Cincy beats frustrated Packers

Week 3
September 22, 2013 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, Ohio

Packers 30 - Bengals 34

This football game had just about everything: touchdowns, interceptions, fumbles, sacks, injuries.

Photo credit: packers.com

The Packers couldn't have had a worse start to a football game.  Bengals took their opening drive 80-yards ending in a Giovani Bernard rushing touchdown.  On the ensuing kickoff, Jeremy Ross muffed the kickoff and the Bengals recovered on the two-yard line, which lead to a Benjarvus Green-Ellis rushing touchdown on the next play.  So, with less than six minutes gone in this game, Aaron Rodgers, without setting a foot on the field, was down 14-0.

To get back into this football game, the Packers defense would have to step up.  On four consecutive Bengal drives, the Packers forced turnovers.  First, an interception by Sam Shields which led to a Mason Crosby field goal.  Second, an AJ Hawk fumble recovery from Jermaine Gresham which resulted in zero points.  Third, a Clay Matthews forced fumble of Benjarvus Green-Ellis returned by M.D. Jennings for a touchdown.  And fourth, another Matthews forced fumble of Andy Dalton which led to a Mason Crosby field goal.  So to recap in the second quarter, the defense forced four turnovers leading to six points by the offense and seven points by the defense.  Talk about missed opportunities.  After the Packers trailed 14-0, the defense turned it up and dominated the rest of the first half and the Packers took a 16-14 lead into halftime.

The offense was not on the same page in the first half.  There was a heated discussion between Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy in the second quarter.  I believe Aaron was displeased with the play calling by McCarthy.  I'll take the side of Aaron in this case.  I thought some of the play calls in the first half were atrocious.  However, I also believe everyone on the offense played terrible.  And by everyone, I mean everyone.

Photo credit: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

 To start the second half, the offense woke up.  The first two drives resulted in touchdowns as the Packers blew this one open after 230 unanswered points leading 30-14.  James Starks did not return for the second half due to a knee injury opening the door for the only remaining active running back: Jonathan Franklin.  Franklin sparked the offense with his speed and patience out of the backfield.

After the Packers took a 30-14 lead, the Bengals mounted their comeback.  AJ Green showed up in the second half and caught a 20-yard touchdown to cut the Packers lead to nine.  The next possession for the Packers resulted in an Aaron Rodgers interception thanks to James Jones quitting on a route.  Luckily, the turnover didn't result in points after a missed field goal, however, you could feel the momentum shift towards Cincinnati.  The next possession for the Packers resulted in another Rodgers interception.  This time...it was his fault.  Rodgers did not look like himself at all today.  The Bengals scored another touchdown, however, the extra point was blocked by Datone Jones and the Packers led 30-27.

If there was ever a time the Packers needed a clock burning drive, this was the moment.  The Packers were driving, however, they ran into a 4th and inches at the Bengals 30-yard line.  Rodgers handed the ball off to Franklin who fumbled and the Bengals returned the fumble to the house for a touchdown.  The Bengals took the lead and that was all she wrote.

The Packers should have won this football game.  But they didn't deserve to win this football game.  When we had a 16-point lead, I was feeling pretty good.  Three turnovers later, you lose a football game.  Very frustrating.

Aaron Rodgers finished the day with 244 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.  Rodgers was also hit all day long (sacked four times).  Jonathan Franklin played well rushing for 103 yards on thirteen carries and his first rushing touchdown of his career.

Jermichael Finley left this game in the 1st quarter after suffering a concussion.  James Starks did not return in the second half due to a knee injury.  Clay Matthews also did not return in the second half due to a hamstring injury.

Shockingly, the Packers need a bye week badly next week to get healthy.  Lot of season left but we are 1-2.

Chicago Bears  3-0
Detroit Lions  2-1
Green Bay Packers  1-2
Minnesota Vikings  0-3

Rodgers carves up Skins in rout

Week 2
September 15, 2013 - 12:00 p.m. - FOX
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 38 - Redskins 20

Aaron Rodgers had a career day in the 2013 home opener at Lambeau Field.  Rodgers completed 34 of 42 passes for a career-high 480 yards and four touchdowns.  Rodgers tied the Packers record for single game passing yards with, believe it or not, Matt Flynn.

Photo credit: packers.com

The score appears a lot closer than this game really was.  The Packers dominated Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins.  Taking a 24-0 lead into halftime, the Packers lead 31-0 late in the 3rd quarter before the Redskins finally got some points.  On paper, the defense did not look very good.  However, before we started playing soft coverage in the 2nd half to protect the lead and bleed the clock, our defense performed well.

Photo credit: packers.com

The streak is over!  For the first time in 44 straight games, the Packers have a 100-yard rusher thanks to James Starks' 132 rushing yards.  Unfortunately, starting running back and rookie Eddie Lacy experienced a concussion on his first carry of the game.  Starks got the opportunity and took advantage.

James Jones also had a career day receiving.  After Jones had zero catches in Week 1 versus the 49ers, Jones hauled in 11 balls for 178 yards against the Redskins.  Randall Cobb had nine receptions for 128 yards and one touchdown; Jordy Nelson had three receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns; and Jermichael Finley had six receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown.  The receiving corp had a field day.

Sunday was the first time in NFL history a team had a 450-yard passer and a 125-yard rusher.

"We were able to catch the ball well, had yards after the catch and we were able to run the ball better than we have in a long time," Rodgers said.

Chicago Bears  2-0
Green Bay Packers  1-1
Detroit Lions  1-1
Minnesota Vikings  0-2

#gopackgo

49ers top Packers again

Week 1
September 8, 2013 - 3:25 p.m. - FOX
Candlestick Park
San Francisco, California

Packers 28 - 49ers 34

For the second straight year the Packers faced the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.  The end result..?  The same as last year but this time around, it was different.  We all remember the pitiful performance by the Packers against the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game back in January.  Due to that game there was a lot of discussion this offseason on the Packers being 'soft.'  In my opinion, I think the Packers answered the bell to the toughness question.  They certainly looked much more physical in this matchup.  Defensive line looked very solid.  Defensive secondary looked hideous as usual.

Photo credit: packers.com

So many mistakes were made by the Packers.  In the first half we have several penalties and two turnovers.  However, somehow the Packers were tied with the 49ers 14-14 at halftime.  Despite all the penalties, turnovers, and the lacking defensive secondary, the Packers had a chance to win this football game.  In the end, the 49ers are still better.  There are positives to build off of.  But there are negatives that need to be addressed.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns with one interception (not his fault as Jermichael Finley... well, you know).  The offensive line held up well against the physical 49ers.  Rodgers had time to throw and was only sacked twice.  Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb both played well as they both hauled in seven balls and a touchdown.

Photo credit: packers.com

The running game was non-existent as usual.  I think Eddie Lacy can be a star.  However, it's hard to do so against one of the best run defenses in the NFL.  Lacy finished with 41 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.  Lacy also had a costly fumble in the first half.  Hopefully we do not see that very often.

I thought Clay Matthews and the defensive line were fantastic in this game.  Matthews was a beast.  I also did not have a problem with what Matthews did on the late hit to Colin Kaepernick and altercation with Joe Staley.  The scary part of defense is still the secondary.  Close your eyes for these stats.  Kaepernick finished the day with 412 yards passing and three touchdowns.  Newly acquired 49er Anquan Boldin caught thirteen passes for a mind-blowing 208 yards and a touchdown.  Yes, the secondary needs some work... or something.

Jeremy Ross is an interesting player.  His potential on kick-off and punt returns is a positive.  His decision making on whether to take the ball out of the end zone when he clearly shouldn't is a negative.  Ross' bone headed decision to take the ball out of the end zone in today's game caused the Packers to have horrible starting field position 'twice.'  Two times the Packers started a drive after a kickoff inside their own 10-yard line.  Not what I would call ideal.

The referee's did it to us again...  The 49ers were given a free down after dead ball off-setting personal foul penalties.  After the penalties, the down should have been 4th and 2.  Instead, they replayed 3rd and 5 and the 49ers scored a touchdown on the play.  Ultimately, I don't think this botched call cost the Packers the game; they shot themselves in the foot enough to take care of that.  But, it would be nice if we could be on the good side of some bad calls or maybe even just have officials who call a game correctly.  I'm probably asking to much there.

All in all, the Packers lost.  However, in my opinion, they played better than I expected.  I felt they matched up well versus the 49ers.  Think about it... with so many mistakes, we went toe-to-toe with the best team in the NFL in their building.  We could very well be seeing this team again in January 2014.

Detroit Lions  1-0
Chicago Bears  1-0
Green Bay Packers  0-1
Minnesota Vikings  0-1

#gopackgo

Packers Season Tickets Update 2013

Received my postcard today, September 4, 2013, with my updated position on the Packers season ticket waiting list.  Thanks to the opening of the new south end zone at Lambeau Field, I have moved closer to the finish line by 5,210 spots from last year.  I moved down to a cool 55,555.  Only a matter of time... kidding.  These will still probably go to my children or grandchildren.  Anyhoo, looking forward to a great year of Packers football!

#gopackgo

Al Harris retires as a Packer

It was announced today that former Packer cornerback Al Harris has decided to retire from the NFL and not only retire, but retire as a 'Green Bay Packer.'

Al Harris was one of my favorite players growing up.  I remember meeting him at training camp one summer.  Despite the pending mob of autograph seekers, he took the time to have a conversation with me before biking back to Lambeau Field.  Meant the world to a kid like myself.

How could anyone forget the famous overtime playoff game vs. the Seattle Seahawks in 2003 and Matt Hasselbeck saying, "We want the ball and we're gonna score."  Al Harris had different plans.

Al Harris was a good player. Class act. And a Green Bay Packer. I look forward to the day he is inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame (maybe Matt Hasselbeck can introduce him).

2013 Packers Draft Class

2013 NFL Draft

April 25-27, 2013
Radio City Music Hall
New York City

• 1st Round - Datone Jones - Defensive End - UCLA

• 2nd Round - Eddie Lacy - Running Back - Alabama

• 4th Round - David Bakhtiari - Offensive Tackle - Colorado

• 4th Round - J.C. Tretter - Offensive Tackle - Cornell

• 4th Round - Johnathan Franklin - Running Back - UCLA

• 5th Round - Micah Hyde - Cornerback - Iowa

• 5th Round - Josh Boyd - Defensive End - Mississippi State

• 6th Round - Nate Palmer - Linebacker - Illinois State

• 7th Round - Charles Johnson - Wide Receiver - Grand Valley State

• 7th Round - Kevin Dorsey - Wide Receiver - Maryland

• 7th Round - Sam Barrington - Linebacker - South Florida

Packers 2013 Pro Bowl: Recap

2013 Pro Bowl
January 27, 2013 - 6:30 p.m. - NBC
Aloha Stadium
Honolulu, Hawaii

Photo credit: packers.com

Only four Packers were selected to represent the NFC squad in the 2013 Pro Bowl.  For the second consecutive season, the NFC team was coached by Mike McCarthy and the Green Bay coaching staff.  Aaron Rodgers was voted as the starting quarterback for the NFC, however, did not play due to an ankle injury.  Clay Matthews was selected as a reserve on the defensive side of the ball, however, also did not play due an injury.

Offensive lineman Jeff Saturday and Josh Sitton were both selected as reserves for the NFC.  Both players made the trip to Hawaii and played.  A special moment during the game when Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, took a final snap from Jeff Saturday.  Saturday announced this season would be his last in the NFL.

Packers 2012 Pro Bowlers

2013 Pro Bowl

January 27, 2013
Aloha Stadium
Honolulu, Hawaii

• Aaron Rodgers* - (Starter)
• Clay Matthews* - (Reserve)
• Jeff Saturday - (Reserve)
• Josh Sitton - (Reserve)

* - selected, but did not play.

Note: The coaching staff for the NFC team will be the Packers coaching staff led by Mike McCarthy.

Kaepernick, 49ers run Packers out of playoffs

NFC Divisional Round
January 12, 2013 - 8 p.m. - FOX
Candlestick Park
San Francisco, California

Packers 31 - 49ers 45

It's possible Colin Kaepernick is still running with the football.  The 49ers quarterback rushed for a quarterback-record 181 yards and two touchdowns.  Kaepernick also threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers were knocked out of the playoffs for the second consecutive year in the Divisional Playoff round.

Photo credit: 49ers.com

The 49ers offense and Kaepernick ran a popular play in college called the "read-option" all night against the Packers defense and we didn't have a clue on how to defend it.  As a team, the 49ers rushed for 323 yards.  As a team, the 49ers had 579 yards of total offense.  Dom Capers defense was hammered and the squad had zero answers to even slow the 49ers down.  The 49ers set a team playoff record with their 579 yards on offense.  An absolute embarrassing day for the Packers defense.  Without a game next week, this poor defensive effort will be the talk of the entire offseason unfortunately.

Believe it or not, the Packers actually led in this game, twice.  On the fourth play of the game, Kaepernick threw an interception to Sam Shields and Shields took it 52 yards to the house for a touchdown.  The Packers led early and things looked like it could be our day.  The 49ers preceded to tie the game about four minutes later and the momentum was lost.  The second and final lead for the Packers came after Dujuan Harris capped off an 80-yard drive with a 18 yard rushing touchdown.  From that point forward, the 49ers unleashed their unstoppable read-option plays that left the Packers defense scratching their heads in embarrassment.

The Packers had two crucial turnovers in this game that basically gave the 49ers fourteen free points.  In the second quarter with the Packers leading 14-7, the defense forced the 49ers to punt.  Punt returner Jeremy Ross muffed the return and the 49ers recovered on the Green Bay 9-yard line.  A touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree three plays later would tie this football game.  On the next Packers possession, Aaron Rodgers threw a deep ball to Jordy Nelson that was intercepted by the 49ers Terrell Brown at the San Francisco 13-yard line.  Brown returned the interception to the Green Bay 48-yard line.  The 49ers would capitalize on the turnover as Kaepernick threw a 20-yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree giving the Niners the lead.  The defense didn't play well at all in this football game, but the offense didn't really help the defense out a whole lot.

Aaron Rodgers threw for 257 yards and two touchdowns.  Rodgers also had one interception and was sacked only one time.  Dujuan Harris ran well in the first half as he rushed for 58 yards on eleven carries and scored a touchdown.  James Jones had a good game catches four balls for 87 yards and touchdown.  Greg Jennings caught a touchdown late in the game in garbage time in what could be his last game wearing a Packers uniform.  Donald Driver, who played a little on special teams in this playoff game, also probably played his last game wearing a Packers uniform.

The season is over.  It's going to be a long offseason.  The season ended with an embarrassing defeat.  Some major changes need to be made on the defensive side of the ball.  In particular, Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator.  Our defense has been shredded several times in the last two seasons with him calling the defensive plays.  I'm not afraid to say, but it's time for a change.  Capers continues to fail to make necessary adjustments in games.  Or maybe he just doesn't know what adjustments to make.  Either way, it's time for a change in Green Bay.  Will it happen?  Probably not.  But it should happen.

Till next season... #gopackgo

Packers advance against Ponder-less Viks

NFC Wild Card Round
January 5, 2013 - 7 p.m. - NBC
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Packers 24 - Vikings 10

The Packers advanced to the NFC Divisional playoffs to take on the #2 seeded San Francisco 49ers after beating the Minnesota Vikings at home in the Wild Card matchup.  This was the third time these two teams matched up against each other, but this one was the most important.

Vikings starting quarterback Christian Ponder did not play in this game.  Ponder suffered a triceps injury the previous week and apparently was affecting Ponder's throwing ability in pre-game warmups.  Backup quarterback Joe Webb stepped in the spotlight and looked like a backup quarterback.

Photo credit: packers.com

The story of the night was the Packers defense.  Without Christian Ponder under center, we put all our defensive focus on stopping Adrian Peterson.  (Disclaimer:  I don't think there is anyway to stop Adrian Peterson; you can only contain him/slow him down.)  The Packers contained Peterson all night.  The defense did not allow Peterson to beat them.  If the Vikings were going to win, it was going to be with the legs and arm of Joe Webb.  Webb was terrible.  The Vikings never really had a chance.  Peterson rushed for 99 yards on 22 carries.  This was a small victory for the Packers defense.  In the two regular season match ups, Peterson averaged 7.4 yards per carry.  Tonight, Peterson averaged 4.5 yards per carry.  Again, you can't stop Adrian Peterson; you can only contain him.


The Vikings took their opening drive down for three points.  After that, nothing for that Vikings offense until late 4th quarter.  Packers led 7-3 after the 1st quarter and 17-3 at halftime.  And the Packers led 24-3 after the 3rd quarter.  Again, the Vikings were never in this football game.

Aaron Rodgers completed 23 or 33 passes for 274 yards and threw a 9-yard touchdown to fullback John Kuhn.  Running back DuJuan Harris rushed for 47 yards on seventeen carries and added a rushing touchdown.  Harris also had five receptions for 53 yards.  Harris reminded me of James Starks back in 2011 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs.  He was somewhat of an unknown player and played well tonight.  There wasn't very many offensive highlights from this game.

Photo credit: packers.com

In the playoffs, all you have to do is win and move on.  That is what the Packers did tonight.  Was it pretty? No.  Would the game have been different if Christian Ponder played? Most definitely.  But again, it's a win.  A playoff win.  And against the rival Minnesota Vikings.  That is probably the sweetest thing of all.

#OnToSanFrancisco

#gopackgo