Packers.com

Packers Have Become Road Warriors

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 17:19:39 CST

Going into their regular season finale Sunday at Chicago, the Green Bay Packers have a chance to pick up their sixth win away from Lambeau Field on the season, a mark that would give the team its best road record in over 30 years at 6-2. The 1972 Packers posted six wins in seven road contests.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that his team has become almost impervious to the difficult surroundings of a less-than-friendly stadium when they hit the road, a characteristic he started to see taking shape a season ago.

"We've certainly handled crowd noise much, much better than we ever have," said Sherman. "I could see it happening last year and we've evolved this year to where it's not an issue. We don't have very many procedural penalties (and) our quarterback has played extremely well in domes. I think the fact that the offense functions better than they have in the past with crowd noise has been a benefit to us.

"I think that we accept the challenge of p..

Players In Good Hands With Training Staff

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 31 Dec 2004 10:45:08 CST

Every time the Green Bay Packers take the football field, fans want the absolute best performance from the Green and Gold. In fact, they expect it. What's often taken for granted however, are the people who help the players get physically ready for these games.

Of course these people are the training staff of the Green Bay Packers and their value should never be underestimated. Without them, the sprained ankles, tight hamstrings, sore knees and several other aches and pains wouldn't heal as quickly or completely.

The Packers make sure that their players get some of the best treatment in the NFL. They have two doctors, three full-time trainers, and three seasonal interns that also lend a healing hand.

Head Trainer Pepper Burruss, who has spent 12 seasons with the Packers and 28 in the NFL overall, said the team's medical set-up is very successful.

"Essentially, we have six certified trainers in the training room, which sounds like a lot ..

Friends Remember White At N.C. Funeral

Thu, 30 Dec 2004 01:45:25 CST

Flowers in the green and yellow of the Green Bay Packers and portraits of Reggie White flanked the NFL great's coffin during a private church funeral Thursday.

Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre, a longtime teammate of White, was a pallbearer and led a contingent of about 50 members of the Packers organization at the University Park Baptist Church.

Former NFL player Eugene Robinson, with the Packers in 1996-97 and a teammate of White when both played with the Carolina Panthers in 2000, said the service was a mix of sadness and humor.

White played for the Packers from 1993-98 and helped Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in a victory over New England after the 1996 season. Green Bay lost to Denver in the championship game the following season.

"He's a huge part of our tradition,'' Packers president Bob Harlan said. "For us to come here and salute him, I hope it meant something to the family. It meant a great deal to us.''

The service incl..

Ferguson: 'I Want To Play Sunday'

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 18:17:47 CST

11 days after being wheeled off the playing field at Lambeau Field with a loss of feeling in his lower extremities, Packers wide receiver Robert Ferguson addressed the media for the first time Thursday in the team's locker room.

The four-year veteran was upbeat, despite still not possessing full feeling in parts of the left side of his body as a result of a vicious hit he absorbed from Jacksonville Jaguars safety Donovin Darius late in the teams' December 19 game.

Ferguson expressed confidence that he will be able to return to the playing field this season, saying that he'd like to be ready to play Sunday at Chicago, as unlikely as that may sound.

"I definitely think in my opinion that I can be back," he said. "I still think I can come back for Sunday against the Bears."

That probably is a little bit of ambitious thinking, given the fact that he hasn't practiced since the injury, but Ferguson has begun working out and is hoping to return to action..

Starters Preparing To Play 60 Minutes

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 30 Dec 2004 18:17:05 CST

As the regular season comes to a close, many NFL head coaches are faced with a dilemma. Do coaches of the teams heading on to the playoffs rest their starters to avoid risking any potential injuries, or do they play the game as normal, hoping to build momentum with a win in the final weekend?

For Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, the choice seems to be a rather simple one. According to Sherman, fans tuning in Sunday afternoon for the Packers' regular season finale at Chicago's Soldier Field against the Bears should expect to see Brett Favre and the rest of the usual suspects taking the field to try to pick up win number 10 on the season.

Sherman said that he wants to continue to build on the momentum that his team gained by topping another NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings, last week in order to clinch their third straight division crown.

"I just know that we have to have a consistency," Sherman said. "We have to have momentum going into..

Packers 5th Quarter At Curly's Pub

Thu, 30 Dec 2004 16:13:41 CST

Looking for something to do this Holiday Weekend? Bring your family and friends to Curly's Pub at Lambeau Field Sunday night for the Packers 5th Quarter.

Quarterback Craig Nall joins Burke Griffin to recap all the weekend's football action.

The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. Don't forget, you also have a chance to win a game ball from Friday's Packers-Bears game!

Jonathan Poupore was the Packers-Vikings game ball winner.

Packers Still Shocked By White's Death

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 19:42:29 CST

The Green Bay Packers returned to work Wednesday still expressing shock at the death of Reggie White, a defensive star and inspirational leader when he was with the Packers from 1993-98.

White, 43, died after being taken to a hospital in Charlotte, N.C., on Sunday -- just two days after the Packers clinched their third consecutive championship of the NFC North Division with a 34-31 win at Minnesota on Christmas Eve.

Coach Mike Sherman gave his players a four-day break following the game, so Wednesday was the first time they were back together since the death.

"I'm shocked that Reggie White has passed away. I don't know if I'll ever quite accept that,'' quarterback Brett Favre said after practice.

"It hurts. I miss the guy,'' said right guard Marco Rivera, a former teammate. "But, it won't hit me until I see him Thursday, and then it's really going to sink in.''

Favre, Rivera, Sherman and team president Bob Harlan are part of a conti..

Mourners Bid Goodbye To Reggie White

Wed, 29 Dec 2004 19:39:12 CST

Bill Bates saw the talent and the passion in Reggie White before nearly anyone else, back when they were teammates at Tennessee more than 20 years ago.

"He was so raw then,'' Bates said. "The talent was there, he just hadn't found it yet.''

On Wednesday, Bates was one of the many mourners who streamed into a funeral home to say farewell to the NFL great during a public visitation.

White died three days earlier at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, a northern suburb of Charlotte.

A preliminary autopsy report showed White might have died because of a respiratory disease combined with other health problems. Determining a final cause of death might take up to three months.

Bates, a former safety with the Dallas Cowboys, played against White for years in the NFL, but their friendship transcended the game.

"Reggie was just a great person,'' Bates said.
"Everyone knows what kind of ambassador he was for the NFL. He was a ..

Packers Have A Score To Settle

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Dec 2004 21:13:06 CST

Although it may seem that there are only a handful of games around the NFL that carry much significance in this the final weekend of the regular season, don't think for a minute that the Green Bay Packers are going to be a team looking past their season finale and ahead to the postseason.

Leaving aside the fact that the Packers will be looking to enter the postseason on a winning streak, Sunday's game marks the 168th meeting in the storied rivalry between the Packers and their bitter rivals, the Chicago Bears.

Around the Lambeau Field locker room Wednesday, no one was overlooking their second Bears contest of the season. No one was forgetting the 21-10 defeat handed to them by their neighbors to the south back in early September, either.

When asked if a little payback was in order, linebacker Na'il Diggs said that that would definitely factor into the Packers' preparation this week.

"I think so," he said. "It stung a little bit that they came up ..

Stadium Tours Popular Holiday Ticket At Lambeau Field

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Dec 2004 18:09:08 CST

Looking for a way to spend the extra holiday hours?

The Green Bay Packers stadium tour offers a behind the scenes look that all fans can enjoy. Lambeau Field's rich history coupled with its exciting atmosphere certainly is a treat for fans of all ages.

Fans should note, however, that during the holidays the Packers have had an extraordinarily high volume of traffic through the Atrium -- traffic so high that on some days, all tours of the stadium have been known to be sold out by noon.

"Our message to the fans is to get here early," guest relations representative Sindi Sanders said. "We've had to turn so many people away disappointed. And we don't like to do that."

Tickets for the tours of Lambeau Field, which must be purchased in person, go on sale at 9:30 a.m., in the Lambeau Field Atrium on the weekends and in the Packers Hall of Fame on weekdays.

Tours of the stadi..

White Was A Leader In Every Way

Adam Schefter, NFL.com — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:04:00 CST

More than the sacks, more than the trophies, more than the championships, Reggie White should be remembered like this: For a diverse mind every bit as unique as his raspy voice.

How many players could be equally comfortable addressing a locker room full of football players or the Wisconsin State Assembly?

Reggie White, who left us Dec. 26 at the age of 43, could.

On one day, as the evangelical minister he was, White could be preaching to his fellow man.

On the next, he could be standing in front of Brett Favre and LeRoy Butler and the rest of the Packers, inspiring them to the greatness they achieved in 1996, when Green Bay won the Super Bowl.

The Packers had no finer leader than White, including Favre. White was their leader and he was their closer.

White was the man who made the final telephone calls and closed the deals for free agents such as Sean Jones, Santana Dotson and Keith Jackson to sign with Green Bay.
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Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 18:47:26 CST

Hey LeRoy, this year I am sure you have seen the play of tight ends around the league. With this rise in play from that group why hasn't Bubba Franks been one of those guys having a career year, because I put him in the top five of the NFL as a tight end. Is it because of the play of Javon Walker or is it that the Packers no longer want to play short and middle of the field and go for the home run? - Brian (Moreno Valley, CA)

I think whenever teams play a lot of cover-two defense, the Packers don't really send the tight end down the middle of the field like you've seen other teams do. The Packers tend to send the tight ends up the middle primarily in the red zone and on a lot of crossing routes in other areas of the field.

Bubba Franks makes a lot of athletic plays and is widely known as one of the top tight ends in the league. He's been to three Pro Bowls in five seasons with the Packers and defenses realize that he's a big target and try to take him away ..

Butler: A Weekend Of Highs And Lows

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 18:46:48 CST

Over the weekend, the Green Bay Packers lost one of the greatest players and one of the greatest men in their history when Reggie White passed away Sunday morning. Reggie was one of the best leaders I've ever been around and I remember what an impact he had on the Packers when came to Green Bay in 1993.

Reggie opened the doors for many African-American players to come Green Bay who would help us win the Super Bowl just a few years later - players like Sean Jones, Seth Joyner, Desmond Howard, Andre Rison, Bruce Wilkerson and many more. If it weren't for Reggie coming to Green Bay, I don't know how many of these guys would have come to play for a small market team and help turn the organization around.

Reggie is by far the number one leader that has ever been in a locker room in all of sports. Sure, Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken and some others were great leaders, but when a guy is such a leader both on and off the field the way Reggie was, there is no comparison...

Packers Contingent To Travel To Charlotte For Reggie White Funeral Service

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 17:15:50 CST

A group of nearly 50 members of the Green Bay Packers organization, both past and present, will be traveling from Green Bay to Charlotte to attend the private funeral service for Reggie White, scheduled for Thursday.

Members of the organization who will fly on the team charter flight from Wisconsin to North Carolina will include president/CEO Bob Harlan, executive vice president/COO John Jones, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman, vice president and member of the Executive Committee John Fabry, treasurer and member of the Executive Committee John Underwood, vice president of player finance/general counsel Andrew Brandt, director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie, director of player development and former running back Edgar Bennett, strength and conditioning coach Barry Rubin, team historian Lee Remmel, head trainer Pepper Burruss, team physician Dr. Pat McKenzie, associate team physician Dr. John Gray, and equipment manager Gordon "Red" Batty.
..

Packers-Bears Rivalry

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 14:31:56 CST

PACKERS' 1980 FRAYS WITH BEARS A MAJOR STUDY IN CONTRASTS, HIGHLIGHTED BY ONLY OVERTIME GAME IN RIVALRY'S HISTORY

The Packers' long and colorful rivalry with the Chicago Bears, now in its 84th year, has seen about every kind of scenario there ever has been.

There have been 2-0 shutouts, registered by each side over time, 6-3 field-goal duels, 21-all ties and a 49-0 blowout, among a host of others during their annual, home-and-home collisions.

But never, before or since, has there been a study in one-season contrasts such as unfolded in 1980, a year when Bears founder George Halas was still with us.

(Halas had long since stepped down as head coach of the Midway Monsters but remained as chairman of the board and a familiar figure at home games in the Windy City's Soldier Field, where the Packers engage the Bears next Sunday for the 168th time in regular season competition).

The then-embattled Packers prevailed in their first '80 encou..

Services For Reggie White

Tue, 28 Dec 2004 13:41:29 CST

Services for Reggie White will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

A.L. Jinwright Funeral Services
4300 Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.599.5994

In lieu of sending flowers, the White family asks that you make a donation to the Reggie White Foundation: click here

One Of The Best Men The NFL Ever Knew

Pat Kirwin, NFL.com — Mon, 27 Dec 2004 15:15:47 CST

It was 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning when the senior producer of CBS' NFL Today show came into a room I was sitting in with Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason and Shannon Sharpe and announced that Reggie White passed away earlier in the morning.

The first thought I had about the man I tried to recruit to the New York Jets was, "That's impossible." How could a man who seemed invincible on the football field and inspirational off the field be gone at such a young age?

I had the pleasure of knowing White from the days of battling the Packers to acquire his services, and whenever I saw him, we would talk about our time in New York with his agent, Jim Sexton. At the time, I asked White what the most important thing he was looking for above and beyond the football experience, and he said, "I'd like to save the planet."

White was a terrific human being who not only accepted the role model image so many athletes deny they are responsible for, but relished in helping people ..

Preliminary Report: White Died From Lung Ailment

Mon, 27 Dec 2004 14:48:36 CST

NFL great Reggie White may have died because of a respiratory disease combined with other health problems, a preliminary autopsy report said Dec. 27.

White most likely had a condition that affected the amount of air his lungs could hold, resulting in "fatal cardiac arrhythmia," said Dr. Mike Sullivan, the medical examiner for Mecklenburg County and a forensic pathologist.

The report issued by Sullivan's office also said sleep apnea may have been a factor.

The report is a preliminary one; determining a final cause of death could take up to three months, Sullivan's office said.

White died Dec. 26 at Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville after being taken there from his home in nearby Cornelius. His wife, Sara, called 911.

White had the disease, known as sarcoidosis, for several years, family spokesman Keith Johnson said. He described it as a respiratory ailment that affected his sleep.

On its Web site, the American Lung Assoc..

Remembering Reggie White

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 12:04:06 CST

Reaction to the death of former NFL defensive end Reggie White:

"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people." -- NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

"He was just a wonderful player, first of all. Then, as a person, he was just the best. He was one of the leaders, along with Brett Favre, of our football team in Green Bay. I'm a better person for having been around Reggie White." -- Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who coached White at Green Bay.

"That's what changed the football fortunes of this franchise. It was huge. Everyone thought the last place he would sign was Green Bay and it was monumental because not only did he sign but he recruited for Green Bay and got guys like Sean Jones to come here. He sent..

Statement From Brett Favre Regarding Reggie White's Death

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 20:56:38 CST

"I was shocked to hear of the death of Reggie. He was a great friend of mine and a great friend of my family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sara and his family. It's hard to think that he is gone. It was just last week that I spoke to him about a project he was trying to put together with me and a couple other players.

"I had the utmost respect for Reggie White as a player. He may have been best player I've ever seen and certainly was the best I've ever played with or against.

"He was an integral part of the Packers' success, no question. Had it not been for Reggie, we don't make it to the Super Bowl. That's how important he was to the team. When he signed as a free agent, he changed the way people in and out of football looked at Green Bay as an NFL city. He helped the franchise get back to where it had been...at the top.

"He made the defense what it was during our run...the best in the league. He could turn the course of the game in a single play...

Packers Won't Lack Motivation This Week

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:24:37 CST

On a sad day at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman met with the media Sunday to discuss the state of the Green Bay Packers heading into a Week 17 match-up with the Chicago Bears.

Although the outcome of next Sunday's game won't have any affect on the Packers' postseason standing - they have locked up the number three seed in the NFC Playoffs and will face the second Wild Card team in a home playoff two weekends from now - Sherman was adamant the rematch of Week 2's home loss to the Bears will definitely carry plenty of meaning.

"I don't think there's ever a game that means nothing," Sherman said. "I think every game means something. How you play, how you prepare - I don't think there's ever a game that means nothing."

If anyone was of the mindset that the regular season finale can't affect what the Packers will do in the postseason, the coach was quick to point out what happened to the Denver Broncos when they were faced with a similar situa..

Statement From NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue Regarding Reggie White's Death

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 14:14:00 CST

"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people. We are deeply saddened by his loss and extend our deepest sympathy to Reggie's wife Sara and his entire family."

Reggie White Dies At 43

Sun, 26 Dec 2004 10:45:57 CST

Reggie White Video Tribute
Read Fan Tributes

In lieu of sending flowers, the White family asks that you make a donation to the Reggie White Foundation: click here.

Reggie White Named To Pro Football Hall Of Fame's Class of 2006

Packers Hall Of Fame To Induct Reggie White

92: Never To Be Worn Again, Never To Be Forgotten

Packers To Honor White With Helmet Decal And In Locker Room

Friends Remember White At N.C. Funeral

Mourners Bid Goodbye To Reggie White
..

Letters To Lee Remmel

Sat, 25 Dec 2004 22:35:22 CST

Why was Super Bowl II the last game Vince Lombardi coached for the Packers? I always thought that Lombardi last coached the Packers and retired, but on "NFL Presents" it surprised me to see him coaching the Redskins the year after. Thank you Mr. Remmel. - Garrett (Long Beach, CA)

Garrett, Vince Lombardi stepped down as head coach of the Packers following the 1967 season and Green Bay's 33-14 victory over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II, staying on at that point as general manager. He obviously was drained after driving the Packers to a third straight NFL championship - the first such parlay in league history under the playoff system. He also was convinced that the demands of the general manager's post would be escalating dramatically, requiring considerably more involvement for him and also was concerned over potential labor problems with the players that he saw on the horizon.

Vince later said that he knew the instant he stepped on the practice field ..

Exclusive Video Of Packers' Division-Clinching Celebration Hits Packers.com

Fri, 24 Dec 2004 01:15:53 CST

In one of the most hostile environments in the NFL, the Green Bay Packers Friday clinched their third straight NFC North title with a 34-31 come-from-behind victory over the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome.

In a game that was back and forth to the very end, Brett Favre engineered yet another miraculous late 4th quarter drive, this time going 76 yards on 11 plays in only 1:32 to set up Ryan Longwell's 29-yard field goal, his fourth game-winner this season.

In an exclusive feature of the Packers' official website, Packers.com takes you inside the Packers' locker room where it was hugs, high-fives and championship hats all around as GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman addressed the players following the team's division-clinching win.

The video clip can be found by going to the Multimedia section, clicking Video and then selecting 2004 Game Video in the pull-down menu, or by clicking here.

The clip is 3 minu..

Fourth Down Conversions Lead To Victory

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 24 Dec 2004 20:01:04 CST

On the way to winning a division championship, there are often a certain few plays that can be pointed to as key plays of the season.

Likewise, on the way to winning a division championship-clinching game, two plays and two decisions by GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman can be pointed to as keys to the Green Bay Packers locking up their third consecutive NFC North Division crown.

In a 34-31 shootout win over the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome Friday - their second win over their bitter rivals in less than two months to finish with that score - twice the Packers reached the end zone on critical fourth-and-goal plays.

The first of the two critical conversions came on an Ahman Green one-yard plunge to tie the score at 7-7 in the second quarter. Needing an answer to the Vikings' opening touchdown, Sherman was not about to settle for three points after seeing his offense drive more than 70 yards on 15 plays.

The third down play leading to the fourth down ..

AP Story: Packers Beat Vikings to Clinch NFC North

Fri, 24 Dec 2004 17:51:49 CST

Facing a seven-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter after one of his familiar, costly mistakes, Brett Favre brought Green Bay back again.

For a Packers team that lost four of its first five games this season, this probably didn't seem like all that much trouble.

Favre guided a 76-yard drive to set up Ryan Longwell 's game-ending 29-yard field goal, lifting the Packers to a 34-31 victory over the Minnesota Vikings -- and clinching a third straight NFC North crown.

"Never give up. That's been this team's M.O. all season," Favre said, "because we could've quit a long time ago."

The Packers (9-6) trailed 31-24 with 8:18 left after Favre's third-down throw from his end zone was intercepted by Chris Claiborne and returned 12 yards for a touchdown.

The Vikings (8-7), though, couldn't get what they needed from a pass defense that has struggled all season. Donald Driver -- who had 11 receptions for 162 yards -- made a nifty, falling..

Packers 5th Quarter At Curly's Pub

Thu, 23 Dec 2004 23:41:21 CST

Looking for something to do this Holiday Weekend? Bring your family and friends to Curly's Pub at Lambeau Field Sunday night for the Packers 5th Quarter.

Pro Bowl fullback William Henderson joins Burke Griffin to recap all the weekend's football action.

The fun begins at 7 p.m. Don't forget, you also have a chance to win a game ball from Friday's Packers-Vikings game!

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Vikings

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 10:14:16 CST

You know the people in the NFL offices in New York scheduled this game with just this scenario in mind. This game on Christmas Eve will be the only game going that day and everybody will be watching the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings battle it out for the NFC North Division title.

I think right now the Packers need this game more than the Vikings do. It's time to show that the last week was not the way things should be. The Packers have a history of peaking in December and January, while Minnesota is a team that has established a history of collapsing at this time of the year.

Last week, the Vikings played the Detroit Lions and won the game on a great stroke of luck. The Lions scored what should have been a tying touchdown at the end of the game but botched the snap on the extra point.

It's time for the Packers to change that luck, and they're going to have to get it done on defense. The Packers cannot allow Randy Moss to run free and scor..

Ground Game Could Determine Division

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Dec 2004 20:58:29 CST

Heading into a contest that has taken on the role of the NFC North Division championship game, you could easily expect to see plenty of high-flying passing action.

After all, the last time the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings got together November 14 in a 34-31 shootout won by the home team at Lambeau Field, quarterbacks Brett Favre and Daunte Culpepper combined to throw for 599 yards and all eight of the afternoon's touchdowns.

Throw in the fact that the game will be played in the climate-controlled comfort of the Metrodome, unlike the frigid, blustery conditions the Packers have faced in the last two weeks, and that neither team has particularly excelled in stopping their opponents from throwing the ball this season (Green Bay ranks 25th in the NFL in pass defense, Minnesota 27th), and it would perfectly reasonable to expect another aerial display.

However, taking a second look at the stat sheet from their previous meeting, it becomes clear why man..

Ferguson's Teammates React To Darius Fine

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 20:34:46 CST

The National Football League responded Tuesday to the violent hit Jacksonville Jaguars safety Donovin Darius made on Robert Ferguson in Sunday's game, slapping the defensive back with a $75,000 fine for unnecessary roughness.

NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the fine, noting in a letter to Darius that on a pass play, "you violently and unnecessarily struck your opponent in the neck and head area with your forearm."

Ferguson was temporarily left without feeling in his lower body and the receiver spent two nights in a Green Bay hospital as a result of the hit, which drew an ejection from the game for Darius at the time.

Some of Ferguson's teammates said Tuesday that they didn't feel the penalty was stiff enough.

"It should have been more actually," said Packers safety Darren Sharper. "Looking at that hit, it was unnecessary - just disturbing to see. I thought he would have been suspended a game because of the type of hit t..

Players Must Overcome Quick Turnaround

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 20:33:58 CST

With a turnaround time of less than five days between Sunday's regular season home finale and the upcoming NFC North Division-deciding clash at Minnesota Friday afternoon, the Green Bay Packers are working with a compact week of preparation for their game against the Vikings.

Tuesday, when nearly all of their counterparts in cities around the NFL were enjoying their day off and putting the finishing touches on healing their sore bodies from last weekend's action, Packers players found themselves on the practice field and in meeting rooms.

But if you were expecting to hear any complaining in the Lambeau Field locker room, you had come to the wrong place. Going from locker to locker, you were likely to hear members of the Green and Gold talking about what they would need to do to squeeze an extra two days of preparations into their hectic week.

Bubba Franks was asked which aspect of preparation was going to be more difficult for him and his teammates in the ..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 18:19:48 CST

Leroy, I think we all noticed a marked improvement in the execution of the offense as soon as the plays were being called by Mike Sherman on the sidelines. Do you think there could be some improvement to the defensive execution if Bob Slowik was on the sidelines? Seems he could get/give more feedback from/to the players than he can in the booth. - Shawn (Frederick, CO)

I'm not sure if there would be any improvement or not. Most coordinators who are up in the booth are up there because they feel more comfortable being able to watch plays unfold from that angle and it lets them see the whole field. Coach Slowik is obviously one of them and he feels that being in the booth gives him an advantage on knowing what plays to call.

There are some coordinators who like to be on the sidelines, but it's purely a personal preference. I think you should have whoever is doing the play-calling, on offense or defense, doing so from the place where they feel most comforta..

Butler: Packers Have To Lower The Flags

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 18:16:36 CST

You have to give the Jacksonville Jaguars credit for having the focus and toughness to come into Lambeau Field and get a victory. However, the Packers have now finished the regular season 4-4 at home, and that's unacceptable.

The Packers are going to have to cut down on their mistakes in all phases of the game - offense, defense and special teams - if they expect to be productive in their last two regular season games and in the playoffs. These mistakes that they're making can be fixed, and I know I sound like a broken record when I keep saying they're going to get fixed, but I think they will be.

I've been getting e-mail after e-mail about the penalties and other mistakes and I know that's what's hurting the Packers lately. I believe that the Packers are a very aggressive team, but that's been the cause of many of the flags that have been thrown against the defenders.

I thought the officials in Sunday's game were pretty inconsistent, though. It seemed ..

Davenport A Real Find For Packers

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Dec 2004 10:20:00 CST

When GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman selected Najeh Davenport with the 135th pick of the 2002 NFL Draft, he was ecstatic that such a quality player was still available. Despite other teams having reservations about Davenport's injured foot, Sherman knew he was getting a steal.

Three seasons later, Sherman's selection looks even better and it appears that every team that passed on Davenport made a mistake. The former Miami Hurricane has turned into one of the league's top backup running backs and now the Packers are reaping the rewards of what once was considered a gamble.

Davenport's downhill running style and deceptive speed have become the perfect complement to Ahman Green's shiftiness and quick hitting approach. The 6-1, 250-pound back has also filled in admirably for Green when he's been sidelined with injuries.

In a recent 45-17 win over the St. Louis Rams, Davenport stepped into the limelight with Green sidelined with sore ribs. The Packers' offe..

Packers Notebook - Players Add Their Votes

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 18:05:47 CST

While online fan voting for the Pro Bowl wrapped up Friday, Packers players took their turn filling out their ballots for the NFL's annual All-Star Game Monday in their Lambeau Field meeting rooms.

The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are made up of the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third towards determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl.

The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.

The results of the fan voting were announced Monday, with Robert Ferguson and William Henderson holding an inside track to receiving their first selections for the game to be held in Honolulu the week after Super Bowl XXXIX.

Ferguson was the fans' choice as the leading vote-getter as the des..

Ferguson Expected To Be Released From Hospital Tuesday

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Dec 2004 16:55:37 CST

One day removed from seeing wide receiver Robert Ferguson knocked out of Sunday's game by a vicious and illegal hit by Jacksonville safety Donovin Darius, Packers' GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman addressed the media and updated everyone on the status of Ferguson's health.

Sherman said that the receiver had regained movement in his lower extremities, something he did not have as he was carted from the playing surface at Lambeau Field late in the game. Ferguson spent Sunday night in a Green Bay hospital and Sherman stated that he would remain there again Monday before likely being released Tuesday morning.

The coach visited Ferguson Sunday night and said the receiver seemed to be in good spirits.

"He said he'd be back at practice on Wednesday, which is typical of Robert Ferguson," Sherman said. "His wife was there - he was in the MRI machine, which is tough because he had to be in there for about 45 minutes to an hour. They took him out and we visited a little ..

Packers-Vikings Rivalry

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 16:39:42 CST

PLAYING ON CHRISTMAS EVE (NEXT UP AGAINST VIKINGS) NOT A PROBLEM FOR PACKERS; THEY HAVE FARED WELL ON DEC. 24TH

There are those who have mixed emotions, understandably, about football being played on Christmas Eve day.

And some, most assuredly, are Packers loyalists, long celebrated for their commitment to "their" team and to showing up in Lambeau Field - or on the road - for a game, any game, no matter what the date, time or temperature.

Be that as it may, one thing appears to be a given with the Green and Gold, who on Friday find themselves in that situation - playing the Vikings in Minnesota on Christmas Eve afternoon.

Christmas or not, the Packers don't seem to mind pursuing their profession on the 24th of December. Which may be traceable to the all-important "bottom line" - the fact that they have been highly successful when required to perform on the day before Christmas.

The record shows that, to date, they have played five ..

Packers Putting This One Behind Them, Looking Ahead

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 02:52:53 CST

When the Packers and Vikings get together, it marks one of the most exciting rivalries in all of sports. But when they play Friday in a Christmas Eve showdown, there will be more at stake than usual.

Although the Packers clinched a playoff berth before they took to the field Sunday against the Jaguars, there still is unfinished business in Green Bay. The Vikings and Packers are tied atop the NFC North with identical 8-6 records and whoever comes out victorious will have the upper hand for the division title.

Certainly, the Vikings are entering the contest on a high note after winning a 28-27 nail-biter versus the Detroit Lions while the Packers are coming off a difficult defeat at Lambeau Field. However, the attitude in the Packers locker room suggests that they are ready to move on their next task, which will be a very difficult one.

"I knew going into this game that we still had a chance to go to the playoffs, win or lose," Brett Favre said. "I real..

Pack In Playoffs, But Not Happy About It

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 02:43:28 CST

Sunday produced an event which seems to be an annual occurrence in the life of the Green Bay Packers. For the fourth straight season and the 10th time in the past 12 years, the Packers clinched a spot in the NFC playoffs.

Looking back a few months, it seemed highly unlikely that the Packers would be playing any more than the 16 regular season games on their schedule. After a 1-4 start, many NFL "experts" had written the Packers off.

In the long history of the NFL, just 12 teams had advanced to the postseason after winning one or fewer games in their first five. When a combination of results from around the league fell their way over the weekend (losses by the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears), the Packers became first NFC team since the 1983 Detroit Lions to reach the postseason after such a lackluster beginning.

However, upon learning of their advancement in the locker room after a tough 28-25 defeat to the Jacksonvil..

Critical Mistakes Seal Packers Defeat

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 02:42:35 CST

Every game is a difficult challenge in the NFL and winning becomes that much harder when you commit five turnovers. Unfortunately the Packers found that out the hard way Sunday in a 28-25 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect to the defeat was the consensus in the locker room that the Packers could have won if it weren't for so many critical mistakes. Whether it was penalties, turnovers, or missed opportunities, things just didn't go the Packers' way Sunday.

Playing in front of 70,437 fans in frigid temperatures, the Packers were flagged 12 times for 101 yards. Despite those errors and the turnovers, the Packers still were in the game until Ryan Longwell's onside kick with less than two minutes to go in the fourth quarter was recovered by the Jaguars.

"I think anyone who watched the game knows turnovers cost us the game," Brett Favre said. "I am amazed that we were still in the ballgame. I don't know if that is a good ..

AP Story: Jaguars Freeze Out Packers 28-25

Sun, 19 Dec 2004 19:16:52 CST

Who knew the Jacksonville Jaguars were a cold-weather team?

Byron Leftwich threw two touchdown passes, Fred Taylor rushed for 165 yards and a touchdown and Rashean Mathis picked off Brett Favre twice, helping the Jaguars (8-6) stay in the thick of the AFC playoff race with a 28-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Temperatures were in the single digits and the wind chill was well below zero.

"A team that plays in Florida in the 80s and 70s, you just can't condition your body for the temperatures you are going to feel," Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. "But you can condition your mind and I felt we were ready from that standpoint."

Said Packers coach Mike Sherman: "They have the talent to play in any conditions."

Jaguars safety Donovin Darius was ejected for a helmet-stripping, clothesline hit that sent wide receiver Robert Ferguson to the hospital with 4:41 remaining. Ferguson temporarily lost feeling in his legs, but rega..

Packers Clinch Playoff Berth

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Dec 2004 15:13:53 CST

Even before taking the field Sunday, the Green Bay Packers were assured of making their fourth straight trip to the NFC playoffs.

Thanks to results from Saturday's games and the round of early kickoffs on Sunday, the Packers clinched a postseason berth regardless of the outcome of their 3:15 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The scenario that clinched the playoff berth for Green Bay involved a series of losses by four teams Saturday and Sunday:

First, Pittsburgh beat the New York Giants, 33-30. The Carolina Panthers then lost to the Atlanta Falacons 34-31 Saturday night. In the early games Sunday, a 12-7 loss in Philadelphia by the Dallas Cowboys and a 24-5 defeat of the Chicago Bears by the Houston Texans finished off the necessary results.

Still on the agenda for the Packers is locking up their third straight NFC North Division championship. GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman's team could clinch the division Friday when they travel to the Metrodo..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Jaguars

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 10:13:27 CST

Well, it will be the coldest day of the year on Sunday. The high temperature may reach the teens when the sun is out, but since it's a late afternoon game, most of the game will be played after the sun has gone down, so it will be even colder than that. Plus factoring the wind chill, this is perfect Green Bay Packer weather.

This is the weather that makes football great in December. Coach Sherman's record is a great 18-3 after December 1 and Brett Favre has only lost one game in his career with the temperature under 40 degrees. With that advantage in mind, you couldn't pick a better opponent to play in the freezing conditions at Lambeau Field than a team coming up from Florida, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A win Sunday will put the Packers into the playoffs and one step closer to locking up a division title. The Jaguars are another team that is looking to reach the postseason, so this game has big playoff implications on both sides.

The Jaguars' offense w..

Packers Notebook - Green To Reach Milestone, Again

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 17:16:56 CST

With three games remaining on the schedule, running back Ahman Green needs just eight yards Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fifth time in his five seasons in Green Bay.

Since arriving from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade before the 2000 season, Green has put up four of the top seven rushing seasons in Packers history, including last year's team-record 1,883 yards on the ground.

His fifth season campaign of 1,000-plus yards will match Hall of Fame fullback Jim Taylor's club-high five (also achieved in consecutive seasons from 1960-64) and will be just the 18th in club annals. John Brockington and Dorsey Levens are the only other Packers to record multiple millennium seasons for the Green and Gold with two each.

While Green is proud of his achievements, he's not making a big deal about crossing the 1,000-yard plateau.

"That's basically our goal every year, to get over 1,000," said the running ba..

Injuries Keep Reserves On Call

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Dec 2004 17:15:53 CST

Leading up to their Sunday afternoon tilt with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Green Bay Packers are still unsure if they will have two key contributors available to return to action. Starting 'Will' linebacker Na'il Diggs and valuable sixth offensive lineman Kevin Barry were listed as questionable on the team's Friday injury report.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said both players would be tested further at Saturday morning's practice to determine if they could rejoin their teammates for the regular season home finale at Lambeau Field after both players missed last week's win over Detroit due to injury.

Barry and Diggs were forced out of the game at Philadelphia two weeks ago, the lineman with a quadriceps strain and the linebacker with a kidney contusion.

If the regulars are required to miss a second game, Sherman is confident that their replacements, linebacker Paris Lenon and lineman Brad Bedell, will continue to fill in well.

"I thought Paris play..

Teammates Help Each Other Through Tough Times

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 16 Dec 2004 19:42:35 CST

For three Green Bay Packers, the past few weeks have been one of the most challenging periods of their careers. On top of the daily difficulty and pressure of performing at a high level as a key contributor to a team making a push for the NFL playoffs, Nick Barnett, Na'il Diggs and Donald Driver have had to face some major off-field difficulties as well.

Just hours before kickoff in Philadelphia two games ago, Barnett learned that his father had passed away but played through the emotional pain against the Eagles and again Sunday at home against the Detroit Lions before heading to California earlier this week to attend the funeral and comfort his family.

Driver underwent a similar family tragedy as his father-in-law died suddenly Friday before the Lions game. The receiver played exceptionally well in the game, scoring the Packers' lone touchdown in the victory on a pass from Brett Favre. Driver missed Green Bay's practice on Thursday as he joined his family in th..

Remember Them?

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 16 Dec 2004 19:41:40 CST

Frequently in the NFL, the four preseason games each team plays are nothing more than a tune-up - a chance to get a brief look at your first-stringers (hopefully without anyone getting hurt) and then an opportunity to see the bottom half of the roster take shape with the non-starters proving to the coaches that they belong on the 53-man squad when the regular season starts.

It's not all that common that two teams play each other in the preseason and then lock horns later on in a game that's not just for show, but one that counts in the regular season standings.

Such is the case though this week, as the Green Bay Packers will welcome to town the Jacksonville Jaguars - a team that came out on top in a forgettable 9-7 game in Jacksonville back in August, a game that saw Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee kick his third field goal of the night to provide the winning margin in the fourth quarter.

While only just over three months removed from that preseason meeting, the..

One Game At A Time

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 20:21:26 CST

At this time of year, it's natural for NFL players to start thinking about the playoffs. It's hard to avoid all of the speculation and multiple playoff scenarios that seem to be everywhere as the season draws near to its close.

Green Bay is one place where you definitely think the thoughts of the postseason would be running through the heads of the players in the locker room, since many of them have seldom, if ever, been part of a team that hasn't advanced to play some January football.

Even though a berth in the NFL's 12-team postseason tournament is just one win away, most of the players at Lambeau Field Wednesday were focused on one thing and one thing only - beating the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"I didn't even know that," quarterback Brett Favre said when asked about the thought of locking up a playoff spot with a victory Sunday. "I don't know why that would be any extra motivation. I don't see why we need any. We're not in a position to think that way...

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

Wed, 15 Dec 2004 14:05:58 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-Lions game ball winner was Peter Bayer of Parker, Colo.

Come to the show this week and see Packers cornerback Al Harris. Please note the special time of 8 p.m.

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.

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 18:43:51 CST

Hi LeRoy; I enjoy your insight into the Packers game plans. If there was one bright spot in last week's loss, I think it was the play of Craig Nall. In your opinion was his success just a matter of the Philly defense playing soft or is Craig a guy whose future is possibly a starter for Green Bay? - Al (Wichita, KS)

If you look at Craig Nall, he has a great throwing motion and he appears to read defenses well. He's also aggressive with the ball and has shown a lot of good things when he's gotten the chance to show what he can do during games.

I think that he has a bright future and it's going to be very hard for anybody to come into Green Bay and unseat him as the backup to Brett Favre and the quarterback of the future. He's a big guy, he's smart, and he has a lot of veteran characteristics even though he's only in his third season and hasn't gotten a whole lot of playing time.

He's the kind of guy that I think has a real chance to step up and le..

Butler: It Wasn't Pretty, But It Counts The Same

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 14 Dec 2004 18:40:59 CST

While it wasn't the prettiest game, the Green Bay Packers got back on the right track with a big win at home against a division opponent Sunday, beating the Detroit Lions. And it doesn't matter how you get there, the only thing that counts is that you end up in the lead at the end of the game.

Although it was a great victory, with the Packers defense, it seems that you can almost pick your poison. Either they aren't going to play very well against the pass, or they're going to have trouble defending the run.

In the first half, the Packers had plenty of trouble defending the run. For some reason, the defense really picked it up in the second half. Kevin Jones came into the game after a 196-yard effort against the Arizona Cardinals and was a hot running back.

He showed again on Sunday why he's got a bright future in this league as he ran for over 100 yards in the first half. But the second half was a different story as the Packers came out after halfti..

Remmel: Packers vs. Jaguars

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 14:46:32 CST

'STRANGERS' COMPETITIVELY, PACKERS AND JAGUARS HAVE MET ONLY TWICE; BRETT FAVRE MADE HISTORY IN FIRST ENCOUNTER

The Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, who Sunday come together in Lambeau Field for the first time on Titletown turf, are virtual strangers - competitively speaking.

Officially, they have met only twice since the Jaguars became members of the National Football League's AFC Central Division (now AFC South) in 1995. For the record, there also was a preseason Packers visit to Jacksonville's ALLTEL Stadium earlier this year (Aug. 27), won by the Jaguars, 9-7.

Yet, both regular-season games set themselves apart from the average NFL contest, historically speaking - aside from the fact that the Green and Gold were successful on each occasion, posting a 24-14 win in their first meeting ('95) and a 28-21 victory in a 2001 encounter, both in the ALLTEL venue.

In the former (on Sept. 24, 1995) for prime example, Favre threw two touchdown ..

Online Voting For 2005 Pro Bowl Ends Friday

Tue, 14 Dec 2004 11:55:48 CST

The Packers need your help!

Friday, December 17th marks the final day for fans to vote their favorite players to the 2005 NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The AFC and NFC All-Star squads are made up of the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third towards determining the 43-man rosters that represent the American Football Conference and National Football Conference in the Pro Bowl. NFL players and coaches will cast their votes on December 20-21.

The NFL is the only sports league that combines voting by fans, coaches and players to determine its all-star teams. It was the first professional sports league to offer online all-star voting in 1995.

Online voting will end this Friday, December 17th at 11 a.m. CT.

Below is a list of players expected to challenge for their first trip to Honolulu:

Nick Barnett:
Com..

Yellow Flags Raise A Red Flag For Sherman

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:25:56 CST

After reviewing the film from Sunday's 16-13 win over the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman was pleased with his team's performance, especially in a second half that saw them erase a 13-point deficit.

One thing that concerned Sherman - and most followers of the Green and Gold - was their continuing habit of picking up more than their share of penalty flags in the contest.

The Packers were penalized nine times against the Lions, accumulating 99 yards in the process. The occasion marked the fourth straight game the team has been flagged seven or more times, with the number of infractions reaching double-digits in two of those games.

Through 13 games, Green Bay has been penalized 95 times for 789 yards, a figure that is worse than 20 of the 31 other teams in the NFL. Consider that these same Packers incurred only 88 penalties in the entire 2003 season, third-fewest in the league, and you can understand why the issue is one of the ma..

Packers Close In On Playoff Berth

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 13 Dec 2004 17:02:06 CST

Fresh off the heels of their come-from-behind 16-13 victory over the Detroit Lions Sunday, the Green Bay Packers are just one win away from clinching a spot in the NFC playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and the 10th time in the past 12 years.

According to the NFL, the Packers will ensure themselves of a berth in the postseason with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday at 3:15 (CT) at Lambeau Field. A win would be the Green and Gold's ninth of the season and would put them one step closer to their third consecutive NFC North Division title, which could be locked up the following Friday when they travel to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Vikings December 24.

Other scenarios which would see the Packers reach the postseason without a win Sunday involve a rare tie game. If the Packers were to tie Jacksonville - which would be their first tie game since 1987's 17-17 draw with the Denver Broncos in Milwaukee - Green Bay would clinch a spot in the pla..

Green Bay Packers Holiday Special To Air Saturday

Mon, 13 Dec 2004 14:12:10 CST

Tune in to WFRV-TV this Saturday, Dec. 18, at 8 p.m. for a fun look at your favorite Green Bay Packers.

See players off the field, giving time to various community efforts.

The players also reminisce about their favorite holiday memories and help tell a classic holiday poem in the 30-minute program.

Packers Notebook - Wells Passes Another Test

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 23:45:18 CST

There's nothing like learning on the job in the NFL. Center Scott Wells learned that the hard way last weekend in Philadelphia and received yet another lesson in the Packers' 16-13 victory over the Detroit Lions Sunday afternoon.

After Grey Ruegamer injured his ankle late in the second quarter against the Eagles, Wells was forced into action. With Ruegamer still unable to play against the Lions, Wells received the first start of his professional career and all signs suggest that he held up just fine.

Although the film session doesn't take place for players until this Wednesday, Wells' teammates liked what they saw of the former Tennessee Volunteer.

"He played really well," guard Mike Wahle said. "For being a young guy and being thrown in there, he battled. He played against probably one of the toughest guys in the league (Shaun Rodgers) and I thought he held his own."

"He did a great job," running back Ahman Green added. "Even with the ca..

Packers' Second Half Takes Roar Out Of Lions

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 23:44:52 CST

An old adage says that when you're down, you can't give up. That theory holds true in everyday life and it also comes into play in the sports world. If you need proof, just take a look at the Green Bay Packers' latest game.

Despite playing very poorly and finding themselves in a 13-0 hole at halftime against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Packers somehow found a way to come out with a 16-13 victory. It may not have been pretty, but at the end of the day the Packers were all alone at the top of the NFC North Division with an 8-5 record.

Battling cold temperatures - including a swirling wind - and a difficult divisional opponent, the Packers committed six first half penalties for 74 yards. The offense had difficulty moving the ball, going three-and-out on their first three drives and gaining only four first downs in the opening half.

The defensive unit also had its share of difficulties allowing Lions running back Kevin Jones to rush for 118 yards on..

Driver, Favre Overcome Early Struggles

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 23:44:28 CST

Throughout the first half of Sunday's ballgame against the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers offense was frustrated by the blustery conditions of Lambeau Field.

Brett Favre completed just three passes of the 15 he attempted in the first 30 minutes of play, thanks in part to the wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour knocking his throws off course, and also in part because of the difficulty his receivers had in catching the ball in the sub-freezing temperatures.

Led by Donald Driver's four catches for 87 yards (all of which came after halftime) though, Favre and his receivers came to life in the second half to help spark the team to a 16-13 victory and first place alone atop the NFC North.

Despite their difficulties hooking up early in the game, Favre never lost confidence in his receiving corps.

"I never get disappointed when guys drop balls," the quarterback said. "I've said that in my 13 years here and I've always said that I know that those g..

Just Another Game-Winner

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 23:44:06 CST

For the third time in five weeks, Ryan Longwell closed out a Green Bay Packers victory with a game-winning field goal in the final seconds.

While his 23-yarder with two seconds remaining on the clock in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Detroit Lions seemed like nothing new from the seasoned veteran, it was his first game-ender this year in the less than ideal conditions of a wintry Lambeau Field.

Longwell's first game-clincher of the year came on a 33-yard boot to beat the Minnesota Vikings 34-31 in Green Bay on November 14 under relatively balmy conditions with the temperature in the 40s and little to no wind. He repeated his heroics with a 46-yard kick to close out a 16-13 win under the closed roof at Houston's Reliant Stadium seven days later.

Those kicks may as well have been made in perfect conditions compared to what the eighth-year man from the University of California was dealing with Sunday in northeast Wisconsin. The thermometer was at freezing at ..

AP Story: Packers Edge Lions, 16-13

Sun, 12 Dec 2004 19:13:38 CST

There are still two sure things in Green Bay: Ryan Longwell inside 40 yards and Brett Favre beating the Detroit Lions at home.

The Packers only led for 2 seconds, but that was enough to keep their stranglehold over the Lions, who haven't won in Wisconsin since 1991, the year before Favre's arrival.

Longwell's 23-yard field goal gave Green Bay a 16-13 victory against the Lions and lifted the Packers (8-5) into first place in the NFC North by a game over Minnesota, which lost at home to Seattle.

It was Longwell's third game-winner in five weeks and his 43rd consecutive conversion from 40 yards in.

"What can you say? I look down there, he gives me the thumbs-up," Packers coach Mike Sherman said. "I can't say I don't still say a few prayers when he's lining up to kick it. I do. But they're always answered."

Favre always has an answer for the Lions.

He led Green Bay back from a 13-0 halftime deficit with four scoring drives, incl..

Longwell Kicks Odds, Pressure To Earn Place In Packers History

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Dec 2004 12:58:27 CST

Ryan Longwell has been such a steady and clutch performer for eight seasons that it would be easy to take him for granted. After all, when he enters the game you just know points are going in the Packers' favor.

Yet, anyone that overlooks Longwell and his accomplishments is making a huge mistake. For a player that went undrafted and almost unnoticed altogether coming out of the University of California, Longwell has turned into one of the best kickers in team history.

Given Longwell's great success you might think his career has been as smooth as his motion on a game-winning kick, but that really isn't the case at all. In fact, the team's all-time leading scorer had to buck all odds just to make the team in 1997.

The Packers drafted Penn State kicker Brett Conway in the third round of '97's draft and they clearly were giving the high draft choice every chance to make the team. Meanwhile, Longwell went undrafted and signed with the San Francisco 49..

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Lions

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 11 Dec 2004 10:12:42 CST

I think we all would agree - and when I say all of us, I mean the organization, players, fans, everybody - that it's time for the Green Bay Packers to step out this weekend and show the real team that's capable of winning the division and hitting the playoffs on a high note.

The Packers - as we all know - started out with a win, lost four in a row, then won six in a row, and have now lost one. It's time to start another streak. I think one of the Packers' problems this season has been not showing enough consistency.

But the good news is that the leaders on this team understand the magnitude of this game and will be able to pull the Packers together and lead them to where they want to go. Winning this game against the Detroit Lions will put the Packers well on their way to reaching their goal of winning the NFC North.

The Lions had a big victory last week over the Arizona Cardinals, but if you look at their offense, they have had an up-and-down season. T..

Starter At Center Still Undetermined

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Dec 2004 18:19:25 CST

Friday's practice saw the Packers work without two of their offensive linemen for the third consecutive day as they prepare to meet the Detroit Lions Sunday afternoon.

Center Grey Ruegamer, who was forced out in the second quarter of last Sunday's encounter with the Philadelphia Eagles with a sprained ankle, was sidelined for the entire week of practice with rookie Scott Wells taking his place as he did in last week's game.

Tackle Kevin Barry, the Packers' noted sixth man on the offensive line who is a contributor in their 'U-71' package which sees the 335-pounder enter the game as an extra blocking tight end, was also kept from practicing this week after suffering a quadriceps strain at Philadelphia.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said in his Friday press conference that both players will continue to be evaluated at Saturday morning's walkthrough practice and listed each as probable to play on Sunday.

Sherman said that he's confident in Wells' abili..

Green Bay Packers Holiday Special To Air Saturday

Fri, 10 Dec 2004 16:50:46 CST

Tune in this Saturday, Dec. 11, and next Saturday, Dec. 18, for a fun look at your favorite Green Bay Packers. See players off the field, giving time to various community efforts. The players also reminisce about their favorite holiday memories and help tell a classic holiday poem.

The 30-minute program airs in the following markets at times indicated:

Saturday, Dec. 11
Madison, WKOW-TV, 12 noon
Milwaukee, WTMJ-TV, 1 p.m.
Wausau, WAOW-TV, 5 p.m.
La Crosse, WXOW-TV, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18
Green Bay, WFRV-TV, 8:00 p.m.

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

Fri, 10 Dec 2004 15:06:45 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.

Come to the show this week and see Packers linebacker Hannibal Navies. Please note the special time of 8 p.m.

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.

'Backers Set To Handle Shakeup

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 18:17:46 CST

With just one day remaining in the practice week, it appears more and more likely that Paris Lenon will be in the starting lineup Sunday against Detroit as Na'il Diggs remains listed as doubtful on the injury report and missed practice Thursday for the second straight day.

Diggs sustained a bruised kidney in second quarter of last week's game at Philadelphia in a diving attempt to make a tackle. Diggs, the 'Will' linebacker in the Packers setup, ranks second on the team with 101 tackles and is on pace to better the career-best of 123 that he set a year ago.

Lenon has primarily been a special teams standout in his three seasons with the Packers, but he has provided cover at all three linebacker spots at different times this season. He previously started in place of Hannibal Navies at the 'Buck' position against Tennessee with Navies sidelined due to a shoulder ailment.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said earlier in the week that he has confidence in Lenon's ab..

Pack To Get A Different Look From Lions

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 13:49:17 CST

October 17 was definitely a turning point in the Green Bay Packers' 2004 season. That was the date they went into Ford Field and snapped a string of four straight losses with a 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions, setting them off on a course of six consecutive victories.

Especially dominant that day was the play of the Packers defense, holding the Lions to just 125 yards of total offense and scoring a touchdown of their own when Darren Sharper returned a Joey Harrington interception 36 yards for six points.

The Packers didn't allow Detroit to pick up a single first down in the second half and the 125 yards allowed were the fewest a Green Bay team had given up in a single game since 1985 when they held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to 65 in a 21-0 win.

Their success in the two teams' first meeting this season was definitely impressive, but the Packers aren't taking this Detroit offense lightly, especially since two of their key cogs were non-factors when they clas..

Packers Prepared For Fourth Quarter Push

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 21:15:38 CST

So often, it is said that football games are won and lost in the fourth quarter. The Green Bay Packers especially know this is true after their back-to-back last-second victories last month.

Just as football games are frequently decided in the final quarter of play, the same can be said for football seasons. With all 32 NFL teams having played 12 games, Sunday opens the fourth quarter of the season.

The Packers head into the home stretch locked up in a tight battle for playoff position, tied atop the NFC North standings with the Minnesota Vikings at 7-5, with the remaining two teams in the division, the Chicago Bears and Sunday's opponent, the Detroit Lions just two games back at 5-7.

With three of their four remaining games seeing them do battle with division foes, the fourth and final quarter of the season will be the defining section of the Packers' 2004 schedule. This fact was not lost on the men in the Lambeau Field locker room as they began their w..

Wells Snaps Into Action

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 10:40:12 CST

Emerging from last weekend's game in Philadelphia, you might think the Packers would be hard-pressed to pick out positives from the contest that put them in the loss column for the first time in nearly two months.

One thing that should please those associated with the Green Bay ball club from Sunday's events, though, was the play of some of their young players who saw some rare, extended playing time.

An obvious example of one of the Pack's young players benefiting from getting a chance to take the field was quarterback Craig Nall, who threw two fourth quarter touchdown passes in relief of Brett Favre after the outcome had been decided.

Another player who gained invaluable experience in the game was one who worked closely with both Favre and Nall Sunday afternoon, rookie center Scott Wells. Wells entered the game in the second quarter after starter Grey Ruegamer was forced out with a sprained ankle and played the rest of the game.

The game action ..

Butler: A Bad Loss, But Just One Game

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 17:44:16 CST

Going into a hostile environment like Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field and knowing that you're playing one of the best and hottest teams in the NFL, you've got to play at a certain level, and the Green Bay Packers just didn't reach that level on Sunday.

The one thing that concerned me the most from the game - and like you, I have plenty of concerns - was the penalties. Any time you have 12 penalties for 99 yards and especially when you're playing on the road, you can't have that and expect to win. When you're playing a team that's as good as this Eagles team obviously is, you've almost got to play a perfect game to go into their building and beat them.

Keep one thing in mind, though - the Packers are still in first place, they're still going to make the playoffs, but a loss like this is simply unacceptable for a team as good as the Packers are.

Let's look a little more in depth at what happened to cause such a lopsided loss.

Starting with t..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 07 Dec 2004 17:43:47 CST

LeRoy, Love your column. My question is: I see you from time-to-time roaming the sidelines when the cameras show the Green Bay bench. I know you don't have an official role as a coach, but do you get involved in pointing out what offenses or defenses are doing, as a kind of "coaching internship," or is your capacity just one of a former player and current analyst? - Patrick (Green Bay, WI)

I definitely try to help the guys as they come off the field whenever I'm at the games on the sidelines. If they see a certain offense that I can help them with or anything I can help with, I'm glad to help in any way I can.

I played the game long enough to know that if a guy is looking for help, I'll try to help him out. I think a good thing about the Green Bay sideline is that you have coaches and players working together to try to make sure that you have every advantage possible to win the game.

That's my role when I'm on the sideline. I'm not a coach or a c..

Go Inside Lambeau Field With Packers.com Quicktime VR Tours

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 16:02:04 CST

Can't make it to Lambeau Field? Want an exclusive tour? Go behind the scenes with the Green Bay Packers Quicktime VR Tours!

There you'll find an all-access pass to player facilities like the Packers locker room, weight room, training room, team meeting rooms and more.

The Packers.com Quicktime VR Tour also offers a look inside the Lambeau Field bowl, both from field level and from the private box levels, including the Champions Box, the Legends Box and the Super Box.

Want to book an event at Lambeau Field? Check out the Packers' special events areas like the Legend's Room and Stadium Club, suitable for groups of 25 to 1,100.

For Packers fans, there are few places in the entire world that are cooler than Curly's Pub in the Lambeau Field Atrium. With the Qui..

Packers-Lions Rivalry

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 12:52:22 CST

'55 THRILLER AT 'OLD' CITY STADIUM, PAIR OF '62 BATTLES STAND OUT IN PACKERS' 148-GAME RIVALRY WITH DETROIT LIONS

Inevitably, over the 74-year history of the Packers' rivalry with the Detroit Lions, one of the National Football League's oldest and most storied series, there has been a substantial collection of noteworthy battles.

Such as:

-A 1993 Wild Card playoff game which saw the Packers pull out a victory in the closing seconds by way of a 40-yard Brett Favre bullseye to wide receiver Sterling Sharpe;

-A 1994 Wild Card playoff in which the Packers limited the incomparable Barry Sanders to a minus 1-yard rushing in 13 attempts, one of the most spectacular defensive performances in NFL postseason history; and

-Any number of Thanksgiving Day classics, particularly during the '50s and '60s when their holiday collisions in the Motor City were an annual Turkey Day highlight for 13 seasons on national television (1951-63).

But..

Pack Won't Let Loss Linger

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 21:06:48 CST

While the mood in the Lambeau Field locker room Monday was noticeably different from that of the post-game atmosphere from the past six weeks, the Green Bay Packers were determined not to let any effects of Sunday's defeat hang around much longer.

The feeling throughout the team reflected the words so often spoken by their leader, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman. Sherman is a strong proponent of the idea that you take each contest individually and can not put too much stock in one game - win or lose.

Even with the nature of Sunday's loss, a 30-point shocker at the hands of the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles, Sherman said that he and his charges are equipped to bounce back, especially after they followed a four-game losing skid earlier in the season with six straight wins.

"You lose four games in a row, that has some pretty significant impact as well," Sherman said when asked how his team would respond to their weekend setback. "You have to rebound from that. ..

Diggs Heads Injury List

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 17:54:17 CST

Green Bay Packers GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman addressed the media Monday following his team's defeat in Philadelphia less than 24 hours earlier, a loss that saw Green Bay's six-game winning streak snapped.

As is customary, Sherman opened the proceedings by running through the list of injuries coming out of Sunday's game.

Making the list were Packers from both sides of the ball. Linemen Grey Ruegamer (ankle sprain) and Kevin Barry (strained quad), along with a sore Najeh Davenport represented the offense. The coach said their status would be a day-to-day issue.

On defense, safety Bhawoh Jue sustained a concussion in the game against the Eagles. Sherman believes that Jue will be able to practice Wednesday when the team begins their full preparations for their upcoming meeting with the Detroit Lions.

It was also on defense where the Packers sustained their most serious injury of the day. Late in the second quarter, linebacker Na'il Diggs was fo..

Favre's TD Pass Streak Ends In Loss

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Sun, 05 Dec 2004 20:48:23 CST

In what turned out to be a dreary day for the Green Bay Packers in Philadelphia, a number of impressive streaks came to a close in the Green and Gold's 47-17 loss to the Eagles.

By all accounts, the most important streak to be snapped was the Packers' six-game winning streak, which saw the team rebound from a 1-4 start and return to first place in the NFC North Division.

Another impressive run was ended in the defeat, one which saw Brett Favre's assault on the NFL record books hit a roadblock.

Coming into Sunday's action, the ironman quarterback had thrown a touchdown pass in each of his last 36 games, good for second place on the all-time list. Only Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas ever put together a longer run, making a scoring throw in 47 straight contests for the Baltimore Colts from 1956-1960.

Favre's streak traced back to a Monday night home game against the Miami Dolphins November 4, 2002, a game won by the Packers 24-10 with the quarterback hi..

AP Story: Eagles Beat Packers, 47-17

Sun, 05 Dec 2004 19:17:53 CST

Donovan McNabb usually puts up these numbers playing video games.

McNabb threw a career-high five touchdown passes in the first half and finished with a team-record 464 yards passing, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 47-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Brian Westbrook had 11 catches for 156 yards and three TDs and Terrell Owens caught eight passes for 161 yards and one score. McNabb set a team record by completing his first 14 passes and finished 32 of 43.

"Statistically, it felt like playing a video game," McNabb said. "We were clicking on all cylinders. We spread the ball around. Everyone contributed. We sent that message out that week in and week out we come ready to play."

Meanwhile, Brett Favre threw two interceptions that led to Philadelphia's first two scores. His streak of games with a TD pass was snapped at 37, second in NFL history to Johnny Unitas' 47 straight.

The four-time NFC East champion Eagles (11-..

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

Sat, 04 Dec 2004 02:06:21 CST

Be part of the fun Sunday nights at Curly's Pub for the taping of Packers 5th Quarter.

Come to Curly's at 7 p.m. to see Burke Griffin and Wayne Larrivee recap the days highlight's and interview one of your favorite Packers. You also have a chance to win a game ball used in that day's game.

This week's player guests are Packers running back Walter Williams and wide receiver Kelvin Kight.

Remember, you don't have to have a ticket to the game to experience the fun of 5th Quarter at Curly's Pub in the Lambeau Field Atrium.

Butler's Breakdown: Packers vs. Eagles

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 04 Dec 2004 10:12:05 CST

The Philadelphia Eagles are going to have their hands full this week. The Green Bay Packers are coming to town on a hot streak after winning six games in a row with a little bit of revenge in their eyes from last year's playoff game.

That was a game the Packers should have won, had the game won, but let it slip away.

I know a lot of people want to focus on the fourth-and-26, but there were some other things in that game that should have never happened that were allowed to happen. In my opinion, the Packers essentially just let that game slip away.

Ahman Green ran up and down the field that day and dominated the Eagles' undersized defensive line. That's something the Packers will need to repeat in this game.

I believe the Packers will be very aggressive on offense this Sunday. If this game turns into a shootout, I think that's in the Packers' favor. But make no mistake about it - Green Bay is still a run-first team.

If you look at the ..

Packers Notebook - Defense Looking To Contain McNabb

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 15:37:20 CST

Much has been made - and rightfully so - about the season Eagles' receiver Terrell Owens is having and what a change he has brought to their offense. One change that the addition of Owens has brought about has been a decline in the rushing yards of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

McNabb has been running less and throwing more, as he has gained 183 yards on the ground through 11 games and is on pace for his lowest rushing totals of his six-year career.

The Packers, however, are by no means overlooking his running ability though. McNabb was Philadelphia's leading rusher in the teams' playoff meeting last year, running for 107 yards on 11 carries.

Green Bay defenders are preparing for this mobile quarterback much the same way they do when they face the Vikings' Daunte Culpepper, whom they limited to just 19 rushing yards three weeks ago.

"My job is the same as if we're facing Daunte Culpepper," said linebacker Nick Barnett. "There might be a couple p..

Luchey's Hobby Has Him Caught In A Unique Web

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 14:14:45 CST

Just as it takes a special person to throw his body into opponents on a regular basis, it also takes a unique individual to own spiders as big as his hands. When you find somebody who does both of those things, then you're talking about a truly unique individual.

If you don't think this person exists then you haven't met Nick Luchey.

Luchey, who is listed at 6-2, and 273 pounds, has never been afraid to battle players bigger than him on the gridiron and he's made a living doing just that for six years in the NFL. A bruising and powerful fullback, Luchey loves making crushing blocks, but you might be surprised at what else he confesses to love.

While many kids collect items like baseball cards or coins when they are growing up, Luchey wasn't quite as interested in those things. Instead, he took enjoyment in catching spiders and centipedes and recently said that it's been a hobby for him for eight years.

Luchey now owns 12 tarantulas, inclu..

New Season, New Teams - New Result?

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 14:10:49 CST

The Green Bay Packers return to site of one of their most agonizing defeats in recent memory this weekend as they travel to Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field to take on the 10-1 Eagles Sunday afternoon.

Less than 11 months ago, the Packers made the same trip, only to come up just short 20-17 in overtime in an NFC Divisional Playoff game. Just two months before that, the Eagles won another close one between the two teams, 17-14, on Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field.

Despite the difficult nature of these losses, the word across the board coming out of Green Bay this week has been that those games have long since been forgotten.

GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said that he is only concerned with what his team is able to accomplish this week in regard to facing Philadelphia.

"I've got to be worried about what we do this year," said Sherman. "We've got a lot on our plate to accomplish this season. You can't go back and undo what's done. When we..

ESPN Classic To Air Seven Hours Of 'Classic Brett Favre' Saturday, Dec. 4

Fri, 03 Dec 2004 10:51:57 CST

Packers fans, can't get enough of Brett Favre?

Set your TiVO and get ready for seven hours of programming on ESPN Classic entitled "Classic Brett Favre."

Beginning with a documentary this Saturday at 11 a.m. (CT) entitled "SportsCentury: Brett Favre," ESPN Classic will air 11 half-hour episodes of the "Green Bay Packers Yearbook," beginning with 1992, Favre's first season as a starter, and concluding with the 2002 season.

ESPN Classic will break from the "Yearbook" action for a half-hour at 2 p.m. (CT) and will air the Packers-Patriots Super Bowl XXXI highlights.

"Classic Brett Favre" concludes with a re-airing of the "SportsCentury" piece at 5:30 p.m. (CT) featuring the Packers' future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Familiar Face In A New Place

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 22:44:30 CST

If you were judging which player in the NFL has made the greatest impact since joining a new team last offseason, there is no question that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens would win that contest in a landslide.

Owens, who was traded to the Eagles in March after spending his first eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, is no stranger to big games with the Packers. Since he came into the league in 1996, Green Bay has faced off with the rangy receiver 10 times - with the Packers winning nine of the games, including three of four postseason contests.

The Green Bay defense has been able to keep T.O. in check for the most part in the 10 games, limiting him to an average of four catches for 47 yards per game, although Owens has scored five touchdowns against the Green and Gold.

Scoring touchdowns has been T.O.'s specialty in his first season with the Eagles as well. Owens leads the NFL with 13 TD catches. Coming along with those catches has..

Pass Protection At A Premium

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Dec 2004 19:43:46 CST

Often when looking for some insight to match-ups of two of the top teams in the NFL, you will find a certain statistic that appears to fit the old "irresistible force vs. immovable object" comparison.

In looking ahead to this weekend's game between two of the NFC's four division-leaders, the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles, one such stat definitely jumps off the page.

Through 11 games, the Philadelphia defense has amassed 34 sacks, which ranks first in the NFC and is tied for second in the NFL, trailing only the Pittsburgh Steelers' 36.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Packers rank first by allowing a mere five sacks on the season and are riding a streak of 13 consecutive quarters since Brett Favre was last dropped for a loss in the third period at Washington October 31.

Something's got to give.

The word out of the Green Bay locker room this week has been that they have got to be prepared for the numerous blitz packa..

Things Looking Up For Green

Dave Lawrence, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 20:24:22 CST

It's still very early in the football week, but all news coming out of the Green Bay Packers locker room Wednesday was positive in regard to the return to action of All-Pro running back Ahman Green.

Listed as probable for Sunday's game on the team's daily injury report, Green took to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since leaving the game in Houston early on with a rib injury 10 days previous.

As expected, Green wore some extra protection around the banged-up ribs in practice.

He joked after the training session about getting some special equipment from some friends in high places in order to ensure that he will be fit to take part when the Packers head east this weekend to play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

"I'll call my good buddies at the FBI to send me some good Kevlar to help me out," Green said. "I'll do what I can to be out there - do what I have to do."

Green, who missed a game for th..

Letters To LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 11:19:37 CST

Thanks for answering my DB question a couple weeks ago. This week I have another one. Several local Texans fans have mentioned to me they were very impressed by "the guy with the hair" who was "everywhere." Al Harris had a pretty good game last night too, limiting Torry Holt and being on top of the fake kick. Does Al Harris get enough credit for the job he does for the Packers? - Tom (Houston, TX)

I try to give him as much credit as I can every week because he's been playing some great ball, but I guess nowadays people look at how many interceptions you have or how many pass break-ups a cornerback has.

But you've got to look at the overall game. Right now, Al Harris is playing as well as any corner out there. If you look at Champ Bailey, he's been giving up some big plays like you saw if you watched the Broncos and Raiders play in the snow Sunday night, but people still say that he's the premier cornerback in the league.

Not only have you seen ..

Butler: Pack Keeps Getting It Done

LeRoy Butler, Special To Packers.com — Wed, 01 Dec 2004 11:17:28 CST

The Green Bay Packers have started to show the home field dominance that they have been known for over the years. They've grown accustomed to winning when the temperature is below freezing, and Monday night proved to be no exception.

Brett Favre improved his regular season record to a perfect 30-0 at Lambeau Field when the temperature is below 34 .

Going into this game, the Packers knew they had to keep pace with all the other teams in the NFC, which is pretty much wide open at this point.

Getting to the game action, I thought Najeh Davenport did a great job filling in for Ahman Green. He proved that he can carry the load and think about this - he wasn't really healthy himself since he was coming off of a couple of hamstring injuries himself.

If you think about trying to tackle about 240 pounds of steel in about 25 weather, that's something that no one wants to do and what the Rams didn't want to do Monday. Once Najeh got into the secondary, he..