Bleacher Report - Articles by Don Zak

Who Is the Early All-Pro Consideration in the Packers Secondary?

Don Zak — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:24:02 -0400

Optimism is the catchphrase for the 2009 Green Bay Packers secondary unit on defense.

Friday’s game against the Cardinals highlighted the secondary’s potential to pressure opponents with outstanding performances. Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, Al Harris and dime cornerback Jarrett Bush all played outstanding in the new 3-4 defensive system by forcing five turnovers.

The players are excited for the major changes in coverage responsibility, especially the options provided with the zone coverage scheme. In a recent interview, Woodson said the defense last year was too predictable in the 4-3 system, which won’t happen now.

The new scheme allows for multiple big-play opportunities for Harris and Woodson who both excel against the run, playing off receivers, and reading quarterbacks. When this dynamic duo begins to accumulate interceptions, solo tackles, and sacks in the regular season, expect fans and the media to recognize them with Pro Bowl invitations.

While 2008 was disappointing for the defensive unit as a whole, the secondary was ranked No. 9 in pass defense and emerging force Nick Collins secured his first Pro Bowl nomination. Overall, the secondary is an elite group because three out of the four starters have represented the Packers in Hawaii.

The biggest question mark, however, remains starting safety Atari Bigbi’s recovery from various injuries and offseason ankle surgery. Will his absences from most of the offseason practices cause additional development delays for the potential starter?

Packer’s General Manager Ted Thompson doesn’t think so.

Thompson didn’t address the safety position during the draft and seemed halfhearted about signing free agent Anthony Smith from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. Bibgy “was injured the entire season last year, so we kind of throw that out” Thompson said during a press conference at training camp.

Atari acknowledged during the Packers Fan Fest appearance last March that expectations are set high for him this year. When I asked him whether he was feeling any “heat” from being the only non-Pro Bowler player in the Packers secondary, he laughingly answered that he was determined to correct the problem this year.

Overall the Packers secondary has the most to prove this year. With solid contributions from backups Tramon Williams, Bush, Smith, Will Blackmon and Aaron Rouse, this unit has enough quality depth to allow Capers to rotate coverage and blitz packages aggressively in almost any situation.

If the play of the secondary remains at this level, all indications point to at least a Pro Bowl nomination for Woodson. My gut instinct tells me that Bibgy will also make his first Pro Bowl appearance and offer proof that he is not only fully recovered but also one of the premier safeties in the league.

If the results of the first three preseason games are any indication, Packer fans have four more reasons to be optimistic for the 2009 season.

The NFL in 2011: A Football Odyssey

Don Zak — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:24:25 -0400

Epic changes are on the horizon for the NFL as owners and players appear ready to draw battle lines over the end of the union contract in 2011. Codenamed “Lockout”, each side is already blasting rhetoric-like volleys across the war zone.

Most fans will be caught unprepared in the “No-Man’s-Land” during this conflict. Confused between supporting veterans rights against owners, disappointed fans won’t stomach paying to watch scrubs play or worse yet, watch nothing as owners lock their stadiums and athletes stand in picket lines.

What evil would cause this to America’s Game for an entire season?

Money, unfortunately, is at the root of the issue. For the past 16 years, the collective bargaining agreement devilishly allocates a 60/40 percent gross revenue split favoring players over owners. Owners recently voted to not extend the agreement.

What is being fought over this time isn’t as simple as who eats the larger “slice of the pie chart.”

With $8 billion in league revenue, owners demand more gross revenue as the economics of their operational costs rise to field more competitive teams. The union won’t surrender hard won recent gains.

Both sides have valid reasons and the financial data to support them. Neither side is willing to surrender without extracting the maximum amount of revenue from the other.

A 10 percent shift in gross league revenue represents a sacrifice by one side of nearly $800 million. In pie chart terms that is larger than the GDP of the Solomon Islands and 42 other developing countries.

Owners clearly want to renegotiate a new agreement in 2011. After only two meetings this past year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith have increased tensions over a potential player lockout.

If the league and the union do agree to make sweeping financial changes but create a negative impact on fans, will any of this matter? Both sides must appeal to loyal fans in order to hold the upper hand at the high stakes negotiating table.

Heavily indebted owners are clearly pandering to the criticism of fans who detest the preseason as a waste of time. They propose expanding the regular season to 18 games because offseason workouts and supplemental training makes four preseason games obsolete.

Never mind that the increased revenue from TV and ticket sales gives the NFL and owners two more prime-time weeks to bombard fans with automobile, beer and drug commercials.

The NFLPA wants to reverse the current skewered contract system that rewards unproven rookies by making them amongst the highest-paid players. This position equally enrages fans when unproven rookies, lots of them busts, consume precious team dollars and salary cap room.

Initially, the league and the union both appear to be giving fans what they want.

Imagine a not-too-distant future draft day where contract holdouts by collegiate players are a thing of the past and league-wide pay equality creates a utopia of player happiness. A land where owners don’t automatically raise ticket prices and $100 “premium” game-day parking is replaced by “first-come-first-served” parking.

Surely this would be a futuristic vision we all could share in.

Ted Thompson To Lose His Job When Brett Favre Wins the Division

Don Zak — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:34:22 -0400

The NFC North 2009 season has the most anticipated storyline in the NFL.

If the Minnesota Vikings with Brett Favre win the division title, do they also take Packers GM Ted Thompson’s job and career with them? Or will Brett not have the energy for 16 grueling games as Thompson believes and leave the Vikings running on empty?

This will be a winner-take-all battle of epic proportion for both men.

Brett Favre is ready to reach deep into his reserve energy tanks and play football. Favre is mentally more familiar with the offensive system and physically ready to test his surgically repaired shoulder.

Thompson claims that Favre isn’t up to the physical or mental challenges after 18 seasons seemed like the right call last year. Favre’s skill set did fade with injury as a poor late season performance ruined the Jets playoff chances.

Should the Vikings finish again in first place, I predict the Green Bay Packers executive management will remove Thompson sometime in January 2010. Favre’s will have delivered a stealthy knockout blow to his arch nemesis from 500 mile away.

Thompson’s dismissal is completely justified. He failed miserably to bring the “glory days” back to Green Bay. Five years of mediocre seasons and one playoff appearance is justification enough for many loyal fans. His style of internal player development and decision-making ability appear limited at best.

His mismanagement of the Brett Favre saga was humiliating for the team and fans at best. Clearly Favre, while in the twilight of his career, can still play and he earned the right to stay in Green Bay based upon the “lifetime” contract he signed back in 2002. Thompson will be fondly remembered not for his success, but by running the Packer’s living legend out of town too early.

In reality will any of this happen? Favre and Minnesota make a mismatched fit because the Vikings are weak at QB and desperate to advance deeper into the playoffs. The Packers are ready to challenge again after addressing their defensive weakness.

From media analysts to strangers on the street however, the early polls show the popular pick to be the Viking as 3-to-1 favorites to take the division.

Stranger things like this have never happened before in the NFL.

Why Aren't the Green Bay Packers Listening To Aaron Kampman's Silence?

Don Zak — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:40:07 -0400

The Green Bay Packers' well-liked veteran Aaron Kampman has something to say, but the coaches aren’t listening. The Packers refuse to acknowledge he doesn’t like the forced switch from his Pro Bowl defensive end position to the left outside linebacker in the new 3-4 system this year.

Kampman was an elite NFL pass-rushing end recording 30+ sacks over the past three season. His silence stems not only from his displeasure with the change but also that he established himself as a dominant force on the line.

Aaron needs to break his silence and address the confidence and esteem his coaches hold in him. Coach Mike McCarthy clearly believes that the switch will produce better results based upon Kampman's professional attitude, athletic ability and the tireless energy he has both on and off the field.

He should view this as an opportunity to prove to the league, the Packers and himself that he is a versitile athlete capable of excelling at multiple positions. His professional mindset and absolute focus are positive signs that he will be successful as an outside linebacker.

The New England Patriots made a similiar more with Mike Vrabel with much success. As one of the most productive players over the past three years, Kampman will hopefully make a similiar transition from anchoring the D line to the linebackers.

While Kampman makes the switch, the Packers management and coaching staff need to step up their praise for his team-orientated focus to make amends. The organization addressed the change by bringing in Kevin Greene, a former Pro Bowl outside linebacker, to speed up Kampman’s transition and provide individual coaching.

That may satisfy the technical aspect of the position, but has it improved the situation in Aaron's mind? Defensive coordinator Dom Capers several conversations provide limited insight. “I haven’t sensed [Kampman’s discomfort with the move] at all since I’ve been here”, Capers told reports this week.

Caper's lack of insight does not dimish the fact that Kampman, maybe just maybe, deserves some recognition from higher management. Unfortunately this contrasts with Packers GM Ted Thompson's personal style in handing players.

While the outcome of this switch is uncertain, Kampman remains professional as ever. “He spent hour after hour with Kevin individually…He’s done all those things that you’d ask any player to do,” Capers continued to reporters earlier this week.

Why does Kampman continue to not address the transition publically? I believe there are three reasons to explain Kampman’s silence on this critical issue.

First, he doesn’t want to cause additional distractions for teammates given the circus-like atmosphere surrounding training camp in 2008.

Second, the organization reassured Kampman that he will be given plenty of opportunities to zone blitz the QB from his new linebacker position. This gives the Packers' best pass rusher a chance at double digit sack numbers again.

Lastly, he may feel foolish playing behind rookie defensive tackle, B.J. Raji from Boston College, who will line up in Kampman’s old position. Ironically, the unsigned rookie is missing precious practices that will slow his development this season.

“You’re a fool if you never learn from your past…but you can’t live in the past,” Kampman recently told Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press Gazette.

While Kampman's past results were a success, Packer players, let alone fans, cannot remain living in the past forever.

Best And Worst Case Scenarios For the 2009 Green Bay Packers

Don Zak — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:25:22 -0400

This year is critical for the Packers, for the fans and the organization alike.

The team is facing an uphill battle to regain the division from a much improved group of NFC North teams. The fans, two years removed from Favre, strongly support Aaron Rodgers.

Yet the current organization has only one winning record in the past four.

It’s clearly a make-it-or-break-it season for the Green ‘n' Gold. What scenario is most likely to play out? What can we use right now to predict the Packers future?

Below are the best, worst, and most probable outcomes for the 2009 NFL season.

Best Case

The offensive juggernaut that scored the fifth-most points in the NFL in 2008 continues to develop as a healthy Rodgers settles into his second year as starter. The offensive line, especially the tackle positions, settles in and RB Ryan Grant has a 1,200 yard season.

The Dom Capers-led 3-4 defense overcomes early season setbacks and adjusts to the new scheme. A stronger run presence is felt and late game scoring is contained. This talented unit begins to resemble Pittsburgh and Baltimore as an elite group in the NFL. Bigby and Collins develop into Pro Bowl players.

Packers GM Ted Thompson is validated for his choice of McCarthy, Rodgers, and Capers as terrific strategic moves and the Packers return to the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Green Bay’s record is 11-5, and they secure the NFC North division and a first round playoff home game at Lambeau field.

Worst Case

Entering the 2009 season, doubts remain as to Rodgers' durability. An early season injury to him leaves the team unable to score consistently and the offensive unit struggles to catch up from behind in almost every game.

The defense cannot execute the new scheme in such a short time frame. Out of position players allow for big game-changing plays which seal losses instead of victories. The two rookie starters fail to contribute immediately and are relegated to second string status.

After 2009, Thompson has only one winning season out of five and permanently drops the Packers not only out of the national spotlight but also out of playoff contention. Big contract extensions for him and head coach Mike McCarthy look foolish. Without Favre to deflect criticism, Thompson and McCarthy are left exposed for their own shortcoming.

In January, the executive committee relieves them of their positions for failure to produce as the Packers finish third in the division with a 6-10 season.

Most Probable Case

The offense continues to excel until a few midseason injuries unravel the offensive line. Because of this, Grant takes bigger hits and his average yards per carry falls. The WRs each are voted to the Pro Bowl.

Divisional opponents make no significant defensive upgrades, allowing the offense to score enough points to win late games when necessary. McCarthy calls a trick play against the Bears in November to win the game.

The defense struggles adjusting to new roles, positions, and responsibilities under Caper’s 3-4 schemes. Individual production levels shift, creating displeasure among several team veterans.

Offseason offensive upgrades from divisional foes make them more competitive than the Packers upgrades—new QBs and skilled position players. The defense struggles to contain scoring and will rank in the bottom half of most statistics for the season.

An early 5-3 start by the team is erased when the Packers finish with 1-3 records in both November and December, and miss the playoffs with a 7-9 record. Management explains that injuries and the slow transition of the defense were to blame for the unsuccessful season, but next year will be different.

This buys Thompson and McCarthy one more season to turn around a sinking program. They need a winning record to justify all the changes and turmoil in recent years.

If not, whatever was made in Green Bay before Ted Thompson’s arrival is now officially broken.

Obama's New "Cash for NFL Team Clunkers" Program Boosts Ticket Sales

Don Zak — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:11:26 -0400

President Barack Obama, at the urging of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, is devising a plan to aid NFL owners from slumping revenue and season ticket renewals this season.

A similar plan designed by Congress to boost auto sales for domestic car companies will now apply to the NFL as one of the few remaining domestic industries left in America.

Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder came up with the brilliant idea after thousands of Redskins fans didn’t renew their $6,500 club level season tickets. Owners around the league are rushing to be included in this program as the tough economic times pinch consumer spending.

The program will subsidize the price of tickets for ten home games up to $3,000 per seat. However, a few restrictions apply.

Playoff teams in 2008 season are excluded. Sorry Pittsburgh fans, you will be paying full price for 2009.

Teams that had winning records but did not qualify for the playoffs receive $2,000 with incremental increases for teams with below .500 records. Detroit Lions tickets will be given away for free.

In order to increase revenue for team owners, season ticket holders must upgrade their seats in order to qualify.

Response from the franchises is mixed so far. Cleveland, Miami, Oakland and Green Bay all reported increases while only a handful of Lions fans accepted free tickets.

President Obama also urged fans who are unable to attend games to continue watching NFL games to support the league's television advertising revenue.

“Without watching hundreds of commercials for Bud Light, Buick, and Viagra each game,” Obama remarked at a recent White House backyard BBQ,“major NFL sponsorships are threatened—which will dramatically increase season ticket prices for future generations of Americans.”

Top Five “Black Sheep” in the Green Bay Packers Family

Don Zak — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:20:03 -0400

Every team, like every family, has problems and the Green Bay Packers family is no exception. With 90 years of Packer history, an interesting cast of characters populates the black sheep list of disgraced and disenfranchised players. Let's examine the best (or worst) to come into the little football town of Green Bay and what impressions they felt behind for the organization, fans and the community

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Brett Favre Revealed: Only One Piece of Corn Left in His Head

Don Zak — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:15:18 -0400

At one time, back in say 1992 or 1993, maybe even as late 2002 or 2003, Brett Favre had a solid head for football, for right and wrong and for the importance of being a role model in the NFL Universe. A country farmer might call this reasonable head “full o’ country corn”. Since Favre hails from Kiln, Mississippi, where the corn is well past knee high by the fourth of July, this seems like a fitting description for his state of mind at the beginning of his talented, record-breaking career. Recently, erratic behavior, lack of contradictory statements and confusing interviews over the past two years are all symptoms, most people agree, of some unknown malaise affecting the 3 time NFL MVP. When asked, the wise country farmer / sage smoothly reckoned, “That Favre boy has only one piece o’ corn left rattling around in that head of his”, based upon his recent actions. During the trials and tribulations of Favre’s long playing career he right under the noises of watchful television viewers, coaches and the media. This article uncovers the exact moments when Favre’s ability to reason, his head for football, began to be knocked from him- as he lost piece after piece of that sweet Mississippi corn.

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Who Needs a Winning Record? The 10 Best NFL Coaches Below .500

Don Zak — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:42:29 -0400

Many coaching professionals dream and aspire to be a NFL head coach at some point in their career. The dream for many is considered a gift by bringing coaches fame, wealth and legandary status within the league. More often than not, the dream becomes a nightmare as coaches learn that careers are easily destroyed by entrenched management, limited personal and ineffective playbooks. Many coaching careers are discounted by a few unlucky seasons and deserve proper recognition for solid accomplishments*. Come along and see who made the list. *Rankings are based upon a minimum of 20 career NFL wins and the coach must have been active after the AFL-NFL merger. Being below .500 and still a head coach in the NFL does not earn an automatic spot on the list.

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Why Brett Favre in Purple Is Better for the Green Bay Packers

Don Zak — Sun, 24 May 2009 11:10:13 -0400

Brett Favre will play for the Minnesota Vikings, to the shock and dismay of loyal Favre and Packers fans, in 2009. Donning the purple and yellow won't intimidate or cause Brett one moment of discomfort because it will help him reach his last remaining goal.

For Brett, that goal clearly transcend professional football, "legend" edict, and common decency. That goal is to humiliate the Green Bay Packers organization in general and embarrass Packers' General Manager Ted Thompson personally, during a time when Packers fans remain bitter and visibly divided, not only over Ted's decision, but the general chaos of the ensuing and disappointing 2008 season.

Brett's last burning desire to reach that goal, by risking his reputation, his health, and the esteem of million of fans, continues without apparent regard for the intended and unintended consequences of his actions.

Brett clearly believes that being in the league will cause Packers fans to question Ted Thompson's decision-making ability. It is intended to destabilize the loyal fan base further and create turmoil for both the players and organization, as long as Brett remains a visible character in the NFL.

From this misguided notion, Brett will enter the 2009 season ready to play his role.

However, it will be that of Marcus Brutus and not that of the returning, age-defying hero. Brett's decision, as poor as it may be, will only solidify support for Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers.

Reactionary fans will not appreciate having their legends insult them, which will trigger an up-swell of support, not only for Ted, but also Aaron Rodgers. Bloggers around the league will wholeheartedly support the Packers while distancing themselves from Brett's falling and tarnished reputation.

Brett's last season played in the NFL with Minnesota will give Packers fans many reasons to forget their past differences in support of the common good. This unintended blessing bestowed by Brett may be the only true "catalyst" the team needs to return to the playoffs and perhaps the NFC championship game.

Purple and yellow could just be the best color for the Green Bay Packers this season.

Green Bay Packers Fan Fest 2009: All Fired Up!

Don Zak — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:37:43 -0400

While fans of the other 31 NFL teams remain content watching highlight videos and ESPN clips, Green Bay Packer fans continued to enjoy a Wisconsin spring ritual: Packer Fanfest. What is Fanfest? A weekend filled bonanza of player appearences, fan excitement and countless autograph sessions with the players and coaches of the Packers organization.

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Mike McCarthy Borrows from Bill Belichick's Playbook, Hires Dom Capers

Don Zak — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:18:02 -0500

One thing is for certain entering the Green Bay Packers' 2009 season: Another aspect of the old team that the players and fans knew and loved is gone for good.

The team that already lost so many recognizable players now has a new defensive coaching staff and an unfamiliar defensive system. The adage that “change is good” must be bronzed all over the hallways of 1265 Lombardi Avenue.

With the setback of the 2008 season still lingering, this week Packers head coach Mike McCarthy continued to execute GM Ted Thompson’s plan of completely reshaping the Packers into an image that hardcore fans won’t easily recognize.

Ex-head coach Dom Capers will be calling the defensive plays when the 2009 season begins. Luckily, Dom is not just any average replacement for the recently fired Bob Sanders, but rather a coach who loves the game of football and has a well-respected reputation.

Most Packer fans remember Dom from the 1996 NFC Championship game against the Carolina Panthers before Super Bowl XXI. Add in five years of head coaching in Houston and the Packers have acquired an experienced and well-regarded defensive coordinator who is confident in running a system he helped to perfect in Pittsburgh.

"Dom is real serious. He likes to focus every day on football. He dreams about it. He's a guy that is meticulous with detail," said ex-Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher of Capers. "He's a very even-keel guy. Attention to detail is his greatest strength. He is unbelievably prepared.”

Any off-the-field transitional difficulties from the Packers' existing 4-3 system into the new 3-4 format should be minimized because Capers instructs veterans and rookies alike on technique. Fans can expect a more blitz-orientated, attacking style of play to replace Sander’s run-stopping focused defense.

Capers improved the Miami Dolphins defense in 2006 from 23rd to fourth in the NFL. Jason Taylor earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors as well. Can anyone else envision Aaron Kampman as Player of the Year in 2009? I can.

"I know Aaron Kampman has been a very good football player and has had a lot of production," Capers said. "I think the No. 1 thing you do is you try to adapt what you are doing to your good football players. If a guy is a good football player, we're going to find a way to use him."

What does Capers' hiring mean for McCarthy? Will Dom be looking over Little Mac’s shoulder during meetings and game time situations? Only time will tell. Dom can certainly contribute immediately and place extra pressure on McCarthy to achieve better results than those of the 2008 season.

While the coaches have not worked together, they have battled each other across the field. My opinion is that the battle has only begun for ‘09, but this time it is on the same sideline for the head coaching position.

Capers' recent success on his resume made him a strong candidate for a coaching position in Dallas and New York. If McCarthy struggles early and often in the 2009 campaign, Dom will be waiting in the wings to potentially assume control of one of the most respected organizations and most storied franchises in the NFL.

Ted Thompson Apologizes To Packer Fans for 2008 Season by Firing Bob Sanders

Don Zak — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:47:46 -0500

With little hesitation and less remorse, Green Bay Packer’s GM Ted Thompson fired Defensive Coordinator Bob Sanders on Monday. Knowledgeable fans were neither shocked nor dismayed that Sanders 3 year stint ended, but rather that it took management a full week to finally decide who was at fault for a disappointing 2008 season.

As early at Oct. 6^th, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy realized “the way we're situated and organized on defense, it's very evident when something goes wrong, someone not being in their gaps almost like we took turns doing it, was guys trying to do too much.”

Sander’s acknowledged that his scheme was not effective this year in preventing opponents from scoring, oftentimes in fourth quarter situations. “The scheme has brought a lot of good plays”, Sanders stated earlier today, “and a lot of good wins. Certainly I know what this scheme can do. At times, I didn't get the job done. I understand that."

Along with Sanders, the entire defensive coaching staff was released because of the team’s dramatic drop in performance. This move opens the door for a new strategic approach for the team in 2009 by switching from the 4-3 scheme used by the team the past three seasons into a 3-4 system used by some of the best defensive teams in the league like Pittsburgh, Baltimore and the Dallas Cowboys.

This schematic move is reinforced by the fact that Green Bay kept Winston Moss, the defensive linebackers coach, as the sole survivor from the wave of dismissals on Monday. Moss has developed the four outstanding linebackers of Chillar, Poppinga, Barnett and Hawk to make the transition over the 3-4 system that much easier.

McCarthy remained non-committal on keeping the Sanders era, more aggressive 4-3 system during his season ending press conference last Wednesday at Lambeau Field. "All of our schemes are under evaluation right now," McCarthy said. "That's what you do right now. That's what this time is for."

While Sanders receives the lion’s share of blame for the 2008 season, his unit also received similar praise for a triumphant 2007 season. As the Packers offense jumped off to early leads, Sanders defensive was able to play more aggressive football and pressure opposing quarterbacks with only a minimal pass rush.

In 2008, key injuries reduced Sander’s strategic effectiveness. The front line was depleted by the trading of Corey Williams and loss of Cullen Jenkins for the season, along with an injured Atari Bigby and Al Harris. Relegated to a “defense by platoon” system, opponents needed little opportunity to exploit Sanders ineffective 4-3 scheme all season.

Clearly this is a wake-up call for Ted Thompson. He must immediately improve the defensive depth at multiple positions by acquiring key veteran free-agents. A healthy Packers defensive can properly execute any system with veteran, Pro Bowl caliber players like Woodson, Kampman, Collins, Hawk, Barnett and Harris.

Regardless of whom the new coach is, as long as these needs are not addressed via free agency or the draft, the Packers defensive will again continue to be outplayed all season long just as they were outplayed and out of position in the most critical situations during the 2008 season.

Why Aaron Rodgers Needs His Own Reggie White

Don Zak — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:24:01 -0500

As disappointing as the 2008 Packers are, some hope did emerge from the wreckage of a wasted season. The brilliant play of Aaron Rodgers and the continued development of five outstanding receivers was, unfortunately, offset by the lackluster play and dullness of the entire defense.

For the 2009 season, Aaron Rodgers needs his own Reggie White. In order to have any success next year, the Packers need to upgrade several key defensive positions with veteran free agent acquisitions.

Why does Rodgers the rookie need a leader on defense? The same reason Ron Wolf pursued and acquired Reggie White in 1993, to compliment his young and promising QB and provide veteran leadership where none existed.

In 1992, T. Bennett and B. Paup led the team with 13.5 and 6.5 sacks, and as a unit combined for only 34 sacks all season. After White's arrival, White, Paup and Bennett had 13.0, 11.0 and 6.5 sacks and the team recorded 46 sacks. Not only did the unit as a whole improve, but the presence of a more dominating defense created better opportunities for the offense to score and control the game clock.

Luckily for Green Bay, several elite defensive players will become unrestricted free agents after this season. The Green Bay Packers have plenty of money to spend of free agents this off season, roughly $32.08 million.

Hopefully General Manager Ted Thompson recognizes the urgent need for a defensive upgrade at multiple positions. Adding only one or two key free agents would return immediate results. Quite an impressive list, as you can see below:

Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers

Albert Haynesworth, Tennessee Titans

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

Bertrand Berry, Arizona Cardinals

Tommie Harris, Chicago Bears

Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens

Packer fans will not wait for this uncomfortable situation to reverse itself. The team, the players, the fans, and the community deserve better than the current product being offered on Lambeau field every other Sunday.

Without the next Reggie White, Aaron Rodgers is destined to become the next Lynn Dickey in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers High Flying Offense Still at Head of Class in NFL

Don Zak — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 04:00:30 -0500

Believe it or not, Packer fans, the Green Bay Packers have a terrific offense. They have a consistent passing game and an improved running attack. The Packers are fifth in the NFL in total scoring.

Now you may be asking what kind of drugs am I taking and where can you get some to ease the pain and disappointment of missing the playoffs. That would be missing the point. The Packers score a heck of a lot of points. Statistically, the team is on pace to score about 25.7 points per game and 411 total points.

2008 NFL Team Total Points Leaders Through Week 13

NFL Team	Conf	Div	W	L	T	Pct	PF
New York Giants	NFC	NCE	11	1	0	.917	352
New York Jets	AFC	ACE	8	4	0	.667	340
Arizona Cardinals	NFC	NCW	7	5	0	.583	338
New Orleans Saints	NFC	NCS	6	6	0	.500	337
Green Bay Packers	NFC	NCN	5	7	0	.417	334

In 2007, the Packers finished fourth in the NFL in scoring with 435 total points and averaging 27.1 points per game. In comparison, the teams are producing at almost identical levels!

These facts are even more impressive after the fact that Green Bay made some offseason position changes at the quarterback. Even with the close games and conservative play calling, the unit as a whole is producing at an elite level and building a terrific foundation for future years.

Clearly the problems of the 2008 season cannot be pinned to only one unit’s performance, but rather a wider perspective must be taken.

It’s like my Dad said to me after leaving the Panthers game all dejected. As I cursed Aaron Rodgers’ last-minute interception, he brought me back to reality by saying that he didn’t see No. 12’s jersey on the field during any special teams or defensive plays this season.

As much as we die-hard Brett Favre fans would love to, we cannot lay the blame for this season completely on the offense or Rodgers.

Green Bay Packer Fans Pregame Activities : Getting Up for Carolina

Don Zak — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:55:54 -0500

Ever wonder how fans fill up those empty weekend hours before Sunday's kickoff? Besides hanging out at the Packer's Pro Shop or HOF, how can fans build upon the excitement and experience of a home game?

This weekend offers multiple opportunities for fans to interact with legends and Hall of Fame players from the Packer's rich and glories past.

Today, Craig Newsome (SB XXI) and Bob Skoronski (SB I & II) will be signing autographs for free from 12-2 PM in the Packer Pro Shop.

From 2-4 PM, two of the best running backs of all time will be in Green Bay as well. Golden Boy Paul Hornung and famous Bears opponent Gale Sayers are signing their new books, with all profits being donated to charity at the HOF.

On top of all this wonderfulness, I was able to purchase four tickets directly from the Packer's box office for Sunday's Carolina game. Apparently the Panthers returned about 200 tickets, so I was simply visiting Lambeau and strolled over. $59 dollars later, I had my tickets.

It will be difficult to answer which Packers team will show up tomorrow. Regardless of the answer to that question—The one who has played lights-out football the last two home games against Indy and Chicago or the more recent team that played almost like Lioness against the Saints, Vikings or Falcons—home games are always the best of times.

I will leave this interesting and perplexing question to the writers here at B/R, as I indulge in an unexpectedly early Christmas gift, delivered in part by TT!

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

What better way to build the Packer pre-game atmosphere and excitement than alittle player / fan interaction? Get Up Packer fans!!

Ted Thompson Gives Early Christmas Present to Packers Fans: Playoff Elimination

Don Zak — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:07:12 -0500

With the end of the Green Bay Packers' regular season hopes of a .500 record already fading, the Monday Night Football loss solidified an already discounted season as finished.

With the loss, the Packers fall behind the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card hunt. At 5-6, the Pack's only chance of making the postseason is to win the division.

For all of you Aaron Rodgers and Ted Thompson lovers early this season (you know who you are), I hope you are happy at the mess this season has become.

In four seasons in Green Bay, Ted has managed only one winning season and no Pro Bowl selections. Impressive enough to dismiss a three-time NFL MVP and heart and soul of the team in Brett Favre.

Giving up 51 points in such an embarrassing manner is only the pinnacle to such a tumultuous season.

As I have stated before and will state again, getting rid of Brett Favre was and is a mistake and we Packers fans are now paying the price of Ted Thompson's megalomaniac ways for this season and probably next, as well.

So many questions emerge after this debacle.

How does Mike McCarthy go from Coach of the Week to Embarrassment of the Week?

Will Ted Thompson receive NFL GM "letdown of the year award?"

Will the New York Jets go to the AFC championship game?

Why couldn't the linebackers cover anyone in first, second or third down situations?

As much as I love the Green N' Gold, this loss retires all chances of a post season effort for the Packers. From inconsistent play to poor game planning, the Packers are looking ill-equipped to beat even the Detroit Lions (a game I have tickets to see!)

Disclaimer: I am no fan of Ted Thompson (see my earlier articles) nor Little "Lapdog" Mac and while Aaron Rodgers is decent at best, believe Brett Favre wrote his own ticket to stay in GB as long as he wanted.

Can The Green Bay Packers Secondary Beat the New Orleans Saints?

Don Zak — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:02:01 -0500

In the pivotal match-up between the host New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football, only one true match-up will determine the outcome so clearly for each team in my opinion.

The reason why the Packers secondary corp. will win the game for Green Bay is simple in principal yet far from ideal. They have the responsibility to stop the NFL’s leading offense (411.5 yards per game), and a lethal passing attack from New Orleans on turf, on the road, and on prime time football. The Packers will prevail if they can dominate this situation and control the receiver.

The Packers bring several weapons of their own to the big match. How well can the league interception leading Packers’secondary of Woodson (five INTs, two TDs), Harris, Collins (five INTs, three TDs) and Bigby (one INT) match up against the number one passing offense?

The outcome of the game falls on the shoulders of the determined secondary to minimize Drew Brees & Co. who average over 319 yards a game.

When the Saints drop back to pass, Brees has a compliment of talented receivers streaking down field. In three wide out formations, the Packers can counter the threats with the stellar Aaron Rouse (two INTs, one TD), and Tramon Williams (four INTS) who can handle the deep threats.

However this strategy exposes the coverage skills of the two remaining linebackers, either Poppinga or Chillar (maybe Hawk), into pass defense on a healthy Shockey and Bush. This is going to occur in critical third down situations that Green Bay cannot afford to allow completions. The fact that Brees has the highest passer rating (120.5) in third down situations this year does not bode well for me.

What about the powerful and fourth ranked Packers scoring offense? Will they be the deciding factor this week playing in the comfort of a dome? I think not, based upon two reasons.

First, the coaching staff this year has yet to receive consistent play from the team all season. They are coached poorly and look terrible one week and then the next week play like the NFC Division runner’s up and Coach of the Week team they are.

More importantly the Packers have not won back to back games since October 19 against Indy and Seattle. This lack of rhythm is realized in the quality of their play from week to week. Offensively they play terrible—down in Minnesota and way up to near perfection at home against Chicago.

This pattern is more apparent on the offensive side as it repeats itself again and again. Before the Bears game, the Packers offense hadn’t scored more than 20 points since Oct. 12. After putting up 20 against the Colts, the production has steadily declined to score 16 at Tennessee and only 13 in Minnesota.

Because the offense has devolved into a ghost of its former scoring machine, the Packers secondary will not only need to contain the passing attack of the Saints but also put up seven if not more points on the scoreboard in order for Green Bay to have a serious chance at victory against a motivated opponent.

Donald Driver's Dad & Brian Urlacher's Punch: Packer's Midweek Update

Don Zak — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:09:00 -0500

The two biggest midweek stories coming from Titletown this week:

The arrest and brutalizing of Donald Driver’s father in Houston, TX and the Chicago Bears vandalism of the visiting teams locker room at Lambeau field.

On Wednesday, the Green Bay Press Gazette reported that Marvin Driver was severely beaten and remains hospitalized after two Houston police officers arrested the elderly man. Marvin Driver was taken to the ICU station at Hermann Hospital, where doctors state that “there is some bleeding on his brain from blunt force trauma."

Police arrested Driver outside the home of a relative and was taken to jail due to pending arrest warrants. When paramedics were called into the jail, they found him “injured, semiconscious and unresponsive when they arrived” as Sports Illustrated reports on their website.

Donald was granted a leave of absence from the team and coach Mike McCarthy stated that, “Driver is excused from practice today and tomorrow for a personal situation” but declined to comment further. McCarthy expects Driver to be back to play Monday night against New Orleans.

The most terrible part of this entire story is that Donald and his wife, already loved and respected in the Green Bay community, have stepped up in the absence of Brett and Diana Favre to continue to run certain charity events.

Donald hosts the celebrity softball tournaments now, and Betina runs a book drive program for the Brown County Library system. Both are held in the highest esteem by the community and the citizens are in an uproar over the terrible treatment Mr. Driver received at the hands of the Houston Police force.

On a lighter note...

Green Bay Packer’s cleaning crew discovered in the visitors' locker room at Lambeau Field Monday morning that a fist-sized hole was in the wall.

''I don't know if we'll ever know who did it,'' a Packers spokesman told the Wisconsin State Journal. ''We're not certain how it occurred. We will make the appropriate repairs, and the visitors' locker room will be ready for the Panthers when they come in for our next home game.''

Bears spokesman Scott Hagel said the team was unaware of any property damage.

“There is a hole in one of the walls of the visiting locker room,” said Aaron Popkey, the team’s manager of corporate communications. “We’re not certain how it occurred, but it would appear it took place over the weekend.”

Can anyone not imagine Brian Urlacher punching those holes in every visiting locker room for the remainder of the season? He is such a sweet guy, and has more of my sympathy since his wife Laurie divorced him in 2006 for infidelity.

Aaron Rodgers: Learning the Hard Way

Don Zak — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:33:37 -0500

Has anyone ever taken the time to actually read the encyclopedic volume that contains the NFL rules and regulations? I bet not.

Last weekend’s Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings game was clearly a test of officiating skill. From 10 Packers penalties to Adrian Peterson’s repeated removal of his helmet during the game, Alberto Riveron’s crew had their hands full last week.

While all of this leaves open the opportunity to miss a call or two, one call they had correct was the Aaron Rodgers' safety. No I don’t mean that obvious safety. I mean the other one where an athletic Rodgers “flings” the ball as Joe Buck described it in an attempt to throw the ball out of the end zone to avoid the safety.

The NFL rule book clearly states under the Digest of the Rules, "A safety occurs when: (c) Offensive team commits a foul and spot of enforcement is behind its own goal line. Additionally, Intentional Grounding is penalized by enforcing ten yards and a loss of down (combination penalty) or a safety if the passer is in his own end zone.

But did Rodgers really commit a penalty? I mean he was only trying to make a Brett Favre like attempt at a forward pass, right? Wrong.

The NFL definition is that intentional grounding will be called when a passer, facing an imminent loss of yardage due to pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of completion.

What does realistic mean in this situation? Realistically, the officials were looking to see whether the Packers QB had enough control of the ball and was in somewhat of a natural throwing position in order for the pass to have had a realistic chance of completion.

Unfortunately for Packer fans, I guess NFL officials did not consider Aaron’s throwing position to reflect the description from the NFL rulebook, but rather represented the position a body boogie board surfer takes, like the one Aaron owns back home in California.

While Rodgers clearly had possession of the ball in the end zone, he never had control of it. Instead of his leaping maneuver, he could have picked it up and maneuvered to make a throw down-field in an upright position or attempted to run with it out of the end zone thus avoiding at the minimum the intentional grounding penalty.

Too bad Rodgers had to make a rookie mistake against a divisional foe and learn the NFL rules during the game at the expense of his team and the fans. Two points would have helped a little in beating Minnesota last week.

KGB : A Packer Fan's Final Salute

Don Zak — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:30:28 -0500

The world of professional football is a business, and Packer fans experienced that last week when Green Bay released Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila from the team.

In the new world that football operates in, general managers, players and agents are all searching for the best opportunities for themselves. Connections with teams, let alone fans, last only a few seasons instead of entire careers.

But what opportunity is there for the fans to connect? It’s easy to enjoy game day but is it a true connection? KGB is one of the few remaining players that definitely cares about the fans, encourages interaction and builds a connection as only a true professional athletes does.

Why do I profess to call KGB a true athlete? Because he cares for the fans and the community both on and off the field. Over the past three years I have written to KGB, thanking him for his effort each week, and included a Topps football card. Each time I have received back from him not only my card autographed but additional signed memorabilia!

What player in this day and age would consistently sign a fan’s card knowing that it probably will be sold on Ebay? While I have also received signed cards back from Hawk, Driver, Harris and Clifton over the years, only KGB has consistently sent back to me year in and year out his autograph.

He will be missed both on and off the field, and Packer fans should wish him all the best. But fans should also realize what will be sacrificed in terms of community spirit when the Packers released KGB.

Green Bay Packers: Red Zone Scoring Problems?

Don Zak — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 04:07:51 -0500

The NFL has several statistics to measure the scoring production of its teams. Scoring touchdowns in the red zone and converting points on a shortened field with opposing defenses backed up is considered one of the leading indicators of a quality offense.

Packer fans can overlook the glaring deficiencies in the team this season when the offense converts a high amount of possessions into points on the board. The Packers have efficiently moved the ball down field to put themselves in a better position to score this season.

Surprisingly, Green Bay has improved in terms of overall TD conversions. They have scored one more TD vis-à-vis 2007 which helps to offset two fewer scoring opportunities when compared to 2007. Total points remain the same scored within the red zone.

Week Nine Comparison of Green Bay Packers' Red Zone Statistics

Year

Team

Red Zone App.

TD Scored

Field Goals Scored

Scoring Conversion

TD Scoring Conversion

Points Scored

2007

Green Bay

.880

.440

2008

Green Bay

.913

.552

Sources: Pro Football Weekly, USA Today

How well do the Packers rank compared to the top echelon of the league?

Winning teams convert more opportunities in the red zone into touchdowns than opponents. The Colts score TDs over 75 percent of the time, the Steelers 71 percent, and the Titans over 65 percent. Even Detroit, the Jets, and Bengals all score more TDs in the red zone than Green Bay.

What can we analyze from this brief comparison? First, the Packers' red zone opportunities have declined by eight percent. Second, they have improved the conversion rate to rank in the top 10 in overall touchdown percentage. Lastly, however, it has resulted in no significant point differential from last season.

Since the Packers are getting fewer opportunities to score in the red zone in 2008, they cannot continue to settle for field goals, especially outside of 30 yards. More importantly, Green Bay needs to capitalize on field position established through long, sustained offensive drives to put them in position to score in the red zone.

Packers-Titans: Five Reasons Green Bay Will Lose

Don Zak — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:31:55 -0400

This week's game is a critical test for both the Packers and Titans. Which team is more equipped to place another number in the W column? Below is my pessimistic view of the Packers' chances in tomorrow's game.

5. The Titans Will Force the Packers to Respect the Run

The Titans are ranked fourth in rushing by averaging 145 yards per game. Johnson has a 5.1 average while White has scored 10 TDs. The Packers defense will need to dedicate an eighth man, and even though it gets Montgomery, Harrell, and Hunter back, their play still seems to be unproven.

4. The Packers' Offense Is Going to Be One-Dimensional

In the three losses this year, Ryan Grant ran for 54, 20, and 83 yards. These season lows contrast to the 92, 20, 90, and 105 yards when the Packers won.

3. Aaron Rodgers Will Have to Play from Behind

When the Packers are down by more than three points, Green Bay is zero and three. Coach Mike McCarthy doesn’t want to put Rodgers into dangerous situations, so it has been impossible to come from behind to win.

2. The Defense Has to Control the Game

The Titans allow the fewest points in the NFL with 14.5 per week and rank in the top 10 in all defensive categories. While Green Bay is the fourth best scoring team, it will have to be effective in the air and on the ground.

Additionally, the Titans are second in the league with 12 interceptions and Kyle Vanden Bosch, who is dangerous with three forced fumbles and three sacks, is returning to the lineup.

1. Jeff Fisher Will Outcoach the Packers

It seems that at least once a year the Packers look adolescent, like the Premontre Cadets JV team, and are routinely out of position on the field. This year, it seemed like the Cowbells knew exactly what was coming from McCarthy's play calling. Last year the Bears did it to us twice.

I think this week Fisher will show McCarthy new formations and looks they haven’t strategized or prepared for.

Am I Cheating On My Team? Why Watching the Jets Is Ok

Don Zak — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:01:41 -0400

There comes a time true NFL fans dread once a season.

It's not elimination from the playoffs or losing to your most hated rival, but rather that blank week of emotion when your team has a bye week. While many fans can re-explore relationships with our families or clean out the garage when the Green Bay Packers take the week off, I can take solace in watching the New York Jets' game.

Am I a cheat? Does my wandering eye and remote control equate into a love loss between myself and the Packers? Does TiVo-ing the game just to hear Brett say "Green 19, Green 19, Hut!" mean my relationship with Green Bay is ending? Frustrated with what I see on Sundays by the Green and Gold, I secretly wish I was watching the Jets.

The Jets have become my second-favorite team almost overnight. They play all out football, making adolescent mistakes along the way, but playing entertaining football. When they are down, I watch in relaxed, stress free comfort to see how Brett Favre may or may not pull off some feat of epic proportions. Win or lose, I can enjoy the game and our time together.

It's quite a contrast to the environment of a Green Bay Packers game, to the stress and pressure I impose upon myself before each and every (even the Lions) game. My anxiety begins on Monday and culminates on Sunday, leaving me drained.

Football relationships can be difficult. But was I violating the rules of NFL fan loyality with this behavior?

Dr. Phil states that watching another team, if it erodes the existing relationship, is in fact cheating. "Consider how it makes your partner feel," he pleads. "If it makes your partner feel ugly, hurt, deceived, lied to, or inadequate, then it needs to stop." I quickly raced to Oprah’s site for advice, and took the “Am I Cheating?” quiz on her website.

Do I feel emotionally connected to the Team? - Check

Do I lose my temper too much and be described as moody? - Check

Do I feel unappreciated by the Team? - Check

Have I been avoiding contact with the Team for the past season (or longer), including online locker-room interviews and postgame press conferences, due to no obvious reason? - Check

Clearly, Oprah was on to something important here. My viewing habits and wearing my NY Jets No. 4 road jersey all day on Sunday were affecting my relationship with the Packers.

What could I do to resolve this problem? Dan Savage states that the team isn't the problem. Some deep, emotional scarring occurred which is the cause of the deceptions and wanting to be with another team. Could it be that simple?

Is the pain from My Break Up With Brett, caused by the manner in which Packers GM Ted Thompson cast our future HOF QB to the scrap heap of history, the source of the problem?

Dr. Phil concludes that in order to mend a relationship as dynamic as this one, one must, "Be honest with yourself and your team. You'll never get past this until you start being drop-dead honest."

Accept responsibility when, "You're the one who ran this relationship off in the ditch." And finally, "Assess your commitment level in order to do the work necessary to repair the relationship."

I will forever love my team and Brett. I also know, thanks to Oprah, Dr. Phil, and Dan, that however long it takes to get this relationship back on the road, is however long I need to work at it.

Top 10 Bye-Week Activities for NFL Players

Don Zak — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:07:44 -0400

Disclaimer: "All NFL characters and events in this report—even those based on real people—are entirely fictional. All athletes’ voices are impersonated...poorly. The following editorial contains coarse language, a dark portrayal of players, and due to its content, it should not be viewed by anyone."

Ever wonder what professional athletes do with a week of freedom from the stress and pressure of NFL football during the bye week? In this era of multi-million dollar contracts, jet planes, and strict union guidelines on personal conduct, what kind of fun is there left for a young man in a $100 white t-shirt and $50K of jewelry to have?

Let us not be fooled by memoirs of the “old” NFL camaraderie of country hunting trips or poker playing with several cases of “soda pop” in players basements by these living legends. Realistically, today’s athletes are dysfunctional, capable of interacting in small, secluded groups both on and off the field, playing Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

Those innocent by-gone days are bucolic when compared to all the options and BS that football players can get into. Ricky Williams, the running back for the Miami Dolphins, put it best in an interview with The Miami Herald on Sept. 30, 2008, that when players were given Friday off, "Automatically your mind, which is so constrained since training camp began...says, 'I'm free, what can I do?'"

With such open and honest statements, below is a compilation of the top 10 things NFL players ought to do during the bye week.

10. Visit Las Vegas, get knocked upside the head. Lose wallet and every bit of self-respect.

9. Return to Alma Mater for invigorating pregame pep talk, party on campus with college friends and undergrad co-eds.

8. Notify Social Services to schedule a supervised visit with son or daughter. Reach out to them with cash gifts and an H2 Hummer.

7. Contact agent, set up recording session for next series of Sprint/Nike/United Way/NFL Channel advertisement.

6. Appear in local county courtroom to settle moving violation & weapons charge.

5. Go back home for some of Momma’s cooking, buy her a white Cadillac to put in front of the double wide.

4. Take the wife and kids to Hawaii for a brief week of fun and relaxation. When no one is looking, secretly practice for possible 2009 Pro Bowl appearance.

3. Appear in city courtroom to settle aggravated assault/paternity test/civil lawsuits.

2. (Tie) Attend NFL sanctioned Adam “Pacman” Jones behavioral camp—politely agree to disagree with life coach.

2. (Tie) Guest appearance onstage with favorite musician/rapper/opera singer in concert. Sing a few ballads, sprain vocal cords.

And the No. 1 thing NFL players do during the bye week is...

Rent a house boat, take a few teammates out for a little Lake Minnetonka party cruise trip.

Can The Green Bay Packers Play Penalty Free Football?

Don Zak — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:14:03 -0400

Why can’t the Green Bay Packers execute proper football this year? After only six weeks, the Packers have accumulated the second most penalties in the NFL with 49 and lead the league with 464 penalty yards.

At this pace we will have 131 penalties, average over eight per game thereby giving opponents 78 free yards per game and over 1237 yards total for the season.

McCarthy addressed reporters on Oct 5th stating: “Anytime something happens five weeks in a row, that's a problem, and penalties have definitely been a problem throughout these first five games.”

Is averaging over eight penalties a game only a problem? For me it’s more important than the lack of an established running game.

Let’s review the penalty tally for the season so far: Minnesota—12, Detroit—eight, Cowbells —eight, Tampa Bay—seven, Atlanta—nine and Seattle—five. If each offense individually can be rationalized away and even accepted in some cases, why is there seemingly a lack of proper concern instilled in the players from week to week by the coaching staff?

Some penalties are inevitable, I can understand that. For example, our style of Bump ‘N Run coverage defensive with Charles Woodson and Al Harris usually carries a one penalty per game allowance. However, the Atlanta game was clearly lost by penalties.

Following a Tauscher holding penalty, Matt Ryan & Co. received an early Christmas present from Pat Lee on a 20-yard penalty to set up an early 2nd quarter touchdown. Even more critical was the holding call that negated a Mason Crosby field goal at the end of the 1st half. With three points more, the Packers could have played from a tied position instead of being down three points to the Falcons at Lambeau.

Packer fans became accustomed to uncontrolled play from many players during the Mike Sherman era. Remember Ahmad Carroll’s boxing glove wearing because he was unable to not hold a wide receiver, even in practice?

With so many other problems to address, the team doesn’t need to keep shooting itself in the foot each week. “It's about field position,” McCarthy continued. “It's about field position and playing with a favorable down and distance. For as productive as we were on offense, we were backed up a number of times.”

The team’s back is already against the wall as it faces a difficult upcoming schedule of disciplined teams like Indy, Chicago, Tennessee and Minnesota. With nothing there to support our backs, the Packers will 131 have penalties for 1237 yards, only a few shy of the Kansas City Chiefs record of 158 for 1302 yards set in 1998.

My Break-Up With Brett Favre

Don Zak — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:33:57 -0400

On a day that should have been our most important together, the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants, it seemed that Brett wasn’t all that “into” the game. He seemed more distracted by the cold and enormous pressure of the game along with playing under the collective weight of so many other failed playoff games.

But as a fan I was incredible happy and optimistic about our time together that night.

Disappointed by the inevitability of the game, lying on the bathroom floor, I was stressed out and unable to leave it to watch the Giants' overtime field goal. After the game I swore I would never care for Brett again because he had hurt me so many times over the years.

By March Brett agreed it was better if he retire and end the relationship. To understand why I was stressed out and a complete mess that night, we have to go back. Back to the beginning.

In the summer of 1993 change was in the air around 1265 Lombardi Avenue. When Brett arrived in town, he was an energetic young man filled with a vitality and passion for the game of football.

Each Sunday he played with his head and heart for the fans and as the years and successful seasons progressed, we expected more from his performance. It was a July/December relationship that changed with each season. As I grew up I came to look more and more forward of our time together.

Brett gave the team, the fans and the community more than we had the right to demand each year. He played through physical pain, addictions to pain killers, alleged martial affairs, and much more. When Irv died, my heart broke completely but Brett was there to pick me up and play one unbelievable game.

"What he had to deal with today was immeasurable," receiver Antonio Freeman said. "You can't put a price on what he did tonight. I don't know how he did it, but he did it in fine fashion."

One measure of Brett’s valor, dedication and iron-man status was recognized not only by Packer fans but the entire NFL community by being the league’s only three-time NFL MVP.

Something changed in 2005 for Brett, for the fans and the Packers organization that would alter the dynamics of our relationship forever. These last few remaining autumns together would never be as it was during the early years. Someone else, jealous for Packers fan undying attention and loyalty, entered the picture.

Ted Thompson pushed Brett until he had no choice but to retire, discounting his advice, disrespecting him and coincidentally drafting a QB with his first pick ever—no wonder doubts began to creep into his mind about how committed the fans, community, and organization was to him.

Now in 2008 it feels funny. I’m distinctly with the new Packers, yet can’t help but glance around when announcers or co-workers speak of Brett Favre. I have tried mentally to put out any images of Brett playing for another team, wearing another team’s uniform after making the Packers what they are today.

But I can’t help to secretly image that it’s the people in Green Bay he is speaking to after throwing six TD passes or winning games. It’s like when your Ex is driving around town with her new flame in a shiny Z-28, white with blue stripes, and Foreigner is blasting on the stereo laughing together at some larger joke while you are left going to prom in mom’s burgundy red Oldsmobile station wagon.

I have rationalized that it isn’t cheating on the Packers if I watch just alittle of the Jets game, for old time’s sake. What harm can that do, right? But like any good thing than ends before it should, and in a proper and dignified manner, it gives me that sick feeling like I was lying on the bathroom floor all over again when Brett plays outstanding, competitive football and begins to break records not wearing the Green and Gold from the past 16 years.

Messianic Prophecy from Ted Thompson to Packer Fans: “We Are Moving Forward”

Don Zak — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:00:13 -0400

As he stated last July: “We believe that this is the path that we should be on. We believe this is the best thing in the best interest of the organization, both in the short term and the long term.”

After hearing these prophetic words from Packer’s GM Ted Thompson, the fans, the team, and the community were enraptured and trusting in our benevolent leader, as he decided our fates from the papal towers of 1265. And as a true messiah, Ted has led us, walking hand-in-hand on a personal quest for fame, glory, and praise.

With the resurrection of Brett in July, yet again conflicting with Ted’s vision of progress and the future, the Pontiff received inspiration from a higher power that, “I thought it was important for me to be perfectly honest with Brett that we have started down this path and it doesn't make sense for us to turn around and go back now.”

Ted’s edict means for Packer fans that the pathway of faith is the pathway of waiting. And with Brett cast out of Eden forever, Ted began to prepare his three young quarterbacks to lead the team down this path.

After beginning the season 3-3, with three straight loses at one point, it makes me question what was his vision in the first place? One can only imagine that it was the anointed “Golden Boy” Aaron holding high the Lombardi Trophy.

Ted’s statements of infinite wisdom clearly left many Packer fans excited with the prospects of achieving their first Super Bowl appearance in over a decade. However, as the top decision-maker for the Packers' organization, the responsibility for the current situation lies with Ted’s messianic messages and hyperbole he subjected the fans to during the offseason (you know it's true).

And for the Packer fans that drank the communal kool-aid from Thompson, do not despair. There is hope on the horizon and perhaps a better pathway to follow, another idol of worship in the Green Bay lore.

While the 2008 season looks like a lost cause, there is a promising, shining light out there to properly guide the team. After taking a break from the 2009 football season, the Green Bay Packers should plan to hire Mike Holmgren as GM in 2010, as the second coming of our next savior.

Green Bay Packers: Is Bob Sanders the Bobby Fischer of Defensive Strategy?

Don Zak — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:04:23 -0400

Many in Green Bay were shocked that Jim Bates was passed over for then-unknown Mike McCarty for the head-coaching position in 2006. But what baffled Packer fans even more was Little Mac’s decision to promote the existing Defensive Ends Coach Bob Sanders to the coordinator position.

With no previous NFL experience as a coordinator, the task of training a new corps of young and inexperienced Ted Thompson draft picks would fall upon Bob. And while Bob had much success in Florida, working with an unending supply of talented Gators, he had much to learn about the level of talent at the professional level for NFL teams.

Because defensive units are more balanced in terms of talent in comparison to the collegiate level, the strategy the defense employs for each game is so critically important.

Last year’s strategies have been broken down, dissected, and studied by opposing teams in preparation for the next match, basically making them obsolete by season or week’s end.

Sanders' approach, however, has been to utilize the existing gameplan, week in and week out, to consistently rush four and drop seven into deep coverage, especially in deep post patterns. That leaves the underneath and middle of the field exposed to quarterback check downs on third or fourth receivers.

Most opponents have had terrific success in third-down situations against us because of this. Viewers sit and watch with growing frustration as the defense plays the same consistent strategy that even the fans know has little true chance of success. This year, the defense has nine sacks through Week Five and nine picks. Last year, it was 12 sacks with five interceptions.

The point is that this year, opposing quarterbacks have more time to throw downfield because the defensive line's pass rush is non-existent. Last year, with solid downfield coverage, the rush was able to collapse the pocket and sack such mobile quarterbacks as McNabb, Rivers, and Manning. The quality of our opponents compared to last year is not as good to warrant such a terrible performance on defense.

Little Mac has begun pointing the finger at the line as the only solvable problem on defense. He stated on Oct. 6, that “the way we're situated and organized on defense, it's very evident when something goes wrong, someone not being in their gaps almost like we took turns doing it, was guys trying to do too much.”

Why does the line feel like it has to “do too much?” Is it because they know if they can’t do it, they will be on the field for an eight minute, 65-yard drive? Clearly this is a wake-up call for adjusting the defensive strategy to reflect the current situation of the depleted front line, injured linebackers, and missing key secondary personnel.

Coaches always respond not to their own glaring deficiencies in a loss but to the lack of “proper execution” of the vague “gameplan.” This argument was a topic of much discussion during Mike Sherman’s era and is essential a “chicken and the egg” argument. Which comes first, a poor gameplan or lack of player execution?

Since the players are virtually the same from last year, perhaps, just perhaps, it’s the gameplan that is flawed. The Packer players know the system and play their hearts out but are seemingly out of position at the most critical aspects of each drive.

Either way, it is the job of the head coach is to make the players, whoever they are at the moment, comprehend and execute your system. You can’t blame a safety for not covering the receiver if the play called for him to be out of position.

All of this brings me to my point: Bob Sanders is the next Bobby Fischer. No, I don’t mean Bob will become the Grandmaster of coordinators or exhibit the gifted talents of a young man who mystified and excited the world with fascinating matches against the Soviet Russians.

Rather, after a brief spark of talent as the chief strategist for an outstanding 2007 season, he will slip into obscurity rather quickly by the declining performance of his squad and confusing Packer fans into the belief that our team is well coached.

Aaron Rodgers Grimaces but Ted Thompson Is Really in Pain

Don Zak — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:57:03 -0400

Each National Football League game reveals the characteristics of the teams in obvious and subtle ways. Each game provides the opportunity for the coaches, players, and owners to expose themselves in dynamic and interesting ways. And for any Packers fan watching the Falcons game, three obvious and not so obvious characteristic became apparent.

1. The Defense is in Trouble – Key injuries to the secondary and D-line have exposed the weakness of the backups.

2. Mike McCarthy is stealing plays from Mike Sherman, circa 2004 (First Down – Pass Incomplete, Second Down – Run for Two Yards, Third Down and Eight yards To Go).

3. Aaron Rodgers can throw a long touchdown pass into double coverage just like Brett Favre would.

Also during the last game, some subtle characteristics have also emerged to distinguish the team.

1. The secondary needs Al Harris and Atari Bigby back. These key personnel allow the defense to play a more aggressive strategy.

2. Aaron Rodgers needs to handle playing in pain better. If every grimace face he makes to the sideline after a throw is any indication of a player, he is certainly not comparable to Brett Favre.

I remember reading in the papers after the game that, during a routine postgame physical, it was revealed that Brett had played the entire game with a dislocated shoulder. But never during the game would you see Brett exhibiting any physical signs of discomfort.

I felt embarrassed for Aaron and the team the way he kept looked back to the sideline holding his sore arm in discomfort, longing for the proverbial hug from Mom.

Quick Tip for Rodgers: Don’t let the opposing team know you are in pain. It will only fuel them to try to hurt you more. Second, be a man and play with some composure for God’s sake.

3. The myopic vision of Ted Thompson is coming true. Replacing a three-time NFL MVP for an injury-prone, unproven “rookie” is returning to Ted exactly what he self-assuredly knew wouldn’t happen. That his first pick ever is not even going to last a full season of play.

What can we learn from watching more games as true Packer fans? What dread and terror does the future hold for us? In many ways, we can see what a team truly assembled by Ted Thompson looks like.

Without a proven quarterback to keep the defense from loading up in the box, the offense is going to struggle all season. But more importantly, we will learn that Thompson, in his megalomaniac ways, was and is willing to sacrifice the entire team and season just to be rid of Brett Favre. Most importantly, it looks like it will be a long two years until the organization realizes the error in its ways and fires Ted Thompson.