There were many milestones passed in last night’s 21-16 Packers victory. To start, QB Aaron Rodgers notched what many believe will be the first of many postseason victories. Rookie RB James Starks proved that, “hey, the kid can play,” galloping for 123 rushing yards – more than any Packers rusher all season. The game also served as a turning of the page, closing the book on the Al Harris chapter. CB Tramon Williams, whose stellar play was directly related to the release of the veteran CB Harris at mid-season, came up with the game saving interception in the end zone, leaving no doubt that the tandem to remember was no longer “Harris and Woodson” but rather “Woodson and Williams.” A final milestone is worth mentioning. Until last night, the Packers were yet to beat the Eagles in the postseason.

To compliment the introduction of their retro 1929 championship jerseys, the Packers ran a formation straight out of that ancient playbook – the “T formation”. Also seen as the wishbone, or 3 back set, this formation from the days of Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke usually features 2 halfbacks and a full back or vice versa. Either way the message is smash mouth and up the gut. This formation was only used 34 times in the regular season by all teams combined. The Packers account for 20 of those downs. Kevin Seifert over at ESPN’s NFC North blog, has nicely collated RB James Starks success last night in the T formation, and otherwise:

…………………T formation…………..Otherwise

Attempts………….8…………………………15
Yds/Att…………..7.6……………………….4.1
1st Downs………..3…………………………..1

In a league that no longer seems to stress the fundamentals of tackling, the Eagles were pushed all over the field by the 3 back set. It just goes to show what dedicated blocking can do for the running game. The Packers, known largely this season for their impotent ground game, seemed comfortable feeding Starks often, leading to a 32-27 run/pass ratio.

At the close of the 2010 NFL season, two statistics rang true in this 21-16 wildcard bout. This season, the Philadelphia Eagles defensive unit gave up 21 points per game on average – good for 5th in the NFL. The Packers defense? You guessed it – They gave up an average of 16 points per game, which ranks 2nd in the league. Both offenses took what the opposing defense would give them. The Eagles defense, a young base 4-3 unit, struggled to get off the field, ultimately giving up 3 touchdowns in 32 minutes of Packer possession. The Eagles offense, known for big plays, did just that in driving the ball against Green Bay. But, the Packers stood strong, playing fast enough to confuse QB Michael Vick, who threw 1 TD and 1 INT, and strong enough to hold RB LeSean McCoy to just 46 yards on 12 carries.

The Packers received some unlikely help to seal this wildcard win. David Akers, Philadelphia’s pro-bowl placekicker, missed 2 critical field goal attempts throughout the course of the game. The first was from 41 yards out, and veered to the right as Akers admitted he “guessed wrong” when considering the wind. The second try was a 34-yard chip shot. Akers had no explanation for that one. We’ll see if that story holds up in the rough and tumble city of brotherly love.

An unexplained phenomenon is taking place as flocks of birds are dropping dead in places all over the world. Sources say it happened in Philadelphia last night, when 52 eagles dropped right out of the sky onto Lincoln Financial Field. Scientists now predict that a similar event may happen sometime next Saturday night in Atlanta. Although the Georgia Dome is an indoor facility, some believe a cast of falcons will hit the floor.

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The Green Bay Packers off-season figures to be a an interestng and, most likely, long process.  The buzz is that the Packers are quickly working to grind out deals with NT Ryan Pickett and FS Nick Collins . So Im going to assume that those deals get hammered out and are of no concern come draft day.  So, when referring to Adam “Big A” Maritato’s article, I concluded that the Packers have two glaring weaknesses that they must address on the first day of the draft.  Those two areas of need are Offensive Tackle and Corner-back.  With many of our offensive linemen entering un/restricted free agency, we can’t assume that they will

Can Al Harris be the same player he was?

all be brought back.  The packers have made it clear that they want to build through the draft and avoid long, expensive contracts, especially with the possibility of an un-capped year.  We also cannot assume that CBs Al Harris, Will Blackmon, and Pat Lee will all recover from their injuries and be productive members of this team by next season, if at all.  These positions must be filled and I believe that there are plenty of talented, young prospects in this years draft to fill the void.  So with out further ado…….

The Packers Selections Round 1-3-

Round 1: (in order of preference)

OT Anthony Davis- Rutgers- 6’6, 328 lbs

Bruce Campbell is a beast!!

OT Bryan Bulaga- Iowa- 6’6, 311 lbs

OT Bruce Campbell- Maryland- 6’6, 312 lbs.

I think with the likely departure and age of the packers current Offensive Tackles, this position needs to be addressed in the 1st round of this years draft.  Although, I was quoted on the Podcast saying that the Packers true needs lie in the defensive backfield; this years draft seems to be loaded with 1st round caliber Offensive Tackles and the Packers can’t afford to let one of those gems slip by.

Round 2:

CB Kyle Wilson- Boise St.- 5’10, 190 lbs

CB Devin McCourty- Rutgers- 5’11 190 lbs.

CB Javier Arenas- Alabama- 5’9 200 lbs.

What I love about this group of Cornerbacks is that they are described as strong tacklers.  Part of the reason the packers were great against the run was because

Kyle Wilson

Charles Woodson was exceptional at taking on blockers and making tackles on ball carriers.  Kyle Wilson may go higher than this because his stock is at an all time high Following an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl.  But He, Devin McCourty and Javier

Devin McCourty is Sick!!

Arenas would easily be able to step in and contribute as a Nickel or Dime back next season.  All of these guys are great athletes and projected as future starters in the NFL, save for a few reviews on Arenas.  All three of these Cornerbacks double as Kick/Punt returners for their respective college teams and all possess “home run” capability.  I would love any one of these picks.

Round 3:

Dexter McCluster is a big play waiting to happen

RB  Dexter Mccluster- Ole Miss- 5’8, 165 lbs.

S Darrel Stuckey- Kansas- 6’1, 205 lbs.

ILB Daryl Washington- TCU- 6’3, 234 lbs.

Dexter McCluster may be small, but this little rocket runs a 4.32 40 yard dash.  This Kid has the agility and the speed to break one for a touchdown on any play.  Many compare him to Darren Sproles, which I would have to agree with.  If the packers arent confortable with the playmaking ability of one of their earlier picks and this guy is still on the board; they have to take him.  Darrel Stuckey is known as a safety that can cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time.  Stuckey has topped out at 4.4 in the 40 yard dash but consistently runs around a 4.5.  If he runs 4.5 at the combine, I would expect him to be around in the 3rd round when the Packers select.  Daryl Washington is an interesting pick because he’s got excellent side-line to side-line speed and is described as an excellent tackler.  The Packers need to evaluate ILB, AJ Hawks progression and decide whether this season was just a hiccup in what will be a productive career or if this season was a foreshadow for what to expect long term. I personally feel that a replacement, at the very least, needs to be considered.  AJ hawk repeatedly over – pursues running lanes which results in him getting blocked out of the play entirely.  He’s no stalwart in pass coverage either; AJ struggles in Man and Zone.  If the Packers feel the same way I do,  Daryl Washington makes a lot of sense here in the 3rd round.

Once Tramon has complete confidence in his exceptional ability, he will cut-down on his unnecessary pass interference penalties

• Tramon Williams will more than replace Alshinard Harris. “But Tramon can’t keep his hands to himself,” you might be saying. True story. But the Ravens game featured some of the worst officiating I’ve ever seen. It was a miracle anytime a DB was NOT called for pass interference. Tramon will improve in this area once he realizes that he has more than enough ability to defend without interfering. He has outstanding coverage ability and playmaking skills, and he is a solid tackler with blitzing ability. The sky is the limit for TramonMang. The thing that hurts most about losing Al Harris for the season is not his replacement at starter. Rather, it is the fact that the Packers have no choice but to use Jarrett Bush in nickel and dime situations. If Jarrett Bush packed up his bags and decided to become a dedicated Monk, I think that would be a better career decision than to continue playing football. Good God.

• Charles Woodson led the defense with an outstanding performance once again. Without Chuck, would this defense be clicking? I think not. He makes it all go ’round. Leader of the defense. As of right now, Chuck has got to be the Defensive MVP of the league.

• Win or lose, Nick Collins is going to take his chances. He had a big interception and a missed interception in which he got burned. I am personally willing to take the bad with the good because more often than not it results in a big play. Collins is going to take his chances either way. On his missed interception, Collins cut the receiver’s route off hard hoping for a Pick Six but didn’t get there in time. Not even Primetime in his prime could have made that play (If you’re like me, you may have forgotten just how good Deion used to be…watch this video and you’ll soon remember)

• Dom Capers should win an award Coordinator of the Year. What a great job he’s done in a short period of time. Most people figured it would take the Pack’s D until maybe the half-way point of the season to be up to speed with this new 3-4 scheme, but did anyone really think they would be this good, this fast? I certainly didn’t.

• Aaron Kampman is a goner next year. Whether the Packers let him go in free agency or Franchise him and then trade him, he will not be a Packer next year. We have better linebackers than Kampman for this scheme. Clay Matthews, Brad Jones and Brandon Chillar are all better fits at OLB in this defensive scheme. Kampman will command too much money (and rightfully so) and does not fit our new scheme. He belongs at Defensive End, period. And he is a damn good 4-3 Defensive End — one of the best in the NFL. I just hope the Packers play their cards right with this situation because it would be a shame to lose such a great player without receiving legitimate compensation in return.

• Al Harris has got to be done with the Packers. He was losing steps before his knee injury, and when (if) he returns from his torn ACL, he just won’t be the same. Plus, the Packers are lucky to have an up-and-coming playmaker in Tramon Williams. It’s been great, Alshinard (yes, that is Al’s full first name). If I was coaching a high school football team, I would tell the defensive backs to play like Al Harris. Confident, tough, aggressive. He has not only been a shutdown corner for years, but he has also been a consummate professional and leader. Let’s hope that Tramon follows in his footsteps.

• Monday night was the worst officiated game I have ever seen in my life. Aren’t we all sick of seeing unnecessary pass-interference calls. Monday night was the second most penalized game in the history of the NFL. I honestly feel that only a handful of the pass interference calls in this game were legitimate. Most of the flags were unnecessary and unfair because the receivers were just as physical as the DB’s were. When a DB “armbars” a WR, the refs catch it right away. On the other hand, when the WR “armbars” the DB, it is usually not called. The best receivers in the game are typically great at doing this and getting away with it. There needs to be some serious talks about this pass interference issue because it is often becoming a deciding factor in games.
• Now here is what I propose the NFL does to clean up the sad state of officiating in this league: I’m sure that we can all agree that the NFL has been way too touchy/feely the past few years regarding pass interference penalties in particular. If you are not familiar with Ed Hoculi, he is the muscular referee who looks like he belongs on UFC. I propose that Ed Hoculi makes a case for looser officiating concerning the issue of defensive pass interference. People will most likely listen to him not only because he is ripped as hell, but also because he may be the best referee in the league. What if league executives and officials don’t agree with him, you ask? After all, he is only one man, right? No. He is Ed Hoculi. If you disagree with him, he will change your mind.

• Why is it that “Judgment Calls” cannot be challenged?! Don’t you think that the best “judgments” are made when someone has additional time and information at-hand to make the best judgment possible? I say if we are going to have Challenges available, pass interference calls should be fair-game. I mean, come on, after some of these bullshit pass interference calls, it is ridiculous that they are not open for challenge. I will bet that the refs would have realized their mistakes and over-turned a number of pass interference calls Monday night had they had the chance.

• The Packers have a pretty good-looking road ahead. The Pack are playing a dysfunctional Bears team next week and a banged-up Steelers team the following week. Then they play a shitty Seahawks team followed by a Week 17 match-up with a Cardinals team who very well may be resting their key starters because they may have the division wrapped up and no incentive to risk injuries before the playoffs. Three of the Packers next four opponents could potentially be tough matchups; however, the Packers happen to be playing each of them in a time of weakness. (For the record, I’m super impressed with the Cardinals after the Vikings game, but the 8-4 Cardinals have a three-game lead over the 5-7 San Francisco 49ers…do you really think that beating the Packers in Week 17 will even be the Cardinals’ primary goal for that game?)
  

  Packers special teams need to pick up the intensity and do their jobs (stay in your *&$@#! lane)

• If the Packers continue to play well on both sides of the ball, I don’t see why they should lose any of their next four games. OK — the Pack’s special teams still needs A LOT of work. AHEM-Mason Crosby, AHEM-both coverage units, AHEM-Jeremy Kapinos! The Packers seem due for at least one or two special teams breakdowns in each game. This has got to be cleaned up if the Packers want any chance of competing in the playoffs. With that said, IF the Packers establish some consistency on special teams in the coming weeks, they will be firing on all cylinders in all three phases of the game. THAT equals a dangerous Packers team. And it could lead them to a 12-4 regular season record.

But, as Albert Pacino preached in Any Given Sunday, it’s all about the inches!

It’s hard to believe a team with the NFL’s top-ranked defense and the 5th-ranked offense has to battle to make the playoffs with just five games remaining. While the Vikings have all but clinched a first-round bye in the playoffs, the Packers have to compete for a Wildcard spot with the likes of the Falcons, Eagles, Giants, and possibly the Cowboys.

Of those three NFC East teams, Dallas is in the best shape with an 8-3 record, and will likely win that division. They do, however, have a recent trend of poor late-season play. That leaves two available playoffs spots with four teams battling to live to see another day. Will the Pack be one of them? Here’s a list of things that must happen in the remaining five games:

• Stay healthy. The Al Harris injury is big, and the team cannot afford anymore injuries (especially on defense). Coach McCarthy did a good job of trying to rotate subs in against Detroit, but this is not a luxury the team will have against better teams.
• Step it up on special teams coverage. Green Bay ranks dead-last in punt coverage and 7th worst in kickoff coverage. We’ve seen how a big return can alter a game (i.e. vs. Minnesota and Tampa Bay), and even in the games we’ve won there hasn’t really been a great special teams performance yet. These numbers have to improve, or we will lose a game because of it.
• Beat good teams, not just garbage teams. The Pack really only has one quality win under their belt — Dallas. Other than that, they have played 5 games against the four worst teams in the league (Detroit twice, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis). In the final 5 games, the Packers play three good teams (Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Arizona), 1 mediocre team (Chicago), and 1 bad team (Seattle). The Monday Night game against the Ravens will be a real test.
• Mason Crosby, make your kicks. When Ted Thompson drafted Crosby out  of Colorado a few years back, he was supposed to be the kicker that could knock down the 50+ yard field goals and boot it into the endzone on kickoffs. He’s 1-5 on 50+’ers this year. There’s going to be a game (maybe in the playoffs) where he’s going to be counted on to make a long kick with little time left. He needs to improve — on field goals and on kickoffs.
• Keep Bringin’ the Blitz! After a slow start and some locker room grumbling about Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers not using the blitz enough, the Packers defense has entered a whole new stratosphere. Capers now feels comfortable bringing consistent pressure with the blitz (including Corner and Safety blitzes) and the Packers D now ranks #1 overall in the NFL. In particular, allowing Charles Woodson to play closer to the line of scrimmage has put him in position to make some big plays against the run and the pass. If Capers continues to bring the heat — and there should be no reason to stop now — the Packers’ new 3-4 defense just may have what it takes to make a serious run deep into the playoffs.
  

  Capers needs to continue to put C-Wood in position to make plays a la LeRoy Butler in the '90s

First, the Packers need to take care of business in their remaining five games — starting with their Monday night battle against the Baltimore Ravens. If the Packers cut down on the penalties and continue to improve their consistency in all three phases of the game, they will find themselves playing football in January.

If Mike McCarthy was feeling the heat after the Green Bay Packers lost to Tampa Bay in Week Nine, then he has certainly been taking the necessary steps to cool down his critics.

The offense seemed to be firing on all cylinders against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday afternoon. Not only did the Packers enter halftime with a 20-point lead, but they also ate up slightly over two-thirds of clock time (41:39). Clearly, they were in control of this game.

Even when the defense sputtered in the second half—partly due to critical injuries sustained by Al Harris and Aaron Kampman—the offense was able to leisurely walk the ball down the field on their last drive to close out the game and take the last five minutes and 56 seconds off the clock.

And this is all aside from the facts that Aaron Rodgers was only sacked twice while Ryan Grant ran the ball a stunning 129 total yards on only 21 carries. These two feats alone speak to the changes that have been made by Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the offensive staff.

Will Grant have a beastly December like 2007?

Quick, high-percentage passes along with screen plays and a better dedication to the running game have helped to take some of the heat off quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

To put it in perspective: Rodgers has completed 57 of 81 passes over the last two weeks, with zero interceptions. That gives him a 70.4 percent completion rate. Rodgers seems to have grown in his duties as a game manager, due perhaps to the coaches giving him more responsibility and freedom on the field. Either way, the results are showing.

All of this success has put the Packers in strong contention for a Wild Card spot. As long as the team remains consistent with their increased level of play, there should be no reason why they can’t win at least three of their final six games.

However, McCarthy might need more than just a winning season to save face with not only the Green Bay management, but with the fans.

The Green Bay Packers community as a whole will not likely settle for anything less than a shot in the playoffs.

In order for McCarthy to save himself, the team needs to see continual improvement over the rest of the season. The special teams play was once again exploited by the 49ers late in the game when Josh Morgan returned a kickoff for 76 yards, setting up a Vernon Davis touchdown.

Even the Pittsburgh Steelers, defending Super Bowl champions, have experienced first-hand how detrimental a weakness in special teams can be. They have given up four touchdown returns in the past five games, contributing to some of their recent losses.

In addition, the loss of Pro Bowlers Al Harris and Aaron Kampman have upset the defensive game plan. Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers will need to find quick solutions to this problem in order to remain successful. (The team has already signed former Denver CB Josh Bell to add some depth to the position.)

And finally, the offensive coaches need to remain committed to their current game plan, which is looking more and more like the West Coast offense the Packers have committed themselves to.

As it stands after two solid performances, Head Coach Mike McCarthy is beginning to climb his way back out of the hole he dug during the first half of the season. Unfortunately for him, it might be for naught should the Packers miss the playoffs. And even then, continued success in the postseason might also be necessary to secure not only his job, but improve his reputation.

The Pack dominated the first half on their way to a 23-3 lead Sunday before putting it on cruise control in the second half.

The return of TE Jermichael Finley (7 Catches, 54 yards) opened up the offense for Green Bay as Aaron Rodgers put on a show in the first 30 minutes against the team that snubbed him on draft day 2005 (he threw for over 270 of his 344 yards and 2 tds in the first half).

Gerrrrrmichael!

Ryan Grant also rushed the ball 21 times for 129 yards and a score. The Pack moved to 6-4 before meeting the Lions on Thanksgiving and now control their own destiny for a December playoff push.

Rodgers hit Greg Jennings on a vintage Packers slant-and-run that Jennings (5 catches, 126 yards, 1 td) took 64 yards to the House. That touchdown put the Pack up 13-3 in the second quarter.

The Packers defense put together a very strong effort in the first half. They managed to shut down Frank Gore’s (59 yards) running lanes and help keep the time of possession in favor of the Pack (41:39 to 18:21).

After a defensive stop, Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a score, and Mason Crosby added 3 field goals to give the Pack a commanding halftime lead.

The Niners won most of the battles in the second half, adding a few late scores against a banged-up and more passive Packers defense. But it proved to be too little too late.

A Nick Collins INT combined with a consistent ground attack featuring Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson (4 carries, 16 yards and 6 catches, 65 yards) proved to be too much for the 49ers. Green Bay was able to wear down San Francisco at the end of the game on their way to a 30-24 victory.

After the game, however, the Packers were slapped with some bad news: Al Harris and Aaron Kampman are done for the year after sustaining serious left knee injuries.

Rastaman Live Up

These two injuries are going to seriously test the Packers’ depth on defense. Linebackers Brad Jones and Brady Poppinga, as well as defensive backs Tramon Williams, Brandon Underwood and Jarrett Bush, will have to step up.

These are huge losses for a team that is trying to make a playoff push. Time to step up young bloods!