Packers.com

Defense Continues To Help Streaking Packers

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 31 Oct 2004 15:46:48 CST

As the Packers left the field in Washington after their 28-14 win Sunday, both sides of the ball could be proud of the part they played in getting to the bye week with a .500 record.

Throughout the length of Green Bay's winning streak, which now stands at three games, coordinator Bob Slowik's defense has played well. Sunday was no different, with the Green and Gold turning in a solid defensive performance across the board.

From the play of the defensive line, which produced constant pressure on quarterback Mark Brunell, to the linebackers who helped to hold the Redskins to just 81 rushing yards, to the secondary providing solid pass coverage and two interceptions, their was no weak link in the Packers chain of defense.

Coming into the game, one key for the Packers had to be holding the dangerous Washington running back, Clinton Portis, in check. They did just that for the most part, limiting the runner to 70 yards, improving their 2004 record to 4-1 whe..

AP Story: Packers Beat Redskins For 3rd Straight Win

Sun, 31 Oct 2004 15:46:18 CST

Clinton Portis celebrated the apparent winning touchdown with a leap into the end zone, capping a 43-yard reception that gave the Redskins a one-point lead with 2:35 to play.

Oops. Scratch that. Flag on the play.

Receiver James Thrash was whistled for illegal motion, a call Thrash didn't understand and one that Washington coach Joe Gibbs called "an absolute mystery."

The Green Bay Packers had a different feeling: sheer relief.

Al Harris intercepted a pass on the next play, and the Packers drove for an insurance touchdown to cap a 28-14 victory Sunday that pulled Green Bay (4-4) back to .500 after a 1-4 start.

Brett Favre had an erratic game, playing with a sprained hand, a banged thumb and the distraction of his wife undergoing breast cancer treatment. He completed 20 of 33 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown and three interceptions.

But the play everyone will remember is the negated touchdown.

"I was exhausted," W..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Redskins

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 30 Oct 2004 16:17:59 CST

The Washington Redskins are a team that a lot of their fans have told me are underachieving. With the money they have spent over the past few seasons to get Clinton Portis, Mark Brunell, Laveranues Coles and more, I think they all thought the Redskins would be a playoff team, especially with their head coach Joe Gibbs coming out of retirement and the coaching staff that he brought in.

Maybe they are underachieving a bit, but from our perspective, this is not the week for Washington to find their groove.

The Green Bay Packers come into this game in search of a much-needed victory to get them back to .500 at 4-4 going into their bye week.

The big key to this game will be the challenge that Greg Robinson's Washington Redskins defense will pose to the Green Bay offense. The Redskins blitz a lot. They blitz with timely blitzes, but they may be hurt this week by being shorthanded a couple of defensive starters.

Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington is..

Mixed News On Injured Packers

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 29 Oct 2004 16:19:33 CST

After their final full practice leading up to Sunday's game at Washington, Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced that nearly everyone who had appeared on the team's injury report during the week had returned to practice Friday.

Quarterback Brett Favre (sprained hand), running back Ahman Green (sore Achilles), cornerback Al Harris (knee sprain), defensive end Aaron Kampman (sprained ankle), and guard Marco Rivera (sprained ankle) were all back on the practice field after missing Wednesday and Thursday's workouts.

The one player who has been unable to give it a go in practice all week, Friday included, has been free safety and defensive leader Darren Sharper. Sharper left the Packers' game against the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday with a sprained ligament in his knee. Friday, the defensive back worked out with the team's trainers, testing the knee's stability and his ability to move around.

Sherman stated in his Friday press conference that he ..

Run Defense Will Tell The Tale

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 28 Oct 2004 17:54:52 CST

Over the past two weeks, the Green Bay Packers have rebounded from a dismal 1-4 start and leapt back into contention for a potential return to postseason play for the fourth consecutive season as they stand at 3-4.

It goes without saying that a large factor in the 38-10 and 41-20 wins at Detroit and at home against Dallas, respectively, has been a surging offensive attack.

What has gone somewhat unnoticed in the two-game winning streak, though, has been a much-improved run defense.

Five games into the season, the Packers defense was giving up an average of 149.8 rushing yards per game, was practically at the bottom of the NFL rankings in rush defense, and was coming off a shocking performance which saw the Tennessee Titans run for 224 yards and three touchdowns at Lambeau Field.

In the past two games, however, that same Packers defense (or was it?) allowed a total of 99 yards on the ground (33 to the Lions and 66 to the Cowboys) to cut their yards ..

Be A Part Of 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 17:36:01 CST

Cap A Great Day of Football At 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub; No Ticket Required.

Come to Curly's at 8 p.m. to see Burke Griffin and Wayne Larrivee recap the days highlights and interview one of your favorite Packers. You'll also have a chance to win a game ball used in that day's game.

The Packers-Cowboys game ball winner was Bill of Milwaukee, Wis.

Come to the show this week and see Packers fullback Nick Luchey. Please note the special time of 8 p.m. due to the Packers' game at Washington.

Whether you watch the game at home, or with some friends, wrap up the day's excitement by being part of the fun at the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter' at Curly's Pub.

Packers Receivers Producing Numbers, Confidence

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 28 Oct 2004 11:03:43 CST

The Green Bay Packers are enjoying one of the finest seasons the franchise has seen from a group of wide receivers, and the great thing is, everyone involved thinks they still have a long way to go before they reach their potential.

The Packers' foursome of Javon Walker, Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson, and Antonio Chatman have piled up numbers that are near the tops in the league. Through seven games, the four receivers have tallied a combined 101 catches, a number that is only bested by the group of wideouts from the St. Louis Rams.

Walker (41) and Driver (40) have teamed up to catch 81 passes, which ties for best in the NFL, and their 1,221 receiving yards are by far #1 in the league. With Ferguson's production figured to increase as he returns to full health, the wideouts look to continue to terrorize opposition secondaries for the rest of the season and beyond.

Brett Favre, the man responsible for getting the ball into the hands of these playmakers, s..

Favre Excels Through Adversity

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 27 Oct 2004 19:18:50 CST

The legend of Packers quarterback Brett Favre has been well documented over his 14-year NFL career, 13 of those years spent at the helm of the Green Bay offense.

There are very few active players who were even in the league in 1992, let alone any who have been in the starting lineup for every game since Favre began his ironman run under center for the Packers 196 regular season games ago.

Favre has long since set the record for consecutive starts by a quarterback, establishing himself as one of the most constant presences in all of football by playing through a plethora of injuries along the way.

Not only has he been able to put up Hall of Fame-caliber statistics and lead his team to two Super Bowls and five division titles while often playing through physical pain that would have left many other players on the sidelines, Favre has also famously weathered personal tragedy and excelled on the football field.

Last year, Favre suffered the sudden lo..

Butler: Packers Are Rolling

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 26 Oct 2004 13:47:55 CST

The Packers are really on a roll right now. I think this is the kind of roll that we all hoped they could get started and hope that they can continue for the rest of the season.

The way that Sunday's game started, you knew right away that the Packers were very focused and very aggressive. The defense first of all, took a hit when Darren Sharper went down with a knee injury late in the first quarter.

He was hurt after helping the 'D' hold the Cowboys in the red zone to just two field goals. Dallas had gone on a couple of long drives, but the Packer defense was able to stiffen and keep them out of the end zone. I think that was a key to winning that ballgame.

Bhawoh Jue came in for Sharper and was very serviceable. In fact, he led the team with seven tackles and played well. Ahmad Carroll started for the second straight week and played a solid game.

Overall, I think the defense got a spark from Grady Jackson coming back and James Lee also ret..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 26 Oct 2004 13:47:24 CST

LeRoy, Can you ask the current players about, or offer insight into what happened to the best field celebration ever -- your own creation -- the Lambeau Leap?!? I don't think I've ever seen Ahman or Javon take the Leap, and even Driver, who "grew up with it" his first years in the league, avoided it this weekend. Did the players just get tired of it? Were the fans too exuberant? - Todd (Mahomet, IL)

The Lambeau Leap still is our signature celebration. I think in Ahman's case, the guy had just run 90 yards. He probably didn't have enough energy to get up there.

It's a spontaneous thing. When players don't do the Leap, they're not being disrespectful to the fans, it's just that sometimes they may forget. I think you're just so happy to score to help your team win, sometimes you can forget to celebrate a particular way.

As far as this weekend, Donald Driver did do a Lambeau Leap after his touchdown in the third quarter. I guess they must not hav..

Green's 90-Yard Run Nominated For NFL Play Of The Week

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 10:47:48 CST

Green Bay Packers running back Ahman Green's 90-yard touchdown run against the Dallas Cowboys is among the five Week 7 nominees for the "LEVITRA? (vardenafil HCI) PLAY OF THE WEEK."

The award is presented each Thursday during the NFL regular season to recognize the single most exciting play that week as determined by the fans. Voting is open to the fans each week from Tuesday at Noon ET until Thursday at Noon ET, exclusively on NFL.com. Each weekly winner will be a finalist for the "LEVITRA? PLAY OF THE YEAR," to be awarded at Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Florida.

Fans who vote at NFL.com each week can also enter for their chance to win a three-day/two-night trip for two to Jacksonville, Florida to attend Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, 2005, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen's 21-yard fumble return that set up the game-winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys was vot..

Ahman Green Nominated For FedEx Ground Player Of The Week

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 08:58:51 CST

Running backs AHMAN GREEN of the Green Bay Packers, PRIEST HOLMES of the Kansas City Chiefs and EMMITT SMITH of the Arizona Cardinals are the finalists for FedEx Ground NFL Player of the Week honors for games played on October 24-25, while quarterbacks BYRON LEFTWICH of the Jacksonville Jaguars, PEYTON MANNING of the Indianapolis Colts and DONOVAN MC NABB of the Philadelphia Eagles are the finalists for FedEx Express NFL Player of the Week honors, the NFL announced Tuesday.

Fans can vote for one player in each category on NFL.com from Tuesday morning through noon on Thursday to determine the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week. The FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week will be announced Thursday on NFL.com and Friday in USA Today.

Fans will be voting for more than their favorite player. The weekly FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week Awards are a win for the local community. Along wit..

Packers-Redskins Rivalry

Tue, 26 Oct 2004 11:02:00 CST

'PACKERS' RIVALRY WITH REDSKINS PUNCTUATED BY HIGHEST SCORING
GAME IN TEAM HISTORY, 'SHARING' OF GB'S GREATEST HEAD COACHES

The Packers' rivalry with the Washington Redskins, spanning eight decades, is something of a paradox.

Theirs is one of the National Football League's oldest series, dating back to 1932 and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's arrival in the White House. Yet, they have met only 28 times over that 71-year span.

Nonetheless, they share significant NFL and major mutual history - including the highest scoring game in the Packers' 85-year annals.

For earliest example, they were the principals in the fourth league championship game ever played - in 1936, when the Redskins were in the process of moving from Boston to the nation's capital and thus were no longer welcome in Beantown, "requiring" that the Skins transfer the title contest to New York's Polo Grounds.

The Packers had the better of it in that matchup - on Dec. 13,..

Injury Questions Face Both Sides Of The Ball

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 22:12:36 CST

Following the Packers' three-touchdown win over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman had a list of big-name players on his injury report.

A day later, Sherman delivered an update on the status of the injuries, and announced another ding or two.

Mentioned first on the list both Sunday and Monday was quarterback Brett Favre, who injured his throwing hand when he hit it on a Dallas player's helmet on a second quarter pass to William Henderson Sunday afternoon.

As was stated after the game, Favre sprained his right hand, but Sherman said that he believes the signal-caller's record-setting consecutive games streak is not in jeopardy. Favre will most likely be listed as probable when the team submits its first mandatory injury report of the week Wednesday to the league.

Also appearing on the medical staff's list were two of the four starting members of the secondary.

Sherman said that an MRI taken Monday confirmed that safety..

Bevell Big Part Of Third Down Success

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 25 Oct 2004 18:20:21 CST

If you listen to a football coach speak long enough, you're bound to hear him say that the keys to winning are running the football, stopping the run, winning the turnover battle, and converting on third down.

The Green Bay Packers have been successful in these areas over the past two weeks, and in what is not a mysterious coincidence, have posted back-to-back impressive wins to improve their record to 3-4, with a chance to pull even at .500 going into their bye week.

One of the biggest of these key factors that jumps off the stat sheet is the Packers' knack for turning third down into 1st and 10. Through seven weeks of the season, the Pack's offense is converting on an amazing 51.6% of their third down opportunities.

Not only do the Packers lead the league in third down conversion percentage, they are on pace to set a record for the best rate in team history, besting their 1995 mark of 49.1%. By comparison, the third down conversion percentage across the..

Packers Notebook - Green Hits Paydirt And Record Books

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2004 23:43:37 CST

The way Ahman Green was running Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, it was no surprise he was setting records. The only question was how many he would set before the day was through.

On a day in which he averaged nearly 11 yards a carry, Green finished with 163 yards and two touchdowns. The Cowboys had no answer for Green as he showed power on a number of runs as well as speed on one particular run that caught everyone's attention - a 90 yard touchdown sprint.

"A.G. running away from 24 (Tony Dixon) is something that will be etched into my mind for a long time," guard Mike Wahle said. "That was impressive because that player was a lot smaller than him and Ahman just kept moving. That was neat to see."

What was incredible about the play was that Green started inside and then burst to the outside in what looked like an obvious touchdown. However, Dixon had the angle and just as it appeared that he would knock Green out of bounds before reaching the en..

Packers Reach Into Bag Of Tricks

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2004 23:43:02 CST

Playing football is supposed to be fun. Up until the last two weeks you probably wouldn't have found anybody in the Packers locker room who said they were having a great time. But things sure do change when you mix in a couple wins and a trick play here and there.

With their 41-20 triumph over the Cowboys Sunday afternoon, the Packers continued to roll on offense with sound execution and a mix of gadget plays. It was the second time in as many weeks that the Packers notched a victory and it marked the first home win of the season. Certainly a win at home was long overdue, but the fashion in which it was achieved wasn't lost on the players, either.

It's safe to say that the Packers had fun on Sunday and they had every right to feel good about their latest victory. After all, they were moving the ball with ease and the coaching staff opened the playbook yet again with a successful halfback pass that broke the Cowboys backs.

It may not be the most con..

Win Doesn't Come Without Cost

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2004 23:41:24 CST

Although the Packers were victorious Sunday, claiming a 41-20 win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys, not all the news was great coming out of the home team's locker room at Lambeau Field after the game.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, as is his custom, opened his post-game press conference by reading off the list of players injured during the contest. While the list was not necessarily lengthy, it was definitely highlighted by some of the bigger names on the team.

The four players named, Brett Favre, Bubba Franks, Marco Rivera and Darren Sharper, make up four of the club's eight players who have been named Pro Bowlers during their Packer careers. Add in the fact that All-Pro center Mike Flanagan is already out for the season after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month, that's quite a talented list on the injury report.

Sherman said that Favre sprained his right hand early in the game, but living up to his ironman reputation, the quarterback was able to pl..

Sherman Enjoys Lambeau Field Victory

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2004 23:30:32 CST

Undoubtedly, Sunday was the best GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman has felt walking into Lambeau Field's media auditorium for a post-game press conference this season.

When he entered the room after the Packers' 41-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Sherman stepped to the microphone for the first time after a win on the team's home field in four tries in 2004.

The coach gave the 70,679 in attendance credit for helping to spur the Packers on to victory when he was asked about the feeling of putting up a 'W' at home.

"It feels like it's long overdue," Sherman said. "As I told the players, we should expect this because we should expect to win at home even though we had a very worthy opponent today. Any day in front of our crowd in our stadium, we expect to win. Our fans today were phenomenal. They were there in voice. You could hear them, you could feel them. They were as much a part to do with this as anything. I'm happy that we were able to send them home with ..

AP Story: Packers Hammer Cowboys In 41-20 Win

Sun, 24 Oct 2004 18:42:01 CST

Mike Sherman has found his calling, and the Green Bay Packers have rediscovered their rhythm.

With their coach-general manager directing the offense for the second straight game, the Packers scored on their first seven possessions to thrash the Dallas Cowboys 41-20 Sunday.

The Packers (3-4) snapped a three-game losing streak at Lambeau Field and Brett Favre beat the Cowboys (2-4) for just the second time in 10 tries despite jamming his right wrist early in the game.

Sherman called the game with offensive coordinator Tom Rossley, still weak from heart surgery, offering advice from the coaches box.

Just about everything he called caught the Cowboys off-guard.

Favre threw two touchdown passes, Ahman Green ran for his first two TDs since the season opener, Ryan Longwell kicked two field goals and the halfback option pass produced points for the second straight week.

"It's not easy, it's a grind," said Sherman, who directed the P..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Cowboys

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 23 Oct 2004 14:54:38 CST

This week's game against the Dallas Cowboys is a meeting of two teams who have gotten off to slow starts. Both teams were in the playoffs last year and should be playing a lot better than they have so far this season. Something has to give. It will be difficult for the loser of this game to recover and make the playoffs, and the winner will be closer to where they want to be.

If the Packers can pull it out, they will stand at 3-4 and one step closer to getting back to .500 going into the bye week after next weekend's game. The Cowboys would be at .500 with a 3-3 record if they can win Sunday, and they need this game to have any hopes of catching Philadelphia in the NFC East.

Dallas comes in after losing two in a row at home - two games that they probably should have won. First they lost to the Giants, and then last week they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers after having a lead very late in the game.

The Cowboys come into Lambeau Field, where the Packers..

Packers Notebook - Linemen Looking To Make A Go Of It

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 22 Oct 2004 17:34:08 CST

When injured nose tackles Grady Jackson and James Lee rejoined their teammates on the practice field Wednesday, there was guarded optimism that the pair of big men could be back on the field in game action perhaps by next week.

Less than 48 hours from kickoff from Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, both players are hoping for an even swifter return to the field. Though each of them were listed as questionable (50-50 chance of suiting up) on Friday's injury report, Jackson and Lee both felt good about their chances of returning to the field Sunday.

Jackson, who was on the practice field for all three practice sessions this week, said Friday he thinks he would be able to play about 30 snaps in Sunday's contest. He said he felt no affects from getting back to some contact, and isn't worried about the possibility of another injury.

"I feel pretty good," said Jackson. "We'll see how my knee reacts to it. It's going to be a game time decision. You've ..

Time To End Home Slide

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 17:39:58 CST

One of the more perplexing turn of events surrounding the Packers early season struggles has been their inability to win in three games at Lambeau Field. In the past, their treasured stadium has given the Green and Gold a sense of near invincibility, which for some reason has eluded them in 2004.

The three-game Lambeau losing skid is the Packers' first since 1991 - all the way back when Brett Favre was patrolling the sidelines at Fulton County Stadium as a rookie back-up quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons. Favre and the rest of his teammates are ready to build on their success last week in Detroit and chalk up their first home win of the 2004 season.

"We've lost three at home and that's unheard of around here, at least since '92," Favre said. "Every head coach will sit there and start off the season saying we have to win at home and find a way to steal a few on the road. We've always done that. We're running out of games at home, so we need to start now."

Excerpt: Brett Favre Talks Tough

Brett Favre, Special to NFL.com — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 11:46:16 CST

Note: The following is an excerpt from the new book, FAVRE, written by Brett Favre and his mother, Bonita Favre, with Green Bay Press-Gazette columnist Chris Havel. FAVRE is a dazzling tribute to the Packers' future Hall of Famer, with personal family photos and remembrances, stunning four-color action shots, and inspiring stories. In the following excerpt, Favre talks about toughness. Click here to purchase the book online at PackersProShop.com

I went from seldom reading Men's Journal to being its biggest fan overnight.

I was surprised, pleased, and pretty embarrassed to hear that an article in the magazine's March 2004 issue named me "The Toughest Guy in America." At first I thought it was a joke, or a mistake, and that there was nothing to it.

When I saw the article I was blown away.

Seriously, I was honored to think I would even be..

Speedster Johnson Back In Action

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 11:05:16 CST

Cornerback Chris Johnson, the Packers' first of four seventh-round selections in the 2003 NFL Draft, returned to on-field activity with his teammates for the first time in quite a while Wednesday. The defensive back with legendary speed has yet to see his professional career get going after enduring a pair of major injuries in his relatively short stay in Green Bay.

Johnson, who was timed at an astonishing 4.23 seconds in the 40-yard dash coming out of the University of Louisville (although the tattoos on the back of his calves will let you know he once sprinted the distance in 4.18), was sidelined for his entire rookie season after injuring his right knee in a training camp collision with Donald Driver.

After impressing the coaching staff early in his rookie camp, arthroscopic surgery on his right knee which was performed to repair cartilage damage landed Johnson on injured reserve and out for all of 2003.

Following a strenuous rehabilitation regimen, Joh..

Sherman To Continue Calling Plays

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 19:25:33 CST

Following the team's 38-point performance last week against Detroit and with offensive coordinator Tom Rossley still getting back to full health, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman will once again be the man calling the plays for the Packers offense when the Dallas Cowboys pay a visit to Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon.

Rossley has returned to work after undergoing an angioplasty operation last week, but is still not quite up to 100%, which prompted Sherman to call his own number again as the play-caller for Sunday.

Sherman spoke about the discussions he's had with Rossley regarding the subject Wednesday in his mid-day press conference.

"We've talked," Sherman said. "Obviously, I'm concerned for his health and to make sure that he's 100%. (I told him that) if he's not 100%, then I would call the plays. He would have input just like I had input (in the past)."

"It will depend on Tom's health. He was just in the hospital. He had surgery a week ago and I..

Packers Voted Classiest Organization In Sports Illustrated Poll

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 20 Oct 2004 11:33:19 CST

In the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated, the results of a poll show that NFL players feel that the Green Bay Packers are the classiest organization in the league.

The poll, which will run in the magazine's "SI Players" section, surveyed 354 players from around the league. The Packers received 18% of the votes, beating out San Francisco (15%), Dallas and New England (10% each) for the top spot.

Packers' President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Harlan was proud to hear the results of the poll, and said that he has had similar feedback from coaches and players who have been a part of the Packers organization over the years.

"There's a great deal of pride in that vote for us," said Harlan. "We have always tried to go out of our way to make sure that we have the finest accommodations for the players -- regarding the practice fields, the practice areas, the way we travel -- and I'm glad they feel that way.

"We have had a lot of coaches who have le..

Williams Can't Hide Eagerness To Play

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 17:16:45 CST

The Packers selected Corey Williams in the NFL draft because of his hustle, athleticism and versatility, but what they probably didn't know about was his anxiousness to get on the field.

It didn't take long for Williams to show that desire to play, either. On July 31st, Williams was so eager to practice that he reported to Clarke Hinkle Field in full uniform and all ready to go, but there was one problem -- he was missing a contract.

Yes, you read it correctly. While many players make sure to sign their contract before they do much of anything, Williams wanted to participate so badly that he forgot all about it. He eventually made it back to team headquarters to put his name on the dotted line before returning to practice and he's been going full throttle ever since.

According to Williams, the time he would have missed was more important than the contract he was about to sign.

"I was ready to go," Williams said. "I wanted to get on the fie..

Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program Collects Record Number Of Phones

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 16:15:07 CST

Working in concert with the Green Bay Packers, Verizon Wireless collected over 410 used wireless phones from fans at the October 11 Monday night game against the Tennessee Titans.

The phones were collected as part of Verizon's Hopeline program, which is the company's program to promote domestic violence awareness and prevention.

The 2004 collection was the third year in which Verizon has taken up a collection at Lambeau Field, and according to Carolyn Schaumberger of Verizon Wireless, last week's was the largest tally to date.

Other initiatives run by the Hopeline program include public service announcements, such as the one featuring Packers offensive lineman Marco Rivera and his wife, Michelle, which is shown on the Lambeau Field scoreboard at each home game.

The key to the program, though, is the phone recycling initiative, according to Schaumberger.

"We collect year-round at all of our 1,200 retail locations around the country no longe..

Vote Now For The 2005 Pro Bowl!

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 16:02:07 CST

The NFL's best will meet in Hawaii on Feb. 13 for the 2005 Pro Bowl.

Who will make the trip this year? You can help decide.

Vote now for the 2005 AFC and NFC All-Stars!

Packers-Cowboys Renew Rivalry

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 13:26:26 CST

PACKERS' LAST-MINUTE VICTORY OVER DALLAS COWBOYS IN 'ICE BOWL' VIA STARR SNEAK REIGNS AS GREATEST GAME IN TEAM HISTORY

The 13-below weather, one attending sportswriter sardonically observed, "was better suited for the defense of Stalingrad..."

The facetious reference was to the Arctic conditions that prevailed in and around Green Bay's Lambeau Field on the afternoon of Dec. 31, 1967 - the occasion of what will be forever known as the "Ice Bowl."

It was, in point of fact, the "backdrop" for the '67 National Football League Championship Game, matching the Packers against the Dallas Cowboys in the coldest (air temperature) game in the history of professional football.

Also a game with a historically dramatic conclusion, one which saw quarterback Bart Starr orchestrate a classic, 68-yard drive and personally sneak the final yard for the winning touchdown to trigger Green Bay's 21-17, come-from-behind victory with only 13 seconds remaining.
..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 11:27:26 CST

Hey Leroy! First off, I think that Ryan Longwell is one of the best kickers in the league. How important is it to have such a clutch kicker that when you put him in the game you feel confident he can make the kick? Also, who do you think is the best Packer kicker of all time? Chris Jacke, Ryan Longwell, or someone else? - Aaron (Brandon, SD)

A clutch kicker can be the difference in two or three extra wins for a team every season. Good teams find themselves losing games they shouldn't just because they don't have a consistently clutch kicker. Just look at New England - Adam Vinatieri might not be the best kicker as far as percentages, but he's made the big kicks in the clutch, and I think Longwell will be ready to do the same if he's called on.

Ryan Longwell has got to be the best kicker in Packer history. He's got all the records for most field goals, most points scored, and has been a very consistent kicker over the years.

He has the range ..

Butler: Just What They Needed

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2004 11:26:40 CST

First of all, I'd like to start by wishing Tom Rossley a speed recovery, it seems like he's doing well. It seems like the biggest news coming out of the big win at Detroit was Mike Sherman calling the plays and coming out with the victory.

The performance shouldn't come as any surprise, since he's an experienced coach. In fact, he kept Detroit off balance with some of his play-calling.

Before we get into the great play of the offense, let's give some credit to the guys who have been taking all the heat around this team for the past month. The defense played great against the Lions.

And before you say 'Detroit was missing their top receivers and had some more injuries', none of that matters. Whoever is facing you on the other side of the ball, that's who you have to play against, and the Packers defense came out Sunday and pretty much shut the Lions down.

The defense held the Lions to 125 total yards. In any kind of pro game, that's a great f..

Tackles Closer To Return

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 23:29:17 CST

Many of the deficiencies in the Packers run defense over the early portion of the season can be traced back to a pair of injuries suffered in the team's first two games of the year.

The Pack lost a pair of 320-pound-plus nose tackles, Grady Jackson and James Lee, to knee injuries in successive weeks at the outset of the campaign, and prior to Sunday's impressive showing at Detroit, the hole left in the middle of the defensive line had been exploited by a series of opponents.

Monday brought a bit of good news to the defensive front, as both Jackson and Lee said they will be returning to practice later this week, although their return to game activity is still uncertain.

Lee has been rehabbing hard and hopes to have the clearance of the team's medical staff to return to the practice field Wednesday.

"Strength-wise, everything's OK," said the second-year defensive lineman. "I've gotten the thumbs up from the trainers and I'm just ready to get out t..

Coaching Staff Back At Full Strength

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 18 Oct 2004 19:47:31 CST

Packers offensive coordinator Tom Rossley spoke to the media for the first time Monday since undergoing an angioplasty last Tuesday which caused him to miss the team's win at Detroit over the weekend.

Although Rossley had returned to the office on a limited basis late last week, his doctors felt it was best if he stayed at home as the team traveled to Michigan. Rossley was back at work Monday, putting in a full day of preparation for the upcoming contest with the Dallas Cowboys.

He felt good upon his return to a winning atmosphere.

"(I feel) stronger every day," the veteran coordinator said. "I feel pretty good. The win helps. Any time you get a win, I think that adds to your health. I feel better because of that and also very good doctors.

"I came in early today, came in about seven o'clock this morning, and I'm going to try to stay up with these guys. I don't know, they keep a pretty good pace, but I'm going to try to stay with them."
..

Be A Part Of 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 09:47:52 CST

Cap A Great Day of Football At 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub; No Ticket Required.

Even if you don't have a ticket for Sunday's game at Lambeau, you still can experience the electric, game-day atmosphere at Curly's Pub for the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter.'

No ticket is required to be at Curly's Pub in the Lambeau Field Atrium at 7 p.m. to see Burke Griffin and Wayne Larrivee recap the day's highlights and interview one of your favorite Packers. You also can enter a contest for a chance to win a game ball used in that day's game.

The Packers-Lions game ball winner was Larry Leiterman, of Green Bay.

Come to the show this week and see Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman.

Whether you watch the game at home, or with some friends, wrap up the day's excitement by being part of the fun at the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter' at Curly's Pub.

Stingy Defense Keys Victory

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 16:20:57 CST

Everyone in the Packers' locker room knew that Sunday's game at Detroit was going to be vital to getting their season back on track.

No group in that locker room knew that better than Bob Slowik's defensive unit, and they came out and turned in an impressive showing against the Lions at Ford Field.

Right off the bat, it was obvious that this was not going to be the same defense that had given up 48 points to Tennessee just six days previous.

The Packer 'D' set the tone early as they held the Lions to a three-and-out on the first possession of the game.

The Lions looked to come out and establish the run against Green Bay's defense, which came into the contest ranked 31st overall and 30th against the run.

Clearly, the defense the Lions had seen on film during the week was not the one that they saw on the field Sunday afternoon, as the Pack stopped running back Artose Pinner on back-to-back runs to open the game for zero and two yards, res..

AP Story: Packers Roll Over Lions 38-10

Sun, 17 Oct 2004 15:38:28 CST

Brett Favre and Darren Sharper have forgotten more motivational speeches than they can remember.

If the Green Bay Packers bounce back this season from their awful start, the pep talk head coach/GM Mike Sherman delivered the night before playing at Detroit will be memorable.

"I told them that our backs were against the wall so far that they had splinters," Sherman recalled.

That did the trick. Favre threw two touchdown passes, and Sharper scored off an interception to lead the Packers to a 38-10 win over the Lions.

Green Bay (2-4) had lost four straight for the first time in 13 years and is 0-3 at home for the first time since 1988.

"We're still in a big hole, no doubt about it," Favre said. "We still have a long ways to go, but this was a big win."

In an odd twist, Detroit (3-2) has won both its road games -- after losing an NFL record 24 straight -- but fell to 1-2 at home.

"Are we disappointed? Absolutely," Lions..

'Spooktacular Fun' For All Ages

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 17 Oct 2004 13:22:25 CST

The Green Bay Packers hosted their second Halloween-themed event, 'Spooktacular Fun,' Saturday in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

The event, modeled after last year's successful affair, featured interactive and entertaining activities, including sing-along music, magic, miming, clowns, stilt walkers and a juggler.

Children took advantage of the opportunity have their faces painted and receive a Green Bay Packers reflector to wear on their costumes during future trick or treating.

Featured on the main stage were Randy Peterson, a sing-along children's entertainer, The Duct Tape Guys, who entertained the crowd with green and gold duct tape, magician Tom Burgermeister, and juggler Dave Flemming.

The all-day affair drew a large crowd and provided an afternoon of entertainment for all in attendance.

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Lions

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 16 Oct 2004 10:54:34 CST

First of all fans, don't panic. These teams who have jumped out to 3-1 records and even Philly with a 4-0 record, those teams are going to start to come back to the pack soon. The Packers just have keep working and capitalize when they do. One of them can be taken care of this week with Detroit, making them 3-2 and the Pack would be 2-4. All is not lost - we're not out of it yet.

Injuries have stricken the Detroit Lions worse than almost any team in the NFL. They've lost wide receiver Charles Rogers for the second straight year with a collarbone injury. Their top receiver this year, first-round pick Roy Williams, picked up an ankle injury last week, but he might be able to play. He's been a big-time receiver for them.

Detroit likes to run the West Coast offense. They are a ball-control type team. They will throw a lot of short passes, run a lot of counters, a lot of 'I' formation, and a little bit of play-action. Essentially what I'm saying is, the Packers..

Carroll Makes Jump Into Starting Lineup

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2004 17:10:26 CST

Sunday will definitely be a day to remember in the life of rookie cornerback Ahmad Carroll. GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Friday that Carroll, the Packers' first-round pick in April's NFL Draft, will make his first career regular season start as Green Bay visits the Detroit Lions.

Carroll, who logged heavy playing time Monday night against Tennessee after missing the previous two games with a groin injury, said Friday that he won't be nervous when his name is called with the starting lineup before the kickoff at Ford Field.

"I'm not too excited," Carroll said. "I've just got to go out there and make plays. Last game, I came in on the second series and played the whole game, so it's not really about starting, it's about getting in and making plays.

"I'm not really nervous. I've just got to make sure I go out there and stay focused. I have to take it one play at a time, be patient and not try to force things."

Carroll did make one start i..

Packers Looking For Stronger Grip

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 18:51:53 CST

If football games were won and lost based on yardage gained and given up, the Packers would most likely be a huge favorite Sunday against the Detroit Lions. However, moving the ball up and down the field is no guarantee of success, as has been evidenced by the results in the early going of the season.

To date, the Packers have averaged gaining 376 yards per game, while then Lions give up an average of 352. The Packers defense has been allowing 384 yards per contest, but the Detroit offense ranks 31st in the league, putting up just 252 yards per game.

So what is it that has made the difference in seeing the Lions get off to one of their best starts in recent memory at 3-1 and riding high atop the NFC North, while the Packers have slumped to 1-4 and find themselves in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the division?

One key factor in the disparate fortunes of the two clubs so far in 2004 has been their ability, or inability, to protect the football on of..

Be A Part Of 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub

Thu, 14 Oct 2004 16:52:57 CST

Cap A Great Day of Football At 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub; No Ticket Required.

Even if you don't have a ticket for Sunday's game at Lambeau, you still can experience the electric, game-day atmosphere at Curly's Pub for the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter.'

No ticket is required to be at Curly's Pub in the Lambeau Field Atrium at 7 p.m. to see Burke Griffin and Wayne Larrivee recap the day's highlights and interview one of your favorite Packers. You also can enter a contest for a chance to win a game ball used in that day's game.

The Packers-Titans game ball winner was Phyllis Hostetter, of Willis, Texas.

Come to the show this week and see Packers running back Tony Fisher.

Whether you watch the game at home, or with some friends, wrap up the day's excitement by being part of the fun at the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter' at Curly's Pub.

Resilient Packers Remain Confident

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 11:33:03 CST

Sitting at 1-4 and in fourth place in the NFC North Division, the Packers find themselves in uncharted territory heading into Sunday's meeting with the division-leading 3-1 Detroit Lions.

Despite a difficult four-game losing streak, the players in the Lambeau Field locker room know that they can still salvage this season. That sentiment was expressed Wednesday by a variety of players, but most notably by quarterback and longest-serving Packer Brett Favre.

"We've had our share of adversity, but at some point everyone goes through difficult times," Favre said. "By no means have we given up on this season. This is just the way it's going to be.

"You wonder week after week if these challenges are getting tougher and we're not able to stand up to them, but I don't see that with our team yet."

To a man, the Packers said that they are focused on getting things turned around, and doing so right away with a win Sunday at Ford Field.

Linebacker N..

Kampman A Perfect Fit For Green Bay

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 14 Oct 2004 09:13:00 CST

While many people believe that talent alone can translate into an NFL career, others think that a hard-working player will always have a shot at success. If anyone knows that these two theories can't stand by themselves, it's Aaron Kampman.

Sure, talent is great and hard work is always welcomed, but the Packers' 6-4, 284-pound defensive end knows that one characteristic without the other is useless. Kampman proves that only a healthy combination of the two will allow a player to reach his full potential.

Kampman has heard it all before. He knows people view him as a hard-working overachiever and someone that gets the most out of his ability based on his work ethic. He's also heard the blue-collar term throughout his college and three-year NFL career.

But that doesn't mean that there isn't more to Kampman's game than just hard work.

"There has been a lot mentioned about me being a blue-collar guy who relies on work ethic alone," Kampman said...

Rossley Recovering Following Procedure

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 13 Oct 2004 10:37:10 CST

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday that Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Tom Rossley is recovering well after undergoing an angioplasty, a surgical procedure to clear a blocked artery, Tuesday morning.

After experiencing chest pains during the night following the team's Monday night game and into Tuesday morning, Rossley was taken to a local Green Bay hospital, where after a series of tests, the medical team performed the procedure.

Sherman made the announcement Wednesday in his regular mid-week press conference.

"During the night at home, and then he came in here and didn't feel well," Sherman said when asked about when Rossley began feeling discomfort. "Around 7:00 he went over there and had it taken care of. He was going to come in today and I said, 'Don't come in'."

Rossley will not be out of the office long, likely returning to work at Lambeau Field Thursday.

"He's fine, everything went well," said Sherman. "He'..

Hutson's 41-Point Quarter Versus Lions

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 16:13:17 CST

HUTSON/PACKERS' RECORD 41-POINT SECOND QUARTER IN '45 REMAINS A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT OF 147-GAME RIVALRY WITH THE LIONS

It was not Don Hutson's final game...

It was, in fact, only Week Two of the 1945 season, his eleventh and last in the National Football League.

But, in the context of his remarkable career, it could well have been termed the last hurrah for the Packers' legendary end, who at the close of the '45 campaign would be retiring as the leading scorer and leading receiver in pro football history.

And said "hurrah," indisputably, remains in a class by itself 59 years later.

Certainly, the incredible show Don Hutson put on against the Detroit Lions at Milwaukee's State Fair Park the afternoon of Oct. 7, 1945, was the most singular performance in a Hall of Fame career replete with distinguished performances - including the then-only four 200-yard receiving games in team annals and a club single-game mark of 14 receptions - the la..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 15:39:10 CST

Hello LeRoy, I love reading your answers to all the questions put to you. Here is a hypothetical one for you. You may only pick one group or the other; If you were a head coach, would you pick the top four best defensive lineman, or the top four defensive backs (out of seven) to build a great defense? What group do you think would be the best way to give you a good start at building a great defense? - Jerry (Erie, PA)

I definitely would go for the best defensive linemen because they are rarer than top defensive backs. If you can play four guys who can get after the passer and stop the run, like some of the top defenses of the past few years, you will be successful.

No quarterback can throw when he's on his back and no running back is going to hurt you if he's on his back. A defensive line that can swarm to the quarterback and constantly be in the backfield would allow an average secondary to play better than they really are.

That's why you alway..

Butler: Communication Needed For Turnaround

By LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 15:37:18 CST

The Tennessee Titans came into Monday night's game with a purpose. Their head coach Jeff Fisher said they had a formula to beat Green Bay at home, and that was essentially to run the ball and get turnovers.

I would like to think that it's not that easy that you can come in and run the ball and get turnovers and walk out of Lambeau Field with a win, but that that formula has now worked for three consecutive games.

We won't do what I call a pile-on session here. We won't go through the blame game. We won't go through the finger-pointing. I think we're beyond that. I think we're to a situation with this team now where they have to fix what is wrong, but before you fix anything, you have to diagnose what's wrong.

First of all, I think the solution is that each guy on the defense - whether he's a starter, a backup or a backup to the backup - has to realize exactly what his responsibility is on every play. Once he realizes what his responsibility is for t..

Steele Rewarded For His Persistence

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 13:59:43 CST

In most cases, it's understandable to give up on something when you've tried it for more than three years. If Ben Steele had done that, however, he wouldn't be a Green Bay Packer today.

Steele, who went undrafted out of tiny Mesa State in 2001, could have given up plenty of times when he was let go by three different teams. He could have moved on to a career in broadcasting, a field in which he studied in college or he simply could have walked away knowing an NFL career just wasn't meant to be.

But none of that would have been what Ben Steele is all about.

The 6-5, 250-pound tight end stood by his goal of making an NFL roster and this season he came very close to doing that with the Minnesota Vikings. In his second training camp with the team, the organization liked what they saw but just didn't have room for him on their roster. When Steele became available, the Packers scooped him up and signed him to their practice squad.

When asked ..

Walker Shining Through

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:59:01 CST

In the darkness surrounding the Packers' disappointing 1-4 start to the 2004 season, one light that has emerged shining brightly has been the play of wide receiver Javon Walker.

Walker, a third-year player out of Florida State, is in the midst of a breakout season that is seeing him establish himself as one of the elite receivers in the National Football League.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout is in the early stages of having one of the finest statistical seasons this team has ever seen.

Following his eight-catch, 159-yard night against Tennessee Monday, Walker leads the NFL with 535 receiving yards. His 31 catches rank him third in the NFC and tied for fourth in the league, and only Minnesota's Randy Moss (seven) and Philadelphia's Terrell Owens (six) have a higher tally than his five touchdown grabs.

Coming into this season, Walker had recorded just one 100-yard receiving game in his first 31 career contests. The 25-year old has now gone over..

Team Plans To Battle Storm Together

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 12 Oct 2004 04:56:51 CST

When a team finds itself 1-4 after five games, certainly there must be a long list of what has gone wrong. That list for the Packers consists of too many turnovers, lack of a running game, and poor defensive play. It's no secret that you can't win games with those ailments and the team's poor start is proving that.

In the team's 48-27 defeat to the Tennessee Titans, the Packers could only muster 35 total rushing yards. Most people know that while Brett Favre has won them many games in the past, but the Packers are now a run-first team. That is what makes the lack of rushing production an area of concern.

In the previous week against the Giants, the Packers only totaled 81 yards on the ground. The Packers have what has widely been considered one of the best offensive lines in football, and last season their rushing attack led by Ahman Green was one of the best in the business.

The injury that landed Mike Flanagan on injured reserve no doubt plays a ..

AP Story: Titans Rout Packers 48-27 at Lambeau

Mon, 11 Oct 2004 00:12:02 CST

Lambeau Field just isn't what it used to be, and neither are the Green Bay Packers.

Chris Brown ran for 148 yards and two long touchdowns, and Tennessee cruised to a 48-27 rout of the stumbling Packers, scoring more points than any visitor ever at the famed stadium.

The Titans (2-3) snapped a three-game losing streak and sent the Packers (1-4) to their fourth consecutive loss. This is Green Bay's first four-game losing streak since 1991 and its first 0-3 start at home since 1988.

From 1996 to 2002, Green Bay was 53-7 at home, including the postseason. The Packers lost to Atlanta in a playoff game in January 2003, starting a Lambeau slump that reached 6-7 with the loss to Tennessee.

"This is unfamiliar territory," Packers coach Mike Sherman said.

Only eight teams in NFL history have overcome a 1-4 start to reach the playoffs, including the Titans two years ago.

"It's something you want to avoid at all costs," Titans coach Jef..

In The Air Over There

Pat Kirwan, NFL.com — Mon, 11 Oct 2004 12:34:19 CST

It is only Oct. 11, but for all practical purposes, the loser of this game faces a mountain too big to climb to make the playoffs. Both the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans are 1-3 and the loser falls to 1-4, and that means they would have to go 9-2 or 10-1 the rest of the way to make the playoffs.

I ask, do you think the Packers or the Titans can finish that strong when Green Bay couldn't beat the Bears at home and Tennessee gave up 38 points in a loss to the Chargers? I don't believe the loser will make the playoffs, and that makes this a very important must-win game.

These two teams have so much in common it is worth pointing out before we dive into the matchup. The two starting quarterbacks, Steve McNair of the Titans and Brett Favre of the Packers, are both from Mississippi, both have started over 100 games each since 1997, both are playing at less than 100 percent healthy, and both teams give up more yards than they generate while both also score less ..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Titans

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sun, 10 Oct 2004 09:26:29 CST

Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field against the Tennessee Titans - this game is going to be huge in deciding how the 2004 Green Bay Packers team will be remembered.

I think this is a defining game for both teams. These are two teams that before the season, a lot of publications picked to win their respective divisions, go to the playoffs, and more, but both are sitting at 1-3 and are looking at a must-win situation in week five.

The whole Packers team must understand the magnitude of this game. Going 1-4 is unacceptable and a win here could go a long way in getting back in the hunt of things in the NFC North.

On one hand, you have a former MVP, Steve McNair, that's a little banged up. On the other hand, you have former three-time MVP in Brett Favre, who was a little banged up as well last week.

Let's get to the meat of the game.

On defense, the Packers have to stop Chris Brown. This guy started the season - the first three starts of..

Defense Could Have Different Look Monday

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sat, 09 Oct 2004 14:19:01 CST

When the Packers line up to play the Tennessee Titans on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field, there could be a different composition on the defensive side of the ball for the home team.

One change is likely to be in effect in the secondary, as first round draft choice Ahmad Carroll should be healthy enough to contribute. GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Saturday that there is a good chance that Carroll will at least see some time in the dime (six defensive backs) package.

The speedster out of the University of Arkansas has been out of action and unavailable for each of the past two games after suffering a groin injury in a practice collision prior to the Packers visit to Indianapolis a few weeks back.

Carroll returned to practice this week and Sherman is hopeful that he will be able to add depth to the secondary, but isn't sure how much to expect out of the rookie Monday.

"He's still a little sore," Sherman said. "He hasn't played in quite a wh..

Packers Head Into Monday With Sense Of Urgency

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 08 Oct 2004 17:06:17 CST

Prior to the start of the season, so-called "NFL experts" were nearly unanimous in the thought that the upcoming Monday night game featuring the Packers and the Tennessee Titans would be a clash of two of the top teams in the league.

Before the two teams met in Nashville for the preseason finale, some were reporting that the mid-October game could even be a preview of February's Super Bowl XXXIX.

No one expected to see a pair of teams struggling at 1-3 under the national spotlight at Lambeau Field, but that's exactly the situation the Packers and Titans are facing.

The Packers plan on turning things around by notching their first victory of the year on their home turf, and around the locker room this week, many players spoke of what it's going to take to break out of their early-season funk.

Linebacker Na'il Diggs, whose 15 tackles against the Giants Sunday were a career-best, knows the importance that must be placed on every game from now through ..

Letters To Lee Remmel

Fri, 08 Oct 2004 10:37:36 CST

We all know that the Packers are owned by the city/shareholders. We also know that dividends are not paid to shareholders. In years where the organization shows a profit, where does that profit go? - Mark (La Crosse, WI)

Mark, the answer is: Any corporate profits are utilized to maintain and/or improve existing facilities or invested to increase the organization's cash reserves.

As President/CEO Bob Harlan points out, "We make our money on football and we spend our money on football - to make the Packers as competitive as we possibly can."

The Packers, incidentally, are not owned by the city of Green Bay. The corporation, Green Bay Packers, Inc., is owned by approximately 111,000 shareholders, representing all 50 states and a number of foreign countries.

Hi Lee, I love the 1972 Packers. The names Brockington and Lane are like magic to me. As far as Packers running back tandems go, how do John Brockington and MacArthur Lane stack up..

Butler's Breakdown Alert

Fri, 08 Oct 2004 09:34:41 CST
Because the Green Bay Packers don't play until Monday night, the Butler's Breakdown preview of the upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans will not run in its customary Saturday slot.

Instead, check back to Packers.com Sunday to read LeRoy Butler's special analysis of the coming game.

Likewise, the Ask LeRoy Butler feature will open up Monday night and remain available through Tuesday morning.

Butler's features will return to their Tuesday-Saturday rotation after this weekend.

Heart Makes All The Difference For Whitley

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 18:39:10 CST
It's certainly no secret that football is a game of recklessness. It's commonplace for players to run full speed before making a crushing hit or taking the crushing blow. It happens on nearly every play of every game and certainly there is no room in the NFL for men that can't take the physical pounding.

Luckily for James Whitley, that is a good thing.

Whitley, the 5-11, 185-pound safety for the Packers not only doesn't mind the contact, he thrives on it. However, while most players' willingness to stick their head in a pile-up yields positive results, Whitley almost lost his job over it.

When Whitley suffered a concussion during training camp on August 4, he was forced to sit out for over a week. When he tried to play on August 16 against the Seahawks, he received another head injury. That caused Whitley to miss the next two preseason games versus the Saints and Jaguars.

By that point, Whitley's pain may have rested in his head, but it also..

Packer Offense Must Come Together At Home

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 18:22:36 CST
Heading into Monday night's game against the Tennessee Titans, the Packers offense know they must improve on their first two Lambeau Field outings of the 2004 season.

The first two home games have seen the Packers put up 10 and 7 points respectively, not nearly enough for an offense that has shown potential to light up the scoreboard. Their lack of production at home has definitely contributed to the team's disappointing 1-3 start, and the offense is ready to turn things around.

"We need something good to happen and we have to make it happen ourselves," said right tackle Mark Tauscher. "Now we'll see what we're made out of. Our confidence is still there, but it's hard when things aren't going well to think of the positives. You have to pull yourself out of the negatives and make your own positives. Right now that's what we need to do."

When asked about the inconsistency of the performance of his squad, Brett Favre said that it really is not a complicat..

Longwell's Kicks Still In Good Hands

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 11:23:06 CST
When Doug Pederson was knocked out of action after suffering multiple injuries on a hit along the sideline against the Giants Sunday, there was more shake-up on the Packers depth chart than just at the quarterback position.

While there are no guarantees, and given the ironman track record of Brett Favre, a limited likelihood that the second-string quarterback will be called on during Pederson's absence, one role that has seen Pederson on the field every game over the past three-plus seasons is that of holder on field goals and extra points.

For each of the last 52 regular season games since the start of the 2001 season and 12 games in 1998, Pederson worked nearly flawlessly with kicker Ryan Longwell and long snapper Rob Davis on all placement kicks.

With Pederson on the sideline for at least six weeks, the holding duties will be put in the veteran hands of punter Bryan Barker. The role will not be a new one for Barker, who is in his fifteenth season in the..

Sideline View Not Appealing To Favre

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2004 20:47:49 CST
Most of us would pay a handsome sum of money for the chance to watch a Packers game up close with a view from the Lambeau Field sideline.

As if we needed another reminder, none of us are Brett Favre.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback had such a sideline view for most of the second half of Sunday's game against the New York Giants, and said Wednesday that it was understandably not his preferred vantage point to take in a Packers game.

"It was terrible," Favre said of looking on from the sideline. "If I had to do that full time, I wouldn't be here."

The quarterback was knocked out of the game with a concussion early in the third quarter, and felt helpless as he was forced to look on as the Pack dropped the 14-7 decision.

"I was so disappointed, I felt had I been in the game - no offense to Doug (Pederson), I talked to Doug about this - we would have won the game," said Favre. "I just feel that confident in my ability when I'm out there..

Nall Ready For Step Up To #2

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2004 19:21:38 CST
Seeing anyone other than Brett Favre taking snaps for the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field was an odd sight Sunday, but things became even stranger when backup quarterback Doug Pederson also went down, forcing third-stringer Craig Nall into action for the final snap of the game.

Nall, a third-year pro out of Louisiana's Northwestern State University, threw his first NFL pass Sunday, a 24-yard completion to Robert Ferguson, and has made the jump up to number two on the Packers' depth chart, as Pederson will be out of action for a while.

Favre suffered a concussion which knocked him out for most of the second half of the game against the Giants, but Pederson's injury is much more long-term. After coming on in relief of Favre, Pederson was hit by New York lineman Keith Washington as he ran out of bounds. The longtime Packer backup suffered a fractured rib as well as a fractured transverse process.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said Wednesday that Pederson wou..

Be A Part Of 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub

Wed, 06 Oct 2004 18:37:33 CST
Cap A Great Day of Football Action At 'Packers 5th Quarter' At Curly's Pub; Special Sunday Taping at 5 p.m. with Ryan Longwell.

Even though this week's game is on Monday, 'Packers 5th Quarter' will still be taped Sunday night. Be a part of the electric atmosphere at the Lambeau Field Atrium as Packers fans prepare for Monday Night Football.

Be at Curly's Pub in the Lambeau Field Atrium Sunday at 5 p.m. to see Burke Griffin recap the day's highlights and interview Packers placekicker Ryan Longwell. You also can enter a contest for a chance to win a game ball used in Monday's game vs. the Tennessee Titans.

The Packers-Giants game ball winner was Jean Kirkeng of Gillette, Wyo.

Get ready for Monday's big game by being part of the fun at the taping of 'Packers 5th Quarter' at Curly's Pub.

Packers Share Guidance With Young Cadets At Fort McCoy

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2004 16:51:31 CST
In today's society, people see success, money and fame among NFL players, but what often is forgotten is the hard work and struggles the players had to go through along the way. Two Packers spent their off day Tuesday explaining to students the level of commitment and dedication it takes in order to achieve this kind of success in their lives.

Backup quarterback Doug Pederson and offensive guard Mike Wahle, along with head trainer Pepper Burruss shared their own life experiences with approximately 110 teenagers at the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy, Wis.

The Challenge Academy offers cadets -- mainly high school dropouts, or at risk students -- the chance to turn their lives around by developing proper work habits and the discipline to become responsible citizens.

"In general these kids are years behind in academics," Deputy Director Peter Blum said. "Many of them have a drug or alcohol abuse history, and typically come from a..

Packers-Titans History Punctuated By Great Shootout

Tue, 05 Oct 2004 13:08:21 CST
OCCASIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH TITANS INCLUDED ONE OF GREATEST SHOOTOUTS IN PACKERS HISTORY

The Packers and the Tennessee Titans, previously known as the Houston Oilers, have had what perhaps could best be described as an "occasional" relationship.

Though the current Tennesseans have been card-carrying members of the National Football League since 1970, the year the NFL and AFL formally merged, the Packers have encountered them only eight times in the southerners' combined identities over that 34-year span.

And next week's "Monday Night Football" collision in Lambeau Field (Oct. 11) will be just their third regular season clash since 1992.

Nevertheless, one of those eight prior meetings, an opening day matchup in 1983 when the Titans were still the Oilers and holding forth in the once wondrous Houston Astrodome, remains among the most memorable contests in Green Bay's storied annals.

* In part because it was a 41-38 shootout...
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Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 14:32:56 CST
LeRoy, Thank you for all the great memories!! You were a true professional and a great Green Bay Packer. Having now played four games as a Packer, could you please break down safety Mark Roman's play so far. Has he been an upgrade over Antuan Edwards and Marques Anderson? Thank you. - Steve Schmadl (Cudahy, WI)

Yes, I think he's been an upgrade, for the simple fact that he's a proven veteran and he has come up with a couple of big plays. I just feel more secure with him being back there. The defense runs a lot smoother when he's back there.

I think he would tell you that he should have made a few more plays in the secondary, but he's doing a good job as the quarterback of the secondary right now with Darren Sharper being moved around to make more plays.

He is an upgrade at that position and I feel very comfortable with him back there.

The Packers aren't the only playoff caliber team to be hit hard by injury. How hard is it for a ..

Butler: Wins Will Brighten Things

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 14:32:07 CST
Everything looks kind of dark inside the hole the Packers just dug for themselves by losing to the Giants 14-7, but I think this is just a temporary cloudy time with brighter days to come.

I've been getting a lot of questions from fans asking if it's the scheme or if it's the players that has caused the slow start.

First of all, you have to look at the injuries. The Packers have not had a healthy secondary since training camp. Ahmad Carroll has missed the past few games. Michael Hawthorne and Al Harris have had some nicks that they have played through. Darren Sharper has been bothered by some injuries, and guys have had to fill in at different positions.

The offense lost Mike Flanagan for the year with a knee injury, which means the offensive line had its first new starter in over a year on Sunday when Flanagan was out. The Packers had the same five guys up front for every game last year, which no doubt played a big part in Ahman Green running for 1,80..

"Majik" Act Still A Big Hit With Packers Fans

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 11:37:36 CST
Like many great players, Don Majkowski will always be remembered most for one spectacular play. Although it indeed was an unbelievable play in a memorable game, Majkowski accomplished much more than that in the Green and Gold. In fact, the "Majik Man" was in charge when the Packers did something in 1989 that they hadn't done in a long time previously.

Win.

Of course everyone remembers the "Instant Replay" game in which Majkowski quarterbacked the Packers to one of the most exciting games in their storied history. Majkowski went back to pass, rolled right and just as he was running out of time and real estate, he found Sterling Sharpe in the back of the endzone. The only problem was that official Jim Quirk threw a flag. The play would come back because the scrambling Majkowski had crossed the line of scrimmage.

But wait a minute, this was the Packers' thrilling season and it was their time to buck all odds. After the play was reviewed, official Bill..

O'Sullivan Eager For Another Shot At Lambeau

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 05 Oct 2004 11:15:27 CST
When the New Orleans Saints visited Green Bay for a preseason contest in August, then-Saints quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan didn't have one of his better days. He completed just seven out of the 20 passes he threw, including two interceptions along with 132 yards and a touchdown in the Packers' 19-14 win.

After being traded to the Packers Monday, O'Sullivan said that he's ready for another chance in Lambeau Field, his new home stadium.

"That definitely was not one of my highlights of the preseason," said O'Sullivan. "It was one of those things where that's a tough place to go in and play for other teams, and I definitely experienced it first hand."

O'Sullivan, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback in his third season in the NFL after being drafted by New Orleans out of the University of California-Davis in the sixth round in 2002, is coming off his second consecutive impressive preseason, where he led the Saints with 471 passing yards and a pair of scoring throw..

Teammates Wish McKenzie Well

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 19:06:58 CST
As the curtain fell on the Mike McKenzie era in Green Bay Monday with the cornerback being traded to the New Orleans Saints, players who have shared the locker room with him over his five-plus seasons with the Packers wished him well with his new team.

Safety Darren Sharper, the longest-tenured member of the Packers defense, spoke in the locker room about his feelings on the trade.

"We wish Mike the best," Sharper said. "He's done a lot for this organization in the past and we wish him the best of success in New Orleans.

"I just think that for both parties, we can just move on like a separation of marriages. It was one of those ugly divorces, but that happens and that's part of the business and you just hope that both sides move on. Right now, I know that we really need to focus on moving on and moving in a positive direction."

Defensive back Bhawoh Jue echoed Sharper's sentiments a few lockers down when asked about McKenzie's departure.
..

Concussion Won't Keep Favre On The Sideline

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 18:40:07 CST
For the second straight week, Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman had questions to answer regarding the health of quarterback Brett Favre in his weekly Monday press conference.

Favre missed much of the second half of Sunday's game against the New York Giants after suffering a concussion as he hit his head hard on the ground at Lambeau Field in the third quarter of the contest.

Although the quarterback re-entered the game after initially sitting out two snaps and threw a touchdown pass, the team's medical staff kept him on the sideline for the remainder of the game.

Last week in Indianapolis, Favre missed the team's final series after being taking a shot to the back of his leg, causing a bruised hamstring that he played through Sunday, making his 193rd consecutive regular season start in the process.

Sherman addressed the condition of his quarterback at the opening of the press conference, stating that once again, Favre's iron man streak does not a..

Future Stars Take To Packers' Nitschke Field

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 04 Oct 2004 17:47:44 CST
In an effort to strengthen relationships with the younger football community, the Green Bay Packers opened Ray Nitschke Field recently to several little league football teams in the Green Bay area.

On the same field where Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Darren Sharper and Nick Barnett install the plans for each week's upcoming game, many young football players had the chance of a lifetime, playing real games on the Packers' newly restored practice field.

"It's special to come and play where NFL players play," Packers executive vice president/COO John Jones said. "That's something that as a young football player, it brings a little more special meaning to your regular games."

The Packers' practice field, which formerly featured a natural grass surface, is now comprised of FieldTurf, a more durable surface which will allow the team to use the field later in the season when natural grass fields typically are frozen.

The durability of the FieldTurf also mak..

Packers Looking For Answers

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 03 Oct 2004 20:06:33 CST
With Sunday's 14-7 loss to the New York Giants, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in unfamiliar territory with a 1-3 record. Whether it's time to panic or just time to regroup, one thing is certain: The Packers have to right the ship and do so very quickly.

Although the team isn't in an ideal position by any means, there still are 12 games left in the season and the opportunity to get on track still exists. While the naysayers will be quick to criticize the team, the Packers know that only one thing matters and that's finding a way to overcome this slow start.

The last time the Packers started 1-3 was 1993, and it should be noted that they went on to a wild-card birth that season and even won a playoff game versus Detroit. Certainly, this loss doesn't have to be the end of the world for the Packers, and from listening to several players in the locker room, it won't be either.

Linebacker Na'il Diggs, who had 15 tackles on the day said, "We have en..

Sherman: 1-3 'Not Acceptable'

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 03 Oct 2004 20:05:11 CST
GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman knows what it means to be a Green Bay Packer. In his five seasons since being hired to succeed Ray Rhodes, Sherman has made sure that every player who comes into the locker room at Lambeau Field knows what an honor it is to put on the Green and Gold and play for Packer fans.

Sherman has made it impossible for the players not to know the history and the pride that is inherent to this organization. Every day, when players report for work, the walls of the halls they walk through are covered with the story of the great Packer tradition.

Each time they take the field at Lambeau Field, they cross over bricks that have been walked on by generations of great Packer players.

Sherman knows how personally each and every Packer fan takes wins and losses, as if the millions of them were out on the field with the team each week. He appreciates the unique opportunity that his team has to be a professional sports franchise so tied to its comm..

AP Story: Giants Knock Out Favre And Packers, 14-7

Sun, 03 Oct 2004 15:25:05 CST
The New York Giants left Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers wobbly.

Tiki Barber rushed for 182 yards and scored on a 52-yard touchdown run, and Kurt Warner threw a touchdown pass to Jeremy Shockey in a 14-7 victory Sunday at Lambeau Field, where Favre was knocked from the game with a concussion.

The Giants improved to 3-1 despite a series of missed opportunities, including three errant field goal attempts by Steve Christie.

"This was a phenomenal win for us," defensive end Michael Strahan said. "Our rate of improvement has been quicker than I expected."

And the rate of Green Bay's descent has been equally surprising.

The Packers, mired in a mess with cornerback Mike McKenzie and trying to overcome infighting and injuries, fell to 1-3 for the first time since 1993 and have their first three-game losing streak under fifth-year coach Mike Sherman.

Favre sustained a concussion when defensive lineman William Joseph knocked him..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Giants

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 02 Oct 2004 12:19:45 CST
This week's game against the New York Giants is a game that will again feature two very potent offenses.

The Giants offense is mainly built around four players.

First, quarterback Kurt Warner, who comes a Green Bay pedigree - he spent his first training camp in the NFL with the Packers in 1994 - and then he went on to play in NFL Europe and then with the St. Louis Rams, where he had a great career. He was the both the MVP of the league and MVP of the Super Bowl when he won a championship.

Now he's in New York and he won the starting job over #1 pick Eli Manning. This guy has been through a lot and he's the main focus of the Giants offense. He's throwing the ball very well. Tom Coughlin has said that he's stepped up and made the big throws when needed.

Amani Toomer is a big receiver, a big target who loves to catch the ball on a lot of deep routes. He runs a lot of seam routes, where he'll run 15 or 16 yards down the field and turn towards the ..

Offense Looking For Repeat Performance

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 16:06:12 CST
Brett Favre and his receivers seemed to be in a zone last Sunday, hooking up for four touchdowns and 360 yards against the Colts. Granted, they were playing catch-up for a significant part of the game, but those are still gaudy aerial numbers for a club that has admittedly become a "running team" over the past few seasons.

Running or passing - word around the Packers locker room this week was that the offense is ready to get back on the field and pick up where the explosive performance left off last week.

Wide receiver Javon Walker, who is coming off a career day at Indy and with another 100-yard performance against the Giants Sunday would become the first Packer to have three consecutive century receiving games since Robert Brooks in 1995, feels that he and his fellow receivers need to continue their hot streak.

He also knows that the Packers desperately need a win Sunday to avoid getting off to a 1-3 start.

"We need a turnaround this weekend..

Flanagan To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 01 Oct 2004 15:04:24 CST
After battling through the first three games of the season with painful patellar tendinitis in his left knee, Packers Pro Bowl center Mike Flanagan will undergo surgery next week and be out of action for the remainder of the 2004 season.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman made the announcement after Friday's practice.

"Mike has experienced tremendous pain with this, has played with it, and it's just been debilitating in regard to him," Sherman said. "He's going to have to have surgery in the next 10 days and it will probably take about six months for recovery."

Flanagan's patellar tendinitis caused him to miss nearly all of training camp and three of the team's four preseason games.

Since returning for the final preseason contest against Tennessee, the nine-year veteran has been able to stay on the field for the full game in just one of the Packers' three games. He was replaced late in both the opener at Carolina and again the next week against Chicago b..