Packers.com

Gun Deer Season Opens Saturday; Packers' Orange Caps Will Join The Hunt

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:53:18 CST

Packers Story: Packers Pro Shop Offering Hat Special Through Nov. 28 With Non-Perishable Food Donation

Wisconsin's gun deer season opens Saturday and the Packers' "Hunting Down Hunger" orange caps will be joining many hunters in the woods.

Hunters and non-hunters who are considering purchasing a cap have a unique opportunity through Nov. 28. With the purchase of a cap, along with the donation of a non-perishable food item, the Packers Pro Shop will provide a coupon good for $10 off the next Pro Shop purchase of $25 or more. The offer is valid only in the Pro Shop and Extra Points retail stores and the savings offer expires Jan. 31, 2010.

Overall, more than 16,000 hats have been purchased thus far. Each sale of the hat, with caps priced at $15 and the knit cap at $10, will result in a $5 donation going to statewide pantries, shelters and other organizations that have programs supporting hunger relief. Caps are available online at www.packersproshop.com, as we..

Matthews Named NFL Rookie Of The Week

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:58 CST

Packers Story: Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Linebacker Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers is the NFL Rookie of the Week for games played between Nov. 12-16, the NFL announced Friday.

Matthews had one sack and recovered two fumbles, including one that set up the game-sealing touchdown in the Packers' 17-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Matthews was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com/rookies. The other finalists were wide receiver Jeremy Maclin of the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker Brian Orakpo of the Washington Redskins, running back Bernard Scott of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back Beanie Wells of the Arizona Cardinals.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a..

Packers And Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Announce 2009 WFCA All-State Football Team

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:15:34 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association announced the 2009 WFCA All-State Football Team on Friday.

Players receiving the honors were voted upon by members of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association.

The Packers and the WFCA salute the young men receiving the honors and congratulate all players on another fine season of high school football.

Click here for the list of the first-team offense and defense, followed by players who received all-state honorable mention.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 20

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:36:23 CST

Packers Story: (Is Wells OK to go?)
Yes, I thought Scott practiced well today. Unless something changes when we go back inside, into the training room, I fully anticipate that he'll go and start.

(Did Dietrich-Smith hurt himself yesterday?)
Dietrich, yeah, he had a tough time yesterday. He fought through practice, and I'm hopeful that he'll be ready to go for Sunday. He's pretty banged up.

(You don't have Jason, so who's your fourth-string center if it comes to that?)
Daryn Colledge. Daryn worked some there yesterday and has always worked through our quarterback-center exchange drills. Daryn has been prepared for that for some time.

(You spent the offseason talking about getting five guys together ... is this getting a little ridiculous?)
Well, ridiculous is probably a little different word, but it's a challenge. I have not as a coordinator, and I can't really probably remember as an assistant coa..

Packers And Sargento Raise $34,500 Thus Far To Fight Hunger

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:24:55 CST

Packers Story: Effort To Support Wisconsin Hunger Task Force And Paul's Pantry In Seventh Season

The Green Bay Packers and Sargento thus far in 2009 have raised $34,500 for the "Touchdowns for Charity" program to benefit the Wisconsin Hunger Task Force in Milwaukee County and Paul's Pantry in Green Bay.

For each touchdown scored by the Packers during the 2009 regular season, Sargento is donating $1,000 to the Hunger Task Force ($27,000 on 27 TDs thus far). Additionally, Sargento is donating $500 to Paul's Pantry for every touchdown scored by the team's wide receivers and tight ends ($7,500 on 15 TDs thus far).

Since partnering six years ago, Sargento - the official cheese of the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field - has contributed more than $422,500 to Wisconsin food charities such as the Hunger Task Force and Paul's Pantry.

Following each Packers home game, a running total of the money raised will be displayed on Lambeau Field's TundraVision, as w..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 19

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:07 CST

Packers Story: (What happened to Wells?)
Scott Wells missed practice today. He had some symptoms in regards to a concussion that was reported to the medical staff yesterday. So we're obviously being smart with him.

(He sustained it yesterday?)
The symptoms were reported to the medical staff yesterday, so that's why we're dealing with it today. He missed practice yesterday, so we held him again today.

(Did you watch any tape of the new quarterback or was today your first look at him?)
I saw some tape on Mike, what was that, in the preseason? Plus also his combine workout and so forth. Very athletic quarterback and did some good things in Pittsburgh during the preseason. So we'll have an opportunity to try to get him acclimated to the way we do things here. I'm glad he's here.

(With Barbre and Jolly, did something happen in practice yesterday?)
Allen had an injury today at practice. It looked like a..

Limited Number Of Tickets Available For Packers-49ers Game

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:50 CST

Packers Story: Purchase Online Through Packers.com

A limited number of tickets are available for Sunday's Packers-49ers game, the Packers announced today.

The 49ers returned a portion of their allocated tickets, according to Mark Wagner, the Packers' director of ticket operations.

Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.packers.com/tickets/single_game_tickets. A link to Ticketmaster information is available there, as is information for purchasing tickets over the phone or in person.

Packers Sign QB Reilly To Practice Squad

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:42:26 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have signed QB Mike Reilly to the practice squad. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the signing Thursday.

A 6-foot-3, 214-pound rookie from Central Washington, Reilly was a four-year starter who set nearly every passing record in Wildcat history. He signed with Pittsburgh as a non-drafted free agent and spent the preseason with the Steelers.

He will wear No. 13.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 18

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:35:47 CST

Packers Story: (How did Finley look today?)
I thought Jermichael practiced well. I'll have a better idea once we watch the tape. I felt that he moved around fine, and he took his normal set of reps that he would take in a Wednesday practice.

(Do you notice a change in the players' attitudes or mood in practice after a win versus a loss?)
I think there's an obvious answer to the question. Winning solves a lot of things. Coming in to work this morning in the weight room, there's a sign up there that says "the food tastes good again." That pretty much tells it in a nutshell how important winning is for everybody. We had a beautiful day out there with the weather today. Practice was OK. We've had better practices. But definitely, when you win, I think, I know, when you win the ability to put that win the column is important, but the ability to stack success, and there's so many things that come with that. The confidence level it gives your football team, t..

CB Charles Woodson Named NFC Defensive Player Of Week 10

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:11:05 CST

Packers Story: Wide receiver SIDNEY RICE of the Minnesota Vikings, cornerback CHARLES WOODSON of the Green Bay Packers and punter HUNTER SMITH of the Washington Redskins are the NFC Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week for games played the 10th week of the 2009 season (November 12, 15-16), the NFL announced today.

OFFENSE: WR SIDNEY RICE, MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Rice had seven catches for a career-high 201 yards in the Vikings' 27-10 win over Detroit.
It marked the fourth 200-yard receiving game in franchise history and was just nine yards shy of the team record (210 yards, SAMMY WHITE, November 7, 1976).
Five of Rice's receptions went for at least 20 yards, including three catches of 40+ yards with a long of 56 yards.
His 201 yards are the second-most by a receiver in one game on completions from BRETT FAVRE.
Rice leads the NFC with 786 receiving yards and is averaging 17.9 yards per catch. He has nine catches of at leas..

Packers Release WR Allen

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:25:45 CST

Packers Story: The Green Bay Packers have released WR Jake Allen. Ted Thompson, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations, announced the transaction Wednesday.

Allen saw action in one game and was inactive for two others. He spent the entire 2008 season and the first seven weeks of the 2009 season on the Packers' practice squad.

Packers-49ers Week 11 Dope Sheet

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:33 CST

Packers Story: Two years after he co-founded the Packers with Curly Lambeau, George Calhoun began writing a piece called The Dope Sheet, which served as the official press release and game program from 1921-24.

Honoring Calhoun, the first publicity director, the Packers are running this weekly feature as their release, which is being made available to fans exclusively on Packers.com.

A complete edition of the Dope Sheet will be available each week during the season in PDF format, located in the Packers.com Game Centers.

This is an abbreviated version of the Packers-49ers Week 11 Dope Sheet. To read the full version, download the PDF by clicking here.

Here are some highlights from the Packers-49ers Week 11 Dope Sheet:

SAN FRANCISCO (4-5) at GREEN BAY (5-4)
Sunday, Nov. 22 - Lambeau Field - 12 p.m. CST

PACKER..

Ladies, Learn About Football From The Packers At Football 101

Megan Colledge, Packers.com correspondent — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:12:08 CST
Packers Story: Down. Set. Hike. Why does the quarterback say that? What kind of drills do offensive linemen do to get ready for the game? What is the proper stance for a linebacker?

You can find the answers to those questions, and more, at Football 101 on Nov. 21. There is so much about football that we, as women, have not been able to experience first hand, but not for long. Football 101 is your chance to get out on the field with professional athletes to practice drills and ask questions.

Many women have a real interest in football, and how the game works. Many of us want to truly understand the game rather than simply watching for wins or losses. Football 101 is a great, and fun, way to learn about the game of football.

You don't have to aspire to be a student of the game to enjoy Football 101. It is also a great day out for the girls. Nov. 21 is the perfect time to get your girlfriends together and head to the stadium for something fun and different.

Packers..

Kurt Flaten Of Kewaunee High School Named Green Bay Packers High School Coach Of The Week

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:58:10 CST
Packers Story: Kurt Flaten, of Kewaunee (Wis.) High School, has been named the final Green Bay Packers High School Coach of the Week for the 2009 season, the organization announced Tuesday.
Flaten is in his 20th season with the Kewaunee program, his 12th as head coach. After making it to the Division 4 state championship game two out of the last three years, the Indians are now set to return to Madison once again. By virtue of their 35-20 victory over previously unbeaten Northwestern, Flaten's team is now slated to face undefeated Big Foot Union High School on Thursday, Nov. 19, at Camp Randall Stadium.

"It has been a terrific season," Flaten said. "We have a great group of seniors that have shown a lot of leadership thus far. We've really pulled it all together at the end of the season and now we're heading down to Madison in hopes of getting our first gold ball."

Flaten began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota Morris in 1989. After on..

LB Clay Matthews Nominated For NFL Rookie Of Week Honors

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:15 CST
Packers Story: Fans To Vote For Winner On NFL.com

Wide receiver JEREMY MACLIN of the Philadelphia Eagles, linebacker CLAY MATTHEWS of the Green Bay Packers, linebacker BRIAN ORAKPO of the Washington Redskins, running back BERNARD SCOTT of the Cincinnati Bengals and running back BEANIE WELLS of the Arizona Cardinals are the finalists for NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK honors for games played on November 12 - 16, the NFL announced today.

Fans can vote for one of these five players on NFL.com/rookies beginning Tuesday at 9 am ET and ending Friday at noon ET to determine the NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK. The NFL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK will be announced Friday evening on NFL.com/rookies.

After the regular season, five players will be nominated for NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a pre..

Woodson Is Hall Of Fame's Featured Player Of The Week

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:35:50 CST
Packers Story: Packers defensive back Charles Woodson has been chosen as the Packers Hall of Fame Featured Player of the Week in recognition of his performance against the Dallas Cowboys. The exhibit contains memorabilia from the win over the Cowboys, including a game ball autographed by Woodson.

Woodson's impressive performance in Sunday's win included two forced fumbles and an interception, along with nine tackles. The two forced fumbles came at key points in the game, and his interception of Tony Romo thwarted a Cowboys' fourth-quarter drive that had reached the Packers' 1-yard line.

The Hall of Fame's weekly exhibit, The Hall of Fame Featured Player of the Week, contains memorabilia from each week's game, including a game ball autographed by a featured player of the week.

Each Monday (or in the case of a Monday night game, Tuesday), new items from the previous day's game will be placed in the display to be viewed by visitors to the Hall. Included among the items will ..

'Toys For Tots' Collection At Lambeau Field Prior To Sunday's Game

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:35:37 CST
Packers Story: UW Marching Band To Perform Anthem, Halftime and 5th Quarter Programs Sunday

The yearly 'Toys for Tots' campaign will take place prior to Sunday's game vs. the San Francisco 49ers.

Fans attending the contest are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys which will be distributed by the Salvation Army to children in need in the Green Bay area this holiday season. Monetary donations also will be accepted.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will be present at all gates leading into Lambeau Field, beginning at 8:30 a.m., to assist in collecting toys and monetary donations.

Totals collected will be announced during the game's second half.

The University of Wisconsin Marching Band will make its popular appearance at Lambeau Field this Sunday and will perform its famous 5th Quarter program after the game, in addition to the national anthem and halftime entertainment.

The anthem will be followed by an Air Force flyover.

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 16

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:19:45 CST
Packers Story: OK, I'll start with the injuries from the game. Cullen Jenkins had some ankle swelling. He'll probably miss some practice time this week. Desmond Bishop also had an ankle sprain. He'll probably miss some practice time. Greg Jennings had a knee contusion. He'll miss some practice time. And John Kuhn had a broken hand, and we'll see what he'll be able to do this week. With that, I'll take your questions.

(Will Kuhn need surgery like Chillar did?)
No, it's a different break than Brandon's. We're going to see what he can do with the splint that they put on him. We'll see how it works out in practice. But he does not need surgery at this point.

(Where's Aaron Kampman right now in his recovery?)
I think Aaron will be ready to go. Obviously Wednesday's practice will be the final hurdle that he'll get over. I know he's doing a lot better.

(What about Tauscher?)
We're going to work him tomorrow. He's going to ..

Packers Alumni Bowman, Lee At Lambeau Field This Weekend

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:40:10 CST
Packers Story: Players At Pro Shop Saturday; Atrium, Tundra Tailgate Zone, Legends Club Sunday

Green Bay Packers alumni Ken Bowman and Mark Lee will be in Green Bay this weekend taking part in various fan activities leading up to the Packers-49ers game.

Bowman, an eighth-round selection in 1964 from Wisconsin, played in 123 career games for the Packers at center from 1964-73. He played on three of the Packers' championship teams of the 1960, including the first two Super Bowls. With Jerry Kramer, he provided a key block on Bart Starr's famous quarterback sneak in the Ice Bowl. He was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1981.

Lee, a second-round pick in 1980 from the University of Washington, played in 157 career games at left cornerback from 1980-90. He posted 31 career interceptions, with his nine aerial thefts in 1986 ranking second in the NFL. In a 1982 playoff contest at Dallas, Lee intercepted a Danny White pass and returned it 22 ya..

Mike McCarthy Post-Game Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 15

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:58:49 CST
Packers Story: I'll start with the one injury in the game. Daryn Colledge had an ankle bruise and he did return. With that, I'll take your questions.

(Mike, in the grand scheme of the season, how much did you need this win today?)
Well, it was important for us to get back on track. You know, especially after the past two weeks. You break your season up in quarters. Getting to 5-4 was important. We have a three-game third quarter in my view the way we've broken up the season. And we've talked about this in here already: three games in 12 days. I can't...Just to go through the game overview, I can't say enough about our defense. That's the vision that we're looking for, especially playing at home. We had some excellent performances across the board, especially against a very good Dallas football team and a hot team and a powerful offense. We had a whole lot of respect for those guys coming in here. But to hold them out of the end zone until 38 seconds, I was very proud of ..

Tough Against TEs, Packers Face Another Challenge In 49ers' Davis

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:46:42 CST
Packers Story: So far in 2009, the Green Bay Packers have managed to keep opposing tight ends from having a major impact on gameday.

But that task gets perhaps as difficult as it's been all season on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers and Vernon Davis.

Davis, a fourth-year athletic freak whose 6-foot-3, 250-pound listing doesn't do him justice, is a player that Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers calls not only the fastest tight end in the NFL, but maybe the fastest pass-catcher in the 49ers' offensive arsenal.

This year Davis is having the kind of breakout season the 49ers envisioned when they drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick back in 2006. After two decent though unspectacular seasons, and then a rocky start last year under new coach Mike Singletary, Davis is now leading San Francisco with 45 receptions for 493 yards (11.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns.

He combines a ruggedness in traffic over the middle with breakaway speed on vertical routes, all ..

Notebook: Wells Returns, Expected To Start

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:38 CST
Packers Story: The Packers' offensive line has had to deal with more than its share of injuries already this season, but the unit received some good news on Friday when starting center Scott Wells returned to the practice field.

Wells had missed Thursday's padded practice after reporting concussion symptoms following Wednesday's practice. He said he thinks he sustained the concussion against Dallas, but passed a concussion test during the game and did not have any symptoms until Wednesday when he physically exerted himself for the first time since the game.

"They told me that when you have symptoms three days later, they want to be cautious with it," Wells said. "I was kind of thrown off that I felt pretty good Tuesday and then Wednesday I had some symptoms. They said it's rare but it happens, which obviously it did. Concussions are a serious thing. You can't mess around.

"Monday, yeah, you're sore but it's hard to tell what normal soreness is. I was a little cloudy, but ..

Watch 'The Colledge Experience' With Ahman Green!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:04:58 CST
Packers Story: Green Bay Packers guard Daryn Colledge takes fans to locations throughout Lambeau Field, interviewing his teammates one-on-one in 'The Colledge Experience.' Fans are able to participate in the webisodes by submitting questions for Colledge to ask his guests of the week. Topics covered on the program, now in its second season, will range from personal to football, and anything else fans come up with.

In last week's webisode, Colledge interviewed guard Josh Sitton. From the coaches' equipment room, Sitton discussed mowing lawns, working with children, and his previous experience in telemarketing.

This week, 'The Colledge Experience' welcomes the Packers' all-time leading rusher, Ahman Green. Interviewed in the Curly's Pub game room, Green talks about winning four straight Little League championships, breaking the all-time rushing record, and switching to #34.

Check back next week for a brand new webisode of 'The Colledge Experience!'

Ask A Questi..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:03:04 CST
Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a golf tournament, a Minnesota Packers fan, and a drawing of quarterback Matt Flynn.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories'.

Notebook: Former Bear Singletary Returns To Lambeau

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:45:04 CST
Packers Story: The last time Mike Singletary set foot in Lambeau Field was a little more than 17 years ago, when his Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers by a score of 30-10 on Oct. 25, 1992.

But that's not what Singletary, the Hall of Fame middle linebacker who's now the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, remembers most about Lambeau.

Singletary said this week that his last memory of Green Bay is the famous "Instant Replay" game between the Bears and Packers, which took place on Nov. 5, 1989. In that game, Packers quarterback Don Majkowski threw a game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Sharpe on fourth down for a 14-13 Green Bay victory.

Initially, the touchdown didn't count because the officials had ruled that Majkowski crossed the line of scrimmage before releasing the pass. But the call was overturned by a replay review, and the touchdown was good.

"That's a memory that I'll never forget," Singletary said. "It wasn't so much whether he was pa..

Year Removed From Injury, Barnett Back To His Old Self

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:46:24 CST
Packers Story: Nick Barnett admits to being frustrated early this season when his snaps were limited as he came back from ACL reconstruction surgery, but with the veteran linebacker performing at a high level a year after the injury, he now sees why the team took the cautious approach.

Barnett sustained the season-ending knee injury last season in Week 10 at Minnesota, and was sidelined for most of the preseason as well. He made his return in the preseason finale at Tennessee, but saw his time at Mack linebacker limited to around 35-40 snaps for the first three games of the season before going back to a full workload in Week 4 at Minnesota.

For a player that was used to being on the field nearly all of the time in his first six seasons with the Packers, being patient during those opening three games was a challenge.

"I've never been faced with an injury of that sort, an ACL," said Barnett, who had missed just two games due to injury in six-plus seasons. "This coaching sta..

Notebook: Finley Itching To Get Back On The Field

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:44:39 CST
Packers Story: Tight end Jermichael Finley said Wednesday he had never missed a football game in his life due to an injury prior to sustaining a knee sprain in Week 7 at Cleveland, so after being sidelined for three games, he is more than ready to return this Sunday against San Francisco.

Finley suffered the injury on the opening drive of the game against the Browns on a 16-yard reception, and had yet to participate fully in practice since then until Wednesday. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Finley took his normal number of reps for a Wednesday practice.

"I feel pretty good," Finley said. "A little rusty out there today, the first day back. I'm just excited to be back.

"It's just a great thing to be back in the lineup and helping my team win."

After a strong showing in the preseason, the second-year tight end got off to a slow start in the regular season, catching just five passes for 62 yards in the first three games.

But Finley's coming-out party came i..

Contrasting Careers Thus Far For QBs Smith, Rodgers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:46:01 CST
Packers Story: The divergent paths taken by quarterbacks Alex Smith and Aaron Rodgers since draft day in April 2005 are unavoidably in the spotlight this week as the San Francisco 49ers come to Green Bay to take on the Packers.

But to draw any grand conclusions from the analysis is a dicey proposition at best. Probably better just to look at it as the principals involved do, that everything happens for a reason.

To review, Smith and Rodgers were the top two quarterback prospects in the 2005 draft, and both were considered strong candidates to be taken No. 1 overall by the 49ers. Ultimately San Francisco chose Smith to revive the franchise, leaving Rodgers to unexpectedly fall all the way to No. 24, where the Packers grabbed him as the heir apparent to Brett Favre.

Fast forward nearly five years and the two careers are at very different stages. Smith was thrust into the starting role right away and endured a tumultuous first 2 seasons in San Francisco, then missed a year ..

Run Defense Becoming Major Strength

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:22:08 CST
Packers Story: When Head Coach Mike McCarthy decided to make the switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme and hire Dom Capers to coordinate it, his No. 1 priority in doing so was to be able to stop the run better.

Look no further than the two matchups with the Dallas Cowboys each of the last two seasons to illustrate the difference.

In Week 3 of 2008, Dallas came into Lambeau Field and ran roughshod over the Packers and their 4-3 front. The Cowboys rushed for 217 yards, including 142 from Marion Barber and a 60-yard touchdown dash by Felix Jones.

That game was part of a damaging stretch last season during which the Packers surrendered at least 175 yards rushing in six of the first nine games.

But fast forward to this year's Dallas matchup, and this season's first nine games, and the turnaround is startling.

Last Sunday the Cowboys, featuring essentially the same offensive personnel plus 'Wildcat' back Tashard Choice, rushed for a season-low 61 yards, 156 fewer t..

Packers.com Video Exclusive: Mike McCarthy's Post-Game Speech

Packers.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:09:29 CST
Packers Story: With their 2009 season hanging in the balance, the Green Bay Packers notched one of the biggest wins of Head Coach Mike McCarthy's tenure with a 17-7 triumph over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at Lambeau Field. With the win, the Packers moved to 5-4 and into the thick of the NFC Wild Card playoff chase, and they ended the NFC East-leading Cowboys' four-game winning streak.

A dominant defensive performance and a clutch, 15-play touchdown drive in the second half paved the way. In a Packers.com exclusive, we take you inside the locker room for Coach McCarthy's brief post-game talk with the team immediately following the game.

Day-After Notes: Key Players Ready To Return

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:21:19 CST
Packers Story: It appears the Packers could be getting some key players back from the injured list this week as they continue to make a run at a playoff spot in the NFC.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that he expects linebacker Aaron Kampman and tight end Jermichael Finley to return to practice on Wednesday, while linebacker Brandon Chillar also is expected to practice this week and be available to play.

Kampman missed Sunday's victory over the Cowboys with a concussion sustained in the loss at Tampa Bay. It was the first game Kampman missed due to injury in six years, and the lingering effects from the concussion prevented him from being cleared to practice all last week.

Kampman was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie seventh-round draft pick Brad Jones, who played well, but getting Kampman's experience and veteran presence back for the playoff push will be valuable for the defense.

"I think Aaron will be ready to go," McCarthy said. "I know he's..

Woodson Delivers In A Big Way

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:16:42 CST
Packers Story: During his three-plus seasons with the Packers, veteran cornerback Charles Woodson has established himself as someone who comes through with key plays when the team needs them the most, and that was the case once again on Sunday afternoon against the Cowboys.

Woodson had a hand in all three of the Packers' takeaways against Dallas with two forced fumbles and an interception. He was also credited with a team-leading nine tackles in the press box statistics.

"He's definitely one of our prime-time players," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Once again with his performance tonight, his instincts, knowledge, and his toughness, and play-making ability, obviously he was a big part of our defensive success tonight."

With the game scoreless with just over four minutes remaining in the first half and the Cowboys taking over at their own 28, quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Roy Williams deep down the middle for a 42-yard gain. As Williams looked to pick up extr..

Game Review: Packers Grab Much-Needed Victory

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:15:43 CST
Packers Story: In many respects the season was on the line for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Having dropped two straight games to fall to .500, and facing NFC East-leading Dallas on a four-game winning streak, the Packers needed a win for a variety of reasons -- to stymie a potential free-fall, to stay in the thick of the NFC Wild Card chase, and to prove they could beat a playoff contender, which they hadn't done since Week 1.

Behind a stellar defensive performance and a dynamite, clock-eating touchdown drive in the second half, the Packers accomplished all of the above in an impressive 17-7 victory at Lambeau Field in front of 70,894 and a national television audience.

"It was an important time in our season to get back in this race," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "I think a lot of people were thinking this was going to be the end of the road for us and going to be a turning point for the negative for us this season. But it was a big win for our team."

It'..

Game Notes: Rookie Draft Picks Make Positive Impact

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:16:11 CST
Packers Story: The Packers got some significant contributions from their 2009 draft class in the 17-7 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Two rookie draft picks - first-rounder Clay Matthews and seventh-rounder Brad Jones - started at the two outside linebacker spots and made their share of plays. Also, fourth-round selection T.J. Lang got his first start at right tackle and appeared to hold his own.

"They stepped up," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said of the youngsters. "It's always good to see a rookie step out, especially in a big-game environment like this."

Matthews, who took over as a starter in the base defense back in Week 5, was unofficially credited with just one tackle, but it was a 3-yard sack late in the second quarter. That gives him four sacks on the season, now tops on the team.

He also had two fumble recoveries, one after Charles Woodson stripped Dallas receiver Roy Williams after a 42-yard gain, and another after Woodson's sack/fumble of Tony..

Dominant Defensive Performance Keys Critical Win

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:17:04 CST
Packers Story: Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday that his defensive staff felt that the Dallas offense was the best Green Bay had faced all season, which made what the defense was able to accomplish on Sunday all the more impressive.

Facing a Cowboys offense that entered Sunday's contest as the No. 3-ranked offense in the league at an average of 404.5 yards per game, Green Bay's defense held Dallas to just 278 yards of offense, their season low and the fewest since posting 183 yards at the N.Y. Giants last season on Nov. 2, 2008.

"It definitely was a big win and a much-needed win, especially coming off of last week's performance, or the last couple of weeks' performances," cornerback Charles Woodson said. "Coming out today, it seemed like guys had a lot of passion out there today for the game. Where it came from, I don't know, but we were happy to have it and we got a big win for this team.

"We've got to have that passion every week and it's got to show up on th..

AP Game Summary: Packers Win Showdown With Cowboys 17-7

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:46:48 CST
Packers Story: Charles Woodson wouldn't let the Green Bay Packers' season slip away.

The veteran cornerback forced two fumbles and picked off a pass by Tony Romo on the goal line as Green Bay's defense finally played up to its potential against a big-time opponent, beating the Dallas Cowboys 17-7 on Sunday.

It wasn't a pretty win for the Packers (5-4), but it might have saved their season after back-to-back demoralizing losses.

"It seemed like guys had a lot of passion out there today for the game," Woodson said. "Where it came from, I don't know, but we were happy to have it and got a big win for this team. We've got to have that passion every week, and it's got to show up on the field."

The Packers sacked Romo five times and allowed the Cowboys to convert only three of 12 third-down chances. It was a momentum-killer for the Cowboys (6-3), who had won four straight.

Dallas also lost starting right tackle Marc Colombo to a broken left fibula.

"T..

Packers Lead Cowboys 3-0 At Halftime

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:48:49 CST
Packers Story: Mason Crosby kicked a 48-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, giving the Packers a 3-0 halftime lead over the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay has held the Cowboys to just 111 yards of total offense, 31 on the ground, with sacks from linebackers Nick Barnett and Clay Matthews and safety Nick Collins.

Dallas' only scoring threat came on their first possession, but Collins sacked quarterback Tony Romo on 3rd-and-3 to force a 38-yard field goal attempt from Nick Folk that sailed wide left.

With just over four minutes remaining in the half, Romo connected with wide receiver Roy Williams on a deep throw down the middle for a 42-yard gain, but cornerback Charles Woodson stripped the ball and Matthews recovered to give the Packers possession.

The Packers' lone score was helped set up by an 18-yard punt return out to midfield by Tramon Williams, and a 24-yard reception over the middle by wide receiver Donald Driver down to the Cowbo..

Notebook: Rookie Jones Gets The Call

Tom Fanning, Packers.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:05:39 CST
Packers Story: Outside linebacker Aaron Kampman will miss his first game due to injury in over six years on Sunday, and with veteran backup Brady Poppinga also ruled out, rookie Brad Jones will make his first NFL start against the Cowboys.

Kampman, who left last Sunday's game at Tampa Bay in the fourth quarter with a concussion sustained on the fourth play of the game, did not practice Friday for the third straight day and has been ruled out for Sunday. The last time he was sidelined due to injury came in Weeks 3-6 of the 2003 season when he was out with a sprained ankle.

Kampman has started 97 of the last 98 games for the Packers, missing only the 2007 regular-season finale when several starters rested with Green Bay being locked into a No. 2 playoff seed. Although he said he has felt better each day since sustaining the concussion, Kampman also acknowledged that the best decision was to sit Sunday's game out.

"You appreciate that here they are caring about player safet..

WR Austin Returns To Lambeau As Bigger Threat

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:03:13 CST
Packers Story: When Dallas receiver Miles Austin burned the Packers for two big receptions worth 115 yards in the Cowboys' victory at Lambeau Field last season, it looked like an anomaly - a case where a little-known contributor made good when the opposing defense was focusing on so many other offensive weapons.

But in 2009, it's Austin who's starting to attract just as much attention as the others in the Dallas arsenal, and deservedly so.

During the Cowboys' current four-game winning streak, Austin is proving to be as dangerous as anyone on their offense. Beginning with an overtime win in Kansas City in Week 5, Austin has posted 22 receptions for 531 yards and six touchdowns, the latter two totals tops in the NFL over that span. He's averaging a whopping 24.1 yards per catch and a ridiculous 42.0 yards per TD grab over the four games.

"He's a new guy on the scene," Packers cornerback Charles Woodson said. "People haven't really paid much attention until now."

He..

Packers Fan Memories

Packers Fan Memories — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:48:34 CST
Packers Story: Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the green and gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes meeting two Packers quarterbacks, a young boy watching a record-breaking game and a birthday tradition.

Each week, Packers.com will post a feature called 'Packers Fan Memories.'