Packers.com

Packers Notebook - Favre Looks Fine

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 16:28:04 CST

By taking the majority of the reps in practice Friday, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre erased almost all questions in regard to his availability for Sunday night's showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.

Although a few lingering concerns remain, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that Favre looked as good as usual Friday, despite practicing with a small splint protecting his cracked right thumb.

"There's nothing he couldn't do out there today," Sherman said. "You wouldn't have known any difference whatsoever."

Practices this week have been closed to the media, but none of the Packers reported noticing any decrease in velocity or accuracy from Favre.

"I had to go up and ask him how it was feeling," tight end Bubba Franks said, "because the ball was still coming the same. Nothing really seems different."

Favre injured the thumb on the third play of the Packers' Week 7 loss to the St. Louis Rams, but stayed in the game to complete 23 pa..

Packers Know Importance Of Vikings Rematch

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 18:32:57 CST

To suggest that the Green Bay Packers didn't desperately want to win the 2003 season opener against the Minnesota Vikings would be an insult.

But as offensive guard Mike Wahle looked back on it this week, he conceded that maybe the Packers didn't want it desperately enough. Or at least not as much as the Vikings, who jumped out to a 27-3 lead that September afternoon before holding off a late Packers charge to win 30-25.

"(Vikings tackle Bryant) McKinnie said that was their Super Bowl," Wahle said. "That was their biggest game of the year."

That might have been hard to believe in Week 1, but it's easier to understand now.

Minnesota's impressive win over the defending NFC North champions seemed to trigger a reversal of fortunes, so that now, as both teams prepare for their Sunday night rematch, it's the Vikings atop the division at 6-1, with the 3-4 Packers struggling to catch up.

"This is a huge game for us, a huge game," Wahle sa..

Kampman's Former Coach Named Finalist For NFL High School Coach Of The Year

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 17:04:00 CST

From a small town in Northeast Iowa --population approximately 80 -- that has three streets running each direction and is without a stoplight, defensive end Aaron Kampman has worked his way to football's grandest stage.

Now in his second NFL season, Kampman recently took advantage of the opportunity to recognize one of the people most responsible for his successful journey from Kesley, Iowa, to one of football's most storied franchises, the Green Bay Packers.

Ed Thomas coached Kampman for three seasons at Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg, Iowa, and thanks to Kampman's nomination is now one of five finalists for the 2003 NFL High School Football Coach of the Year Award.

"Coach Thomas is a special man," Kampman said upon hearing the news Thursday. "He's been in that same program for over 20 years, and has had only one losing season. He just goes about instilling the game of football the way it's meant to be played, with passion and em..

Live Chat To Welcome Craig Nall, Friday

Thu, 30 Oct 2003 16:00:44 CST

Now in his second NFL campaign, backup quarterback Craig Nall has yet to take a regular-season snap. But the thumb injury sustained by Brett Favre at St. Louis (Oct. 19) serves as a reminder that even the No. 3 quarterback remains a moment away from being called into action.

Drafted out of Northwestern (La.) State in 2002, last spring Nall suited up for the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe, where he led the league with a 95.9 passer rating and 18 touchdown strikes.

He then joined the Packers at training camp and completed 51 percent of his passes for 317 yards in the preseason to win a roster spot over the likes of Akili Smith and Eric Crouch.

Friday, Nall will join Packers fans as he sits down for an exclusive Live Chat at Packers.com, starting at approximately 1:30 p.m. CT.

In recent weeks, Live Chat has welcomed such guests as Nick Barnett, Kevin Barry and Al Harris. We've had some excellent chats this season, largely due to the outstanding que..

Favre Tests Thumb In Practice

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Oct 2003 18:35:29 CST

Ten days removed from sustaining a hairline crack in the thumb of his right (throwing) hand, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre was back throwing the ball at practice Wednesday.

Of course, how much and how well, only he and his teammates know.

With Favre on the comeback trail from injury and a crucial match-up on the horizon, the Packers closed their practices to the media this week as they prepare for Sunday night's game with the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings.

"I did a little bit," Favre said of his participation. "It was more or less seeing what I could take and (testing) different types of wraps and stuff. Just trial and error today, but it went okay."

Listed as probable on the team's injury report, Favre's participation this week is contingent upon his wearing some sort of protective brace on his thumb.

Although the swelling in his hand has gone down over the past week, the potential exists that the hairline crack could ..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2003 17:52:18 CST

Hi LeRoy, do you see the need to throw the ball downfield more, utilizing the wide receivers, or is the team intent on setting a new record for attempted screen passes in a season? - Richard (North Providence, RI)

Richard, I agree with you that the Packers need to go downfield more often.

In addition to a possible big gain, going deep helps open up a lot of perimeter runs. The Packers like to run sweeps where Ahman Green breaks around the corner and has a 1-on-1 with a linebacker. Running receivers deep helps open up those plays by drawing defensive backs into the secondary.

Also, going deep just loosens up a defense. If the Packers don't look downfield, teams will continue to line up in Cover 2 on what is essentially a shortened field.

Even if the Packers don't complete a downfield play, it makes the defense worry about the deep threat, and sometimes that's enough.

But if you think the Packers need to go downfield a lot, I disag..

Butler: Players Make The Plays

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2003 17:51:13 CST

Since the Green Bay Packers are coming off their bye, we don't have a game to review this week, but that doesn't mean there aren't topics worth discussing.

As I have read through your emails in recent weeks, I have noticed that many of you are questioning whether poor offensive or defensive play-calling is at the root of the Packers' 3-4 start.

Certainly you don't need me to tell you that coaching and play-calling are important parts of the game of football, but in my opinion there is something far more important to consider.

Look at any team and it's simple to see that it's the players who make plays, not the plays that make play-makers.

Sure, good coaches find a way to make their players better, but no coach -- no matter how good he is -- can make a bad player a great one.

This is especially true on defense.

When I was a player, I was of the opinion that no matter what formation I was in or what play was called, it was up to me ..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Gregg, Hubbard

Tue, 28 Oct 2003 08:57:46 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Willie Davis, Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Forrest Gregg and Cal Hubbard.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees James Lofton and Jim Ringo, and two of the names most synonymous with Green Bay Packers football: Curly Lambeau and Vince Lombardi.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Forrest Gregg --

Vince Lombardi called him the finest ..

Packers Being Cautious With Favre

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2003 18:30:07 CST

Brett Favre didn't do any throwing at the Green Bay Packers' practice Monday, a brief workout that was the team's first since taking four days off for the bye week.

But that's no reason to sound the alarm.

Favre, who suffered a cracked thumb in the Week 7 loss to the St. Louis Rams, might not get into any heavy throwing until Thursday, as the Packers prepare for Sunday night's meeting with the Minnesota Vikings.

"I'm not going to jeopardize his ability to throw on Sunday by pushing him too early," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "But the swelling is down. He feels good (and) very optimistic, as is the doctor. So we just continue with the plan."

Favre is wearing a splint on the injured thumb of his right (throwing) hand, and will continue to wear the brace for as long as possible this week.

Favre could practice as early as Wednesday, and, according to Sherman, even tossed the ball around the Packers' training facility prior to practice ..

Packers Thriving In Player Development Program

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Sun, 26 Oct 2003 13:34:20 CST

If they're lucky, they'll have a long, healthy career playing the game they love.

But the harsh reality is that -- for those not named Brett Favre -- the average professional football career lasts a mere 3 1/2 years.

That's why several players have taken advantage of the Packers' Player Development Program to help them get a head start on life after football.

Headed up by former Packers running back Edgar Bennett, now in his third year as the director of player development, the program provides players the assistance they need in order to finish their college degrees, obtain training in their desired post-football career fields or learn how to manage finances so when their playing days run out, the money does not.

"I'm here to help them in any way that I can to reach their full potential, on and off the field," Bennett said. "If it's in the area of continuing their education, then I'm there for them. If it ..

Butler's Breakdown: Making Best Of The Bye

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 11:53:42 CST

As a player, whenever you come to the bye week on a winning streak, you wish you could keep playing. You don't want anything to disrupt the roll that you're on as a team.

When you enter the bye coming off a loss, it stings. But that's usually when you need it most.

It would have felt sweet to be going into this bye weekend coming off a win in St. Louis, but after two straight losses this break couldn't come at a much better time for the Green Bay Packers.

The players get four days off this week. And you might think they should spend the down time worrying about their 3-4 record, but I say just the opposite.

The Packers need to forget all about their record this weekend. Let the coaches worry about it, let the media talk about it, let your family and friends ask questions about it, but try to forget it.

Hopefully when the players come back to work on Monday, they feel like it's a new season.

Their record is what it is. Beating..

Packers Notebook - Bye Provides Time For Analysis

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2003 11:29:10 CST

In the best-case scenario, the Green Bay Packers would be riding high heading into this weekend's bye.

But after back to back losses, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said this week that there's no better time to take a step back and re-evaluate the Packers' 3-4 start.

"You obviously want to go into the bye week feeling better, with a win," Sherman said. "But at the same time, I think that (the players) need to get away from it for a little bit and come back fresh for the second half of the season.

"I've been very fortunate that our bye weeks have always fallen in the middle and not at the beginning or the end of the season. If there's anything from a scheduling standpoint that I do like, it's been that."

The Packers held practices and meetings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, but players are off from Thursday until Monday.

Sherman said the goal of the practice week was to avoid injuries while preparing for upcoming games, including..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:14:28 CST

Looking at the 3-4 Packers record it's a bit disappointing, but do you think it's a little too early to say that the playoffs already seem out of reach? - Mike (Fargo, ND)

Mike, that's a good question. You sound like a dedicated fan who is ready to stick behind his team, win, lose or draw, and I appreciate that.

To answer your question, no, the playoffs are not out of reach. But let's be honest, the Packers have dug a hole so deep there's no daylight. With games at Minnesota and Tampa Bay, plus a Monday night game against the Eagles, the schedule doesn't exactly get easier from here. So if the Packers want to be a playoff team, they have to play like one.

There isn't much room for error, but I don't think it's out of the question that the Packers can put together a winning streak and get back into this thing. To do that, the Packers have to take it game by game, starting with Minnesota.

I think GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman will have them ..

Butler: Packers Need This Bye Week

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:40:07 CST

This week, the Green Bay Packers will get to enjoy their bye week.

At least enjoy it as much as any 3-4 team can.

After a frustrating 34-24 loss to the St. Louis Rams, in which quarterback Brett Favre suffered a hairline crack in his thumb, there could be no better time for a bye.

Recent events no doubt have Packers coaches, players and fans feeling very frustrated, but we all need to take a step back.

As rough as things may appear, there's still plenty of time to resurrect this season and make a charge at the playoffs.

The next opponent on the schedule is still-undefeated Minnesota, the team that beat the Packers 30-25 in the season-opener. But before we look ahead to that game, let's review what happened against the Rams.

Up until now, the Packers offensive line has been the strongest unit on the team. But they didn't have a great performance over the weekend.

Matched up against an athletic defensive line, the Packers..

Favre Expects To Play Despite Injury

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Oct 2003 19:08:03 CST

A day after learning that he has a hairline crack in the thumb of his right (throwing) hand, quarterback Brett Favre expressed confidence Tuesday that he could have started this weekend had the Green Bay Packers had a game to play instead of a bye.

But that doesn't mean he's upset about the time off.

"I guess the best way to put it," Favre said, "is I'm glad I don't have to find out."

Favre sustained the injury last Sunday in the first quarter of the Packers' Week 7 contest with the St. Louis Rams. Completing his follow-through on the team's first passing play of the game, Favre's hand struck the shoulder of guard Mike Wahle, who was blocking on the play.

Favre remained in the game, not knowing the full extent of the injury, and completed 23 of 32 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception.

"Did it hurt? Yeah," Favre said. "I don't think anyone knew, aside from me and (backup..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Herber, Jordan

Tue, 21 Oct 2003 10:51:15 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Clarke Hinkle, Ray Nitschke and Bart Starr, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Arnie Herber and Henry Jordan.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Cal Hubbard and James Lofton, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Arnie Herber --

In addition to being a great passer, ..

'Cracked' Thumb Not Expected To Sideline Favre

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2003 13:13:48 CST

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, the NFL's only three-time MVP and the league record-holder for consecutive starts by a quarterback, has a "cracked" thumb on his right (throwing) hand, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Monday.

Favre will be held out of practices this week -- the Packers' bye week -- but the injury is not expected to be serious.

"If we had to play this week, he said he could play with it," Sherman said. "Hopefully in two weeks it will be better, but he played pretty well with it the other day."

Favre sustained the injury early in Sunday's 34-24 loss to the St. Louis Rams when he hit one of his own offensive linemen on the shoulder while completing his follow-through.

Favre iced his thumb after the game, but the full extent of the injury was not known until Monday.

In 1999, Favre badly sprained the same thumb in a similar fashion, when he hit the helmet of Denver Broncos linebacker John Mobley on his follow-through ..

AP Story: Packers Fall To The Rams, 34-24, In St. Louis

Sun, 19 Oct 2003 15:36:07 CST

From Brett Favre 's perspective, facing the St. Louis Rams ' defense was just like trying to beat the Buccaneers.

The Rams' unheralded unit, led by former Bucs assistant Lovie Smith, was the key to a 34-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

They stuffed Ahman Green, slowed Favre and forced four turnovers.

"I'm not saying that team's as good as Tampa yet," Favre said. "Are they as disciplined as Tampa yet? No, nobody is. Are they close? Yes, they are."

Marc Bulger threw three touchdown passes to raise his record at home to 9-0, and Isaac Bruce became the 18th player in NFL history to top 10,000 yards receiving for the Rams.

But it was the defense that allowed St. Louis (4-2) to overcome Bulger's two interceptions and some second chances handed out by the Rams' special teams.

"A couple of turnovers, some tipped balls, but there's nothing you can do about that," Bulger said. "Our offensive line and the defense stole t..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Rams

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2003 10:15:00 CST

With the St. Louis Rams coming up this weekend on the road, followed by a bye week and then a big game at Minnesota, the Green Bay Packers need these upcoming games to pull within reach of the Vikings and every potential Wild Card team.

By saying that, I'm looking at the big picture. Sure, we're all still disappointed that the Packers let one get away against the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend, but it's time to move on from that. And there's no better way to move on than to get a big win on the road in a tough environment.

The last time the Packers played at the Edward Jones Dome, Brett Favre had a rough day, throwing six interceptions as we lost in the playoffs.

This week, as I watched the Florida Marlins come back to beat the Chicago Cubs, and the New York Yankees come from behind against the Boston Red Sox, I started thinking about sports curses.

Favre is 12-20 all-time in domes, and I started to think that maybe I believed in sports curses a..

Packers Notebook - Favre Ready For Dome Challenge

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Oct 2003 16:09:10 CST

As he looked back this week on his last trip to St. Louis, Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre wasn't awed by the fact he threw a playoff-record six interceptions at the Edward James Dome in January 2002.

As far as he was concerned, it could have been worse.

"Like I told (GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman)," Favre remembered, "'If I stay in the game, I can throw eight.'"

Those six interceptions were a product of many things, really. Less than perfect accuracy? Well, sure. But four of the six passes were tipped, and when you're an NFL quarterback and your team is trailing in a one-and-done playoff setting, there's no sense having any ammo left over at end.

And Favre has never been afraid to go down firing.

"At some point it doesn't matter," Favre said of the interceptions. "I could have sat there and completed little 5-yarders, but we needed to score points. And I remember saying after the game, if you play long enough, things like that..

Packers Lead Campbell's Campaign

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Oct 2003 11:14:40 CST

Winners a year ago, the Green Bay Packers currently lead the Click for Cans contest that's part of Campbell's Tackling Hunger Campaign.

Located on the Campbell's Chunky website (www.chunky.com), NFL fans can log on and click the helmet logo of their favorite NFL team. In turn, Chunky's will donate a can of soup to a local food bank.

Currently, the Packers are in the lead with more than 17,700 votes. The Cleveland Browns are second with more than 13,400 votes, followed by the San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints, respectively.

Fans can vote once a day for their favorite NFL team.

Campbell's goal is to donate 5 million cans of soup in conjunction with the Click for Cans project.

Last season the Packers received an astonishing 896,762 votes, nearly double that of the Buffalo Bills' runner-up total of 479,087.

"Hopefully he'll get an opportunity to break out of this. Any great player goes through periods of less than what is expected ... and the objective to get out of the slump is to keep working and keep doing the things that made you a great player."

In Gbaja-Biamila's mind that means forgetting about the statistics and concentrating more on his effort.

Through six games this season, starting each one at the Packers' ele..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2003 18:45:30 CST

Leroy - Watching the game yesterday between the Kansas City Chiefs and Packers was a thriller. However, I am wondering where the pass defense is this year. Do you have any comments on what you might think the problem is? - Michelle (Lambertville, MI)

Looking at the Chiefs game, the Packers had a few problems. Not surprisingly, two of them were due to injuries. Joe Johnson (quadriceps) left the game in the first quarter and Mike McKenzie (back spasms) missed the second half. The loss of Johnson hurt the Packers' ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, while the loss of McKenzie -- the team's best cover-corner -- hurt them in the secondary.

A lot of people have been wondering why the Packers didn't blitz as much against Kansas City as they did against Chicago. Some of that had to do with injuries, some of that had to do with who they were playing: there were times the Packers blitzed against Kansas City and the Chiefs just picked it up and protec..

Butler: Packers Must Bounce Back From Tough Blow

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2003 18:40:47 CST

Just like you, I had a case of the sniffles after the Packers' overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs over the weekend.

Just like you, I thought the Packers were going to win that one and prove themselves as one of the NFL's elite and a Super Bowl contender.

In a game that was like a heavyweight boxing match, the Packers had the Chiefs on the ropes. They gave them a left, a right, an upper cut, but then they made mistakes that left them victim to the knockout punch.

And as heart-wrenching as the loss was, now the Packers have to find a way to forget about it and move on. The way they do that is by looking at some of the positives to come out of the Chiefs game, and there were many.

For the third week in a row, the offense came out firing. On the Packers' first scoring drive, Brett Favre completed all six of his passes to six different receivers. He ended the game having gone 25-of-36 for 272 yards, while connecting with nine different guys.

Fan Voting For Pro Bowl Begins

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2003 18:29:02 CST

The 2004 NFL Pro Bowl is still months away, but fan voting for the all-star game began Tuesday.

Fans can click here or log on to NFL.com to select make their picks.

Fan voting counts for one-third of the formula to determine the NFC and AFC all-star teams. Player and coach voting make up the other two-thirds.

More than 51 million votes were cast by fans on NFL.com last season.

Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been the top fan vote-getter the past two seasons.

The 2004 Pro Bowl will be televised on ESPN, February 8, 2004, from Hawaii.

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Hinkle, Michalske

Tue, 14 Oct 2003 15:37:20 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Don Hutson, Ray Nitschke and Willie Wood, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Clarke Hinkle and Mike Michalske.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Jim Ringo and James Lofton, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Clarke Hinkle --

A four-time All-Pro selection (1936-3..

Letter From Packers President/CEO Bob Harlan

Tue, 14 Oct 2003 14:55:25 CST

To all fans of the Green Bay Packers,

This morning, October 14, I made an announcement to members of the Green Bay Packers organization that I feel is important to extend to you, the fans.

Two weeks ago today, I found out that I had skin cancer, melanoma, in two different locations of my body: behind my right ear and on the back of my right shoulder. Last Wednesday, October 8, I went to St. Vincent Hospital here in Green Bay and had surgery to remove the lesions.

The early reports since then have been very encouraging. I feel extremely fortunate that this was caught early, and that it wasn't more devastating.

Today I returned to the Packers' administrative offices here at 1265 Lombardi Ave.

I plan to work half-days for the rest of the week as I ease back into things, but I expect to be back full-time next Monday.

I have been told by the doctors that I'll have a weakness in the right side of my face and in my right arm for a few ..

Packers Notebook -- Johnson Doubtful With Quad Strain

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2003 17:37:51 CST

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman isn't sure when he'll get defensive end Joe Johnson back, but he doesn't expect it will be in time for Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams.

Johnson strained his right quadriceps in the first quarter of the Packers' 40-34 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs over the weekend, and after hobbling to the sideline had to be carted to the Packers' locker room.

"I would anticipate he would be very doubtful for this week, based on how he exited the field," Sherman said Monday. "Until we see the MRI, I won't really know."

Johnson's injury is just the latest in a long line for the Packers' defensive line this season.

Chukie Nwokorie missed Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, and Aaron Kampman has been sidelined for the past four weeks with a badly sprained ankle.

The Packers re-signed fifth-year veteran Larry Smith last week, but the former Jacksonville Jaguar hasn't seen any game action since a pair of preseaso..

AP Story: Packers Lose OT Thriller At Home, 40-34

Sun, 12 Oct 2003 16:28:29 CST

For once, the Kansas City Chiefs ' wild finish didn't involve Dante Hall.

Even with their star kick returner being kept out of the end zone for the first time in a month, the Chiefs overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime, then came out on top after a crazy closing sequence to beat the Packers 40-34 at Lambeau Field.

Here were the final three plays of the game, one right after the other:

-Cletidus Hunt blocked Morten Andersen 's 48-yard field goal attempt with 9:09 left in OT to give the Packers (3-3) possession at their 39 and the wind at their back.

-On first down, Packers running back Ahman Green -- who ran 26 times for 139 yards -- fumbled the ball, and Kansas City recovered.

-Chiefs quarterback Trent Green threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Kennison with 8:42 left in the extra period.

Simple as that, Kansas City improved to 6-0.

"First off, it doesn't tell me anything I didn't already..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Chiefs

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 11 Oct 2003 15:25:24 CST

Just when the Green Bay Packers got finished snapping one team's winning streak, another undefeated team comes to Lambeau Field this weekend.

And while the Seattle Seahawks are good, the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs could be the best team in football.

On offense the Packers are going against a Chiefs defense that's much improved from the 2002 season.

Although ranked 26th in terms of total yards, the Chiefs defense has allowed the sixth-fewest points in the NFL.

One of Kansas City's key offseason acquisitions was Vonnie Holliday, who should be a familiar name to Packers fans because he played five seasons in Green Bay.

Strong against the run at the point of attack, the Chiefs' defensive schemes have been set up perfectly to allow Holliday to make plays as a pass rusher. He already has four sacks this season, and Packers fans need only remember the preseason game in Canton to imagine what it might look like if Holliday gets a clear path to Brett ..

Packers Notebook - Favre Still The Same At 34

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2003 15:23:27 CST

Now in his 13th season, Brett Favre's NFL career has seen its share of good days, bad days and birthdays.

The NFL's only three-time MVP turned 34 Friday. And although Favre's hair now features significant tufts of silver, his game shows few signs of age.

The Packers' all-time passing leader got off to a rocky start in 2003, but since his four-interception performance in the season opener, Favre has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for eight touchdowns compared to three interceptions.

He was especially sharp last week against the Seattle Seahawks, hitting on 19 of 25 attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns, which earned him a quarterback rating of 122.9.

But if some fans and members of the media speculated after Week 1 that the Packers' starting quarterback was over the hill, Favre hasn't doubted himself for a moment.

"I can still play," Favre said this week, clearly disappointed that he would even have to defend himself. "Nothing's..

Smith 'Ready To Roll'

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 09 Oct 2003 17:27:26 CST

Veteran defensive lineman Larry Smith has been without a team for the first five weeks of the 2003 regular season, but that doesn't mean he isn't ready to make plays this weekend.

Re-signed by the Packers in the wake of injuries to defensive ends Joe Johnson (triceps), Aaron Kampman (ankle) and Chukie Nwokorie (shoulder), Smith says he can contribute if called upon Sunday, when the Kansas City Chiefs come to Lambeau Field.

"I'm ready to roll," Smith said Thursday after his first practice with the team since training camp. "They brought me here to play."

Waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars after two episodes with heat exhaustion during training camp, Smith spent two preseason weeks with the Packers before being cut September 1.

The last time Smith was in Green Bay the Packers were looking to see if he could provide depth at defensive tackle, as starter Gilbert Brown appeared to be on his way to injured reserve with a ruptured biceps.

This t..

Live Chat To Welcome Nick Barnett, Friday

Thu, 09 Oct 2003 10:55:32 CST

Although he was the Pac-10 Conference's leading tackler as a senior at Oregon State University, Nick Barnett was unknown to many fans when the Green Bay Packers made him their first round draft pick last spring.

He isn't unknown anymore.

Starting at middle linebacker, Barnett leads the team with 53 tackles, 37 of them unassisted. He's also tied for the team lead in interceptions and sacks, with two each.

Barnett's 48 tackles over the last four games are the most in four consecutive contests by any Packers player -- rookie or veteran -- over the past 10 seasons. Twice this season Barnett has been named the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.

This weekend, Barnett and the Packers defense have a tough challenge ahead of them in the Kansas City Chiefs. But before Barnett takes on running back Priest Holmes, he'll take on Packers fans in an exclusive Live Chat at Packers.com, Friday at approximately 2 p.m. CT.

In recent weeks, Live Chat has welcom..

Winning the Big I

Mickey Herskowitz, special to NFL.com — Thu, 09 Oct 2003 11:54:51 CST

They can play a hundred of them, and probably will, and no Super Bowl ever will equal the emotion and nervousness of the first one.

The notice was short, the staging uncertain, and nobody knew quite what to expect. Oh, the predictions that Green Bay would demolish the Kansas City Chiefs were universal, but there was absolutely no realistic way to compare the teams.

Subsequent games would be played for the best of reasons: to settle the pro football championship of the galaxy. But the first one was as close as the series would ever get to a holy war.

There were so many vendettas working there barely was room for the teams. It was not only the National Football League against the American Football League, but all their children against each other: CBS versus NBC, Ford versus Chrysler. Even the writers who covered the respective leagues huddled in their own corners. This was no time to be neutral.

As a result, no coach ever again is likely to feel..

Scottish Super Fan Heads For Green Bay To Back The Pack

Wed, 08 Oct 2003 11:47:58 CST

Scottish super-fan George McClintock will endure the ultimate road trip this weekend when he travels a round trip of almost 10,000 miles to see the Packers take on the Chiefs at Lambeau Field.

McClintock, who was named Fan of the Year by the NFL Europe League Scottish Claymores, won the prize of a trip to an NFL game of his choice for his efforts in supporting and promoting the team. George, also a transatlantic Packers fan had no hesitation selecting a game in Green Bay at famous Lambeau Field - despite a gruelling 40-hour round trip to see his Packers heroes in action.

The Claymores' No.1 booster is particularly looking forward to seeing former Claymores players Craig Nall and Marco Rivera. Packers back-up quarterback Nall was a standout for the Claymores this past NFL Europe League season - and George's Claymores fan club, the Inverclyde Mariners, helped him feel right at home by 'adopting' the passer during his stay.

Nall returned the favor leading the ..

Special Teams Under Spotlight This Weekend

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Oct 2003 19:44:05 CST

Josh Bidwell isn't usually the center of attention in the Green Bay Packers' locker room, but he wasn't surprised to be swarmed by members of the media Wednesday.

That's what happens when you're days away from a date with Kansas City Chiefs return man Dante Hall.

"I was waving you over here in case you didn't know where my locker was," Bidwell said with a laugh. "I haven't seen a lot of you guys this year."

Ranked No. 1 in the NFL in punt situations and No. 2 in the NFC in kickoff situations, the Packers' coverage units have been suffocating opponents under the direction of coordinator John Bonamego this season.

But through five games the Packers haven't come up against anyone quite like Hall, who already has four returns for touchdowns in 2003 -- two on punts and two on kickoffs.

With all due respect to running back Priest Holmes, who leads the NFL in total yards with 681, no Chiefs player has been as dominating as Hall this year.
<..

Wolf, Sharpe Among Primary Nominees For Hall Of Fame

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Oct 2003 17:04:35 CST

Former Green Bay Packers general manager Ron Wolf and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe are among the primary nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2004.

Wednesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame released a list of 67 former players, coaches and contributors who make up the primary list for election for next year's class.

From that list only 23 will be selected as semifinalists, as former New York Giants linebacker Harry Carson and league executive George Young are automatic finalists, having finished in the top six in the voting for 2003.

Wolf, who retired from his GM position in 2000, spent his nine seasons in Green Bay rebuilding the Packers back to championship status.

Among his many contributions, Wolf hired head coach Mike Holmgren, traded for quarterback Brett Favre and signed defensive end Reggie White, putting in place the key c..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2003 18:09:05 CST

LeRoy, I am very pleased that Green Bay won this past weekend, but do you think it is a huge concern that Green Bay can't stop the run, especially with Priest Holmes coming to town this week? - Paul (29 Palms, CA)

I understand your concerns. Priest Holmes is by far the best weapon in the league. The Packers' coaching staff will be working diligently all week to figure out ways to stop him in both the run and the pass. On first and second down they'll be employing a lot of eight-man fronts, and on third down they'll be covering him with a defensive back. It's going to be a challenge for the defense, there's no question.

Is the Packers' special teams good enough to stop Dante Hall next week? What do they have to do to do so? Thanks. - Clay (Salt Lake City, UT)

Currently the Packers special teams is ranked No. 1 in the NFL in terms of punt coverage. They're second in the NFC in kickoff coverage. That shows that coordinator John Bonamego ha..

Butler: Big Players Made Big Plays In Win

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2003 18:07:05 CST

Obviously when your Pro Bowlers play well, you have a great chance of winning, and that's what happened over the weekend when the Green Bay Packers handed the Seattle Seahawks their first loss of the season, 35-13.

On defense, Darren Sharper got his first interception of the year, just as predicted (wink, wink), ending what looked to be a Seattle scoring drive and sending the Packers on one of their own.

On offense, Brett Favre was the model of efficiency at quarterback. He was on the money with his passes, completing 19-of-25 attempts on the day and connecting with eight different receivers.

Donald Driver was one of them. Despite drawing double coverage in many cases, Driver led the team with seven receptions, including a touchdown, and his downfield blocking was sound.

Once again Ahman Green showed people across the land just what kind of a back he is. He took over the game in the second half and finished with 118 rushing yards and two touchdo..

Packers-Buccaneers Trip Up For Grabs In Packers.com Trivia Contest

Tue, 07 Oct 2003 17:31:33 CST

Are you good at Green Bay Packers trivia?

You'd better hope you are, because this month Packers.com is giving away a trip for two to Florida to see the Green Bay Packers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nov. 16, courtesy of Gold'n Plump!

For the month of October, Gold'n Plump is sponsoring the Packers.com trivia contest, which awards a Packers prize pack to one lucky winner each week.

As usual, October contest winners (one a week) will win a Packers prize package, with those selected weekly winners advancing for a random drawing to select the winner of the Tampa trip.

To be eligible for the trip, entrants must be at least 21-years of age.

The winner will receive free airfare, lodging and tickets for two to see the game at Raymond James Stadium in November.

Additional restrictions may apply.

To enter the Packers.com trivia contest click here, or go to the Fans section and select Trivia Conte..

'Legends' Wallpaper Series Continues With Nitschke, Taylor

Tue, 07 Oct 2003 17:58:10 CST

In celebration of the renovated and rededicated Lambeau Field, this season Packers.com is offering a new desktop wallpaper series that pays tribute to the Packers' storied past.

The Legends of the Green and Gold series depicts some of the renowned individuals from team history, all of whom helped to make the Packers one of the greatest franchises in all of professional sports.

Having already released free wallpapers of Tony Canadeo, Don Hutson, Johnny "Blood" McNally and Bart Starr, among others, this week the series continues with tributes to Ray Nitschke and Jim Taylor.

In future weeks, the series will include wallpapers of greats such as Clarke Hinkle and Jim Ringo, along with Curly Lambeau, Vince Lombardi and the rest of the Green Bay Packers enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The following is a closer look at this week's legends:

Ray Nitschke --

A fullback at the Un..

Packers Participate In 5th-Annual Hometown Huddle

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2003 16:58:01 CST

Trading shoulder pads for shovels, six members of the Green Bay Packers teamed with volunteers from the United Way of Brown County to put the final touches on a renovation project at the local Boys & Girls Club, Tuesday.

The project was part of the NFL's 'Hometown Huddle' campaign -- a collection of hands-on volunteer projects implemented simultaneously on a single Tuesday in different NFL cities across the country.

The Boys & Girls Club, which serves over 5,000 members in the Green Bay area between ages 10-18 and has installed programs at 10 after-school sites, recently renovated and expanded its west-side location.

Tuesday, Packers players Najeh Davenport, Donald Driver, Paris Lenon, Craig Nall, Grey Ruegamer and Marcus Wilkins were there to help with the finishing touches assisting the volunteers and kids with painting the gym and installing new landscaping outside the center.

"It's so exciting to see the Packers involved with the United Way and..

Packers Well Aware Of Chiefs' Hall

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 19:48:24 CST

If there was ever a time the Green Bay Packers would love to win a coin toss, it would be this weekend.

But whether they kick off to the Kansas City Chiefs on the opening play of the game, the opening play of the second half or somewhere in between, the Packers know they'll have to face return man Dante Hall sooner or later this Sunday.

Leading the league with an astonishing four touchdown returns through five games this season -- two on kickoffs and two on punts -- Hall is dominating the return game like few men ever have. And, like everyone else, the Packers have taken notice.

"Oh, trust me," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Monday, "the players know who Dante Hall is right now. If they watched (ESPN's) SportsCenter last night, they're very familiar with has he's done and what he's accomplished."

But knowing what Hall can do and stopping him are two entirely different things.

The Denver Broncos certainly knew all about Hall's abilities..

Packers Injury Update

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 19:41:01 CST

Green Bay Packers linebacker Na'il Diggs, who sprained his medial collateral ligament in Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to be available this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Diggs underwent an MRI Monday, and is expected to return to the practice field later in the week.

Sherman said it's too soon to tell on defensive linemen Joe Johnson and Chukie Nwokorie.

Johnson, who had to be placed on injured reserve last season after tearing his left triceps, strained his right triceps Sunday.

Nwokorie came away from the game with a shoulder injury.

Sherman said other players injured Sunday, including defensive tackle Gilbert Brown (MCL) and offensive guard Mike Wahle (knee), are expected to return this week.

AP Story: Packers Defeat Seahawks 35-13

Sun, 05 Oct 2003 15:30:16 CST

The Green Bay Packers were more concerned about winning than who was coaching against them.

With former coach Mike Holmgren on the other side of the field running the Seahawks, Brett Favre threw for 185 yards and two touchdowns and Ahman Green added 118 yards and two scores as the Packers routed Seattle 35-13.

"This was a great victory for the Green Bay Packers, not Mike Sherman," Packers coach Mike Sherman said. "It doesn't really matter who was on the other side of the ball."

Favre, who guided the Packers on five straight touchdown drives, said he took no extra delight in beating his old tutor.

"No, maybe in '99, but we needed this game for a lot of reasons, not who was on the other sideline," Favre said.

In Holmgren's first return to Lambeau Field in 1999, Favre had six turnovers in a 27-7 loss to the Seahawks.

Green, traded by Holmgren for fumbling too much, was just happy to get another chance with the Packers.

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Seahawks

LeRoy Butler, Special to Packers.com — Sat, 04 Oct 2003 11:29:31 CST

Sunday's game at Lambeau Field will be like a chess match, or maybe a game of chicken.

Former Green Bay Packers head coaches Mike Holmgren and Ray Rhodes make their return to Green Bay with the Seattle Seahawks to go up against Mike Sherman and the Packers.

Those coaches will send their teams on a collision course and look to see if the other guy flinches. But having played for all three coaches, I know none of them will budge, which is why this game should be one of the most exciting of the year.

In addition to Holmgren and Rhodes, also making his return to Green Bay will be Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who spent one season on the Packers' practice squad and two others as a backup to Brett Favre.

Playing behind the league's only three-time MVP, Hasselbeck learned what it takes to be a great NFL quarterback. Now in his third season in Seattle, he seems to have turned the corner.

Hasselbeck reads defenses well and does a good job..

Green Holds No Grudges With Seattle

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Oct 2003 20:22:27 CST

It's not that Ahman Green is unaware of the significance, he just doesn't buy into it.

This weekend when the Green Bay Packers host the Seattle Seahawks, Green will go up against his former NFL team and former head coach Mike Holmgren for the first time since being traded away from Seattle prior to the 2000 season.

But if you think that would give the running back any extra motivation, you'd better think again.

"I'd say it's just another football team that's going to come up here and play," Green said. "For myself it's nothing special, nothing personal. Out there on the football field it's all business and just a football game, just like any other."

If this weekend's game is run of the mill, the deal that brought Green to Green Bay was anything but.

Stuck behind Ricky Watters and limited primarily to special teams duty, Green was unloaded by the Seahawks after only two seasons.

In return, Seattle acquired cornerback Fred Vinson ..

Packers Notebook - Surgery Won't Sideline Luchey

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Oct 2003 20:24:50 CST

Backup fullback Nick Luchey, who had two pins surgically inserted into his broken left thumb this week, could be available Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks should GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman elect to use him.

Luchey shattered his thumb during practice last week when a tipped pass deflected awkwardly into his hand.

He saw limited action late against the Chicago Bears in the Packers' 38-23 win Monday night, and if he were to play this weekend it would be with his thumb and much of his forearm covered by a cast.

"It's casted up and protected," Sherman said. "From an injury standpoint, yes, he can go."

Due to the size of the cast, Luchey is somewhat limited, but has demonstrated an ability to catch passes during practice.

Sherman said Luchey probably would remain in the cast until the bye week, which begins after the October 19 meeting with the St. Louis Rams.

Marshall Maybe

Sherman has until Saturday afternoon to m..

Favre Happy To Keep It On The Ground

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 17:50:08 CST

If familiarity with a quarterback is the key to stopping him, the Seattle Seahawks have to like their chances against Brett Favre this weekend.

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren and defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes are two of only 13 men to serve as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, and between them they share eight season's as Favre's head coach.

But if the NFL's only three-time MVP has been the cornerstone of the Packers' success more often than not over his 12-year term, that hasn't been so much the case this season.

Held back by a rocky season opener, through four games the Packers' passing attack has provided as many interceptions as touchdowns (7). And when asked this week to ponder all the ways Holmgren and Rhodes might conspire to stop him, Favre suggested that it would be a mistake to try.

"I think in attacking our offense right now, you better stop the running game first," Favre said. "If you go in and stop me, then we'll just run th..

Live Chat To Welcome Al Harris, Friday

Thu, 02 Oct 2003 13:52:09 CST

Acquired in an offseason trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, cornerback Al Harris is one of the new components of the Green Bay Packers defense in 2003.

Known for his flowing dreadlocks and aggressive bump-and-run style, Harris is one of four Packers with an interception this season, but is the only one with a return for a touchdown.

Harris proved tough to keep up with on that 56-yard return against the Detroit Lions, but he'll slow down long enough to exchange messages with Packers fans this Friday, when at approximately 2 p.m. CT, he'll be our guest for an exclusive Live Chat on Packers.com.

We've had some excellent chats so far this season, largely due to the outstanding questions submitted by Packers fans.

If you plan to take part in Friday's chat, please be sure to remember the following tips:

Be courteous and respectful. Packers.com will not post any profanity, and chat guests are unlikely to answer questions that are rude in ..

Marshall Returns From Suspension

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:40:43 CST

After a month-long hiatus, Torrance Marshall will now begin to see if his impressive preseason can translate into regular-season success.

Wednesday the third-year linebacker who led the Packers with 31 tackles (24 solo, 7 assisted) in five preseason games returned to the practice field after serving a four-week suspension for violating the NFL's Substance Abuse Program.

The only player clad in shorts on a breezy, 40-degree day, Marshall noticed that some things had changed since he was last in Green Bay, but expressed relief to be back in otherwise comfortable surroundings.

"I didn't think it was that cold out there; it surprised me," Marshall said after practice. "Four weeks is a long time not to be doing something you love to do and I was just happy to be out there mingling with the guys, joking around."

Marshall will be even happier if he's allowed to suit up Sunday.

Although back at practice, he's yet to be activated to the 53-man ros..

Swinton Surprised By Deal

Jason Bellamy, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:37:28 CST

When he didn't see playing time in two straight games with the Cowboys, wide receiver/return specialist Reggie Swinton knew something was "fishy" in Dallas, but he didn't expect to be traded.

Especially not far north to Green Bay. But that's just what happened Tuesday, when the Packers sent a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2004 draft to the Cowboys to acquire the third-year veteran.

"It surprised me," Swinton said of the trade Wednesday following his first practice with his new team. "I'm shocked right now still."

For that he can hardly be blamed.

In Dallas, Swinton left behind his job for the past two seasons, his fiance and his recently purchased home. Not to mention some decidedly warmer weather.

"I'm still getting adjusted here," Swinton said. "It's freezing. I'm in a hotel. I wish I had a house to live in, but I'll be fine."

Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said he cont..