Packers.com

Notebook: Favre's Streak Not In Jeopardy

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 18:05:52 CST

Quarterback Brett Favre's elbow injury is a muscle issue rather than the same nerve problem he dealt with last year, but it's considered less serious and the team's medical staff does not believe Favre's starting streak is in jeopardy, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday.

Favre took a helmet hit to his right elbow from blitzing cornerback Nathan Jones in the second quarter of Thursday night's game in Dallas, and it knocked Favre out of the game. Afterwards, Favre likened the injury to the shot he took to his elbow nerve, or funny bone, last year against New England.

But the diagnosis from the medical staff on Friday was that the injury is to the "belly of the muscle around the elbow," McCarthy said, and it's been classified as an elbow bruise. As such, it's not considered serious enough to prevent Favre from starting his 250th straight game (270 including playoffs) on Dec. 9 vs. Oakland.

"He was in for treatment today, and we see him playing next week a..

Notebook: Driver Moves Up All-Time List

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:07:42 CST

DALLAS - Donald Driver jumped ahead of another Green Bay great in the team record books on Thursday night.

With his seven catches for 66 yards, Driver moved into third place on the Packers' all-time list for receptions, surpassing Hall of Famer Don Hutson. Driver now has 491 career receptions, three more than Hutson at 488.

The catch that eclipsed Hutson came on a 6-yard curl route on the opening play of a fourth-quarter drive for a field goal. It was Driver's fifth catch in the game.

Driver's career receiving yardage total also climbed to 6,827, less than 100 yards behind Boyd Dowler (6,918) for fourth place on the all-time list in that category. Driver is also just 102 yards away from his fifth 1,000-yard season, a milestone reached by only James Lofton and Sterling Sharpe in team history.

Call stands
The Packers lost a replay challenge in the first quarter on what appeared to be a turnover giving the ball to Green Bay.

On the..

Game Review: Difficult Defeat Won't Deter Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:07:08 CST

DALLAS - The Green Bay Packers spent the past week trying to keep their NFC showdown with the Dallas Cowboys in the proper perspective.

To win would have been valuable, both in terms of the NFC playoff picture and for the psyche of a young team playing in its first truly big game. But to lose, as the Packers did 37-27 at Texas Stadium on Thursday night, does not mean it's time to concede anything.

Not that anyone in the locker room was making excuses after the game, but to play the NFC front-runner without one of your top cover corners in Charles Woodson (toe injury), one of your top pass rushers in Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (ankle), and without your starting quarterback in Brett Favre (elbow, shoulder) for the final 2 1/2 quarters was certainly a tall order.

Yet the Packers hung in there, with backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers rallying the team from 17 points down to within three in the second half. The NFL is no place for moral victories, but the Packers didn't..

Favre Thinks He'll Be OK To Play

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:07:25 CST

DALLAS - Brett Favre said he expects to be fine, and there's no reason not to believe a quarterback who has made an NFL record 249 consecutive starts.

Favre injured his throwing elbow and his non-throwing shoulder in Thursday night's 37-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but the Packers' starting quarterback believes he'll make start No. 250 in 10 days at Lambeau Field against Oakland.

"I think I'll be OK," Favre said. "Fortunately we have a few days off to rest and see."

Under pressure most of the first half, Favre already had taken his share of hits from the Cowboys when he finally took one in the wrong spot.

With just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Favre took a hit to his right arm as Dallas cornerback Nathan Jones came unblocked on a blitz. The fluttering pass was picked off by a diving Terrence Newman, and Favre was seen holding his right forearm as he walked off the field.

The interception, Favre's second of the game, set u..

Rodgers Rallies Team In Relief

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 04:14:33 CST

DALLAS - When backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers entered the huddle in the second quarter on Thursday night with the Packers trailing by 17 points, he told his offensive teammates simply to trust him.

And even though the comeback effort fell short in the 37-27 defeat in Dallas, Rodgers proved that confidence wasn't falsely placed. He also showed the offense is in capable hands both for when he takes over permanently for Brett Favre, and if he needs to fill in for Favre as this season continues.

"We already had trust in him," receiver Donald Driver said. "We just wanted him to go out and relax and play the game."

Rodgers did that, completing 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown without an interception for a 104.8 passer rating in relief of Favre. His status for the next game Dec. 9 vs. Oakland is uncertain, though the future Hall of Famer said after the game he felt like his elbow and shoulder injuries would be OK.

For the third-year pro Ro..

AP Story: Packers Fall In Dallas, 37-27

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:22:02 CST

Standing on the sideline, scowling at the pain of a banged-up right elbow and a separated left shoulder, all Brett Favre could do was watch Tony Romo impersonate him.

The kid was good. Too good for Favre and the Green Bay Packers.

The Wisconsin native who spent all week denying Favre was his childhood hero sure played a lot like a young No. 4 Thursday night -- full of moxie and joy, but needing a bit of a high-wire act to send the Dallas Cowboys past the Packers 37-27 and into the lead for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

"When I got out to the field, (I realized) it was pretty neat, the atmosphere," Romo said. "I looked around and was like, `This is why you want to play sports.' You want to play in games like this. Your competitive juices get flowing and you want to prove what kind of player you are."

Romo threw four touchdown passes to send the Cowboys (11-1) to their sixth straight win that clinched a playoff berth. This victory..

Change-Up: Packers To Wear White Jerseys In Dallas

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:09:30 CST

With eight straight losses at Texas Stadium, the Green Bay Packers certainly are looking to change their luck on Thursday night.

Maybe a change of clothes will help.

Unlike in any of those eight defeats to the Dallas Cowboys between 1993 and 1999, the Packers will be wearing their white jerseys on Thursday in the much-hyped meeting between the NFC's two best teams, both 10-1.

The Cowboys, who traditionally wear their white jerseys at home while the visiting team wears its colored ones, will instead be wearing their alternate uniform that features a blue jersey with white shoulder trim. Dallas' alternate uniform also includes a white helmet, rather than the customary silver helmet, with the blue star.

Packers' equipment manager Red Batty said he found out about Dallas' choice of uniforms for this game back in training camp, when teams notify the league of the uniforms they plan to wear for their home games. Once the entire list is updated, teams use..

Notebook: Woodson, 'KGB' Questionable For Now; Collins Ready To Start

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:04:19 CST

Cornerback Charles Woodson and defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila were both listed as limited participants in practice on Tuesday, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he would consider them both questionable at this point for Thursday's game in Dallas.

"They have 50-plus hours until game time," McCarthy said after Tuesday's practice. "We're going to give them the full amount to get ready."

Meanwhile safety Nick Collins was a full participant in practice and appears ready to make his first start since injuring his knee Nov. 4 in Kansas City.

Official designations of doubtful, questionable or probable on injured players will be made on Wednesday.

Woodson, who injured his toe in Detroit on Thanksgiving, was on the field for the jog-through portion of practice, getting updated on all the defensive adjustments for the game. McCarthy said he's been in the training room getting treatment on his toe pretty much around-the-clock and will be a game-time decisi..

D-Line Depth Showing Its Value

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:02:54 CST

When training camp concluded in early September, the Packers raised a few eyebrows when they kept 11 defensive linemen on their 53-man roster. A bit of overkill, some thought, to have more than 20 percent of your roster consumed by one position group.

But the decision was in keeping with a core philosophy of Head Coach Mike McCarthy and General Manager Ted Thompson, that the foundation of any team is up front, which on defense means the defensive line.

And a corollary to that is this: With more-than-sufficient depth on the defensive line, the heart of your defense will never be entirely compromised by injuries. There will always be quality players, in the trenches, who can fill the gaps.

That philosophy has paid dividends throughout this season for the 10-1 Packers and has become most valuable in the last couple of weeks.

When defensive tackle Johnny Jolly was lost to a shoulder injury against Carolina on Nov. 18, veteran Colin Cole stepped into th..

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

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:20:34 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. Continuing in its second 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 on W..

WRs Robinson, Martin Always Ready To Make A Play

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:20:56 CST

A passing game that's in rhythm can be awfully difficult to stop. The quarterback and receivers have their timing down, and they're on the same page with which routes to run and how to attack the defense.

The Packers have found that type of rhythm plenty this season as the league's No. 2 passing offense, and at no time was it more evident than when Brett Favre completed 20 straight passes on Thanksgiving in Detroit.

What can make that rhythm so hard to maintain, though, is that the offense must change formations and personnel in order to keep a defense guessing. The Packers will go from a three-receiver set, to a four-receiver set, to their five-receiver package they call "Big Five," and rotate through those options at any given time.

That places a certain burden on receivers like Koren Robinson and Ruvell Martin, the fourth and fifth receivers behind the top three of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones. As the fourth and fifth wideouts, Robinson a..

Packers-Cowboys On NFL Network: Frequently Asked Questions

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:39:28 CST

With the Packers-Cowboys game being televised on the NFL Network, some portions of Wisconsin and the country will not have the game on their basic cable systems. Here's what you need to know to be able to see the game:

What stations are televising Thursday's game between the Packers and Cowboys?
Nationally, the game is being broadcast on the NFL Network. Locally, the game also will be on WFRV Ch. 5 in Green Bay and WISN Ch. 12 in Milwaukee. The NFL allows local over-the-air TV stations in each team's home TV market to pick up the NFL Network feed. In Wisconsin, that applies to Green Bay and Milwaukee.

What if I don't live in Green Bay or Milwaukee but get those local channels through my cable service?
If you don't get those local channels via a regular antenna, you'll have to check with your cable company whether it is allowed to carry the game. Per NFL rules, the "local market" allowed to pick up the NFL Network feed is strictly ..

Notebook: Collins Has Chance To Play, Blackmon Also Back At Practice

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:15:41 CST

With all the uncertainty surrounding the status of injured defensive backs Aaron Rouse (knee) and Charles Woodson (toe) this week, the Packers couldn't have asked for a better time to see safety Nick Collins and cornerback Will Blackmon back at practice.

Collins was going through the defense's jog-through portion of practice that was open to reporters on Sunday, his first significant practice time since injuring his knee early in the third quarter at Kansas City on Nov. 4.

Rouse has started the last three games in Collins' place and has two interceptions, but now that he injured his knee in Detroit, it's especially heartening news that Collins could start on Thursday in Dallas.

"Nick has a chance," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "He practiced today."

Since learning the extent of his knee injury, Collins has said his goal was to return to the field in Dallas.

Meanwhile there's been no specific timetable for Blackmon other than to hope he'll..

Favre, Packers Not Hung Up On History

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:11:56 CST

All the losses in Dallas earlier in his career don't make for great memories for quarterback Brett Favre, but he's taken to developing a sense of humor about them.

During the Packers' team meeting before practice on Sunday, Head Coach Mike McCarthy was informing his otherwise young squad that the media are likely to make a big deal out of the fact that Green Bay hasn't won in Dallas since 1989. It's a losing streak that covers eight meetings at Texas Stadium from 1991 through 1999, including playoff defeats in three straight years from 1993 to 1995.

"He said, 'All you guys were in Little League the last time they played down there,'" Favre said. "I had to raise my hand ... 'Not all the guys.'"

While Favre's perspective on the history in Dallas is understandably different than that of most of his teammates, both the veteran quarterback and the rest of the locker room are taking healthy approaches to the past as the Packers prepare for their NFC showdown with..

Notebook: Woodson Has Toughed It Out Before

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:05:25 CST

In just his 1 1/2 seasons in Green Bay, cornerback Charles Woodson already has established a reputation for playing through injuries, and that will certainly be put to the test again this week.

Woodson injured his big toe on a long punt return in Thursday's game in Detroit, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy didn't have any further update on Friday, other than to say he's getting treatment for the swelling and the medical staff will have a better idea of where he stands as the week progresses.

McCarthy obviously hopes Woodson is healthy enough to help defend the Dallas passing attack next week, but he also said he wouldn't make the decision to activate or de-activate an injured player based on the magnitude of a regular-season game.

He also recalled how Woodson played through painful knee and shoulder injuries last year, which perhaps bodes well for his chances of recovering in time. Woodson got into a routine of resting his body for the first two practices of th..

Rouse's INT Turned The Tide

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 11:43:14 CST

There were numerous big plays in the Packers' Thanksgiving Day victory in Detroit. Brett Favre had six pass completions of at least 20 yards. He threw three TD passes. Ryan Grant broke off two runs longer than 25 yards. The defense recorded four sacks.

But one play still sticks out in Head Coach Mike McCarthy's mind as the biggest of the game - rookie Aaron Rouse's interception - for reasons on both sides of the ball.

Rouse picked off a deep pass over the middle intended for Calvin Johnson on the first play of the second quarter. The interception and 34-yard return put the ball on the Detroit 11-yard line, and the Packers needed just one play to score on a TD pass from Favre to Greg Jennings.

"It was a big play, in my view maybe the biggest play in the game," McCarthy said. "Because it gave the offense a chance to go down there and score, and we're winning 7-6 and really didn't do anything on offense to that point. That play there really turned things aroun..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:09:05 CST

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

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a trip in honor of a loved one, fans from north of the border and a first father-daughter Lambeau experience.

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

Notebook: Young Williams Shows His Skills

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:22:21 CST

DETROIT - Tramon Williams is a player thankful just to have a roster spot and special teams role with the Green Bay Packers.

On Thanksgiving Day, Williams showed how much more he can be.

The first-year cornerback and return man had a big impact both on special teams and on defense on Thursday at Ford Field, with his presence playing a big part in Green Bay's 37-26 victory.

For starters, Williams entered the game as the fourth cornerback in the dime defense early in the second quarter when cornerback Charles Woodson left with a toe injury. The Packers began the game with Frank Walker playing the dime spot as the sixth defensive back, but Woodson's departure moved regular nickelback Jarrett Bush up to the No. 2 corner, Walker up to the nickel slot, and Williams to the dime back.

He made an impact almost immediately, reaching around rookie receiver Calvin Johnson to swat away a pass on third-and-5 from the Green Bay 39-yard line. The incompletion kept..

Defense Hangs Tough Early, Battles Injuries Throughout

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:22:43 CST

DETROIT - The Green Bay Packers' defense might not have had its best day on Thursday, with players dropping out with injuries and substitutions having to be made liberally.

But the unit held together remarkably well, no better than in the first half when several key stops kept the Lions out of the end zone and the Packers in the game until the offense got on track in what became a 37-26 Thanksgiving victory at Ford Field.

"We just keep continuing to work and scratch and claw and come out with a victory," middle linebacker Nick Barnett said. "We have great confidence right now."

That confidence was needed for the defense to rise up and forced three field goals by the Lions in the first half when the results could have been much worse for Green Bay. The Lions will lament the missed opportunities as perhaps what cost them the game, but give the Packers defense credit for making some key plays at big times.

On its opening possession, Detroit marched al..

Game Review: Favre Puts On A Holiday Show

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:22:03 CST

PACKERS HAVE DIVISION CROWN IN SIGHT, DALLAS ON HORIZON

DETROIT - Nothing Brett Favre does is truly surprising anymore, and because of that the same must be said of the 2007 Green Bay Packers.

Though he insisted afterward he did "nothing spectacular," Favre was nothing short of scintillating in his team's 37-26 victory over Detroit on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field.

The veteran quarterback and team leader added to a potential MVP resume with 31 completions - including a franchise-record 20 in a row - in 41 attempts for 381 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions as the Packers improved to 10-1 and all but wrapped up the NFC North title, taking a four-game lead on the Lions (6-5) with just five to play. Green Bay also kept pace with the Dallas Cowboys for the NFC's top record heading into next Thursday's showdown in Dallas that could potentially decide the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

Afterw..

AP Story: Packers Take Down Lions 37-26

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:07:45 CST

DETROIT (AP) -- Brett Favre sported a white T-shirt, carpenter's pants and a scruffy beard.

It was the only time he looked like just another guy on Thanksgiving.

Favre set a Green Bay record with 20 consecutive completions and finished with a season-high 381 yards and three touchdowns in the Packers' 37-26 victory over the slumping Detroit Lions.

"I threw it. They caught it," he said simply. "Nothing spectacular."

Yeah, right.

The three-time MVP put together another sensational performance that made the 38-year-old quarterback look as if he's back in his prime. Favre's seventh 300-yard game of the season matched a team mark he set in 1995.

"He's the greatest ever," Lions quarterback Jon Kitna said.

Green Bay (10-1) matched its best 11-game record since 1929 and the NFC North leaders have a four-game lead with five games left in the regular season.

The Packers can improve their chances of earning home-field advant..

More Than 1,500 Turn Out For Training Camp For Seniors

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:47:33 CST

More than 1,500 participants turned out on Nov. 13 for Training Camp for Seniors, an event put on by the Green Bay Packers and Secure Horizons by UnitedHealthcare.

The free, inaugural event was designed to provide seniors with health checks and activities, as well as educational materials on Medicare. Participants were welcomed by Bart and Cherry Starr, who discussed ways for seniors to lead a healthy lifestyle and to stay informed about Medicare and other health insurance options.

"We formed a partnership with Secure Horizons with the intent to provide both a fun and educational day for seniors," said David Westphal, corporate sales account executive for the Packers. "We believe the seniors had a great day, and we'll be looking into continuing the event in the future."

Training camp attendees were able to stop at several health-related stations for flu shots, fitness demonstrations, and checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Bellin Heal..

Notebook: Team Sticking To Road Routine

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:21:00 CST

Despite the short week, the Packers are changing their traveling routine as little as possible as they head to Detroit for the Thanksgiving game.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said all the adjustments to the team's schedule, as far as meetings and practice time, were made from Monday through noon on Wednesday, when an approximately one-hour walk-through practice ended.

The team left for Detroit mid-afternoon on Wednesday, about an hour later than the usual departure time, but once arriving there the team will have its normal down time, followed by a team meeting at the hotel Wednesday night, and the standard pre-game schedule on Thursday.

"We have a road schedule that I think really plays to that," McCarthy said, explaining why no major adjustments needed to be made to the routine in the opposing city. "We finish all of our work here in Green Bay before we go to any of our opponents, and I kept that exactly the same. We have emphasized hydration all week. We're ..

Notebook: Turnovers Fill Lions' Games

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:09:52 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy pointed out during his press conference on Tuesday that games involving the Detroit Lions this season tend to be filled with turnovers, and the Packers will be doing their best to avoid getting into a giveaway-takeaway battle on Thursday.

Detroit leads the lead in takeaways with 30 but is also tied for third in the league in giveaways with 25. The 55 total turnovers in their 10 games is an average of 5.5 per game, which can be a lot of "sudden changes" to deal with during the course of the contest.

Last year in the Packers' two games against the Lions, the two teams combined for 10 turnovers, including seven in the late-season matchup at Lambeau Field.

"They've generated turnovers in every single one of their football games," McCarthy said. "That's impressive from a defensive standpoint. They've also turned the ball over. I think there's only been one game where they haven't turned it over. That is a big factor in the outcome of the..

Like Green Bay's, Detroit's WRs A Formidable Group

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:09:02 CST

The Green Bay Packers have made some waves this year with their empty-backfield, five-receiver offensive formations, which have been modestly successful.

Their opponent on Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions, don't necessarily go five-wide very often, but they do try to spread defenses out with their four wide receivers, all of whom have been steadily productive in 2007.

Detroit's pass-catching quartet of Roy Williams, Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey and promising rookie Calvin Johnson have presented match-up problems for many defenses, and much like the Packers try to test a secondary's depth with their multiple-receiver sets, the Lions will try to do the same to Green Bay on Thursday at Ford Field.

"It's going to be a track meet out there," Packers nickelback Jarrett Bush said.

The Packers are ranked second in the league in passing offense (290.3 yards per game) while the Lions are seventh (256.6), and the production from each team's top four pass-catche..

Notebook: Jolly Out At Least A Couple Of Weeks

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:35:53 CST

It turns out Johnny Jolly's shoulder is hurt worse than the second-year defensive tackle thought and he'll be out at least a couple of weeks, Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday.

Jolly injured his shoulder on Carolina's first offensive series, when he had his arm extended and another player fell on his shoulder. He hurt it again when delivering a key block on Tramon Williams' 94-yard pooch punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter.

After the game, Jolly told McCarthy he expected to be fine for Thursday's game in Detroit. But McCarthy said Jolly has a lot of swelling in the shoulder and the team's medical staff is running additional tests to determine the severity of the injury.

Jolly has started seven of 10 games and has played in all 10 as part of the Packers' deep defensive line rotation. He has 31 tackles (14 solo) and has made considerable progress since his rookie season to become an impact player on the defense.

"Johnny is having a..

Hall Of Famer Jim Ringo Passes Away

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:08:01 CST

Former Green Bay Packers great and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Jim Ringo passed away on Monday morning after a short illness. He would have turned 76 on Wednesday.

Ringo was a seventh-round draft choice out of Syracuse in 1953 and played 11 seasons in Green Bay before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his final four seasons there.

A center, Ringo earned All-Pro honors eight times, including seven with the Packers, and played in 10 Pro Bowls, seven of them with Green Bay. Ringo also once held the NFL record for most consecutive games played, with 183, including 126 with Green Bay.

"He was a very proud performer," Packers historian Lee Remmel said. "He took great pride in being elected to the All-Pro team almost perennially. He was extremely durable."

Ringo was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1960s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981. He played for the Packers' NFL championship teams in 1961 and..

Unsung But Not Unnoticed: Lee, Williams Continue To Make Difference

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:35:15 CST

To have success in the National Football League, it certainly doesn't hurt to have the Brett Favres, Donald Drivers, Nick Barnetts and Charles Woodsons of the world.

After all, a team is only as good as its best players. And fortunately for the Packers, their best players happen to also be amongst some of the best in the entire league.

But what separates the special teams from the good ones perhaps more than anything else are the players that you fill in around your stars. These are the guys that don't often receive a lot of fanfare, but you just know that each and every Sunday they are going to be instrumental in getting the win.

For the Packers, you might be hard-pressed to find two better examples of this than tight end Donald Lee and defensive tackle Corey Williams.

Take Sunday's dominating performance against the Panthers. Sure Favre threw for three touchdowns. And of course, Driver was his normal self, gaining 83 yards on five catches,..

Rouse Handling NFL Crash Course

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:35:39 CST

Someone once said there is no time quite like the present, and perhaps there is no one better than Aaron Rouse to testify to that.

Rouse, whom the Packers took in the third round of April's NFL Draft, started the last two games in place of safety Nick Collins and he's had little choice other than to learn on the job.

Like anybody getting his first extensive amount of work, the results have been mixed. But fortunately for Rouse and the Packers, Sunday's performance was certainly more up than down for the 6-foot-4, 223-pound free safety.

Coming off his first start in last week's victory over the Vikings, a game in which Rouse was credited with four stops, but also a few missed tackles, he seemed to settle in nicely against the Panthers.

And that jump start came on Carolina's opening drive when Rouse read the play and intercepted Vinny Testaverde at the Panthers' 37-yard line.

Though the Packers failed to capitalize on Rouse's big play w..

Game Review: No Letdown At Lambeau

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:34:23 CST

For all the talk about trap games and not overlooking a wounded, sub-.500 opponent, the Packers did exactly what they were supposed to do on Sunday.

They took care of business.

Looking more and more like a team undaunted by the rising pressure that comes with its status as one of the NFC's top teams, the Packers dispatched the Carolina Panthers in rather matter-of-fact fashion on Sunday, 31-17, in front of 70,805 fans at Lambeau Field.

"I think this team and the coaching staff really does an excellent job of making sure we're focused on each game, not the next one," center Scott Wells said. "You have to worry about the task at hand, short-term success, and the rest will take care of itself."

With the win, Green Bay improved to 9-1, posting the team's best start since 1962 and extending its lead in the NFC North to three games over Detroit, which fell to 6-4 with a loss to the New York Giants. That puts the Packers in a better-than-expected position..

Notebook: Packers Prepared For Pooch

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 12:34:47 CST

When Carolina kicker John Kasay took a direct snap on a 52-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter on Sunday, the Packers were prepared.

Having seen Carolina execute a pooch punt from a field-goal formation on film two weeks ago against Tennessee, the Packers worked on that very scenario during the special teams portion of practice on Friday, and the preparation allowed them to pull off the biggest play in Sunday's 31-17 victory at Lambeau Field.

Return man Tramon Williams lined up around the 10-yard line off to the right side where Kasay, a left-footed kicker, would aim his pooch. That forced Kasay to kick the ball to the middle of the field, and as it bounced inside the 10-yard line, Williams was able to run it down.

And when he got a big block from Johnny Jolly on lineman Justin Hartwig near the goal line, suddenly Williams had a convoy of blockers down the right sideline and he ran 94 yards for the game's first touchdown, managing to keep his balan..

AP Story: Packers Beat Panthers 31-17

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:20:04 CST

Brett Favre won the senior bowl.

And now that they're off to their best start since the Vince Lombardi era, the Green Bay Packers have another big bowl on their minds.

But even after a relatively easy 31-17 romp past fellow passing patriarch Vinny Testaverde and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Favre and the Packers (9-1) don't want to get caught looking ahead looking ahead to the playoffs and beyond.

Not with back-to-back Thursday games at Detroit and Dallas on the horizon.

"By no means can we rest, or think that we arrived," Favre said, "because we haven't."
And if Packers coach Mike McCarthy wants to drive that point home this week, he can point to the two second-half touchdowns his defense gave up to the Panthers (4-6) after taking a 28-3 lead in the third quarter.

Nitpicking? Not if your goal is to win the Super Bowl.

"We need to do a better job of finishing games," McCarthy said. "We're up 28-3, we can learn from that ex..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:48:28 CST

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

This Week's Photos

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a young woman's first trip to Lambeau Field, a Sicilian family of Packer fans, and some first-timers all the way from Hawaii.

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

Packers Aren't Looking Ahead -- Here's Why

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:31:16 CST

It's been all over in the media this week, how this Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers is a classic "trap" game.

The Packers have won four straight since their only loss this season and are coming off their most complete, dominant performance of 2007 to improve to 8-1. The Panthers have lost three straight to fall to 4-5 and have all sorts of injury problems at quarterback.

The Packers have a huge two-game road trip looming, beginning with a Thanksgiving visit to Detroit - the second-place team in the NFC North - followed by another Thursday tilt in Dallas - with whom the Packers are tied for the best record in the NFC.

So the circumstances clearly exist for the Packers to get caught looking ahead and not focusing on the team they have to face this Sunday at Lambeau Field.

But Head Coach Mike McCarthy and the players are determined to not let that happen. They've been saying so all week, and their very awareness of the pitfalls makes a let..

Notebook: Tauscher Probable; Injury List Shortens

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:32:33 CST

Offensive tackle Mark Tauscher sat out practice on Wednesday and Thursday with his ankle injury but returned for the early portion of Friday's practice and is listed as probable for Sunday's game.

Tauscher hurt his ankle in the second half of last week's win over Minnesota and was putting in a lot of time in rehab this week to heal up. Head Coach Mike McCarthy said he just wanted to use the opening jog-through portion of Friday's practice to gauge how Tauscher was moving around, and everything seemed OK.

With 48 hours between the end of Friday's practice and Sunday's kickoff, McCarthy said he anticipates Tauscher playing, and Tauscher said he has no doubts he'll be ready to go.

"It went all right," Tauscher said of his brief workout in practice. "You want to just try to get as must rest as you can on it, but you have to do some stuff to make sure that you're able to function, and I'm definitely able to do that."

Normally it's difficult for players ..

Low-Key Sanders Leads High-Energy Defense

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:28:49 CST

When he walked off the field last Sunday looking at a zero underneath "Vikings" on the Lambeau Field scoreboard, Packers defensive coordinator Bob Sanders would have been forgiven if a few demonstrative fist pumps had overridden his stoic, down-to-earth demeanor for a second or two.

After all, in seven seasons as an NFL assistant, including the last three with the Packers, Sanders had never been part of a shutout. And the fact that it came less than a year after many fans and media were questioning whether the first-year coordinator was cut out to run an NFL defense clearly validated Head Coach Mike McCarthy's belief in him.

But even a momentary outburst like that, however positive and deserved, would have been too out-of-character for Sanders. Just as any headset throwing, clipboard breaking or foot stomping last year when some of those opponent scores at Lambeau read 34, 35 and 38 wouldn't have fit the way Sanders goes about his job.

Professional football..

Notebook: Jenkins Brothers To Meet Again

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:26:34 CST

Because they play the same position, they won't exactly be knocking heads on the field Sunday, but the game will be special to the Jenkins brothers nonetheless.

Green Bay's Cullen and Carolina's Kris, both defensive tackles, will take the same field Sunday for the first time since the 2004 season opener, when the Packers beat Carolina on a Monday night. (The Packers played in Carolina again in 2005, but Kris was injured and did not play.)

In that 2004 opener, Kris had four tackles and a sack, while Cullen, playing in his first game as a Packer, had two tackles. But that's almost ancient history in terms of the sibling rivalry. Back then, Cullen was still trying to find his place on the team, while the older Kris already had been to two Pro Bowls.

Fast forward to now, and Cullen has entrenched himself as Green Bay's starting defensive end whose strong 2006 season earned him his first multi-year contract this past winter, and he's not necessarily referred to ..

Matchup Of 'Ageless Wonders' Would Make History

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:54:45 CST

For all the talk about his age, it's possible Brett Favre may be the young pup at the quarterback position on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Carolina Panthers haven't made a final decision, but 44-year-old Vinny Testaverde could get the nod at quarterback on Sunday. David Carr, who has been recovering from a concussion, is not on Carolina's injury report this week and is practicing, but Carolina coach John Fox is calling the quarterback situation "day-to-day."

If it is Testaverde, who has started three games this season, he and Favre would combine to form the oldest starting quarterback duo in NFL history. Testaverde just turned 44 on Tuesday and will be 44 years, 5 days old on Sunday. Favre will be 38 years, 39 days old, making the two a combined 82 years, 44 days old at kickoff.

"Whatever the jokes are, they're good," Favre said. "Because we're still playing and that says a lot.

"I remember when I was going up against all the older guys. It makes y..

Packers Continue To Prepare For Future With Land Acquisition

Aaron Popkey, Packers.com — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:27:47 CST

The Green Bay Packers have finalized a few pieces of real estate business in preparation for long-range plans that may be needed to meet any future challenges as the NFL continues to evolve.

First, the team acquired land on Ridge Road north of Kroll's Restaurant that previously had been leased to the organization to provide parking space. Then the team entered into a partnership with Jim Strohschein of Management Enterprises, Inc., to own Sidelines Sports Bar and the K-Mart property west of Lambeau Field.

According to Jason Wied, Packers vice president of administration/corporate counsel, the parking space will still be used as such, while the businesses on the additional land will continue their current operations. Plans for the near future don't involve any changes in how that land is being used.

"We don't know what the future holds," said Jason Wied, "but we felt it was prudent to be in position, land-wise, to be flexible and ready for whatever is the ne..

'Big Five' Adds Offensive Wrinkle

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:30:15 CST

Just prior to receiver Koren Robinson's reinstatement from a year-long suspension, quarterback Brett Favre talked about how Robinson could add another dimension to the Packers' passing game.

Last Sunday, the offense revealed that extra dimension.

Called "Big Five," a five-wide receiver alignment was used for the first time this season, featuring Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Ruvell Martin and Robinson all split out (three on one side, two on the other) with an empty backfield and Favre in the shotgun.

It's a formation the Packers employed only a handful of times, but with the Minnesota Vikings missing their top cover corner in Antoine Winfield with an injury, "Big Five" forced the defense to dig deep into a depleted secondary to account for all the downfield threats.

"That's like a college-type formation," Martin said. "To get into that, we're just out there having a blast."

The intent is all about finding a matchup to exploit..

Notebook: McCarthy Still Keeping Team Grounded

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:42:13 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said it in his first talk with the team back in the spring of 2006. He said it again after he lost his first game as a head coach 26-0. And he continues to say it now, with his team leading the NFC North by two games.

"The biggest challenge that we'll have here is handling success," is the familiar refrain.

So far, so good.

Since a 4-8 start to his head coaching career, McCarthy has won 12 of his last 13 games, and with an 8-1 record in 2007, his Packers are tied for the best record in the NFC with the Dallas Cowboys.

But McCarthy's level-headed approach to his job has kept his team grounded, both in bad times and in good. No one was jumping ship in early December last year, and no one is getting too full of themselves at midseason this year either.

"I think it's human nature when people are throwing you flowers and saying a lot of nice things, you can kind of take a step back and have an attitude of trying to smel..

Colledge, Spitz Try To Lock Down Guard Spots

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:50:07 CST

If Sunday's game is any indication of how Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz are going to handle adversity, the Packers' offensive guard situation may soon work itself out for the rest of the season.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy made it known last week that he wasn't too thrilled with the play of his two young guards lately and if they didn't start performing better, he would be forced to find other people who would.

Though the coaches still have to view the game film, one would think that helping your team in doubling up the opponent in the time of possession battle and assisting a running back in going over the 100-yard mark would certainly qualify for improved play from the offensive line, particularly at the guard spots.

That, of course, is a good thing for Colledge and Spitz, who both only entered the league last season, but also have plenty of experience in starting the majority of games since then.

In other words, though they are both young by l..

Grant Upstages Peterson In RB Battle

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:49:26 CST

If Adrian Peterson was supposed to be the superstar in Sunday's game, somebody forgot to send Ryan Grant the memo.

Peterson, who set the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards in last week's defeat of San Diego, entered with a 6.6-yards per carry average. Just as impressive, the rookie runner had amassed 1,036 rushing yards in just eight games.

Grant, on the other hand, came in with a 4.0-yard average and less than 200 yards rushing on the season, and Minnesota's defense was second in the league against the run allowing an average of only 70 yards per contest. The Vikings hadn't given up a 100-yard rushing performance to a single back all season.

Certainly by most accounts, it appeared that this matchup favored the Vikings.

But it just goes to show that you can throw statistics out the window once the game starts. After all, it only took one quarter for Grant to blow past the 70-yard mark and a little over two quarters to top 100 yards. <..

Game Review: Packers Put On Best Performance Yet

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:47:55 CST

Folks of all types surrounding the Packers' organization - coaches, players, media, fans and the like - have been waiting for the team to play a complete football game.

If Sunday wasn't it, it was about as close as anyone could expect.

The Packers thoroughly dominated NFC North rival Minnesota with an efficient, ball-control offense and stifling defense to blow out the Vikings 34-0 in front of 70,945, the largest regular-season crowd ever at Lambeau Field.

"It's not as good as it gets, but it's as good as we've been this year as far as that goes," center Scott Wells said. "It's close."

With the win, the Packers improved to 8-1 for the first time since 2002 and remained in first place in the division, two games ahead of the Detroit Lions, who lost to Arizona to fall to 6-3. The Packers also remained tied with the Dallas Cowboys, winners over the New York Giants in a key NFC East matchup, for the top record in the NFC.

The defense recorded G..

Notebook: Martin Has First Two-TD Day

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:48:38 CST

With the emergence of rookie James Jones and the return of the reinstated Koren Robinson, Ruvell Martin had slid into the background a bit in the Packers' receiving corps.

But the second-year pro showed his still a viable option for quarterback Brett Favre, notching his first career two-touchdown game in Sunday's 34-0 win over Minnesota.

Martin caught four passes for 57 yards in all, beginning with a 25-yarder out of a five-wide receiver set that helped set up a field goal midway through the second quarter.

The Packers caught the Vikings off-guard a bit with the five-wide alignment, which featured Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jones, Robinson and Martin all split out, with an empty backfield and Favre in the shotgun. The first time they showed it came on fourth-and-3 on the offense's opening possession, and the Vikings called a timeout before Robinson made a clutch catch-and-dive to keep the first touchdown drive alive.

"I mean, five-wide? That was..

Changes Made On Packers Executive Committee

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:25:53 CST

The Green Bay Packers' Executive Committee recently underwent some changes in its makeup with Vice President John Fabry taking of leave of absence, due to health issues, from the committees on which he served. He will continue to be an active member of the Board.

Peter Platten assumes the position of Vice President and Carl Kuehne assumes Platten's former position as Secretary. Bob Gallagher has been named to the Executive Committee as Member to fill out the seven-member committee. These moves were approved at the quarterly Board meeting in October.

"Due to some health reasons, I have decided to take a leave of absence from my role at the committee level on the Packers' Board of Directors," said Fabry. "The committee work is a very important responsibility and, currently, I am not able to devote the time necessary to that commitment. I will continue to be an active member of the Board of Directors, just not at the committee l..

AP Story: Packers Sink Vikings 34-0

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:07:02 CST

His teammates thought he might be faking it to draw a penalty. His coach was more concerned and started calling for backup.

Brett Favre was feeling woozy after taking an elbow to the head in the third quarter. That didn't stop him from driving the Packers to yet another touchdown in a 34-0 rout of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

"I don't want to say it was a concussion, I'm not a doctor," Favre said. "But I was a little woozy when I stood up. I was well aware of what was going on, but I was a little light on the foot."

Favre passed another milestone Sunday, joining Dan Marino as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for more than 60,000 career yards. But unlike the last two weeks, the Packers (8-1) didn't need a thrilling home-run heave from Favre at the end of the game to win.

Instead, the Packers' defense roughed up rookie running back Adrian Peterson and kept the Vikings out of the end zone.

One week after his record-setting 29..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:21:28 CST

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

This Week's Photos

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

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

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes a yearly retreat to Lambeau, a Packers fan by birth, a young family's first time together at Lambeau and some California Packers fans.

Pass Rush Has Paid Dividends vs. Minnesota

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:44:27 CST

If, as expected, Brooks Bollinger starts at quarterback for Minnesota on Sunday at Lambeau Field, he will become the fourth different starter at that position for the Vikings in their last four games against the Packers.

But if there's been one constant in Green Bay's previous three victories in the series, it's that the Packers have gotten steady pressure on the quarterback, no matter who it's been.

When it was Brad Johnson on Nov. 12, 2006, the defense racked up four sacks. Against Tarvaris Jackson on Dec. 21, it was three sacks, all by Aaron Kampman. And earlier this season, facing Kelly Holcomb on Sept. 30, it was four more sacks.

What's been the secret? Well, it's not as though the Packers are going to reveal it, even if they could pinpoint it. But the truth is, they haven't really stopped to think about how they've compiled 11 sacks against the same foe in three games.

"I wish I knew," Kampman said. "Obviously we'd like to see that happen aga..

Notebook: Coston's Health Could Factor Into Guard Decision

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:43:47 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy might have his decision on which two guards to start on Sunday made for him.

With Junius Coston still limited in practice by an ankle injury, McCarthy said on Friday that "if we had played the game today," Daryn Colledge and Jason Spitz would have started at left and right guard, respectively.

Coston is listed as probable on the injury report and McCarthy wants to see how he's feeling on Sunday before making a final decision. But he did indicate the health status of Coston likely would factor into who starts, saying in essence he wouldn't start Coston if he's not at full strength.

Coston is a right guard while Colledge is a left guard, and Spitz plays both. So if Coston, who was the starter from Week 2 through Week 5 before injuring the ankle, is healthy enough and gets the nod, it's unclear who would start at left guard.

In any case, it's been a frustrating week for Coston, who would have been given every opportunity to re..

Offense Still Striving To Improve

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:20:02 CST

The progress the Green Bay Packers' offense has made in the past two weeks certainly bodes well for the second half of the season.

In difficult road victories at Denver and Kansas City, the Packers found some production in their running game and have proven to be a threat with their vertical passing game.

But if there's one thing that keeps the 7-1 Packers hungry and working hard, it's that they know there's still plenty more progress to be made. As Head Coach Mike McCarthy has said often, this team hasn't played its best football.

That's particularly true on the offensive side when, as tough as Invesco Field at Mile High and Arrowhead Stadium are to visit, the team left so many opportunities on the table in the two wins.

"None of us offensively should feel complacent right now, because we're so inconsistent," quarterback Brett Favre said. "And that's weekly. Whether it be penalties, a lapse in the running game, third-and-1 or third downs period, o..

Packers Get Second Crack At Peterson

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:40:32 CST

Minnesota rookie running back Adrian Peterson is being compared to, well, a lot of guys these days.

He's been mentioned often in the same sentence as Eric Dickerson, not just because the two share an upright, powerful running style, but also because Peterson, with 1,036 yards through eight games, is on pace to break Dickerson's single-season rushing record for a rookie (1,808) and nearly on pace to break Dickerson's single-season record for any back (2,105).

In the Packers' locker room on Wednesday, at least two other names came up. The first was courtesy of defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, previously with the St. Louis Rams, who has felt like he's watching a former teammate in viewing film to prepare to face Peterson this Sunday.

"He'll bounce it to the outside, he can go to the inside, he can go anywhere," Pickett said. "Nobody can let up because he can hit anywhere on the field, and I haven't seen a back like that in a while, since I watched Marshall Faulk..

Notebook: Offense Looking For Best Guard Combo

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:39:36 CST

The Packers are trying to shore up the interior of their offensive line, and Head Coach Mike McCarthy said this week he's rotating players at the guard spots to try to find the best combination.

The coaching staff was not happy with the guard play in last week's win over Kansas City, particularly with the amount of pressure allowed up the middle in the passing game.
Second-year pros Daryn Colledge, Tony Moll and Jason Spitz all played at guard in that game, while third-year man Junius Coston missed his third straight game with an ankle injury.

In practice on Wednesday, the Packers worked primarily three different guard combinations - Colledge on the left side and Coston on the right, Colledge left and Spitz right, and Coston right and Spitz left. Moll is back on the injury report this week with a neck problem and is limited in practice, while rookie Allen Barbre is also in the mix but not taking as many snaps as the other three.

"It's not ideal," McCart..

Packers At Lambeau Field Ranked No. 1 In Sports Illustrated's Game Day Experience Poll

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:37:42 CST

In a recent Sports Illustrated poll on SI.com rating the game day atmosphere for each NFL team, the experience of seeing the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field ranked first.

Fans were asked to grade every aspect of the game day experience, including ticket prices, team performance, tailgating, stadium atmosphere and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The poll gathered over 17,000 responses from around the country, with the league's longest-tenured stadium taking top honors.

Described by fans as a "religious experience", Lambeau Field remains a living shrine to what football is all about.

"For all the glitz and money the NFL exudes nowadays," the article said, "football's heart is still on that 'frozen tundra,' where tough guys grapple with each other while fans warm themselves on cold bleachers with hot chocolate and full-th..

Letters To Lee Remmel

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:41:11 CST

Which Packer has appeared in the most movies? I know Brett Favre was in "There's Something About Mary" and Ray Nitschke had cameos in "Head" (A movie about The Monkees directed by Jack Nicholson) and Burt Reynolds' "The Longest Yard". Anybody else? - Jeff, San Antonio

Dear Jeff: Our research suggests that Alan Autry, a quarterback-turned-actor, has appeared in more feature films than any other Packers player. Warren Gerds, Green Bay Press-Gazette critic, confirms that Autry, a Packer in 1975-76 under the name of Carlos Brown, has appeared in four feature films: "That Close Range," "North Dallas Forty," "Southern Comfort" and "Popeye."

Autry-Brown, who apparently has had much more cinematic exposure than any other Packer "alumnus," also has been featured in a number of television series, among them 'In the Heat of the Night," "Sons of Thunder," which was a spinoff of "Walker, Texas Ranger," "Grace Under Fire" and "Gib."

As you recalled, Ray Nitschk..

Precise Route-Running Vital To Vertical Game

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:20:13 CST

To complete deep passes, as the Packers have begun to do with stunning frequency the past couple of games, obviously requires near-pinpoint accuracy from Brett Favre. But that's not all.

It also requires well-executed pass routes, and what the receivers need to do to make a deep route succeed is far more involved than just taking off and running as far and as fast as they can.

Sure, it doesn't appear overly complicated. When you see the replay of Greg Jennings outrunning Denver cornerback Dre Bly down the sideline for a game-winning 82-yard TD in overtime, or him blowing past Kansas City linebacker Donnie Edwards while splitting two safeties for a 60-yard TD last Sunday, it looks simple enough. And on that given play, it is.

But the reason coaches and players talk so much about route-running, and why it's practiced and evaluated on film every day, derives from this key principle - the deep route has to look like every other downfield route (a hitch, an out,..

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

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:14:28 CST

Notebook: Rouse Stepping In For Injured Collins

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:46:14 CST

The news on safety Nick Collins' injured knee wasn't as bad as feared, but the third-year pro will be out at least a couple of weeks and rookie Aaron Rouse will be taking his place in the starting lineup.

Collins injured his knee early in the third quarter in Kansas City on Sunday, getting his feet caught underneath him while making a tackle on Chiefs receiver Samie Parker. Collins' leg was bent backward in rather awkward fashion, but further tests on Monday at Bellin Health MRI determined the injury is a knee sprain that will keep Collins out only temporarily.

"It looked a lot worse on film," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "The MRI was positive, because we all figured the worst the way he went down."

Collins was replaced by Rouse, a third-round draft choice this past April out of Virginia Tech, for the rest of Sunday's game. Rouse was credited with three tackles, two on receivers and one against the run, in his first extended action with the defense.
..

Notebook: D-Line Keeps Pressure On

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:13:47 CST

KANSAS CITY - The pass rush early set the tone for the game, and the pass rush late helped seal it.

The Packers sacked Kansas City quarterback Damon Huard a season-high five times in Sunday's 33-22 victory, with all five sacks being recorded by defensive linemen for 40 lost yards. Considering the defensive line was also primarily responsible for holding Larry Johnson to just 53 yards on 19 carries (2.8 avg.) it was a pretty good day for the guys up front.

"You look at our front four, they're unbelievable," linebacker A.J. Hawk said. "They can get pressure with four guys. Most teams can't do that, and that's what makes them so great.

"I haven't been around a group of D-linemen like that who can get that type of pressure and be so stout against the run."

Corey Williams and Aaron Kampman each had a sack on the Chiefs' first two possessions. Both sacks came on third down, forcing punts. Williams notched his second sack midway through the second quarter..

Game Review: See-Saw Finish Produces Another Win

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:13:11 CST

KANSAS CITY - Another wild ending, another uplifting victory for the Green Bay Packers. And this one might have been the wildest yet.

The Packers and Chiefs combined for a whopping 35 points in a back-and-forth fourth quarter, and Green Bay accounted for the last 17 of those in the final 3 minutes, 5 seconds, to knock off Kansas City 33-22 in front of 78,988 at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.

The lead changed hands four times in the final period, but as the Packers have made a habit of doing in 2007, they found yet another way to win, this time using a 60-yard touchdown bomb from Brett Favre to Greg Jennings to take the lead for good and a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown by Charles Woodson to ice it.

"We're seeing what we're built of and made of," said Jennings, who had two TDs on the day. "Coming down the stretch and getting big wins like this in clutch moments of the game, key points of the game, just being able to execute, it says a lot about th..

Woodson Comes Up Big In Clutch

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 12:13:27 CST

KANSAS CITY - Charles Woodson is never one to let penalties or mistakes bother him, because if he ever gets his hands on the ball, he knows he can make up for it.

With the Packers trying to protect their late lead, Woodson ripped off a 27-yard punt return to set up a field goal and then returned an interception 46 yards for the game-clinching touchdown in Green Bay's 33-22 victory over Kansas City on Sunday.

Up until his big plays late, Woodson was having a rather non-descript day. He had been flagged three times, once each for defensive holding, illegal contact and pass interference. The illegal contact had been declined, and the pass interference was a questionable call against Samie Parker that gave Kansas City 25 yards and set up a fourth-quarter touchdown.

But he made everyone forget those errors in the final two-plus minutes on Sunday.

With the Chiefs trailing 23-22 and punting from their own 15, Woodson fielded Dustin Colquitt's punt at his ..

AP Story: Packers Win 33-22 In K.C.

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 14:04:03 CST

Add one more rare distinction to Brett Favre's glittering resume.

The Green Bay quarterback hit Greg Jennings for a 60-yard touchdown pass with 3:05 to go and the Packers beat Kansas City 33-22 Sunday, giving Favre victories over each of the other 31 teams in the league.

It's a career milestone that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady achieved just one week before.

The Chiefs (4-4) had taken a 22-16 lead with 5:18 left on Damon Huard's 17-yard pass to Tony Gonzalez and a 2-point conversion run by Priest Holmes, who came in when Larry Johnson injured his foot a few minutes earlier.

Jennings, whose 82-yard touchdown catch on the first play of overtime lifted Green Bay (7-1) past Denver six days earlier, went streaking down the middle of the field. He beat Patrick Surtain and Donnie Edwards for the Packers' sixth straight road win.

Mason Crosby added a 45-yard field goal and, with 59 seconds to go, Charles Woodson intercepted Huard's pass and w..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:30:02 CST

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

This Week's Photos

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

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

Hey Packers fans, here's your chance to share your favorite memories of the Green and Gold with other fans from around the world! This week's edition includes family trips to Lambeau Field, a Christmas gift for dad and a young couple enjoying the Green Bay brats.

Jones Quietly, Patiently Redeems Himself

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:09:30 CST

By all accounts, the rookie handled it like a polished pro.

Three games ago, receiver James Jones fumbled twice on receptions against the Chicago Bears, two early turnovers that proved costly in the Packers' only loss thus far.

But he didn't hide from the media. He didn't blame anyone but himself. He didn't dwell on the mistakes and simply went back to work.

But he also, like anyone in that situation, was privately waiting for a shot at redemption.

"After the fumbles, you wish you had a game the next day to redeem yourself," Jones said. "You just have to learn how to put it behind you and just go on to the next play and the next game and keep on playing."

Jones did that, but just as the fumbles tested his mettle in his first NFL season, the wait tested his patience a bit as well.

Lost in the shuffle of the defense's superb second half in the 17-14 victory over Washington on Oct. 14 was that in his first game since the fumbles, Jon..

Notebook: Pickett Says He's Good To Go

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:11:34 CST

Ryan Pickett is listed as questionable on the injury report for Sunday's game in Kansas City due to the knee injury he sustained last Monday in Denver.

But the mammoth defensive tackle has no doubts he'll be taking the field at Arrowhead Stadium.

"Not in my mind," Pickett said. "I don't know what the coaches will do, but in my mind, I can go. If I had to play today, I could play."

Pickett banged his knee a couple of times in the Denver game, but returned to play with a brace on it. The defense's key run stuffer toughed it out, even down the stretch. He tackled Denver's Jay Cutler on a quarterback draw inside the 5-yard line in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter and then sprinted off the field before the final play so the Packers wouldn't be penalized as the Broncos tied the game with a field goal.

But the knee didn't feel so hot on Tuesday, and Pickett has been limited in practice all week because of it.

"When you have an injury, the..

No Limit To Effort For Kampman

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:04:19 CST

Aaron Kampman's most recent sack describes the All-Pro defensive end, and newly anointed NFC Defensive Player of the Month, to a T.

In the fourth quarter of Monday night's game in Denver, the Broncos handed the ball on an end-around to receiver Brandon Marshall, who was looking to throw as he approached the right sideline.

Kampman had a chance to get him about 10 to 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage, but the shifty Marshall (far more mobile than most actual quarterbacks) made him miss. Kampman got up and took another dive at him, but Marshall eluded him again.

Then, with nowhere to throw the ball, Marshall took off for the middle of the field to try to gain some yardage running, and Kampman, motor still going, ran him down from behind and tackled him for a 3-yard loss.

Kampman said he's never had to work so hard for one sack in his life. "That probably takes the cake," he said. But the thing about Kampman is he'd work that hard for every sack i..