Packers.com

Peterson Returns For Roster Fight

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:39:54 CST

Defensive lineman Kenny Peterson had no idea when he tweaked his ankle and limped off the practice field on Aug. 10 that it would be three weeks before he'd play in a game.

"Definitely not. It caught me by surprise the length of time it's taken to get back," Peterson said. "But it's one of those injuries where time heals all wounds. I'm going to go out here and see what I can do."

What Peterson has is essentially one game to show he deserves a roster spot. Having missed the first three preseason games, the fourth-year veteran knows he's one of many players on the roster bubble when Tennessee visits Lambeau Field on Friday.

Peterson returned to practice late last week, but the ankle was nowhere near strong enough for him to make the trip to Cincinnati.

On Wednesday, after the only practice this week, Peterson stayed late to work on some fundamentals and test the ankle further. He gave a thumbs-up to defensive coordinator Bob Sanders as he left the f..

Rodgers To Play Most Of Friday's Game

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 18:38:58 CST

With the starting offense likely to play only the opening series against Tennessee on Friday, the preseason finale will be a prime opportunity for backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers to get extensive playing time and build on a strong training camp.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday he expects Rodgers to play the majority of the game, his first extensive playing time since the preseason opener at San Diego.

"I think we're excited as a No. 2 group to be able to get some more time, because the last couple games have been just close-out time," Rodgers said. "We're excited about getting into a flow early. I'm guessing we'll go in the second series, probably in the first quarter at some point. We're excited about getting into a rhythm and hopefully put some points on the board."

Rodgers completed nine of 11 passes for 124 yards directing primarily the second-string offense in San Diego, but he's had just 12 pass attempts in the last two games combined. With s..

Favre Sees Ways For Offense To Progress

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 14:29:30 CST

Quarterback Brett Favre is well aware the Green Bay Packers' offense in 2006 is a work in progress, and he sees three key ways that progress will take place.

In his third and final preseason news conference Wednesday, Favre said some of the mistakes the offense is making are correctible after watching the film of Monday night's loss at Cincinnati.

But he also said some of the offensive progress will come from players getting a better feel for the system, and from Favre himself developing a rapport with other receivers similar to what he has with Donald Driver.

"We've got a lot of work to do, there's no question about that," Favre said. "We've got a long ways to go and a short time to do it."

The offense's inconsistency during the preseason - one productive outing against Atlanta sandwiched between struggles at San Diego and Cincinnati - was somewhat expected with so many young players taking on prominent roles and other players returning from injur..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 18:26:10 CST

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Keep checking back for archived audio and video (in both Real and Windows formats) of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

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

Wednesday, August 30:
Brett Favre: approx. between 11:30 a.m. CT

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Kicker Brought In To Compete With Rayner

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 17:45:31 CST

Despite being the only kicker in training camp, Dave Rayner has in essence been competing with any kicker who might be released by another team in order to win the Packers' job.

Now, one of those kickers will be here to go head-to-head with him this week.

On Tuesday, the Packers claimed E.J. Cochrane off waivers from Philadelphia. Cochrane, a 5-foot-11, 204-pound rookie from Montana State, originally signed as a non-drafted free agent with Atlanta in February, then signed with the Eagles in April and was waived on Saturday.

"We've been following him at school and also this training camp," Thompson said in his news conference Tuesday afternoon. "We thought he was having a really good training camp and thought he was a guy we'd want to take a look at. So we have a few days here to see what's what."

In preseason with the Eagles, Cochrane made a 29-yard field goal against Cleveland on Aug. 10 and missed a 48-yarder against Pittsburgh last Friday. He al..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Tue, 29 Aug 2006 10:40:38 CST

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Keep checking back for archived audio and video (in both Real and Windows formats) of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

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

Tuesday, August 29:
GM Ted Thompson: approx 4:15 p.m. CT
Keep checking back for updates.

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Not Knowing What To Expect, Rivera Experienced Remarkable Reward In 1996

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 13:19:16 CST

As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Marco Rivera didn't know what to expect when he was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1996 NFL Draft.

He was fresh off the Penn State campus and being the 208th overall pick doesn't exactly translate to job security in professional football.

Rivera was in no position to make assumptions on where he stood with the Packers, and for that matter, he didn't know all that much about his new team, either. Fortunately for the 6-foot-4, 295-pound guard, someone close to him did.

"One of my buddies called me up and said, 'Hey man, the Green Bay Packers are going to win the Super Bowl this y..

Notebook: Green Knocks The Rust Off

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 03:28:35 CST

CINCINNATI - Running back Ahman Green's return to action Monday night didn't solve the Packers' struggles with their ground game, but afterwards Green wasn't concerned with his less-than-stellar statistics.

Green had just 18 yards on eight carries in the first half, playing in his first game since rupturing a quadriceps tendon last October in Minnesota. Numbers aside, it was getting some game action that mattered most, and there were no setbacks with regards to his leg.

"I feel good, definitely getting the rust knocked off, and that's all I wanted," said Green, who may not play much if at all on Friday against Tennessee. "It's another step forward in getting ready for Chicago."

Green's longest run was 8 yards up the middle, but with just 10 yards on his other seven attempts, he clearly never found a rhythm or much running room.

He slipped and fell on one attempt and recovered his own fumble on another, two of his three rushes for no gain. Green als..

Another Rough Road Loss For Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:38:52 CST

CINCINNATI - After the Packers split their first two preseason games, the primary question heading into Monday night at Cincinnati was whether they would play like the team that was drubbed in San Diego or the one that routed Atlanta at home.

Unfortunately, it looked like San Diego again, only worse.

Playing a sloppy game in which they struggled to run the ball, turned it over on their first two possessions, and couldn't get their defense off the field on third down, the Packers were blown out 48-17 by the defending AFC North champion Bengals in front of 65,614 fans at Paul Brown Stadium.

"We didn't perform tonight the way we would have liked," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said after the game. "The videotape tells the true story. We'll take a long look at that tomorrow."

When they do, the Packers will see they averaged a meager 2.8 yards on 36 rushing attempts, effectively stifling their offense. Meanwhile the Bengals were enjoying the return of quarte..

AP Story: Bengals Top Packers In Cincinnati, 48-17

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 19:53:43 CST

CINCINNATI (AP) _ Carson Palmer aced the test. With a brace protecting his rebuilt left knee, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback took the hits, avoided the rush and threw three touchdown passes Monday night in his first game back from the injury.

By halftime of the 48-17 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers, Palmer had convincingly made his case that he'll be ready for the season opener.

"He hasn't lost a thing,'' right tackle Willie Anderson said. "He's our leader, and he's back. That's got to make any Bengals fan feel real happy.''

Showing no hesitation to take a tackle or take off on a scramble, Palmer completed 9 of 14 passes for 140 yards and three touchdowns. It felt like old times at jubilant Paul Brown Stadium when he pointed his right index finger to the sky after his second touchdown.

"I felt good,'' Palmer said. "It feels like it's just football now.''

Unless his knee has an unexpected setback, Palmer will start in ..

Daryn Colledge Training Camp Diary - Part V

Sun, 27 Aug 2006 10:15:59 CST

Daryn Colledge entered his first NFL training camp with as much pressure as any rookie could have.

He's was penciled into the starting lineup at left guard, but after a rough preseason opener was bumped down to the second team and is trying to work his way back into the starting lineup.

Colledge, one of the Packers' second-round draft picks, grew up in North Pole, Alaska, a town of less than 2,000 people located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. He went on to a decorated college football career at Boise State, where he set school records for games played and started with 52.

In April, he became the highest-ever NFL draft choice from the state of Alaska - and the eighth overall - when he was picked 47th overall by the Packers.

Colledge has been working extremely hard to make the impact that's expected of him in 2006, and he's keeping Packers fans updated in this Training Camp Diary.

In this fifth installment, he looks back on his second N..

Not Missing A Beat: Rison Acquisition Helps Packers Stay On Super Bowl Track

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 13:18:01 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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"Bad Moon Rison."

Even if you had no idea about the man, the nickname alone might cause you to have a few preconceived notions about him.

The "Bad Moon Rison" term had been attached to Andre Rison throughout most of his NFL career and often times led people to view the 6-foot-1, 195-pound wide receiver in a negative light regardless of whether they knew him or not.

So, when 1996 rolled around and the Packers were in need of a wide receiver, many people raised their eyebrows when Rison was claimed off waivers from Jacksonville.

The Packers had a 6-1 record at the time Robert Brooks suffered a ..

Twin Brothers Remember Early Days At Hagemeister Park

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:51:00 CST
Before Lambeau Field, there was City Stadium. Before City Stadium, there was Bellevue Park, and still before that there was Hagemeister Park.

Twin brothers Ernie and Ervin Baudhuin actually remember going to Hagemeister Park, where the Green Bay Packers played their first four years in existence, from 1919 through 1922.

Now 92 years old and living in Palm Coast, Fla., the Baudhuin twins grew up in Green Bay near Whitney School on the city's east side, not far from the old sandlot near Baird and Walnut streets where their beloved team got its start.

"We loved football ourselves and we played football as little kids, too," Ernie said. "When the Packers came on the scene, that was our dream to watch them. They were the greatest. We just loved them, as did all the fans."

Some of the memories are a little foggy, but the Baudhuins believe they attended their first Packers' game as six-year-olds, in 1920. They're curious whether any other Packer fans can ..

Training Camp Report: Special Teams Should Start To Solidify

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 15:03:37 CST
Often during preseason games, special teams units are in flux with various players taking snaps on different units.

But with the offensive and defensive starters expected to play well into the third quarter on Monday night in Cincinnati, the special teams units also will begin to develop some continuity.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the third preseason game is where he expects the special teams to sort themselves out, while the fourth preseason game is used primarily to make final roster decisions.

"It's important that we come out of Monday night's game that we feel real good about some guys that jump out and take leadership of the special teams," McCarthy said. "I think we have a pretty good idea of the individuals that could be core players, but every successful team that I've been around has a bell cow - an individual or individuals that take hold of that."

Some of the core special teams members McCarthy mentioned are linebackers Brady Poppinga..

Prior's First Impression Of Green Bay Turned Out To Be An Accurate One

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 13:16:48 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

When Mike Prior arrived in Green Bay in 1993 as an unrestricted free agent, he had a good idea of what he was getting into.

Prior had spent one season in Tampa Bay and the next six seasons in Indianapolis, and he knew the city of Green Bay was entirely different from where he had been.

Prior recently looked back on his first game in Green Bay, which came as a Buccaneer in his rookie season of 1985.

"We went up there and it was the Snow Bowl game," Prior recalled. "We had that snowstorm and it was crazy. We saw all those people in orange and then it turned out they were hunters and we thought they were..

Training Camp Report: Rayner Wants To Attempt Pressure Kick

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:29:43 CST
Kicker Dave Rayner's rough practice Thursday, when he missed three field goals from 39 yards out, prompted one reporter to ask Head Coach Mike McCarthy after Friday's practice if he'd like to see Rayner attempt a pressure kick before the preseason ends, either at the end of a half or with the game on the line.

McCarthy obviously said yes. So did Rayner.

"Any reps in preseason games are going to be good for me," Rayner said. "One, for me to get confidence and to get in a groove with that, and two, to show the coaches I can do it all in a game. Any long field goals, anything like that would be great."

On Thursday, Rayner was kicking with a strong wind blowing right to left, and all three of his misses were to the left. He made seven of 10 field goals overall. The worst miss was when the kicking team rushed onto the field with the clock ticking down and hurriedly set up to kick. Rayner hooked the attempt badly.

That's not something Rayner has ever att..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:54:08 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video (in both Real and Windows formats) of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

***

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

Friday, August 25:
GM Ted Thompson: 2:30 p.m. CT

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Beach Making Strong Push For Running Back Spot

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 09:53:06 CST
Undrafted rookies face an uphill battle for a roster spot each day of training camp, making every single practice a fight for their football lives.

So when an undrafted rookie goes down with an injury and misses significant practice time, it's easy for him to fall off the coaching staff's radar, and easier yet to get cut come decision time.

Running back Arliss Beach was afraid he might be one of those easy decisions. Signed by the Packers in May as a rookie free agent out of Kentucky, Beach sustained a concussion on the third day of training camp in a violent collision with rookie linebacker Abdul Hodge in a blitz pickup drill.

He missed seven days of practice, including the Family Night scrimmage, and wasn't much of a thought while veteran backs like Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport were returning from injuries. At one of the most competitive positions on the roster, Beach knew he had to get out of the training room and back onto the field, pronto.

Using Lessons He Learned Backing Up Favre, Pederson Coaches High Schoolers

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:15:34 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

His name is Doug Pederson, but he acted liked Drew Bledsoe during the last two weeks of January in 1997.

To prepare the Packers' defense for whom they would face in Super Bowl XXXI, Pederson, the scout team quarterback, simulated the New England Patriots quarterback's long stride and long release during practice.

"I took pride in getting our defense ready," Pederson said, "giving them the look, the picture of the other team and the quarterback and some of the mannerisms and some of things the other quarterback would do."

The preparation worked. The Packers' defense took advantage of the strong-armed but slow..

Training Camp Report: Woodson Getting Back Into Return Mode

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 16:16:44 CST
Charles Woodson hasn't been a regular punt returner since his Heisman Trophy days at Michigan.

But he remains Head Coach Mike McCarthy's No. 1 choice to return punts for the Packers this season, and Woodson expects to get the feel for the role again very quickly.

"I'm looking forward to it," Woodson said. "It's been a while since I've been able to do it. Hopefully we'll get a chance.

"Last game I would have had a chance but we didn't get any punt situations in the first half. Hopefully we'll get off the field on third down and I'll be able to get out there and get some."

McCarthy said he'd like to give Woodson a couple of opportunities on Monday night in Cincinnati. After returning 44 punts in college, including 36 in 1997 when he won the Heisman, Woodson has just 12 returns for 77 yards (6.4 avg) in the pros, with all those chances coming between 2001 and 2005.

"I'm excited to see him do punt returns," McCarthy said. "I was at Kansas City..

Limited Number Of Packers-Titans Tickets Available

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:17:02 CST
A small number of tickets are available for the preseason finale against Tennessee, Friday, Sept. 1.

Call the ticket office today at 920/569-7501 to secure your tickets to see Vince Young and the Titans in Lambeau Field.

Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

Fullback Takes On Different Role In Packers' Offense

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 09:02:04 CST
In the traditional sense of the ground game, there's a clear distinction between the types of players who play tailback and fullback.

But in the Packers' new zone-blocking run scheme, the distinction is blurred in that the fullback isn't necessarily the prototype battering ram fairly customary at the position.

In this scheme, the fullback is more of a backup tailback with the athleticism to carry out the responsibilities of both positions, except he'll rarely carry the ball. It may be easier to find players who fit that description than the straight-ahead blaster of a fullback, but it's not easy to find someone who can excel in the role.

"You have to be an athletic guy, you have to be able to read and adjust like a halfback would," running backs coach Edgar Bennett said. "You have to be a good receiver, you have to be smart so you can pick up your protections. You have to be an overall football player. I think that's the bottom line."

The reason th..

Newsome Let His Game Do All The Talking

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:14:36 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Saying Craig Newsome is quiet is like saying the Green Bay Packers were a good team in 1996.

Talk about severe understatements.

Newsome was probably the most laid back, quiet, and perhaps shyest player on the Packers' Super Bowl XXXI team.

But, fortunately for the Packers, Newsome's game spoke volumes.

The 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback got thrown into the fold as a rookie in 1995 and became a mainstay on the Packers' defense for four years until a torn ACL slowed him down and eventually led to him being traded to San Francisco.

He may not have been overly fast or remarkably big for a co..

Training Camp Report: Starters Green, Manuel To Get Limited Snaps Monday Night

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 19:20:19 CST
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has indicated the starters will play into the third quarter Monday night at Cincinnati, but that won't be the case for running back Ahman Green and safety Marquand Manuel, who will be seeing their first game action.

Green, coming back from a torn quadriceps tendon that ended his 2005 season prematurely, and Manuel, who missed the first two weeks of training camp with a calf injury, will play one or two series each. McCarthy indicated neither would be pushed too far in his first game back.

"We played the starters 18 to 20 plays that first game, so that's what we're looking at," McCarthy said.

Green's mantra throughout his recovery has been to take baby steps in order to avoid any setbacks, and he has accomplished that thus far. He says with each passing day he gets re-accustomed to getting knocked around on the field, and he has rather simple goals for his first game action since last October in Minnesota.

"I just want to ha..

Packers' Practices Moved To Ray Nitschke Field

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 13:48:59 CST
For more training camp information, please visit: www.packerstrainingcamp.com

***

In preparations for their Monday night game at Cincinnati, the Green Bay Packers will move the remainder of this week's practices to Ray Nitschke Field, which has a similar FieldTurf playing surface as the Bengals' Paul Brown Stadium. (Nitschke Field is located just behind the Don Hutson Center.)

All practices, weather permitting, will remain free and open to the public.

This week's schedule:

Thurs., Aug. 24: 10:30 a.m. (TBD)

Fri., Aug 25: 10:30 a.m. (full pads)
Moved inside due to threat of inclement weather.

Sat., Aug. 26: 10:00 a.m. (shells)

Mon., Aug. 28: Packers at Bengals (7 p.m. CT)

*Any practices moved inside to the Don Hutson Center due to inclement weather, poor field conditions or for any ..

Fitness Remains The Center Of Roderick Mullen's Life

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 14:17:58 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

A versatile backup in the secondary and a valuable special teamer, Roderick Mullen would block for Desmond Howard on a punt return immediately after shutting down a wide receiver on third-and-long.

"I had to be in outstanding shape," Mullen said. "I couldn't do all of those positions if I wasn't well-conditioned."

Mullen's job still revolves around fitness. He currently serves as the general manager of a Dallas-area Bally Total Fitness. In that role, Mullen, 33, manages the gym's profitability by setting budgets, establishing company goals, determining salaries and overseeing retail revenue. Mullen twice has won th..

Training Camp Report: Colledge Adds Old Position To New One

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 22:23:23 CST
Rookie offensive lineman Daryn Colledge is back at his college position again.

Colledge took several snaps at left tackle on Tuesday night and will be adding backup work there to his reps at left guard, the position he has played since being drafted in the second round out of Boise State.

The Packers are trying to get the young backup linemen to provide as much depth as possible, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he's established a similar routine for Junius Coston to work at both positions on the right side of the line.

"Instead of flipping tackles and so forth, we're going with an emphasis on left side-right side, so he'll (Colledge) train at left tackle and left guard," McCarthy said.

A four-year starter at left tackle in Boise, Colledge was the Packers' starter at left guard until last week, when he was moved down to the second unit. He has maintained since then that his goal is to return to the starting group and prove he's one of the team's f..

Dodgeball Precedes Week Of Serious Work

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:11:46 CST
With a long Week 4 of training camp ahead and no game until next Monday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy felt the players needed a break from the daily grind of practice and a chance to do some team-building.

The solution? Dodgeball.

Instead of practicing Tuesday morning for what was going to be the last of eight two-a-day workouts, the Packers held a dodgeball tournament in the gymnasium of the team facility.

The players let loose and worked up a sweat, and the intensity was evident in the verbal sparring over some controversial rule interpretations, but all-in-all it was a fun competition that kept things loose before the busy week ahead.

"I think you need something like this to just relax, take the stress off," quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. "It's been a long camp already."

Rodgers was arguably the star of the tournament as Brett Favre's top draft choice and a key player in Favre's team taking the championship. The players were drafted into e..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:50:40 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video (in both Real and Windows formats) of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

***

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

Tuesday, August 22:
GM Ted Thompson: 11:30 CT

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Be sure to join Packers.com this season as we provide streaming video coverage of the Packers' press conferences in their entirety and free of charge..

Mickens Had a Ball at Work With Packers

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 11:50:43 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

In many cases, people don't enjoy going to work. But Terry Mickens was never one of those people when he played in Green Bay.

In fact, Mickens couldn't wait to arrive at 1265 Lombardi Ave. because he knew he wasn't the only one who enjoyed being there.

"We were having fun all year," Mickens said. "We were having fun everyday during practice, during games. We were always having fun. But at the same time, we were getting our jobs done."

Mickens, a 6-foot, 198-pound wide receiver who played for the Green and Gold from 1994-97, admits that the situation he stepped into while in Green Bay probably wasn't common f..

Training Camp Report: Rookie O-linemen Moll, Spitz To Open '06 Season As Starters

Jeff Harding, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 21:41:36 CST
With two preseason games in the books and two to play, Head Coach Mike McCarthy on Monday said he will not wait until the end of training camp to name his opening day starters along the offensive line.

Joining veterans Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher and third-year center Scott Wells will be 2006 draft picks Tony Moll and Jason Spitz.

"This is the direction we'll go, with Tony at right guard and Jason on the left," McCarthy said. "I thought it was important and I think we've talked about it the last couple of weeks that I was not comfortable waiting until the end of training camp to name the starting five. So by going in this direction it gives us a chance to get these five guys prepped and ready for Chicago."

Moll, a fifth-round draft choice from Nevada, has had solid performances throughout training camp practices, capped by an impressive night vs. Atlanta, Saturday.

"When I got drafted it sounded like I would just be sitting the bench if I made ..

John Michels' Career-Ending Injury Led To New Path

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:47:29 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Offensive tackle John Michels' cleat caught in the ground, and his knee twisted while blocking defensive end Vonnie Holliday during a one-on-one pass protection drill in the last week of the 1998 training camp. Michels tore his anterior cruciate ligament, his medial collateral ligament and cartilage. That devastating injury and the lengthy rehabilitation process that followed, however, gave him a new direction in life.

"It was kind of through the process of all these surgeries that I found a passion for medicine and decided to go pursue that," Michels said. "I enjoy the fact that (doctors) really get to impact people's lives...

Letters To Lee Remmel

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 11:11:20 CST
My question has to do with Super Bowl I and the initial kickoff. I have heard that the Packers kicked off to begin the game, but after the play, they were forced to re-do the kickoff because the TV cameras didn't catch it. Do you remember what happened on that initial kickoff? I'm sure that Coach Lombardi was pretty mad, but nothing really significant must have happened on that play, otherwise I think it would be talked about more often. Thanks again! - Nik, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Nik, your version of what happened at kickoff time in Super Bowl I is partially correct. There was, indeed, a second kickoff-but it was at the beginning of the SECOND half, not the first.

It came about because, for the first and only time in Super Bowl history, two networks (CBS and NBC) were televising the game with separate announcers and technical crews.

Joe Browne, the NFL's executive vice president of public relations and public affairs, explains that "one of the cameras..

After Playing For Two Rivals, McMahon Stays Far Away From The NFL

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 11:46:25 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

It is a surreal scene to picture. Jim McMahon, the symbolic rebel of the 1980s Chicago Bears teams lounging with Brett Favre, the gunslinger of the 1990s Green Bay Packers teams, after practices during the 1996 season.

"We got along pretty well," McMahon said. "Every once in a while we'd go out and have a few cocktails."

The Packers signed McMahon, best known for his days with the archrival Bears from 1982 to 1987, toward the end of the 1995 season to back up Favre and impart his knowledge from one storied franchise to another. Along with wide receiver Don Beebe, McMahon was the only player on the 1996 roster who had..

Notebook: Moll Makes the Most of Opportunity

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 01:53:42 CST
Because it's all happened so fast for Tony Moll, you almost couldn't blame the rookie offensive lineman if he would have had trouble stepping into the Packers starting lineup on Saturday night.

However, as it turns out, the 6-5, 308-pound guard appeared to hold his own in his first start as a professional.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he would reserve judgment on Moll and the rest of the offensive line until he viewed the game film, but he stressed that the proper mindset has to be established first and foremost.

"Number one, it's a style of play," McCarthy said. "You have to play this game a certain way week in and week out. It looked to me from the sideline that we accomplished that. And we'll confirm that from the film study.

I think we definitely moved in the right direction. That's where it all starts. It all starts up front."

For now, Moll who played tight end in college until his senior season before moving to tackle, said it's..

Improved and Impressive: Team Effort Fuels Packers Victory

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 01:53:18 CST
There's an old adage that you have to crawl before you can walk and the 2006 edition of the Green Bay Packers might just be the perfect example of that theory.

In only their second game of the Mike McCarthy era, the Green and Gold showed considerable improvement from last week's 17-3 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

There were plenty of highlights to go around, but perhaps the most impressive feat of the night belonged to a first team offense that seemingly fired on all cylinders in the Green Bay Packers 38-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Not surprisingly, Brett Favre led the charge, completing 16 of his 22 passes on the night for 134 yards and two touchdowns in an impressive showing by the home team.

Of course, number four had help and it all started up front with a revamped offensive line that featured new right guard Tony Moll, a fifth round selection out of Nevada.

Also to no one's surprise, Donald Driver continued to be Favre'..

AP Story: Favre Razor Sharp As Packers Top Falcons 38-10

Sat, 19 Aug 2006 22:31:07 CST
A couple of their touchdowns might have come on fluke plays, but the Green Bay Packers offense suddenly looked legitimate on Saturday night.

One week after being held to a single field goal in San Diego, the Packers put together several sustained scoring drives in a 38-10 preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

Brett Favre was 16-of-22 for 134 yards, throwing two touchdown passes to cap long drives and leading the Packers to a field goal after an interception by Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

"We drove the ball really well, ''Favre said in quotes distributed by the Packers. "We had some good drives. That was a good feeling, compared to San Diego.''

Falcons coach Jim Mora said he was happy with his first-team offense but needs to see more from his reserves.

"It's good to come to Lambeau Field and have Brett Favre on the other side of the field and have 69,000 people in the stands and see how those guys handle the pressure,'' Mor..

Monday is Final Day for Future Lambeau Leapers Area

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 12:49:19 CST
Young fans of the Green Bay Packers have one final opportunity to meet players up close and get their autographs in the "Future Lambeau Leapers" area.

Monday, after the 2 p.m. practice, will be the last of 12 autograph sessions in the new area, a successful replacement for the formal autograph tables used in previous years.

"We think it has worked well, providing an opportunity for kids to see the players up close," said General Manager Ted Thompson, who came up with the idea. "Our hope was to allow more kids to experience that interaction than had been able to in the past, and judging by the strong turnout day after day, I think we accomplished that."

Thompson added that pending a review of training camp policies and procedures, the area may be continued in future seasons and could become a new training camp tradition of its own.

The "Future Lambeau Leapers" area is located on the south side of the Oneida Nation Gate at Lambeau Field, and eight to..

Daryn Colledge Training Camp Diary - Part IV

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 09:42:25 CST
Daryn Colledge entered his first NFL training camp with as much pressure as any rookie could have.

He's was penciled into the starting lineup at left guard, but after a rough preseason opener has been bumped down to the second team and is trying to work his way back into the starting lineup.

Colledge, one of the Packers' second-round draft picks, grew up in North Pole, Alaska, a town of less than 2,000 people located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. He went on to a decorated college football career at Boise State, where he set school records for games played and started with 52.

In April, he became the highest-ever NFL draft choice from the state of Alaska - and the eighth overall - when he was picked 47th overall by the Packers.

Colledge has been working extremely hard to make the impact that's expected of him in 2006, and he's keeping Packers fans updated in this Training Camp Diary.

In this fourth installment, he looks back on his fi..

McKenzie Knew Packers Had Something Special In 1996

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 11:45:26 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

It wasn't something tangible. You couldn't touch it and you couldn't see it, either.

But Keith McKenzie knew it was there.

The 6-foot-2, 242-pound linebacker/defensive end, who played for the Green Bay Packers from 1996-99 and again in 2002, knew almost immediately that the 1996 season was going to be a special one.

Indeed he was right.

It was during that season that the Packers went on to Super Bowl XXXI, defeating the New England Patriots 35-21. But it comes as somewhat of a surprise that one of McKenzie's fondest memories of that season happened to come from an exhibition contest.
<..

Opportunity Knocks For Rayner

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 23:58:17 CST
Ever since he arrived in Green Bay this spring, Dave Rayner has been trying to shake the label "kickoff specialist."

Well, now's his chance.

With the release of Billy Cundiff on Thursday, the Packers are giving Rayner, a second-year pro who spent his rookie season in 2005 kicking off for Indianapolis, the best opportunity he could have asked for to be a full-time kicker in 2006.

"I didn't get a whole lot of feedback since I've been here, but I think this is kind of their way of saying, 'Hey, we have confidence, we think you're the guy,'" Rayner said after Thursday evening's practice. "Obviously I have to continue to kick well and show them they made the right decision, but I think it is a vote of confidence from the coaching staff, the general manager and everybody."

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he assessed the situation much like he has with the offensive line, where the Packers have thrust promising rookies into starting roles to speed up their ..

Training Camp Report: McCarthy Wants Lambeau Advantage Back

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 23:48:25 CST
Over the last couple of seasons, home field hasn't provided the advantage the Green Bay Packers were accustomed to for so long.

Mike McCarthy wants to get that edge back, and even though it's only a preseason game, for the first-year head coach the process starts Saturday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

"For our football team, I think it's critical that we get off on the right foot of creating that Lambeau advantage," McCarthy said. "Home-field advantage is obviously critical in the National Football League."

Combining the last three seasons, the Packers were just 12-12 at Lambeau, losing three, four and five home games from 2003-05. That's in stark contrast to the 11-year stretch from 1992 through 2002, when the Packers lost more than two home games in a season only once, in 1999.

"I think we have a special stadium, fan base, the excitement, so we need to establish the Lambeau advantage and get back to dominating at home," McCarthy said.
<..

Packers Look To Limit Mistakes

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:48:39 CST
When Head Coach Mike McCarthy terms an occasional practice "sloppy," that's normally a result of two contributing factors - pre-snap penalties and turnovers.

At times during the first two weeks of training camp, practices were bogged down with those types of mistakes - players jumping offside or poor throws being intercepted.

But if there's one positive to come out of last Saturday's struggles in the preseason opener at San Diego, it's that the Packers reduced those elements of their sloppy play. As a result, they somewhat stayed in a game that could have been much worse than 17-3 considering all the difficulties, particularly on offense.

No one in the locker room is particularly proud of how the team played, but it is worth noting that the Packers had just two pre-snap penalties and one turnover, a vast improvement over some of their training camp workouts.

The pre-snap penalties were both on defense - an offsides and a flag for 12 men on the fiel..

Mayes Goes From Sure-Handed Receiver To Filmmaker

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 11:44:21 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Wide receiver Derrick Mayes had a unique role on the Packers' Super Bowl XXXI championship team. Former college teammates Aaron Taylor and Lindsay Knapp watched out for the rookie second-round draft pick while veterans like Brett Favre, Andre Rison and Santana Dotson treated him like their little brother, even giving him a fraternal nickname that has endured.

"Being the baby of that family, it was totally new," Mayes said. "I was their 'Sugar Bear.'"

Since exiting stage left from the NFL in 2001, Mayes, 31, has become a veteran of the television and film world. After a short stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mayes ..

Training Camp Report: Ruvell Martin Puts Size To Good Use

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 19:27:16 CST
At 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds, wide receiver Ruvell Martin knows he must use his body to his advantage.

He doesn't need anyone on the Packers coaching staff to tell him it's his best asset, and that he has to make it look that way on the field.

"We have an understanding I'm a big body out there and I'm expected to play that way," Martin said. "I expect myself to play that way. Once that ball is in the air I feel like it's mine, and when it's not I get pretty upset, because I feel like I should be able to make all those catches."

Martin is one of six receivers on the roster with one or fewer years of NFL experience battling for anywhere from two to four roster spots. His ability to win a lot of jump balls is a reason the Packers brought him onto the practice squad midway through 2005 and are giving him a legitimate shot in 2006 to make the final roster.

Like many of the rookie free agents, he's had his good days and bad days. He has flashed at times, c..

Favre Believes Young Linemen Will Learn, Improve

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 13:51:29 CST
Quarterback Brett Favre certainly doesn't want to spend the rest of the season getting sacked and knocked around like he was in last Saturday's preseason opener at San Diego.

But Favre isn't about to push the panic button with the Packers' young offensive line just yet.

Favre indicated in his press conference on Wednesday that the rest of the preseason will give him a better gauge of the line in front of him this year because each game gives rookie guards Jason Spitz, Tony Moll and Daryn Colledge a chance to learn from the previous one.

"I try to think back to my first go-round, and it probably wasn't too pretty either," said Favre, who had a 67.2 passer rating in the 1991 preseason as a rookie with Atlanta, which was lower than any regular-season rating he has posted in the 14 years since.

"They gave great effort. It's a new offense, not only for those guys but for all of us, and it showed.

"I hope it gets better, and it will. You expect,..

From Backup To Shining Star: Levens' Selflessness Epitomized Super Bowl XXXI Champions

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:43:16 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Anyone who watched the Green Bay Packers' season unfold in 1996 certainly can understand how the organization brought home the Lombardi Trophy. Superstars, timely plays, and plenty of persistence quite often receive the most credit for the Green and Gold becoming the best team in the league that year.

However, in the Packers' recipe of success, the key ingredient was the ability of players to leave their egos at the door. Despite having a team chock-full of superstars, the team concept took precedence, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better example of this than the attitude displayed by Dorsey Levens.

Sure, you p..

Training Camp Report: Green, Poppinga Back In Full-Pads Team Drills

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 21:57:43 CST
Running back Ahman Green and linebacker Brady Poppinga took another step in their recovery from season-ending leg injuries in 2005 when they participated in team drills in full pads for the first time Tuesday night.

Green took the ball on both power running plays and zone-scheme plays and had no difficulties with the contact, though as expected his reps were limited.

"He looked fine, comfortable, explosive," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's just like everybody else was 21/2 weeks ago. He just has to get back in the groove of it and get in football shape.

"He's fine. He has no hesitation, reservations with it at all. We're just trying to be smart with him."

Same with Poppinga, who charged on an outside blitz on one play and wasn't holding back.

"Physically those guys probably have the freshest legs of anybody out there," McCarthy said. "A lot of times your pad level is too high and things like that, but I think they're both off to a goo..

Tight Ends Getting Their Share Of Action

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:41:38 CST
The Green Bay Packers' tight ends have heard throughout mini-camps and training camp that they're going to be a big part of the offense this year.

So far, Head Coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski are paying it more than lip service. Both of them believe in using the tight end to stretch the field, both vertically with routes up the seam and horizontally with drags across the middle.

As a consequence, rarely does an 11-on-11 series go by in camp that Bubba Franks, David Martin, Donald Lee, Tory Humphrey or Zac Alcorn isn't catching at least one pass, and the group is loving the attention being paid to them.

"You can see it out there on the field," Martin said. "You get excited when a play is called, especially with the quarterback we have. You never know where he's going to go with the ball. You always have to be ready, and Coach McCarthy is putting us in positions we can get the ball."

The tight ends would have liked to p..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 13:56:47 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

Keep checking back for archived audio and video (in both Real and Windows formats) of all press conferences and locker room interviews throughout training camp.

***

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

Wednesday, August 16:
Brett Favre: Time TBA (approx. between 11:30-12 noon)
Keep checking back for updates.

***

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 Packers' p..

Kuberski's Time in Green Bay Turned Out to be a Solid Investment

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 09:26:09 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Bob Kuberski's football career in Green Bay lasted four seasons, but his career in the financial services industry has been going strong ever since.

Kuberski, a 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive tackle, parlayed smarts and hard work into a five-year career in the NFL, and he has used those same traits to build a successful career for himself working for AIM Investments.

This all began for Kuberski in Green Bay when he initially worked for Associated Investments and then Morgan Stanley. And now, he's been with AIM for five years.

The irony to all of this is that Kuberski, 35, never dreamed of working in this..

Training Camp Report: Manuel Back On The Field

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 20:15:00 CST
Starting safety Marquand Manuel's nagging calf injury finally healed enough to allow him to hit the practice field Monday for the first time in camp, and the timing of his return couldn't have been better.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that fellow safety Marviel Underwood is out for the season with the knee injury suffered on the defense's opening series at San Diego on Saturday. Surgery will be scheduled soon.

Underwood had been taking Manuel's spot with the No. 1 defense with Manuel getting two weeks of what are often called "mental reps," going through every play and defensive call in his head on the sideline.

"I've been getting a pretty good feel," said Manuel, who wore a black rubber sleeve on his troublesome right calf and iced it after practice. "Being an older player, you just need to know where you need to be. I think that's really the key, and now the guys are starting to trust me."

Manuel, a free-agent acquisition from the NFC champ..

Coaches Experimenting On Offensive Line

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:10:14 CST
In the ongoing effort to find the right combination of players up front, the Packers shuffled their rookies on the offensive line at practice on Monday.

On the starting unit, third-round draft choice Jason Spitz moved from right guard to left guard, replacing second-round pick Daryn Colledge. Fifth-rounder Tony Moll was then moved from No. 2 right tackle to the No. 1 spot at right guard.

"We're just looking for a comfort level of five guys playing together," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "We feel we've got great competition in there, competition is healthy, and we're going to see who takes advantage of the opportunity."

The changes led to moves with the second unit as well. Colledge took the left guard spot, while Junius Coston was moved from left tackle to right tackle, and Josh Bourke was put in at left tackle.

The moves are by no means permanent, but the struggles with the ground game and pass protection in the preseason opener in San Diego on ..

Limited Number Of Packers-Falcons Tickets Available

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 14:06:22 CST
A small number of tickets are available for Saturday's preseason home opener against Atlanta.

Call the ticket office today at 920/569-7501 to secure your tickets to see Michael Vick and the Falcons in Lambeau Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Knapp Exchanges His Football Uniform For A Business Suit

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:24:48 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Lindsay Knapp had thought he found a home with the Kansas City Chiefs. So when the Green Bay Packers traded a 1996 sixth-round draft choice to the Chiefs for him prior to the 1995 season, Knapp became disillusioned. He chafed at adjusting to a change of scenery, learning a new offensive system and meeting new faces.

"I was kind of bummed about it," Knapp said. "But it worked out for the best -- without a doubt."

Indeed Knapp ended up playing for the 1996 Super Bowl champions. He backed up Adam Timmerman and Aaron Taylor -- whom he played next to in college -- at guard and served a crucial role on special teams. Wea..

Notebook: Underwood Injured, Culver Steps In

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 06:52:00 CST
SAN DIEGO -- With safety Marquand Manuel having yet to practice in training camp because of a calf injury, backup Marviel Underwood had been starting in his place and developing well by working extensively with the No. 1 defense.

But Underwood's progression was abruptly halted Saturday night when he left the game on the Chargers' opening possession with what appeared to be a serious injury to his right knee.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy didn't know the extent of the injury and said more would be learned by Monday. Underwood was seen on crutches after the game.

"It's a huge loss," cornerback Ahmad Carroll said. "Hopefully we'll find out what's wrong with him and he can get well and we can have him back on the field."

On a screen pass to tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, Underwood was the lone defender in the flat and was getting ready to absorb a block when he went down awkwardly and did not get up on his own.

The play went for 30 yards and helped..

Packers Struggle In Preseason Opener

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 06:50:47 CST
SAN DIEGO -- This wasn't exactly what Mike McCarthy had in mind for his debut as an NFL head coach.

The Packers struggled in the opening quarter and never fully recovered Saturday night, dropping a 17-3 decision to the San Diego Chargers in the 2006 preseason opener.

Green Bay had difficulty running the ball, protecting the quarterback and defending third down, and the result was rather predictable given those problems.

"I think we leave here with a sense of reality of how we started our preseason," McCarthy said. "This isn't about me, this is about where we are as a football team. We didn't play the way we're capable of playing. It starts with me. I have to get them better prepared. We made a lot of mistakes, a lot of things were self-inflicted."

Most of those mistakes came in three key areas that will certainly be focused on as training camp continues.

**Running the ball: The debut of the zone-blocking scheme produced just 44 yards rushi..

George Koonce Goes From Leading Players On The Field To Off The Field

Jeff Fedotin, Packers.com — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 09:23:24 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

After middle linebacker George Koonce tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against the San Francisco 49ers during the Divisional Playoff game in January, 1997, he took on a different role with the Packers three weeks later in Super Bowl XXXI.

"I was a coach/player," Koonce said. "When guys came to the sideline, I kind of gave them a little bit of insight of what I was seeing from a coach's standpoint."

Koonce, 37, continues to guide Packers players in his new job as Packers' director of player development. In March 2006, Koonce succeeded Turner Gill in helping players and their families prepare for l..

AP Story: Packers Fall To Chargers 17-3

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 16:06:41 CST
SAN DIEGO (AP) Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer has high expectations for new quarterback Philip Rivers. Rivers didn't disappoint in his debut, throwing for 169 first-half yards and leading two early scoring drives in a 17-3 victory over Green Bay in Saturday night's preseason opener for both teams.

``I thought he played excellent,'' Schottenheimer said. ``He played pretty much like I expect him to.''

The Chargers showed their faith in Rivers, a third-year pro, by letting Drew Brees leave for New Orleans during the offseason.

Cool in the pocket and crisp with his passes, Rivers completed 15-of-21 while playing the entire first half except for the final play. He connected on a 22-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson on the Chargers' opening series to cap a 64-yard drive, then engineered an 18-play, 86-yard scoring march the first time they had the ball in the second quarter.

``He was standing in the pocket, stepping into his passes like he'..

Daryn Colledge Training Camp Diary - Part III

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 09:34:37 CST
Daryn Colledge enters his first NFL training camp with as much pressure as any rookie could have.

He's already been penciled into the starting lineup at left guard, and now he's got six weeks to get ready to take on the NFL.

Colledge, one of the Packers' second-round draft picks, grew up in North Pole, Alaska, a town of less than 2,000 people located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. He went on to a decorated college football career at Boise State, where he set school records for games played and started with 52.

In April, he became the highest-ever NFL draft choice from the state of Alaska - and the eighth overall - when he was picked 47th overall by the Packers.

Colledge has to work extremely hard to make the impact that's expected of him in 2006, and he'll keep Packers fans updated in this Training Camp Diary.

In this third installment, he looks back on the Family Night scrimmage and the injury to roommate Jason Spitz, and he looks ah..

Jones' Faith in Wolf Earns Him Super Bowl Ring with Packers

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 09:22:03 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

When Sean Jones signed with the Packers in 1994, he wasn't new to success. He already had 881/2 career sacks, a Pro Bowl appearance, and was generally considered one of the best players at his position in the NFL.

But one thing was missing: a Super Bowl ring on the defensive end's finger.

That was something Jones set out to change just as Green Bay was starting to turn the corner by competing at a high level on an annual basis. Naturally, it was a great fit for both parties. And beyond that, Jones already had a relationship with General Manager Ron Wolf, who was in the front office for the Raiders when Jones played t..

Training Camp Report: First Game Carries Significance

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 21:22:29 CST
After 18 practices against only their teammates, it's easy to understand why the Green Bay Packers are eager to get to San Diego and play their first preseason game on Saturday night.

But there's more to it than simply having an opponent to knock heads with.

The game has meaning for nearly everyone involved. For Head Coach Mike McCarthy, this will be his first game running an NFL team. For the 27 rookies currently on the roster, it will be their first taste of live, competitive action as a professional. And for the veterans who battled through a trying 4-12 campaign in 2005, it will be their fresh start.

"We want to go out there and set the tempo," tight end Bubba Franks said. "We have to establish a baseline for this team, something to build off of. I'm excited. I hope everybody is ready to play, because I am."

From a schematic standpoint, Saturday will be the Packers' first opportunity to test their new zone-blocking run scheme against a defense ..

One-On-Ones Serve As Proving Ground For Linemen

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:14:32 CST
Ask any player, and he won't hesitate to confirm the monotony of position drills during training camp.

Pushing the blocking sled, high-stepping through ropes, and drilling footwork and form are all necessary evils in an effort to prepare for the rigors of an NFL season.

But if there's one drill that generates some excitement, or at least isn't dreaded as much as the others, it's the one-on-one pass rush/protection drill between defensive and offensive linemen. The competition can get pretty spirited for reasons that go beyond player evaluation.

"I think it's pride," offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said. "You're out there on your own. It's either you or him, so you've got to show what you can do. Every snap becomes a one-on-one, especially pass pro(tection), so it shows up because it's right there in front of you. You can't hide, you can't run."

In one-on-ones, a lineman lines up across from another (defensive tackles get matched with guards ..

Jervey Still Fit and Having Fun in the Sun

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 09:20:37 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

It's not surprising that Travis Jervey loves surfing and hanging out at the beach, having been born and raised in South Carolina.

Needless to say, when Jervey served as a backup running back with the Packers' Super Bowl XXXI team, he didn't get a chance to catch any waves during the season. But once the offseason arrived, Jervey would head to his favorite vacation spot: Costa Rica.

After four years with the Green and Gold, two with the San Francisco 49ers and three with the Atlanta Falcons, Jervey is now officially retired in South Carolina. But, he'd be the first to tell you that he's basically the same fun-loving ..

Training Camp Report: Culver, Cole Having Steady Impact

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 14:37:43 CST
Two of the Packers' lesser-known defensive players are putting together solid weeks of practice leading up to the first preseason game.

Safety Tyrone Culver and defensive tackle Colin Cole have made some standout plays the past couple of days and hope to carry those efforts with them out to San Diego on Saturday night.

Culver, a rookie sixth-round draft choice, played well in the Family Night scrimmage last Saturday and followed that up with a nice interception on Wednesday, sliding in front of tight end David Martin along the sideline and picking the ball off the top of the grass.

Defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said Culver is a smart player who has picked up the defensive scheme well and is communicating pre-snap calls effectively to his teammates, as a safety is expected to do.

"I think he's done an excellent job," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Saturday night he was very productive, and he's definitely moving up the depth chart in the safet..

Frigid Weather Aside, Jackson Glad He Joined the Packers' Party in '95 and '96

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 09:19:09 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

It's no secret that the weather in Green Bay isn't for everybody. Some choose to stay away altogether, while others learn to like it. In the case of Keith Jackson, he simply learned to live with it.

Initially, however, Jackson seriously contemplated not showing up in Green Bay at all.

Actually, after being traded to the Packers in March of 1995, Jackson sat out all of training camp as well as the team's first six regular season games.

But the tight end finally reported on October 20, indeed proving it is better late than never. Though it's impossible to know for certain whether or not the Packers would h..

New NFL Commissioner Gets Thumbs Up From Harlan

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 19:48:16 CST
Green Bay Packers Chairman and CEO Bob Harlan believes the NFL will maintain its continuity and labor peace with the selection Tuesday of Roger Goodell to succeed Paul Tagliabue as league commissioner.

Harlan was in Chicago representing the Packers at the owners' meetings the past two days, which included presentations by each of the five finalists for commissioner and round-robin interviews with each finalist by groups of eight owners.

Goodell has been Tagliabue's top assistant and in 2000 became the NFL's chief operating officer.

While praising the quality of the group of finalists (which also included lawyers Gregg Levy and Frederick Nance; Fidelity Investments vice chairman Robert Reynolds; and Constellation Energy chairman Mayo Shattuck III), Harlan believes Goodell's intimate knowledge of the league and its components makes him the right individual to succeed Tagliabue, who served as commissioner the past 17 years.

"With someone who was comin..

Training Camp Report: Boger's Father Gets Official Promotion

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 18:52:43 CST
Packers safety Tra Boger is on a tough road in training camp, trying to make the long climb from non-drafted rookie free agent to NFL player.

But if he needs any inspiration, he can always talk to his dad.

Boger's father Jerome has now worked his way to the top of his profession as a football referee. A longtime college official who spent the past two years as an NFL line judge, Jerome Boger is one of two officials promoted to referee for the 2006 season.

He and Gene Steratore will replace retired officials Bernie Kukar and Tom White this year. Though he's only been in the NFL for two years, it's been a long, steady climb for the elder Boger as a referee in Conference USA, the Arena Football League and NFL Europe.

"I always remember going to high school and college games with him since I was in elementary school," Tra Boger said. "It's something he's always had a passion for. He was a quarterback himself so it was a way for him to stay around the g..

Rotation Keeps Defensive Tackles Rested, Hungry

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:26:29 CST
It's not a novel concept. Rotating defensive tackles in and out throughout the course of a football game can keep the team's biggest defenders fresh for four quarters.

But the Packers' two new additions at defensive tackle, free agents Ryan Pickett and Kenderick Allen, have noted the Packers rotate at the position more than other teams they've played on, and they expect that to be a benefit to the entire defensive unit.

"There's always rotation in D-line play, but it's a better rotation here," said Allen, who previously played for the Saints in 2003 and the Giants in 2004-05. "It's going to turn out more like 50-50, 60-40. That would be great.

"When it's your turn to make plays you have no excuse not to. You can't blame it on being fatigued, you don't have an opportunity to get tired, so you have to make the best of your playing time."

Pickett and Allen have joined a young group of defensive tackles that includes Colin Cole, Corey Williams, Cullen ..

Jacke Gets His Kicks From Packers' Super Bowl Journey

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Tue, 08 Aug 2006 15:24:55 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Playing in the Super Bowl is no small feat. That much is obvious. After all, playing on the world's biggest stage is something a select few players ever get an opportunity to do in their NFL careers.

What isn't so obvious, however, is that for the players that do climb the mountain, it's not always the game itself that they remember the most.

For Chris Jacke, who played for the Packers for eight seasons, it was the journey to Super Bowl XXXI that he looks back on the most. And from what he remembers, the fact that the Packers had only three losses and had little trouble with the rest of their schedule comes to the ..

Training Camp Report: Collins' Fall Raises Safety Issue

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:38:31 CST
The back injury sustained by safety Nick Collins during Saturday's Family Night scrimmage has prompted the team to look into making the sideline areas in the red zone safer for players.

Running to make a play on a deep sideline throw on Saturday, Collins had trouble slowing down out of bounds. When his cleats came in contact with the concrete ring around the edge of the stadium bowl, he slipped and crashed feet first into the surrounding wall.

Collins sustained only a bruised back and returned to practice on Monday.

"They should put some carpet or something over there," Collins said.

That's exactly what General Manager Ted Thompson said he is looking into. The concrete areas behind the end zones have an artificial turf or carpeting covering them, but the concrete strips along each sideline do not.

Thompson said there's no need to cover the concrete entirely because the areas directly behind the team benches are sufficiently blocked by the ..

Green, Poppinga Back At Practice For Limited Duty

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 13:36:55 CST
Running back Ahman Green and linebacker Brady Poppinga practiced for the first time in training camp on Monday and will continue to work out on a limited basis while continuing their rehabilitation.

Green is coming back from a torn quadriceps tendon in his right leg sustained Oct. 23 at Minnesota, while Poppinga is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee that occurred Dec. 11 against Detroit.

Both players participated in the opening jog-through and position drills in the morning practice but are being held out of team drills. They were expected to maintain that level of duty in the evening practice Monday.

"Whatever we're doing, we're not going to sacrifice the rehab portion of it right now," General Manager Ted Thompson said. "We want to continue to do that. There will be times when both those guys are on the field with the team, and there will be other times when they'll be in the Hutson Center doing their continuing rehab."

Howard Rewrites Record Books, Returns Packers To Glory

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 09:08:43 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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With the season Desmond Howard enjoyed in 1996, it's almost a shock that the big-wigs in Hollywood didn't knock down his door with thoughts of reenacting his every move.

After all, you could make one unbelievable film based on the year Howard had in helping the Green Bay Packers win their first Super Bowl in 29 years. Among other accolades, Howard finished with 875 punt return yards, which demolished the NFL single-season record of 692 previously held by Fulton Walker.

He also held an NFL-best 15.1-yard average per punt return, making him the first Packer to lead the league in that category since Ken Ellis in 1972..

Family Night Notebook: Hodge Shines For The Defense

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:17:14 CST
Rookie linebacker Abdul Hodge, working as the backup to Nick Barnett in the middle, showed a real nose for the ball by leading the defense with nine total tackles on Saturday night.

Hodge has established himself early in camp as a big hitter, and Saturday night he showed the fundamentals to be in the right position as well. He had five solo stops and four assists.

"(Number) 55 was in there a bunch," McCarthy said. "He's definitely a force in the run game. He played well tonight from what I saw. He definitely flashed."

Hodge made one noticeable mistake, getting flagged for 15 yards for a horse-collar tackle on Samkon Gado, but otherwise his rapid development could force the coaching staff to find a place for him on the field.

"That's one of my goals, to establish myself as a starter, no matter where they put me," Hodge said.

Picking up steam
The No. 1 offense failed to get a first down on its first two possessions but began click..

Family Night Feature: Rodgers Putting Last Year Behind Him

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 23:54:45 CST
Aaron Rodgers said it himself -- "What a difference a year makes."

One year after a frustrating Family Night scrimmage and forgettable preseason in general, Rodgers continued his strong start to training camp in 2006 with a solid, productive effort in front of a Family Night record 62,701 fans Saturday at Lambeau Field.

Leading the No. 2 offense against the No. 1 defense in three series plus a two-minute drill, Rodgers completed 11 of 23 passes for 92 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

But the statistics don't really speak to how well he played. Two of his first four passes were dropped by wide open receivers, and his first deep ball was well-placed but just glanced off the fingertips of receiver Ruvell Martin.

"I felt pretty comfortable," said Rodgers, the Packers' first-round draft choice in 2005. "The key I think for me is just having complete trust in the play call and just running it out. Believing in the play, going through my pr..

AP Story: White Leads Inductees Into NFL Hall

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 17:42:59 CST
The glory of the newest Hall of Famers' achievements was punctuated by a steady stream of tears and a singular chant:

"REG-GIE, REG-GIE.''

Though a fair share of the crowd sported No. 8 jerseys in tribute to Troy Aikman, their passion Saturday was reserved for the late Reggie White.

The two joined Warren Moon, John Madden, Rayfield Wright and Harry Carson as the newest inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Nearly all of them choked up or cried during the four-hour ceremony, even the usually unflappable Aikman. Most poignant was the way White, also an ordained preacher who died in December 2004, was honored.

His son, Jeremy, was White's presenter, and his widow, Sara, made the acceptance speech. Both crying, they shared a long hug after unveiling Reggie's bust before a rapt audience.

"Reggie was an honest, humble, honorable, dedicated, determined, passionate and caring man,'' Sara White said. "He is inducted today not o..

Hollinquest A Packer Backer For Life

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 09:07:41 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Lamont Hollinquest only played three seasons in Green Bay but that doesn't mean he doesn't consider himself a lifelong Packer.

In 1996, Hollinquest appeared in all 16 regular season games as well as the three postseason games that followed. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound outside linebacker may not have played extensively on defense, but to say he had a prominent role on special teams would be an understatement.

In fact, Hollinquest finished with 15 special teams stops in the regular season, second only to Bernardo Harris for the team lead.

Yet, for all the impressive feats the team accomplished on it's run to..

Training Camp Report: Coaches, Players Geared Up For Family Night Scrimmage

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 18:17:54 CST
Before last week, the Green Bay Packers coaches and players kept saying they couldn't wait to get the pads on in training camp after several weeks of workouts in shirts and shorts.

Now they can't wait to tackle, break tackles, and well, ... play real football.

The annual Packers Family Night scrimmage on Saturday will be the first game-like conditions of 2006. And much like putting pads on separates football players from athletes, live action separates true pros from potential ones.

"There are so many things you aren't able to do in practice and now you do them in live speed," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "It's obviously the most important phase of evaluations we'll have up to this point."

For McCarthy and his entire staff, there's plenty to watch on both sides of the ball. Special teams will not go live, however.

"Particularly on defense, you want to see how your tackling is," McCarthy said. "That's the first time they get to cut it loo..

Daryn Colledge Training Camp Diary - Part II

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 10:20:49 CST
Daryn Colledge enters his first NFL training camp with as much pressure as any rookie could have.

He's already been penciled into the starting lineup at left guard, and now he's got six weeks to get ready to take on the NFL.

Colledge, one of the Packers' second-round draft picks, grew up in North Pole, Alaska, a town of less than 2,000 people located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks. He went on to a decorated college football career at Boise State, where he set school records for games played and started with 52.

In April, he became the highest-ever NFL draft choice from the state of Alaska - and the eighth overall - when he was picked 47th overall by the Packers.

Colledge has to work extremely hard to make the impact that's expected of him in 2006, and he'll keep Packers fans updated in this Training Camp Diary.

In this second installment, he discusses how he's doing in practice, dealing with the heat, hanging out with roommate Jason Sp..

Holland Received On-The-Job Training From Some of the Game's Best in Green Bay

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 09:05:46 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

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Reggie White, Santana Dotson, Gilbert Brown, Sean Jones.

Take a glance at those four names and you understand why the Packers' defensive line was so dominant in the middle to late '90s. Everything about the aforementioned list suggests greatness, if not outright dominance.

It also suggests that there really wasn't much playing time left over for backups along the defensive front.

For Darius Holland, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive tackle, getting on the field in 1996 was very difficult playing behind Dotson and Brown. Instead of viewing this as a discouraging arrangement in his second season with the tea..

Training Camp Report: Offensive Linemen Shuffle Spots

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 22:17:06 CST
The Packers shuffled their depth on the offensive line Thursday night, moving Junius Coston from guard to left tackle, and doing the reverse with William Whitticker.

With starting left tackle Chad Clifton still out nursing a sore knee, Whitticker had been taking his spot with the No. 1 offense. But Coston, who had been backing up rookie Jason Spitz at right guard, is now playing there, and Whitticker is now at guard with the No. 2 unit.

"It's really to give 'Whitt' more reps where he has a legitimate chance to compete," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's a right guard/right tackle in our system. He's been very flexible throughout the spring."

McCarthy noted that he doesn't like moving young linemen around before they've had a chance to settle into one spot, and both Whitticker and Coston are just in their second year. But having six young linemen in all on the roster, combined with the season-ending injuries this offseason to Kevin Barry and Adrian Klemm,..

Watch Live Video From The Pro Football Hall Of Fame

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 19:15:57 CST
The Class of 2006 -- Troy Aikman, Harry Carson, John Madden, Warren Moon, Reggie White, Rayfield Wright -- will be formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 5th.

The ceremony will be streamed live beginning at 12:00 PM CT here on Packers.com and broadcast nationally on ESPN and NFL Network.

*****

NFL- Hall of Fame Enshrinement
08/05/06 12:00 AM - 5:00pm CT

AUDIO
Real: Live Archive
Windows Media: Live Archive

Players Get Sneak Preview Of Disney's "Invincible"

By Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 13:59:02 CST
Training camp is a time when longshots get their chance to make it in the NFL.

So it was only fitting that several Green Bay Packers took advantage of the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the Disney movie "Invincible" on their night off Wednesday.

"Invincible," which premieres Aug. 25, is based on the true story of teacher, part-time bartender and Philadelphia Eagles fan Vince Papale. Played by Mark Wahlberg, Papale loses his wife and teaching job and decides one day to show up for an open tryout for his favorite NFL team, even though he hasn't played football since high school.

In a strange twist of fate, he makes the team and also returns a fumble for a touchdown in the Eagles' first home game that season. He goes on to play three-plus seasons as a special teams ace.

Around 20 to 25 players took in the movie at Bay Park Square Mall courtesy of a private team screening arranged by Disney, and some players could relate to Papale's story.
..

Live Press Conference On Packers.com!

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 09:18:11 CST
Click here for live VIDEO!

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

***

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

Thursday, August 3:
Ted Thompson: 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 Packers' press conferences in their entirety and free of charge, live from the Lambeau Field media a..

Team Gets Inspirational Talk From Retired Marine General

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 08:35:45 CST
Mike McCarthy is sure to deliver his share of inspirational speeches during his first year as head coach of the Green Bay Packers.

But during training camp, he's having leadership figures from other walks of life inspire his players.

On Wednesday, retired U.S. Marine Corps General Charles C. Krulak spoke to the team for approximately an hour after practice and had the undivided attention of nearly everyone in the room.

Krulak, who served 35 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a former member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed some of the defining moments of his life during two decorated tours in Vietnam.

He described in riveting detail how as a 22-year-old rifle company commander, he witnessed the utmost in selflessness, as a member of his squad made the ultimate sacrifice in the face of machine-gun fire to allow his platoon members to reach safety.

Other actions he recalled in the heat of combat displayed the moral courage and integ..

'Turf Monster' No Match for Hentrich in Super Season

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 09:04:01 CST
As part of the Green Bay Packers' celebration of the 10th anniversary season of the Super Bowl XXXI Championship, Packers.com is running a series of stories about the people responsible for bringing the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to Titletown.

Super Bowl XXXI in photos

****

Craig Hentrich was about to kick off in the biggest game of his NFL career and he wasn't thinking of the bright lights, the opponent, or the magnitude of Super Bowl XXXI.

Instead, Hentrich, the Packers punter and kickoff specialist, had just one thing on his mind: the turf monster.

He had good friend and kicker Chris Jacke to thank for that.

Ten years later, Hentrich, 35, who is now entering his 14th season in the league, still thinks about how nervous he and all of his teammates were, and then having Jacke convince him that he would literally fall flat on his face in front of millions of viewers.

"..

Training Camp Report: Kickers Going Toe-To-Toe

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 19:44:35 CST
The battle to be the kicker for the Green Bay Packers is far from settled at this point.

On Wednesday (and like most days), kickers Billy Cundiff and Dave Rayner took turns drilling field goals from increasingly longer distances. Each went 5-for-5, hitting from 29, 34, 39, 44 and 52 yards, all with the wind at their back.

"Kicking with the wind is easy," special teams coach Mike Stock joked.

All kidding aside, it was an impressive performance by both and their efforts will continue to be tracked daily.

"We'll probably take the whole training camp and evaluate that," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "Obviously the games will play a big part in that."

Cundiff is the more experienced of the two, having played the last four seasons in Dallas. He made a name for himself with respectable accuracy in 2003-04, hitting 43 of 55 field goals (78 percent) over those two seasons.

"I think Billy is a true pro," McCarthy said. "He's done a great j..

AP Story: Packers' White Was Larger Than Life

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 17:30:59 CST
White Named To Pro Football Hall Of Fame
VIDEO: White's Career
***
White Featured On Sports Illustrated Cover
Pro Football Hall Of Fame.com
PHOTOS: White's HOF Bust In Progress
***
Remembering Reggie White
VIDEO: Packers Tribute

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Reggie White was one of the few truly great athletes who transformed his game and changed the people around him.

"Where do we begin? Great player, great person, great teammate,'' Brett Favre said as he reflected on the leg..

Underwood Showing He Belongs

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 09:25:45 CST
Give him a chance, and Marviel Underwood usually finds a way to get noticed.

The second-year safety out of San Diego State has been working with the No. 1 defense throughout training camp with free-agent acquisition and projected starter Marquand Manuel nursing a calf injury.

While there's no expectation Underwood will take the starting job, and every belief Manuel could return any day, the 2005 fourth-round draft pick is using these practices to prove he belongs on the field in some capacity.

Earlier this week, Underwood intercepted a Brett Favre pass and shortly afterward deflected another throw to prevent a touchdown pass.

"It's a good opportunity for me to show what I can do," Underwood said. "My partner is out right now, but I'm just working hard, trying to be seen."

That's the same approach he took last year as a rookie, when he quickly made an impact on special teams and led the team in special teams tackles with 23. He eventually w..