2001 Commentary

Packers advance with win over 49ers

The Green Bay Packers played a complete game and earned a 25-15 victory over their playoff rival San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers offense was led by a combined attack of Ahman Green and Brett Favre.  Corey Bradford came up with two tremendous catches that put the Packers into prime scoring position.  Ahman Green ran the ball well and the Packers offense only had one turnover.  Antonio Freeman had one of his biggest games of the season and remains a favorite target of Brett Favre in the post season.  Bubba Franks had a nice leaping grab of a touchdown also.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers came up with the play of the game in the 4th quarter.  Trailing by three, the 49ers Jeff Garcia threw a long ball down the sideline intended for a wide open Terrell Owens.  Mike McKenzie made up some ground on a slightly underthrown pass and tipped the ball into Tyrone Williams's waiting hands.  That was the play of the game.  The Packers defense did a tremendous job of snuffing out the 49ers running attack and forced them into a one dimension offense.   Garcia was under extreme pressure all game long and Gilbert Brown picked up his first sack since the 97 season.  Overall the Packers defense gets a A.

Ryan Longwell continues to have a bad season.  Longwell had an extra point blocked but made up for that with two field goals including a 45 yard boot that put the Packers up for good in the 4th quarter.   Allen Rossum had a good punt return to set up the Packers first touchdown.   Tackling on both punt and kickoff units was good.  Overall the Packers special teams unit gets a B.

The Packers remained perfect at home in the playoffs (11-0).  The Packers have earned the right to play the St Louis Rams in St Louis.  Look for  the Packers to play a hard fought and high scoring game in which the Packers will prevail.  The Packers will need a perfect performance to beat the Rams. 

My pick  Packers 38     Rams  37

Packers win, gain home playoff game

The Green Bay Packers traveled to NY and beat the Giants to gain a home NFC wild card game against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Packers jumped out to a quick start against the Giants.  Brett Favre played a tremendous game.  Brett Favre completed passes to Bill Schroeder and Bubba Franks to score the Packers first touchdown.   Ahman Green scored the Packers second TD with a 25 yard scamper into the Giants endzone.  The Packers didn't score again until the third quarter and opened up the third with three straight scoring drives.  Ahman Green had a good rushing game.   Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense held the Giants down long enough for the Packers offense to gain a big lead.  The Packers did an overall good job of stopping the run.  The Giants had one long run of over sixty yards but was held in check through the rest of the game.  Darren Sharper and Bhawuh Jue each had interceptions for the Packers.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Ryan Longwell connected on two of three field goals.  Dorsey Levens had a successful day of returning kicks and put the Packers into prime field position all game long.  Levens opened up the third quarter with a 53yard return setting up a Packers touchdown.  Tackling by both punt and kick return units was good.  Overall the Packers special teams unit gets a B.

The Packers are back in the playoffs for the first time in three seasons when they were ousted out of the playoffs in San Francisco on a last second touchdown pass from Steve Young to Terrell Owens.  This time the Packers are playing in Green Bay.  Don't look for any late game heroics by the 49ers this time as I believe this game will be a blowout. 

My pick  Packers 41     49ers 17

Packers win with sluggish performance

The Packers remained one game behind the Chicago Bears with a 24-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

the Packers offense was unable to get the running game established throughout most of the game which also hindered the passing game.   After the Packers found themselves trailing in the fourth quarter the passing game came alive.  Antonio Freeman made a tremendous reception of a Brett Favre pass to give the Packers great position for the game winning score.  Ahman Green later capped the drive with a four yard TD run.  That was the only long drive the Packers put together in the game.  Dropped passes hindered the Packers the rest of the game with Tyrone Davis dropping a long Favre pass.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers defense held the Vikings long enough to keep the Packers in the game.  The Viking opened the game running the ball all over the Packers defense.  Then the Vikings went away from their game plan and the Packers defense took over.  Darren Sharper made a nice interception and then fumbled the ball back to the Vikings.  Mike McKenzie made another interception and returned it all the way for the game clinching touchdown.  Tackling was fair in the game.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Ryan Longwell converted his only field goal attempt.  Josh Bidwell had a bad day of punting but was faced with poor conditions.  Tackling on both  kickoff and punt units was good.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers picked up a much needed victory over their arch rivals and need a victory and a Bears loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars to clinch the NFC Central division title and a first round bye.  If the Bears win that game the Packers still need to win to get a home playoff game.  This week the Packers have their makeup game against the NY Giants.  Look for the Packers to win a hard fought game against a stellar Giants defense. 

My pick  Packers 27     Giants 17

Packers regain first place

The Packers stepped back up into first place with a 17-7 victory over the Chicago Bears.

The Packers offense controlled the ball throughout the game and running back Ahman Green kept the Bears defense off balance all game long.  Green broke several tackles all game long and became the first running back to gain over 100 yards against the Bears in over 1 year.  Green also had a critical TD saving tackle at the end of the second quarter which kept the Bears from scoring any points.  Brett Favre had another tremendous game and the receiver did an exceptional job of catching the ball.  Corey Bradford came up with the most exceptional catch late in the game which kept a Packers drive alive.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense played a tremendous game.   Tackling was very good and pressure on the QB could be seen through out the game although the Packers were unable to gain a sack.  The loss of Nate Wayne hurts.   He will be out several weeks with a broken bone in his back.  Bernardo Harris had a good game and led the defense with 7 tackles.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

The Packers special teams unit continues to struggle.  The kickoff team continues to give the opposition great field position by poor kickoffs and missed tackles.  This is an area the Packers have been struggling all season long.  Ryan Longwell missed another field goal although the miss was over 50 yards.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a D.

The Packers picked up the much needed victory and are back in a first place tie with Chicago.  This week the Packers travel to Tennessee to play the feisty Titans.  This is a game in which the Packers should win.  The loss of Nate Wayne hurts the Packers but the defense will step up and overcome. 

My pick  Packers 27     Titans 24

Packers win in Florida

The Packers earned a much needed victory on Monday Night Football in beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-21.  The Packers record climbs to 8-3 and keeps them within 1 game of the 1st place Chicago Bears.

Brett Favre came out of the locker room to start the second half on fire.  Favre threw for three touchdowns and ran in the game winning touchdown to lead the Packers to victory.  Favre did a tremendous job of scoring his first rushing touchdown in over three years.  Antonio Freeman and Bill Schroeder did a good job of catching the ball and keeping Packers drives alive.  The Jaguars defense did a decent job of shutting down Ahman Green but were unable to keep him out of the end zone as Green scored on a Favre reception.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense was kept off balance throughout most of the first half with the Jaguars going to a no huddle offense.   Despite being off balance, the Packers only gave up two touchdowns to the Jaguars.   I thought the Packers did a decent job of tackling and pressure on Brunell was tremendous in the second half.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Robert Ferguson made his Packers debut by receiving several punts.  No big returns for Ferguson but it was nice to see the Packers number two draft pick  on  the field.  Ryan Longwell missed two field goals.  The second attempt was blocked.  The Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers come off of the short week to play on Sunday against the 1st place Chicago Bears.  The Packers have won four out of their last five games and are looking to pull into a first place tie with a victory.  Look for the Packers to win the game in the 4th quarter.

My pick  Packers 27     Bears17

Packers come apart, lose to Falcons

The Packers train to the division title derailed as the Packers fell apart during a 23-20 loss to the Falcons at Lambeau.

The Packers offense was once again led by Ahman Green.  Unfortunately Green never touched the ball during the Packers final three offensive drives.  Play calling in this game was pathetic.  The Packers received the ball with 5 minutes left in the game and Brett Favre threw three straight incompletions to end a possible go ahead or game tying drive.  Ahman Green did not touch the ball once.  The Packers final drive was going well until Favre decided to try to win the game with one throw.  The Packers had the ball at the Falcons 45 with over a minute left in the game when Favre threw two deep balls to try to win the game.   The first was almost intercepted as Favre missed a wide open Schroeder.  The second was picked off for Favre's 4th turnover of the game.  It is time for the Packers to take the ball out of Favre's hands during these circumstances.  Play calling must also improve as this was the worst offensive game the Packers have played in years.  The offense is steadily getting worse as the year progresses.  Overall the Packers offense gets a F.

The Packers defense was just as horrible as the offense and this is where the biggest impact of the game took place.  Replacing a injured Leroy Butler, Chris Aikins became unglued during a Packers defensive stand with the Falcons facing a third and twelve deep inside their own territory.  Tod McBride jumped offside and Aikins snapped and smacked a Falcons player on the head which drew a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.  Then Aikins did further damage by arguing and picking a fight with Mike Sherman.  Sherman immediately threw his sorry carcass out of the game and the Falcons went down to score the game deciding touchdown.  Leroy Butler is gone for the season which is a tremendous loss.  Tackling was horrible in this game.  The Packers put absolutely no pressure on Chandler until the final quarter.  Overall the Packers defense gets a F.

The only bright moment of the Packers special teams came with Ryan Longwell not missing any field goals.  Kickoff and punt coverage was good and Josh Bidwll punted the ball well.  Once again the Packers were not able to break any big returns.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers were very lucky to be even close to the Falcons at  the end of the game.  The Falcons outplayed the Packers in every aspect of the game.  It all came down to the question of if Favre was able to bring the Packers back and once again the answer was no.  Favre cost the Packers this game.  This week the Packers travel to Detroit to play the winless Lions.  Look for the Lions to pick up their first win.

My pick  Packers 40     Lions  41

Packers beat Bears, gain first place

The Green Bay Packers continued their dominance over the Chicago Bears at Soldiers Field by beating the Bears 20-12.

The Packers offense was once again led by a consistent Ahman Green.  Green ran well for the Packers and helped Brett Favre get relaxed in the game.  Favre threw several perfect strikes to Bill Schroeder and Antonio Freeman for touchdowns.  Green and Favre both had turnovers but made up for those with exceptional play.  The offensive line did a superb job of blocking for Favre and Green.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

After giving up several big runs to Anthony Thomas on the first drive of the first quarter the Packers shut down the Bears running game.  The Packers did a superb job of tackling led by Leroy Butler's ten tackles.   The Packers defense was unable to come up with any turnovers or sacks.  I thought Miller had time to throw the ball throughout the game.  The Packers blitzed on the final play of the game forcing a slightly errant pass to bounce off of RB James Allen shoulder.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

The Packers special teams did a good job on punt a kickoff coverage.  Ryan Longwell ended his slump by booming two field goals through the uprights.  Allen Rossum wasn't able to break any long returns for punt and kickoff units.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers regained a share of first place with their victory over the Bears.  This week the Packers face off against the Falcons at Lambeau.  Look for the Packers to win the game led by Ahman Green running rampant.

My pick  Packers 34     Falcons 20

Packers beat Bucs at home again

The Green Bay Packers dominance over Tampa Bay at Lambeau Field continued as the Packers beat the Bucs 21-20.

The Packers offense was fired up at the start of the game.  Ahman Green ran the ball well and Favre threw the ball well.  The Packers drove down the field and scored the first points of the game with Antonio Freeman's touchdown reception.  After the initial score the Packers offense was plagued by turnovers, penalties and sloppy execution.  Brett Favre threw a pair of interceptions and was responsible for one of the Packers fumbles.  The Bucs scored 17 of their 20 points off of Packers turnovers.  Ahman Green fumbled again but made amends with a 67 yard touchdown scamper which pulled the Packers to within three in the third quarter.  Favre was inconsistent all game long and had one of his worst performances of the season.  Ahman Green is turning into one of the best and reliable backs in the league.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers defense played well enough to keep the Packers in the game.  Consistent pressure was put on Brad Johnson all game long and tackling was good.  It would have been nice to have the Packers come up with a turnover.  Baja-Biamilla picked up another sack off of his favorite QB.  I thought the secondary had a tremendous game.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Special teams was almost the Packers downfall in this game.  The Packers had not had a good gain all season long on a kickoff or punt return and that continued this game.   Ryan Longwell missed another field goal at the end of the first half.  The Packers also continually let the Bucs get good returns on punts and kickoffs.  Everything was made good however by Allen Rossum's game winning punt return for a touchdown.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers were able to win this game even though they turned the ball over three times to the Bucs 0.  The Packers should have lost this game but found a way to win.  This shows that the team has character and a determination to win.  This is a key asset to have for a Super Bowl run.  This week the Packers travel to Soldiers Field to play the first place Chicago Bears.  The Packers have had past success in Chicago and I look for this trend to continue.  The Bears have played only one division game and will get a rude awakening in playing divisional rivals as opposed to the scrubs they have been playing.

My pick  Packers 31     Bears 17

Packers lose game, 1st place

Once again the Green Bay Packers were unable to defeat a division rival on the road and gain space between themselves and other division rivals as the Packers lost to the Vikings 35-13.

The Packers offense played as bad as they have all season long.  Dropped passes, penalties, errant throws and turnovers plagued the Packers offense all game long.  Brett Favre threw an interception which was returned for a touchdown that gave the Vikings a 14-0 lead.  Favre was under heavy pressure all game long and didn't have the time to throw the ball like he did against the Ravens.  Ahman Green ran the ball well however his statistics didn't show it.   Green broke a long 70 yard run and also broke many tackles in his 2 and 3 yard runs.  Dropped passes also plagued the Packers.  Dorsey Levins, Corey Bradford and Donald Driver all had key drops in the game.  One key turning point in the game was when Brett Favre overthrew a wide open Antonio Freeman along the sideline which would have been a touchdown.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Packers defense was very sloppy in this game.  Tackling was horrible.  There was absolutely no pressure put on Culpepper and the Packers allowed him to run rampant on their defense.  Another key point in this game was in the third quarter when the Packers had cut the Vikings lead to 20-7 and Byron Chamberlain caught a Vikings pass well short of a first down with a Packer defender all over him.  Had that tackle been made the Vikings would have punted and the Packers would have had another chance to cut the Vikings lead.  Overall the Packers defense gets a D.

Special teams continue to kill the Packers.  Ryan Longwell missed two field goals in the first quarter which pretty much set the tone for the rest of the game.  Punt and kickoff coverage units were horrible as well although Chris Aikins made a tremendous tackle on a punt that forced a fumble.   Allen Rossum returned to the lineup and was not very noticeable.  Overall the Packers special teams  gets a D.

The Packers were handed the game to them in the first quarter of this game and didn't take the opportunity given to them.   I thought Sherman's call to go for it on 4th and two was a horrible call as well as him kicking a field goal on 4th and inches.  The Packers need to put this horrendous defeat behind them and start getting ready to kick butt against a pathetic Tampa Bay team that beat the Packers three weeks ago.  I think the Packers will be fired up and ready in front of their home crowd. 

My pick  Packers 24     Bucs 10

Packers beat Super Bowl Champs

Antonio Freeman wanted the ball so Brett Favre threw him the ball and that helped the Green Bay Packers beat the defending Super Bowl Champions 31-23

The Packers offense was superb against the highly touted Ravens defense.  Brett Favre used 4 and 5 receiver formations to spread the ball around with accurate and timely passes.  Donald Drive made two sensational grabs for the Packers.  The biggest spark came from a receiver who hasn't had much success lately.  Antonio Freeman had his biggest game in years.  Bill Schroeder led the charge early on before he was hobbled by a sprained ankle.  The offensive line gave Favre plenty of time to throw the ball.  Ahman Green fumbled the ball in the 1st quarter which led to the Ravens first touchdown but ran the ball well enough to allow the Packers to spread the ball out on offense.  Green received several jarring hits later in the game and held onto the ball.  Overall the Packers offense gets a A.

The Packers defense played very well.   The defensive line wasn't able to put much pressure on the Ravens QB but the secondary coverage was superb throughout most of the game.  Once the defense settled down after the Ravens 1st touchdown they played much better.  Tackling was another plus for the Packers.  Darren Sharper made up for what would have been a interception return for a touchdown which he dropped, with a tremendous interception in the 2nd half.   The defense for the Packers is rapidly becoming one of the leagues best.   Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

The special teams were not so special for the Packers in this game.  There were several long kickoff returns and punt returns by the Ravens returners.  The onsides team was unable to hold onto one Ravens attempt.  Ryan Longwell missed a long field goal.  There still hasn't been a long punt or kickoff return by the Packers thus far during the season.  Overall the Special teams gets a D.

This hard fought victory keeps the Packers in first place.  The next three games will tell the story of the Packers season.  Three straight games against Division foes.  This week the Packers go on the road to play the Minnesota Vikings.  The Packers beat the Vikings twice last year.  This is as big of a game as you can have in the middle of the season.   Look for the Packers to put some points on the board early and often.

My pick  Packers 38     Vikings 24

Packers lack offense in loss to Bucs

The Green Bay Packers offense was unable to score after having four attempts inside the Bucs twenty with less than a minute left in the game and the Packers lose to Tampa Bay 14-10.

The Packers offense was full of miscues and mistakes.  Brett Favre didn't bring his A game in a game that would have gave the Packers a firm hold of the NFC Central division.  Favre threw three interceptions including one which was returned 97 yards for a touchdown.  Favre missed several open receivers during the game.  His receivers didn't give him much help however.   Antonio Freeman, Bill Schroeder, Dorsey Levens and Bubba Franks all had dropped passes.  Bill Schroeder had an unsportsman like conduct penalty late in the game which turned a Packers scoring drive into a punt.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Packers defense kept the game close.   Baja-Biamilla registered another three sacks and has turned into a pass rushing monster.  The Packers kept constant pressure on Brad Johnson all game long and forced several turnovers.  Unfortunately the Packers were unable to tackle during the last Bucs drive.  With the Packers up 10-7 in the fourth quarter the Bucs started their drive at their own five.  Darren Sharper missed a tackle on Keyshawn Johnson which would have forced the Bucs to punt, but instead kept the drive alive and eventually enabling the Bucs to score the game winning touchdown.  I really thought that Keyshawn Johnson had some flagrant holding on Darren Sharper during Mike Allstott's game winning touchdown run which unfortunately was "overlooked' by the ref.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Once again the Packers were unable to get any kind of a big return with Antonio Freeman as the returnee.  I think it is time to find a replacement if Allen Rossum can't return.  Ryan Longwell connected on a clutch field goal.  Tackling on kickoff and punt return units were good.   Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers really missed an opportunity in this game.  They could have had a firm grasp on the NFC Central and would have put the Bucs and Vikes two games back.  Instead they travel back to Green Bay with the wonder of being capable of winning the big game on the road.  This week the Packers return home to face another tough defense against the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravense.  Look for the Packers to come out of this game with a hard fought victory.

My pick  Packers 17     Ravens 14

Packers "special" in win over Panthers

The Green Bay Packers converted two second half Carolina kick return fumbles into touchdowns to lead the Packers to a 28-7 victory.

The Packers came out of the gates and tried to run the ball down Carolina's throat.  Ahman Green was held in check throughout most of the game but the Panther's were unable to stop Green from receiving the ball.   Brett Favre spread the ball throughout the offensive receivers and everybody contributed to the Packers success on offense.  Rondell Mealey played in the 4th quarter and ran the ball pretty well.  Corey Bradford mad a nice catch of a Brett Favre touchdown.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense gave up it's first touchdown of the season and that is all they have given up.  The Panthers scored on a nice drive early in the first quarter and then the Packers defense clamped down on the Panther's, shutting them out for the rest of the game.  Baja-Biamilla scored another sack.  The Packers didn't blitz as often in this game and gave QB Wienke time to throw the ball throughout the game.  However, the Packers coverage was very good throughout the game and Weinke was forced to throw the ball into coverage several times.   Overall the Packers defense gets a B+.

Special teams was the name of this game.  Kickoff coverage units came up with two fumbled returns to open up the second half and put the Packers into grand scoring position.  Ryan Longwell missed a field goal because of the deplorable field conditions in Carolina.  The Packers sorely miss a reliable kickoff returner.  Hopefully Allen Rossum will return to the lineup soon.   Overall the special teams gets a B.

The Packers were able to defeat the Panthers for the first time in three matchups which is something the Packers were striving for.  This week the Packers face off against a formidable opponent.  The Packers travel south again to play the Tampa Bay Bucs.  This will be the last time the Packers play Tampa on a regular basis in Tampa due to next seasons realignment.  Look for this game to be a brutal, hard fought game in which the Packers will squeak out a victory.

My pick  Packers 24     Bucs 20

Packers dominate Skins

The Green Bay Packers destroyed the Washington Redskins 37-0 in front of a patriotic Lambeau Field crowd as the Packers made the return to football after the tragic September 11th events.

The Packers offense was clicking on all cylinders against a lackluster Washington defense.  Ahman Green played another stellar game for the Packers and became the first Packers rusher ever to run for 100 or more yards in his first two games.  The success in the running game allowed Brett Favre the time to throw the ball accurately and successfully.  Antonio Freeman made a tremendous catch for the Packers first touchdown.  Bubba Franks did a nice job of catching a Favre pass for a touchdown.  Bill Schroeder showed his speed by splitting the defense for a 40 yard romp into the endzone.  Overall the Packers offense gets a A+.

The Packers defense played as well as the offense.  Jeff George faced heavy pressure all game long and the Packers secondary kept him from completing any long passes.  The Packers front four are playing very well and are putting loads of pressure on opposing offenses.  The linebacking group is another surprising strength.  Tackling and hitting was tremendous in this game.   Overall the Packers defense gets a A+.

Ryan Longwell connected on all of his field goal attempts.  Kickoff coverage was lackluster at times and allowed the Redskins to get the ball in decent field goal position several times.  I questioned Mike Shermans decision to put Antonio Freeman in the game to return punts which is something he hasn't done since his rookie season but Freeman did a pretty good job.   I don't understand why he would risk one of his star receivers to injury though.   Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

Many people are questioning the Packers 2-0 start by saying that they have played a soft schedule thus far.  This may be true but when you defeat two teams by a combined score of 65-6, that in itself says allot.  The Packers are playing some of the best football in the league right now and face a much tougher schedule down the road.  This week the Packers travel to Carolina to play the Panthers.  The Packers lost to the Panthers last season but don't look for a repeat of last season's performance.

My pick  Packers 31     Panthers 17

Packers win season opener

The Green Bay Packers used a stifling defense combined with a consistent offense to overpower the Detroit Lions 28-6

The Packers offense played its best opening day ball in years.  The Packers used their passing game and running game to jump out to a 21-0 first quarter lead.  Ahman Green broke tackles and scored two touchdowns and Billy Schroeder caught an underthown Brett Favre bomb to set up another score.   Bubba Franks made several nice catches and Dorsey Levins and Antonio Freeman made a return to the lineup.  Freeman had a nice block which sprung Ahman Green lose for his 83 yard touchdown.  The offensive line gave Favre plenty of time to throw the ball and also opened up some holes for the running backs to roam.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B+.

The Packers defense was superb.  The Packers were able to get heavy pressure on Charlie Batch and much of the pressure came from the defensive line.  The Packers didn't blitz too often and were still able to sack Batch seven times.  Preseason star Gbaja-Biamilla continued his success by picking up three QB sacks.  The secondary played well also with Darren Sharper making a tremendous interception at the end of the first half ending a Lions drive.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B+.

Allen Rossum played well for the Packers and Ryan Longwell didn't attempt any field goals.  Both kickoff and punt return units tackled well.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers opened up the season with a bang and have really gotten off to a good start.  Hopefully they will build on this momentum and get off to a tremendous start to the season.  This week the Packers travel to New York to play the NFC Champion Giants.  Look for a closer game this week with the Packers pulling out a close game.

My pick  Packers 24     Giants 17

Packers lose preseason finale

The Packers substitutes were unable to overcome the Oakland Raiders and the Packers lost their last preseason game 24-13 to the Oakland Raiders.

The Packers starting offense played much better in the first half against the Raiders.  The offense was not plagued by penalties like they were in the first three games.  Their Red Zone offense still needs a lot of improvement.  The biggest pass reception of the preseason came on a Brett Favre to Corey Bradford underthrown pass which went for a touchdown.  Hopefully both Packers starting running backs, Ahman Green and Dorsey Levens will be able to start the season opener against the Lions.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The defense played its worst ball in the preseason.  The Raiders were able to run and pass the ball at will against the Packers.  Tackling was pathetic.  There is still no pass rush at all on the opposing QB.  I think the secondary will come around but the pass rush in going to have to considerably improve.  Overall the Packers defense gets a D.

Ryan Longwell was perfect again on his field goal attempts and looks set and ready to have a fantastic season.  It looks like Allen Rossum will retain the punt and kickoff duties.  Overall the Packers special teams get a B.

I think the Packers preseason went fairly well in aspects to injuries.  The Packers were able to get through the preseason with out any serious injuries.  Dorsey Levens and Ahman Green should return this week against the Lions.  I look for the offense to have better success in moving the ball in the red zone.  This week the Packers open up the regular season against the Lions at Lambeau.  I look for the Packers to open up the 2001 season with a convincing victory.

My pick  Packers 30     Lions 14

Starting offense gels, then goes into hibernation

The Packers offense played their best ball of the preseason in the first quarter and then played their worst quarter of the preseason in the second quarter.  The reserves won the game again for the Packers as they edged out the Dolphins 17-12.

The Packers offense played very well in the first quarter against most of the Dolphins starting unit.  Execution was good and the Packers started the second quarter with a 10-0 lead.  Then  the offense staggered penalties, fumbles, dropped balls and miscue's again plagued the offense.   Corey Bradford made a nice reception of a Brett Favre pass and scored the Packers first touchdown of the preseason by the starting offense.  Rondell Mealey ran the ball well for the Packers until he went out of the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle.  Penalties hurt the Packers in the second quarter.  The Packers went backward after RG Marco Rivera was called for illegal use of hands and then a false start. Two plays later, LT Chad Clifton was called for a false start.   The reserves played well in the second half with Doug Pederson leading the Packers to another touchdown.  Rookie TE David Martin had a good half with several key receptions.  DeMond Parker made a statement for staying on the team with a 54 yard romp up the middle of the Dolphins defense.  Parker went on to score the go ahead touchdown.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

Gilbert Brown made a return to the Packers tonight and picked up a couple of tackles.  The Packers allowed the Dolphins to move the ball down the field but never allowed them into the end zone.  One problem that the Packers defense is going to have to overcome is getting pressure on the opposing QB.   The Packers defensive line has consistently been unable to penetrate through the offensive line.  Darren Sharper had a nice interception of a Jay Fiedler pass.   Tackling was pretty good in the first half as well.  Baja-Biamilla played another good game in the second half.  Overall the Packers defense gets a C.

Ryan Longwell kicked another field goal for the Packers.  Allen Rossum appears to have locked up the kickoff and punt return job.  Kickoff and punt return coverage was pretty good for the Packers.   Josh Bidwell has also won the starting punting job.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

This weeks game against the Raiders will be the Packers last preseason warm-up before the regular season starts up on September 9th.  The Packers will be getting both of their starting running backs and much of their injured personnel on defense as well.  Look for the Packers starting unit to play a much better half against the Raiders.

My pick  Packers 27     Raiders 17

Reserves Play Well, Packers beat Broncos

The reserves scored the first touchdown of the preseason for the Green Bay Packers and also played well in the second half as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Denver Broncos 22-7.

For the second straight week the Packers starting offense was not able to get on track.  Hampered by penalties, dropped passes and errant snaps the Packers were unable to put the ball into the end zone.   Center Mike Flanagin was flagged for an illegal procedure call which put the Packers deep into their own end of the field in the first quarter.  Holding penalties and false start penalties also hampered the Packers starting offense along with a Bill Schroeder false start penalty.  Corey Bradford didn't help the offense with his three dropped passes, one of which would have scored a touchdown in the first half.  Bubba Franks had a nice catch of a Brett Favre bullet pass.  Favre played a pretty good game although some of his deeper passes were behind receivers.  Antonio Freeman made a nice attempt of a reception in which he was hammered by a Broncos receiver.   Freeman received a concussion on the play as the Broncos defender laughed it off and showed no sportsmanship at all to Freeman.  Donald Driver came up with two tremendous catches including one for the Packers only touchdown of the evening.   Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

Considering the Packers were missing several starters on defense, the Packers played pretty well.  Held down by injuries, the Packers starting defensive line was unable to generate any kind of pass rush against the Broncos until the second half.  Mike McKenzie forced two turnovers for the Packers including a nice interception in which he read Brian Griese's eye's and stepped in front of the Broncos receiver for the theft.  McKenzie also forced a Mike Anderson fumble which was recovered by KD Williams.  Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila played a stellar second half for the Packers and was a real handful for the Broncos offensive line.   Biamilla was able to consistently get around the ends to put extreme pressure on the Broncos QB's.   Tod McBride was flagged for a personal foul in the first half  on a third and fourteen which kept the only Broncos scoring drive alive.   The Packers kept the Broncos from scoring on a third and goal from the one but were unable to keep them out of the end zone on fourth and one.   Overall the Packers defense get a C+.

Ryan Longwell is in mid season form.   Longwell booted five field goals through the uprights for the Packers.  Allen Rossum let a catchable punt drop at the eleven yard line pinning the Packers offense deep inside their own territory but made up for that with a nice kickoff return putting the Packers in good field position.  Longsnapper Rob Davis had an errant snap on a field goal attempt in which holder Doug Pederson was unable to field.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers played better this week and was able to pick up their first preseason win.  The Packers are still committing too many penalty's on offense.  Red Zone offense needs some work as well as Ryan Longwell will have no leg left by midseason after kicking so many field goals.  The Packers get many injured players on defense back in action.  This week the Packers play the Miami Dolphins in Green Bay.  The Dolphins are loaded with defensive talent with an adequate offense.  Look for a competitive first half between the teams.

My pick  Packers 24     Dolphins 14

Packers lose to Browns 10-3

The Packers lost their first preseason opener since 1993 as the Cleveland Browns defeated the Packers 10-3.

The Packers offense was never able to get on track and struggled throughout much of the game.  The starting offense was only supposed to play the first series or two but stayed in the game for most of the first half.  The Packers offensive line was responsible for eight offensive penalties by the Packers in the first half.  Ahman Green dropped a third down swing pass from Favre which would have given the Packers a first down.  Dorsey Levens played real well but the Packers lost him for four to six weeks.  Levens broke his hand on his first carry of the game.  Levens went on to carry the ball three more times and caught a screen pass for big yardage.  Rondel Mealey ran the ball well but fumbled into the end zone in the third quarter to snuff out another Packers drive.  Neither backup QB's did anything to impress nor did rookie wide receiver Robert Ferguson.   Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Packers defense played pretty good for most of the game.  G-Biamila broke through for a first series QB sack on Tim Couch.  The Packers defense stifled the Browns offense but then gave up a 96 yard scoring march to the Browns.  The Packers starting defense was not on the field during that drive however.  The Packers were also missing three of their starting defensive lineman due to injures.  Antuan Edwards had some nice tackles.  Rookie free agent Chris Gizzi had a superb game.  Gizzi was flying around the field making plays and making tackles.  Overall the Packers defense gets a C.

The Packers special teams were adequate.  Ryan Longwell booted a 47 yard field goal for the Packers only score.   Kickoff and punt return coverage units tackled well.  The Packers were unable to break any big returns.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

This game looked like a typical first preseason game.  Turnovers, penalties and missed assignments hampered the Packers all evening.  The Packers will continue to improve.  The week the Packers return to Lambeau Field to play the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.  I look for the Packers offense to get on track and score some points. 

My pick  Packers 27     Broncos 20

Training Camp has begun!

Here is my grade & review on how the Packers stack up at each position.

QB  Brett Favre is still one of the elite QB's in the league.  A game is never out of reach with Favre in the game.   Depth is not what it has been during the past few seasons.  The Packers traded Matt Hasselback to Seattle and the Packers signed Doug Pederson and Billy Joe Tolliver as backup's.  Henry Burris from the CFL will be the third QB.   A+ with Favre   C- without

RB   The Packers have a formidable tandem in the backfield that the Packers have not seen since their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.  Ahman Green is a standout running back with great pass catching abilities.  Green will team up with Dorsey Levins who will hopefully be able to remain in the lineup.  Levins has had injury problems the last two season.   William Henderson is still a quality fullback and a good blocker.  A+

TE   The Packers lack depth at the TE position.  Tyrone Davis was lost for the season after rupturing a hamstring during one of the minicamps.  Bubba Franks is the starter after a lackluster rookie season.  Hopefully Franks will step it up in his second season.  Rookie TE David Martin will probably be the backup.  C

WR  Depth is also lacking at the WR position.  Antonio Freeman needs to return to old form.  Billy Schroeder is at best a third WR.  The Packers second round draft pick, Robert Ferguson, will hopefully provide some needed spark the the WR corp.  Corey Bradford needs to become more reliable and needs to remain healthy.  Anthony Lucas is a superb WR but his body may be too worn out from college.  C

OL   The Packers return most of last season's starting offensive line.  Chad Clifton and Mike Wahle are superb blockers on the left side and Rivera and Tauscher are just as good on the right side.  Mike Flanagan replaces the incumbent Frank Winters at Center although Winters hangs around as an adequate backup.  The Packers also have depth with Earl Dotson.   B

DL   The Packers instantly improved their defensive line with the addition of # 1 pick Jamaal Reynolds out of Florida State.  Reynolds will bring much needed pass rush along with Vonnie Holiday who will anchor down the left side.  Russell Maryland and Jim Flanigan will hold down the tackle positions along with Santana Dotson.  Hopefully Gilbert Brown will make a successful comeback and be a force for the Packers again.  B

LB's   This may be the Packers biggest weakness on the team.  Bernardo Harris is pretty solid at LB but Nate Wayne and Nail Diggs need to improve in many areas in order for the Packers to become a force.  Depth is also a tremendous concern at this position as K.D. Williams is the only adequate backup.  Hopefully the #3 pick Torrance Marshall will develop into a starting player.  D+

Secondary  I feel that the Packer's secondary is probably the best in the league.  They have superb starters with Leroy Butler, Mike McKenzie, Darren Sharper, and Tyrone Williams.  Tod McBride and Antwain Edwards are also superb backups.  A

Special Teams.  Ryan Longwell is one of the best kickers in the league and the Packers did well by having Josh Bidwell come back.  Allen Rossum is a tremendous kickoff and punt returner and it will be great watching him return some more kicks this season.  B

The Packers have just missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.  I really like their chances of making the post-season this season and look for them to go all the way to the Super Bowl.  The Packers have team chemistry and are very familiar with each other which is a very important ingredient to a championship season.  Look for great things in 2001.

My prediction.  Packers 12-4 Central Division Champs.  Super Bowl Champs over the Ravens

New Season Looks Promising

The Green Bay Packers enter the 2001 campaign with a hope of rekindling championship dreams.

   The Packers offense returns many key people including Brett Favre, Antonio Freeman and either Ahman Green, Dorsey Levins or both of the talented running backs.  The Packers are currently in negotiations with Levins about restructuring his contract.  Ahman Green is a restricted free agent.  I feel that the resigning of Green is essential.  The Packers need to address the wide receiver position either through the draft or through free agency.  The Packers are near the top end of the 2001 salary cap limits which means that most positions needed are going to have to be filled from the draft.   Antonio Freeman needs to return to Pro Bowl form and bounce back from a substandard season.  The offensive line return most of its starters with the exception of Ross Verba who is a free agent.

   The Packers signed it's marquee free agent Darren Sharper which kept him from playing elsewhere.  The Packers are in need of some defensive line help.  This is a position the Packers have been lacking in depth since the departure of Reggie White.  Luckily for the Packers there is plenty of depth of defensive lineman in this seasons draft.  I also think the Packers could use some help at the linebacker position.  Brian Williams is no longer a Packer as he was released to make room under the salary cap. 

   The Packers signed their other big free agent when they agreed to a contract with Ryan Longwell, the NFL's most accurate kicker.  Allen Rossum will probably return as the Packers kick returner.

    I expect great things from the Packers team this season.  The Packers suffered a big loss with the retirement of General Manager Ron Wolf.  Wolf has done many great things with the Packers organization.  Wolf will remain with the Packers through this seasons draft and then head coach Mike Sherman will take over Wolf's responsibilities.  I'm not sure if  I like the dual role duties of Head Coach/General Manager.  Past history shows that success is not often achieved under this kind of structure.  Bart Starr held this role during his tenure as Packers coach and Mike Holmgren and the Seattle Seahawks are struggling.  Keep your heads up Packers fans and look for great things this season from the Mighty Green and Gold.

Go Pack.

Congratulations to the Baltimore Ravens on their Super Bowl Championship.