay Packers and theirs fans." The only thing the NFL did was admit there should have been a pass-interference on Golden Tate. Duh. But that's never called. Ever.
The reason why I felt embarrassed to say I am a fan of the NFL is the following: I used to take pride in saying I was a fan of the NFL because it is the best and most popular sports league in the world, in my opinion. Nothing comes close. However, with these replacement refs, the game doesn't have any integrity and is being viewed as a mockery. That is not the league I grew up watching. Loving. Cherishing. As fans, we invest so much into this game. I for one, care about this league and how it is viewed. Major League Baseball (MLB) may have gone through the steroid-era recently, but they survived and are making great strides to cleaning up the game. Attendance at games is increasing. The replacement refs are placing a dark cloud over the NFL and helping the MLB make a move on the NFL for the best sports league. The shield is tarnished. How am I expected to take the NFL seriously if this is the type of officiating taking place?
Now, I've heard from a lot of people the Packers shouldn't have placed themselves in that situation. Your right. The offensive line was beyond horrendous in the first half. 8 sacks? Let's not forgot Seattle does play well at home. But anyways, we, in my opinion, dominated the 2nd half. Why, well we started running the football. Hard to sack a quarterback when he is handing the ball off. So yes, certainly we could have prevented the situation, but it's football, anyone can win on any given Sunday or Monday and I guess Thursday as well. I've heard, "Why didn't M.D. Jennings just knock it down like they are taught?" Yeah, that's a good idea. Ask the Tennessee Titans how that worked out for them.
One last thing I want to say about these replacement refs. A good friend of mine is a high school ref in the area I live in and he has a friend who's friend is a ref at the lower level Division II of college football. This guy was a ref for the M.I.A.A. Conference of Division II football. This conference consists of the team where I went to college, Missouri Southern State University. This guy became a replacement ref for the NFL. This is an example of the type of refs Roger Goodell hired to officiate our favorite game.
Finally, I want say how proud I was of Aaron Rodgers and what he had to say on his radio show, "Tuesday's with Aaron." He called a spade a spade. Aaron shouldn't be the one apologizing to the fans of the NFL on behalf of the NFL. But he gets it. Good for Aaron. #gopackgo
Chicago Bears 2-1
Minnesota Vikings 2-1
Green Bay Packers 1-2
Detroit Lions 1-2
Week 2
September 13, 2012 - 7:20 p.m. - NFL Network
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 23 - Bears 10
Defense? The Packers defense finally flexed its muscle in a critical divisional game with the rival Chicago Bears. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler went 11/27 for 126 yards while throwing four interceptions. Cutler was also sacked seven times! Of the four interceptions thrown by Cutler, Tramon Williams picked two of them while Charles Woodson and rookie Jerron McMillian had the others. Clay Matthews was just about unstoppable as he finished the evening with 3 1/2 sacks. Nonetheless, a huge victory to prevent the Packers from falling into an early hole in 2012.
Photo credit: packers.com
As for the offense, we were really out of sync again. Greg Jennings missed tonight's game with a groin injury. But, the Packers offense just isn't clicking yet. It doesn't have the feel that everyone is on the same page. I'm not sure how much this is being mentioned, but I think our offense hasn't adjusted to losing Joe Philbin to the Miami Dolphins. But I want to see another game or two before I start questioning new offensive coordinator Tom Clements. Note: Packers haven't scored any offensive points on their first offensive possession yet and they also haven't scored any offensive points in the first quarter yet.
Mike McCarthy made one gutsy call with his special teams unit. Packers ran a fake field goal play and actually scored a touchdown on the play! With 1:50 left in the 2nd quarter, holder and punter Tim Masthay threw a pass to backup tight end Tom Crabtree and he was able to outrun everyone to the endzone. A huge play as it gave the Packers a 10-0 led late in the 1st half. Such a risky play call by the Packers but it worked. McCarthy said they have been working on that play for years.
With the offensive woes, a running game is certainly a way to try and spark the offense and open up the playbook. The Packers showed some small flashes of a running game against the Bears. Former Bear Cedric Benson ran for 81 yards on 20 carries. Benson also caught four passes for 35 yards.
Note: Randall Cobb is becoming a huge part of our offense. Expect to see him more involved in the offense as the season moves along.
Green Bay Packers 1-1
Minnesota Vikings 1-1
Detroit Lions 1-1
Chicago Bears 1-1
Week 1
September 9, 2012 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 22 - 49ers 30
This game had some effects of the loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff round. Maybe because this was the first game since that... "loss." In reality, the Packers had their chance in this game, but they didn't capitalize. The offense was out of sync. In my opinion, the defense looked better as opposed to last year, however, it still wasn't good. When a guy like Alex Smith picks your defense apart, your having a bad day on defense. Anyway, the 49ers looked like the best team in the NFL through week 1. They were very solid in all three phases of the game including coaching. I thought the 49ers played great, yet we only lost by eight points and had a opportunity to tie the game on our last drive. I was telling people after the game, "we deserved to lose, however, we will get better as the year goes on and to play as inconsistent as we did and to only lose by eight points isn't the end of the world."
At least we don't have to worry about the whole undefeated season thing. We got that out of the way pretty quick. A big concern going into week 1 was the replacement refs. Now, I usually do a lot of yelling at the regular refs, but man... these guys are bad. They missed so many calls it's comical. We will have to see how this plays out going forward with the season.
I have to give David Akers a little credit. Due to a mistake by Aaron at the end of the first half, the 49ers got the opportunity to add and extra three points just before the intermission. Add three points he did with a NFL record tying 63-yard field goal. Also, must mention his kick hit the crossbar then fell over. Never thought I'd ever see a 60+ yard field goal made at Lambeau Field.
Photo credit: FOXSports.com
Seemed to be lots of panic after this game. I think Aaron summed up my thoughts exactly.
Aaron Rodgers: "It's one game. This is a team that was in the NFC championship last year. It's a good team. Hopefully we see them down the road in the playoffs."
However, a HUGE game against the rival Chicago Bears on Thursday night is quite possibly a "must-win" after the Bears won today.
Chicago Bears 1-0
Minnesota Vikings 1-0
Detroit Lions 1-0
Green Bay Packers 0-1
2012 Pro Bowl
January 29, 2012 - 6 p.m. - NBC
Aloha Stadium
Honolulu, Hawaii
Photo credit: packers.com
Six Packers made the trip to Hawaii to represent the NFC squad in the 2012 Pro Bowl. The NFC team was coached by the Green Bay Packers coaching staff led by head coach Mike McCarthy. Aaron Rodgers earned the starting position for the NFC squad and played the first quarter. Rodgers finished the day 13/17 for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Greg Jennings was selected as a reserve wide receiver and hauled in five receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.
Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson were voted starters on the defensive side of the ball. Matthews had an interception and Woodson was a non-factor in the ball game.
Scott Wells, John Kuhn, and B.J. Raji were selected as reserves for the NFC team. Raji added three tackles during the game. Kuhn did not play due to an injury.
This game was so frustrating to watch and I really don't want to even write about it. So I've decided I would post a picture of how we played and my reaction after the game. We picked the wrong day to play our worst football of the year. It will go down as a season of "what could have been?"
Week 17
January 1, 2012 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Packers 45 - Lions 41
Photo credit: packers.com
Okay, first off, Aaron Rodgers got the day off to prevent injury and rest up for the playoffs in two weeks. So Matt Flynn made his second career NFL start and he certainly turned some heads with his performance. Flynn threw six, count them, six touchdowns in the Packers thrilling 45-41 victory over the Detroit Lions. Folks, that is a Packers record for most touchdown passes in a single game. No other quarterback in Packers history has "ever" done that. Not Bart Starr. Not Brett Favre. Not Aaron Rodgers. Flynn was one touchdown pass short of tying the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single game.
Jordy Nelson had himself quite the game as well. He caught three of Matt Flynn's touchdown passes and totaling 162 receiving yards. There was ZERO defense in this football game. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 520 yards and five touchdowns himself. A good ol' fashion shootout.
Some interesting notes from this final regular season game of 2011: This game between the Packers and the Lions was the first time in NFL history that both starting quarterbacks threw for 400+ yards and 5+ touchdowns. The Packers tied the NFL single season record for most touchdowns passes as a team. With Aaron Rodgers taking the day off, he officially finishes the season with a 122.5 quarterback rating which broke the single season record set by Peyton Manning of 121.1 set in 2004. Packers finished the season 15-1 and set a franchise record with the most wins in a single Packers regular season.
Reactions to Matt Flynn's performance:
Matthew Stafford: "Flynn played a great game. Their guys were making plays all over the field and scoring points."
Mike McCarthy: "It was clearly one of the best performances I've been a part of. No doubt about it. I can't say enough about Matt Flynn. The whole world got to see what we see every day."
Photo from packers.com
James Jones: "He's a great player, great quarterback. He just showed the world what he can do."
What an amazing performance by Matt Flynn. I think it will definitely help him as he hits free agency this offseason and I do not think he will be wearing a green and gold uniform next season. But I am very fond and happy for Matt and will always be a fan (Unless he is playing the Packers).
.jpeg)
