Packers.com

Notebook: Focus On Fundamentals

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:57:34 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy believes the game of football is 95 percent fundamentals.

So when he analyzes what the Packers need to correct to turn around their current two-game losing streak, it starts and ends with the basics in all three phases of the game.

"The fundamentals is always the key," McCarthy said. "If you're looking for a common thread, it's the little things that matter."

Those little things apply to offense, defense and special teams, and those are what the Packers are focused on this week in preparing to face the New York Jets.

On offense, it's primarily the blocking. Poor footwork can lead to missed blocks in the run game or in pass protection. Cut-blocking is a big part of the zone scheme for running the ball, and the coaches emphasize taking a certain number of steps before going down to throw a cut-block. Come up one step short, and the block won't be executed properly.

Those fundamentals are a big reason the Packers have..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 14:16:33 CST

Video Podcast

Since the days of Vince Lombardi it's been tradition in Green Bay for the Packers' head coach to have his own television show. This season is no different. Making its debut for the 2006 season is the Mike McCarthy Show.

The Mike McCarthy Show is a 30-minute program hosted by Jessie Garcia, of Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV and sideline reporter for the Packers Television Network, and Larry McCarren, sports director at Green Bay's WFRV-TV and an analyst on the Packer Radio Network. Garcia, McCarren and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy each week will review and preview games as well as be joined by a special Packers guest and answer questions from fans. Coach McCarthy also each week will teach viewers about the play of the game with a telestrator.

The Mike McCarthy Show airs on Tuesdays in Green Bay on WFRV-TV (CBS, Ch. 5), in Milwaukee on WTMJ-TV (NBC, Ch. 4), in Marquette, Mich., on WJMN-TV, in Wausau o..

Packers' Hawk, Jets' Mangold Go Back ... Way Back

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 13:40:53 CST

Long before they were first-round NFL draft picks last April, and long before they were All-Big Ten standouts and Ohio State University teammates, the Green Bay Packers' A.J. Hawk and the New York Jets' Nick Mangold shared a smaller football stage together.

Smaller helmets and shoulder pads, too. Much smaller.

Back in grade school, Hawk and Mangold strapped on the uniforms of the Centerville Wee Elks, the pee-wee team in their hometown of Centerville, Ohio. Two-way standouts back then, of course, Hawk and Mangold are now focused on their specialties of linebacker and center, respectively, and they'll begin yet another chapter in the story of their forever-connected football lives when they line up opposing one another at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Which boyhood friend will get the best of the other when Mangold pulls on a running play to throw a block against Hawk on the weak side, or when Hawk blitzes on a pass play and has to somehow get past Mangold, is an..

Remmel: In Only Showdown With Joe Willie, Packers Got Best Of Namath

Lee Remmel, Team Historian — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 09:49:51 CST

It was a relatively balmy, 51-degree night in September of 1973, four years after the "Joe Namath" Super Bowl had lit up the pro football world.

The scene was a sold-out Milwaukee County Stadium, a venue that had recently become host to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Braves having long since departed Milwaukee for presumably greener pastures in Atlanta.

That evening, the Green Bay Packers were being formally introduced to the flamboyant Joe Willie Namath and the New York Jets, who earlier in their brief existence had been known as the New York Titans.

It was a modestly historic occasion, this first-ever meeting of the Packers and Jets, following upon the then recent (1970) merger of the American and National Football Leagues.

As might have been expected, there was considerable speculation about how the Packers would fare against the showboating Namath, he of the conspicuous white shoes and colorful life style.

The Packers, it should be noted, ..

Notebook: Jenkins Did What He's Taught

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 17:24:16 CST

To Head Coach Mike McCarthy, the most frustrating part about the critical roughing-the-passer penalty on defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins in the fourth quarter Monday night in Seattle was that Jenkins was playing exactly the way he's coached.

With Seattle leading 27-24 and facing third-and-9 from midfield, Jenkins was called for roughing Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck with a blow to the head. Replays showed Jenkins actually trying to pull his arms back as he tackled Hasselbeck, who had just released the pass, so as not to cause undue contact. But Jenkins was flagged anyway, giving the Seahawks an automatic first down that they eventually turned into the game-clinching touchdown.

"When something like that happens in the game, what do you tell the player?" McCarthy said at his news conference on Tuesday after having no comment on the call immediately after the game. "When the player does exactly what he's told or taught to do and he's penalized, that's when it's ..

Hodge Scores Defensive TD In First NFL Start

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 06:48:15 CST

SEATTLE - Middle linebacker Abdul Hodge made his first NFL start on Monday night in Seattle, and it didn't take long for him to make a big impact in the game.

The Seahawks had seemingly all the momentum after erasing an early seven-point deficit with three field goals, and Seattle was looking to put together a two-minute drive to add to their lead late in the first half.

But on the first play after the two-minute warning, Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was hit from behind while winding up to throw, and the ball fluttered into the air. Hodge snagged the fumble in midair and raced untouched 29 yards for a touchdown to put the Packers ahead 14-9.

"Our d-line tipped the ball and it just came straight to me," Hodge said. "And I took it."

Hodge's big play was part of an opportunistic first half by the Packers defense. Green Bay had four turnovers in the first half alone, including three interceptions.

Charles Woodson had his first two-inter..

Notebook: Third-Down Penalties Costly In Second Half

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:42:39 CST

SEATTLE - Two disputable third-down penalties on the Packers' defense in the second half played a pivotal role in Monday night's 10-point loss to the Seahawks.

In the fourth quarter, with Seattle facing 3rd-and-9 at the 50 and the Packers trailing 27-24, Matt Hasselbeck fired an incomplete pass over the middle. But defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins was flagged for roughing the passer for what the referee described as a blow to the back of Hasselbeck's head.

Replays clearly showed Jenkins pulling back his arm so that it only hit Hasselbeck high on his back and shoulders, but the Packers' protests were useless.

"I was trying (to hold back)," Jenkins said. "(The referee) told me when we hit the ground, my wrist hit the back of his head.

"It was third down, we were only down by 3. It was huge."

Instead of getting the ball back on a punt, the Packers watched Seattle take advantage of the automatic first down and eventually drive for the clinching..

Game Review: Positives Not Enough In 34-24 Loss At Seattle

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:41:04 CST

SEATTLE - For everything that went right for the Packers, the outcome certainly could have been different.

Four first-half turnovers, a defensive score, and a big pass play for a touchdown to open the second half gave Green Bay a tremendous chance to knock off the defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.

But missed opportunities, costly penalties, and a surprisingly porous run defense took away that chance as Seattle posted a 34-24 decision at a snowy and noisy Qwest Field.

"I feel that we let it slip away," center Scott Wells said, summing up the feeling throughout the locker room after the Packers slipped to 4-7.

Shaun Alexander's 40 carries for 201 yards and Matt Hasselbeck's three touchdown passes in the second half proved to be the difference for Seattle, which remained atop the NFC West at 7-4.

But it was early in the game when the Packers didn't build the lead they could have, the type of lead that may have forced Se..

AP Game Summary: Seahawks Rally In Second Half To Defeat Packers 34-24

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:49:04 CST

SEATTLE (AP) It took a blast of rare Seattle snow to lift Shaun Alexander out of his season-long hibernation. Alexander ran for a season-high 201 yards Monday night to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a 34-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre on a surprisingly snowy night in the Great Northwest.

With the white stuff falling for the first time at a Seattle home game, it seemed like a more natural setting for the Packers. Favre, who fell to 41-9 when the temperature is 34 degrees or less, was making his 252nd straight start and possibly his final appearance on the Monday-night stage he has lit up over his shining career.

Instead, the evening belonged to Alexander, who skated across this new frozen tundra for his first 100-yard game of the season and showed that his broken left foot is feeling much better.

The Seahawks (7-4), embarrassed last week in a 20-14 loss at San Francisco, took a two-game lead in the NFL West. They overcame four first-h..

Notebook: Hodge To Start At MLB For Barnett

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 14:48:00 CST

With his broken right hand still too painful to try to play with a cast on it, middle linebacker Nick Barnett will give way to rookie Abdul Hodge, who will make his first NFL start on Monday night in Seattle.

Barnett was downgraded on the injury report from doubtful to out, so he will sit out for just the second time in 62 games over his four-year NFL career, including playoffs. The only other game he has not started was at Detroit during his rookie season on Nov. 27, 2003, which coincidentally is three years to the day from Monday.

Barnett, who broke his hand in the fourth quarter last Sunday against New England, tried to do some limited work in practice on Friday with a club cast on his right hand. But it didn't go as well as he'd hoped and he then sat out Saturday's practice.

"I went out there yesterday, I didn't really hit anything with it," Barnett said. "I was just running with the big club on, hit the bag a little bit. I went home and thought everyth..

Packers Making First Trip To Noisy Qwest Field

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sat, 25 Nov 2006 11:19:27 CST

If the Packers had a concrete formula for how they handled the noise in Minnesota's Metrodome two weeks ago, they'd certainly patent it because they'll need it again on Monday night at Seattle's Qwest Field.

Known as one of the loudest stadiums in all of football, Qwest Field features a partial roof that covers 70 percent of the seating area, making the noise from the crowd reverberate back down to the field. And as with any home venue, the more successful Seattle has been, including winning the NFC Championship last year, the louder the stadium has become.

It has created a distinct home-field advantage for the Seahawks, who have won 14 of their last 15 games there dating back to the start of the 2005 season. It also has wreaked havoc with some opposing offenses, contributing to a whopping 11 false start penalties by the New York Giants in one game last season.

Coincidentally, Monday night (Nov. 27) will be the one-year anniversary of that game, which promp..

Running Game Looks To Regain Rhythm

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:15:28 CST

Prior to the last two weeks, the Packers' running attack put together an impressive four-game stretch in which it compiled five 100-yard rushing performances, with two backs topping 100 yards on Oct. 29.

But in the last two games against Minnesota and New England, the rushing numbers haven't measured up, and getting the ground game back to its previous level of success is a priority heading into Monday night's game at Seattle.

"I think you need to run the football consistently every week, and the last two weeks we haven't done a very good job of that," offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski said. "But that's something we have to keep doing and keep practicing, and it will turn around."

During that productive four-game stretch, Ahman Green topped 100 yards in three straight games against Miami, Arizona and Buffalo, while Noah Herron (vs. St. Louis) and Vernand Morency (vs. Arizona) also did so once each.

But since then, Green has had just 83 yards o..

An Ecumenical Thanksgiving at the Lambeau Field Atrium

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 12:39:24 CST

While families across the nation gathered together to give thanks and enjoy a traditional meal, the Lambeau Field Atrium Thursday served as a site for a similar gathering as Green Bay Christian Outreach hosted an ecumenical Thanksgiving meal.

It was the fourth year the Atrium hosted the gathering, an effort put on by six area churches to serve families and individuals in a situation of need.

"Today is simply about giving thanks," said Deacon Mike Schmidt of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, a coordinator for Christian Outreach. "The people here today have an opportunity to spend some time with each other and enjoy a good meal. We're thankful for all the volunteers that worked on this day and made it a special time for these folks who are unable to do this themselves."

Approximately 800 individuals enjoyed a meal at the Atrium and another 400 meals were prepared and brought to people who could not make it to the event.

The meals were prepared on..

Fans Encouraged To Request NFL Network From Their Cable Systems

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 17:54:43 CST

On Dec. 21, when the Packers host the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field, the game is being televised on the NFL Network.

For Packers fans in the Green Bay and Milwaukee markets, a local television station (CBS's WFRV in Green Bay and Fox's WITI in Milwaukee) will carry the NFL Network broadcast and they'll still be able to watch the game.

But what about Packers fans in the rest of Wisconsin, or for that matter, around the country?

If they subscribe to a cable service that doesn't receive the NFL Network, aside from venturing out to a sports bar with holiday visitors and other preparations pending, they aren't going to be able to see the game.

It's a game they aren't going to want to miss. It's against one of Green Bay's fiercest NFC North Division rivals. It could have NFC playoff implications, or it might be quarterback Brett Favre's last game at Lambeau Field, depending on what the future Hall of Famer decides to do in the off-season.

"..

Favre Confident He'll Be Fine

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:44:04 CST

Quarterback Brett Favre is still feeling tingling in the last two fingers of his throwing hand, and as of Wednesday afternoon he can't throw the football exactly how he'd like to.

But he says there's no pain in his elbow, and he expects to play on Monday night at Seattle and keep his consecutive starts streak in tact.

"At this point I'm confident I'll be OK," Favre said at his news conference.

Favre took a shot to the ulnar nerve in his right elbow while getting sacked last Sunday against New England late in the second quarter and missed the rest of the game.

Favre revealed on Wednesday that his elbow was knocked by the cast on Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi's right hand. With Tully Banta-Cain holding Favre's legs, Bruschi finished the sack with an upper body tackle. Television angles didn't show Bruschi's casted hand hitting Favre's elbow and only showed the elbow hitting the ground as Favre went down.

"There was nowhere to go, and I ju..

Notebook: Bouman Learning On The Fly

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 17:06:58 CST

Quarterback Todd Bouman's crash course in the Packers' offense began Tuesday night.

On the highway, riding shotgun.

With his wife driving to Green Bay and his kids in the back seat, Bouman was watching film of the Packers on his laptop computer to prepare for Wednesday and his first practice with his new team.

The whirlwind week began for Bouman, the Packers new backup quarterback, when he received a call from his agent Sunday night at home in Buffalo, Minn., hours after Brett Favre was knocked out of that day's game with an elbow injury and backup Aaron Rodgers had broken his foot, ending his season.

He flew to Green Bay on Monday for a workout, signed on Tuesday morning, and flew back home to pack up some clothes and get his family. Then on the drive back to Green Bay, he began to re-familiarize himself via film footage with Head Coach Mike McCarthy's offense, which is similar in the passing and protection schemes to what he learned in 2003-04 in..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:48:28 CST

Remmel: Holmgren Way Marks Its Anniversary As Packers Duel With 'Hawks

Lee Remmel, Team Historian — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:37:15 CST

Mike Holmgren's mind, it is safe to assume, will be firmly fixed on the task at hand when he and his Seahawks entertain the Green Bay Packers in Seattle's Qwest Field Monday night.

If it were not for such a significant assignment, one of many in his bid for a second consecutive berth in the Super Bowl, the Seahawks' head coach could be celebrating an "anniversary" of sorts.

Specifically, that would involve remembering the dedication of "Holmgren Way," a street in Ashwaubenon, a bustling village contiguous to Green Bay. The honor was conferred upon him during his seventh and final year as head coach of the Packers.

Originally named Gross Avenue, it was formally renamed Holmgren Way during ceremonies conducted on Nov. 20, 1998.

Poetically, "Holmgren Way" intersects Lombardi Avenue just one block east of Lambeau Field, a historic junction.

Grateful Green Bay/Ashwaubenon residents and Packers fans thus paid public thanks to the monolithic Scan..

No. 3 QB Martin Will Make Most Of Practice This Week

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:31:54 CST

For a young quarterback sitting at No. 3 on the depth chart, there may be nothing more valuable, yet harder to come by, than getting snaps in practice.

The only way to improve, develop and catch up to the speed of the pro game is to get as many live snaps as possible. But in the regular season, with only three practices per week and two quarterbacks higher in the pecking order, practice snaps are at a premium.

That's why a week like this could be a prime opportunity for the Packers' No. 3 QB, Ingle Martin, to get some serious work.

With starter Brett Favre possibly limited in practice while he rests his injured elbow and newly signed No. 2 Todd Bouman learning the offense on the fly, Martin might be called upon to handle more of the repetitions. And whether those reps come with the regular offense or the scout team offense, Martin wants to make the most of them.

"I definitely look at it as an opportunity," said Martin, a rookie fifth-round draft ch..

Notebook: Emotions Need To Remain Even-Keeled

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:37:10 CST

The Green Bay Packers have had their share of ups and downs, just like any NFL team this season.

To go from discussing wildcard playoff possibilities to getting shut out 35-0 at home is almost as extreme as those ups and downs can get, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy isn't going to let his players ride that emotional roller coaster.

"We're not getting on it," McCarthy said.

Staying emotionally somewhere near the middle will be needed this week to focus on preparing for Monday night's game at Seattle. As much as the team was hoping a win and 5-5 record would get them seriously into the NFC playoff picture, the players can't feel as though all is now lost after a humbling defeat that leaves them 4-6.

"I'm disappointed and we need to learn from it," McCarthy said. "No one ever wants to go through this, especially this late in the season, but this is something that we can learn from, this is something that we can build off of, and I think anytime you enco..

Favre's OK, Rodgers Out For Season

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 11:56:00 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy relayed good news and bad news with regards to the Packers' quarterbacks on Monday.

Brett Favre appears to be OK after suffering an elbow injury in the second quarter Sunday that sidelined him for the rest of the game. But backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers is out for the season with a broken foot, and the Packers will be looking at signing a quarterback to the roster this week.

McCarthy said during his news conference on Monday that Favre was getting the strength back in his hand and wasn't concerned about the injury, which occurred when he was sacked late in the second quarter and his elbow hit the ground. Favre couldn't return to the game because the shot to the elbow nerve took away the strength in his hand needed to hold and throw the ball properly.

Favre will be evaluated further on Wednesday, but at this point it doesn't appear his NFL record streak of 231 consecutive starts at quarterback (251 including playoffs) is in jeopard..

Game Review: Rough Day For Green Bay

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 16:59:51 CST

The Green Bay Packers headed into Sunday's game against New England with momentum from winning three of their last four games and optimism for the rest of the season should they be able to even their record at .500.

But all momentum and optimism, at least temporarily, were squelched by the Patriots in a 35-0 blowout in front of 70,753 fans at Lambeau Field that dropped the Packers to 4-6 with another difficult game awaiting next Monday night at defending NFC champion Seattle.

To make matters worse, the Packers lost quarterback Brett Favre in the second quarter to an elbow injury and his status for next week remains unknown, while backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers finished the game but was seen limping afterwards and needed treatment in the trainer's room.

It all added up to a very rough day in Green Bay, with things turning the opposite direction most thought after a resounding win at Minnesota just one week ago.

"Last week we took a step forward, a..

Notebook: Driver Gets Respect, Attention From Patriots

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:10:01 CST

Donald Driver certainly had the respect from the New England Patriots as the top receiver for the Packers, if not one of the top receivers in the league.

Driver said after Sunday's 35-0 loss that he felt like he was triple-teamed, with a cornerback on him plus help from a linebacker underneath and a safety over the top.

While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, the Patriots certainly paid extra attention to Driver, holding him to a season-low two catches.

"After the game their defensive coordinator walks over to me and tells me, 'You're a great receiver. We did what we had to do tonight,'" Driver said. "I guess his goal was to put three guys on me and stop me tonight."

Driver was shut out until two minutes remained in the first half, when he caught a short hitch pass, spun past a few tacklers and worked his way upfield for 38 yards. His only other catch was a diving grab for 4 yards midway through the third quarter.

"They said they were ..

Mike McCarthy Press Conference Transcript - Nov. 19

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:22:10 CST

(Did you foresee anything like this?)
No, I didn't see anything like this coming into this game. I fully anticipated coming out today and competing. Our performance was poor; to lose by 35 points, frankly, is unacceptable. I'll take full responsibility because it starts with myself and the coaching staff. The way we started the football game is something we'll go back and look closely at. We'll look at our preparation and how we handled this week. We had a distorted week of preparation. I thought we were able to put it together at the end of the week, but we did not perform very well and that starts with me.

(Top to bottom is that the worst game this team has played?)
I think the score would indicate that, yes.

(What is Favre's status?)
He took a shot on the elbow. He was unable to gain strength in his hand as far as holding the football, controlling the football. As far as the future and how bad it is, I wou..

Tough Duty: Rodgers Relieves Favre Against Stingy Patriots Defense

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:11:10 CST

Despite what some skeptics might have you believe, being a backup quarterback in the NFL isn't easy. Look no further than the Packers' 35-0 loss on Sunday to the New England Patriots for proof.

As if rarely receiving the opportunity to play isn't hard enough, making matters even more difficult for a second-string signal caller are the times when you do get thrown into the fire and it just so happens to be against a defense as stingy as the Patriots.

Welcome to Aaron Rodgers' world.

Rodgers, the Packers' second-year man out of California, was forced into action when Brett Favre left the game with an injured elbow late in the second quarter. Already facing a 21-0 deficit, the team had little choice other than to let Rodgers guide the offense to the best of his ability. When he misfired on his first two passes, the Packers were forced to punt and the Patriots knelt on the ball to the finish the half.

With Favre not able to go in the second half, it ..

AP Story: Favre Injures Arm vs Patriots

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:14:08 CST

Brett Favre injured a nerve in his right elbow and his status for the Green Bay Packers ' upcoming game at Seattle is unclear, Packers coach Mike McCarthy said.

Favre left the field holding his right elbow late in the second quarter of the 35-0 loss to the New England Patriots.

McCarthy said Favre wasn't in pain, but was unable to muster enough strength in his hand to adequately grip the football after halftime. McCarthy said he did not know whether Favre would be able to play in the Packers' Nov. 27 game at Seattle.

Favre, making his 251st consecutive start including playoffs, was wrapped up low by Tully Banta-Cain and was on his way down when Tedy Bruschi hit Favre, forcing him down hard on his right arm and throwing shoulder with 1:41 left in the half.

Favre, who was on the injury report earlier in the week because of ankle and groin injuries, doubled over in immediate pain, grasping at his wrist and elbow.

He held the arm gingerly..

AP Story: Patriots Blank Packers At Home, 35-0

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 12:36:08 CST

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Brett Favre wasn't around to finish the game.

Vinny Testaverde was.

The New England Patriots forced the Green Bay Packers' three-time MVP off the field with an elbow injury near the end of the first half, then snapped their first losing streak in nearly four years with a 35-0 victory at Lambeau Field.

"It was just one of those days where a lot of things went right for us and not too many went right for Green Bay," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

Tom Brady threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns before he was replaced by backup Matt Cassel late in the fourth quarter. Testaverde, who was signed by New England earlier this week, then came in to run out the clock.

"There is not a whole lot of stuff out there that we did poorly," Brady said. "Now you just have to try to carry it over to next week. But there is a not a whole lot of carryover, just like last week didn't mean a whole lot to this week."

New Engla..

LB Brady Poppinga Live Chat Transcript: 11-17-06

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:09:05 CST

Brady is here so we will begin the chat now! - Posted by Chat Moderator of Packers.com

Hey Brady, just want to compliment you on your wonderful performance so far. Here is a quick question, how has our defense gone from one of the worst in the league to an improving defense every week? Thanks Brady, and I wish you the best remainder of the season. GO PACK GO - Posted by Jeremy D of Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaOur defense has improved because of the fact that we are understanding the scheme better and understanding how each individual fits into it.

First let me say thank you for representing the green and gold in such a positive way. My questions is, how does it feel to play for the most storied franchise in professional football? - Posted by Eric Elliott of Bowie, MDIt is a great honor to play for one of the most storied professional sports teams in the USA. The fans are what make playing for the Pack the greatest.

Brad..

Notebook: Morency Ready To Rejoin Green In Backfield

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:55:20 CST
It appears as though the Packers will have their 1-2 punch in the offensive backfield back on Sunday.

Running back Vernand Morency, who hasn't played since sustaining a lower back injury on Oct. 29 against Arizona, practiced all week and Head Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed he'll be ready to go on Sunday.

"I'm ready to go," Morency said. "I'm just excited to be out there. Every day it's getting better. We'll talk to the doctors and make sure everything's cool."

That gives the Packers the duo of Ahman Green and Morency to share carries once again. The last time they were on the field together, against Arizona, they each surpassed 100 yards. That was the first time two Green Bay backs eclipsed 100 yards in the same game in more than 20 years.

McCarthy also said he expects to use Morency and Noah Herron on kickoff returns this week. Morency had been the primary kick returner until he got hurt, and then Shaun Bodiford took over. But Bodiford went on inju..

Offensive Players Love Head Coach's Aggressiveness

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:00:32 CST
The situation was dicey.

Backed up to their own 3-yard line with 1 minute, 50 seconds left in the first half and trailing 14-10 on Sunday at the Metrodome, the Packers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy were in a hole. They had lost momentum in the game, Minnesota was looking to get a quick stop and good field position to score again before halftime, and the Vikings were also going to receive the second-half kickoff.

The safe play would have been to call two runs, get what you could while forcing the Vikings to use two timeouts, and then try to convert on third down to avoid punting from the end zone. And worry about the second half in the second half.

Instead, the Packers came out in a three-receiver set on first down, and quarterback Brett Favre zipped a 12-yard pass to Greg Jennings. Two plays later, Favre rifled another throw over the middle to Donald Driver, who split the secondary for an 82-yard touchdown. Suddenly, the Packers had gone 97 yards in three pl..

Patriots' Ground Attack Features Multiple Weapons

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:29:04 CST
The Packers have had to gear up to slow down plenty of potent running backs thus far in 2006.

Detroit's Kevin Jones, St. Louis' Steven Jackson, Miami's Ronnie Brown, Arizona's Edgerrin James and Minnesota's Chester Taylor are among the feature backs Green Bay already has faced this season.

But this week presents a somewhat new challenge for the Packers because the New England Patriots don't really feature one running back. Between veteran Corey Dillon, rookie Laurence Maroney and third-down specialist Kevin Faulk, New England seemingly has a fresh set of legs behind quarterback Tom Brady on every play and a powerful backfield that keeps defenses guessing who's coming at them.

"I think all our backs have been solid and we've gotten production out of all those guys," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "It's a good group to work with and they've been pretty consistent all year."

Dillon and Maroney handle nearly all the running plays and have combined..

Packers.com Fan Wallpaper Contest Winners Announced

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:34:43 CST
Packers fans, thanks for the overwhelming response to our Packers.com Fan Wallpaper contest. After sifting through hundreds of great designs, Packers.com announces the winners:

Packers logo wallpaper:
designed by Aaron Michaelson of Wauwatosa, Wis.

800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200 Packers players wallpaper:
designed by Adam Popovich of Indianapolis, Ind.

800x600, 1024x768, <..

Packers.com Live Chat To Welcome LB Brady Poppinga, Friday

Thu, 16 Nov 2006 11:04:49 CST
Click here to submit a question!

****

This Week's Chat:
Who: LB Brady Poppinga
Date: Friday, Nov 17, 2006
Time: approx. 12:45 p.m. CT

A fourth-round draft pick from BYU in 2005, Brady Poppinga was an immediate contributor to the Packers' special teams units, finishing second on the team with 22 coverage stops, one behind fellow rookie Marviel Underwood.

His rookie campaign was shortened by a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, forcing him to miss the last three games of the season. Prior to the injury, Poppinga was on pace to match Guy Prather's 1981 franchise record of 27 coverage tackles.

After an incredibly speedy recovery from the ACL injury, Poppinga in 2006 has played in all nine games, starting eight of them at 'Sam' linebacker (he did not start one contest when the team opened in its nickel package) and most recently recorded his third ..

Notebook: .500 In Team's Sights Again

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:28:53 CST
The goal for the Green Bay Packers this week is to accomplish something they've failed to do three times already this season.

Get to .500.

At 4-5, the Packers are looking to even their record on Sunday against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. No easy task to be sure, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy noted Wednesday how important the 10th game of this season is.

"Everybody wants to talk about playoffs - I want to talk about getting to 5-5," McCarthy said. "If you get to 5-5, then you can start thinking about the next one, and the one after that. It's very important for our football team to get to 5-5."

The Packers have been unable to get back to the .500 mark since losing their season opener. They lost at home in Week 2 to New Orleans to fall to 0-2. They were 1-2 heading into Week 4 but lost at Philadelphia. Then they were 3-4 but lost at Buffalo two weeks ago.

This will be their first opportunity since the New Orleans game to get ba..

Favre Enjoying Successes, Large And Small

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:26:47 CST
Brett Favre is acutely aware that if he plays well, the Packers have a good chance to win. If he doesn't, they don't.

To some extent, that's life in the NFL for any quarterback. The position is simply too important to make it easy to overcome poor performances under center.

But Favre realizes that pressure is more heavily applied to him this year than perhaps any other year in his career, as he leads an offense that has started either three or four rookies in every game.

What that pressure has done is make gameday more stressful and tension-filled for the 16-year veteran quarterback, which in turn seems to make him all the more excited when things go well, as shown in his jubilant touchdown celebrations.

"I'm not a big statistics guy, but I know this: If I'm dumping a pass off to Donald and he's taking it 80 yards for a touchdown, or I don't turn the ball over, we have a pretty good chance of winning," Favre said during his Wednesday news conferenc..

Local Teams Utilize Hutson Center for Playoff Preparation

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:58:39 CST
Two area football teams, Wrightstown High School and St. Norbert College, took advantage of the friendly confines of the Don Hutson Center Tuesday, Nov. 14, in preparation for their playoff games this week.

The Tigers (13-0) head to Madison's Camp Randall Stadium Thursday to take on the Mayville Cardinals (11-2) at 7 p.m. in the WIAA Division 4 state championship football game. The Green Knights travel to UW-Whitewater for a noon kickoff Saturday in the first round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Supportive of football at all levels, the Packers have invited area playoff-bound football teams to utilize their indoor facility as weather and shorter days become a challenge in late fall. The practice dates back to 1982 when the first such facility was constructed, and later, the Hutson Center has been used since its dedication in 1994.

Another advantage for high school teams, in addition to avoiding bad weather, is being able to practice on the Hutson Center..

Fifth Grader Takes Barnett To School

Stephen Foshee, Packers.com — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 12:17:09 CST
A typical morning for a fifth grade student would entail waking up, getting dressed, going to the local bus stop and beginning one's daily activities in the classroom.

However, Tuesday, Nov. 14, was anything but typical for Southern Door Elementary fifth grader Brett Kinnard.

Kinnard was greeted at his house by a limousine carrying Packers linebacker Nick Barnett in anticipation of the "NFL Take a Player to School" day presented by the JCPenney Afterschool Program.

Kinnard greeted Barnett proudly wearing his No. 56 jersey and took him inside his home for breakfast before the two hopped into the limo and left for school.

When arriving at Southern Door, Kinnard introduced Barnett to a fired up group of 500 of his classmates at an assembly in the school gymnasium.

Before a question-and-answer session with the students, Barnett spoke on the importance of education and following one's dreams.

"If I was able to have an NFL player com..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 11:12:02 CST
Since the days of Vince Lombardi it's been tradition in Green Bay for the Packers' head coach to have his own television show. This season is no different. Making its debut for the 2006 season is the Mike McCarthy Show.

The Mike McCarthy Show is a 30-minute program hosted by Jessie Garcia, of Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV and sideline reporter for the Packers Television Network, and Larry McCarren, sports director at Green Bay's WFRV-TV and an analyst on the Packer Radio Network. Garcia, McCarren and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy each week will review and preview games as well as be joined by a special Packers guest and answer questions from fans. Coach McCarthy also each week will teach viewers about the play of the game with a telestrator.

The Mike McCarthy Show airs on Tuesdays in Green Bay on WFRV-TV (CBS, Ch. 5), in Milwaukee on WTMJ-TV (NBC, Ch. 4), in Marquette, Mich., on WJMN-TV, in Wausau on WAOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 9), in Madison on WKOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 27), in La Crosse..

Remmel: Patriots Paying First Official Visit To Lambeau Since '79

Lee Remmel, Team Historian — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 15:52:29 CST
It may come as a surprise to the average Packers fanatic, but the New England Patriots' impending appearance in Lambeau Field will mark the Pats' first "official" visit to Titletown in more than a quarter-century.

"Official," of course, referring to a regular-season visit to Lambeau.

Lest there be misunderstanding, the Patriots admittedly have paid an occasional visit in the interim for preseason, non-league contests with the Packers on their home turf. But not for any that counted in the NFL standings.

For the record, the last time the New Englanders were in Green Bay for a regular season engagement, it was Oct. 1, 1979, a time when Bart Starr was launching his fifth season as the Packers' head coach and general manager.

The recently - and reluctantly - high-profile Bill Belichick, who has been collecting Super Bowl victories with regularity of late, was not in evidence then. Today the imposing "image" of the Patriots, he then was just beginning t..

Linebackers Making Their Presence Known

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 15:18:25 CST
For a blitzing linebacker to actually succeed in getting to the quarterback, a combination of factors must come together.

The linebacker has to time the blitz right, either going quickly enough to get a jump on any blocker trying to cut him off, or waiting just long enough for a lane to the quarterback to open. He has to take the proper angle, so as not to waste any steps or get caught up in additional traffic. He has to keep his pads low to avoid getting stood up if a blocker does get a piece of him. And he has to have the speed and agility to make it all work.

"Everything goes into it," defensive coordinator Bob Sanders said.

The Green Bay Packers have a trio of linebackers who are bringing all that to their defense in 2006, as evidenced by their considerable contribution to the pass rush in last Sunday's victory at Minnesota.

Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Brady Poppinga each got to Vikings quarterback Brad Johnson at least once and accounted for t..

Notebook: Tauscher Doubtful, Moll Ready At RT

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 16:47:46 CST
Mark Tauscher's groin injury will likely keep him out of this week's game against New England, and rookie Tony Moll is expected to get his first NFL start at right tackle.

Tauscher injured his groin late in the third quarter at Minnesota on Sunday, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he'll be doubtful on this week's injury report. Moll filled in for Tauscher for the remainder of Sunday's game and held up well despite having played only guard in games so far this season.

"I thought he played OK," McCarthy said of Moll. "He had the one look on the defensive front that he didn't adjust very well to. But I thought he was solid. We threw the ball a bunch down the stretch there, and that's never easy just to jump right into that, but I thought he was OK."

Moll, a tight end who converted to tackle in his final year in college at Nevada, started the first four games of the season at right guard before losing his starting job when fellow rookie Jason Spitz returned fr..

Notebook: Redemption Sweet For Dendy

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 21:25:32 CST
MINNEAPOLIS - Cornerback Patrick Dendy was getting picked on by the Vikings for much of Sunday's game, but the young nickelback got the last laugh and redeemed himself in the process.

Minnesota repeatedly tested Dendy by throwing deep down the sideline to Bethel Johnson. In the first half, it worked for two big plays, a 35-yard gain on a spectacular one-handed catch and a 40-yard gain when Bethel simply ran past Dendy off the line.

"When you give up a big ball, you expect them to go at you again," said Dendy, a second-year pro.

The Vikings did in the fourth quarter, but Dendy held his ground this time, getting perfect position on another deep ball to Johnson. Staying behind the receiver the entire play, Dendy made a diving interception at the Green Bay 23-yard line with 7:46 left in the fourth quarter.

"The guy was fast, he had great straight line speed, and he was getting behind me so we made some adjustments," Dendy said.

"Coach made a g..

Driver Has Career-Best Day

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 21:23:52 CST
MINNEAPOLIS - The Packers weren't likely to make their living running the ball against the league's No. 1 rush defense on Sunday.

Donald Driver made sure they didn't have to.

Driver turned in a monster day against Minnesota, catching six passes for a career-high 191 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown just before halftime that gave Green Bay the lead and the momentum for good in its 23-17 victory.

"It's amazing how he's able to turn what should be 3-yard, 5-yard completions into 70-yard touchdowns," fullback William Henderson said. "And let's give him credit, because he's having that year where people should look at him for possibly Pro Bowl honors, and bigger honors than that."

Driver is certainly making a case for that. He now has 56 catches for 771 yards and four touchdowns this season, but it's the way he comes through when his team needs him most that makes him so impressive.

Driver looked unstoppable from the start, taking advantag..

Game Review: Packers Bounce Back With Another Road Win

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 21:21:34 CST
MINNEAPOLIS - The Green Bay Packers continue to show their resiliency on the road.

Back in Week 3 with an 0-2 record, they pulled together to win at NFC North Division rival Detroit. Then three weeks later, sitting at 1-4, they used their bye week to regroup for a much-needed victory at Miami.

Now on Sunday, fresh off an ugly loss at Buffalo, the Packers got their season back on track once again by coming to their most hated road venue, Minnesota's Metrodome, and posting a 23-17 triumph over the rival Vikings that required turnover-free offense, active defense and a few strokes of good fortune.

"This is a big win for us, especially here in this stadium where a lot of times we haven't been successful," linebacker Nick Barnett said. "We're leaving here with a win. We wanted to win last week, that was a heart-breaker for us, but we just have to continue this momentum."

All the offensive momentum on Sunday was created by receiver Donald Driver and quar..

Packers Defeat Vikings 23-17

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 12:05:40 CST
MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 12, 2006) -- If Green Bay was going to beat Minnesota, Brett Favre was going to have to throw the ball to his own team, not the other guys.

Favre followed through on the plan, making sure to savor a hard-to-come-by win at the Metrodome and cautiously ponder the progress made by his rebuilding Packers.

Favre threw two touchdown passes without a turnover and Donald Driver had a career-high 191 yards receiving in a 23-17 victory over the Vikings.

"I thought he made great decisions," Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said, praising Favre's performance with Minnesota's league-best rushing defense holding down Ahman Green (22 carries, 55 yards).

The Packers (4-5), who have won three of their last four games, were boosted by a strong pass rush and even better pass protection. Favre completed 24 of 42 passes for 347 yards and no interceptions.

"At least for another week it gives us a little hope," said Favre, who improved to 5-10..

Notebook: Packers Prepared For Noise

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:59:10 CST
Like they do before every road game, the Packers practiced this week with crowd noise piped in for the offensive snaps. The team worked in the Hutson Center to simulate the environment at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, where the Packers play Sunday.

This week the team continued to practice its silent count because of the excessive noise the Metrodome is noted for, and because a miscommunication with quarterback Brett Favre taking a shotgun snap without a silent count forced a costly turnover last week at Buffalo.

"We feel like we're pretty good in the crowd situation and we like silent count," rookie left guard Daryn Colledge said. "Brett seems to actually like it better than a normal count.

"For us it's just an adjustment. I know the Metrodome is going to be a little louder than it was out there (at practice), but hopefully we'll do what we can to keep them quiet."

Green Bay's only indoor game thus far this season was in Week 3 at Detroit's Ford Fi..

DE Aaron Kampman Live Chat Transcript: 11-10-06

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:52:44 CST
Aaron is here so let's begin the chat. - Posted by Chat Moderator of Packers.com

u have really stepped up this season how long do u think ur goin to stick around in the league - Posted by Rob of ToledoWell, my contract will be up after the '09 season and I will take time and evaluate everything after that.

The defense has looked vastly improved over the past couple of weeks, we're now 3rd in the league in sacks, thanks to you. Do you think that the packers can make a run at the playoffs with the improved o-line and defense? - Posted by J.D. of LaCrosseThanks for the question. I think we're always shooting for the post-season. However, we're always taking them one game at a time.

We've heard some complaining this week from the Viking Defensive Linemen about the zone blocking scheme and cut blocking. How does it effect your game when you're playing a team like Denver or Atlanta? - Posted by Jeff of HolmenThat's a g..

D-Line Uses Depth, Teamwork To Maintain Steady Impact

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:56:44 CST
Defensive end Aaron Kampman isn't exactly sure why the Packers' defensive line is playing as well as it is right now.

"I don't know," he said. "I can't put my finger on it."

The lack of a ready-made explanation from the NFL's sack leader is probably an indication of two things.

First, it's not as though the defensive line has come out of nowhere to make an impact lately. The unit has seen a boost in sacks in recent weeks but has been pretty steady all season long and seems to keep improving with each passing week, a progression that doesn't lend itself to obvious explanations.

Second, it could be a sign that much of the unit's success is due to chemistry and cohesion amongst the linemates, attributes that generally go unspoken and develop without the players saying or thinking much about them.

"We've just been plugging away," defensive tackle Ryan Pickett said. "We're getting to know each other better and we're starting to work together be..

Last Week's Losses Equally Frustrating To Packers, Vikings

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:22:59 CST
The Green Bay Packers are certainly smarting from a game they felt they gave away to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday.

But the Minnesota Vikings come into this Sunday's NFC North Division showdown kicking themselves just as much over their most recent defeat.

Last Sunday at San Francisco, the Vikings made a litany of mistakes that handed the 49ers a 9-3 victory, much like the Packers gift-wrapped the 24-10 Buffalo win with four turnovers.

The circumstances have in essence left both teams wanting, right away, to make up for one that got away.

"You're going to have losses in the league," Minnesota quarterback Brad Johnson said. "You're going to have bad games and how you deal with them and how you recover is the key to your team. Obviously we have some things we need to improve and work on and find ways to win regardless of how it comes."

To review, the Packers lost to Buffalo despite the fact that their defense surrendered just 184 yards and 1..

Notebook: Kicker Could Decide Game With Vikes

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:31:39 CST
Recent history suggests this week's game against the Minnesota Vikings might depend on a kicker.

The last four times the Packers and Vikings have met, the game has been decided by a field goal on the final play. In 2004, Packers kicker Ryan Longwell was the hero in both contests, while last year Minnesota's Paul Edinger did in the Packers twice.

"I think when you play rival football games, I think that's a constant that happens," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "I think it's going to be a very physical football game.
"I would not be surprised if it comes down to another field goal."

If so, Longwell will be the kicker Minnesota calls upon. After nine seasons in Green Bay, Longwell signed with the Vikings as a free agent and is off to a good start there. He's made 14 of 17 field goals this season.

Meanwhile the Packers have second-year pro Dave Rayner, who's 12 of 15 in his first season kicking field goals and taking over for Green Bay's all-time ..

Four-Quarter Commitment To Run Makes Difference

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:27:21 CST
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has spoken often this season about making a four-quarter commitment to the running game.

Judging by Ahman Green's rushing statistics during his current streak of three straight 100-yard efforts, that game-long commitment is paying off.

The past three weeks against Miami, Arizona and Buffalo, Green's carries have been split nearly equally between the two halves of each game, with 33 carries in the first half and 29 in the second half.

But the production early in the game compared to later is quite different. In these last three games, Green has 115 yards in the first half, a modest average of 3.5 yards per carry. In the second half, the production jumps to 231 yards and 8.0 yards per rush.

Those second-half numbers are somewhat inflated by the season's biggest play, Green's 70-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter at Miami. But even if you take that play out, Green's 161 second-half yards is still 5.8 yards per carry, or..

Packers.com Live Chat To Welcome DE Aaron Kampman, Friday

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:20:03 CST
Click here to join the chat!

****

This Week's Chat:
Who: DE Aaron Kampman
Date: Friday, Nov 10, 2006
Time: approx. 12:45 p.m. CT

****

A fifth-round draft pick from Iowa in 2002, Packers DE Aaron Kampman has become more than just a blue-collar player, establishing himself among the NFL's top defenders at his position.

Last year, on a defense that ranked first in the NFL against the pass, Kampman turned in a career-high 6 1/2 sacks to highlight the best season of his career. His 105 tackles ranked second in the NFL among defensive linemen (behind former St. Louis Rams and current Packers DT Ryan Pickett) and first among defensive ends.

The Packers in the offseason rewarded Kampman by signing him to a multi-year contract extension. And the move has paid off.

Through eight games in 2006, Kampman has a team and career-high 9 1/2 sacks -- most ..

Remmel: 1987 Replacement Game As Entertaining As Any In Series

Lee Remmel, Team Historian — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:45:54 CST
Come Sunday, the Packers will be paying their 24th annual visit to the Minnesota Vikings' house of horrors, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, located in downtown
Minneapolis.

And not, it must be acknowledged, without a modicum of concern for the acoustics. The Metrodome, as the Green and Gold well know, can be deafening if the Purple Gang's faithful have cause to exercise their vocal cords.

As vocally hostile as that environment may become, the Packers have had some rewarding moments in the Vikings' cozy indoor venue over the years. As recently, in fact, as Christmas Eve in 2004, when Ryan Longwell delivered a game-ending, 29-yard field goal to clinch a third consecutive division title, 34-31.

And that, it should be noted, followed upon a 30-27 conquest the previous Nov. 2 in the Dome, likewise decided by Longwell, now a Viking.

One of the most memorable such successes - because of the unique circumstasnces - involved the "replacement" game the..

Defense Kept Packers In Game, Continues Improvement

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:42:13 CST
Almost nothing went right for the Packers early on last Sunday at Buffalo.

In the first half alone, the offense started three possessions at its 12-yard line or worse, fumbled two snaps, and had an interception returned for a touchdown.

Yet while such a list of mis-steps in just two quarters can let a game get out of hand, the Packers still had a chance to beat the Bills primarily because the Green Bay defense was playing some of its best football.

"To be down 10-nothing after that first half I thought was a real credit to our defense, keeping us in that game," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said.

The defense had to stand tall three times against difficult field position in that first half, including on the game's first possession. Buffalo's Terrence McGee returned the opening kickoff to the Green Bay 29, but the Packers allowed just one first down. They stopped the second series when defensive tackle Colin Cole blew through the hole and stuffed Willis M..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:10:45 CST
Since the days of Vince Lombardi it's been tradition in Green Bay for the Packers' head coach to have his own television show. This season is no different. Making its debut for the 2006 season is the Mike McCarthy Show.

The Mike McCarthy Show is a 30-minute program hosted by Jessie Garcia, of Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV and sideline reporter for the Packers Television Network, and Larry McCarren, sports director at Green Bay's WFRV-TV and an analyst on the Packer Radio Network. Garcia, McCarren and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy each week will review and preview games as well as be joined by a special Packers guest and answer questions from fans. Coach McCarthy also each week will teach viewers about the play of the game with a telestrator.

The Mike McCarthy Show airs on Tuesdays in Green Bay on WFRV-TV (CBS, Ch. 5), in Milwaukee on WTMJ-TV (NBC, Ch. 4), in Marquette, Mich., on WJMN-TV, in Wausau on WAOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 9), in Madison on WKOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 27), in La Crosse..

Notebook: Collins OK, Other Injuries Minor

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:53:31 CST
One piece of good news from Sunday's loss is it appears the Packers don't have any significant injury concerns heading into this week's game at Minnesota.

Safety Nick Collins, who missed the second half of Sunday's game with a back bruise, is fine and should be able to play this week. Collins injured his lower back and had some tests done because of a concern about kidney damage, but everything checked out OK.

"I think he'll be ready to go this week," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said during his Monday news conference. "There was some concern at halftime, which is why we had to test him."

Elsewhere on the injury front, wide receiver Greg Jennings re-aggravated his ankle injury, and McCarthy said he would probably miss some practice time again this week to help with the healing process.

McCarthy said when Jennings was tackled from behind in the second quarter on Sunday, his ankle got turned the same way he injured it originally. He did see limited actio..

Notebook: Williams Leads Defense With Three-Sack Day

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:25:36 CST
BUFFALO - A solid defensive effort Sunday in Buffalo was highlighted by defensive tackle Corey Williams' three sacks, the first three-sack game of the third-year pro's career.

Williams' first two sacks both came on third down, as he took down Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman to force a punt. The second of those came in the third quarter with the Bills on their own 5-yard line. Williams just missed getting Losman in the end zone and took him down at the 3.

His final sack came in the fourth quarter with the score tied at 10. Williams took Losman down for a 7-yard loss on second-and-5, setting up a long third down the Bills didn't convert. In all, Williams' three sacks accounted for 17 lost yards, and he now has five sacks on the season, a new career high.

"I just took them as they came," said Williams, who had his other two sacks this season at Detroit. "Coach kept staying on us about second effort. If you make one move and they stop it, you have to continue t..

Game Review: Turnovers Turn Dominant Stats Into Defeat

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 20:23:47 CST
BUFFALO - There may be nothing more frustrating in football than to dominate an opponent in so many statistical categories yet come up short on the scoreboard.

But that's the ultimate in frustration the Green Bay Packers were feeling Sunday after dropping a 24-10 decision to the Buffalo Bills in front of 72,205 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, leaving the Packers at 3-5 at the season's midway point.

The Packers outgained the Bills 427 yards to 184, converted more than three times as many third downs (7 of 16 compared to 2 of 11), recorded more than twice as many sacks (5 to 2) and possessed the ball almost nine minutes longer (34:21 to 25:39).

But in the end it was Green Bay's four turnovers to Buffalo's zero that doomed the Packers, as their miscues either took potential points off the board for themselves, gave the Bills easy scores, or in some cases both.

"It hurts," center Scott Wells said. "That one hurts bad.

"To only get 10 points out of th..

AP Story: Bills Defeat Packers 24-10

Sun, 05 Nov 2006 12:11:22 CST
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) When Willis McGahee went down, London Fletcher and the Buffalo Bills defense stepped up.

The linebacker scored on a 17-yard interception return and keyed a four-takeaway outing in Buffalo's 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

It didn't matter to Fletcher that the Bills offense generated just 90 yards and four first downs through three quarters, or that Buffalo was minus its most potent threat, McGahee. The running back hurt his ribs 4 minutes in and didn't return.

"We put an emphasis on not worrying about what happens on the other side of the ball,'' said Fletcher, who finished with a team-high 14 tackles and broke up five pass attempts. "We knew if we didn't allow them to score, our offense would be able to do something.''

The offense did just enough in ending a three-game losing streak and helping the Bills improve to 3-5. Not that the final outcome was reflected on the stat sheet, which weighed heavily in ..

Notebook: Jennings, Woodson Both Likely To Play

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 15:12:14 CST
Wide receiver Greg Jennings and cornerback Charles Woodson both appear they'll be ready to play on Sunday at Buffalo.

Jennings, who missed last week's game with an ankle injury, practiced both Thursday and Friday and, barring any setbacks, should return to the starting lineup. He said the day after he does any running on the ankle, it remains sore, but that's to be expected.

"I think I'll be able to go," said Jennings, who remains listed as questionable. "I'm doing a lot better now. I'm a lot more comfortable in cutting and just running, getting off the jam, things like that. That was the biggest issue going into the Arizona game, how comfortable I felt with myself."

Meanwhile Woodson, who missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury, returned to practice on Friday and has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said if Woodson is able to play, he will play only defense and will be replaced on punt ret..

Packers' Sack Ratio Among League's Best

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 15:06:18 CST
It's not nearly as revealing a statistic as turnover ratio, which players and coaches always point to as a key indicator of wins and losses, but a team's sack ratio gives at least some idea of the teams winning the battle up front.

Sack ratio refers to the number of sacks a team records on defense versus the number it allows on offense, and the Packers' defensive and offensive lines have been doing an exemplary job in that area thus far in 2006.

The Packers are plus-13 through seven games, with 22 sacks recorded and just nine allowed. That ranks second in the league behind San Diego (plus-16), and while sacks aren't as game-changing as turnovers might be, they are negative yardage plays that can have a significant impact in any game.

"Sacks are a turnover in their own aspect," defensive tackle Colin Cole said. "When you get sacks, you have field-position changes, you have momentum changes. They have their own type of effect."

On defense, the Packer..

Watch 'The Mike McCarthy Show' On Packers.com!

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:41:39 CST
Since the days of Vince Lombardi it's been tradition in Green Bay for the Packers' head coach to have his own television show. This season is no different. Making its debut for the 2006 season is the Mike McCarthy Show.

The Mike McCarthy Show is a 30-minute program hosted by Jessie Garcia, of Milwaukee's WTMJ-TV and sideline reporter for the Packers Television Network, and Larry McCarren, sports director at Green Bay's WFRV-TV and an analyst on the Packer Radio Network. Garcia, McCarren and Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy each week will review and preview games as well as be joined by a special Packers guest and answer questions from fans. Coach McCarthy also each week will teach viewers about the play of the game with a telestrator.

The Mike McCarthy Show airs on Tuesdays in Green Bay on WFRV-TV (CBS, Ch. 5), in Milwaukee on WTMJ-TV (NBC, Ch. 4), in Marquette, Mich., on WJMN-TV, in Wausau on WAOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 9), in Madison on WKOW-TV (ABC, Ch. 27), in La Crosse..

Buffalo's Big-Play Threats Looking To Bust Loose

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:45:17 CST
Thus far in 2006, Buffalo's big-play weapons have not made many big plays, and that's a major reason the Bills are off to a 2-5 start.

But the Packers are aware that running back Willis McGahee and wide receiver Lee Evans have the talent and the track record to bust loose at any time. It's just up to the Packers to make sure that doesn't happen Sunday, with the Bills coming off their bye week and playing at home.

Despite yardage production that has both players in the top 10 in the AFC in rushing and receiving, respectively, McGahee and Evans have just one touchdown apiece this season. This from a pair of playmakers that combined for 34 touchdowns in 2004 and 2005 as the Bills' most dynamic offensive stars.

"There's definitely been some struggles," said Evans, the former University of Wisconsin standout. "Offensively, I don't think we've played up to our capabilities, so that's what we're trying to get back to as a team. You just keep pushing and try to tur..

Packers.com Video Exclusive: Mike McCarthy's Post-Game Speech

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 11:23:17 CST
With their 31-14 victory Sunday over the Arizona Cardinals, the Packers took another major step in their recovery from a 1-4 start and in the growth of the 2006 edition of the Green and Gold.

The Packers not only got their first home victory of the season in front of 70,809 fans at Lambeau Field, but they also notched back-to-back wins for the first time since 2004 and, at 3-4, have put themselves in position to get back to .500 at the midway point of the season if they can win at Buffalo next week.

In a Packers.com exclusive, we take you inside the locker room as Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed the players immediately following the team's win over the Cardinals.

Click here for more videos.

Notebook: Jennings Closer To Returning

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:19:23 CST
Wide receiver Greg Jennings is making progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Wednesday, and he could be healthy enough to get through a full practice by week's end.

Jennings is still listed as questionable on this week's injury report, but he did participate in the opening jog-through and individual drills at practice on Wednesday. He then was pulled out of practice to continue his rehab, and McCarthy said he's hopeful Jennings will be able to get through all of Thursday's practice.

"Sunday he was close," McCarthy said. "He's kind of working his way back. He made a lot of progress last week, and we're just trying to get over the last hurdle."

Jennings injured his ankle while landing awkwardly after a second-quarter catch at Miami on Oct. 22. He worked out before last Sunday's game against Arizona but did not play.

If Jennings can participate in a full practice and not have any setbacks following that, he mor..

With Games Close And Favre Comfortable, Interceptions Are Down

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:16:31 CST
With five interceptions through seven games, including none in his last three contests, quarterback Brett Favre is on pace to throw barely more than 10 interceptions this season.

That's a far cry from the 29 he threw a year ago, and while the veteran quarterback believes several factors have contributed to cutting that down in 2006, the overriding one is that the Packers have been competitive in most of their games and not desperately playing from behind.

"We've been in all of our games except the second half of Philly and Chicago, and that's as big a factor as any," Favre said during his bi-weekly Wednesday news conference.

"When you fall behind to a certain point, you know you have to take some chances, and it's a little bit tougher to play within the system, at least for me it is. When we're in the game, leading, or with each play there's a chance we can win this game, I feel like I play the game differently. I don't want to say I play the game cautious,..

Davis & Hodge Visit Challenge Academy

Stephen Foshee, Packers.com — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 12:56:15 CST
When Rob Davis and Abdul Hodge were asked to speak at the Wisconsin's National Guard Challenge Academy in Fort McCoy, Wis., they felt comfortable speaking to cadets about their own life experiences while motivating cadets to make the most of their future.

However, the players did not feel as comfortable with the transportation that was provided to Fort McCoy.

Davis and Hodge traveled to and from the Academy via Black Hawk Helicopter on Tuesday, Oct. 31, and expressed concerns from the moment they stepped foot into Austin Straubel Airport.

"This might be the craziest thing I've ever done," Davis said as he greeted the pilots, "I'm just letting you know I have two women expecting me home this afternoon."

After suppressing flying nerves and arriving at Fort McCoy, Davis and Hodge were first briefed about the Academy's purpose, ate lunch with cadets, got a tour of the facilities, and then answered many questions the cadets had about their own life ..