Packers.com

New Year's Day Clash Features Holmgren's Return To Lambeau

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 31 Dec 2005 17:50:55 CST

The last time the Green Bay Packers played on New Year's Day, the stakes were very different. Vince Lombardi had his troops in the Cotton Bowl to face Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Championship Game. It was one of the greatest games in league history. But many people have forgotten it in the wake of the famous "Ice Bowl" rematch played a year later.

There won't be any championship or playoff implications this Sunday when the Packers host the Seattle Seahawks. However, it should be an interesting contest for several reasons. Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren is coming to town and that's always exciting. Holmgren, who was Brett Favre's mentor, had so much to do with the Packers' great turnaround in the early '90s. I didn't play for Holmgren for a long period, but I enjoyed working with him and certainly learned a lot. Another major story line, naturally, revolves around No. 4. Will this be his last appearance as a Green Bay Packers player, or will he decide to retur..

Starters: To Play Or Not To Play, That Is The Question

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 18:01:34 CST

On the surface the Seattle Seahawks-Green Bay Packers game features marquee players, but will that matchup feature Matt Hasselbeck vs. Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers vs. Seneca Wallace?

At 3-12 the Packers cannot make the playoffs or climb out of last place in the NFC North division, but they plan to play all their starters.

"We go into this game like any game," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "Every time I've gone out that tunnel, my expectation has been to win the game."

The Seahawks also want to win the game but find themselves in an opposite situation record-wise. The 13-2 squad has wrapped up homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. They must balance the need to create positive momentum for a playoff run with the need to keep their players healthy.

"This is not a preseason game. This is a regular season game," Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren said. "Even though we have things locked up for the playoffs, one of the things that allowed us t..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 30 Dec 2005 11:19:41 CST

Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

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

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about it in 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

I have been a Packers fan since 2000. That doesn't seem that long ago, but I fell straight in love with the team, the history, the fans and Lambeau Field as soon as I started supporting them. I went to see them against the Detroit Lion..

Collins Enjoys Standout Rookie Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:13:41 CST

Rookie safety Nick Collins' value to the Packers is best demonstrated by what happens when he stands on the sidelines.

Collins had the wind knocked out of him with 5:30 left in first quarter of last week's game and left the field. Twenty-five seconds later, the Chicago Bears scored their only passing touchdown of the game -- a 12-yard Muhsin Muhammad reception.

Fortunately for the Packers, the second-round draft pick returned to the Bears game and has started every game this season. Collins ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 93 and third in passes defensed with nine, indicating his ability to stop both the run and the pass.

"Nick Collins is getting better and better," defensive coordinator Jim Bates said. "His big play ability is starting to show up week in and week out."

Collins' performance is most impressive, considering he made the jump to the NFL after playing three years at Division I-AA Bethune-Cookman. He went from dominating the Mid-..

Former Packers Head Coach Returns To Green Bay

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 18:11:42 CST

Mike Holmgren, the Packers head coach from 1992-1998, will make his second regular season trip to Green Bay on Sunday since becoming Seattle Seahawks head coach.

"Green Bay is a special place for my family and will always be," Holmgren said.

A renowned quarterback guru and offensive coordinator from his days with the San Francisco 49ers, Holmgren played a major role in building the Packers into winners and molding Brett Favre into a Hall of Fame quarterback. Holmgren amassed a 84-42 record with the Packers and took them to the playoffs every year except for his first. Much of that success can be attributed to how he helped Favre master the fundamentals of playing quarterback. Favre still recognizes his influence.

"I love Mike Holmgren to death," Favre said.

That doesn't mean Favre always loved Holmgren's methods. Holmgren used to embarrass Favre and other players by screaming at them during practice and meetings when they made mistakes. But the en..

Majik: Packers Lost Game But Not Competitive Spirit

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2005 10:50:31 CST

Although it's been a season of disappointment and it wasn't the merriest of Christmas holidays for the Green Bay Packers and their fans, you can't say the Packers quit against the Chicago Bears. As beat up as the Packers were and having so many young players getting into the action for the first time all year -- guys like Noah Herron and Rod Gardner -- I thought the team put forth a pretty decent effort, especially in the first half and during the game's furious finish. Offensively the Packers moved the ball fairly well against arguably the best defense in the NFL. They put together some long drives and overcame adversity along the way to get the ball into the end zone.

It was disappointing to see Green Bay move the ball downfield on a pair of other drives only to have a pair of Ryan Longwell field goal attempts fail. In particular the first 38-yard miss really hurt. You just can't afford to come away without points in a situation like that. The Packers would have been up 10..

Family Issues Take Precedence For Brett Favre

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 19:54:37 CST

Sunday's game versus the Seattle Seahawks will carry special significance for Brett Favre.

He will play against his former head coach, Mike Holmgren. He will wrap up his 15th season. And the game could serve as his last in a Packers uniform.

But that doesn't mean the emotions of the moment will preoccupy the future Hall of Famer. Family tragedies during the past two years have desensitized Favre.

"They've numbed me and my family to some of our on-the-field issues," Favre said.

Those off-the-field issues include his father and brother-in-law's death, his wife's breast cancer treatment and the destruction of his family home as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Favre still copes with the disastrous consequences of that September hurricane.

"It took out a lot of our enjoyment," Favre said. "If we're sitting here in first place and going to the playoffs, it would still take a big chunk out of us."

His most recent setback involves his 87-y..

Terrence Murphy To Recover Fully For 2006 Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 19:44:41 CST

While addressing the media for the first time since a spinal injury ended his season, rookie wide receiver Terrence Murphy said he definitely will return to action next season.

"I'm very confident," Murphy said. "I'm gonna come back in 2006 bigger, faster and stronger than ever."

The injury occurred when Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis tackled him during a second quarter kickoff return in Week 4. Medical staffers wheeled the receiver off the field on a stretcher. On Wednesday Murphy called it a spine and spinal injury but did not delve into the specifics of the injury.

"I'd be sitting here all day, trying to explain it," Murphy said.

Sometime during March, Murphy plans to meet with General Manager Ted Thompson, Head Coach Mike Sherman, team physician Patrick McKenzie and head athletic trainer Pepper Burruss to re-affirm his health and set the exact timetable for his return.

"We'll put our heads together," Murphy said.

Mu..

Letters To Majik

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 16:57:19 CST

In your view is Aaron Rodgers the hope for the Packers faithful during the post-Favre era? If so, please explain why. - Jared, Atlanta, Ga.

Jared: Any time you're the team's No. 1 pick in the draft, you better be the guy of the future. Rodgers will have every opportunity to take over when Favre retires. I like his confidence and leadership skills. You can tell that he will be a guy that his teammates will respond to in a positive manner. I wish him luck.

Do you think KGB could be a greater asset to the team if he were used as a linebacker rather than a defensive end? It appears his speed is pretty well negated by even average offensive tackles. - Jack, Avon, Ind.

Jack: KGB is a great speed rusher. He sometimes has difficulties with big offensive tackles versus the run. The Packers will continue to game plan and use schemes that best suit his talents. I don't think he will ever be used as a linebacker.

With Javon Walker, Ahman G..

Remmel: Packers vs. Seahawks

Lee Remmel, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 16:01:53 CST
In terms of pro football rivalries, National Football League genre, the Packers and the Seattle Seahawks are little more than nodding acquaintances.

Though they launched their relationship in 1976, the year Jimmy Carter wrested the White House from Gerald Ford, they haven't seen a great deal of each other since.

When they close out their regular season agendas in Lambeau Field New Year's Day. they will be meeting for only the 10th time in the series - and for just the fifth time in the past 15 years.

They thus are virtual strangers to each other, particularly when the series is compared to the Packers' 170-game rivalry with the Chicago Bear - as well as their 152-game history with the Detroit Lions.

Further, the Seahawks will be paying only their fourth regular season visit to Lambeau Field in the 28-year history of the series. They have made seven regular season appearances in Wisconsin but four of them were at Milwaukee County Stadium when the ..

Local Punt, Pass And Kick Competitors Reach Finals

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 15:09:02 CST
The Green Bay Packers will be represented in the AFC Playoffs.

No, the Packers have not switched conferences, but three participants from the Packers Punt, Pass and Kick competition team have advanced to the 2005-2006 national finals, which takes place at the AFC divisional playoff game.

Displaying their arm and leg strength, Wisconsinites David Giroux (boys 8/9 division) of Plover, Anna Morgan (girls 12/13 division) of South Range and Laura Atkinson (girls 14/15 division) of Oregon will represent the Packers. Giroux achieved a combined distance of 236 feet, five inches, Morgan amassed 273 feet, 11 inches and Atkinson recorded 275 feet, three inches.

Brackets are broken down into the following age groups: eight and nine-year-olds, 10 and 11-year-olds, 12 and 13-year-olds and 14 and 15-year-olds. The NFL awards eight winners or a boy and girl from each age group.

The top four from each bracket advanced to the finals. All 32 members receive an expen..

Notebook: New Kid On The Block Sees Plenty Of Action

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 17:49:28 CST
Wide receiver Rod Gardner enjoyed an auspicious Packers debut after just three days of practice.

"For what we asked him to do, he responded well," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "He's a big receiver. He has good hands."

Despite joining the team on Dec. 20, Gardner played in 30 to 35 plays on Sunday. When David Martin left the game with a concussion, the Packers only had one healthy tight end, Donald Lee. That eliminated their two-tight end, two-wide receiver (Tiger) package and necessitated three-wide receiver (Zebra) sets. Andrae Thurman and Gardner took turns as that No. 3 receiver.

"He surprised us that he was able to do those things," offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said. "Every snap was a challenge for him -- just to know where to line up and his assignments on the play."

Gardner caught two passes for 23 yards, including a sideline reception with 7:40 left in the second quarter.

"He had a nice key third-down conversion and run after ..

Tough Flanagan Tried To Play Through Pain

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 17:42:08 CST
During pregame warmups, center Mike Flanagan experienced pain from his surgically repaired sports hernia, but the veteran insisted on playing.

"He was a little suspect but played pretty well," head coach Mike Sherman said. "He just got to a point where his movement was limited, and we had to make a change."

With the injury hurting his play, the Packers had no choice but to rest Flanagan in the second quarter. Sherman talked to him after the game, and the 10-year veteran was upset he could not play all four quarters.

"He thought he could have made a difference in protection," Sherman said.

Flanagan's yearning to help the team should not come as a surprise. He returned to game action two weeks after undergoing hernia surgery and has played through pain for most of the season.

"I don't know many players who would have done what he did," Sherman said. "That's a credit to him and his commitment to this team."

Sherman has not yet deter..

Win Missing From Packers' Stocking

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 23:02:18 CST
Regardless of records, time and place, and whatever else might be at stake concerning a Packers-Bears contest, you can always count on one thing: Each team is going to line up and play it's hardest until the clock expires.

That proved to be true once again on Christmas Day, when the storied franchises met for the 171st time in what serves as one of the best rivalries in all of professional sports. And like so many of the other games in the storied rivalry, the outcome was undecided until the final play.

Despite entering the game with a 3-11 overall record and playing a Christmas Day contest, the Packers had several reasons to be up for the game. In addition to the rivalry, and the excitement of playing in front of a national audience, the Packers also had a chance to prevent the Bears from clinching the NFC North title at Lambeau Field.

The Bears marched out quarterback Rex Grossman in his first start of the season, and he undoubtedly gave the team a ..

Notebook: Kicking Woes Hinder Packers

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Dec 2005 22:56:23 CST
Having only practiced with new holder Ryan Flinn since Thursday, Ryan Longwell knew kicking field goals could present a challenge.

Longwell, however, did not offer excuses after he pushed his attempts wide right from 38 and 39 yards.

"We should have made the kicks," Longwell said.

The Flinn-Longwell duo excelled during pregame warm-ups, but that did not translate to game action.

Longwell did rebound to connect from 26 yards with 7:54 left in the game to narrow the gap to 24-17.

"I went into the PAT with no concern," Longwell said. "That was my approach to the last (field goal)."

Flinn caught the ball cleanly on each kicking attempt but had to spin the ball so the laces faced out as Longwell's foot connected with the ball.

The new acquistion fared well, averaging 40 yards on three punts -- a solid debut in the 34 degree weather of Lambeau Field.

"He punted the ball great," Longwell said.

But special t..

Live Press Conferences On Packers.com!

Sun, 25 Dec 2005 20:07:57 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

Monday, December 26:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

Wednesday, December 28:
Mike Sherman: approx. 11:30 a.m.
Brett Favre: approx. 3:30 p.m.

Friday, December 30:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

Sunday, January 1:
Mike Sherman: Post-Game
Brett Favre & selected players: Post-Game (tentative)

***

Tired of waiting for 10 second clips on the late-night news to find out what's going on wit..

AP Story: Bears Top Packers 24-17 At Lambeau Field

Sun, 25 Dec 2005 19:56:03 CST
Most playoff teams would expect to get more than 166 yards passing from their starting quarterback. For the Chicago Bears, however, it represents a giant leap forward.

Rex Grossman didn't pile up gaudy statistics in his first regular-season start in nearly 15 months. But his ability to throw accurate deep passes gave the Bears a new dimension, helping them clinch the NFC North and a first-round bye with a 24-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

"We mixed it up a little bit,'' Grossman said. "We saw a lot of tape where we could do some things down the field, and we made a few plays there. We got a lead and came back to our running game and great defense.''

The Bears (11-4) also swept the Packers for the first time since 1991.

"I don't think you can change the magnitude of winning in Green Bay or clinching the division in Green Bay,'' said linebacker Lance Briggs, who returned an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter. "It'..

Packers-Bears Press Box Notes

Sun, 25 Dec 2005 12:50:59 CST
-Under Mike Sherman, the Packers are 13-1 against their division Dec. 1 and later, including a 9-0 record at Lambeau Field.

-Green Bay plays its first-ever game on Christmas.

-The Packers haven't been swept by Chicago since 1991, when Mike Ditka still served as Bears head coach and Brett Favre was a rookie with the Atlanta Falcons.

-Green Bay has two games to get its turnover margin turned in the positive direction. The Packers (minus-20) are on pace to break their franchise record of minus-19 (1976, 1983).

THE PACKERS OFFENSE:
-Has reached 100 yards on the ground in four consecutive games, its longest in-season stretch since an eight-game streak, Sept. 29-Nov. 23, 2003.

-Needs 72 passing attempts (609 in 1994) and 51 completions (382 in 2004) over the final two contests to break the team's single-season records.

THE PACKERS DEFENSE:
-Entered the weekend ranked second in the NFL against the pass and eighth ov..

Majik: Packers Faithful Hoping Santa Delivers Win Over Bears

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 24 Dec 2005 10:30:33 CST
In recent years, it's been the Green Bay Packers tuning up their engines in December for a serious run in the playoffs while the Chicago Bears were wrapping up another disappointing regular season. Not this year. The tables have been turned, and now it's the Bears who are planning to mess up Christmas Day for the Packers and their faithful at Lambeau Field. The Bears are proudly sporting a 10-4 record and the best defense in the NFL. With a victory over Green Bay, they can clinch their first playoff berth and divisional title since 2001. They would also complete their first season sweep of the Packers since 1991 and compile their first consecutive victories in Green Bay since the 1999-2000 season.

It all adds up to a monumental challenge for Head Coach Mike Sherman and his beleaguered troops. The Bears defense has been winning games for Chicago all year, and last week they pummeled an impressive Atlanta Falcons team. They kept the best athlete in the NFL, Michael Vick, in ch..

Packers To Face Different Bears Quarterback

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 17:34:59 CST
With five minutes left in the first half of last week's game against the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith approached No. 2 quarterback Rex Grossman on the sideline with a fierce look in his eyes.

"Get ready," Smith told him.

Grossman assumed the starting role in the second half and played impressively in a 16-3 Bears win. His performance earned him top dog status this week and for the rest of the season, meaning the Packers will face a different quarterback than they did during their match with the Bears on Dec. 4.

Rookie Kyle Orton started that game, completing six-of-17 passes for 68 yards in the 19-7 Bears win. Although Grossman will quarterback the Bears on Sunday, it will not greatly change the Bears' offense or the Packers' preparation for it.

"Their offense is already in place," Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "It's hard for them all the sudden to go in a different direction as far as scheme goes."

That s..

Notebook: Packers To Rely On Tony Fisher

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 23 Dec 2005 17:28:29 CST
One day after all signs pointed toward rookie Noah Herron making his first start, Head Coach Mike Sherman announced on Friday that Tony Fisher will start at running back.

The starting designation may prove a moot point because both Herron and Fisher will receive action against the Chicago Bears.

"It's going to be an opportunity for both of us," Fisher said.

The 224-pound Herron will serve as more of a between-the-tackles battering ram while the Packers also will rely on Fisher's pass catching and blocking skills.

If something happens to either Fisher or Herron, the Packers will rely on 11-year veteran William Henderson as their No. 3 and emergency running back. More frequently used as a short-yardage back or a receiver out of the backfield, Henderson has only 96 career rushes. He, however, has impressed the coaching staff with his elusiveness all year.

"He's got that knack of making people miss," offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said. "H..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 13:50:28 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

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

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about it in 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

I have been telling my father for years that I would trade all of my Christmas presents for a trip to Green Bay to watch the Packers play. This year Christmas came early -- on Sept. 18 to be exact. He took me to Lambeau Field to watch ..

Talented Receiver Looks To Impress During Last Two Games

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 17:52:39 CST
Usually when a team acquires someone on waivers with two games to play, they pick someone off the scrap heap.

Instead the Packers landed wide receiver Rod Gardner, the 15th overall pick in the 2001 draft and a player who caught 71 passes for 1,006 yards and eight touchdowns in 2002.

"We'll take a look at him and see how he fits into what we do," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "He may be a red zone threat at some point. He may be even more that. We just don't know at this point where he is."

Waived by the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 16, Gardner, who has 236 catches for 3,081 yards (13.1-yard average) and 23 touchdowns in 74 career games, expected to sign with a new team during the offseason or join a playoff team looking to replace an injured playmaker in January.

"It's a good situation," Gardner said. "But it was surprising to me. Knowing there are only two games left in the season, I didn't think it would happen right now."

Gardner's acqui..

Packers Could Start New Punter, Holder And Running Back

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 17:39:36 CST
When the Packers first called punter Ryan Flinn at 9 a.m. to schedule a work out, he missed the phone call.

After working until 2 a.m the night before, Flinn remained in deep slumber at the time.

To make ends meet while pursuing his dream of punting in the NFL, Flinn worked as a bartender at a neighborhood Orlando, Fla. joint called "Nice N Easy."

"It's kind of a double-edged sword," Flinn said. "It's good money, but it kind of takes a toll. Sometimes you can't get up and work out at the times you want to."

His Packers workout, however, was quite timely. He beat out three others for the vacant punting job. Because the Packers have placed B.J. Sander on injured reserve, Flinn likely will start on Sunday.

The 6-foot-5, 205-pound punter spent training camp of 2005 with the Atlanta Falcons and training camp of 2004 with the Dallas Cowboys. The Falcons released him after the first preseason game because they wanted a punter who could kickoff a..

Favre OKs Rodgers' Repetitions During Disappointing Game

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 19:05:46 CST
During the last four to five weeks, Head Coach Mike Sherman and Brett Favre discussed the scenario of Aaron Rodgers taking snaps if the Packers jumped out to an insurmountable lead or fell way behind.

That hypothetical became a reality on Monday night.

With the Packers trailing the Baltimore Ravens 34-3, Sherman inserted Rodgers at quarterback toward the end of the third quarter. Favre did not have a problem with the move.

"That's fine. Up to the point that Aaron came in, we had gotten three points," Favre said. "I'd have much rather played and be in a situation to win the ballgame."

The Packers will play Favre on Sunday. Sherman re-affirmed that the 15-year-veteran would remain the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

"Brett has been our quarterback and will continue to be," Sherman said.

The Packers' overall performance disappointed Favre more than viewing the end of the game from the sideline. During their first 10..

Harris, Clifton, Henderson and Flanagan Selected As Alternates

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:47:44 CST
Click here for the NFC & AFC Rosters.

**

Although the Packers did not have any players voted to the 2006 Pro Bowl, four Packers players were chosen as alternates.

If other players at their position go down with injuries or cannot make the Feb. 12 AFC-NFC All-Star game, Al Harris, Chad Clifton, William Henderson and Mike Flanagan will replace them.

Routinely matched up against the offense's best receiver, Harris has recorded 16 passes defended, two interceptions and three sacks this year. He has never made the trip to Hawaii before.

The 11-year veteran Henderson made his first trip last year. He has served as a valuable blocker and receiver in 2005 with 29 catches for 254 yards.

Flanagan and Clifton helped anchor an offensive line that has surrendered only 19 sacks. Flanagan made the..

Pro Bowl Will Not Feature Packers Players

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 15:04:51 CST
Click here for the NFC & AFC Rosters.

**

For the first time since 1999, no Packers players were selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl.

The Packers' absence in the Feb. 12 AFC-NFC game in Honolulu corresponds to their 3-11 record. The players of winning teams are often represented in far greater numbers.

Although they will not play in the Pro Bowl, several Packers have enjoyed strong years in 2005. Donald Driver is tied for 11th in the league in receptions with 74 and ninth in the NFL in receiving yards with 996. Nick Barnett has collected 176 tackles, which is four away from the all-time Packers' single-season record. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson called Al Harris the second best cornerback in football. Harris has sixteen pass defendes this season and three sacks. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher..

Samkon Gado To Miss Rest Of Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 19:06:16 CST
Already playing without their top two running backs, the Green Bay Packers have now lost Samkon Gado for the year with a knee injury.

Gado tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee, and Head Coach Mike Sherman said he will miss three to six weeks. The good news, however, is that Gado's injury does not require surgery to heal.

"It's just rest and rehab for him," Sherman said.

Sherman did not announce a starter to replace Gado but said both rookie Noah Herron and four-year veteran Tony Fisher will receive action.

"As of right now, Herron and Fisher will hold down the fort," Sherman said.

Herron, signed off the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad on Nov. 30, received his first NFL carry against the Baltimore Ravens, running eight times for 27 yards. Fisher, who started against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, rushed four times for 27 yards on Monday.

Gado's injury abruptly ended his storybook season. Released from the K..

Remmel: Packers vs. Bears

Lee Remmel, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:14:24 CST
One thing professional football players presumably are supposed to do is follow instructions...especially those issued by the head coach.

But human nature being what it is - predictably perverse at times - there are occasional and prominent exceptions.

One more noteworthy than most comes to mind in connection with the Packers' 170th regular-season collision with their immemorial enemies, the Chicago Bears, immediately ahead in Lambeau Field on Christmas Day.

It occurred in Green Bay's "old" City Stadium, a stone's throw from the community's East River, a venue then in its final year of use by the Packers a half-century ago.

The date was October 7, 1956, and the Packers, trailing 7-0 during the first quarter of their 73rd regular season meeting with the Bears, were awaiting were awaiting a Chicago kickoff.

Head Coach Lisle Blackbourn, a strict disciplinarian, had given very specific instructions to the Packers' designated kickoff returner,..

Majik: Packers' Frustrating Season Magnified On MNF

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 14:27:15 CST
If you could take everything that has gone wrong for the Green Bay Packers in 2005 and cram it all into one miserable game, you'd probably end up with something like their crushing 48-3 defeat in Baltimore on Monday Night Football. Offense, defense, special teams, the mounting list of injuries, you-name-it. This was as disappointing a performance as anyone could have imagined. All of the negative things that had been going on really caught up with this team. For the first time all year, the Packers simply were not competitive. It looked to me like the Packers did not have the desire and the effort to win a game. I'm not talking about one or two players, but everybody in all phases of the game. Green Bay did not look as hungry as it had previously, and the result was very hard for Packers loyalists to watch.

This was one of those "snowball" types of games where something goes wrong at the outset and, before you know it, you've got an avalanche of problems on your hands. B.J...

Letters To Majik

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 12:45:31 CST
Majik: I think Samkon Gado's decision to throw the ball out of the end zone to avoid a safety was brilliant. How many other players would have had the presence to think that quickly? - Chris, Edgerton

Chris, I actually didn't agree with the decision Samkon made to throw the ball out of the end zone. I thought he should have eaten the ball and given up the safety. I understand what he was thinking, but he could have easily been called for a fumble. This would have resulted in an easy seven points for Detroit instead of two points for the safety. The Packers got very lucky on that call.

What do you think the situation at halfback is going to be at the start of next season? If Samkon Gado keeps playing at the rate he is for the rest of the season, do you still keep Ahman Green as starter and Gado as the backup? Do you think the Packers will let Najeh Davenport (a personal favorite player of mine) leave via free agency?- Mike, Merced, Calif.

Mik..

Packers Defense Fails To Contain Ravens Offense

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:00:07 CST
The Packers have suffered difficult losses all season, but a strong defense has helped keep them in every game.

On Monday, however, the Baltimore Ravens offense seemed to move the ball at will against the Packers defense, and that led to a 48-3 Packers loss.

Kyle Boller played one of the best games of his career, hooking up twice with tight end Todd Heap for touchdowns and once with wide receiver Randy Hymes. He completed 19-of-27 passes for 253 yards, leading the Ravens to the most points in their franchise's history. And he put up those points against a Packers unit, which entered the game as the fifth-ranked defense in the NFL.

The Packers' offensive performance fell short as well. They lost Samkon Gado with a knee injury in the first quarter, making it more difficult to churn out yardage. Before the injury Gado ran effectively, amassing 45 yards on six carries, including an outside run for 26 yards. Tony Fisher replaced Gado and finished with 27 yards o..

AP Story

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:56:27 CST
Years from now, Kyle Boller won't care that the game meant nothing. The oft-criticized quarterback will remember that he outplayed Brett Favre.

Boller put on a dazzling performance on a national stage and guided the Baltimore Ravens to a 48-3 rout of the Green Bay Packers.

It was the low point of an awful season for the Packers (3-11), who absorbed their most lopsided loss since a 61-7 defeat at Chicago in 1980.

"It was tough to watch any part of that game," Green Bay coach Mike Sherman said. "We didn't execute in any phase."

Boller was 19-of-27 for 253 yards and three touchdowns before leaving with 8 minutes to go. There's still no guarantee he will return as the starter next year, but for one night he looked like a No. 1 draft pick.

"It was a really good win. My teammates, my guys, they allowed me to do it," Boller said. "My job is to put points on the board and score, and that's what we did tonight."

Boller showed poise i..

Live Press Conferences On Packers.com!

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 20:31:15 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

Wednesday, December 21:
Mike Sherman: approx. 11:30 a.m.
Brett Favre: approx. 2:30 p.m. (tentative)

Friday, December 23:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

Sunday, December 25:
Mike Sherman: Post-Game
Brett Favre & selected players: Post-Game

***

Tired of waiting for 10 second clips on the late-night news to find out what's going on with the Green and Gold?

Be sure to join Packers.com this season as we ..

Packers-Ravens Press Box Notes

Mon, 19 Dec 2005 18:41:46 CST
-The Packers play their final 2005 road game, and their first trek to Baltimore in exactly 23 years - since a 20-20 tie with the Colts at Memorial Stadium in 1982. A few months before the Colts would draft John Elway, the Packers couldn't hold off a late Baltimore rally, and the Colts scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to force OT.

-The Packers make their 48th and final appearance on ABC's Monday Night Football. The team has appeared on the series in 26 of its 36 seasons.

-Head Coach Mike Sherman will lead the Packers into battle for the 100th time, including playoffs. For the second straight season, the Packers play on the coach's birthday.

INDIVIDUAL MARKS WITHIN REACH TONIGHT & IN COMING WEEKS -

56 NICK BARNETT:
-Needs 16 tackles to break Mike Douglass' 1981 franchise record, 180. Barnett enters with a career-best 165 this season. Coaches first began tracking defensive numbers in 1975. Barnett's tackles won't become of..

Notebook: Manning Should Be The Man On Monday

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:13:26 CST
During Week 4, Roy Manning missed the Monday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers because of a back injury.

"I told myself I'd never miss another Monday night game," Manning said. "This is kind of special for me."

Not only will Manning play on Monday, he likely will earn the start at weakside linebacker because of injuries to strongside linebacker Brady Poppinga (knee) and weakside linebacker Robert Thomas (quadriceps). The Packers placed Poppinga on injured reserve. Head Coach Mike Sherman said they probably will list Thomas as doubtful on the injury report.

"It does not look promising," he said.

Manning, who worked himself up from undrafted free agent to starter, has completed an impressive journey and should earn his third career start against the Baltimore Ravens.

"Just to get an opportunity to play is great," Manning said. "But to start and on Monday Night, you can't beat that -- not for a rookie you can't."
<..

Native Mississippian Lee Builds Rapport With Favre

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 18:01:07 CST
All of Donald Lee's family and friends from Maben, Miss. have one query for the Green Bay Packers tight end.

"They're always asking me how Brett (Favre's) doing," Lee said. "They're always telling me to make sure I take care of him. I'm like, 'he's up here taking care of me.'"

Indeed when not joking with him before walk-through practices, Favre has offered pointers to his fellow Mississippian. And Lee has become one of the 15-year-veteran's favorite targets.

"They both seem to be on the same page," tight end Bubba Franks said.

That synchronism has paid off for the Packers. Lee leads the team's tight ends in receptions and yardage with 26 catches for 258 yards despite not joining the team until Sept. 6. He has helped bolster a depleted unit where injuries have forced Franks to miss three games and David Martin to miss two.

Favre has tutored Lee, who was born and raised in Maben -- a one-hour-drive from the quarterback's residence in Hattie..

Goal-Line Greats: Packers D Excels With Backs Against The Wall

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 17:49:47 CST
The Packers defense ranks as the fifth best in the league statistically, but they become even stouter when opponents near the goal line.

"We want to make offenses go the hard way," defensive end Aaron Kampman said. "We never want to give up seven points. That's precious territory there in the red zone. So we defend it at all costs."

The Packers have not allowed a touchdown during their opponents' last seven goal-to-go possessions. On Sunday the Detroit Lions had a first-and-goal at the Packers' 10-yard line or within twice during the first quarter and once during the fourth quarter. The Lions did not come away with a touchdown on any those of series, and the Packers held them the scoreless from one yard out during a game-changing sequence with 7:11 left in the game.

"Three different situations they had goal-to-go inside the four yard line, and they came away with six points," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "That's a pretty good day's work for the defense." <..

Letters To Majik

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 13:01:56 CST
When a player gets injured and is out for the season, what is his professional schedule? Do they watch the games, game films, work out (if permitted), etc.? Do they still do any activities with the team? With all of the injuries this season, I haven't seen even a glimpse of Ahman Green, Javon Walker, etc. on the sidelines, in a box or anywhere. Thanks.- Angela, Lake Villa, Ill.

Angela: When a player is on injured reserve, it is mandatory that he receives physical therapy on a daily basis. He can work out at the Packers facilities and attend meetings as often as he wishes. It is not mandatory for the player to attend games or meetings. The main focus is getting that player healthy for next year.

With Donald Lee as a tight end, why haven't the Packers tried a three tight end offense? I would have liked to see how it would have worked against the Chicago Bears who are so physical on defense. Also, will the Packers go for a premium back, in particular Reggie ..

Boller and Rodgers Have Unique Bond

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 18:13:35 CST
They both entered the NFL after their junior year at California-Berkeley. They both played under Jeff Tedford. They both were drafted in the first round of the NFL draft to guide their franchises into the future. They both share the same agent, Mike Sullivan.

The undeniable similarities between Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller have paved the way for a strong kinship.

"We are friends," Rodgers said. "We keep in touch in the offseason and get together."

Rodgers succeeded Boller as the starting quarterback at California in 2003. Their football careers did not coincide at Cal, but Boller helped recruit Rodgers. Aside from their college affiliation, they belong to a select fraternity of quarterbacks who played under Tedford. Tedford served as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Fresno State before taking the offensive coordinator position at Oregon and then the head coaching job at California. B..

Veteran Henderson Displays Skills As A Receiver

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 18:06:02 CST
With a combined 25 years of Packers playing experience, it should serve as no surprise that William Henderson has formed a connection with Brett Favre on passing routes.

Henderson tapped into that connection again on Sunday night, catching four passes for 38 yards, including one of the game's most important plays.

Throughout his 11-year career, Henderson has served as a valuable receiving threat out of the backfield. He may have fewer opportunities, but this year is no exception.

"I've always done that," Henderson said. "The goal was to put me in more situations to be even more fresh and get bigger yards."

To maximize Henderson's skills, the coaching staff increasingly has used second-year fullback Vonta Leach as a blocking back to spell Henderson. The coaching staff has diminished Henderson's time on the field but not his impact.

"He's still a good blocker," offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said. "You'll still see plays where William g..

Favre Deals With More Heartache

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:28:16 CST
Having already coped with the consequences of Hurricane Katrina and in the midst of the first losing season of his NFL career, Brett Favre experienced more tragedy as his grandmother, Izella French, suffered a stroke on Tuesday.

She has experienced weakness in her left side and did not know the date or month this morning. French also took a while to recognize Brett's younger brother, Jeff. Brett described her as "going in and out." On Wednesday afternoon a speech therapist was supposed to check on French while she remains in a Natchez, Miss. hospital. Brett, however, expressed some optimism.

"The fact that she's in there with a stroke is not good," he said. "But they think she should be okay."

Favre's maternal grandmother lived with his mother Bonita for 20 years. Brett and his brothers Scott and Jeff and sister Brandi affectionately call her "Mee-Maw."

"We're all real close with her," Brett said.

The likely options for the 87-year-old Fre..

Mr. Versatility: Lenon Can Play Every LB Position

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:19:44 CST
While most players rested following a sweaty day of practice under the Wisconsin sun, Paris Lenon spent each night of 2002's training camp looking at tape of every linebacker position with linebackers coach Bo Pelini.

"It helped me gain a better understanding of the defense," Lenon said.

Lenon's early NFL indoctrination to the three linebacker positions has paid off this year. Lenon began the season at strongside linebacker. Since Week 10, however, he has started for Robert Thomas on the weakside. The coaching staff also said that if Nick Barnett would miss time due to injury, Lenon would replace him at middle linebacker.

The two outside positions require a totally different way of thinking. The strongside or SAM linebacker lines up against a tight end, making for an extra read. The tight end does not always run block for rushing plays; he can fake a block and then peel off for a downfield reception. The offense also can release a tight end on run plays to ..

Majik: Packers Tough Out Needed Win

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:02:38 CST
When your team has a 2-10 record and no chance of making the playoffs, a player can be easily tempted to mail it in. That was the situation facing the Green Bay Packers last Sunday night at Lambeau Field. The struggling Detroit Lions were in town, and it was a frigid 14 degrees. Nothing to play for but "pride." Yet, the Packers responded in positive fashion. They were professional. They scratched and clawed their way to a 16-13 overtime victory, and I was impressed with the way they conducted themselves. They found a way to win when it might have been very easy to just go through the motions.

It was kind of a crazy game with some questionable calls by the referees. The Packers caught a huge break on Samkon Gado's "forward pass" out of the end zone. Green Bay got away with one there. I also thought the Lions helped the Packers a great deal at times especially in the overtime with the personal foul call on Shaun Rogers for his late, out-of-bounds hit on Gado. That put Green Ba..

Remmel: Packers vs. Ravens

Lee Remmel, Packers.com — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 17:08:15 CST
To be candid, any mention of Baltimore in connection with the Green Bay Packers - at least to a Green and Gold fanatic of a certain vintage - is much more remindful of the Green and Gold's rivalry with the former Baltimore Colts than it is of their young and current series with the Baltimore Ravens.

Inevitably, reference to the Maryland metropolis conjures up visions of Johnny Unitas, Alan "The Horse" Ameche and Raymond Berry, among others, not to mention lantern-jawed Don Shula, the winningest coach in pro football history, and his coaching duels with the Packers' fabled Vince Lombardi.

Chief among them a historic Western Conference playoff on the day after Christmas in 1965, memorable not only because the Packers ultimately prevailed (13-10) by way of a Don Chandler field goal but because it also was the first overtime game in Green Bay's storied annals.

Another encounter of special significance occurred a decade earlier. The date was Oct. 8, 1955, the ..

Notebook: Coaches Shed Light On Mysterious Play

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 18:22:16 CST
A very peculiar play took place during the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. With the Packers backed up in their own end zone, linebacker Earl Holmes was about to drop Samkon Gado for a safety when the running back threw an incomplete pass.

"I don't know if I've seen that play ever in football," Head Coach Mike Sherman said.

The officials initially ruled it a safety but then determined Gado attempted the pass while outside of the tackle box and called the pass incomplete. The change did not surprise Sherman.

"I knew the play I called," he said. "He had to be outside the pocket."

Immediately after the play Sherman approached Gado on the sideline, and Gado forseshadowed the referee's eventual decision.

"Coach, I did throw it forward," Gado said.

Regardless offensive coordinator Tom Rossley called it a dangerous play because the Detroit Lions could have intercepted the pass and scored a touchdown. Inexperience likely factored into G..

Knee Injury To Sideline Poppinga For Rest Of Season

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 18:07:19 CST
Rookie Brady Poppinga's first NFL start served as an auspicious debut, but he will not receive a chance for a follow-up performance this year.

While covering a kickoff return in the fourth quarter, Poppinga tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, and the Packers likely will place him on injured reserve.

"That's a significant injury," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "And (it) will end his season."

Poppinga played well on Sunday, racking up four tackles. After missing three weeks in training camp with a hamstring injury, the former BYU defensive end had made strides at the linebacker position. Poppinga, a player with a non-stop motor, also led the team in special teams tackles.

"He was making progress," Sherman said. "He had been a force on our special teams unit."

Sherman ballparked Poppinga's return to football action at around eight months, but he could return sooner or later than that estimate.

"It depends on the individu..

Samkon Gado Runs With Opportunity

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 02:33:05 CST
When opportunity knocks in the NFL, the old adage suggests that you do everything you can to take advantage of it or you may not last long.

If that theory holds true, Samkon Gado will undoubtedly be around for a long time.

The rookie running back stole the show in the Green Bay Packers 16-13 overtime win against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field Sunday night. Gado, who now has played in seven games in the NFL, has proven to be a quick runner and maybe an even quicker learner.

Gado finished with 171 yards on 29 carries, good enough for an impressive 5.9-yard per carry average. He also brought his team back to life in the second quarter when the Packers trailed 13-3. That's when the 5-10, 226 pound Gado hit the corner and turned on the jets down the right sideline for a 64-yard touchdown giving the Packers a much needed boost.

The big play was also significant on a personal level for Gado as it marked the team's longest rush of the season and serv..

Packers Earn Hard-Fought Win In Overtime

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 02:10:15 CST
Before Sunday's game Head Coach Mike Sherman told his team he knew how hard his team had scratched and clawed all season, losing seven games by seven or fewer points.

"I told him how proud I was. They were a bunch of fighters," he said. "I knew they were going to fight tonight."

Indeed the Packers fought through another close game, edging the Detroit Lions 16-13 in overtime. Kicker Ryan Longwell nailed a 28-yard field 5:27 into overtime despite frigid conditions to win the game.

"It's something you get used to. I just know how to prepare for the temperatures," said Longwell, who atoned for a 38-yard yard attempt blocked by Jared De Vries in the second quarter. "You just stay loose and don't overkick."

The Packers won the overtime toss and scored on the only drive of the period. Samkon Gado ran six times on the possession, including a four-yard gain during which Earl Holmes committed an unnecessary roughness penalty. That penalty tacked on 15 yards..

AP Story: Packers Top Lions 16-13 In Overtime

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 23:34:33 CST
Samkon Gado's first passing attempt was ugly.

Other than that, Green Bay's rookie running back played a starring role in the Packers' 16-13 overtime victory against the Detroit Lions.

Gado rushed for 171 yards and a touchdown, allowing Brett Favre to play the steady, more conservative game he had been promising for weeks but hadn't yet delivered.

"I think he's making the most of his opportunity," Favre said. "He just had an outstanding game."

But when Gado flipped the ball out of the end zone in the fourth quarter, he nearly threw the game away with it.

The Lions wrapped up Gado in his own end zone with 6:59 remaining in regulation, prompting Gado to try to toss the ball forward. He was flagged for intentional grounding, resulting in an apparent safety that would have put the Lions ahead by two.

But officials huddled and ruled that Gado had attempted a legal pass, giving the Packers another chance.

"That was confus..

Live Press Conferences On Packers.com!

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 17:09:59 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

Monday, December 12:
Mike Sherman: approx. 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, December 14:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon
Brett Favre: approx. 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

***

Tired of waiting for 10 second clips on the late-night news to find out what's going on with the Green and Gold?

Be sure to join Packers.com this season as we provide streaming video coverage of the Pack..

Packers-Lions Press Box Notes

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:41:40 CST
TONIGHT: Brett Favre will play his 100th game at Lambeau Field, already a record for the legendary stadium...With his 400th TD pass on the horizon, Favre needs just 9 passing yards to reach 3,000 for a 14th season and break a tie for the NFL record with Dan Marino (13, 1984-92, 1994-95, 1997-98). Favre's 13 consecutive 3,000-yards seasons are already the league standard...At home, Green Bay has won 13 straight games over Detroit (14 including the 1994 playoffs)...This marks the latest in the season the NFL has ever scheduled a prime-time game in Wisconsin. Previously, the latest was Dec. 8, 2002, a Sunday night contest vs. Minnesota. The sun sets at 4:12 p.m. local time...Hoping to finish strong, the Packers kick off the final quarter of their season. Three of their final four are at home.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR TONIGHT & IN COMING WEEKS -

NICK BARNETT:
-With 151 tackles in just 12 games, is on pace for 201. Since coaches first began recording ta..

Majik: Packers Pride On The Line Against Lions

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Sat, 10 Dec 2005 17:52:29 CST
The Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions have played many great games in their long rivalry. They first tangled in 1930 when the Lions were known as the Portsmouth (Ohio) Spartans. To date the Packers have held the upper hand and lead the regular-season series 79-64-7. Green Bay also has won both playoff meetings between the two teams. Having played for both the Packers and the Lions, this is a matchup I've always watched with special interest.

Unfortunately Sunday night's game at Lambeau Field will not help decide who wins the NFC North divisional title. It will not clinch a playoff berth for either team. It will strictly be for pride -- a situation neither one of these teams would have wished for at the start of the season. Both the Packers and the Lions have disappointing records and plenty of injuries. The Lions have fired head coach Steve Mariucci and replaced him with Dick Jauron as interim coach. With Mariucci's dismissal the Lions are dealing with a lot of dissens..

Packers Look To Improve Kickoff Return Average

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 17:52:25 CST
To bolster a kickoff return unit, ranked 31st in the league in average, the Green Bay Packers likely will use either Andrae Thurman or Ahmad Carroll in that role on Sunday.

Both have received repetitions at kick returner during practice this week, but Head Coach Mike Sherman has not announced a starter. He typically tells his players the day before the game.

"I haven't even discussed the starters with the special teams guys at this point," Sherman said. "A lot plays into that."

Weather conditions are one of the factors that play into Sherman's decision. Because last week's game in Soldier Field featured 26-degree temperatures and 12 mph winds, Sherman went with Antonio Chatman, the team's No. 3 receiver and punt returner. Chatman returned the first three kicks of the game for 36 yards.

"Because of the wind and the uncertainty of where the ball was going to end up, we needed someone who has some experience back there tracking footballs," Sherman sa..

Harris Leads No. 1 Pass Defense Against Lions

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 17:44:06 CST
After watching film of Al Harris contain then-San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens, Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman immediately became interested in acquiring the Philadelphia Eagles nickel cornerback.

"He really shut him down pretty good," Sherman said. "That was the selling point."

The Packers made a great buy in 2003, securing Harris' services in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. Now they have a lockdown corner, who currently leads the NFL's No. 1-ranked pass defense.

"He means a lot to our defense," Sherman said.

Harris' role could become even more crucial this week. Although the Detroit Lions' passing offense ranks 26th in the league, they feature a fleet of athletic wide receivers, including Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charles Rogers.

A quadriceps injury has limited Roy Williams to eight starts, but he still leads the Lions with 465 receiving yards. At 6-foot-2, 212 pounds, he has a rare size and speed combinati..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 11:31:32 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

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

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about it in 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

My family and I took a tour of Lambeau Field. It was a great time and served as the first visit for my wife and kids. We decided to use this photo as our Christmas card. Now a little piece of Lambeau will shine inside the homes of man..

Despite Injuries And Youth, Linebackers Are Ready To Go

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 17:42:03 CST
Paris Lenon smashed his right index finger between two helmets while trying to tackle Thomas Jones during the third quarter of Sunday's game. He broke his finger, and blood oozed out of it.

"It was nasty," said Lenon, who needed five stitches and his fingernail re-attached. "It's like you turn on a faucet. When you turn it off, there's a little bit of water still running out. That was blood."

Lenon is not the only linebacker who left Sunday's game battered, and that could cause the Packers to re-shuffle their starting linebackers. Robert Thomas aggravated a quadriceps injury. He has not practiced this week, and his status remains up in the air.

"We'll play it out the rest of the week," Head Coach Mike Sherman said.

If Thomas cannot go, the Packers likely will start Lenon at weakside linebacker, Nick Barnett at middle linebacker and Brady Poppinga at strongside linebacker.

In such a case, the rookie Poppinga would make his first NFL start. ..

Always The Gunslinger, Favre Takes Interceptions To Heart

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 19:06:56 CST
With an NFL-high 21 interceptions on the season and six in his last three games, some have suggested that Brett Favre has become careless. But no one agonizes over those turnovers more than No. 4.

"I've always been hard on myself," Favre said. "The guys and coaches know that if I make a mistake that it's an honest mistake, and it's one I'll do my best to correct."

When Favre made a mistake as a young player during the early 1990s, Mike Holmgren would take him to task, embarrassing him in front of players during meetings and practices. But Holmgren began to understand that Favre was a different player, a player with the rare skill to make plays others would not even attempt.

"He never had as many broken plays turn into positive ones as he did when he started coaching me," Favre said. "At some point he kind of gave into that fact that, 'okay, instead of live for another day and throw the ball away, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt.'"

So..

Rookie Montgomery Showcases His Potential

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 18:57:36 CST
Fourteen rookies have played for the Green Bay Packers this year, but it was Michael Montgomery's turn to raise some eyebrows with his performance against the Chicago Bears.

"He's done a nice job," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "He has excellent length. He has a burst to the ball. He has a toughness about him that I really like."

The sixth round draft pick from Texas A&M did not play in Weeks 4, 5, 6 and 7 but made his greatest impact on Sunday when he recorded his first sack of the season. He slammed Bears quarterback Kyle Orton for a seven-yard loss during the first quarter. He then pumped his arm in celebration.

"It was good feeling," he said. "My first year -- to get my first sack ever."

Montgomery said he plays the run better than the pass at this point in his career. Those disparate abilities were not apparent on Sunday when he racked up four tackles and a sack in just 15 plays. Montgomery has manned both the left and right side for about to..

Packers Ring In The Holidays With Area Cancer Children

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 13:45:24 CST
Sam, an 11-year-old from Gillett, Wis., had reason to party. After suffering a brain tumor at age 10, he is now disease-free.

And party he did.

Children with cancer and Green Bay Packers players celebrated the holiday season at the fourth annual "Families of Children With Cancer Christmas Party" on Tuesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church in DePere, Wis.

"Just getting to talk to the Packers," Sam said. "It's awesome."

Those Packers included Aaron Kampman, Corey Williams, Ahmad Carroll, Patrick Dendy, Cullen Jenkins, Craig Nall, Kevin Barry, Mark Tauscher, Kenny Peterson, Nick Collins and Vonta Leach. The Packers ate ice cream and pizza, played a variety of games, sang Christmas carols and read Christmas stories all while mingling with the families.

"It means a lot to the kids," said Kathy Toonen, president of Families of Children With Cancer. "It gives them a lot of hope."

Toonen estimated that 250 people attended. Children from ages ..

Letters To Majik

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 09:37:26 CST
Hello Don, does throwing the ball 50 times-a-game have any ill effect on your grip or your arm strength late in the game? Thanks for your expertise! You were one of my favorites! - Jerry, Erie, Pa.

Jerry, throwing the ball 50 times a game will have ill effects on your entire body because there's a good chance a quarterback will take plenty of hits throwing that many times.

Majik, I love your letters, and my question is where do you see us as a team next year? I still love the Packers. With all the injuries and the holdouts this year, where do you see us next year as a team? - Blake, Austin, Texas

Blake, there are still so many questions to answer for next year's team. Will Brett be back? Will Javon Walker and Ahman Green come back healthy? I'm sure this off-season will be very busy for the Packers, but I'm confident they will address and improve many of the team needs.

From what little of the game I could get (highlights on..

Remmel: Packers vs. Lions

Lee Remmel, Packers.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 16:36:17 CST
As might be expected in a venerable rivalry which has spanned 75 years and 150 games, the Packers and the Detroit Lions have conspired to spawn some of the most memorable moments in the history of professional football.

Take, for example, their initial Thanksgiving Day meeting in 1951, a contest which saw the Lions prevail 52-35 in what remains the highest scoring Thanksgiving Day contest (87 points) in the annals of the holiday series dating back to 1934.

Or their 1945 meeting at State Fair Park in Milwaukee, when the Packers scored 41 consecutive unanswered points in the second quarter-29 of them by the fabled Don Hutson-to set what still is an NFL record for the most points ever scored by one team in one quarter of an NFL game-a record that has been tied (once) but never broken.

Or, of painful memory for the Green and Gold, their 1962 Thanksgiving Day encounter in Detroit's Briggs Stadium, one which saw the Lions deal the 10-0 Packers their only defeat i..

Women Learn And Love Football During 'Football 101'

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 14:23:42 CST
Football may be a game played by men, but women can appreciate the game just as much.

On Monday the Green Bay Packers helped women develop that love for the gridiron as they hosted 'Football 101, an NFL Workshop for Women,' an interactive evening for women to learn everything the from the rules of football to the intricacies of the play calls.

"I loved it," said Jean of Green Bay, Wis. "It was great."

A passionate fan, Jean already had a good understanding of football but learned the role of the nickel and dime cornerbacks.

WTMJ-TV's Jessie Garcia and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Lori Nickel led the evening's activities, which included a welcome reception, a general lecture about football, a question-and-answer session, a behind-the-scenes tour of Lambeau Field and a clinic at the Don Hutson Center.

Garcia and Nickel hosted the general lecture while Colin Cole, Craig Nall, B.J. Sander and their wives participated in the Q&A sess..

Majik: Bears Create Turnovers And Beat Pack With D

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 09:55:03 CST
When you're having the kind of season the Packers are enduring in 2005, every loss is painful. Losing to the archrival Chicago Bears only makes it worse, especially when your defense plays its heart out and shuts down Chicago's offense. Once again turnovers destroyed any chances Green Bay had for playing the spoiler at Soldier Field. Football is a game of inches where just a few mistakes can make all the difference in the world. That certainly was the case Sunday.

The Packers not only blew an opportunity to take a 14-6 lead heading into halftime, they also allowed the momentum of the game to completely shift on one huge play. At the end of the second quarter, with the Packers offense on the field for a nice sustained drive, the Bears' Charles Tillman stepped right in front of Robert Ferguson and pulled down a wobbly Brett Favre pass. After Tillman raced 95 yards the other way, the fine hustle of Tony Fisher and Antonio Chatman helped save a touchdown. The Bears then booted a..

Notebook: Usually Reliable Shovel Pass Goes Awry

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 18:42:45 CST
A game-changing play occurred 24 seconds before halftime of Sunday's game.

Ahead 7-6, the Packers had the ball at the Chicago Bears' seven-yard line. Then Mike Brown blitzed Brett Favre, and Charles Tillman picked off the pass and returned it 95 yards. The interception led to a Robbie Gould 25-yard field goal and a 9-7 Packers deficit.

The Bears rarely blitz on red zone plays, but Brown's pressure disrupted the play.

"They guessed right," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "They made the play of the game."

They Packers called for a shovel pass to Tony Fisher. That play has gone for touchdowns during practices and games. The offensive linemen block like it's a draw play, but the safeties and linebackers drop back as if it was a passing play.

"Once they see the ball not handed off, you get greater displacement from the defense," Sherman said. "When they pressure and blitz, it changes that to a degree."

Brown reached Favre so quickly th..

Sherman Lauds Gado's Play Against Bears

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 18:35:49 CST
Although Samkon Gado surpassed 100 rushing yards in two previous games, Head Coach Mike Sherman called Gado's performance against the Chicago Bears the best of his young career.

"He played exceptionally well," Sherman said. "He made just about every read he could make. He made yardage on his own when he had to."

Gado rushed for 75 yards on 20 carries, including a two-yard touchdown run. He also caught one pass for 12 yards.

Sherman cited three major reasons for his praise. Gado performed well against a tough opponent (the Bears entered the game as the NFL's No. 1-ranked defense). He ran hard despite playing in adverse conditions -- 26 degrees with 12 mph winds. He also made good decisions in determining which hole to run through.

"He cut some back, but they had to be cut back," Sherman. "He hit the hole when he needed to hit the hole."

Prior to the Bears game, Gado occasionally had selected a hole clogged up by defenders instead of an open..

Live Press Conferences On Packers.com!

Mon, 05 Dec 2005 08:35:09 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video of all press conferences and locker room interviews.

***

Live Press Conference Video Schedule
* all times Central and subject to change

Monday, December 5:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

Wednesday, December 7:
Mike Sherman: approx. 11:30 a.m.
Brett Favre: approx. 3:00 p.m.

Friday, December 9:
Mike Sherman: approx. 12 noon

Sunday, December 11:
Mike Sherman: Post-Game
Brett Favre & Selected Players: Post-Game

***

Tired of waiting for 10 second clips on the late-night news to find out what's going on with the Green a..

Packers Move Chains But Suffer Costly Turnovers

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 17:44:56 CST
Poised to take a 14-6 lead into the second half, the Green Bay Packers had all the momentum.

But then Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman picked off a pass intended for Robert Ferguson with 24 seconds left in the first quarter and returned it 95 yards.

The Packers never scored or led again in a 19-7 loss to the Bears.

Another Bears interception helped seal the victory. Down 12-7 with 3:06 to go, Nathan Vasher jumped a Brett Favre pass intended for Donald Driver and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, the game's final score and the Bears' only touchdown.

Although Favre threw those two interceptions, he helped move the ball against a Bears defense, which entered the game as the top-ranked unit in the NFL. He completed 31-of-58 passes for 277 yards and displayed his trademark toughness. Starting his 217th consecutive game, he endured a roughing-the-passer penalty from 300-pound defensive tackle Tank Johnson. Tillman and Tommie Harris jarred him..

AP Story: Bears Top Packers At Soldier Field

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 16:10:24 CST
The Bears roughed up Brett Favre with their defense. They knocked him down, intercepted two of his passes and beat the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field for the first time since 1993.

Their 19-7 victory was No. 8 in a row -- their longest streak since the 1985 Super Bowl team started 12-0.

"All the years I've played against them, I think defensively this is as well as I've seen them play," said a banged-up Favre, who had swelling in his wrist and a cut on his hand after hitting it on the helmet of a Bears' defensive linemen while delivering a third-quarter pass.

"They're just good."

Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher had game-changing interceptions against Favre, who completed 31 of 58 passes for 277 yards against a team he had dominated over the years.

Tillman returned the first interception just before halftime 95 yards to set up one of Robbie Gould's four field goals, and Vasher took a late interception 45 yards to seal the victory..

Packers-Bears Press Box Notes

Sun, 04 Dec 2005 10:11:50 CST
TODAY: Facing an uphill battle against the league's top-ranked defense, Green Bay bids for a win in the NFL rivalry with the richest history. The teams meet for the 169th time (170th contest, including playoffs)...With a 12th consecutive road win at Chicago, the Packers can match the NFL record, shared by the L.A. Rams (at San Francisco, 1969-80) and San Francisco (at L.A./St. Louis Rams, 1987-98). Green Bay hasn't lost on the road to the Bears since Dec. 5, 1993. Brett Favre is 12-1 in road games with Chicago; he's 11-1 at Soldier Field...The Packers play their last noon kickoff of 2005. Networks will broadcast their final four contests to national audiences, including a Christmas Day rematch with Chicago at Lambeau Field.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR TODAY & IN COMING WEEKS -

NICK BARNETT:
-With 141 tackles in just 11 games, is on pace for 205. Since coaches first began recording tackles in 1975, the team record is 180 by Mike Douglass in 1981. From ..

Notebook: Thomas Hopes To Play Against Brother's Former Team

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 18:10:42 CST
After missing the last two weeks with a quadriceps injury, linebacker Robert Thomas hopes to play this Sunday against the Chicago Bears, the team that drafted his older brother.

"I feel great," Thomas said. "It's been exciting, getting back on the field and being with the guys."

Thomas has practiced all week, but the Packers have listed him as questionable.

"We'll keep him with that status until we look at him tomorrow," Head Coach Mike Sherman said on Friday.

Thomas' return to the lineup takes on greater significance because the Packers likely will hold strongside linebacker Na'il Diggs out of the lineup on Sunday. Injuries to both knees have bothered him all season.

"He's never really been 100 percent," Sherman said. "The kid has fought like heck to get back on the field."

Getting on the field against the Bears carries special meaning for Thomas. His brother, Stan, an offensive tackle, played for Chicago in 1990 and 1991. Robert..

Packers-Bears Rivalry Takes On A Different Twist

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 18:01:54 CST
As the Green Bay Packers face the Chicago Bears for the 170th time in the NFL's most prolific rivalry, Sunday's game will feature a role reversal from the meetings of the last decade.

Since 1995 the Packers have made the playoffs eight times while the Bears have entered the derby only once. This season, however, the Bears sit atop the NFC North division at 8-3 while the 2-9 Packers are bringing up the rear.

"It's sort of like the tables have turned. We're usually the ones going down there, leading the division," said long snapper Rob Davis, who played for the Bears in 1996 and joined the Packers the next year. "We're going to go down and try and spoil their season like they've done to ours in the past."

This year the Bears present an enormous challenge to the Packers. They own the top-ranked defense in both yardage and points allowed, and the unit has drawn comparisons to that of the 1985 Super Bowl-winning Bears team.

With the top-ranked passing d..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 15:14:25 CST
Read the 'Packers Fan Memories' archives or Submit your own favorite memory

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share with other fans from around the world your favorite memories of the Green and Gold!

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

Your first time at Lambeau Field... The first time you met a Packers legend... Your favorite piece of Packers memorabilia...Your family's pre-game tailgating ritual. You name it. We want to hear about it in 'Fan Memories' as Packers fans tell us about some of their most memorable moments backing the Green and Gold.

My favorite memory as a Green Bay fan was getting to see the Packers for the first time in Atlanta this past weekend (11/13). Since Week One of the season, I had a bet riding that Green Bay would beat Atlanta, and they didn't let me do..

Majik: Lost Opportunities Spell Packers Defeat

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 10:23:55 CST
How many times have we said that you can't turn the ball over multiple times and expect to win in the NFL? Right out of the box, there were five solid reasons why the Packers lost to the Eagles. Three fumbles and two interceptions. With a roster so depleted by injuries, the Packers have virtually no margin for error and on Sunday they made a boatload of errors. The result was another depressing defeat.

To be perfectly honest, I thought the Packers had a very good chance to win this game. My biggest question was how they were going to react after their disheartening loss to the Vikings on Monday Night. Would it affect the way they came out and prepared the entire week in practice? Would they be flat against Philly? The loss took a lot of wind out of Green Bay's sails, especially coming on the heels of such an impressive victory over the Atlanta Falcons the previous week. After watching the first half against the Eagles, it was obvious that the Monday Night loss had taken a b..

Majik: Bears Week Brings Out Best In Rivals

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 10:15:36 CST
It's the oldest and greatest rivalry in NFL history. When the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears strap it up, the current standings don't matter very much. You know you're in for the fight of your life. Sunday's match-up at historic Soldier Field will be no different.

Once again, the game will invoke memories of so many legends of the past. Lambeau. Halas. Lombardi. Nagurski. Hutson. Nitschke. Butkus. Sayers. Starr. Payton. This will be the 169th meeting between these storied franchises and, as they say, you can throw the records out the window. Even though the Packers have pretty much had their way with the Bears since 1992 and Green Bay's battles with the Vikings have been even more intense in recent years, I still consider Packers-Bears to be pro football's best rivalry.

Unfortunately for the Packers, this has been a season of frustration and broken dreams. Certainly, nobody expected them to be 2-9 at this point - and who would have guessed that the Bears w..

Ruegamer Earns Start At Right Guard

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 17:30:07 CST
After performing well against the Philadelphia Eagles, Grey Ruegamer will start in place of William Whitticker on Sunday.

"I'm definitely excited," Ruegamer said. "It's an opportunity to get out there and have some fun."

Ruegamer received 20 snaps at right guard and four at left guard against the Eagles. The Packers' offensive line allowed only one sack and paved the way for 128 rushing yards on 30 carries (a 4.3 average).

"He played pretty good the other day," Whitticker said. "I kind of knew it was going to come along. You've just got to encourage him when he's out there."

Whitticker, a rookie seventh-round draft choice, has started every game at right guard. After improving throughout the season, he struggled to finish his blocks during the last two weeks. But he has taken the recent demotion in stride.

"That's coach's decision," he said. "What are you going to do about it? You've just got to continue to work hard every day."

R..

Bubba Franks To Face Lions' Marcus Pollard In Salvation Army Kettle Contest Dec. 6

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 17:08:14 CST
In a battle of tight ends that will preview the Dec. 11 Green Bay-Detroit contest at Lambeau Field, the Packers' Bubba Franks will compete against the Lions' Marcus Pollard Tuesday, Dec. 6, in a Salvation Army kettle contest.

The match's outcome will be decided by who can raise the most money for the Salvation Army in one hour.

Franks will be ringing his bell and collecting money from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army's big red kettle in the Younkers wing of the Bay Park Square Mall in Ashwaubenon. Pollard will be collecting money at the same time (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eastern) at a Detroit-area mall.

Packers fans are encouraged to help Franks raise money for the Salvation Army and defeat Pollard in the collection contest. Interested donors who are not in a position to go to the mall to donate are encouraged to pool donations with co-workers or friends who can make it to the mall for the donation.

In a similar 2002 contest, Franks ..

Gado And KGB Share A Special Bond

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 16:59:51 CST
When Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila heard the Packers had signed Samkon Gado, a Nigerian-born player, to the practice squad, his interest immediately piqued. He grabbed a couple of maps of their ancestors' homeland and headed to Gado's locker to chat about their origins and other topics.

"The first time we had a conversation, we were talking about some private stuff," Gbaja-Biamila said. "From there we hit it off."

Beyond their love of the gridiron and their skill at playing football, Gbaja-Biamila and Gado have several connections. Both of their families come from Nigeria, both worked their way up from practice squader to starter on the active roster and both remain very spiritual.

"We had some similarities that were undeniable," Gado said. "He's quickly becoming my best friend on the team."

Gbaja-Biamila stops by Gado's locker once every two or three days to ask him how he's doing. He's invited him to his house. He has taken him under his wing, advising hi..