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

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:31:01 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..

Packers' 2008 Opponents Determined

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 09:53:53 CST

The opponents for all 2008 regular-season games have been determined and a complete list of each team's home and away matchups was issued today by the NFL.

The scheduling formula implemented in 2002 with realignment guarantees that all teams play each other on a regular, rotating basis.

Under the formula, every team within a division plays 16 games as follows:

-Home and away against its three division opponents (6 games).

-The four teams from another division within its conference on a rotating three-year cycle (4 games).

-The four teams from a division in the other conference on a rotating four-year cycle (4 games).

-Two intraconference games based on the prior year's standings (2 games). These games match a first-place team against the first-place teams in the two same-conference divisions the team is not scheduled to play that season. The second-place, third-place, and fourth-place teams in a conference are matched in the s..

Notebook: Coaching Staff Preparing For All Possible Opponents

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 15:16:35 CST

The Packers could play any one of three teams in the Jan. 12 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field, and the coaching staff is spending this week doing some early preparation work on all three.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that the staff has done some scouting work on Seattle already and will continue to work on Tampa Bay and the New York Giants as the week continues.

The Packers will play Seattle on Jan. 12 if the Seahawks beat Washington next Saturday in the Wild Card round. If the Redskins win, the Packers get the winner of the Sunday game between the Buccaneers and Giants.

The players have four days off this week before returning for two fundamental-oriented practices on Friday and Saturday mornings. Then the coaches will spend Saturday afternoon watching the Seattle-Washington game, and if necessary, the Tampa Bay-New York game on Sunday.

"We're just prepared for all those teams, and any unusual things that we feel we need to ..

Wait No More: Robinson Savors 1st Packers TD

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 12:40:54 CST

It may have only been two years, but for Koren Robinson, it might as well have been a lifetime ago.

Robinson, in his second season with the Packers, and his sixth overall, scored his first touchdown with the Green and Gold with 2:25 remaining in the first quarter in Sunday's win. For Robinson, it marked the first time he had scored since Dec. 11, 2005, when he rushed for a touchdown as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Needless to say, Robinson's meeting with paydirt was long overdue, which makes it all the more memorable.

"It feels great," Robinson said with a smile after the game. "I'm just glad to get it out of the way. Hopefully there are more opportunities to come. It's a special occasion."

For Robinson the 5-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter meant more to him than usual because of the path he's taken.

Robinson returned in October from a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy and he's been patient..

Notebook: Grant Falls Short, Jackson Enjoys Big Day

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 12:40:31 CST

Ryan Grant came into Sunday's game needing 101 yards to reach 1,000 on the season, and he might have gotten there had he not sustained a stinger that took him out of the game midway through the first quarter.

With a 27-yard touchdown run on Green Bay's first drive, and an 18-yard run on a draw play with the Packers backed up by their own goal line, Grant amassed 57 yards on his first six carries of the game. But after a 1-yard gain right after his 18-yard burst, Grant left the game with a stinger that caused some tingling in his left hand, and he was replaced by Brandon Jackson.

As a result, Grant came up 44 yards short of the 1,000 milestone, though he said after the game he shook out the stinger on the sideline and could have gone back in. He finished the regular season with 956 yards on 188 carries, with eight touchdowns.

Grant admitted some disappointment at not getting to 1,000, but he was genuinely excited for what he saw Jackson do in his place.
..

Game Review: Packers Back On Track, Ready For Playoffs

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 12:40:13 CST

It didn't take the Packers long to wipe the bad taste of last week's loss out of their mouths.

Barely more than a quarter, actually.

In their 34-13 victory over Detroit at Lambeau Field on Sunday, the Packers quickly accomplished their goals of getting back on track and gathering some momentum for the upcoming playoffs. They also matched a franchise record with their 13th regular-season win.

Touchdown drives of 62, 97 and 41 yards the first three times they touched the ball gave the Packers a commanding 21-3 lead less than a minute into the second quarter. That began the liberal substituting that allowed several starters to get extra rest heading into this week's playoff bye, and in the process turned last week's 35-7 blowout in Chicago into ancient history.

"You have to have a short memory and be able to come out the next week and play as hard as you can," running back Ryan Grant said. "That's what we were able to do. We wanted to start fast, we w..

Packers To Play Sat., Jan. 12, at 3:30 p.m. CT

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:05:41 CST

The NFL has announced that the Packers' divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field will be on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 3:30 p.m. CT.

As the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Packers (13-3) have a first-round bye in the playoffs and then will play either the No. 3, 4 or 5 seed at Lambeau Field. Those teams, respectively, are Seattle, Tampa Bay and the New York Giants.

Seattle will host a wild-card game against Washington on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 3:30 p.m. CT. Should the Seahawks win, they would come to Green Bay to play the Packers.

If Washington wins, the Redskins would go to No. 1 seed Dallas on Sunday, Jan. 13, for a 3:30 p.m. CT kickoff. On Jan. 12, the Packers would play the winner of the Tampa Bay-New York game, which is in Tampa on Sunday, Jan. 6, at noon CT.

The AFC divisional games are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. CT at New England, and Sunday, Jan. 13, at noon CT in Indianapolis.

Both conference championship games are scheduled f..

AP Story: Packers Tame Lions, 34-13

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:35:21 CST

The Green Bay Packers didn't have to choose between playing it safe and playing to win on Sunday. The Packers finished their turnaround regular season with a 34-13 victory over the Detroit Lions while resting several key players for the playoffs.

Brett Favre extended his quarterback-record consecutive starts streak to 253 games, but even he didn't keep his helmet strapped on for very long. Favre led the Packers (13-3) to touchdowns on their first three possessions before handing the ball to backup Craig Nall in the second quarter.

Many of Favre's most prominent teammates didn't dress for Sunday's game and weren't really needed to beat Detroit (7-9) and tie a franchise record for most victories in a season.

The Lions delivered an uninspired performance in what might have been their last game with Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator.

Having already clinched the NFC's No. 2 playoff seed, the Packers rested top wide receivers Donald Driver an..

40 Years Ago: "The Ice Bowl"

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:49:15 CST

In a 2007 NFL season filled with memorable games, the 40th anniversary of one of professional football's seminal games is fast approaching - the 1967 NFL Championship dubbed forevermore as the "Ice Bowl."

Forty years ago this New Year's Eve day, Green Bay defeated Dallas, 21-17, in the coldest NFL game on record.

The Cowboys came to Green Bay as upstarts seeking their first NFL title and had the momentum of a 52-14 win over Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Championship Game the week before. Dallas also had gained experience from its narrow 34-27 loss to Green Bay in the 1966 NFL Championship.

The Packers entered the contest as two-time defending NFL champions, but they were not the same club that had dominated the league in the early and mid-1960s. They were older, had struggled to a 9-4-1 record, and were without future Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs Paul Hornung, who had retired, and Jim..

Barbre Looks To Get In The Mix

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:35:18 CST

With the ongoing competition at the left guard spot along the offensive line, it's fair to say Sunday's regular-season finale will determine whether second-year pro Daryn Colledge or third-year man Junius Coston will be the Packers' starter there for the playoffs.

But with all the substituting and rotating likely to go on in a game that can't change Green Bay's playoff position, there's another prospect at left guard who might get a chance to throw his hat into the ring for 2008 a little early.

Rookie Allen Barbre could get his share of snaps at left guard on Sunday as well, depending on how the substitution patterns play out.

For instance, if the coaching staff decides to rest left tackle Chad Clifton, Colledge could slide over into his spot, and if right guard Jason Spitz takes a breather, Coston might jump in there. That would result in a call to Barbre, the fourth-round draft choice out of Missouri Southern State.

"We haven't even really talked..

Notebook: Jackson Ready For More Action

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:37:00 CST

During the bye week back in October, when the Packers coaching staff went through their self-scouting process of analyzing videotape of every game snap to that point in the season, Head Coach Mike McCarthy noted that he actually felt sorry for rookie running back Brandon Jackson.

The young kid really didn't have anywhere to run.

Jackson's inexperience showed at times as well as the Packers struggled mightily to run the ball. But while the ground game has improved in the season's second half with better blocking and the emergence of Ryan Grant, Jackson hasn't had much chance to show how much he has improved.

He should get that chance on Sunday.

Jackson is expected to handle a fairly significant workload against Detroit as the Packers will be resting starters and rotating several young players through the lineup.

"I would like to get him a number of carries, and let him have the opportunity to have success," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "I..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:27:07 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 return home for a service member, a 50th birthday surprise, and a family's Christmas Day spent at Lambeau Field, battling the elements.

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

3 Years Later, Nall Could Get Another Chance

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:20:09 CST

Sunday will mark three years, almost to the day, since Craig Nall last played in an NFL regular-season game.

And while Nall looks forward to the opportunity to spell Brett Favre against Detroit this week - which looks like a decent possibility with Aaron Rodgers' lingering hamstring injury - it's another reminder that he was supposed to have moved beyond this by now.

When Nall left the Packers following the 2005 season, he signed with the Buffalo Bills for a chance to compete for their starting quarterback job. But a pulled hamstring on the second day of training camp in 2006 thwarted those plans, and after a year as the Bills' No. 3 quarterback, and a few months this season bouncing between Buffalo and Houston as injury insurance at the position, Nall is back in Green Bay still looking to get on the field for the first time since the 2004 regular-season finale in Chicago.

That game, on Jan. 2, 2005, at Soldier Field, along with other productive backup perf..

Players Eager To Bounce Back, Build Momentum

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:43:48 CST

This week's regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions can't affect anything in the official sense as far as the upcoming playoffs for the Packers, but the players feel it can accomplish two valuable goals.

One is to bounce back from the disastrous game in Chicago and perform in such a way that the defeat is placed even further in, if not erased from, the rear-view mirror. The other is create some positive vibes, some momentum, heading into the bye week prior to the team's first playoff game on either Jan. 12 or 13.

"Bill Russell came and spoke to us one time when Mike Sherman was here, and he said, 'If you're going to play the game, you might as well win it,'" defensive end Aaron Kampman said. "It's kind of the same motivation. It's on the schedule.

"We have a chance to go out and hopefully get a victory and get some momentum. We had a game last week that didn't go our way, so it will be a chance for us to kind of get things back in the right order." ..

Notebook: Lions Plenty Motivated

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:44:36 CST

The Detroit Lions have seen a promising season slip away, and they enter Sunday's regular-season finale at Lambeau Field out of the NFC playoff picture.

But that's not to say the Lions are devoid of motivation.

Much like the Packers had several important goals in front of them heading into their regular-season finale in Chicago last year, the Lions have their share this week as well.

At 7-8 and coming off a victory over Kansas City, Detroit has a chance to end the season on a two-game winning streak, a much more palatable finish after a six-game losing streak derailed the team following a 6-2 start.

The Lions also have a chance to break a string of six straight losing seasons if they can finish 8-8.

And perhaps most significantly, they have a chance for their first win on Wisconsin soil in 16 years, having lost 16 straight contests in this state (three in Milwaukee, 13 in Green Bay, including one in the postseason) dating back to a 21-17 d..

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

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:06:31 CST

Notebook: Team Must Clean Up, Move On To Detroit

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:31:46 CST

Much was made of the horrendous weather conditions in Chicago on Sunday, but what Head Coach Mike McCarthy saw result from those conditions were several fundamental breakdowns that will be the focus of the team's preparation for the regular-season finale against Detroit.

"Fundamentally, I thought our pad level was poor," McCarthy said. "We had a number of breakdowns just in technique, and we did a number of things that just were not characteristic of our football team."

McCarthy is a firm believer that football games are won and lost over the fundamentals - blocking, tackling, and the like. What the whipping winds and cold weather did Sunday, in his opinion, was distract the players to an extent they lost focus on the fundamentals.

That, more than anything in terms of Green Bay's play, led to Chicago's 139 rushing yards and two blocked punts, and the Packers' fumbled snaps and dropped passes.

"I'd say the biggest lesson that we will learn from, bec..

Notebook: Grant Breaks 2 Big Runs, Little Else

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:39:50 CST

CHICAGO - When Ryan Grant cut back through Chicago's defensive line for a 24-yard run on the Packers' first offensive play on Sunday, it looked like it might be a good day for a ground game taking on added importance in the cold, blustery conditions.

But, like most everything else for the Packers at Soldier Field on Sunday, it didn't work out.

Grant did rip off a 66-yard touchdown run in the second quarter on another nice cutback, but other than those two runs, Green Bay's feature back was held to just 10 yards on 12 carries. Grant finished with his fifth 100-yard game of the season, at exactly 100 yards on 14 rushes, but that didn't mean much in the 35-7 defeat.

"We were pretty hit-or-miss," offensive tackle Mark Tauscher said. "Our stats will look fine, but I think when you look at the grand scheme of thing we weren't as effective as we needed to be, and we put ourselves in positions where we weren't going to be effective converting third downs."

Wind Whips Up Rough Day For Ryan

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:39:32 CST

CHICAGO - For all the positive impact the Packers' special teams have made lately, there were seemingly nothing but struggles on Sunday.

"We did some awful things, and those things cost us dearly," special teams coach Mike Stock said.

Those awful things made for a forgettable day for punter Jon Ryan, who fumbled one snap, had two punts blocked, and had another shank off his shin in the 35-7 loss to the Bears.

The key culprit was the wind. Ryan struggled catching Rob Davis' long punt snaps that were being pushed sideways as much as 2 or 3 yards by winds that gusted up to 40 miles per hour, and the timing on virtually every punt was messed up as a result.

On his first punt of the day, Ryan said he "over-thought" the situation, knowing the wind was going to move the snap and make him rush to get it off, and as a result he dropped the ball, getting tackled just after picking it up.

Then on his next attempt, punting from near his own goal line,..

Game Review: Loss Freezes Packers Out Of NFC's Top Spot

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:39:13 CST

CHICAGO - If the Green Bay Packers are going to reach the Super Bowl this season, they'll have to do it as a No. 2 playoff seed.

The Dallas Cowboys' victory on Saturday night coupled with Green Bay's 35-7 loss at division rival Chicago on Sunday has locked the Packers (12-3) into the NFC's second seed for the postseason. Green Bay will have a first-round bye and a home game on Jan. 12 or 13, but should the Packers get a rematch with the Cowboys (13-2) in the NFC Championship, they'll have to play it in Dallas.

But before the Packers can even entertain such thoughts, they'll have to rebound, starting with the regular-season finale against Detroit next Sunday, from by far their ugliest performance of 2007.

"We have to worry about Detroit before we can worry about anything else," linebacker Nick Barnett said. "We've got work to do."

With temperatures in the teens and winds whipping off Lake Michigan at anywhere from 20 to 40 miles per hour, the Packer..

AP Story: Packers Fall To Bears, 35-7

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:06:29 CST

No tears for Brett Favre this time, just frustration.

And Green Bay can forget about the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Brian Urlacher returned an interception for a touchdown for the first time in his career, Adrian Peterson ran for 102 yards, and the Chicago Bears beat the Packers 35-7 on a frigid Sunday afternoon. The loss wiped out the Packers' shot at home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Packers needed to win this game, beat Detroit next week and have Dallas lose to Washington to capture the No. 1 seed. Instead, it goes to the Cowboys, with Green Bay locked in at No. 2.

Favre was at his worst on a bone-chilling, windy and at times snowy afternoon, and the Packers (12-3) took their most lopsided loss of the season.

He passed for just 9 yards in the first half and 153 overall, giving him 4,058 this season and putting him over the 4,000-yard mark for the fifth time.

He was 17-for-32 and threw two interceptions. Alex Brown p..

Notebook: Pickett Questionable, But Feels Ready

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:34:18 CST

Run-stuffing defensive tackle Ryan Pickett is listed as questionable on this week's injury report with a groin injury, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Pickett feels ready to play and could get the go-ahead come game time Sunday.

"He feels very good about the progress that he's made throughout the week," McCarthy said. "Ryan wants to play, he feels that he's ready to play, and (doctor) Pat McKenzie is a little more cautious at this point. We'll take him all the way to the game because we still have two days left."

At 340 pounds in the middle of the defensive line, Pickett is the anchor to the Packers' run defense because he either gets a good push at the line of scrimmage when single-blocked, or he takes up two blockers to free up teammates to make tackles.

McCarthy said he's been a consistent performer against the run, but if potentially wet weather conditions move in over the weekend at Soldier Field, that could factor into whether or not he plays. Picke..

Team's Depth Has Produced Various Heroes

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:34:04 CST

Whether the Pro Bowl voting is a true measure or not, the Green Bay Packers have their share of stars who have propelled the team to what could result in its best regular-season record ever.

But one of the keys to the current 12-2 mark, and an illustration of the depth on the team's 53-man roster, has been the emergence of various, and in some cases unexpected, heroes in virtually every game. Sometimes it's the boost from those players further down the depth chart that make the difference, and that's been true for the Packers in 2007.

"I think anytime one of your players on the 53 takes his level of performance to another level, it gives you a lift," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said. "It's nice when the players from within are improving, and that's really what we feel is one of the foundations of our success this year with our players, particularly improving from Year 1 to Year 2."

That said, here's a look week-by-week at an emerging star from each of this sea..

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:34:28 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 pre-game greeting from Brett Favre, an anniversary surprise, an internet meet-up, a special trip with dad, and a Vince Lombardi look-alike.

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

Francies Stays Strong Through Tough Loss

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:45:33 CST

TEAMMATES VOTE HIM ED BLOCK COURAGE AWARD WINNER

Chris Francies doesn't have the easiest job in the world to begin with, and it certainly hasn't gotten any easier this year.

A wide receiver on the Packers' practice squad, Francies can be overloaded with assignments on any given day - playing cornerback on the scout team defense during the jog-through portion of practice, running routes as a receiver on the scout team offense during team drills, and studying film and the playbook to be prepared for an elevation to the active roster should someone get hurt late in the week.

All this while not really knowing week-to-week, or even day-to-day, whether he'll continue to have a job. A need at another position, or the uncovering of a developmental prospect, could signal at the drop of a hat his exit from the team, and perhaps the NFL.

And this season, during which Francies was active for two games in Weeks 2-3 before returning to the practice squad..

Q&A With Greg Jennings

Mike Donnelly, NFLPLAYERS.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:18:16 CST

Q: You had a solid rookie season in 2006 and have made even bigger strides this year. What has been the big difference for you personally this season as you continue putting up big numbers?
A: I think the big difference is the growth in relationships with everyone on the team. Specifically, my friendship with Brett (Favre) and the receiving corps.

Q: Was there a point last season when you realized that you had really made it in the NFL?
A: When I first got here and was going through the mini-camps and having some success, I think that's when it first really hit me. That, and going up against Al Harris and "Wood" (Charles Woodson) every day in camp.

**

Click here to read the entire transcript.

Notebook: Kuhn Ready As Lead FB

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:27:00 CST

Korey Hall's hip injury elevates backup fullback John Kuhn into the lead role this week, but it's not as though the second-year pro has to dust off his helmet.

Over the last several weeks, Kuhn had been getting more and more game snaps at fullback as a lead blocker, particularly on short-yardage plays, and sharing fullback responsibilities with Hall. So he's ready from both a physical and mental standpoint to be the main guy this week and probably next, depending on the progress of Hall's recovery.

"I think it's a big help," Kuhn said. "It gives me confidence personally, and I think it gives the coaches confidence to toss me in there and let me do the things they would let Korey do before he got hurt."

Kuhn noted one thing he and the offensive line have their eyes on is getting running back Ryan Grant over 1,000 yards. Grant has 799 this season, and needs 201 over the final two games to hit the milestone, which would be a remarkable achievement considering ..

Packers Preparing For Bears' Best

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:26:31 CST

The fact that the Chicago Bears have been eliminated from the NFC playoff picture doesn't change the way the Packers will prepare for them this week.

They're still a bitter rival, still possess a talented defense, and unlike Chicago's situation late last season, there's still too much at stake for Green Bay.

Some parallels can be drawn between this Sunday's game at Soldier Field and last year's on New Year's Eve. By the time the Packers took the field that night, they had been eliminated from playoff contention and were playing to go out on a good note, like the Bears (5-9) are now.

But last year Chicago had clinched the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, whereas this year the Packers still have that top seed in their sights. And for a young team that's not playoff-tested like the 2006 Bears were, having qualified for the postseason the year before, the 2007 Packers need to do everything they can to keep their momentum going as..

Players Honored, But Feel For Deserving Teammates

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:14:24 CST

The Green Bay Packers have sort of flown under the national radar much of 2007, and Tuesday's Pro Bowl selections confirmed that for the players who were selected.

While receiver Donald Driver, cornerback Al Harris and defensive end Aaron Kampman, who spoke to reporters in the locker room Tuesday afternoon (quarterback Brett Favre will hold his weekly press conference on Wednesday), are certainly honored by their inclusion, they're also a little mystified as to how a 12-2 team tied for the best record in the NFC ends up with the fourth-most representatives on the conference squad, behind Dallas (11), NFC North rival Minnesota (7), and Seattle (6).

"I guess people are overlooking us," said Driver, who is now a three-time Pro Bowler. "If you look around this locker room, there should have been nine or 10 guys that went."

To the guys who were selected, the most obvious exclusions were the three players named first alternates - linebacker Nick Barnett, cornerba..

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

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:43:14 CST

Notebook: Focus Is On Chicago

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:47:35 CST

With the Packers and Dallas Cowboys now tied for the NFC's best record at 12-2, there will be plenty of talk about fighting for the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

But Head Coach Mike McCarthy isn't going to preach about that to keep his team jazzed up to play. He's going to focus on something a little more emotional.

"I'm going to make a big deal out of beating the Chicago Bears, and everything else comes off of that," McCarthy said. "I think it's important to stay focused on the immediate target, because (if you don't) that's how you set yourself up for not playing your best football. We will be focused on the Chicago Bears."

That shouldn't be hard. The Bears handed the Packers their first loss of the season in a game Green Bay felt it should have won. Five turnovers (to just one for Chicago) negated a 439-285 advantage in total yards in a 27-20 defeat.

On top of that, Chicago is the only NFC North team to beat the Pa..

Game Review: Bye Secure, Race Tighter

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:57:26 CST

CONVINCING WIN, PLUS HELP, IMPROVES PACKERS' PLAYOFF POSITION

ST. LOUIS - While the Packers were taking care of business on Sunday in St. Louis, they were getting some help in other parts of the country.

Now, a little more help could go a heck of a long way.

Green Bay's 33-14 victory over the Rams at an Edward Jones Dome that was roughly half-full of Packers fans, combined with Seattle's loss at Carolina, clinched a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs for the Packers.

Then a few hours later, Green Bay pulled into a tie with Dallas for the best record in the NFC at 12-2 after the Cowboys fell at home to Philadelphia.

That leaves the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs a very real possibility for the Packers, though they'll need to win their last two games over Chicago and Detroit and have either Carolina or Washington beat Dallas in the next two weeks.

The Packers must finish ahead of the Cowboys ..

Notebook: Return Game Plays Big Role

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:57:59 CST

ST. LOUIS - Special teams continues to play a huge role for the Packers in 2007. One week after scoring two touchdowns on special teams, the Packers had three strong returns that all set up scores in the first half on Sunday in St. Louis.

"I think our special teams played a huge part in that because we played with favorable field position all four quarters," Head Coach Mike McCarthy said.

Koren Robinson had two of the returns on kickoffs. Robinson ran back the opening kickoff 43 yards to the Green Bay 48-yard line, and the offense took advantage of the field position to drive for a touchdown.

After the Rams tied the score, Robinson found daylight on another kickoff return, going 88 yards and stumbling at the St. Louis 13-yard line when it appeared he was headed to the end zone.

"I was trying to cut back across field, and my cleat got caught in the turf," Robinson said.

The clumsy footwork didn't cost the Packers, though, because Tramon Wil..

Driver Snags Record-Breaker From Favre

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 20:26:00 CST

ST. LOUIS - The money was on Greg Jennings to catch the record-breaking pass, but this one went to Brett Favre's old pal, Donald Driver.

With a 7-yard pass to Driver in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Favre became the NFL's all-time leader in passing yardage, breaking Dan Marino's mark of 61,361 yards.

"It means a lot," Driver said. "I haven't caught a pass from him to break a record yet, and to get that one was amazing."

Favre finished the game with 227 yards passing in the 33-14 victory over St. Louis to move 44 yards ahead of Marino at 61,405. He was 19-for-30 with two touchdowns and two interceptions on the day.

Until Sunday, the momentous passes Favre has thrown over the past couple of seasons had all gone to Jennings. As a rookie, Jennings caught Favre's 400th career TD pass in Detroit, and then this season he caught Favre's 420th TD at Lambeau Field to tie Marino's record in that category, as well as the record-breaking 421st in Minneapolis. <..

Home Sweet Dome In St. Louis

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:57:42 CST

ST. LOUIS - The first sign this wasn't going to be the usual road game in a dome came during the pre-game introductions, when the Packers got nearly as loud an ovation as the host St. Louis Rams.

"Normally when you come out of the tunnel, most teams' (crowds) give you that good boo," receiver Donald Driver said. "But we didn't have any boo at all. The fans were cheering us on the whole game."

It's impossible to know for sure, but perhaps as much as 50 percent of the 66,008 paid attendance on Sunday was cheering for the green and gold in the 33-14 victory at the Edward Jones Dome.

The biggest indication to offensive lineman Mark Tauscher of the split crowd was that the offense didn't have any trouble hearing the snap count or cadence, an expected problem in an indoor stadium.

"This place can be as raucous as the Metrodome," Tauscher said. "Today it was like we had a home game.

"We didn't have to go silent count. We could go and do what we w..

AP Story: Packers Clinch Bye, Favre Breaks Record

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:05:21 CST

A simple slant pattern to his favorite receiver gave Brett Favre yet another record in a milestone season. It's been a pretty big year for the Green Bay Packers, too, who clinched a first-round playoff bye.

Favre threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns, eclipsing Dan Marino to become the NFL career leader in yards passing, in a 33-14 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Greg Jennings and Donald Lee caught scoring passes and kicker Mason Crosby was 4-for-4 from 44, 50, 25 and 46 yards for Green Bay, which needed only to win for the first-round bye after the Seahawks lost 13-10 to the Panthers.

Green Bay, which earned the first-round bye for the first time since 1997, also kept pace with the Cowboys for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Packers (12-2) are 6-1 on the road, and prevailed in a sold-out Edward Jones Dome that appeared to be half-filled with Cheeseheads who filled the downtown streets in the hours before kickoff. When Favre se..

Notebook: Packers Prepared For Blitzes

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:51:27 CST

Protecting the quarterback is a priority every week, but the Packers have put in some extra preparation in that regard this week.

The St. Louis Rams under second-year defensive coordinator Jim Haslett are becoming known for some exotic blitz packages that pressure the quarterback from all angles.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy knows Haslett well, having worked as his offensive coordinator in New Orleans when Haslett was the head coach, and he expects his former boss to maintain his aggressive approach to defense.

"He believes in pressure," McCarthy said. "I think he would ideally like to be a 3-4 (defense) and play the way he played when he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think that's his blueprint for success. He's blitzing at a very high rate, particularly the last 4-5 games. He's going to challenge us, and I wouldn't expect anything less from Jim."

The Rams have racked up 27 sacks this season through 13 games, not an alarming number by any means. ..

Barnett, Pickett Know Plenty About Jackson

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:53:57 CST

As Green Bay prepares to face St. Louis and running back Steven Jackson this week, two members of the Packers' defense don't need to watch a whole lot of film to know how good the Rams' backfield star is.

Middle linebacker Nick Barnett and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett have been on Jackson's team before - Barnett in college at Oregon State and Pickett with the Rams prior to joining the Packers in 2006 - and they witnessed many of the 6-foot-2, 231-pound Jackson's talents perhaps before most of the rest of the pro football world did.

"We were always on opposite teams in the spring game," Barnett said, recalling their days together in Corvallis, Ore. "I remember one time he made a play on me on the goal-line with a stiff arm, so ever since then, we just went down and chopped his legs out."

That's a good strategy, according to Pickett, as long as you can catch up to him.

"That's a horse, man, Steven is good," Pickett said. "You look at him, as big as ..

Crosby Confident In Strong Finish

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:29:06 CST

As the winter winds continue to swirl around Lambeau Field, the questions are swirling about whether rookie Mason Crosby can be a reliable, cold-weather kicker the Packers can count on in the playoffs.

But don't count Crosby, or special teams coach Mike Stock, among the doubters. Anyone who thinks the two missed field goals with temperatures in the teens at Lambeau last Sunday have shaken the confidence of the sixth-round draft choice would be mistaken.

"I just have to trust my ability, trust what I do, not overswing, not overkick," Crosby said. "That's the biggest thing is just say, 'I've got the leg strength, I just have to kick the ball solid.' That's where my mindset is now. I just have to make sure I learn from what happens and keep moving on."

In other words, Crosby isn't about to dwell on the misses, just like he hasn't bothered to marvel at some of his accomplishments in his first NFL season.

He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Mon..

Notebook: Packers Not Ready To Relax

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:19:55 CST

With the NFC North title already clinched, questions were raised already on Wednesday as to how much the Packers might rest some of their key players later this month should a first-round bye be secured and their playoff position locked in.

But to the coaches, it's too early for such discussions because that first-round bye isn't secure, and if Seattle continues to win, it will take two more victories to clinch it, beginning with Sunday at St. Louis. To the players, there's no desire to squelch the momentum this 11-2 team has going.

"A time like this is time for us to start peaking out, playing our best football, so that's what we're trying to do," defensive tackle Ryan Pickett said. "We're trying to get on a roll and be playing at our highest level when we get to the playoffs.

"We don't see it as a trap game, we see it as another opportunity for us to get better. It's definitely a tune-up for the playoffs, and that's the way we have to approach it. If we w..

More Records On Horizon For Favre, Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:19:03 CST

Either Brett Favre setting NFL records has become so commonplace it's blase, or Favre has sufficiently deflected the credit and directed the conversation for his previous achievements to the team as a whole that there's less focus specifically on him.

Whichever is the stronger truth, it was a telling state of Favre and the Packers on Wednesday when the future Hall of Fame quarterback addressed the media in an 18-minute press conference and wasn't once asked about the NFL career record for passing yardage he's about to set.

Heading into Sunday's game at St. Louis, Favre needs just 184 yards to surpass Dan Marino's NFL mark of 61,361 passing yards that has stood since 1999. Over the past two seasons, while breaking Marino's records for passing attempts, completions and touchdowns, along with George Blanda's mark for interceptions and John Elway's for victories under center, Favre has tried to downplay each one.

But when he entered the season needing 3,862 yar..

Packers Players Raise Spirits At Holiday Party

Duke Bobber, Packers.com — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:05:46 CST

When Green Bay Packers players aren't preparing for their next game or wreaking havoc on the gridiron, many of them take time to give back to the community that gives them so much support, year after year.

The atmosphere was that of a large family at last night's sixth annual "Families of Children with Cancer Holiday Party" at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in De Pere. Players mingled with the children and their families, played games, and enjoyed the spread of pizza and ice cream.

For the children, it was a welcome respite from the health issues that they cope with every day, and the players realized that.

"I've been fortunate to be able to do this for a number of years," defensive end Aaron Kampman said. "It's just a great night to come together to celebrate hope.

"You see some of these kids and you think about the treatments they're going through. You know that there's some real tough kids here that have a lot of spirit and a lot of toughness."

Jennings Developing Into All-Around Threat

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 16:29:03 CST

It's been well-documented how far ahead of the curve Greg Jennings was last year as a rookie wide receiver. He ran routes, caught the ball with his hands, and just generally handled himself, on and off the field, like a more seasoned pro.

But as his development has continued this season, Jennings has gone beyond being fundamentally sound and consistently productive. He's developing into a big-time weapon.

In just his second year, Jennings is evolving into a complete NFL receiver, able to pose a threat from anywhere on the field with virtually any type of route, and there's ample evidence from the past several weeks to illustrate it.

"He just has a knack for making plays when he has the opportunity," receivers coach Jimmy Robinson said. "It's hard to describe why."

**The description starts with his flat-out speed, which still seems to deceive opponents even after seven touchdown catches of 40 yards or longer in his brief career.

The most ob..

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

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:45:57 CST

Notebook: Offense Effective As Needed

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:25:09 CST

On a weekly basis this season, the Packers have focused on going after their opponents' weaknesses, and in the process they've developed a well-rounded offense that can execute the varying game plans.

That was evident again on Sunday, when the Raiders came into Lambeau Field with the NFL's 30th-ranked run defense and fifth-ranked pass defense. The Packers attacked that run defense right away, running the ball on four of their first five snaps and gaining 45 yards on those four carries.

That set the tone for the 179 rushing yards on 36 attempts, both season-highs for the team, while quarterback Brett Favre attempted just 23 passes in the 38-7 rout.

By contrast, when the Packers have faced a stiff run defense and weaker pass defense, they've attacked appropriately, and successfully. Against Minnesota for instance, which has ranked near the top in run defense and near the bottom in pass defense all season, Favre threw for 695 yards in two victories, while the ..

Game Review: Division Title Is First Step

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:57:40 CST

The 2007 NFC North Division Champion T-shirts looked good. So did the hats.

And winning that division title felt especially good to Green Bay's veteran players who had tasted success before but had waited to savor it again.

The Packers wrapped up their first NFC North title since 2004 with a resounding 38-7 win over the Oakland Raiders in front of 70,828 at Lambeau Field on Sunday to improve to 11-2. For a team that had become accustomed to first-place status, with division crowns three straight years from 2002-04, to get back there is especially gratifying after two postseason-less years.

"When you lose that title, you don't know how that feels," receiver Donald Driver said. "And a lot of guys in this locker room never experienced that. So it's good to have that title back."

Especially after a stretch of 20 losses in 28 games following that 2004 title, before the strong finish last December showed signs of what might be to come in 2007.

"..

Notebook: Barnett Fights Back His Way

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:58:03 CST

Nick Barnett didn't exactly appreciate the poke in the eye he took from Oakland center Jeremy Newberry in the final minute of the first half on Sunday.

But rather than retaliate in any inappropriate way, Barnett got back on the field in the second half and let his play stand for payback during the 38-7 victory.

Within Oakland's first three possessions of the third quarter, Barnett got a couple of clean hits on Raiders quarterback Josh McCown on blitz pressures, and then he tripped up running back LaMont Jordan for a 1-yard loss on third-and-1, forcing a punt.

"It was definitely flowing a little bit," Barnett said of his adrenaline after the injury, which l ed to him wearing a protective shield on his facemask in the second half. "I was very angry when I came in this locker room. Honestly, I had to go in the back room and just sit there for a little bit. I could have come out and tried to do something dirty back, but I didn't want to lose focus on this game ..

Blackmon Rewards Packers For Patience

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:58:33 CST

Will Blackmon won the Packers punt return job in August.

But four months passed before he could show why.

Nevertheless, Blackmon made the most of his opportunity against the Oakland Raiders. The second-year player out of Boston College demonstrated his play-making abilities in only his second return of the game (and year) with a 57-yard touchdown.

For Blackmon, Sunday served as a coming-out party of sorts as he has spent most of his career battling injuries. This year, it was a broken thumb suffered in training camp and then a broken foot on October 3, the same foot he broke during a May mini-camp of his rookie season. That, followed by a rib injury, prevented him from playing in more than four games in 2006.

After his unfortunate set of circumstances, it's difficult to blame Blackmon for feeling pretty good about Sunday's performance.

"It's awesome," Blackmon said. "Since I've been injured, it would have been easy to get down. But (GM) ..

Grant Pounds His Way To Career Day

Nathan Hager, Packers.com — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 16:59:06 CST

The Packers may have had their troubles rushing the football earlier in the season, but with each Ryan Grant run, memories of those struggles are fading faster and faster.

And while Grant may not be a household name quite yet, he's not a secret anymore either.

Entering Sunday's game, Grant had 588 yards and four touchdowns, not bad statistics by any means, but nothing really earth-shattering. Yet, it's not until you really take a look inside the numbers that you get a feel for how well Grant has performed lately.

For instance, counting Sunday's career-high 156-yard rushing effort, Grant now has gone over the century mark four times in his last seven games and in that same span he finished two other games with 88 and 94 yards rushing. Despite not taking over as the starter until Week 9, he's just 256 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season.

Grant, a 6-foot-1, 224-pound bruiser, has been what General Manager Ted Thompson and Head Coach Mike McCarthy thoug..

AP Story: Packers Win 38-7, Clinch NFC North

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:49:39 CST

The Green Bay Packers are going back to the playoffs.

And maybe they're bringing a running game with them.

Green Bay didn't need Brett Favre to throw the ball all over the field to clinch the NFC North on Sunday, relying on the rushing of Ryan Grant and a pair of special teams touchdowns from Will Blackmon in a 38-7 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

The Packers (11-2) ensured an end to their two-year absence from the postseason with three games left.

"I don't know if too many people gave us a shot to be at this position," Favre said. "It says a lot about this team. I'm feeling good about my decision to come back, obviously."

Grant's hard running and sharp cutbacks came in handy on a day when Favre's aching right elbow and left shoulder hindered the Packers' passing game. Favre left last week's loss at Dallas because of the injuries and was limited in practice this week, but still made his 250th straight start.

Grant, who was acqui..

Notebook: Woodson Questionable; Spitz, Coston To Start At G

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:53:49 CST

Cornerback Charles Woodson continued to make progress in his recovery from a toe injury and appears to stand a good chance of playing if his body responds positively on Saturday morning to a rather strenuous Friday.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy is listing Woodson as questionable, with the medical report on Saturday morning likely determining his status. Woodson went through most of the team drills in practice on Friday and took his fair share of snaps.

"I thought he looked pretty good," McCarthy said. "It'll be interesting to see how he responds in the morning after practicing. He's really picked up the progress as far as rehab and what he's been doing on the treadmill all week, and he looked pretty natural out there today. So tomorrow will be a big day for him."

Woodson injured the toe on Thanksgiving in Detroit and missed last week's showdown in Dallas. He wanted to play last week given the magnitude of the game, and his desire to play hasn't waned this week ..

Grant, Fargas Create Intriguing RB Matchup

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:53:10 CST

It may not have the appeal of San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson from Week 9, or Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook vs. Washington's Clinton Portis twice annually in the NFC East.

But there's a running back matchup this weekend worth plenty of attention nonetheless. It's a difficult trivia question - 'Name the two running backs with the most rushing yards in the NFL since Week 8' - and the answers will be on opposite sidelines at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

Oakland's Justin Fargas and Green Bay's Ryan Grant are the two hottest running backs in the league, with Fargas rushing for 591 yards in the last six games, and Grant amassing 561. And the similarities don't end with the statistics, or their jersey number 25.

Neither was expected to be his club's feature back in 2007. The Raiders signed free agent Dominic Rhodes from the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts in the offseason and had veteran LaMont Jordan as a capable second option...

Packers Fan Memories

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:46:09 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 South Pole die-hards, a birthday present, a thrilled first-timer, and a fan finally able to come to Lambeau Field.

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

Recent Packers-Raiders Meetings Have Produced Memorable Moments

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:38:02 CST

Normally for a series against a particular NFL opponent to have a meaningful history, that opponent needs to be a division rival that is played twice a year, or a conference foe that's a frequent playoff nemesis.

But the Packers' series with the Raiders doesn't fall into either category, with Oakland coming from the AFC. Yet the last three times the two teams have met, the games have carried a certain significance and gone down in Green Bay lore for one reason or another.

With the Packers and Raiders meeting Sunday at Lambeau Field for just the fourth time in the last 15 years, here's a look back at the previous three meetings and their place in franchise history.

Dec. 26, 1993, at Lambeau Field
With a game-time temperature of zero degrees and minus-22 wind chill, the then-Los Angeles Raiders were unprepared for a frozen field, having brought cleats normally used on natural grass fields. The Packers, by contrast, wore turf shoes better suited to ..

'07 Raiders Resemble '06 Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:24:45 CST

Not that he's overly concerned any of his players would be foolish enough to overlook Oakland, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy made an interesting point in Wednesday morning's team meeting to hammer home the respect he feels his team should give its opponent this week.

Simply put, McCarthy believes the 2007 Oakland Raiders are a lot like the 2006 Green Bay Packers.

"That's what I told the team this morning," McCarthy said. "If you remember where we were at this time last year, we were 4-8, and were able to make a run at the end of the season. It was the foundation of what we've been able to build off of for this season. That's how we view this team coming in here. We need to be ready to go."

On the surface, Oakland is 4-8 with a month to go under a first-year head coach, just like the Packers were a year ago. And delving a little deeper, whereas the Packers' late-season turnaround was founded in beating all three NFC North foes to close the season, the Raiders..

Notebook: Rodgers Hurts Hamstring, Nall Gets Bulk Of Practice Work

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:24:58 CST

Backup quarterback Aaron Rodgers injured his hamstring at the end of Tuesday's practice, and with starter Brett Favre already limited due to elbow and shoulder injuries, newly acquired third QB Craig Nall took all of the passing snaps in practice on Wednesday.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said Rodgers hurt his hamstring rolling out on the final play of Tuesday's practice, and he didn't know whether Rodgers would be out only a couple of days or as much as a week or two.

If it is going to be a while, suddenly Nall would become Favre's backup for a game in which Favre is coming back from the right elbow and left shoulder injuries that knocked him out of last week's game in Dallas in the second quarter.

It's putting a lot on the plate of a player with his third team in one season, but McCarthy was impressed with Nall's performance in practice. So were his new teammates.

"He did a great job today," rookie receiver James Jones said. "He's picking up the offe..

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

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:29:31 CST

Playoff Picture Pretty Clear For Packers

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:31:28 CST

The Green Bay Packers haven't officially clinched a playoff spot yet, but they're about as close as they can get.

The playoff picture for the Packers heading into this Sunday's home game against Oakland is pretty clear - win, and they're in.

Not only that, but a victory (or a loss by the Detroit Lions, who trail Green Bay by four games with four to play) would give the Packers their first NFC North division title since 2004. And as a division champ, that would guarantee the Packers at least one home postseason game, also for the first time since 2004.

But the Packers aren't looking to simply win the division and get into the postseason. They want to give themselves the highest playoff seed they can, and they're in good position heading into the final four games of the regular season to earn a first-round bye.

All four of the division champions in the NFC - Dallas (11-1) currently leads the East, Green Bay (10-2) the North, Seattle (8-4) the West an..

Notebook: Competition Ongoing At Some Spots

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 15:36:49 CST

Head Coach Mike McCarthy said the competition for playing time would continue at certain positions this week, most notably guard and safety.

Jason Spitz, Daryn Colledge and Junius Coston will be rotated through at the guard spots during practice, and McCarthy said the coaching staff would take the week to evaluate where everyone stands. It appears Spitz is playing the best of the three right now and is going to be one of the starters, but whether he plays left or right guard will depend on the other starter. Colledge plays left guard while Coston is on the right side.

Meanwhile, rookie safety Aaron Rouse is expected to be fully healthy after missing the Dallas game last week with a knee injury, and he could push Nick Collins or Atari Bigby for playing time in the secondary. Rouse had replaced Collins in the starting lineup for three games in November due to Collins' knee injury, and then Collins returned to the field against the Cowboys.

"We just want to ke..

Murphy Appreciates Green Bay's Culture

Mike Spofford, Packers.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:52:29 CST

To understand the challenges small-town Green Bay faces in the big-business world of the NFL takes a certain sensibility.

Mark H. Murphy has understood and appreciated those types of challenges at several junctures throughout his career. Moreover, he has welcomed them.

Murphy, named the new Packers President and CEO on Monday, has spent the past 16 years as athletic director at two Division I universities, Colgate and Northwestern. Raised in a small town in upstate New York and having made it to the NFL as a non-drafted free agent out of Colgate, Murphy felt at home taking on the administrative challenges at his alma mater and the Big Ten's smallest institution.

"As people get to know me, they'll see that I love being the underdog," Murphy said. "At Colgate, we were one of the smallest Division I schools in the country, without scholarships, and having success there was really rewarding. Really even at Northwestern, it's by far the smallest school in the Bi..

'Big Grease': Pickett Tackles Quarterbacks, Double-Teams And Fatherhood

Sam Kasan, Packers.com — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:16:25 CST

The Green Bay Packers traveled to Denver for a showdown with the Broncos on a clear Monday evening. After 60 minutes the game went into overtime tied at 13-13.

On the first play from scrimmage, Brett Favre hit Greg Jennings for a game-winning 82-yard touchdown. But Favre almost never had an opportunity to make that play.

Green Bay, clinging to a 13-10 lead late in the fourth quarter, watched the Denver offense march down the field. The Broncos traveled 89 yards to the Packers 4-yard line in 2 minutes, 8 seconds. Denver faced third-and-1 with no timeouts and 22 seconds left in the game. The Packers defense was visibly exhausted. A first down would allow the Broncos to spike the ball and take two shots at winning the game, leaving Green Bay with virtually no time left to counter.

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler took the snap from shotgun and ran a quarterback draw to the right side. However, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett fought off a block and managed to bring..