Packers.com

New Zone Blocking Scheme Should Fit Packers Personnel

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 16:24:12 CST

After ranking 10th in the NFL in rushing in 2004, the Green Bay Packers plummeted to 30th in 2005. The running game's ineffectiveness served as a major reason why the Packers fell from 10-6 to 4-12 in a one-year span.

Enter new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski.

As offensive line coach of the Atlanta Falcons, he guided the NFL's No.1-ranked rushing attack in 2005. Alex Gibbs, a Falcons consultant, previously served as the architect for the vaunted Denver Broncos zone blocking scheme, and that system paved the way for four different running backs in nine years to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. Jagodzinski learned from the master.

"I got a chance to work under him day in and day out for two years," Jagodzinski said. "I'm very intimate with the knowledge of the inner workings of that scheme."

The scheme does not assign the offensive linemen to a specific defender before the snap of the ball. Instead they block the first person to enter..

Packers Defense: New Coaching Faces, Same System

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:12:31 CST

Think of the Packers' defense like the construction of a house.

In 2005 defensive coordinator Jim Bates laid a solid foundation, and the Packers finished seventh in the NFL in total defense and first in pass defense.

"We'll build from there," said new defensive coordinator Bob Sanders during a Monday luncheon in Lambeau Field Atrium to introduce the team's coaching staff to the Wisconsin media. "It's going to be very, very similar to what we've done."

Sanders, who coached under Bates in 1990 and from 2001-2005, served as Packers defensive ends coach last season. Like last year his system will emphasize large defensive tackles occupying blockers and physical bump-and-run coverage in the secondary to impede the progress of receivers.

Sanders becomes the fourth different defensive coordinator in as many years, but the Packers look forward to the continuity Sanders brings.

"There is a comfort level among them," Sanders said. "There's an excite..

Watch The Super Bowl XL Press Conferences On Packers.com

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 17:00:12 CST

Follow all the Super Bowl XL action here as NFL Network will be providing live coverage of all the press festivities.

RealOne Player is required to watch. Click here to download the latest version.

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NFL Network Video Schedule:

Monday, Jan. 30 (all times Central)
Seahawks press conference (3:30-4:30 p.m.): Live Archived
Steelers press conference (2:30-3:30 p.m.): Live Archived

Tuesday, Jan. 31
Seaha..

Packers Coaches Discuss The Chatter Regarding Favre

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 15:27:29 CST

Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy was working out on Monday morning when he first saw the Brett Favre interview that has become the hot topic among the Packers faithful.

In an interview with ESPN's Chris Mortensen on Sunday night, Favre said he would opt for retirement if he had to make a decision "right now."

McCarthy, who met with Favre on Thursday at his home in Hattiesburg, Miss., urged people not to blow Favre's words out of proportion.

"It's January," McCarthy said. "There's no need to overreact."

McCarthy said Favre has plenty of time to mull his playing career. He and General Manager Ted Thompson, who met with Favre earlier, have not set a timeline by which they must have an answer. They do, however, expect to know by the first round of organized team activities, and they will finalize the date of those practice sessions in the next week.

The scene in Hattiesburg unfolded just like one would expect. Favre jumped off a tractor to g..

Packers Introduce Assistant Coaches To Wisconsin Media; McCarthy Answers Questions About Favre's Future

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 14:48:04 CST

The Green Bay Packers on Monday held a luncheon on the Legend's Club level of the Lambeau Field Atrium to introduce the team's assistant coaching staff to the Wisconsin media.

Click here for audio and video clips of interviews to see what the Packers' new leaders on offense, defense and special teams have in store for the team when they hit the field beginning with the first organized team activities in March.

Additionally, Head Coach Mike McCarthy, who last week drove to Mississippi to visit with Brett Favre while attending the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., was on hand to address questions about the quarterback's comments about possible retirement during an interview aired on ESPN.

Torch Award Winner Has Taken Packers Retail To New Heights

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 12:36:12 CST

During the summer of 1992, Kate Hogan noticed construction at Lambeau Field. Figuring that expansion meant the Green Bay Packers would need further employment, she applied for a position.

That proved to be a fortuitous decision for both Hogan and the Packers. Hogan, 44, landed a job as director of retail operations for the Packers, overseeing a burgeoning enterprise. She helps run the Packers Pro Shop, the Extra Points store, the gameday pro shop store, seven gameday novelty concessions stands, three gameday kiosques, the warehouse and mail and internet orders.

"She's done a great job for the Packers," Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Jones said. "(Hogan) is one of the leaders in retail in the National Football League in terms of development."

Under her watch the pro shop has expanded from 1,500 to 6,500 square feet, the number of retail workers has swelled from six to 125 and the number of phones has quadrupled. Although the Packer..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 27 Jan 2006 10:59:32 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.'

This week's batch features some special anecdotes. One child was born a week before the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI. Packers games serve as a family reunion for one clan, and hearing Brett Favre's name introduced brought tears to another. Another fan journeyed all the way up from Mexico for a game. A Lambeau Field game also served as an ideal New Year's and birthday celebration.

My son, Henry, was born on Jan. 20, 1997. He was induced a week early so that his Dad could go to New Orleans and see the Packers win another Super Bowl. He is now a prou..

AP Story: Favre Dedicates Playground In Hometown Of Kiln

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 17:19:03 CST

Brett Favre returned to his hometown in southern Mississippi on Thursday and joined First Lady Laura Bush in dedicating a playground to replace the one where he played as a boy.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback thanked the volunteers for building the playground at Hancock North Central Elementary School in the small town of about 2,000 people located 10 miles north of the Gulf of Mexico. His mother, two brothers and sister still live in the area.

"This place was devasted by Hurricane Katrina, and I know a lot of the volunteers who they normally would get from the local communities are busy doing their own thing," Favre said. "This is a tough time for the people of this community. ... Everyone is kind of searching for a direction to go in. You're obviously helping out, making things a little bit brighter."

Construction on the new playground was planned before Katrina struck on Aug. 29.

Favre didn't say whether he would return to the Packers for a 1..

Kampman Has The Skills To Match His High Motor

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:28:59 CST

Maybe observers read Aaron Kampman's bio -- the one that states he hails from the 80-person, no-stoplight town of Kelsey, Iowa; that states he is the son of a lumber company owner and that states he did not receive an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in 2002.

Whatever the reason, Kampman had earned a label denoting his effort rather than his athleticism: high motor.

And once upon a time, he took offense to that stereotype.

"I used to, but then I realized that I couldn't change what people would write or the way people thought," Kampman said. "I just realized it was a silly thing to fight how people perceive you."

To perceive Kampman correctly, just examine his statistics. Kampman recorded 105 tackles, the second-most by a Packers defensive lineman in team history. He also finished second on the 2005 squad with 6.5 sacks. Both totals represent career-highs and came during a season in which on-line voters at packers.com selected him as the Packers'..

49ers Head Coach Helps Guide McCarthy

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 15:29:42 CST

As Mike McCarthy begins his head coaching tenure with the Green Bay Packers he has relied on lessons learned from his previous boss, Mike Nolan.

"He's just been a mentor," McCarthy said. "He has great insight."

Nolan, the San Francisco 49ers head coach who hired McCarthy as his offensive coordinator in 2005, has offered timely advice to the Packers' new head coach. He can relate to the same challenges McCarthy faces. After 18 years of coaching in the NFL, Nolan became head coach for the first time last year.

The two have talked on almost a nightly basis since the Packers anointed McCarthy as the franchise's 14th head coach. Nolan has instructed him to be patient. Because the enormity of the head coach's responsibilities can seem overwhelming, Nolan said to focus on the short-term, day-to-day obligations.

Nolan has also shared with McCarthy a checklist he made at the beginning of his inaugural head coaching year. He outlined every event that would h..

McCarthy Hires Two Valued Assistants

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 13:27:31 CST

The Green Bay Packers continued to round out their defensive coaching staff on Monday as Head Coach Mike McCarthy announced the hiring of Robert Nunn and Lionel Washington.

Nunn, 40, coached the defensive tackles last year while Washington served as defensive nickel package/cornerbacks coach. McCarthy will determine their exact roles and titles along the defensive line and secondary for 2006 after he finishes hiring the rest of his defensive staff.

"We're looking to put the best combination of coaches together to make sure our players get the best instruction available," McCarthy said.

Nunn has worked with new defensive coordinator Bob Sanders for several years. Sanders coached the Miami Dolphins linebackers from 2001 to 2004. Nunn filled several coaching roles for the Dolphins: defensive assistant in 2000, assistant defensive line/quality control coach from 2001 to 2002 and special assistant in 2004. While with Miami both worked under former Packers defens..

Sanders Looks To Continue Last Season's Defensive Success

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 23 Jan 2006 10:58:22 CST

The Green Bay Packers formally announced Bob Sanders as their defensive coordinator on Monday morning -- a move designed to build on the defensive foundation set last year.

"It will be a smooth transition," Sanders said.

Sanders, the team's defensive ends coach in 2005, adds continuity to a unit that played well throughout last season. He will orchestrate a similar system to the one former defensive coordinator Jim Bates used.

In that scheme the defensive ends played wide and at an angle to the offensive line. Small, speedy linebackers flowed to the ball and the cornerbacks impeded receivers with tight bump-and-run coverage. Playing that way helped the defense improve from 2004's ranking of 25th in the league to seventh in 2005. Last year's defense also finished No. 1 against the pass.

"We have a system in place," Sanders said. "The system is sound fundamentally. It's designed to create turnovers. It's designed to allow the players to play aggress..

Mike McCarthy To Hold Press Conference At 8:30 A.M. (CST) Monday

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 14:45:07 CST

Click here for live VIDEO!

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

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Head Coach Mike McCarthy will introduce Bob Sanders as Packers defensive coordinator during a press conference at 8:30 a.m. (CST) on Monday, Jan. 23.

Packers.com will provide live, uninterrupted coverage from the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium during the press conference, so be sure to come back to the team's official Web site to hear news directly from the team's top football decision-makers.

Poppinga Is Recovering Quickly From Major Knee Surgery

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 15:17:03 CST

Less than one month after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee, linebacker Brady Poppinga walks without a limp and sports a grin on his face.

"I'm like a wolverine," Poppinga said. "I heal real fast."

After he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and some cartilage on Dec. 11, doctors inserted an ACL from a cadaver during Dec. 26 surgery. Poppinga already has regained most of his range of motion.

Poppinga has not set an exact timetable for his return. When pressed, he said his ultimate objective is to suit up for the 2006 season opener. But Poppinga could start running by May and be ready for football action by late July.

"My uneducated, non-medical opinion is if things keeping going the way they're going right now, I'll be ready to go by training camp," he said. "I'll be 100 percent."

Poppinga last met with his doctor on Friday, Jan. 13. The medical staff remains pleased with Poppinga's recovery but know they must take a caut..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 10:58:39 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.'

This week's batch features some special anecdotes. A nephew of a former Packers great attended his first game in Lambeau Field. A couple drove all the way from Missouri to watch the Packers play. Soldiers returned form Iraq and fulfilled a dream by watching a game and hanging with Samkon Gado. A Packers game also served as the perfect retirement and Christmas gift for two different couples.

I grew up in the heart of Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys country, but I was a Green Bay Packers fan all along. The main reason was because my great un..

Notebook: McCarthy Has Coached With Each New Assistant

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:16:56 CST

Special Teams Coordinator Mike Stock
Until they improve a unit that ranked 32nd in the league in kickoff return average, special teams coordinator Mike Stock does not want the unit known as "special teams."

"It's going to be the 'kicking game,'" Stock said. "We'll see if we can earn something more."

The 66-year-old Stock has coached college and professional football for 41 years, including his most recent stints as special teams coach for the St. Louis Rams (2004) and Washington Redskins (2001-2003). He also ran the special teams of the Kansas City Chiefs from 1995 to 2000. But Stock did not coach last year, undergoing a right hip replacement and the ensuing rehabilitation instead.

"The year out of football was based on necessity," Stock said.

Stock has some familiarity with punter B.J. Sander. While with the Redskins, he worked out the punter at Ohio State, and he said the second-year player had a great workout. Stock, however, hopes ..

Packers Representative Wins Punt, Pass And Kick Competition

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:09:30 CST

The Pittsburgh Steelers were not the only winners during Sunday's AFC divisional playoff game.

David Giroux, one of three contestants representing the Green Bay Packers, won the Punt, Pass and Kick competition held during a break in the playoff game. Competing in the 8/9-year-old boys category, Giroux from Plover, Wis. placed first with a combined distance of 233 feet, seven inches.

Two other Packers representatives reached the national finals. Anna Morgan of South Range, Wis. totaled 223 feet, five inches in the 12/13-year-old girl category, and Laura Atkinson of Oregon, Wis. totaled 251 feet, two inches in the 14/15-year-old girls division on Sunday.

Brackets were 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 received an e..

2005 Overview: Breaking Down The Special Teams' Best Players

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 14:26:30 CST

The Green Bay Packers hand out game balls after each victory.

Who deserves such accolades for their body of work during the entire season?

Packers.com analyzes the performances of the team's best players in 2005 and invites you to vote for the Green Bay Packers Offense, Defense and Special Teams MVPs.

Vote for your 'Special Teams MVP' in the poll on the left side of Packers.com.

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Offense Defense

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Below is the third of a three-part series.

WR Antonio Chatman
Chatman served as the punt returner in every game in 2005, but he made his biggest mark in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears. In the fourth quarter he fielded a punt at the Green Bay 15-yard-line and dashed down the right sideline 85 yards for a touchdown. The score was the longest return and the first special teams score of his car..

AP Story: Packers' Mark Tauscher Cuts His Hair For Charity

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 11:44:36 CST

It was a moment to make Mark Tauscher's mom proud.

The Green Bay Packers offensive lineman had his shoulder-length hair cut as part of a fundraiser for children's services at a Marshfield hospital.

He agreed to get his trademark locks shorn if people donated at least $25,000 to the effort.

"When this idea came up, I thought it was a ploy from my mom," Tauscher said.

People anted up $28,000, and Tauscher found himself sitting on a stage at Saint Joseph's Hospital on Monday while donors, staff and families watched what his mom had long awaited.

"Oh man," Tauscher said after a stylist showed him the results in a mirror. "It's definitely different."

His parents, Dennis and Dianne Tauscher of Auburndale, smiled in the audience.

Tauscher, an Auburndale High School and University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, said he was more than happy to cut his hair when he found out the money would help children.

Information fro..

McCarthy's Offensive Staff Features 'Packers People'

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 18:28:54 CST
Looking forward to the day he would become head coach, Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy began filling out a depth chart in 2000, featuring a list of football men to eventually constitute his coaching roster.

McCarthy put than plan into fruition on Tuesday as he announced six additions to his offensive staff: running backs coach Edgar Bennett, assistant offensive line coach James Campen, offensive quality control coach Ty Knott, tight ends coach Ben McAdoo, offensive line coach Joe Philbin and wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson.

"You want people who are experts at their position," McCarthy said. "They'll be a great asset to (offensive coordinator) Jeff Jagodzinski."

McCarthy said teaching ability and character played a major role in his selection of the offensive staff. The new staff is made up of "Packers people," possessing a special pride in the organization.

"There is something wrong with you," McCarthy said, "if your heart doesn't jump out of ..

Mike McCarthy To Hold Press Conference At 3:30 P.M. Tuesday

Tue, 17 Jan 2006 11:52:02 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

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

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Head Coach Mike McCarthy will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. (CST) on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Packers.com will provide live, uninterrupted coverage from the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium before during and after the press conference, so be sure to come back to the team's official Web site to hear news directly from the team's top football decision-makers.

Following Difficult Decision, Bates Will Seek Other Coaching Jobs

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 18:29:48 CST
Moving on is never easy.

One could sense that underlying theme as Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and 2005 defensive coordinator Jim Bates agreed to part ways on Monday afternoon.

"I respect Jim Bates," McCarthy said. "He did a hell of a job here last season."

Bates deeply contemplated whether to stay or go, discussing it with his wife Beverly, whose family lives two hours away from Green Bay. Following a season-ending meeting with General Manager Ted Thompson, Jim took a trip to Kohler, Wis. with Beverly to clear his head. Bates and McCarthy talked on Sunday, and they came to their decision on Monday.

Money or contract length did not factor into his departure. Bates said that head coaches meet special people along the way, and McCarthy deserved the right to bring those individuals aboard.

"I want to give Mike that opportunity to pick those guys he's looked at over the years and has relationships with," Bates said. "I didn't want to step..

Improving Rushing Attack Is Jagodzinski's No. 1 Goal

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 15:06:16 CST
The Green Bay Packers announced the hiring of offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski on Sunday, and he vows to fix a Packers running game, which struggled in 2005.

"We will be a successful rushing football team," Jagodzinski said. "I promise you that."

Jagodzinski certainly has the credentials to issue such promises. As this past season's Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach, his unit created running lanes for the NFL's No.1-ranked rushing attack. During his time with the Falcons he worked with Alex Gibbs. Gibbs previously coached the vaunted Denver Broncos offensive line, which had four different running backs surpass 1,000 yards behind their blocks.

Jagodzinski's Falcons offensive line plowed the way for a running game that averaged 4.8 yards-per-carry despite starting three former seventh-round draft picks, a fifth-round draft pick and an undrafted free agent. He remains confident that he can replicate that success with the Packers.

"That's one..

Mike McCarthy To Hold Press Conference At 1:00 P.M. Sunday

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 11:02:42 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

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

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Head Coach Mike McCarthy will hold a press conference at 1:00 p.m. (CST) on Sunday, Jan. 15.

Packers.com will provide live, uninterrupted coverage from the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium before during and after the press conference, so be sure to come back to the team's official Web site to hear news directly from the team's top football decision-makers.

Players React To McCarthy's Hiring

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:18:05 CST
During the press conference announcing the hiring of Mike McCarthy as Green Bay Packers head coach, William Henderson and Ahman Green stood to the side, observing the scene both to hear the new coach's comments and endorse him.

"I welcome the guy on board," said Henderson, an unrestricted free agent who hopes to re-sign with the Packers. "Assuming everything works out just fine, I'm going to love playing for that guy again."

Henderson is one of six current Packers players, including Rob Davis, Mike Flanagan, Donald Driver, Brett Favre and Ryan Longwell, who played for the team while McCarthy served as quarterbacks coach in 1999.

Although McCarthy coached the quarterbacks, Henderson frequently interacted with him during their offensive installation meetings. Prior to that season, Henderson questioned how much longer he wanted to play in the NFL.

"The year that he was here with Ray Rhodes and that crew rejuvenated my love for the game," Henderson sa..

Quarterback Guru Knows Favre Well

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:02:15 CST
For those trying to read the tea leaves and determine whether Brett Favre will return in 2006, one line on new Head Coach Mike McCarthy's bio may have stood out.

McCarthy served as No. 4's quarterbacks coach in 1999, indicating the strong relationship between the two.

General Manager Ted Thompson, however, did not hire McCarthy as the team's 14th head coach for that reason.

"Mike worked with Brett. So there is some familiarity," Thompson said. "Everybody here wants Brett to come back, but don't think I made the decision in terms of hiring Mike as a head coach based on that."

As of Thursday night, McCarthy had not spoken to Favre but hoped to do so "very soon." Thompson talked to Favre on Wednesday morning and said the quarterback is still mulling his decision.

"He's working through that," Thompson said. "He's getting there."

Add McCarthy to the throngs of Green Bay residents who want Favre to return for his 16th NFL season.
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McCarthy Looks To Return Green Bay To Its Championship Ways

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 19:05:03 CST
The last time the Green Bay Packers hired a San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator, Mike Holmgren led them to two Super Bowls.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy, whose hiring the Packers announced on Thursday afternoon, carries the same expectations.

"There will be an unconditional commitment from Ted (Thompson) and myself to bring the world championship back to Green Bay," McCarthy said.

General Manager Ted Thompson, who signed McCarthy to a three-year deal, viewed McCarthy as the man to return Green Bay to that level of play for several reasons.

He felt comfortable with him, liked his leadership ability and admired the toughness of the Pittsburgh-born son of a fireman.

"I kind of like a little bit of that Pittsburgh macho stuff to him," Thompson said, "He's a good fit for us."

The 2005 49ers offensive coordinator's record for developing quarterbacks served as another factor. As an offensive assistant, quarterbacks coach and offensive..

Mike McCarthy's Mission Statement

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 18:32:26 CST
Upon accepting the Green Bay Packers' head coaching position, Mike McCarthy issued the following mission statement:

THE FOUNDATION FOR THE NEW DIRECTION OF THE GREEN BAY PACKERS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH THREE KEY COMPONENTS OF OBTAINING "PACKER PEOPLE," CREATING "STABLE STRUCTURE" AND CONCENTRATING ON "CHARACTER AND CHEMISTRY."

A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT WILL BE CREATED WITH "LEADERSHIP" THAT KEEPS ITS EYE ON THE TARGET OF ESTABLISHING A CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM.

THE DIRECTION WILL BE FUELED WITH CONSTANT COMMUNICATION TO ENSURE EVERYONE IS ON BOARD. WE WILL ATTACK THE VOYAGE WITH ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM TO OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES THAT WE WILL ENCOUNTER.

THIS VISION IS ENHANCED WITH RESOURCES AND TRADITION THAT STANDS IN THE FOREFRONT OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS.

I AM HONORED AND PRIVILEGED FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ON A NEW JOURNEY BACK TO THE PINNACLE THAT BEARS THE NAME OF "COACH LOMBARDI."

2005 Overview: Breaking Down The Defense's Best Players

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:40:24 CST
The Green Bay Packers hand out game balls after each victory.

Who deserves such accolades for their body of work during the entire season?

Packers.com analyzes the performances of the team's best players in 2005 and invites you to vote for the Green Bay Packers Offense, Defense and Special Teams MVPs.

Vote for your 'Defensive MVP' in the poll on the left side of Packers.com.

Below is the second of a three-part series.

LB Nick Barnett
In the 2005 defensive scheme employed by defensive coordinator Jim Bates, the linebackers were supposed to be the centerpiece, roaming from sideline to sideline to make plays.

Barnett made plays -- 194 of them.

In the best season of his three-year career, the middle linebacker set the single-season Packers tackling record. Barnett has upped his tackling production each year, going from 134 in 2003 to 162 in 2004 to 194 this season. He also accomplished something ne..

Coaching Changes A Fact Of NFL Life

Lee Remmel, Packers.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 10:34:56 CST
Coaching changes, though relatively infrequent, have been a fact of life for the Green Bay Packers for more than 50 years...beginning with the historic departure of team founder Curly Lambeau following the 1949 season.

For the record, the "process" -- the one in which General Manager Ted Thompson is currently immersed to select Mike Sherman's successor as the 14th head coach in the Packers' 86-year history -- is far different than it was the first time there was a changing of the guard.

Today it is a deliberate, detailed and measured process involving, in most cases, a series of scheduled interviews with a variety of candidates over a period of time -- customarily two or three weeks.

When Lambeau left, in contrast, he was essentially breaking new ground. Looking back, it seems clear there was no specific mechanism in place when Lambeau's job security came under serious scrutiny -- for the simple reason that Curly had always been there -- since the team'..

2005 Overview: Breaking Down The Offense's Best Players

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 15:52:02 CST
The Green Bay Packers hand out game balls after each victory.

Who deserves such accolades for their body of work during the entire season?

Packers.com analyzes the performances of the team's best players in 2005 and invites you to vote for the Green Bay Packers Offense, Defense and Special Teams MVPs.

Vote for your 'Offensive MVP' in the poll on the left side of Packers.com.

Below is the first of a three-part series.

WR Donald Driver
When Javon Walker went down with a season-ending injury in Week 1, Driver had to step up. And he did so with a leaping bound. Serving as Brett Favre's go-to receiver in 2005, he helped compensate for not only the loss of Walker but also Robert Ferguson (knee) and Terrence Murphy (neck). Both players ended the season on injured reserve.

With the Packers' wide receivers suffering so many injuries, Driver knew the team needed him on the field. So he never missed a game despite ..

Majik: 2005 Season Yields Hopeful Signs And Question Marks

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 16:44:43 CST
It's never easy to come to the end of the regular season and realize that your team is not going to the playoffs. After all of the hard work and aches and pains from mini-camps through training camp, it leaves you with an empty feeling. You're stuck watching other teams battle for the chance to play in the Super Bowl. For the Packers, it's a feeling they haven't had to endure very much in recent years. They've been fortunate. Now they find themselves at a crossroads.

Assuming that Brett Favre comes back, can they re-tool their roster with enough key players to be serious contenders next season? Or will this team have to endure the growing pains of a rebuilding process that could take several years?

As I look back on the 2005 season, with all of the injuries that occurred and with losing starting guards Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera, the situation was just too difficult for the Packer offense to overcome. The team was just not good enough to compensate for losing all o..

Donald Driver's Toughness Earns Him Courage Award

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:37:00 CST
While dining at Brett Favre's Steakhouse a few years ago with his wife Betina, Donald Driver noticed No. 4's shiny Ed Block Courage Award that hung in a corner of the restaurant.

"I told my wife, 'One day I would love to win that award,'" Driver said.

Now the Packers' leading wide receiver in 2005 has one to match the durable quarterback who has made 221 consecutive starts.

Driver's teammates chose him as the team's annual Ed Block Courage Award winner. Each NFL team selects one player who best represents courage and sportsmanship while serving as inspiration in their locker rooms.

"It's a great accomplishment," Driver said. "When you think of that award, you think of the courage these guys have displayed over the years, and I'm just happy to receive it."

The award often goes to a player making a comeback from an injury. In Driver's case he did not rebound from an injury but compensated for a wide receiving corps replete with them. Javon W..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 11:27:35 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.'

This week's batch shows the passion of the Packers faithful has no limits. Fans traveled abroad from Canada and Mexico to watch the Packers play. A game at Lambeau Field made for the ultimate birthday party for two children. A Texan roots for the "Green and Gold" instead of the Dallas Cowboys, and a Wisconsin family has generations of Packers pride.

I grew up a Packers fan during some pretty tough seasons. Sometimes it was not the most popular thing, but I didn't care. My Mom and Dad were always fans, and so we were too. Our children have grown u..

Ted Thompson Draft Pick Voted NFL MVP

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 16:46:43 CST
Displaying the acumen of Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson, the Associated Press named Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander the NFL's Most Valuable Player on Thursday.

Alexander represents Thompson's first NFL draft selection while serving as Seahawks Vice President of Football Operations. Thompson chose him with the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft.

In 2005 Alexander enjoyed one of the most successful seasons ever by a running back. He rushed for 1,880 yards and a single-season NFL record of 28 touchdowns.

Alexander earned 19 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback and winner of the last two MVPs, finished second with 13 votes.

With his record-breaking 2005 season, Alexander became the only player in NFL history with at least 15 touchdowns in five straight seasons.

He broke Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes..

Coach Thomas Taught Kampman More Than Just Football

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2006 13:56:04 CST
The Iowa farming towns of Aplington and Parkersburg have a combined population of around 3,000, and Aplington-Parkersburg High School has an enrollment of almost 300.

Yet this small school produced four active NFL players -- Detroit Lions defensive end Jared DeVries, Jacksonville Jaguars guard Brad Meester, Kansas City Chiefs center Casey Weigmann and Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman.

"It's definitely something you don't see every day, a small community like that," Kampman said. "It's a special, special place."

Kampman attributes much of the school's ability to develop NFL players to Aplington-Parkersburg head coach Edward Thomas, the 2005 NFL High School Football Coach of the Year. Kampman and Weigmann nominated their mentor in 2003, and he became a Top Five finalist. The entire foursome nominated him this season.

"This year we got Jared and Brad to do it as well -- to make sure he got the recognition we believe he deserves," Kampman ..

Sherman Reminisces About His Experience Coaching The Packers

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 16:18:34 CST
Although Mike Sherman's dismissal as head coach on Sunday represented a disappointing end to his time with the Packers, he reflected on the highlights of his 2000-2005 tenure while meeting with the media on Wednesday.

"We've had so many great memories," Sherman said. "I'm proud of what we accomplished over that time."

As a head coach who reached the playoffs in four out of his six years with the team, Sherman coached several games which will go down in Packers' lore.

His most recent game, a 23-17 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, serves as one of those highlights. Although that win had no playoff ramifications, it carried a deep meaning for him on several levels. He defeated one of his mentors -- Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren. After the game Sherman presented a game ball to Brett Favre, and Favre was moved to tears. Sherman's children joined him in the locker room to revel in that festive postgame scene.

"I know it's an insignificant win to..

Sherman Discusses His Removal As Packers Head Coach

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 14:22:23 CST
Mike Sherman addressed the media Wednesday and spoke candidly of his dismissal for the first time since the Packers relieved him of his coaching duties.

"It's difficult to let go of something you've embraced so passionately for six years," Sherman said.

When General Manager Ted Thompson informed Sherman of his dismissal on Monday morning between 7 and 7:30 a.m., he said he did not make the change because of wins and losses. Sherman went 57-39 during his tenure.

"Ted just felt there was a need at this time to make a change," Sherman said.

Sherman's life will change as well as he moves on from the position he held for the last six years of his life. While he has not decided whether he wants to return to the college or professional ranks, Sherman wants to coach again.

"Oh yes," he said, when asked if he thought coaching was in his future.

The former head coach, however, did not want to focus on the future. He had planned to spend Mon..

Letters To Majik

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 15:23:37 CST
Majik: Can you explain why it seems Brett Favre always calls the same color and number at the line of scrimmage? He always seems to call "Blue 58." And if that doesn't go right, he seems to call "Green 18." How does the color/number scheme work? Thanks. I really enjoyed watching you play QB. - Dave, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Dave: Thanks for the great question! A quarterback has the autonomy to call any color with any number he pleases during his cadence. If the play that is called in the huddle is the play the quarterback ends up running, then there is no significant meaning to what color and numbers he chooses.

When I played, my favorite cadence was "Blue 60" and "Red 88." However, if a quarterback wants to change the called play in the huddle at the line, he must audible to a 'live color and number." The team will have certain live colors i.e.: white and black. That color alerts the offense that the play is being changed. After the live color is commanded, it wil..

Majik: Difficult Season Ends With Questions Still Facing Team

Don Majkowski, Special To Packers.com — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 10:50:24 CST
It was an emotional way to end the 2005 season. The victory over the Seattle Seahawks did little to ease the pain of a very difficult season and now, the Green Bay Packers will need to answer a number of vital questions during this off-season. Who will they select as their next head coach? Will Brett Favre come back for one more season? What will be the team's emphasis in the upcoming NFL draft?

No doubt, it wasn't easy for General Manager Ted Thompson to make his decision to relieve Head Coach Mike Sherman of his duties. As things continued to build in a negative fashion for the Packers this season, you could sense a lot of tension and frustration across the state of Wisconsin. I heard a lot of it first hand from the fans while doing my radio shows in Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Wausau and Stevens Point. I'm sure Thompson thought about this situation long and hard before arriving at the conclusion he did. This team is moving in several different directions not only with ..

Live On Packers.com: Mike Sherman, Wed., 11 A.M. CT

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 21:37:24 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

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

***

Mike Sherman will address the media on Wed., Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. CT.

Packers.com will provide uninterrupted coverage of this event live from the Lambeau Field Media Auditorium.

Please stay tuned to Packers.com for more information.

Players React To Mike Sherman's Dismissal

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 15:24:17 CST
Shortly after he talked with Mike Sherman on Monday morning, General Manager Ted Thompson informed the players in the team meeting room of his decision to dismiss their head coach.

"It was a sad moment," Grady Jackson said. "That hurt a lot of guys."

Many of the players had expected a quiet morning of meetings with coaches and gathering their belongings from their lockers for their trip home for the offseason.

"It was a shock," Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila said. "We thought we were going to talk about how we finished the season."

During Sherman's head coaching tenure with the team from 2000-2005, he finished 57-39 and won three consecutive NFC North titles from 2002-2004.

The Packers fell to a disappointing 4-12 season in 2005, but the players applauded his ability to keep the team cohesive and competitive despite having 13 players placed on injured reserve. Those injuries occurred to impact players, including Javon Walker, Ahman Green, Najeh Dave..

Thompson Begins Search For Packers Head Coach

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 13:26:23 CST
The 'Green and Gold' will have a new head coach for the 14th time in team history as General Manager Ted Thompson relieved Head Coach Mike Sherman of his duties on Monday morning.

"While Mike has done a good job, it was not the right fit," Thompson said. "At the end of the day, it's time for a new face."

Thompson, who said he reached the decision three days ago, met with Sherman between 7 and 7:30 a.m. Monday morning. He then informed the team of his decision in the team meeting room.

"It was a very quiet and somber room," Thompson said.

Thompson will begin the process of interviewing coaches this week. That process could include flying candidates in to Green Bay or traveling to meet them. He said he would be open to both college and pro coaches and offensive and defensive-minded coaches of varying philosophies. The new coach may or may not run the West Coast offense, which the team has used since Mike Holmgren came aboard in 1992.

"I don..

AP Story: Sherman Relieved Of Head Coaching Duties

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 12:50:18 CST
Green Bay's Mike Sherman was relieved of his head coaching duties Jan. 2, a day after the Packers finished their worst season in 15 years.

"At the end of the day I felt like we needed to go in a different direction," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said at a news conference.

The Packers closed their season with a win over Seattle Jan. 1 as Brett Favre threw his first touchdown pass in five games, but finished with a 4-12 record.

Sherman's first five years brought success but not another title in Green Bay. His record was 53-27 in the regular season, which was good enough to tie Steelers coach Bill Cowher for fifth among NFL coaches in their first 80 games. Sherman finished 57-39 in six seasons.

Things began unraveling early in 2005 with injuries to top wide receiver Javon Walker and running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport as the Packers started 1-7.

Sherman, who signed a two-year contract extension in August, said throughou..

Mike Sherman Relieved Of Head Coaching Duties

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 10:33:55 CST
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike Sherman has been relieved of his duties, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Director of Football Operations Ted Thompson announced Monday.

Sherman, the team's 13th head coach, led the Packers to a 59-43 record during his six years in Green Bay.

Please stay tuned to Packers.com for more information, including player comments, on both the 2005 season and Monday's developments, in audio and video form.

Driver's Toughness and Durability Second to None

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 20:31:21 CST
There may be faster, stronger and more publicized wide receivers than Donald Driver, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone tougher. There also may not be anyone more relentless, hard-nosed and underrated at his position in the NFL.

Say what you want about Driver, but know this: if there's a game on Sunday, you can count on number 80 making the tough catches over the middle and serving as a reliable target for Brett Favre.

Despite the lack of headlines, Driver has been putting his stamp on the Packers' record books all season long and Sunday's game versus the Seattle Seahawks was no different.

Driver caught a pass in a 64th consecutive game, which is the second-longest in team history behind Sterling Sharpe's 103 (1988-94).

He also became only the fourth Packers player ever with an 85-reception season, joining Sterling Sharpe (1989, 1992-94), Robert Brooks (1995) and Javon Walker (2004). The seventh round choice out of Alcorn State also fin..

Notebook: Packers Faced High-Flying Seahawk

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 20:29:04 CST
The Seahawks entered Sunday's game with home field advantage throughout the playoffs wrapped up in the NFC. However, there were a couple milestones left to achieve before the day was through.

Shaun Alexander came into the game needing just one touchdown to break the NFL single season record of 28. He also was just 54 yards short of Tiki Barber for the rushing title on the season.

By halftime, Alexander had broken both marks and established himself in the NFL's record books. His second quarter touchdown from one yard out gave him 28 touchdowns and his 73 yards on the day put him at 1,880 on the season.

Seattle Head Coach Mike Holmgren admitted that the record was special to not only Alexander but to the rest of the team as well.

"We wanted him to have the record, he wanted to have the record, the linemen wanted the record for him and so in the first half we were kind of playing to get him the ball and hoping to get him the record, and that was d..

Favre Caps 15th Season With Emotional Curtain Call

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 20:25:44 CST
"One More Year! One More Year!"

The chant directed at Brett Favre started among the 69,928 Lambeau Field attendants with just more than six minutes remaining in the third quarter and continued through much of the Green Bay Packers' 23-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The cheer became louder as Favre exited the game with 41 seconds left, and Aaron Rodgers entered to take the final kneel-down. Favre waved to the crowd with both hands before jumping into the arms of 11-year-veteran William Henderson.

Some observers may view that scene as an indication that Favre will retire after his 15th year in the NFL, but he has made such curtain calls before.

"I didn't find it odd at all," Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "It's an acknowledgement of the love affair that he has with the fans."

An equally emotional scene occurred after the game. While wiping away tears, Favre thanked the team and told them he loved them before stating he has not planned his ..

Packers Begin New Year With Much-Needed Victory

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 01 Jan 2006 20:16:15 CST
Shaun Alexander, the NFL's leading rusher and touchdown scorer, was just 12 yards away from the Packers' end zone when Marviel Underwood forced a fumble, and Mark Roman recovered.

That play was emblematic of the Green Bay Packers' 23-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. After a 4-12 season in which the ball rarely bounced Green Bay's way, everything seemed to go their way on Sunday.

And those key plays helped notch a victory, allowing the Packers to end the 2005 season on a high note.

"It was real important to me and to the team," Sherman said. "I wanted to get this win at home in front our fans."

In front of 69,928 fans, the Packers looked sharp from the opening drive, marching 62 yards in 14 plays to set up a Ryan Longwell 26-yard field goal. The drive featured a combination of effective passes and runs. Brett Favre completed five passes while Tony Fisher and Noah Herron ran a combined three times.

"I'm starting to feel more and m..

AP Story: Packers Top Seahawks 23-17

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 15:30:02 CST
If this game were the last of Brett Favre's career, at least he went down slinging.

And, in his first losing season with the Green Bay Packers, at least he went out a winner as they beat the playoff-bound Seattle Seahawks 23-17.

"If this were to be his last game, then I'm really glad I was here," said Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren, Favre's former coach in Green Bay. "He has nothing to prove to anybody."

Favre threw his first touchdown pass in the past five games, but the game still featured a few more reminders of why Favre is considering retirement. He was intercepted again, his career-worst 29th of the season, and played the end of the game with a shoulder injury.

And he was upstaged for a half by Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, who set an NFL record for touchdowns in a season with 28 and surpassed the New York Giants' Tiki Barber for the NFL rushing crown.

Favre, 36, said in recent weeks he is unsure whether he will play next..

Packers-Seahawks Press Box Notes

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 12:12:15 CST
AS A TEAM -
-For the first time since 1991, the Packers prepared for their final regular-season game knowing they would not play the following week.

-Green Bay will attempt to halt Seattle's 11-game winning streak. The Packers' longest streak ever halted was a 10-game run by the Lions, at Detroit on Nov. 25, 1934, a 3-0 final. Lambeau Field's longest streak ever stopped was Denver's nine-game run in 1996.

-If Tory Humphrey and Therrian Fontenot play, the Packers will have played 19 rookies this season. Last year, they played eight.

THE PACKERS OFFENSE:
-Needs 21 passing attempts (609 in 1994) and 21 completions (382 in 2004) to break the team's single-season records.

-Needs 295 gross passing yards to reach 4,000 for a second straight year.

-Needs to gain one first down by penalty to break the 1985 team record, 32. The Packers enter with 32.

THE PACKERS DEFENSE:
-Entered the weekend ranked first in ..