Bleacher Report - Articles by Carter Bierwirth

Favre Reported To Meet With Vikings: Big Shocker

Carter Bierwirth — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:50:28 -0400

Well here we go again everybody, around and around on a never ending carousel of annoyance. I must say that for me personally, I really hate seeing one of the players I worshiped continue to spread more heartache.

We've all been wondering just what Favre is going to do now, and I'm pretty sure that most of us were leaning toward his decision to sign with the Vikings. It was reported earlier today that Favre and Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress were going to meet at an undisclosed location later this week.

I've also browsed through several articles in the Vikings section and see that despite hatred for him in the past, they feel that Favre is just the thing they need to complete a Super Bowl quality team, and that this is also the ultimate way to get back at the hated Green and Gold.

Ok, that's all fine and good Brett. Please, by all means, sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Personally I want all this nonsense over and done with, and if he has to play the Packers again to try and prove his soreness at them, then by all means bring it on over.

Those sixteen years of thrills and memories are awesome, and now, most of us are most likely going to see the thirty nine year old farmer with a grudge try to stick it to Ted Thomson and his old organization. Twice in one season as well.

I said it before and I'll gladly say it again. Letting Brett Favre go last year was the right thing for the Packers to do. After his performance with the Jets last year I honestly don't see much to fear in him, at least not nearly as much as he use to pass off.

Listen, I think the world of Brett Favre as a player and I always will. So will most of the Packer fans. He gave us a great run for so many years and he'll always be remembered as one of the best, if not the best, QB in the game, but as a person, I couldn't think any lower of him at this point.

So again I say, go ahead and sign with the Vikings. Personally I want to see them come into Lambeau and stick it to the Packers, or at least make the attempt. I feel bad for Aaron Rodgers because once this deal is sealed (which I'm sure it will be), everything is going to go back to the circus like conditions he faced last year with the media.

I'm confident in the Packers this season and their choices. I think the coaches are great and the material they have to work with can bring them nothing but good in the future.

So while Favre is plotting his vengeance against the Packers down in Mississippi, the Packers are getting back to work with their brand new 3-4 defense, and armed with more weapons then last year. If anything it will be another media hell that I won't be able to go anywhere on the TV or Internet and not see.

Even if this does happen, the Vikings have to get by Rodgers and the Packers first, and then Cutler and the Bears down in Chicago. Personally I look forward to seeing another collapse like last year for good old number four.

I'm perfectly confident to be sitting over in the Bay with Aaron Rodgers and a situation that we all know isn't going to blow up in our faces, in fact, it can't go anywhere but up.

But hey, that's just the opinion of a Green Bay Packer fan.

Inconsistency Plagues Packers: Green Bay Falls to Carolina 35-31

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:43:34 -0500

Inconsistent play continued to make its mark on the Green Bay Packers this season, as the Green and Gold fall to a disappointing 5-7 record with four games left to play in the season.

I don't know about my fellow fans, but every time I look at the Packers I always get the feeling of the lights are on yet nobody is home. Green Bay came out to a dismal start in the beginning of the game. Aaron Rodgers didn't complete a single pass until six minutes in, and Ryan Grant contributed very little before being sidelined with a bruised hand.

Green Bay went into the locker room down 21-10, with a steady list of injuries piling up once more.

At the start of the second half, Aaron Rodgers finally managed to find his groove. The first year quarterback controlled the clock with superb skill. Despite allowing two delay of game penalties and several lucky breaks on near interceptions, Rodgers led the team on three scoring drives, eventually managing to tie the game with a chance to take the lead.

The very last drive was the heart breaker for me. Mike McCarthy had the ball on the five yard line after a Julius Peppers personal foul penalty, and attempted to run the ball three times through the middle of Carolina's defense. I don't know about anyone else, but I would have at least gone for the touchdown on fourth down and forced the Panthers to drive down field for the win.

Again McCarthy relied to much upon an inconsistant defense. Small plays were not so much what killed the Packers in the second half, but rather big plays which continue to make themselves evident in EVERY single defensive stand by the Packers.

The rushing defense was nothing different, allowing DeAngelo Williams to rush for 72 yards and 4 touchdowns. Packers special teams also showed their weakness as they allowed a 30 -yard plus run back on just about every return. Not to mention the continuing disappointing punt game by Derrick Frost.

Inconsistency and sloppy play plagued the Packers not only today but throughout their season. Rodgers did manage to show his play making skill given the opportunity, but also shows just how new he is to the NFL. With 1:30 left on the game clock with 2 timeouts left to make a drive, Rodgers attempted to make the big play and cost his team the game.

Although Green Bay falls to a disappointing 5-7, the team has been their largest enemy throughout the entire season. Penalties, inconsistant play, and seemingly an I don't care attitude have made themselves present.

Rodgers played a rather solid second half otherwise. Even though the team didn't show up to play during the entire first half, they nearly managed to pull off a win. Again, however, the Packer defense continues to give up the big plays that matter.

After this season, I am hoping that Bob Sanders finds a home elsewhere in the NFL, for I have become sick of this prevent defense scheme. You know what I mean. A three-to-four man rush with everyone else in the backfield. If there is one thing that I have learned by watching the NFL, if you give any quarterback enough time they will find the receiver.

The only thing the prevent defense does is prevent you from winning!

Rodgers finished the game 29-for-45 with 298 yards, three touchdowns, and one game-breaking interception. Brandon Jackson took over for Ryan Grant in the second half and ran for 80 yards on 11 attempts. Greg Jennings had a big day with 91 yards on eight receptions. Green Bay controlled the game clock for 37:52.

Again the season isn't over, but this loss seems to have driven the dagger into any playoff hopes the Packers had left. My advice... start working on a defense that will help you win the game and not break it for next season.

Packers-Bears: Aaron Rodgers Finally Gets Support, Leads Pack

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:54:15 -0500

The Green Bay Packers looked like a much more complete football team this Sunday in their 37-3 rout of the Chicago Bears.

Rodgers continued his very consistant play. His final stats on the day were 23/30 with 227 yards and two touchdowns. One pass was also picked by the Bear's defense.

The Packer offensive line managed to completely seal Rodgers away from harmful hands today, showing us just how effective the young quarterback can be if given the time to make plays. Rodgers effectively included nine different receivers in his air attack.

Greg Jennings led the list with 64 yards on five catches, while old reliable Donald Driver came up close with 60 yards on four receptions. Tight-end Donald Lee and receivers James Jones and Jordy Nelson were also part of the package.

On this day, however, Aaron Rodgers was supported by every single one of his Packer teammates.

Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson effectively allowed Rodgers to take a breather against one of the NFL's best run defenses, both tearing up the turf for 195 yards on 35 carries.

As mentioned before, the Packer offensive lineman kept Rodgers safely tucked away in the backfield, also opening vast holes for both running backs.

Green Bay's defense kept Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman running from trouble. A.J. Hawk showed his abilities in the middle, taking over for the injured Nick Barnett. The defensive front managed to apply effective pressure and sealed away more holes against the high scoring Bears.

The defensive backfield nearly recorded another interception. Safety Nick Collins would have led the league in picks if the defensive line not been offside. No matter, as the very next play saw defensive end Jason Hunter scoop up a Kyle Orton fumble, taking it downfield for a 54-yard touchdown.

Mason Crosby also contributed with three field goals from 53, 45, and 33 yards.

Will Blackmon had a rather quiet day, but was certainly more effective then Chicago's Devin Hester.

I saw much more teamwork throughout the entire Green Bay ranks in this performance. They actually seemed like the were enjoying themselves on the field. Prime examples were the performances of the fullback John Kuhn and linebacker Brandon Chillar.

On a very critical third down, John Kuhn plowed his way into Aaron Rodgers to make the quarterback sneak successful. He also contributed on several third down conversions.

Brandon Chillar was very effective on pass defense, while also blocking for the aforementioned Jason Hunter, who used the block to his advantage in his score.

Jordy Nelson also paved the way for Ryan Grant on one of his longest runs for the day, driving the defender to the goal line, opening up the scoring opportunity.

Lineman were creating holes and applying pressure, defensive backs covered their assignments, and all the smaller individuals who never draw attention really put in the extra effort in this much needed win.

One thing for certain is that the Aaron Rodgers will feel much more comfortable having the team he played with today holding his back down in New Orleans.

Ryan Grant Looking More Influential in Packer's Season

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:16:31 -0500

Green Bay running back Ryan Grant seems to have finally hit his stride. The relative unknown has come a long way since he was acquired from the New York Giants last season. The Big Blue's loss, however, has turned into the Packers gain.

This week's performance against the Chicago Bears was even better than the Ryan Grant we saw last season. The Notre Dame alumnist ran up 145 yards on the ground on 25 carries. This gave him an average of 5.8 yards per run.

This came against one of the most highly praised run defenses in the NFL. Grant seems to have found his groove, while facing off against vicious defenses. Even in last week's heartbreaking loss to the Vikings, Grant managed 75 yards on 16 attempts, for an average of 4.7. Not bad considering the apparent lack of effort from the offensive line.

Where were these numbers in the first five games? Former Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson also contributed with 50 yards on 10 attempts. Needless to say, the running attack in the last two games has not been the problem.

The Packers face the New Orleans Saints next week.

Green Bay's defense stepped up against the run this past week, holding Matt Forte to only 64 yards on 16 attempts. They should be ready to face a very deadly Drew Brees.

Green Bay netted 427 yards of total offense, 195 of those yards coming from Grant and Jackson alone.

I'm sure that Aaron Rodgers feels much more comfortable back in that pocket, knowing that he no longer has to throw on every down. Notable mention also must go to the fullback, John Kuhn, who made several key third down conversions and also pushed Rodger's over the first down marker on a key sneak.

Green Bay's offensive line generated much more push this week than they did in the last three games combined. Perhaps the big men up front have finally realized just how important they are to this offensive formula.

Needless to say, Ryan Grant is now performing much like the way he did last season. After 10 weeks of play, Grant stands at 770 yards on the season on 198 carries. His average remains at a rather disappointing 3.9 yards per carry. After his last several performances, however, Ryan seems much more in tune with his game.

Now that Green Bay has shown a very balanced offense, their battle for dominance in the NFC North has become much, much easier. Should Grant and the Packer offense return with their game displayed against Chicago nothing but good will result.

Perhaps the contest against New Orleans will be the season's deciding factor.

Packers-Saints: A First Look at Week 12

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:32:44 -0500

Following a monumental win over the Chicago Bears, the 5-5 Green Bay Packers travel to New Orleans to take on the 5-5 Saints in what is sure to be a vicious offensive battle. Despite their identical records, the teams reside in different positions within their divisions.

Green Bay sits tied with fierce rivals Minnesota and Chicago atop the NFC North, while New Orleans finds itself buried last in the very competitive NFC South.

Veteran Drew Brees and a mix of older and rookie runners lead the Saints' on again, off again offense.

Brees has been remarkably productive in his few years with the Saints. This season, he's on pace to break the single-season passing record and has the the Saints sitting at No. 1 in pass offense this season, averaging 325.7 yards per game.

On the other hand, the Saints also own one of the more dismal running attacks in the league, churning out only 90.6 yards per contest.

The superior passing attack led by Brees, however, keeps them the league's front-runner in total offensive yardage at 416.2, as well as a respectable eighth in points per game at 26.2.

The Saints come off a 30-20 victory over the 1-9 Kansas City Chiefs. New Orleans had a total net of 369 yards with a time of possession of 29:36. Brees was 25-for-36 for 266 yards with one touchdown and an interception.

The rushing attack was led by Pierre Thomas, who rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries. Deuce McAllister was second with eight rushes for 18 yards.

Underscoring the feats of the top-ranked offense is the fact that New Orleans is plagued by one of the more underachieving defenses in the NFL.

Their defense is ranked 26th against the pass and 19th against the run, allowing 238.4 and 109.6 yards per game, respectively. In total yardage, they stand at 348, which is tied for 24th in the league. New Orleans allows 25.4 points per game.

This weakness in the Saints' gameplan keeps them planted firmly at a record of 5-5.

And New Orleans' defensive issues were clear in its battle against the Chiefs.

The Saints allowed Kansas City to control the ball for 30:24 of the game clock and surrendered 235 passing yards from newly introduced Kansas City quarterback Tyler Thigpen (who is also No. 4, what a coincidence).

Larry Johnson only managed to hit the Saints for 67 yards on 19 carries.

Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are coming of one of their most impressive wins thus far this season. Against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the Packers controlled every aspect of the game.

Overall, Green Bay ranks just ahead of New Orleans in total offense, standing at sixth in overall points. The pass attack and rush game both fall short of the Saints in the standings, sitting at 11th and 23rd, respectively.

Green Bay's defense is the defining factor.

The Packer defense is third against the pass but very weak against the run, ranked 28th. After the performance exhibited against the Bears, Green Bay's defense seems like the least of their worries.

Aaron Rodgers was given all the support that he required to exact vengeance against their hated rivals. Ryan Grant gave his best performance of the season, netting 145 yards on 25 attempts, while Brandon Jackson contributed with 50 yards on 10 carries.

The offensive line also shifted 180 degrees from their performance last week against the Vikings.

Rodgers wasn't sacked once, and clearly demonstrated that if given time, he can effectively pick apart defenses. Rodgers finished 23-for-30 with 227 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw one interception.

Greg Jennings and Donald Driver led the receiving corps, while nine different receivers caught passes.

The Green Bay defense held the duo of Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman to a combined 17-for-33 and 159 yards and rookie running back sensation Matt Forte to 64 yards on 16 carries.

An interception by safety Nick Collins was nullified by an offsides penalty.

Green Bay also increased its league lead in defensive touchdowns to nine, and special teams also chipped in. Kicker Mason Crosby was a perfect three-for-three on field goal attempts.

Green Bay needs a victory to break free from the mix with the Vikings and Bears. New Orleans needs the win to simply stay alive in the hunt.

In the huge victory over Chicago, who was one of the highest scoring teams in the league, as well as one of the toughest against the run, Green Bay showed it has the ability to control a game.

Large factors in this week's struggle will be Ryan Grant and the running game. If Green Bay can control the ground attack like they did against Chicago, then Rodgers will be free to harass the struggling New Orleans defensive backfield.

The Packer defense will also be tested to the max.

Brees is the owner of one of the most powerful arms in the NFL, and if Green Bay's defensive backs fall asleep at the wheel, he will have their heads spinning within minutes.

Bottom line, if the Packers control the game for a second consecutive game, victory in the NFC North will be that much closer to reality.

The Packers and Saints face off next Monday night at 7:30 pm.

Green Bay Packers Erase Mistakes and Humble the Chicago Bears

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:30:28 -0500

After one of their more disappointing performances of the season...we can finally say, "HOW ABOUT THEM PACKERS!!!"

Green Bay effectively romped one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL this Sunday to attain a .500 record, good enough for a tie with both the Bears and Vikings for supremacy in the NFC North.

Aaron Rodgers led the Packers onto the field this Sunday with the opportunity to erase mistakes in Minnesota last week, and it is safe to say that Green Bay is alive and well in the hunt for the playoffs.

Bears coach Lovie Smith came into Green Bay with a perfect 4-0 record against Packers coach Mike McCarthy during his career, and nothing would have done in the Packers season like the Bears emerging victorious from Lambeau Field. McCarthy and crew refused to yield their pride however, and the results were clearly felt throughout the entire division.

Aaron Rodgers finished the day 23-30, 227 yards, two TDs and one interception. Rodgers, however, felt relief back in the pocket through the support of not only his previously absent offensive line, but the men lined up behind him.

Ryan Grant plowed his way through one of the highest-ranked rushing defenses, carving out 145 yards on 25 carries with one touchdown. Grant found his game early, with his blockers in front leading the way against a stout defense.

One of the more impressive performances also came from FB John Kuhn. Kuhn was key on several blocks and third down conversions, allowing Rodgers and company to drive down the field.

Grant was not the only one with wheels of fire. Brandon Jackson stepped into Grant's spot after the runner was knocked senseless, and plowed his way for 50 yards on 10 carries.

The Packers receivers also had a great day. Greg Jennings led the way with five receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown. Driver was close behind on four receptions for 60 yards. Also contributing were seven other receivers, including Donald Lee, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson.

The ones who needed to have the biggest game were the big boys on the front lines. The group of Clifton, Tauscher, Spitz, Colledge, and Wells effectively protected Aaron Rodgers and also cleared effective running lanes for Grant and Jackson. This group has shown their resolve after coming off a performance like last week's against the Vikings.

Mason Crosby also contributed to the 37-3 rout with three field goals from 53, 33, and 45 yards.

Green Bay's defense was once again more than impressive. A.J. Hawk took over the middle linebacker position from the injured Nick Barnett, and showed his mettle right away. Hawk led the defense with six tackles and one assist. Brandon Chillar also performed outstanding in both pass coverage and run defense.

Both Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman were held to 164 yards combined, and Matt Forte was held to 64 yards on 16 carries. The defensive front also performed effectively, forcing both Orton and Grossman out of the pocket, and contributing several knockdowns.

Charles Woodson and Al Harris again led the defensive backfield in a solid game. Nick Collins would have increased his interception count by one had it not been for an offsides penalty called against the Packer D-line.

However, on the very next play Orton fumbled and it was picked up by DE Jason Hunter, who proceeded to return the ball for another touchdown. This is the ninth touchdown returned by the Packer defense this season. Two other touchdown returns have come on Will Blackmon's punt returns.

Mike McCarthy led his team impressively in this contest, shaming Lovie Smith and his Bears to the extreme. McCarthy did win one challenge early in the game, managing to call back a large run by Matt Forte.

Penalties were also reduced in this performance, even though they remained evident against the Packer defensive backfield. Several key holds against the Bears effectively killed several drives.

Overall, this game has show us just how well the Packers can outperform opponents when they find their groove. McCarthy and company humbled the Bears on both offense and defense.

The NFC North now faces a new situation. Three teams sit atop, all tied at 5-5 for dominance. McCarthy, Rodgers, and the rest of the Green Bay Packer '08 team now face a new season.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers face off against the New Orleans Saints next week, who are coming off a 30-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Packers have been questioned in regard to maintaining their momentum, but after this enormously emotional win against one of their most fierce rivals, the Packers will enter the Louisiana Superdome with a renewed sense of accomplishment and clear trust in their ability to perform.

Packers-Vikings: Mike McCarthy's Three Minutes of Infamy

Carter Bierwirth — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:47:04 -0500

I'm not quite sure about everyone else, but the performance that I saw from not only the Green Bay offense, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy was one of the most insanely disappointing I have seen in years.

Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy was one for taking pride in effective gameplay. This week's devastating loss to the Minnesota Vikings has seriously rattled my faith in the up-and-coming playcaller.

Aaron Rodgers had a dismal day in the Metrodome. The young quarterback showed stiff resolve in the face of a deadly pass rush from the Vikings' defense. Jarred Allen certainly showed his skills in sacking Rodgers twice, once for a safety.

I will give Rodgers his due credit, however, for with all the punishment that he was given throughout that game, he still managed to stay on the field. The real disappointment is the offensive line. Not only did they make several key penalties, but they failed to protect Rodgers in almost any way whatsoever.

Green Bay's defense and special teams played a very tough game. It is thanks to players like Charles Woodson, Nick Collins, and Will Blackmon that Green Bay manage to stay competitive during the contest.

The largest annoyance in my mind this week was the performance of Mike McCarthy in the last three minutes of the game.

The wasted timeout granted by an unneeded challenge was the first big mistake made by the head coach throughout the game. Had the Packers won the challenge, the Vikings would have managed to keep the ball on the one-yard line and effectively waste another minute before punching in the score.

Thank god for McCarthy the play wasn't reversed. Though it didn't matter much after the next blunder. Green Bay was given a good starting position, thanks to another wonderful return by Will Blackmon. With the ball on the 42-yard line, Rodgers managed to connect with Driver on a miraculous reception for the first down.

Now down past midfield, McCarthy calls for two running plays in a row, effectively wasting two downs and giving Mason Crosby a rather ineffective edge. A very ineffective pass attempt to Driver inched them slightly closer to the goal posts but still left the developing Crosby with a 52-yard attempt.

Seeing that ball inch wide right felt like one of the sharpest daggers possible plunging into the heart of this Packer team, and it's a day that I'm sure McCarthy will remember.

As a fan, I like what Mike McCarthy has brought to the Packer organization. He has managed to bring a good deal of respect back to the team and manage to win several big games. Yet, this recent loss has really put a dent in my belief in his play-calling ability.

My hat goes off to the Packers' defense for performing as well as they did to stay competitive. Rodger's performance was dead, thanks to miscommunication, penalties, and the lack of any protection at all.

Green Bay now stands at 4-5, a position that not many fans were expecting after the last several games. They face a big battle with Chicago next week, and it is certainly a game that McCarthy better pray that he wins.

McCarthy lost a good deal of respect in my mind today, as has the Packers' offense. I sure hope that Rodgers manages to come out of the next few games with his head on after the commitment that his boys in front managed to give him today.

Justin Harrell: The New Anchor for the Green Bay Packer Defense?

Carter Bierwirth — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:37:10 -0400

Defensive tackle Justin Harrell was activated by the Green Bay Packers Tuesday. The former University of Tennessee standout defensive lineman has not practiced with the team since the end of last year when he suffered an injury to his back.

Harrell was taken as the 16th pick in the 2007 NFL Draft in a move that I didn't exactly see the benefit in, but it was a first-round pick after all. However, the weakened Packer defense needs all of the help they can get this season. On top of the injuries to defensive end Cullin Jenkins and cornerback Al Harris, defensive tackle Ryan Pickett found himself leaving the game against Seattle early this past Sunday.

Harrell had only played in seven games with the Packers in 2007. The 320-pound lineman was nursing a torn bicep before he even reported to Packer training camp last June. It was not long before he suffered an ankle injury that made him useless for the vast majority of the 2007 season.

When Harrell returned to the defensive line he became a solid player; recording 22 tackles in the final six regular season games. Harrell was returned to the Unable to Physically Perform List to start the 2008 season for Green Bay thanks to a late back injury in March while lifting weights.

Harrell has done his best to stay below the radar during his recovery this season. He reported that he had been avoiding the locker room during media availability in order to not draw attention to himself.

"I didn't want to start the season off like this, but it happened, and I'm just trying to make the best of it. Now that window's about to open and we're going to see what happens from there. Everything's great. I'm just looking forward to it," reported Harrell during one of his brief media appearances.

The defensive tackle has also been training hard in his recovery. During an appearance after one of his three-hour training and conditioning sessions he reported losing "15 to 20 pounds". He also stated that he would have returned earlier had he not been placed on the PUP list.

The Packer Defense is very excited about Harrell's return to the team. Pickett claimed that Harrell would greatly aid them (of course well before Picket himself left with an injury).

A.J. Hawk is nursing a groin injury, but continues to play. Charles Woodson has become the defensive standout with several key interceptions playing on a broken toe. Pickett is among the newly injured and Jenkins is out with a torn pectoral. Harris is out with his spleen injury. Strong safety Atari Bigby has yet to return while strong safety Aaron Rouse, corner/return man Will Blackmon, defensive ends Mike Montgomery and Jason Hunter are also out.

Harrell's return to the line could not have been at a better time, but can the injury-prone playmaker make a difference in the defensive battlefield, or will the former first-round draft pick fall short of expectations once more? Either way, the Green Bay Packer defense finds its job to relieve Rodgers and the offense harder with each passing week.

Can Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson Break Out of the Frozen Tundra Backfield?

Carter Bierwirth — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:16:16 -0400

I was just as excited as the next Packer fan when I saw Ryan Grant rush for 956 yards in only 10 games last season. The 6'1", 218-pound RB from New York seemed to find holes easier then Brett Favre found receivers.

The performance continued into the postseason, where Grant nearly became a living Green Bay legend on that snowy day against the Seattle Seahawks. Then, however, the legend seem to stall when Grant posted a dismal 29 yards in the 23-20 loss against the eventual Super Bowl Champions.

Nevertheless, the efforts of Grant, and even late bloomer Brandon Jackson, made the running future look bright for the Packer organization.

The start of the 2008 season began exactly the way I didn't want it to. Grant asked for a contract extension, which I fully know he deserved, but I have never been comfortable with long contract negotiations that are based on the latter half of one season.

After the four-year, $30 million contract was settled, I was ready to see just what Grant had to offer the Pack, and just what he and the Packer backfield could do to support our new field general, Aaron Rodgers.

The Packer backfield now consists of running backs Ryan Grant, Brandon Jackson, and newcomer Kregg Lumpkin. Fullbacks Korey Hall and John Kuhn support, while the previous starter, DeShawn Wynn, was squeezed by the final cut and landed on the Packer practice squad.

Grant performed amazingly last year, while the 63rd pick of the 2007 draft Brandon Jackson bloomed later in the year. Kregg Lumpkin is the newcomer, but he beat out two veteran players for the final RB slot.

Korey Hall managed his first NFL touchdown off the fingers of Aaron Rodgers, while John Kuhn is the recent addition from the Steelers' practice squad (even earning a ring from Super Bowl XL).

DeShawn Wynn performed well as the Packers' starter for several games until his shoulder injury against the Broncos landed him on injured reserve. Thus the way was paved for Ryan Grant.

Aaron Rodgers has managed a stalwart performance in the face of amazing adversity. Both Packer faithful and Packer haters produced a never-ending stream of doubt. I for one was much more worried about how Ryan Grant would perform than Aaron Rodgers.

The new QB has managed to carry the Pack on his back for the past five games without so much as a running attack and decent protection. The Packer WR corps, led by Donald Driver, continues to support Rodgers effectively and without serious injury. The playoff hopes for Green Bay remain uncertain, and none of it has anything to do with what everyone thought would be the problem. Instead it rests on the shoulders of two shaky running backs and a smashed defense.

Of all the players on the Green Bay roster, Grant and his fellow RB Jackson are the two I can't figure out. The Packers' offensive line has done a dismal job in opening holes and protecting Aaron Rodgers, while the defense suffers from extensive injuries.

Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are the only two veterans remaining from the formidable OL of the early decade, but even now Clifton has become beset by injuries. The best example I saw (and by far most painful), was the OL trying to move the beasts planted firmly on the Dallas DL.

Grant has been unable to find effective running lanes, while the Packers' DL gets pushed too easily. Grants' numbers stand at 73 carries for 269 yards on average of 3.7 with no touchdowns. Jackson stands at 20 carries for 104 yards at a 5.2 average and one lone touchdown.

If only Aaron Rodgers could carry the whole team, but unfortunately, with the defense as morally and physically trashed as it is, Rodgers is going to need all the help he can get.

Grant emerged as the premier running back of the NFC last year. Now that Favre has departed and Rodgers has taken the helm, a little more support from not only Grant and his fellow carriers, but also the offensive line is needed to save the Packer season.

If the offensive line can mount an effective turn around, perhaps Grant and Jackson will finally post numbers that honor past endeavors. In my mind, they are a dormant volcano that just needs the right push to erupt. The only question that remains is when will the eruption be triggered, and will it be in time to relieve Rodgers and the overstretched Packer defense.