Bleacher Report - Articles by Mick Stephenson

Packers Running Back Deshawn Wynn Could Seize Opportunity

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:46:38 -0400

There once was a big, strong Packers running back who donned No. 42.

He had speed and power, and he even blocked well. What was his name? It was John Brockington.

Fast forward 36 years, and once again, the Packers have a big, strong, and fast running back wearing No. 42. What is his name? It's Deshawn Wynn.

His resume is beyond impressive.

Averaging 2,000+ yards rushing and 30 touchdowns during his last two years of high school, Wynn was a Parade All-American and was rated as a top-five running back.

As a freshman at Florida, he scored seven touchdowns and averaged nearly five yards per carry. Some scouts actually compared him to Emmitt Smith and Fred Taylor.

At 230 pounds, he squatted over 600 pounds, better than most college linemen.

Twice, he lead the Gators in rushing and capped off his college career with a good performance versus Ohio State, helping the Gators win the national championship.

Yet, in the 2007 NFL draft, he was still there in the seventh round when Packers GM Ted Thompson picked him.

How could such a talent drop so far? Many scouts labeled him as injury prone and lazy.

And it appeared that those pundits were correct. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Wynn was often injured and appeared to be soft.

After yet another injury in midseason of 2007, the Packers gave up on him and placed him on injured reserve.

In 2008 training camp, Wynn missed substantial time with a "bad stomach." The Packers again gave up on him and released him.

With his NFL career hanging in the balance, Wynn accepted an offer from the Packers to join the practice squad.

After having been a high school All-American and leading the NCAA national champions in rushing, suddenly, he was "Rudy," but without the movie rights.

Apparently, at this point, the proverbial "light bulb" turned on for Wynn.

Wynn impressed Packer coaches with his hard work on the practice squad.

When injuries hurt the Packers' running back corps in midseason in 2008, Wynn was re-signed to the active roster.

He has looked like an entirely different player ever since.

With an impressive ability to pick up the blitz from his tailback spot, he started earning playing time late last season. He then ended the season on a high note by notching his first career 100-yard rushing game in the season finale.

But, many still wondered which Wynn they would see during the 2009 Training Camp.

So far, he hasn't disappointed. After his playing weight ballooned to 245 pounds as a rookie, Wynn reported this season at 228 pounds.

Whereas his body looked soft as a rookie, it looks cut and big as a third-year player.

After the first week of camp, Wynn has drawn rave reviews from Packer players and coaches. "Great job of changing his body", said starting tailback Ryan Grant. Coach Mike McCarthy has also commented on the improved play.

Though currently third on the depth chart, Wynn may be the most talented all-around running back on the roster. He breaks more tackles and is a better receiver than Ryan Grant. He is a better blocker and more powerful runner than Brandon Jackson.

It is now all up to him. With a great first week of camp under his belt, it is clear Wynn has the talent to see playing time on the field for the Packers this season. With his versatility, he can give Grant a rest, and the Packers wouldn't lose much ability from their running back position.

If Wynn can stay healthy and maintain his hard work ethic, like Rudy, his story can have a happy ending. And nobody would benefit more than the Packers.

Raji and Pickett Highlight Packers Mini Camp Observations

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:43:09 -0400

As the Packer players head out of Green Bay via either Austin Stroubel Airport or down Interstate 43 South, the conclusion of the mandatory mini camp means we are now at about 30 days and counting until training camp. With a new defense, new coaches, and some intriguing positional battles; this mini camp seemed to give us some insight on what to expect when August rolls around.

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Would Playing More "Small Ball" Lead To More Wins For Brewers ?

Mick Stephenson — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:55:51 -0400

Brewers Manager Ken Macha seems to be content to live and die with the long ball. And as the Brewers occupied first place in the National League Central division for three straight weeks, that strategy seemed to work fine.

A check of the standings today, however, shows that the Brewers have fallen to second place and the rest of the division is hot on their heels.

Their starting pitching has faded in the last month, their leadoff hitter and "chief run producer" Rickie Weeks is out for the season and the bullpen is tired.

The vaunted lineup is striking out more and leaving an alarmingly high number of runners on base.

Perhaps it is time for Macha to revise his strategy for the second half of the season.

Looking at the breakdown of the team hitting stats, some numbers jump out at you. The Brewers are a solid fifth in the NL in runs scored with 329 and rank third in the NL in home runs with 81. As a team they are on pace for a whopping 652 walks after averaging 550 the last two seasons. The team on-base percentage is a solid .337, sixth in the NL and ten points higher than the average of the last two seasons.

With team numbers like that, the Brewers should be rock solid. But are they?

After averaging 102 team stolen bases in '07 and '08, the Brewers are on pace for a paltry 53 this season. The last time the Brewers had such a low total was all the way back in 1984 when the aging team that had once been known as "Harvey's Wallbangers" finally collapsed to finish 67-94. The 2009 Brewers are ranked 15th of the 16 teams in the NL in this category.

Even without Weeks the Brewers have players with a proven track record of successfully stealing bases. In '08 Corey Hart, Ryan Braun, and Mike Cameron combined for 54 thefts. The entire '09 team is not even trending to hit that number, and the threesome mentioned above is trending to total only 32 thefts collectively.

If the lack of stolen bases isn't enough to get your attention, then perhaps the disappearance of the bunt will grab you. As a team the Brewers have a meager 21 sacrifice bunts this season. That is next to last in the NL.

Even worse, if you remove pitchers, the Brewers have only five sacrifice bunts all season, ranking dead last in the league. Yes, only five bunts in 69 games.

Over the last two seasons as a team they have averaged 22 sacrifice bunts by position players.

Macha has implied that he does not like to give up outs with such a good hitting lineup, especially on the road. Well, the Brewers as a team are hitting .252. And that, Brewer fans, is an unimpressive 12th among NL teams. The last time the Brewers hit that low as a team was 2004 when they finished 67-94. And in that losing season the Brewers swiped a whopping 138 bases.

With the starting pitching showing signs of trouble, one would think that Macha might look to manufacture some more runs with some "small ball".

Opposing teams have adjusted their defense without having to worry about any bunts being laid down. Opposing teams do not have to worry about holding Brewer runners close to the base nearly as much as they do other teams.

This has lead to an increasing number of "hard hit outs". Guys like J.J. Hardy and Jason Kendall are making good contact but hitting balls at players. If these opponents were either playing up to prevent a bunt, or playing close to the bag to hold runners, some of these hard hit balls would become hits.

In other words, the Brewers' hitters are very predictable and opponents know just where to play them.

With 19 games left until the All-Star break, and 15 of those games at home, now would be a great time to start employing some "small ball". Macha could make teams guess a little more on where to position their players and opposing pitchers would have to think a bit more about Brewer base runners.

In the next three weeks the Brewers could face some very good pitchers with names like Carlos Zambrano, Chris Carpenter, Tim Lincecum, and Kevin Slowey. These pitchers don't give up many runs. Every one will count!

C'mon Ken, let's see some bunting, some stealing, maybe a hit and run. The Brewers will need those runs if they expect to see the post season again this October.

Young Green Bay Packer Fans Need History Lesson And Reality Check

Mick Stephenson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:00:15 -0400

There are many Packer fans who think Ted Thompson is an evil villian. They honestly believe the team would be better off if "Lord-Favre" was still the starting quarterback. They believe it was criminal how Thompson ran the future hall-of-famer out of town. Of course some people still believe the earth is flat. Still others think Elvis is still alive. Many Packer fans, particularly the ones under age 30, live in fantasyland when it comes to the quarterback position in the NFL. It is time that those Packer fans turn off their I-pod and let's have a little history lesson. And it is my hope that at the conclusion of the history lesson those fans are a little bit better informed of how rare it is to find a young quarterback like Aaron Rodgers.

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The Green Bay Packers: Only Three Plays From NFC North Title in '08

Mick Stephenson — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:56:49 -0400

As we head towards summer and long days of grilling food and getting tan, the pundits gear up to the coming 2009 NFL season. I hear so many fans touting the Minnesota Vikings as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. I also hear mant non-Packer fans suggesting that without Favre-vader that the Packers are a 6-10 team with no chance of reaching the Super Bowl. Yes, the Vikings were 10-6. Yes, the Bears were 9-7. Yes, the Packers were a lowly 6-10. However, if a mere 3 plays had gone the other way, the Packers would have been the team hosting a plyoff game last January and not the Vikings. And this all means nothing now. As a friend of mine once said, "Yeah, and if my grandmother had balls, she'd be my grandfather." But to illustrate just how close this division was in 2008, and should be again in 2009, I'll show how over 17 weeks between 3 different teams, the 6-10 Packers were only three plays from winning the division.

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From Chester Marcol to Aaron Rodgers: My Green Bay Packers Odyssey

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:01:45 -0400

How could a boy born in Kentucky and whose family hailed from Memphis grow to become one of the most avid fans of the Green Bay Packers? Well open your ears and sit a spell and read my tale.

It all started innocently. In 1970 as a toddler my family moved from small town Kentucky to the big city of Memphis. My father sold Speed Queen washing machines.

My extended family was all from Memphis and they were happy to have us back. My uncle even worked at the Memphis coliseum and was an acquaintance of a local guy named Elvis. My grandfather was one of the founders of the Danny Thomas charity golf tournament, which today is the PGA Tour Fed Ex/ St. Jude Classic.

My father traveled a lot, selling washing machines. One day in 1972 he sat me down and presented me with a gift. The gift was a pair of Green Bay Packers pajamas. He also told me that he had sold so many washing machines that he was being promoted and that we had to move again. "Where Daddy?" I asked. "Ripon, Wisconsin" my father told me.

I had no idea where Wisconsin was. Had no idea who the Green Bay Packers were. I just knew that I loved those pajamas. And those pajamas were the start of a magical journey that is still going 37 years later.

My memories are a little hazy with time. I remember that upon arriving in Ripon I sure thought the people talked funny. I was used to words like "yonder" and "y'all." Now my new friends liked to say, "you betcha".

And my new friends sure liked my pajamas. I wore those pajamas until they had holes all through them.

On Sundays we went to church. When we got back, there were a bunch of shows on TV with people dancing to polka music. Sure was different than the music I heard in Memphis.

But after Frank Yankovich signed off the television turned to football. My father still traveled a lot. I figured all families needed a good washing machine.

But on Sundays he was home and I climbed up on the couch and watched the Green Bay Packers with him. Sometimes he would even let me have a sip of his beer, which was either Old Milwaukee or Pabst Blue Ribbon ( whichever was on sale at the Piggly Wiggly).

They sure loved those Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin. And in 1972 the Packers won a lot of games.

Through the next few years the Packers didn't win many games. But my love for them grew. My buddies and I would wear our Packer sweatshirts in the snow and play football. I always pretended I was John Brockington.

By 1975 my father figured I was old enough to go with him and some other family members to see the game up north an hour or so in Green Bay. And my Lambeau Field virginity was broken at age 6.

Packer kicker Chester Marcol tried an onside kick and kicked the ground and hurt his leg real bad. Missed the rest of the season. And the Packers lost pretty bad. I sure hoped I'd get to see the Packers win a game at Lambeau some day.

I learned some bad words that year. the Packers had traded about 100 draft picks for a quarterback named John Hadl. And after a few Pabst Blue Ribbons all my Daddy's friends used some bad words to talk about him.

When Packers coach Bart Starr got rid of him, all my Daddy's friends were happy. They told me that coach Starr had been a great quarterback, much better than Hadl.

The next year my Momma and Daddy built a great house in Green Lake, Wisconsin. There was even a big old playroom for my brother and me. The walls and ceiling were painted green and gold. And I got new Green Bay Packers pajamas every Christmas.

The Packers didn't win hardly any games back then. But I loved them more and more each year anyways.

We moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1977. My father decided to stop selling washing machines and sell stoves instead. I played my first year of youth tackle football. I was crushed that I wasn't chosen by the team called the Packers. My team was called the Rams. I liked the blue and gold uniforms.

Daddy told me in real life the Rams were a much better team than the Packers. And I was upset that in Little Rock, Arkansas the Packers were not on television on Sundays. I seemed to always be stuck watching either the New Orleans Saints or the St. Louis Cardinals.

But that was OK. I collected football cards. And I kept buying pack after pack with the nasty tasting gum until I had all the Packers.

The Packers had a new quarterback named Lynn Dickey. He was No. 10. Then one day Daddy sat me down and told me that we were moving back to Green Lake, Wisconsin. He was going to go back and sell washing machines again.

I was happy. I'd get to watch the Packers on Sundays again.

It was great to move back. All my buddies welcomed me home. And my Daddy's friends didn't use the bad words about quarterback Lynn Dickey. But then he broke his leg. Just like Chester Marcol did when he kicked the ground in 1975. Those football players sure broke their legs a lot.

In 1978 the Packers had yet another new quarterback named David Whitehurst. They also had a new running back named Terdell Middleton. Daddy told me he liked Middleton because he was from Memphis, and that Terdell went to the same college that Daddy went to.

And the Packers started winning games again in 1978. They had a new receiver named James Lofton who became my favorite player. It actually looked like the Packers would make the playoffs.

That guy from Memphis, Terdell Middleton really looked like a star, like he was O.J. Simpson or something. But the evil Vikings and their quarterback Fran Tarkenton won their last game and kept the Packers from making the playoffs. I cried.

It was around that time that my daddy sat me down again and told me we were going to move again. "To Green Bay?" I asked excitedly. "No, to Chattanooga, Tennessee," Daddy told me.

By then I knew it was me who talked funny. With my Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and more Wisconsin accent I headed back south. I knew I wouldn't get to see the Packers play on Sunday again.

In 1979 the Packers went back to their losing ways. But I got to go see the Packers play against the Falcons in Atlanta. It was my first game in a stadium other then Lambeau Field. I wore my Packer colors. I heard more dirty words. This time they were aimed at me. A guy named Steve Bartkowski had a big game and the Packers got beaten badly

When it came time for football season to start in 1980 I was thinking the Packers might win some games. Lynn Dickey had recovered from his broken leg. In the first game, that kicker that had kicked the ground years earlier, Chester Marcol, had a game winning field goal blocked in over time against a team I had grown to hate, the Chicago Bears.

But the ball bounced right back in his hands and he ran, with the ball up by his single bar facemask, for the winning touchdown. Now I hadn't ever seen a kicker score a touchdown and I thought it was a sign from god that the Packers would make the playoffs. I even got to see the game on television!

But that season went downhill fast. And later that same season those same Bears whooped my Packers 61-7. I was glad I didn't get to see that game on television.

In 1981 my Daddy moved us again, to York, Pennsylvania. No more stoves, or washing machines. Now he was selling cabinets. between 1981 and 1984 I got to see the Packers play in person against the Baltimore Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 1982 the Packers actually made the playoffs in the year the players went on strike. And I yelled and screamed when the Packers whooped the Cardinals 41-16. But the next week the Packers almost beat the Dallas Cowboys but lost. I hate the Dallas Cowboys.

The Packers were rarely on television, even with the new invention of cable. But I did get to see them on Monday night in 1983 when they took on the Super Bowl Champion Washington Redskins.

It was and still is the highest scoring game in Monday night history and the Packers won 48-47. Lynn Dickey had changed his number to No. 12 by then. When the Redskin kicker Mark Mosely missed a potential game winning field goal in the final seconds, I cried. Happy tears!

In 1984 I raided Daddy's liquor cabinet with the neighbor girl and got caught. The next week Daddy sat me down again and told me we were moving to Illinois. I thought it was my fault.

In reality it was because Daddy had a chance to sell store fixtures and actually own part of the company. I cried. But at least Illinois was closer to Wisconsin. Maybe I could see the Packers on television more often.

From 1984 to 1986 I endured much hate from Chicago bears fans. I wore my Packer colors proudly as Walter Payton ran all over us. I bit my lower lip when Refrigerator Perry ran and caught touchdown passes against us.

I rejoiced when quarterback Rich Campbell won his one and only game as a Packer in the game in which Walter Payton played quarterback.

I did see a game in St. Louis against the Cardinals. Jim Zorn started at quarterback for the Packers. He was awful. An aging Lynn Dickey relieved him from the bullpen and nearly led a great comeback win. Running back Jessie Clark had a big day. But, another tough loss.

In 1987 I was accepted to Marquette University. I was ecstatic that I was moving back to Wisconsin. I was accepted to other colleges as well. But at Marquette, i could watch the Packers every week!

But another strike happened.They brought in "replacement players", or "Scabs" if you are a union fellow. I liked those scabs, they won 2 of 3 games behind quarterback Alan Risher. After the strike I even went to a game at County Stadium which the Packers lost. Randy Wright was awful. But Paul Ott Carruth had a nice game!

The Packers had drafted a young long haired blonde quarterback named Don Majkowski in 1987. They even gave him #5. I sure hoped he would be as good as another guy who wore #5, Paul Hornung. But soon after they changed his number to #7. Majkowski would be the last guy to wear #5.

Too bad I got into trouble at Marquette. Father Flanigan, after being awakened at 3:00 a.m. to deal with my disobedience, told me "I needed to seek education elsewhere."

So I headed back to Illinois. Peoria, Illinois to be exact. I found that if I grabbed a six pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and drove my 1985 Camaro out in the country I could actually hear WTMJ AM 620 through the static.

I'd take my six pack and spend three hours in my car listening to Max and Jim call the games. In fact, the "majikal" 1989 season was spent in a prairie outside Chillicothe, Illinois listening to all those close games.

It was so very sweet to see the Packers against Bears game at Lambeau Field that year. With about a dozen of my closest Bear fan friends, I watched the "instant replay game." After further review...the Bears still suck!

In December of 1989 I got tickets to see the Packers against the Bears at Soldier Field. I wore a Tony Mandarich No. 77 jersey. I knew I'd hear plenty of bad words aimed at me. The Packers won a thrilling 40-28 game.

By halftime i had dodged a couple full beers thrown at me. They hit the lady in front of me. The husband of that lady was not amused. By the time the fight was over security had ejected a dozen or so Bears fans.

By games end, I had frozen spit loogies in my hair. My jersey was soaked with beer. And i cried happy tears.

By 1992 I had graduated college and was living in Indiana. I surprised my Daddy with tickets to a December game at Lambeau Field. When we got to the hotel my Daddy asked me to get the phone book out and call Ray Nitschke and see if he would be at Fuzzy Thurston's bar Shenanigans in Depere. I looked at him like he was insane.

Daddy was semi-retired now and making more money in semi retirement than he ever did selling washing machines.

Ray's number was indeed in the white pages. We had a nice chat and he gave me directions to Fuzzy's bar. Ray wasn't there, but Fuzzy was and is a great man! I went to the men's room to take a leak and noticed that Packer great Willie Davis was doing the same right beside me. I nearly leaked on him.

The next day the temperature was about eight degrees. Daddy and I were excited to see this young new quarterback Brett Favre live for the first time. Daddy told me he liked this kid No. 4. The Packers rolled behind Favre and a rookie first round draft pick, Terell Buckley, returned a punt for a touchdown.

After this game I told my Daddy that I would set a goal to see the Packers in person play against all the other 29 teams in the NFL!

The next five years were a glorious time for not only myself, but for all Packer fans. I got married and had two kids.

I spent my honeymoon in Jacksonville watching the Packers beat the Jaguars. I even shook hands with Big Irv Favre who was sitting three rows in front of me.

A highlight of the 1995 season was sitting just above the "Dog Pound" in Cleveland and watching the Packers whoop the Browns on the first home game after Browns owner Art Modell announced that he was moving the team to Baltimore.

77,000 Browns fans sat in the parking lot for the entire first quarter. It was spooky watching Favre stake the Packers to an early lead with a near empty Old Cleveland Stadium. That was a big road win that season.

I went to over 20 games at Lambeau Field over four years. I saw the Monday night game against the 49ers when Don Beebe replaced an injured Robert Brooks. When Jacke won it with a 53 yard field goal in overtime, I cried, happy tears. I saw the Mud Bowl against the 49ers when Desmond Howard took over the game.

In 1997 after a win over the Bills in the regular season finale, i actually met #4. At roughly 2 a.m. at the Best Western hotel, my buddy Andy and I were finishing our last cocktail of the night and had the door open to allow some air in. With four other buddies passed out after a day of football and drinking, the room was a bit ripe!

Suddenly we heard a small group of guys in the hallway. When we heard the drawl we looked at each other immediately and burst out into the hallway. There was Brett favre along with a couple of his buddies that were in town from Mississippi and were staying at the hotel.

Looking a bit like Beavis and Butthead, all I could muster to say was, "MVP..." And Brett nodded at us and simply said "how y'all doin", and with that he and his buddies proceeded to head to their rooms. Andy and I just stood there, in our long johns. As we started to follow them a hotel security guard came around the corner and simply said "let em go, boys". And that was that.

Slowly but surely I crossed teams off my list that I saw play against the Packers in person.

In 1996 I prayed for the Super Bowl win and cried happy tears when it happened.

In 1997 I prayed for the Super Bowl win and cried sad tears when the pass to Chmura fell incomplete.

The highlight of that season was watching at Lambeau as Darren Sharper scored a couple touchdowns as Packers finally beat the Cowboys at Lambeau for the first time since the Ice Bowl. After the game Michael Irvin was quoted as saying "I haven't been beaten that bad since my old pappy beat me".

In 2000 I had a Packers chat room on the internet. I received an e-mail from a guy claiming to be from Wal-Mart's television advertising firm. He asked me if I was interested in auditioning for a television commercial.

By now I had the Sunday Ticket and watched EVERY Packers game on television. That July I filmed a television commercial for Wal-Mart and Direct TV for the Sunday Ticket. It was run nationally that entire season. Every week I got phone calls from old friends asking me if it was really me.

In 2003 I sat in the "leap zone" for the first time in a night game against the Eagles in a driving rain storm. I hung out with "St. Vince", the Packer Pope. I sat in row one seat one. Ahman Green scored a touchdown and ran right at me but veered left at the last second. We lost that game in the final seconds. I was too mad to cry.

In 2004 I sat in the end zone as Packers pummelled the Broncos in the last game of the regular season. I watched the luxury box erupt when the now Arizona Cardinals scored twice in the last two minutes to beat the hated Vikings and deliver us yet another division crown. I cried more happy tears.

Two weeks later I sat in the same end zone and looked straight at Randy Moss as he "pseudo mooned" us in the disappointing playoff loss.

After enjoying a 25 game winning streak in games I attended between 1992 and 1999, the Moss "moon" started a losing streak that took me back to the '70s and '80s.

I sat in the same end zone and saw Aaron Rodgers make his Lambeau Field debut in a bad loss. I saw Aaron Rodgers break his foot. It brought back memories of Chester Marcol and Lynn Dickey.

And in 2007 I sat on the 40 yard line and froze myself to the bone watching Brett Favre battle the Giants. I literally thought I was going to die of exposure. When Favre threw the pick I cried. Frozen tears. Eli Manning...

My Daddy, now retired and living in warm Arizona cried also.

And as I write this I have a humble one game winning streak after sitting at Lambeau and watching Aaron Rodgers beat Peyton Manning last October. Aaron Rouse had a 99 yard interception return for a touchdown. It was my Mother's 66th birthday.

I'd gladly have traded the win against Peyton Manning for a win against Eli Manning on January 20, 2008.

I've now seen the Packers play in person against all but seven of the 31 other teams. I know I am getting older in that I saw the St. Louis Cardinals, the Baltimore Colts, the Los Angeles Rams and the original Cleveland Browns as well as the new Baltimore Ravens.

And there you have it. My story of how I became a die hard Packers fan. 34 years of being a die hard fan. And ready to head to Lambeau Field to see the Packers open against Jay Cutler and the Bears on September 13, 2009. The tickets are a 40th birthday present for me. I hope to be crying happy tears.

And it all started with a pair of Packers pajamas in Memphis, Tennessee in 1972.

New and Improved Packer Defense Key to Resurgence in 2009

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:28:04 -0400

Whether you call it "The Black and Blue Division" or maybe, as Chris Berman refers to it,"The NFC Norris Division"; the fact is that there will be a lot of excitement and new faces in the upper midwest this fall.

In Minnesota some think the Vikings have a Super Bowl caliber team. Though the looming suspensions of the Williams Wall have the purple people nervous. And, oh yeah, there is a quarterback soap opera involving our favorite diva Brett Favre, newly acquired Sage Rosenfels and Tavarius Jackson.

Down in the Windy City both Cub fans and White Sox fans actually agree on something in late May, that Jay Cutler is the anointed one to lead "da Bears" to Super Bowl glory. Like Jesus himself, these fans think Cutler can work miracles and convert pedestrian receivers into elite ones.

There is even optimism in Detroit as beleaguered Lions fans hope 1st overall draft pick Matt Stafford can repeat the success the Falcons found last year with their rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. After all, they do have the same 1st name! Of course so does Matt Millen, but that is past history.

However, when I consider all this intrigue and plug it into my crystal ball, I see the Green Bay Packers re-capturing the NFC North crown by the time the snow starts to fly.

It looks more and more like the Williams defensive tackle "Wall" in Minnesota will serve a 4 game suspension. Heck, we may know the outcome of this legal battle before we even know who will be the Senator up in Minnesota! This four game suspension coupled with the quarterback dilemma could work towards the advantage of the Green and Gold.

Offensively the Packers are loaded. They have perhaps the best wide receiver group in the league. Greg Jennings is showing he is an elite player and a game breaker. Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones are also reliable targets.

They have a deep and healthy backfield led by Ryan Grant who will have a full offseason to show that he is indeed more like the runner of 2007 and not the runner of 2008 who didn't break a run longer than 30 yards.

Though there are some holes to fill on the offensive line, the Packers have a bounty of young prospects to battle it out. Coach Mike Mccarthy has indicated the Packers will mix some power running and straight line blocking in with their zone blocking.

And leading this offense will be second year starter Aaron Rodgers. With over 4,000 yards passing in 2008 and a 28-15 touchdown/interception ratio, statistically that matches some of Brett Favre's best seasons. Rodgers should improve with experience. His scrambling ability and good decision making will make it tough on opposing defenses.

With an explosive passing game , a solid rushing game, the Packers should once again be a top ten offense in the NFL this season.There is no question that the Packers have the most balanced offense in the division.

The biggest question is, however, how well will the defense perform with some new blood, new coaches, and a brand new scheme? Last season injuries and poor play cost the Packers dearly as they lost close game after close game by fading in the 4th quarter.

Dom Capers come in with four new coaches, two new 1st round draft picks, and the task of replacing the old 4-3 alignment with his 3-4 scheme. He may have a leg up on the division rivals.

None of the other teams in the NFC North employ the 3-4 scheme. For 13-14 weeks next season, the other teams in the division will prepare to play against the 4-3 scheme. They will form their blocking to combat four defensive lineman. They will prepare to play teams that don't blitz too often.

Then in a weeks time these division foes must shift their blocking assignments to combat the Packers new 3-4 scheme. And judging from past history, Capers will have plenty of surprises in store for them.

It will be challenging enough for Packers division rivals to adjust to new quarterbacks of their own, but even tougher for them to prepare to play against a 3-4 scheme only 3 or 4 times next season.

With exciting young players like nose tackle BJ Raji and outside linebacker Clay Matthews III coming in, the Packers will be deeper on the roster.

With talented veterans like middle linebacker Nick Barnett and defensive end Cullen Jenkins returning from season ending injuries last fall the talent level overall will be much better than the unit that limped to the finish in 2008.

If young players like safety Atari Bigby and defensive lineman and former 1st round draft choice Justin Harrell return from their injuries and play to their potential, this defense could be down right scary.

Throw in three pro bowlers in cornerback Charles Woodson and safety Nick Collins as well as converted outside linebacker Aaron Kampman and it would seem the Packers have all the necessary ingredients to cook up a much improved defense unit.

I see more sacks, more interceptions and better play against the run.

The Packers would face the task of playing the Vikings in Minnesota on the final week the Williams Wall would be suspended. The overall schedule looks to be softer than the last two seasons. They also have a chance to take one early from the Bears on prime time in week one.

This division will be a three horse race. If they can avoid serious injuries and see even marginal improvement on defense the Packers can emerge as the winning horse!

New Green Bay Packers Coaches Bring Blueprint For Success

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:06:40 -0400

January 5th, 2009 will go down as a day of infamy for Packer fans. That was the day the hatchet man cometh with pink slips in hand.

By the end of that fateful day six coaches were terminated including five defensive coaches and the strength and conditioning coach.

Despite a successful debut season as starting quarterback by Aaron Rodgers and a top 10 overall offense, the Packers limped to a 6-10 record. In eight of the ten losses the team had chances to tie or take the lead in the second half only to come up short after the final tick of the clock.

It was clear to Packer Head Coach Mike McCarthy that his defense was in shambles. He wanted a tougher defense that could play tough late in games. So he made up his mind to go out and get a brand new defensive coaching staff to restore the toughness he felt the team lacked.

After hiring respected coach Dom Capers to be his defensive coordinator, Mccarthy set out to fill the staff under Capers with experienced coaches... with TOUGH coaches.

He succeeded.

They don't come any tougher than former all-pro linebacker Kevin Greene. With an NFL linebacker record 160 sacks on his resume Greene will coach the outside linebackers.

While in college Greene not only walked on to have a great football career at Auburn, he also graduated from their ROTC officer training school. he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air National Guard. he also became a paratrooper after he completed training at Ft. Benning, GA.

And while he is most remembered for his 15-year-career that saw him play in a Super Bowl and multiple pro-bowls; he also had a 19-year-career in the Army Reserves finishing as a Captain.

His high energy and intensity is already evident as the "rookie" coach embarks on teaching vets like Aaron Kampman the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Greene should know, he underwent the transition himself during his playing days.

1st round draft choice Clay matthews III will also be a prized pupil as Greene will work to mold him into a versatile right outside linebacker combining pass rushing and pass coverage.

Though this is Greene's 1st season as a full time NFL coach, his experience in his career combined with his discipline and intensity developed during his 20 years in the military should bode well for the Packers linebackers as they seek to learn the new 3-4 alignment while also looking to thrive off of Greene's love of the game.

Just behind the linebackers you will find a new face coaching the safeties. The new face belongs to Darren Perry, a former teammate of Greene's who is pretty tough in his own right.

Perry played with Greene in Pittsburgh for the Steeler team that went to the Super Bowl in 1995. Perry combined solid tackling with ballhawking skills. Perry played in the 3-4 alignment for both Dom Capers as well as Capers' fellow 3-4 comrade coach Dick LeBeau.

Perry honed his coaching skills under LeBeau in Cincinnati before becoming an integral part of Steeler's coach Bill Cowher's staff. Perry is credited with developing all world safety Troy Polamalu for the Steelers.

Perry will try to hone the skills of Packers pro-bowl safety Nick Collins, who will be expected to call the defensive plays on the field while playing back and looking to create turnovers. Returning from injury, Atari Bigby will also look to Perry to become a feared "in the box' safety.

Having played in a Super Bowl as well as having won a Super Bowl championship as a coach Darren Perry looks to be the right guy to bring fear to opposing quarterbacks.

After five years as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, Mike Trgovac needed a change. His resume showed that in those five years the Panthers were 5th overall in least amount of total yards allowed by his defenses.

His face is not completely new to Packer fans. In 1999 Trgovac coached the defensive line for Ray Rhodes. On that same staff, on the offensive side, was a young assistant Mike Mccarthy. Evidently Trgovac made a positive impression on coach Mac.

Another truly tough guy, Trgovac won the 1976 Michigan High School Wrestling State Championship before becoming a captain while playing for coach Bo Schembechler's Michigan Wolverine squad from 1977-1980.

Like Darren Perry, Trgovac has also coached in a Super Bowl as his Carolina Panther defense went to the Super Bowl in 2003. Trgovac is credited with developing Julius peppers into the complete player he is today.

Trgovac will now get to put his experience into a "new toy" in Packers 1st round draft pick BJ Raji. He will also have a great challenge in melding the Packers defensive line into the new scheme and making sure the defensive line doesn't wear down late in games and give up big chunks of rushing yardage like the 08 Packers did.

There seems to be a theme to the new Packers defensive coaches,Super Bowl experience, and toughness. Capers, Perry, and Trgovac have coached in a Super Bowl. Greene and Perry have played in the Super Bowl.

It is this experience and toughness that is the blue print for the Packers potential success this upcoming season.

Do Brewers Have Another Ryan Braun in Mat Gamel?

Mick Stephenson — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:50:16 -0400

A young Brewer third base prospect tears up the minor league pitching. He hits for power, average, and drives in runs. But the kid makes error after error in the field.

Sound familiar?

No, I'm not talking about the Brewers slugging left fielder—and former third baseman—Ryan Braun.

The Brewers have called up their No. 1 minor league prospect, Mat Gamel, from Nashville. Gamel has torn up Triple-A picthing this season.

In 33 games with Triple-A Nashville, the 23-year-old Gamel is batting .336 with eight home runs and 31 RBI with 11 doubles and one triple, for a .421 on-base percentage and .652 slugging percentage.

The Brewers have been among the hottest teams in MLB in the last month and, as of today, are tied for first place in the NL Central. After a poor start to the season in which they only won three of their first 11 games, they have now won 17 of their last 23.

Yet, the Brewers still have a couple of problems. Their bench production at the plate, aside from Craig Counsel, had been dismal, and youngster Brad Nelson was 0-for-20 as a pinch-hitter.

Starting third baseman Bill Hall is also hitting a meager .215 against right-handed pitching.

The Brewers will be traveling to three different American League cities for interleague play in the next month and will need a designated hitter for those series.

Enter Mat Gamel.

The Brewer management figures between getting him some pinch-hitting opportunities, some time at third base against right-handed pitchers, and a few series of starting at DH in interleague play, it's a good opportunity to allow the young Gamel to "get his feet wet" in the majors.

The Brewers took this same approach with both Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. In Fielder's case, he eventually went back down to Triple-A, but the following season made the all-rookie team in the big leagues.

When Braun first came up in May of 2007, he started slugging the ball from day one and has never looked back.

The Brewers are hoping for the same success with Gamel. The Crew is a big hitting team as it is, but they could always use more firepower.

Should Gamel burst on the scene like Fielder and Braun, there is a chance he could unseat Bill Hall at third base. But his defense is the big question mark.

Just as Braun had many errors at third base as a rookie, so does Gamel in Triple-A—he already has eight errors this season. But Manager Ken Macha believes Gamel could benefit greatly from working with infield coach Willie Randolph on a day-to-day basis.

As the Brewers finish their home series with the Florida Marlins Thursday, they prepare to fly to St. Louis for a big showdown series versus the Cardinals, who have been in first place for most of the season.

With Hall's ability to play outfield and shortstop as well as third base, a hot start by Gamel could give the Brewers even more options and more slugging as the Brewers try to prove their 2008 playoff run was not a fluke.

Many Brewer fans will be watching with great anticipation to see if in Gamel, the Crew has found another Ryan Braun.

If they do, the Cubs and Cardinals should beware of this young Brewers team.

Dom Capers' Arrival to Lambeau Field Blows a Wind of Change

Mick Stephenson — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:53:06 -0400

Jay Cutler gets traded to the Bears. The Lions take QB Matthew Stafford at No. 1 overall in the draft. And maybe, maybe not, a guy named Brett could be the starting QB for the Vikings.

The Packers could possibly be facing new starting quarterbacks on all three division rivals. It is a perfect time to do a complete defensive makeover. And that is exactly what they are doing.

In 2008, the Packers' defense got worse as the season wore on. By mid-season, the Packers were missing three key starters in middle linebacker Nick Barnett, defensive end Cullen Jenkins, and cornerback Al Harris.

They could not get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They wore down and could not defend the run late in games. Their once vaunted passing defense gave up big plays at bad times.

Something needed to change.

After 14 seasons of the Packers running the 4-3 defensive scheme exclusively, coach Mike McCarthy gutted his defensive coaching staff. He then interviewed a number of defensive gurus before hiring the respected, defensive-minded Dom Capers. McCarthy made the call to switch the defensive scheme to the 3-4.

With no Brett Favre soap opera to deal with, and with a potent offense led by up-and-coming Aaron Rodgers, Coach McCarthy could now focus squarely on improving the defense, knowing the unit will be in the very capable hands of Capers.

This will be the third time Capers will be converting a defense from the 4-3 scheme to the 3-4 scheme. The results from his other two conversions were quite positive.

In 1998, he inherited the 25th-ranked defense in Jacksonville. In their first season in his 3-4 scheme, they improved to No. 4 and led the NFL in scoring defense.

In 2005, he took over the 18th-ranked defense in Miami and in 2006, his first season with the Fish, they improved to No. 4 overall.

And this does not even count how Capers was one of the architects of the Pittsburgh Steeler 3-4 defense that has been among the league's best for years.

The theory of the 3-4 defense is to disguise blitzes and coverages and confuse opposing quarterbacks and blockers. With blitzes coming from a number of different defenders, opposing running backs will have to attempt to guess which defensive player he must focus on to pick up and block the blitz.

By shifting formations and having both linebackers and secondary players moving around constantly, it is a real challenge for the opposing offense, particularly if they haven't seen much of a 3-4 defense.

The Packers are one of only three teams in the entire NFC that will use the 3-4. The Packers will also be the only team in the NFC North to deploy this scheme. As Capers has pointed out, when opposing teams prepare to play 4-3 defenses for 13-14 of the 17 weeks of the season, it becomes very difficult for teams to prepare for a 3-4 alignment in only three or four days.

The question before the Packer fan court is, "Can the Packers' personnel transition quickly?"

To help in the transition, Capers has a couple new coaches he added to his staff that have great experience in the scheme. New outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene brings a great career as a 3-4 player into his first full-time coaching job.

Greene thrived in his playing career as a pass-rushing outside linebacker on some great Steelers and Panthers teams. His energy, knowledge, and sheer passion for the game should inspire the Packer players.

New secondary coach Darren Perry brings both years of playing experience as a safety in the 3-4 as well as being a secondary coach under Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh. Perry was credited with developing Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu into the Pro Bowl player he is today.

Capers also has to be pleased with the recently completed Packers draft in which they picked nose tackle/defensive end B.J. Raji with the ninth pick in the first round, and then added versatile OLB Clay Matthews III later in the first round. Both players appear to fit the new scheme very well.

So what exactly are the big differences between the old scheme and Capers' new 3-4 scheme? Quite a bit.

With a three-man defensive line, the players must be able to read and adjust exactly how they wish to line up. The nose tackle is in the middle and may, on some plays, line up directly over the center.

Other time, he may line up on either shoulder of the center. The defensive ends must also follow the defensive calls and can line up anywhere from the guard's outside shoulder to outside the tackle's outside shoulder.

Their main job is to close gaps and tie up blockers so the linebackers can pursue the ball.

In veteran Ryan Pickett and rookie B.J. Raji, the Packers have two players who appear to be excellent nose tackles. I look for these two to rotate and both will see time at both nose tackle as well as left defensive end.

With each player over 325 pounds and possessing good quickness, it should improve the Packers' ability to stop the run, as ball carriers will find little room between the two. The nose tackle is the key position in this scheme as their ability to get a push, hold their ground against multiple blockers, and wreak havoc can make or break the scheme.

On the right side, defensive end Cullen Jenkins could thrive.

Last season in New England, defensive end Richard Seymour had a stellar season. Capers thinks Jenkins can be a similar player. Though not as big as Raji and Pickett, Jenkins is stout versus the run and is the best pass rusher of the three.

Depth will be a key for the defensive line. The ability to rotate the three starters in and out of the game without a large drop off will ensure that the best players are on the field in the fourth quarter, which was the Packers' Achilles heal in 2008.

Third-year player and former first round draft pick Justin Harrell has the ideal size to be a good defensive end in the 3-4. But after two lost seasons of injuries and disappointing play, he is a total question mark.

In the 4-3 scheme he played defensive tackle and had simple gap control responsibility, but in the new scheme will he be able to read offensive linemen and running backs and adjust where he lines up to be effective?

Will arm and back injuries be healed? Will he be in shape for training camp? All are legitimate questions that won't be answered until training camp.

Johnny Jolly, a former 4-3 defensive tackle, will probably play defensive end in the new scheme.

Rookie Jarius Wynn is a bit undersized at 6'3" and 277 pounds, but has experience in the 3-4 in college and has room on his frame to grow. He has a solid chance to make the roster.

The play of the linebackers is what can make the 3-4 scheme special.

The single biggest change on the Packers defense evolves around Aaron Kampman, who shifts from being a Pro Bowl-caliber left defensive end into an outside linebacker. At 6'4" and 265 pounds, Kampman will play "standing up" for the first time.

An elite pass rusher, Kampman will be counted on the get constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Though the Packers will attempt to keep it to a minimum, Kampman will have some pass coverage responsibilities.

This will be new for Kampman as well. The key is keeping the coverage for him to a zone close to the line of scrimmage.

But make no mistake about it: Kampman's main job will be to rush the passer and provide run support on the left side. Kampman will also move up to the line and put his hands down and line up as a traditional 4-3 defensive end at times as Packers will deploy different formations.

Nick Barnett appears to be nearing 100 percent as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered in the seventh game last season. He will man the "mike" inside linebacking spot.

The mike linebacker is mainly a "chaser" who moves side to side across the field in pursuit of the ball. He does not engage blockers as much as the other linebackers. Barnett appears to have the speed and the smarts to be effective. This is a vastly different style than the prior 4-3 formation.

A.J. Hawk will man the "jack" linebacker spot. The jack position is expected to move forward to play against the power runs. This position also takes on blockers to free up the "mike" to chase plays. Hawk appears to have the tackling ability and athleticism to thrive in this spot.

Ted Thompson selected Clay Matthews III specifically to be his right side outside linebacker in the new scheme. Matthews possesses both the pass rushing skills needed as well as the athleticism to be effective in coverage.

This position requires the most versatility of all the linebacker spots. Veteran Brady Poppinga should also see time at this position. Brady Poppinga possesses the skill to rush the passer and provide run support.

The Packers appear to be loaded with depth across the board at linebacker. Jeremy Thompson, another converted 4-3 defensive end, will back up Kampman. Third-year player Desmond Bishop showed flashes last season and should back up both inside spots. Brandon Chillar has experience and versatility to play all the linebacker positions.

With the emphasis on the pass rush and run pursuit, the secondary's responsibilities will be changing as well. Though there will be man-to-man coverage in some areas, the Packers will use zone coverages much more than in the past.

Elite CB Charles Woodson should have no problem adjusting.

Aging cornerback Al Harris will be watched closely. Harris has thrived lining up right in front of opposing receivers and getting contact at the line and playing man-to-man. He will be asked to line up a couple yards back and play more zone this season.

Should he struggle, young Tramon Williams appears to possess all the skills to be a good cornerback and could replace Harris if he has a good training camp. With the many blitz packages used, the cornerbacks must quickly cover their zone and stay there and allow safeties to provide backup.

The two safeties have very different responsibilities as well. The free safety stays back and patrols deep, acting as a "ball hawk." Nick Collins seems to be a great fit here. A natural playmaker, Collins can flow to the ball and help the cornerbacks.

The strong safety can line up close to the linebackers. In fact, in some of the formations, the strong safety can act as a fifth linebacker.

Atari Bigby may benefit from this, as he is at his best close to the line providing run support.

Anthony Smith, acquired from the Steelers, can replace Bigby on passing downs. Smith has experience in the scheme with Pittsburgh and could work well with Collins to defend the pass.

Much like at linebacker, the Packers have an abundance of youthful depth in secondary. Cornerbacks Pat Lee, Will Blackmon, and rookie Brandon Underwood will fight for playing time. Safeties Aaron Rouse, Jarret Bush, and Charlie Peprah will probably battle for one or two roster spots.

This defense relies on pressure, disguise, and tight execution. Whereas the old 4-3 scheme didn't use a lot of stunts and movement, the new 3-4 scheme has many blitzes, and a lot of player movement. In a nutshell, it requires smart football players who must be disciplined in their responsibilities.

The Packers have a seasoned coaching staff that knows this scheme. They also have youth and athleticism on the roster. If the players transition quickly, this defense could be vastly improved in 2009.

With the acquisitions and changes, their division rivals have made, it is critical for the players to learn quickly if the Packers hope to reclaim the NFC North crown this fall!

Key Position Battles Are Looming For Green Bay Packers

Mick Stephenson — Tue, 12 May 2009 20:19:33 -0400

As we all anticipate the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

Ultimately, at the start of NFL training camp, the Green Bay Packers have a couple of key positional battles that will be critical if they are to rebound from last season's 6-10 record and look to re-claim the NFC North title.

With holes to fill at right tackle, defensive end, and tight end, as well as a crowded group at linebacker, the competition is fierce and the bodies are many.

Right Tackle: Breno Giacomini vs. TJ Lang vs. Allen Barbre vs. Tony Moll

For nearly a decade this position was manned capably by the home-grown Wisconsin boy, Mark Tauscher. But in an unfortunate twist of fate, in a contract year, Tauscher tore up his knee last December.

He is unsigned and doctors say it will be October before he is ready to play football again. This has forced the Packers to find a new starter at a key position.

Breeno Giacomini

At 6'7 and 311 pounds, Breno has exceptional size. After his sophomore season at Louisville, he was only 242 pounds and was a tight end. By the time he started his senior season he was 303 pounds and became a second-team All Big East player.

The second-year tackle saw action in only one game in 2008, his rookie season, after being drafted by the Packers in the fifth round. He is an effective pass blocker using his height and long arms to neutralize pass rushers; his weakness has been run-blocking.

With a year to learn the zone blocking scheme and add strength, if his zone blocking is improved he could very well win the starting job at right tackle.

T.J. Lang

The rookie fourth round draft pick from Eastern Michigan has a real chance to nail down the starting job. He played all five offensive line positions at EMU, including starting his last 26 games at left tackle.

He also has four years' experience in the zone blocking scheme similar to the one used by the Packers. Known as a good drive blocker on running plays, he also showed at the "Texas vs. Nation" all-star game week that he naturally anchors vs bull pass rushers.

Though some think he would be better inside, I think he has the athleticism to be a good right tackle. Lang also has a mean streak and will maul pass rushers. When I watch his tape it reminds me of former Packer center, Frank Winters.

Allen Barbre

Barbre enters his 3rd year with the Packers and is the "mystery" candidate at right tackle. He dominated Division II collegiately at Southern Missouri State. He has excellent quickness and speed for a 6'4 308 pound man. He can be an effective gunner on special teams.

But his play on offense has been disappointing. He is known for his ability to finish blocks. He also has good side to side movement on pass blocking with quickness to get to the pass rusher. However, he lost a training camp battle at left guard last August to Daryn Colledge.

Packer line coach James Campen has stated that right tackle is the best fit for Barbre. The questions that have plagued him have been his mental abilities. He seems slow to learn schemes and plays. he also needs to keep his pad level lower.

He was hesitant last pre-season. He has all the tools, but will the light bulb come on for him this training camp? If so, he has a chance to start. If not, he could be in jeopardy of being cut.

Tony Moll

Moll is far and away the most experienced of the candidates to start at right tackle. Entering his fourth season, he has started 18 games and played in 39. He has also played both guard spots and previously started at right tackle. On the surface, he may be considered the favorite to win the job.

However, his career has been hurt by "consistent inconsistency". After a promising rookie season he looked like a sure future starter. However his uneven play has had him benched on several occasions.

Another former college tight end, Moll only played offensive line for one year before being drafted by Packers in '06. With little knowledge or experience as an offensive lineman, perhaps all the moving around the Packers coaches have done with him has hurt his development.

At times he has shown athleticism and solid zone run blocking. But he has also had times when he has given up sacks in bunches. Which Tony Moll will we see in training Camp and in pre-season games?

The answer to this question could be either our starting right tackle...or his name on the waiver wire.

Defensive End: Ryan Pickett vs. BJ Raji vs Johnny Jolly vs. Justin Harrell

It is certain that Ryan Pickett will start this fall. What is uncertain is whether he starts at nose tackle or at left defensive end. It is certain that Cullen Jenkins will start at defensive end if he is healthy. It is certain that rookie first round draft pick BJ Raji will see extensive playing time.

What is uncertain is whether he will play more defensive end or nose tackle. The biggest uncertainty is whether former 1st round draft pick Justin Harrell will be healthy, in shape, and motivated to reach his potential.

Adding to the uncertainty is whether Johnny Jolly can take care of his legal matters, avoid a league suspension, and can he play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

Ryan Pickett

Where Pickett lines up depends on how quickly rookie BJ Raji picks up the new 3-4 scheme and whether Raji is more effective at nose tackle or at defensive end.

Pickett is a massive man and strong as an ox. At 6'2 and 335 pounds, he bench presses well over 400 pounds. He can plug the middle with the best of them.

Though some think he will be a very effective 3-4 nose tackle and compare him to Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton, Pickett could end up at defensive end if Raji shows early that he can be a dynamic and disruptive nose tackle.

The key with Pickett will be to limit his snaps during games so he will be fresh in fourth quarter of games to help stop the opposing team's running game.

BJ Raji

A lot rides on this rookie!

If he can pick up the 3-4 scheme and "hit the ground running," he can be moved all around the defensive line. He brings a much better inside pass rush as opposed to Pickett.

On running downs, Raji can line up beside Pickett; between the two, the Packers would have 700 pounds of run-stuffing talent. On passing downs he can move inside and provide a big push up front along with Cullen Jenkins.

We will see Raji at both defensive end and nose tackle. And the pace of his development will go a long way as to the fortunes of the overall defense.

Justin Harrell

Harrell is without a doubt the most maligned candidate to compete for a starting job at defensive end. A former first round pick in 2007, injuries have limited his practice time. He also has very little to show when he has played.

At 6'4 and 310 and with good speed, he has all the tools. But back and arm injuries have cursed him since his arrival in Titletown. If he recovers from a back injury suffered last season, and is healthy coming into training camp he could blossom into a starting defensive end on the opposite side from Jenkins.

A former high school tight end and basketball star, Harrell had a nice career at Tennessee. If healthy and motivated, he could provide a big body at defensive end as well as quickness and decent pass rush ability.

The Packers won't give up on Harrell no matter what happens in 2009. However, the clock is now ticking loudly on his Packer career.

Johnny Jolly

Many question marks surround Jolly.

He will go on trial in July for a charge of criminal possession of codeine. Though he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, indications are that he may be able to resolve his legal problems without missing any "NFL" time. He also could suffer the wrath of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and be looking at a suspension.

Should he resolve both of these matters, he still faces questions of where he fits in the Packers defensive line for the upcoming season. At 6'3 and 312 pounds, he is a big and athletic player. He played well as the starter at defensive tackle in 2008 in the Packers old 4-3 scheme.

He was really starting to come into his own as a starting defensive tackle. He is very solid versus the run and has a knack of knocking down passes or at least getting his arm up to impede opposing quarterback's vision.

But can he play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme? He is not much of a pass rusher. Yet, in the new 3-4 scheme, he won't be expected to be much of a pass rusher.

If he resolves his legal problems, and if he avoids a suspension, and if BJ Raji needs time to progress, and if Justin Harrell gets hurt or flops in training camp...Jolly could be the starting defensive end.

He is in the final year of his contract and will be playing for some big money. But there are a lot of "ifs".

Tight End: Donald Lee vs. Jermichael Finley vs. Tory Humphrey vs. Carson Butler

Donald Lee

One of the biggest differences in the Aaron Rodgers led Packers offense of 2008 as opposed to the Brett Favre led offense of 2007 was the drop in production at tight end.

After catching 48 passes for 575 yards and a healthy 12.0 yard average in 2007, his numbers dipped to 39 catches for 303 yards and a paltry 7.8 average per catch in 2008. Lee has ok size, has decent hands and is a willing but pedestrian blocker. Solid but not spectacular in any area.

He signed a hefty contract extension after his good '07 campaign. With a couple young and more athletic tight ends in his "rear view mirror," Lee needs to have a better season in 09 if he is to remain the starter.

Jermichael Finley

He simply has the athleticism that make scouts drool. at 6'5 and 247 pounds, he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash before the Packers selected him in the 3rd round of the 2008 draft.

Now we need to see maturity.

Declaring after his sophomore year, Finley just turned 22 in March. A married father of two children, Packers coaches are looking for him to mature on the field as he has in his personal life.

In practices Finley has made spectacular plays. However he was a liability when he played in '08. He compounded matters by making negative comments about Aaron Rodgers and the offensive play calling.

Let's hope these are rookie mistakes. He has the speed to outrun safeties, let alone linebackers. He has the height and long arms to go up and grab passes.

If he can mentally grasp the offense and show some humbleness, he could become another big weapon for Aaron Rodgers. He never was asked to do much blocking at Texas A&M and will need a lot of improvement in that area to be an every down player.

As a pass catching TE, he has all the tools to replace Donald Lee.

Carson Butler

This is a case of a kid who has rare athleticism and solid all around talent to be a star tight end in the NFL. This is also the case of a kid who faced assault charges while at Michigan, was dismissed from the team, came back, and then switched to defensive end as a senior.

At 6'5 and 263 lbs, he ran a 4.57 40 yard dash at Michigan as a senior. At Packer tryout camp he made a number of great catches showing an ability to jump high and adjust to the ball. He was always a solid blocker for Big Blue. As far as size, speed, hands, and blocking he could be the most talented tight end on the roster.

But with his checkered past and having gone undrafted, he could also end up on the practice squad or on the waiver wire. He made a positive impact at first rookie camp, but it remains to be seen whether he has the desire and discipline to keep improving and make the team.

Tory Humphrey

Since going undrafted out of Central Michigan in 2005, Humphrey has been with the Packers on and off since that season. He has spent time on the injured reserve, practice squad, and inactive list. He has seen limited time on the field.

Packer coaches say he is a good blocker with good hands. The Packers declined to tender him a contract after the '08 season.

Humphrey then decided to take a big pay cut and re-sign as opposed to looking at other teams as a free agent. If Humphrey is healthy he would be the best blocking tight end on the roster. But he does not offer the big-play potential that Finley and Butler do.

Humphrey has a shot at making the team; however, he is probably more of an insurance policy in the event the two youngsters Finley or Butler flop in camp.

Summary

These are three position battles that will be fun to watch come training camp and pre-season. All three positions will be critical if the Packers expect to win the NFC North. The defensive end position must get solidified in order for the new 3-4 scheme to be effective.

The right tackle spot will be critical to keep Rodgers off his back and open holes for running back Ryan Grant and company. The tight end position must show production more like 20007 as opposed to 2008 if the Packer offense is going to click on all cylinders.

All three positions have some excellent young athletes that will wage intriguing battles come August!

The 1989 Cardiac Pack - A Truly "Majikal" Season

Mick Stephenson — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:06:28 -0400

I was racking my brain trying to determine which was my favorite Packer team. The rise to the elite level of 1995 was a top choice. The great 1996 Super Bowl champion team was certainly another obvious choice. The 2003 team which dominated the second half of the season only to see it all end after the nightmarish "4th and 26" followed by an ill times Favre OT pick in Philly was up there as well.

But "after further review" I concluded that the 1989 Packers were and are my favorite Packer team of all time. I still refer to them as, "The Packer team from the island of misfit players."

At that time I was a college student and living in central Illinois and attending Bradley University. I rarely got to see the Packers play, but I had a feeling that the '89 season would be a "long strange trip" the moment the Packers selected OT Tony "The Incredible Bulk" Mandarich in the first round.

I also had a feeling that they should have drafted another guy—perhaps Barry Sanders, or maybe a cocky kid named Deion. Maybe even a dominant pass rusher named Derrick Thomas. But hey, this kid Mandarich was 310 lbs and ran a 4.8 40. He was a "can't miss" blue chipper! (I thought)

When the schedule was released I also was scratching my head. The Packers played the (at that time) lowly Dallas Cowboys twice in the same regular season. I smiled and thought that with a lowly rookie QB in Troy Aikman and a cocky college coach I despised in Jimmy Johnson, the Cowboys weren't going anywhere!

Yeah, Hershel Walker was good, but that was all they had! Little did I know the impact Hershel would have on the season. In fact, by the time the season was over, the Packers would face Walker three times and have Walker be instrumental in ruining my Christmas!

I also noticed that my Packers played only two AFC teams all season—the Chiefs and Dolphins—while our rival Vikings played the entire tough AFC Central. The Bears worried me as the Packers had not beaten them in five years and Commander Ditka was still large and in charge! And those Lions had that little rookie RB Barry sanders whom I thought had a chance to be a decent player.

So with all that intrigue, I prepared for the season. In the days before NFL Sunday Ticket, the NFL network, and even before internet, I got to see Bears games. Period.

So, on Sundays I would get some food, a six pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon and hop into my Camaro and drive somehwere out in the country outside Peoria and try to find a spot where I could listen to WTMJ620 and make our Max and Jim's call of the games through the static. And for the next three hours, there I would sit.

I did not have real high hopes for the season. Though the Packers did have talent—Tim Harris, Sterling Sharpe, and Ken Ruettgers to name a few—the roster was also packed with the likes of Blaise Winter, Tiger Greene, Van jakes, and Michael Haddix. But, in young QB Don Majkowski, young RB Brent Fullwood, and the "cream of the rookie crop" Tony Mandarich, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Then the Mandarich soap opera started the season off on the wrong foot. One day he went on TV and said he wanted to fight Mike Tyson. The next day he was on TV calling Green Bay a "village."

By the time he ended his holdout and signed the biggest contract ever given to an offensive lineman, he came in out of shape. Oh Boy!

What transpired, however, over the next 16 weeks was the single most exciting season in Packer history. Turnovers doomed the Packers to a close but rough loss at home week one 23-21 to the lowly Bucs. Not a great way to start.

Week two, however, set in motion the "Cardiac Pack."

Down 24-7, Don "The Majikman" Majkowski, led a furious comeback and when it was over a spectacular 35-34 win. Before I could even catch my breath, the next Sunday the Packers gave up 38 first half points and were getting kicked 38-7. Game over? Hardly.

By the time the final gun sounded Majikman again had led a furious rally and nearly pulled out an incredible comeback, losing 41-38.

At that point I started buying Tums in bulk quantity for the games. And I sure needed them in week four as Majikman AGAIN found himself down 21-6 in the fourth quarter and AGAIN lad a furious rally to win 23-21. I thought I may have to trade Tums for blood pressure medication.

I was also glad that out in the country in my Camaro listening to Max and Jim through the static, nobody could hear my curses, and screams of excitement during these gut wrenching games!

Fortunately, the next week Majik rolled up over 500 yards of offense and we battered the Cowboys 31-13. We would not have to face Hershel Walker again until Christmas Eve. ( I thought)

The hated Vikings thumped the Pack the following week at the Humpty Dome.This was the debut of Hershel Walker as a Viking vs the Packers. Walker had a long KO return that really turned the game in the Vikes favor. That was now twice we faced Hershel Walker, and had yet a third meeting vs him the Sunday after Thanksgiving!

That was followed by another road loss at Miami in which Majikman once again rallied from down 14 in the fourth quarter and nearly stole a victory.

"If only this team played decent in the first half, we may have a chance!" I thought after this game.

Majkowski singlehandedly led a scintillating overtime win at home vs Lions to even the midseason record at 4-4. Six of those first eight games had been decided by three points or less. The only thing higher than my blood pressure, was the level of acid in my stomach.

As crazy as all this had been, it was a miracle that none of those games had been altered by this new experimental "instant replay" thing. But that was about to change and "instant replay" was about to become a part of permanent NFL History.

I was so happy that the Bears were coming to Lambeau the next week! I could give the Camaro a Sunday rest and actually watch the game on TV. I wasn't fazed that the Bears had beaten the Packers five straight games. I wasn't bothered that I'd be watching the game in enemy territory with a dozen die hard Bears fans. With Majikman's heroics, I though we had a chance!

After Majikman hit the world reknown Clint Didier with an early first quarter TD pass, the Pack had an early lead. However, after that the vaunted Ditka defense held us scoreless.

Three times Majikman had us driving deep into Bears territory in the fourth quarter only to throw two picks and lose a fumble. But the maligned Packer defense had played well. And with time for one last desperation drive...well..."the rest of the story."

Down to his last play, Majikman took the snap. In a play that seemed to last an eternity, and very reminiscent of Paul Crew's final play in the original "Longest Yard," Majikman scrambled left, then scrambled right, then headed towards the right sideline and just as he was about to either get hit, step out of bounds, or maybe...maybe not...step over the line of scrimmage, he fired a laser beam that Sterling Sharpe cradled for the tying TD.

I screamed in ecstasy! I jumped and did 10 pullups. Then that dastardly flag. The dozen Bear fans started screaming and "high fiving." My heart and head sunk. I slowly walked to the refrigerator and opened a Pabst Blue Ribbon. For the next millenium, (it seemed) I had to listen to the Bear fans all nod their heads up and down and all exclaim, "not even close, he was way over the line." I said nothing.

When the zebra finally emerged and walked to the middle of the field, I had aged 10 years. And then the words that to this day still bring a smile to Pack fans faces—and a look of rage to Bears fans faces, "After further review..." You know the rest!

The Packers were actually 5-4. Was there any way this season could get any more exciting?

The following week the Packers self destructed in Detroit. Despite outgaining the Lions 432-128, four turnovers told the tale. While a young RB named Sanders had a couple important runs, "The Incredible Bulk" sat on the bench humming Guns and Roses songs.

I wasn't optimistic as the Pack headed to San Francisco to play the NFL's best team, the 49ers, led by legendary Joe Montana. The 49ers were 9-1. They had won their last five games by an average margin of 20+ points. They had just clobbered the Falcons 45-3 the previous week.

After playing the Packers, the 49ers would not lose another game all season, including the Super Bowl. But they would lose this day. A resilient Packer defense led by Tim Harris gave up lots of yards, but forced four turnovers. The frustrated 49ers also incurred 10 yellow flags compared to the usual turnover and penalty prone Packers who had only one turnover and three minor penalties.

When Majikman courageously plowed eight yards on a QB draw in fourth quarter, the Packers led. The defense held the vaunted 49ers offense to a late field goal but no touchdown, and the Packers were victorious 21-17. At 6-5, the Packers were in the thick of the playoff race!

Majikman's legend continued to grow as he engineered a heart stopping 20-19 win at home against the Vikings that put the Packers squarely in the race for the NFC Central crown. This was the third time that season the Packers faced Hershel Walker.

The following week on the road, Majkowski hit Sharpe for a 55 yard bomb for a fourth quarter TD and spark a rally that ended with Chris Jacke nailing a 47 yard FG on the game's last play to cement this team as the "Cardiac Pack."

After a tired Packer team was steamrolled in Kansas City, the Packers headed to Soldier Field. This was my first game I attended at Soldier Field. I will save this story for another article, but I will say by the time the final gun sounded, Majkowski had again stymied the bears 40-28.

I was covered in beer and had "spit loogies" in my frozen hair thanks to the ever hospitable Bears fans. Could the Packers really finish this improbable run to a division crown?

After dispatching the Cowboys for a second time in Irving on Christmas Eve, the packers were 10-6. These days that would nearly always earn a playoff berth!

But not in 1989. On Christmas Night, those hated Vikings hosted the Cincinnati Bengals led by Boomer Esiason. I had opened my gifts. I had eaten way too much turkey and felt bloated. But if only the Bengals could win, there would be playoff football at Lambeau Field!

The Vikings jumped to a 19-0 lead and it looked pretty bleak. Bengals turned it over five times and that darn Hershel Walker had a few good plays at key times. Just when I thought Santa had not delivered what I asked for, the Bengal's rallied. Suddenly it was only 22-21 Vikings. Suddenly Esiason looked like the Pro Bowl QB he usually was. Could it happen? The final crazy comeback to propel the Packers into the playoffs?

Nope. A couple close calls went the Vikings way, including a near fumble by none other than Hershel Walker. When the Vikings punched it in the end zone late, they held on for a 29-21 win. Merry Christmas!

As it has now been 20 years since that crazy season. I still remember like it was yesterday.

Majkowski would finish second in MVP voting. He would lead the league in passing yards and in touchdowns. By the second half of the following 1990 season, the Packers would be cellar dwellers again.

Within three seasons of 1989, both Majkowski and Tony "The Incredible Bust" Mandarich would be shown the door in Green Bay by a new GM Ron Wolf. A new coach was introduced in Mike Holmgren, and a new upstart quarterback wearing No. 4 came into the fray. What's his name?

1989 is my favorite Packer team. A group of misfits that had us fans on the edge of our seat for 16 weeks!

Questions Abound for Green Bay Packers' Aaron Kampman

Mick Stephenson — Sun, 10 May 2009 11:03:43 -0400

Of all the changes the Green Bay Packers are implementing for the coming 2009 season, Aaron Kampman's shift from left defensive end in the 4-3 defensive scheme to left outside linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme is the one garnering the most attention.

Can Kampman cover receivers?

Can Kampman play standing up?

Legitimate questions. Here are some other questions that Kampman himself might field from a Packers beat writer:

1. What were the very first thoughts that ran through your mind when you became aware that Dom Capers and his 3-4 scheme were coming to Green Bay?

2. Were you a big fan of your new position coach, Kevin Greene, when he played?

3. After digesting your position switch, how have you altered your offseason conditioning program to better prepare you to play outside linebacker?

4. Were you ever concerned that the Packers may try to trade you before the draft?

5. If you had to name the biggest challenge for you with the new scheme, what would it be?

6. With new coach Dave Redding taking over the strength and conditioning duties, what are the biggest changes over the prior offseason programs?

7. Will you be spending more time in Green Bay between now and training camp, as opposed to prior seasons, in order to better learn the new system?

8. Do you feel your sack totals will rise with your new "standing-up" position?

9. As a linebacker, how will you split time between pass coverage and rushing the quarterback?

10. What weight do you expect to play at in 2009? Will it be much different from other seasons?

11. Can we expect you to get a "pick six" this season? If so, will we get to see you do a "Lambeau Leap?"

Aaron Rodgers Is the Anti-Favre

Mick Stephenson — Sun, 10 May 2009 10:35:54 -0400

They could not be more opposites.

One is a future Hall-of-Famer from a one stop light town on the bayou in Mississippi. The other a young kid from Berkley in California.

One knew his time was coming as he played behind an injury plagued QB on a team that had experienced 25 years of mostly lost seasons of failure.

The other wondered if his time would ever come as he played behind the most durable QB in NFL history on a team that had only one losing season over the last 16 campaigns.

One led a comeback win in his first real game action and won the hearts of the most passionate fan base in sports nearly instantly.

The other found himself being picked apart and criticized for every bad play by the majority of that same fan base.

Should one decide to come out of retirement and play for the Minnesota Vikings this fall, we could very well see the biggest "battle of the generations" since Joe Louis came out of retirement to battle the young Rocky Marciano.

And, as mentioned earlier, the teams and their leaders could not be more opposites.

The problem for Aaron Rodgers is that he has done everything right...except lead TD drives on his last possession in games.

In these days of Perez Hilton actually having relevance, Aaron Rodgers simply is too good. Fans seemed to love a young Brett Favre and the tales of his heavy drinking, womanizing, pill popping...and...fourth quarter comebacks.

These same fans have ostracized Rodgers despite 4,000+ yards passing, 28 TD passes, and a sparkling QB rating in his 1st season as a starter. There is no doubt that Aaron Rodgers has faced more scrutiny than any player in NFL history that has had the unenviable task of replacing a legend.

However, the best thing that could possibly happen for Aaron Rodgers is for Brett Favre to do the one thing that makes Packer fans skin crawl...and that is for old No. 4 to bring his achy breaky arm to the hideous Metrodome for one last "winner take all" grudge match against his hated former GM...and that same GM's "horse," Aaron Rodgers.

It is the "only" way that Rodgers can get his due respect. Should old No. 4 don the ugly purple uniform, Rodgers can slay the ghost and prove once and for all that Ted Thompson made the proper choice in dismissing No. 4 from Packer active duty and elevating the young kid.

When young Favre would get carried out of a Madison bar after drinking himself silly, fans smiled and shook their head and reminisced about how he was following in the footsteps of Lombardi legends Hornung and McGee. I have a feeling if Rodgers did the same thing, fans would not react in the same positive way.

If Rodgers wins a Super Bowl, fans will like him, but he must win two to truly get fans to love him. When Favre admitted an addiction to drugs, fans sympathized and felt it was a result of his sheer passion for the game. If Rodgers went to re-hab, you can bet the fan reaction would not be the same.

Nope...There is but one way for Aaron Rodgers and this young Packer team to break free from "Favre-vader" and be free...and that is for No. 4 to have his shoulder X-rays look good for Brad Childress and Co. and have Favre return.

It is a risky proposition...for if the Vikings would win the NFC North...Packer nation would be divided like the Union was during the Civil War...or worse. Even if Favre plays poorly but Vikes ride the best running back in the NFL to a 9-7 record...if that wins the NFC North, the damage will have been done.

BUT...Should young Rodgers lead the young Packers to an NFC North crown over a Favre led Vikings...it would give closure to all this madness. It would be...unprecedented.

Steve Young never got a chance to duel Joe Montana...Troy Aikman never dueled Roger Staubach...Big Ben never dueled Terry Bradshaw.

So I would bet that deep inside his California surfing heart, Rodgers probably hopes old No. 4 returns.

All those QB meetings when Rodgers was in his first and second seasons when the hero No. 4 would ignore him...the interviews last season when old No. 4 boasted over how we all know who would win the starting job if only terrible Ted Thompson would allow him to return to Titletown...Rodgers would get a chance to have the last laugh.

And as a Packer fan for nearly four decades, I'd laugh with him. But as classy and good as Aaron Rodgers is...we would never get to hear his laugh, for he would save it for a private moment away from all this madness.

I only hope the "Anti-Favre" gets his chance.