Introduction:
I have been doing this since 2005. I enjoy putting this together. It allows me to do the things I like to do – think and analyze. Just so everyone understands, I am not a professional scout. In fact, I am limited to the same media most of you have access to. I don’t get to talk with any player. And, the goal is to find players that would benefit the Packers. Not any other team. Last year, 4 players from my list made the Packer roster. That is about par for the course.

This year GB will have some draft needs due to; the possible career ending injury to S Nick Collins, replacing free agents who signed with other teams like Scott Wells and QB Matt Flynn, and will need to address injury situations such as S Nick Collins. OT Derek Sherrod and RB Alex Green are also coming back from serious injuries. OT Chad Clifton and WR Donald Driver are still in GB. And RB Ryan Grant is still unsigned. Then there are those defensive improvements the Packers need to make. This all makes for an interesting draft. I think that the Pack will focus on ROLB first, followed by the DL and safety. That is my prediction and I’m sticking to it – until I get surprised in round one that is.

Offense:

At this point it looks like Finley, Clifton, & Driver will all be back. Flynn & Wells are gone. and Alex Green & Sherrod due to injury, the needs on the offensive side of the ball could be small. The bet is that Green and Sherrod come back healthy. At least on the surface a backup QB, OC, and maybe a RB should do it. But we usually find out that there are deeper things going on in the Packer pre‐draft meetings.

QB:
Flynn won’t be a Packer next year. Assuming Graham Harrell takes over as the number two guy, GB will need one. They have
signed Nick Hill as a QB replacement candidate who was on my 2008 draft list. The appropriate candidate will have to be willing to wait & develop. Luck and Robert Griffin won’t be available for GB. Ryan Tannehill was a WR before playing QB and he has started only 19 games. He will be a project no matter where he is taken. There is a good chance he won’t be there in the first and GB won’t be looking at QB in the first even if he was there. So who’s left?

1) Kirk Cousins, MI St, 6‐3, 202 – Key stats – 151.3 eff. Rating, 65.1% comp, 24 TD’s, 7 Int. He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He is mobile, smart, accurate, and careful with the ball. That is this year’s mantra for available QBs. He is a 3 year team captain and the is the QB with the most wins in Michigan State history.

2) Russell Wilson, WI, 5‐11, 21 – Key stats – 201.6 eff. Rating, 72.5% comp, 31 TD’s, 3 Int. He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Had only one offseason to learn the Badger offense and lead it. He was also voted a team captain. He is a student of the game. He is very mobile, smart, accurate, and careful with the ball. Like Moore, he lacks ideal height. But he does everything well.

Russell Wilson tries to make it in the NFL

3) Kellen Moore, Boise State, 6‐0, 191 – Key stats – 176.7 eff. Rating, 74.1% comp, 41 TD’s, 7 Int. He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He is also the all time QB win leader with a 50‐3 record. He is very mobile, smart, accurate, and careful with the ball. He knows his offense and football in general – considered a coach on the field. He is a very high character guy. Height is his only major problem.

4) Case Keenum, Houston, 6‐2, 210 – Key stats – 177.8 eff. Rating, 71.7% comp, 45 TD’s, 5 Int. He is a 7th round pick. He is the QB with the most wins in Houston history. And he is the most productive passer in NCAA history. He is very mobile, smart, accurate, and careful with the ball.

5) Jarrett Lee, LSU, 6‐4, 210 – Key stats – 152.0 eff. Rating, 62.3% comp, 14 TD’s, 3 Int. He is an UDFA. He started some games early for LSU. I thought he looked good. I would take a chance on him – especially since he won’t have to play right away. He has enough tools to work with and develop.

6) Alex Thiry, St. Scholastica, 6‐4, 190 – Key State – 218.14 eff. Rating, 70.48% comp, 37 TD’s, 3 Int. He is an UDFA. When he talks in a press conference, he sounds like Rodgers. Carful with the ball, needs more arm strength, but that can be fixed. He studies film. He reads defenses at the LOS. Very high character guy. The play book will be a bit thicker in the pros, but I think he can pick it up.

7) Alex Tanney, Monmouth IL, 6‐3, 216 – Key State – 182.0 eff. Rating, 71.50% comp, 38 TD’s, 8 Int. He is an UDFA. He is a very high character guy. And it doesn’t hurt he is a very good QB. He should get a chance somewhere. All he did at Monmouth was win games.

RB:
Even if GB does not re‐sign Ryan Grant, they still have James Starks, Alex Green, and Brandon Saine. And if those three need
help, there is John Kuhn. So if GB takes one, he won’t be a starter. If GB wants to diversify the offense more, they should add a
change of pace guy ‐ someone who brings something not already on the roster. Trent Richardson should be gone before GB gets to
pick in the first round. Here are some other candidates:

1) David Wilson, VA Tech, 5‐10, 201 – Key stats – YPG 125.2 ypg, YPC 6.1, TD 9, 40T 4.49 He is a 2nd round pick. He has enough power to up the middle and enough speed to go wide. He is tough to bring down in the open field. While he provides all that, his pass catching skills and blocking skills are questionable.

2) Chris Polk, WA, 5‐11, 214 – YPG 111.8 ypg, YPC 5.10, TD 11, 40T 4.57 He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He is more of a power back than a shake & bake guy. But he can move a pile, is really good at catching the ball, but blocking skills are an unknown because I haven’t observed them. And I haven’t found any information on his blocking skills.

3) Gray, Cyrus, TX A&M, 5‐10, 198 – Key stats – YPG 98, YPC 5.3, TD 12, 40T 4.47 He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He does have some shake & bake to him. He also possesses breakaway speed – something not seen in GB in some time. He is not big enough to be an every down back. And he has some ball security issues.

4) Ronnie Hillman, San Diego St, 5‐10, 190 – Key stats – YPG 131.6 ypg, YPC 5.60, TD 19, 40T 4.45 He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He runs with good balance and is elusive in the open field. He needs to improve as a receiver and in his blitz pickup before he is ready to play.

5) Vick Ballard, MS St, 5‐11, 220 – Key stats – YPG 84.1, YPC 5.6, TD 8, 40T 4.65 Vick is a 5th or 6th round pick. He is productive in spite of his speed. And he is also one of the more NFL ready RB prospects this year with demonstrated performance in picking up the blitz, catching passes, and picking up 3rd downs. He just doesn’t have blazing speed.

6) Robert Turbin, Utah St, 5‐10, 216 – Key stats – YPG 118.0 ypg, YPC 6.2, TD 19, 40T 4.49 He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He is a power/speed guy. He is not afraid to hit or take a hit. But he runs upright and has an injury history – including being out all of the 2010 season with a torn ACL. However, he was the Western Athletic Conference player of year this past season.

7) Harden, Donte, Ohio, 5‐11, 182 – Key stats – YPG 82.2, YPC 5.30, TD 2, 40T 4.75 He is not projected. But on the field he doesn’t look 4.75 slow. He plays with energy and burst. I don’t know if it transfers to the NFL, but it would be interesting to find out.

8) Deante’ Purvis, UNLV, 5‐10, 198 – Key stats – YPG 85 (when given a complete game), YPC 6.10, TD NA, 40T 4.32 He is an UDFA. He is one heck of a return guy with speed. He plays RB, CB, and ST as a returner. He has rewritten the school record book as a returner and graduates with conference honors.

9) Nate Eachus, Colgate, 5‐10, 214 – Key stats – YPG 127, YPC 4.51, TD 6, 40T 4.56 He is an UDFA. He doesn’t come down with the first hit. He is patient to pick his way thru traffic. He has little moves that help him elude tackles. Catches passes out of the backfield. I am not sure he is even 5‐10 when I saw him play.

WR:
GB needs no WR this year. Even if Driver is released, there are two on the practice squad awaiting a position. However, I need
to list a few just in case TT forgets and has a bad draft day. Guys like Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd won’t be there when GB
picks.

1) Stephen Hill, GA Tech, 6‐4, 200 – Key stats – REC 26, YDS 785, TD 4, YPC 13.7, 40T 4.36 He is a projected late 1st round – early 2nd round pick. His size – speed combo is hard to ignore. Don’t be fooled by his 26 catches – they lead this run oriented team and he has 30.1 yards per catch. If McCarthy has him, no telling how many yards Rodgers would throw for. He could be an early round pick if TT is getting ready for life without Greg Jennings.

2) Brian Quick, App St, 6‐4, 222 – Key stats – REC 71, YDS 1096, TD 11, YPC 15.44, 40T 4.55
He is a projected 3rd or 4thround pick. He seems to catch the ball well, but I haven’t seen his every opportunity. From what I have seen, he makes difficult catches, fights for the balland runs routes similar to those of the Packers. I don’t think it would take long for him to catch on.

3) Marvin McNutt, Jr., Iowa, 6‐4, 215 – Key stats – REC 78, YDS 1296, TD 12, YPC 16.62, 40T 4.54
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He is a former QB who has really good field awareness. His strength is his ability to catch the ball in a crowd. He has good hands and gets yards after the catch. Hopefully he would be a better version of James Jones.

4) Chris Givens, Wake Forest, 6‐0, 195 – Key stats – REC 74, YDS 1276, TD 9, YPC 17.24, 40T 4.41
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. His speed and strength is what separates him from others. Otherwise he is not a top tier athletic prospect. And his arms and hands are smaller than ideal. But, he makes plays – and that is hard to ignore.

5) B.J. Cunningham, MI St, 6‐2, 223 – Key stats – REC 72, YDS 1240, TD 12, YPC 17.22, 40T 4.59
He is a 6th or 7th round pick. He finished his Spartan career as the schools leader in receptions and receiving yards. He doesn’t have ideal speed but makes plays anyway. And he played all WR positions in college. Versatility and play making ability should make him a desirable Packer.

6) Jordan White, W MI, 5‐11, 208 – Key stats – REC 140, YDS 1911, TD 17, YPC 13.6, 40T 4.63
He is a 7th round pick. The lack of ideal speed at his size will hurt him. However, he is the guy who broke the records of someone named Greg Jennings at Western Michigan. Further, he is the all time Mid America Conference reception leader with 308 catches for 4187 yards. If he were a little faster he would be picked in the first three rounds.

7) Tyler Shoemaker, Boise St, 6‐1, 213 – Key stats – REC 59, YDS 959, TD 15, YPC 16.5, 40T 4.50
He is an UDFA. But every time I’ve seen him he was running away from someone. He was among the leaders nationally in both yards per catch (YPC) and percentage of TDs vs. number of receptions (PVR).

8) Tuinei, Lavasier, OR, 6‐5, 216 – Key stats – REC 40, YDS 441, TD 8 YPC 11.03, 40T 4.59
He is an UDFA. I liked what I saw when I watched him. The question is can he make catches and plays like I saw more often. I am betting he can with a better QB throwing the ball.

9) Thomas Mayo, CA‐PA, 6‐2, 207 – Key stats – REC 79, YDS 1359, TD 16, YPC 17.20, 40T 4.54
He is an UDFA. He is a small school guy but keeps making big plays. He is also among the national leaders in YPC and PVR. It would be interesting to see what this guy and the next two can do at the NFL level.

10) Mike Blodgett, Monmouth, 6‐0, 190 – Key stats – REC 126, YDS 1869, TD 18, YPC 14.82, 40T 4.59
He is an UDFA. He should be faster for his size. But he shows up every game and makes plays.

11) Michael Zweifel, Dubuque, 6‐1, 190 – Key stats – REC 140, YDS 1915, TD 25, YPC 13.68, 40T 4.56
He is an UDFA. He is a slightly taller version of Jordan White at a different level. Big play guy at his level.

TE:
Jermichael Finley re‐signed. The two year contract looks more like a one year ‘prove‐it’ contract. Last year the Packers drafted
two TEs ‐ DJ Williams and Ryan Taylor. Along with Quarless and Crabtree they do not need one. Williams was the 2010 season
Mackey Award winner. If they take one, it won’t be because they need one, it will be because they have 12 picks to make.

1) Coby Fleener, Stanford, 6‐6, 244 – Key stats – REC 32, YDS 648, TD 10, YPC 20.25, 40T 4.48
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. One of this year’s best all‐round TEs. He has good hands and blocks well enough. He has
room to grow physically and technically.

2) Dwayne Allen, Clemson, 6‐5, 255 – Key stats – REC 48, YDS 577, TD 8, YPC 12.0, 40T 4.89
He is a 2nd or 3rdround pick and 2011 John Mackey Award winner. Aside from his durability is his versatility. He lines up
in multiple positions and can run routes from any of them. He blocks well on the run as well. He plays faster than his 40
time. Did I mention his durability? Anyway, this is a MM type TE from top to bottom.

3) Michael Egnew, MO, 6‐6, 240 – Key stats – REC 47, YDS 484, TD 3, YPC 10.30, 40T 4.62
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. His stats don’t show it but he is a better receiver than blocker. In 2010 he had 90
receptions when Gabbert was running the offense. But he lines up in multiple positions and is a good athlete. He isn’t a
terrible block but does have some room for improvement there. He has good hands and would make a good target for AR.

4) Orson Charles, GA, 6‐3, 241 – Key stats – REC 44, YDS 572, TD 5, YPC 13.0, 40T 4.64
He is a 3rd or 4thround pick and a Mackey Award finalist. This guy is also one of those versatile, lines up anywhere TE
that MM likes so much. His 44 receptions led the Bulldogs. He was also a team captain. And he is a pretty good
blocker. With guys like this around who needs FBs?

5) Hanna, James, OK, 6‐4, 237 – REC 25, YDS 363, TD 2, YPC 14.50, 40T 4.49
He is a 4th or 5thround pick. He was the most athletic TE at the combine. And he has enough speed to run by
linebackers. In that respect he would seem to be a good JF replacement. He was not a featured option in Sooner
offense. But his blocking is another matter. If he is on the field you will throw to him.

6) Kevin Koger, MI, 6‐4, 255 – Key stats – REC 21, YDS 235, TD 4, YPC 11.20, 40T 4.78
He is a 5th or 6thround pick. He is a good combination blocker and receiver. He was a check down option at Michigan.
But he catches well when given the chance and is a very good blocker who serves as an H‐Back type TE. He would seem
to be a good fit for the Packers.

7) Brian Linthicum, MI St, 6‐5, 243 – Key stats – REC 24, YDS 249, TD 0, YPC 10.40, 40T 4.82
He is a 5th or 6thround pick. If three knee surgeries don’t deter TT, Brian could end up in GB. His forte is catching the
ball. But his blocking skills are there as well. He seems very competitive. It is just those health issues ……..

8) Evan Rodriguez, Temple, 6‐3, 250 – Key stats – REC 36, YDS 479, TD 2, YPC 13.70, 40T 4.58
He is a 7th round pick. He is another H‐Back type who was not a primary option. But he still produced when thrown to.
And he seems to block very well but he will have to get stronger for the NFL.

9) Nick Provo, Syracuse, 6‐4, 246 – REC 51, YDS 537, TD 7, YPC 10.50, 40T 4.78
He is a UDFA. He set the school record for catches by a TE and is second in yardage by a TE. However, he is another HBack
type that would work well for the Packers. He seems to block well enough, but there is some room for him to grow
there.

C:
Wells is gone. They have signed the former Colt OC Jeff Saturday for this coming season, but he is getting old. A draft prospect
looks likely here. As good and strong as MI OC David Molk is, I do not think he will be a very good Packer. Hence he isn’t on the list.

1) Peter Konz, WI, 6‐5, 313 – Key stats – Bench 18, Arm length 33.00
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He does a lot of really good things including making calls at the LOS. His one drawback is
that he has missed time in each of the last three seasons because of injury and did not work out at the combine because
of injury. It will be interesting to see what happens on draft day.

2) Philip Blake, Baylor, 6‐3, 320 – Key stats – Bench 22, Arm length 33.00
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. Aside from the fact he will be 26 as a rookie, he seems to play well most of the time. He
can get pushed back on a very occasional basis. And a couple of his shot gun snaps were a little off when I watched. I
don’t know if any of that is a concern, but he has the build to play any of the three inside positions. TT would love that.

3) Ben Jones, GA, 6‐3, 316 – Key stats – Bench 29, Arm length 32.50
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He seems like a very reliable center to me, but there was a report I read that indicated he
struggled with power oriented defensive players in the Senior Bowl. So maybe the weight room corrects that. But
otherwise it looks like he has good technique.

4) Michael Brewster, OSU, 6‐5, 305 – Key stats – Bench 29, Arm length 31.50
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. His arms are among the shortest of the good centers in this draft. That may contribute to
his occasional problem of sustaining a block. Otherwise, he does most things well. He will need some strength work to
play in the NFL.

5) Quentin Saulsberry, MS St, 6‐2, 304 – Key stats – Bench 26, Arm length 33.75
He is a 5th or 6thround pick. I know TT attended his pro day. And one of the reason why is his versatility. He has played
not only OC, but RT, RG, and LG as well. He seems to sustain blocks well. I would not be surprised to see him in green &
gold next year.

6) Chris Anzevino, Kent St, 6‐2, 298 – Key stats – Bench 26, Arm length 33.75
He is a UDFA. I know TT went to his pro day, but not much beyond that. And there isn’t much information available
about him. TT has also listened to college coach endorsements. This might be the latest in that continuing saga.

G:
GB still needs depth here. Lang started at LG last year and did well. Sitton holds down the RG position. Someone who could
play both G & C would be desirable.

1) Kevin Zeitler , WI, 6‐4, 317 – Key stats – Bench 32, Arm length 32.75
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Could he be GBs next OC? He took snaps as a OC when injuries prevented the normal
centers from doing so at the Senior Bowl. He also struggled some at OG as well. But many think of him as the second
best guard in this draft. And he could be there when GB picks.

2) Amini Silatolu, Midwestern St, 6‐4, 318 ‐ – Key stats – Bench 28, Arm length 33.00
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. There is a lot to like and there is also a lot to develop. While he dominates at his level at
OT, I wonder if he realizes what success at a more competitive level looks like. His physical play and build will put him a
OG in the NFL. The learning curve could be at least 2 seasons long, but on the surface, the tools look to be there.

3) Brandon Washington, Miami FL, 6‐4, 320 – Key stats – Bench 28, Arm length 33.00
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. His physical play and problems at OT in pass protection will move him inside in the NFL
where a more confined area will help him. The learning curve here is probably shorter than for Amini.

4) Ryan Miller, CO, 6‐7, 321 – Key stats – Bench 32, Arm length 33.50
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He played OG in college. He will need more strength, but the basics are there. He is
athletic and has good technique. He will make a roster in the NFL.

5) Ronald Leary, Memphis, 6‐3, 325 – Key stats – Bench 30, Arm length 34.75
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He is another OT that will play OG in the NFL. Has really good technique and is physically
gifted. So what is the problem? He will play OG. And there is some uncertainty about former OTs moving to OG in the
NFL.

6) Clyde Aufner, KS St, 6‐6, 301 – Key stats –NA
He is a UDFA. He looked rock solid in pass protection and adequate as a run blocker. Needs strength work for sure. I
just thought he looked good enough to play.

T:
Looks like GB will keep Chad Clifton this year. And it looks like last year’s draft pick, Derek Sherrod will recover from his broken leg. Newhouse played but was not quick enough at times and allowed too many pressures. It will be interesting to see what Ted does. Matt Kalil (USC), Reiff Riley (Iowa), and Jonathan Martin (Stanford) won’t be there when GB picks. Mike Adams (OSU) is not Packer people. His involvement in tattoo gate, suspensions, and injury history keeps him off my list. Here are some other
candidates that I think fit GB.

1) Zebrie Sanders, FL St, 6‐6, 307 – Key stats – Bench 28, Arm length 35.00
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He is a strong pass blocker that rarely gets beat. He needs to get stronger and put on some
weight. But he would be a nice addition to the Packers.

2) Kelechi Osemele, IA St, 6‐6, 333 – Key stats – Bench 32, Arm length 35.87
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Osemele means “ancient warrior”. He is blessed with really good physical attributes.
When he uses them he is difficult to beat. Some think he is a guard in the NFL, but he is wide and difficult to get around.
I think he plays OT in the NFL – and hopefully for the Packers.

3) Bobby Massie, Ol Miss, 6‐6, 325 – Key stats – Bench 22, Arm length 35.00
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He is coming out a year early. But he makes most of his blocks and has some agility for his
size.

4) Mitchell Schwartz, CA, 6‐5, 325 – Key stats – Bench 23, Arm length NA
He is a 3rd or 4thround pick. This guy toils in relative anonymity but is very dependable. He also played both sides of line
at OT well. And he impressed at the Senior Bowl.

5) Tony Bergstrom, Utah, 6‐6, 315 – Key stats – Bench 32, Arm length 32.00
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. Although very dependable and durable, he is a little older than most guys because of a two
year mission assignment. That and his shorter arms are his only negatives – which I found anyway. He plays guard as
well.

6) Brandon Mosley, Auburn, 6‐6, 306 – Key stats – Bench 30, Arm length 34.00
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. He hasn’t been an OT very long – previously on DL and TE. However, he is a 2nd team all
SEC. Stronger run blocker than pass blocker, but he has room to grow as a player.

7) Tom Compton, USC, 6‐5, 314 – Key stats – Bench 20, Arm length 34.00
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. Tom is a relative unknown. But he has NFL caliber size, athleticism, and smarts. Hopefully
he gets to grow as a Packer.

8) Lamar Holmes, Southern Miss, 6‐6, 320 – Key stats – Bench 22, Arm length 35.25
He is a 7th round pick. He has good size and improving technique.

9) Marcel Jones, Nebraska, 6‐7, 320 – Key stats – Bench 13, Arm length 33.62
He is a 7th round pick. But most think he can develop into a starting caliber NFL OT. He needs to get much stronger – as
is the case for most coming to the NFL from college.

10) Dustin Waldron, Portland St, 6‐5, 307 – Key stats – Bench 29, Arm length 32.75
He is a 7th round pick or UDFA. Although a little undersized, he has a lot of other things going for him. If no one bits he
will get a look as an undrafted free agent.

11) James Carmon, MS St, 6‐7, 330 – Key stats – Bench NA, Arm length NA
He is a 7th round pick or UDFA. I saw him play and liked what I saw earlier this season. All the gushing about him after
his pro day will get some attention and I thought he played well given this was his first year at OT – LT at that. He played
DL before this last year. He will need some technique work – especially with his hands. But if he can accomplish all that
he did in one year, and continue the development, he will be playing for someone soon.

Defense:
GB’s defense needs a few really good players. DE, OLB, CB, & S head the list. Thompson has been looking at free agents and signed
a few. But none that are difference makers. Tackling and pass rush head the list. And that means ROLB should be a priority. And if Nick Collins can’t return, safety should be a draft priority. So, with that I’ll begin.

DE:
GB needs an upgrade here – someone who can pressure the QB and play the run. In the 3‐4, the job is to be disruptive while
playing tough against the run. Consider Green and Neal replaceable. There is good talent here this year so hopefully GB can get a
good guy.

1) Fletcher Cox, MS St, 6‐4, 295 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 49, TFL 13, Sacks 4, QBP 3
He is a 1st round pick. The majority of his stats came in the last half of the year. He was injured before that. IF he can
stay healthy (seems like I heard that somewhere) he could really help the Packers. He might be available when GB picks.

2) Michael Brockers, LSU, 6‐6, 306 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 47, TFL 10, Sacks 2, QBP 4
He is a 1st round pick. If he can’t penetrate, he should be tough against the run. And he will command double blocking.
He may not be there for the Packers in round one, but you never know.

3) Devon Still, Penn St, 6‐5, 305 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 55, TFL 17, Sacks 5, QBP 1
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. His cousins are KC Chief Art Still and Steeler Levon Kirkland. In spite of a torn ACL in 2007
and an ankle injury in 2008, he came back to put up a couple very good seasons. He dominates at times. It would be
nice to see him there for the Packers in round one.

4) Kendall Reyes, UCONN, 6‐4, 298 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 46, TFL 14, Sacks 5, QBP 4
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He had a very good Senior Bowl and impressed many. He also gets penetration. That is
something a guy named Cullen Jenkins did pretty well.

5) Jerel Worthy, MI St, 6‐2, 308 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 30, TFL 11, Sacks 4, QBP 0
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He is a very thick player who does get good penetration. I am a little concerned about him
wrapping up a player though. But he will have to be double teamed to be held at bay.

6) Billy Winn, Boise St, 6‐3, 300 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 33, TFL 8, Sacks 3, QBP 1
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. His stats don’t indicate the disruption he causes at times. He is a high effort guy though. It
won’t take him long to become a fan favorite

7) Derek Wolfe, Cin, 6‐5, 300 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 64, TFL 20, Sacks 10, QBP 6
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He is the co‐Big East defensive player of the year. Lead all DTs with 21.5 tackles for loss.
My stats only reflect the regular season. It is easy to see how he might fit into GBs plans.

8) Brett Roy, Nevada, 6‐4, 280 ‐ Key stats: Tot Tkls 64, TFL 19, Sacks 10, QBP 0
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. This intriguing guy has played DT, OLB, and ILB in his college career. In the pros he would
be better served to either lose weight to play LB in a 3‐4 scheme, or gain weight to effectively play 3‐4 DE. Either way it
is difficult to over look his energy. Something The Pack could have used a lot of last year.

9) Markus Kuhn, NC St, 6‐4, 303 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 47, TFL 8, Sacks 4, QBP 13
He is a 7th round pick. It will take some coaching, but this guy shows enough to develop into a good 3‐4 DE. He needs
technique work. But his strength is apparent.

10) Drew Nowak, Western MI, 6‐4, 292 – Key stats: Tot Tkls 91, TFL 21, Sacks 9, QBP 4
He is an UDFA. He isn’t getting any love in the media, but he was named the MAC defensive player of the year. He
doesn’t stay blocked and gets penetration. He is the kind of player the Packers are looking for – at least I hope.

NT:
With Raji & Pickett no starter or depth is needed. But when has the lack of need stopped TT anyway? Their 3‐4 jobs are to
occupy more than one blocker while playing the run. This year’s group is small.

1) Dontari Poe, Memphis, 6‐5, 350 – Key stats: TT 33, TFL 8, Sacks 1, QBP 5
He is a 1st round pick. With more strength and desire he could be very difficult to handle. As it is he can demand double
teams when he applies himself. Move him Raji outside and put him in as NT? It’s a thought anyway.

2) Alameda Ta’amu, Wash, 6‐3, 330 – Key stats: TT 28, TFL 7, Sacks 4, QBP 0
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He might be a good pick up to play at DE in run situations or at NT just to eat up blockers.
There is a toughness to him, he has instincts, and he is smart. He is Packer people.

3) Jean‐Baptiste Nicolas, Baylor, 6‐2, 315 – Key stats: TT 36, TFL 9, Sacks 4, QBP 0
He is a 6th or 7th round pick. He has the power to collapse a pocket. That alone would mean he would get double
teamed. And while that helps, I don’t think he will be an every down player in the NFL.

OLB:
It is getting harder for TT to hide the lack of an impact ROLB. I think this is the year GB takes one in the first or second round. I have made the assumption that Melvin Ingram (S CA) won’t be available. Keep in mind that TT hasn’t had much luck with drafting college DEs and transforming them into Pro OLBs. So he may take someone who already plays the position. Here are some
suggestions:

1) Courtney Upshaw, AL, 6‐2, 265 – Key Stats: TT 45, TFL 17, S 9, QBH 11, FF 2, PD 1, 40T 4.76
He is a 1st round pick. He played LB in college. He could be there when GB picks. He shows up in big games. Some think
he would be better off being 4‐3 right DE. Speed might be an issue in a 3‐4 scheme. But there is a lot to like as well.

2) Nick Perry, USC, 6‐3, 250 – Key Stats: TT 54, TFL 13, S 10, QBH 0, FF 3, PD 3, 40T 4.64
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He played DE in college. His pass rush ability is undeniable. As with all DEs transferring to
3‐4 OLB the question is can he cover anyone downfield? He has very good balance.

3) Whitney Mercilus, IL, 6‐4, 265 – Key Stats: TT 52, TFL 20, S 15, QBH 6, FF 9, PD 1, 40T 4.68
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He played DE in college. He is a high effort guy that led D‐IA in sacks and forced fumbles.
For the pros, he will bring all that but will need to learn some things. At times he can be blocked. And consider
coverage skills as something he will have to learn from scratch.

4) Andre Branch, Clemson, 6‐5, 260 – Key Stats: TT 78, TFL 16, S 11, QBH 17, FF 1, PD 1, 40T 4.69
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He played DE in college. He can live in an offensive backfield. He is hard to block and could
easily draw two blockers helping to single up someone else. Again, coverage skills may be something he needs to learn.

5) Vinny Curry, Marshall, 6‐5, 242 – Key Stats: TT 77, TFL 22, S 11, QBH 8, FF 7, PD 1, 40T 4.98
He is a 2nd or 3rd round pick. He played DE in college. He is a power rusher that has a few moves and can tip passes at
the LOS. Not everyone thinks he can make the switch to 3‐4 OLB. His speed is one issue. I think he can do well in the
role.

6) Ronnell Lewis, , OK, 6‐2, 244 – Key Stats: TT 59, TFL 13, S 6, QBH 4, FF 1, PD 6, 40T 4.63
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He played a hybrid LB/DE in college. He has tools to work with and he will need some time
to develop. But he can defend a pass. He has 3‐4 OLB written all over him.

7) Bruce Irvin, W VA, 6‐3, 245 – Key Stats: TT 38, TFL 14, S 8 QBH 2, PD 2, 40T 4.50
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He played DE in college. But, he has some speed and other skills. Hw=e will need time to
develop as a pro.

8) Shea McClellin, Boise St, 6‐3, 258 – Key Stats: TT 46 TFL 10, S 6, QBH 1, FF 1, PD 2, 40T 4.63
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He played LB in college. He is all over the field. He is instinctive and is disciplined. He also
knows how to defend a pass. He should do fine as a 3‐4 OLB.

9) Nigel Bradham, FL St, 6‐2, 240 – Key Stats: TT 77, TFL 9, S 2, QBH 0, FF 1, PD 4, 40T 4.64
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. He played LB in college. He is an athletic LB who plays with good instincts. He doesn’t
cover as well but that could be improved. He could play inside or outside.

10) Audie Cole, NC St, 6‐3, 248 – Key Stats: TT 122, TFL 10, S 4, QBH 8, FF 4, PD 2, 40T 4.81
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. He played LB in college. He has played both inside and outside. If his speed were better
he’d easily be a higher draft pick. But he makes tackles and apply some pressure and is around the ball a lot.

ILB:
With starters & depth already on the roster, no big needs here. However, on occasion, the inability of our LB’s to cover passes
was exposed. If you think that one of those culprits is Hawk and that is what keeps Bishop off the field, look for GB to add some
depth. Here are some ideas.

1) Dont’a Hightower, AL, 6‐4, 260 – Key Stats: TT 81, TFL 10, S 3, QBH 8, FF 0, PD 4, 40T 4.76
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He would be a force on the inside for GB. What the DL doesn’t tackle he will.

2) Zach Brown, NC, 6‐1, 244 – Key Stats: TT 105, TFL 14, S 6, QBH NA, FF NA, PD 7, 40T 4.49
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. He will add speed to our ILB group. He is all about speed and athletic ability. And he is very
good in coverage. The combo of Hightower & Brown would be impressive. But of course TT would have to high jack
some picks at gun point to make that happen.

3) Emmanuel Acho, Texas, 6‐2, 240 – Key Stats: TT 122, TFL 18, S 3, QBH 15, FF 1, PD 5, 40T 4.73
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He’d be a very good 5th round pick if the projection is right. I think he plays faster than his
time which surprised me when I saw it. The bottom line is he makes plays.

4) Shawn Loiseau, Merrimack, 6‐0, 241 – Key Stats: TT 121, TFL 11, S 5, QBH 6, PD 1, 40T 4.66
He is a 7th round pick. He was active and productive in the Shrine game. But he is a development type guy. Strength
and work in coverage are the 2 things he will need to major on. But the way he plays I like.

5) Keller, Noah, Ohio, 6‐1, 245 – Key Stats: TT 116, TFL 8, S 1, QBH 4, FF 3, PD 5, 40T 4.58
He is a 7th round pick. He was not invited to the combine, so I think this guy is under the radar – by a lot. He has good
size, measurables, and play very well. A lot to like here and would make a very good Packer.

6) Danny Trevathan, KY, 6‐1, 232 – Key Stats: TT 143, TFL 12, S 3, QBH 2, FF 5, PD 9, 40T 4.68
He is an UDFA. He is a little under sized weight wise, but should make for a good prospect. And he is good in coverage.

7) Adrien Cole, LA Tech, 5‐11, 250 – Key Stats: TT 128, TFL 13, S 2, QBH 4, FF 1, PD 6, 40T 4.78
He is an UDFA. TT drafted an undersized LB last year, so drafting this guy is possible. He is very productive at his level
and TT could just sign him after the draft.

8) J.K. Schaffer, Cin, 6‐1, 232 – Key Stats: TT 105, TFL 12, S 4, QBH 1, FF 3, PD 9, 40T 4.74
He is an UDFA. He is a carbon copy of Danny Trevathan except he is a little slower. But the production is there.

9) Sammy Brown, Houston, 6‐3, 240 – Key Stats: TT 89, TFL 28, S 12, QBH 16, FF 0, PD 3, 40T 4.67
He is an UDFA. It surprises me that he has the measurables and stats, but is not getting any attention. If he isn’t drafted
someone should snap him up.

CB:
GB has two starting corners. And they drafted Devon House last year. But GB will be looking for a replacement for Patrick Lee.
This is a strong class if you like 5‐9 and 5‐10 CBs. TT has publicly drawn the line at 5‐11. A Packer CB will have to both defend the pass and tackle. And so far his picks in that area reflect that. Guys who can tackle and cover are required in the Caper defense. Claiborne will be gone before GB picks in the first round. Here are a few suggestions:

1) Dre Kirkpatrick, AL, 6‐3, 192 – Key Stats: TT 26, PD 9, INT 0, 40T 4.49
He is a 1st round pick and might be available when GB picks. Dreaming part I. I think he might be picked by the 28th pick.
But some projections say otherwise. He would look to start soon as well. Maybe he could in GB. He might make it
easier to match up against Calvin Johnson.

2) Stephon Gilmore, S CA, 6‐1, 194 – Key Stats: TT 41, PD 10, INT 3, 40T 4.52
He is a 1st round pick and might be available when GB picks. Dreaming part II. He seems to be an atheletic, instinctive,
smart player who knows where he fits in a defense. So he has brains – something the Pack seemed to lack at times last
year.

3) Chase Minnifield, VA, 6‐0, 185 – Key Stats: TT 50, PD 11, INT 3, 40T 4.49
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He has NFL DNA his father was a CB for the Browns. Just the kind of player TT likes. Needs
to add weight and muscle but otherwise he is ready to go. He would be a very good Packer pick.

4) Josh Norman, Costal Carolina, 6‐0, 194 – Key Stats: TT 62, PD 14, INT 2, 40T 4.52
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. While he puts up stats and is talented, he will have to literally learn how to play the CB
position in a disciplined fashion at the pro level. Otherwise the talent will be wasted. And evidently he hasn’t seen too
many double moves before the Shrine game where those gave him trouble. But he could learn that as well.

5) Micah Pellerin, Hampton, 6‐1, 198 – Key Stats: TT 51, PD 19, INT 4, 40T 4.49
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He may develop into a decent corner. Everything I found out about him refers to his lack of
technique. But he makes plays, and maybe he can do the same at the pro level with some development.

6) Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson, 5‐11, 189 ‐ Key Stats: TT 40, PD 14 INT 1, 40T 4.36
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. I think he is a really good development guy who comes with good instincts and speed.

7) Justin Bethel, Presbyterian, 5‐11, 196 – Key Stats: TT 87, PD 10, INT 4, 40T 4.58
He is a 6th or 7th round pick. He played both CB & S in college. He is a little raw and will have plenty to work on at the
pro level. He doesn’t shy away from tackling. He is a good prospect for GB.

8) Marrow, Desmond, Toledo, 6‐3, 210 – Key Stats: TT 78, PD 17, INT 3, 40T 4.54
He is an UDFA. He played both CB & S. He has good measurables and stats. I thought he played well when I saw him. I
think he worth a look.

S:
GB needs a safety to replace Nick Collins, so that person will need to be able to start now. This guy will have good ball skills,
defend a pass, and hit hard. This is a lot to ask for I know. Here are some candidates:

1) Mark Barron, AL, 6‐2, 218 – Key stats: TT 66, PD 7, INT 2. 40T 4.51
He is a 1st round pick who could make it down to where GB picks. He is good with the mental part of the game, has good
ball skills, has a nose for the ball, and plays off blocks.

2) Harrison Smith, Notre Dame, 6‐2, 214 – Key stats: TT 84, PD 10, INT 0. 40T 4.56
He is a 1st or 2nd round pick. The point is he might be there in round one for GB. He is always around the ball and is
good in run support. But, he needs work on cover skills – especially deep coverage. Assuming he can improve there he
could help GB.

3) George Iloka, Boise St, 6‐3, 216 – Key stats: TT 57, PD 1, INT 1. 40T 4.62
He is a late 2nd or 3rd round pick. He is really good and tough in run support. He will need to work on cover skills and
technique to start at the NFL level. But some consider it as doable. He will need time to develop. Assuming that
happens, he could help the Packers.

4) Markelle Martin, OK St, 6‐1, 192 – Key stats: TT 74, PD 11, INT 0. 40T 4.49
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He is also very physical in run support and can play the ball in the air. He has the kind of
skills that can help in GB.

5) Antonio Allen, S CA, 6‐1, 210 – Key stats: TT 81, PD 5, INT 3. 40T 4.51
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He is a good tackler with good ball skills who can break up passes. He runs thru blocks on
blitzes. Was a 3 year starter playing a combination safety/linebacker position.

6) Trumaine Johnson, Montana, 6‐3, 199 – Key stats: TT 54, PD 14, INT 2. 40T 4.61
He is a 3rd or 4th round pick. He is a major talent at his college level. I will bet it translates to the pros. He has played CB,
S, WR, as well as ST. Some list him as a corner. Defended 17 passes and intercepted 5 his junior year. His speed
translates to safety at the NFL level. Now he has a DUI – Packer person? – we will see. For sure, there is some risk here.

7) Brandon Hardin, OR St, 6‐2, 222 – Missed entire 2011 season with shoulder injury that required surgery.
He is a 4th or 5th round pick. This guy is flying under the radar. In the 2010 he had 4.42 speed. He has corner skills and is
an aggressive wrap‐up tackler. He also played special teams well. Hopefully he can recover from his shoulder injury. In
that respect he’d fit right in with the Packers.

8) Christian Thompson, S CA St, 6‐1, 211 – Key stats: TT 66, PD 4, INT 2, 40T 4.43
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. He is an intriguing developmental pick who has a great size‐speed combo. As of now his
instincts are questionable. If he can learn the Packer defense he has some physical skills that can really help.

9) Matt Daniels, Duke, 6‐1, 205 – Key stats: TT 126, PD 16, INT 2. 40T 4.55
He is a 5th or 6th round pick. With a little strength work I think he can play at the NFL level. He tackles and covers which
is something GB lacked last year.

10) Jerron McMillian, Maine, 5‐11, 203 – Key stats: TT 88, PD 6, INT 1. 40T 4.49
He is a 7th round pick. He is a good development player with NFL caliber size, skills and instincts. It will take time for him
to play up to NFL speed.

11) Tramain Thomas, 6‐0, 198 – Key stats: TT 87, PD 11, INT 5. 40T 4.61
He is a 7th round pick. He doesn’t have ideal speed for his size, but he makes plays and is not afraid to tackle. All things
the Pack can use.

12) Lance Kelly, LA Laf, 6‐2, 204 – Key stats: TT 118, PD 11, INT 3
He is a UDFA. And he plays a linebacker/safety position and is a good wrap up tackler and can break on the ball. He will
need some strength work and will have to learn how to shed his linebacker instincts to play a primarily safety.

Kickers:
I doubt GB drafts any special team guys. If we need some competition for Crosby, then here are some candidates.

1) Greg Zuerlein, MO Western, 6‐0, 189 – Key Stats: 24 Attempts, 95.8% made, Long 0f 58 yards
He connected on 9 of 9 FGs over 50 yards, include two at 58 yards. He has a very strong leg. On kick offs his touchback
percentage was 43.1 this past year. He was recruited by major division I colleges but NCAA regulations prevented the
transfer.

2) Blair Walsh, GA, 5‐9, 187 – Key Stats: 35 Attempts, 60.3% made, Long 0f 56 yards
He had a somewhat down year. He had been better before. He missed 3 pressure kick in the Outback bowl. But he had
been much better the previous three years – sort of like Crosby. He has a kick off average of 65.4 yards with 19 touch
backs.

Punters:
Green Bay has a punter and I doubt that they will draft one – unless they trade up and take one in the second round – just kidding. If competition is needed they might ask one of these guys to hang with Masthay.

1) Bryan Anger, Cal, 6‐4, 208 – Key Stats: 45.8 Avg, 24 inside the 20, long of 73
He is a consistently good punter provided he uses a conventional style. Really good hang time. He will make a great NFL
punter.

2) Drew Butler, GA, 6‐1, 203 – Key Stats: 45.5 Avg, 26 inside the 20, long of 65
He never had a kick blocked. He also has NFL DNA – his father Kevin was a 13 year NFL place kicker. TT would probably
draft him just because of that.

So here it was. The 6th seeded Packers from the NFC for All the marbles on the line vs. the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers & their #1 defense. This is the stuff hollywood stories are made of & Super Bowl XLV was a microcosm of the Packers entire season.

Packers vs. Steelers Super Bowl XLV

The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking for their seventh Lombardi Trophy against the younger Green Bay Packers. The Green Bay Packers have clawed their way to the Super Bowl amid a plethora of injuries and two concussions to their quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

No matter which team wins, they will have 10 Super Bowl titles between them. After the hoopla and the not-so-good rendition of the Nation Anthem was completed, the kickoff began and Mason Crosby kicked it deep. Both teams were tentative early but Rodgers heated up quickly by throwing a 29-yard strike to Jordy Nelson for an early 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter.

Just 24 seconds later, the Packers were ahead by 14. Throwing from his end zone, Roethlisberger had his arm hit by backup nose tackle Howard Green. The ball fluttered to the Pittsburgh 37, where Collins settled under it, then scooted down the right sideline and dived into the end zone for the 13th interception return for a score in a Super Bowl. Teams doing so are now 11-0 in Super Bowls.

Needing to get busy or get buried, Pittsburgh put together a 13-play drive to Shaun Suisham’s 33-yard field goal. Then, after moving well again, Mike Wallace’s pass was stolen from his hands by Bush at the Steelers’ 46.

Rodgers coolly completed passes to Jennings and Nelson, James Starks ran for 12 yards as Polamalu whiffed on a tackle, then Jennings reached high and slightly behind to snag a 21-yarder over Polamalu for a 21-3 edge.

“I had some opportunities to make some plays,” Polamalu said. “I was just off a step here or there.”

Then a few terrible things happened. Injuries to Donald Driver (ankle), Sam Shields (shoulder) & Charles Woodson (broken collarbone) nearly derailed the Packers championship dreams.

Jarrett Bush would intercept a Roethlisberger pass thwarting one drive.

Woodson saw the Steelers, who rallied from a 21-7 halftime hole against the Baltimore Ravens three weeks ago, show the same resilience. A 37-yard catch-and-run by Antwaan Randle El — an almost forgotten figure during his return season with just 22 receptions — sparked a quick 77-yard drive. Hines Ward, the 2006 Super Bowl MVP, had 39 yards on three catches during the series, including an 8-yard TD on which he completely fooled Green Bay’s Jarrett Bush.

21-10 at the half & the momentum is clearly on the side of the Steelers.

Starting the 2nd half, A quick defensive stop and a 50-yard drive to Rashard Mendenhall’s 8-yard touchdown run made it 21-17.

Mendenhall fumbles due to big hit from Clay Matthews

Pittsburgh’s last score was on a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace and a brilliant pitchout by Roethlisberger to Randle El for a two-point conversion, making it 28-25 with 7:34 left.

Mason Crosby added a 23-yard field goal for the Packers, and the Steelers had no more comebacks in them like the one Roethlisberger staged to win the Super Bowl two years ago. He missed on his last three passes in the final moments this time.

Aaron Rodgers earned the Most Valuable Player with three touchdowns and 304 yards of total passing. Rodgers looked calm and in control as he led his team through injuries and adversity to their first Super Bowl win in 14 years. Rodgers was error free in his first Super Bowl with no interceptions.

“You play to be world champions,” Matthews said, “and that’s what we are today.”

Capping one of the greatest postseasons for any quarterback, Rodgers led the Packers to their first NFL championship in 14 years Sunday, 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Green Bay reclaimed the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named for its legendary coach who won the first two Super Bowls and is making his own star turn in New York in the play named after him.

Rodgers, thrilled his legion of fans with a spectacular six-game string that should finally erase the bitterness of the Brett Favre separation in Green Bay. After sitting for three long years before Favre left in 2008, Rodgers is now equal with the retired quarterback in Super Bowl wins, and he extended the Packers’ record of NFL titles to 13, nine before the Super Bowl era.

“You can stop it now,” Packers veteran wide receiver Donald Driver said. “Aaron’s proved that he’s one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in this game today.”

The favored Packers managed to overcame key injuries, building a 21-3 lead, then hung on to become the only second No. 6 seed to win the championship. Coincidentally, the 2005 Steelers were the other.

“Wow! It’s a great day to be great, baby,” said Greg Jennings, who caught two of Rodgers’ three touchdown passes.

Rodgers threw for 304 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to Jordy Nelson, who had nine catches for 140 yards to make up for three big drops. Rodgers found Jennings, normally his favorite target, for 21- and 8-yard scores.

“We’ve been a team that’s overcome adversity all year,” said Jennings, who noted injuries to cornerback Charles Woodson and Driver. “Our head captain goes down, emotional in the locker room. Our No. 1 receiver goes down, more emotions are going, flying in the locker room. But we find a way to bottle it up and exert it all out here on the field.”

Woodson was in so much pain from a broken left collarbone that he could barely address the team at halftime in the locker room.

Few teams have been as resourceful as these Packers, who couldn’t wait to touch the trophy honoring their greatest coach — and their title. Several of them kissed it as Dallas Cowboys great Roger Staubach walked through a line of green and gold, then up to the massive stage on the 50-yard line with the silver prize that is headed back to the NFL’s smallest city.

“That is where it belongs,” linebacker A.J. Hawk said. “As long as the Packers have lived, it’s going to be great to bring that back.”

…and yes, the Green Bay Packers are World Champions of football once again!!

In some corner of their minds, the Green Bay players probably knew it would come down to this. Through everything they had dealt with–the inconsistency, the injuries and the uncertainty–the Packers held firm to the belief that they were good enough to play for the NFC Championship.

They had won 4 straight games they were required to win, including the last 2 on the road against teams geared to stop them.

They were on one of the surreal magic rides they had seen other teams latch onto & while they didn’t quite understand it, they had no intention of getting off anytime soon. This was epic, once-in-a-career stuff.

Now it was laid out for them: The Packers would travel back to Chicago to take on the Bears. A win meant a trip to the Super Bowl. A loss and all that hard work meant nothing.

Soldier Field was cold

The hype during the week leading up to the game was unprecedented for the NFL’s oldest and sometimes most-heated rivalry. Green Bay & Chicago had not met in a playoff game since 1941. This was the biggest Packers-Bears game of all-time!

The Packers wasted no time in trying to quiet the boisterous–and cold–Soldier Field crowd, picking up right where they left off from Atlanta, moving the ball at will during the games first drive. Two long completions to Greg Jennings set up an Aaron Rodgers 1-yard TD run for a quick 7-0 lead.

At the start of the 2nd quarter, the Packers rolled again, moving 44 yards on 5 plays & scoring on a James Starks lunge into the end zone.

It could have–and should have–been worse for the Bears later in the quarter, but Donald Driver let a Rodgers pass slip through his hands, bounce off his foot and up into the waiting arms of Lance Briggs for an interception. The Bears had done nothing on offense, the Packers had dominated & yet Green Bay led just 14-0 at halftime.

What the Packers–and apparently a few Bears–didn’t know was that Jay Cutler had injured his left knee while being sacked in the 2nd quarter. He tried to play in the first series of the 3rd quarter but could not. He took a seat & backup Todd Collins took over.

The Packers threatened to take what could have been an insurmountable lead early in the 3rd quarter. However, an ill-advised Rodgers pass near the Bears’ goal line was intercepted by linebacker Brian Urlacher. He would have taken it back for a touchdown, too, if not for Rodgers heads-up tackle saving the day.

“I don’t get paid to make tackles but that was probably one of my best plays of the day,” Rodgers said with a smile.

Yet the Bears could do nothing with the gift. Two series, two failures and Bears head coach Lovie Smith had seen enough of Collins. He inserted his #3 quarterback, the unknown Caleb Hanie and something special happened.

Hanie directed the Bears on an 8-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a Chester Taylor touchdown run with 12 minutes left to play in the 4th quarter. The momentum had shifted Chicago’s way. Packers 14 Bears 7.

Then with just over 6 minutes to play, Hanie, who played calmly and with purpose, made a critical mistake vs. a defensive play I’m certain he doesn’t practice against on the scout team. Hanie threw an interception to B.J. Raji who had dropped into coverage for probably the first time all season. Raji rumbled 18 yards for a touchdown barely crossing the goal line in time before Hanie knocked the ball from his hands. Raji put on a XXXL championship belt. Packers 21, Bears 7 and the “dagger” as Wayne Larivee would call.

Game over, right? Not so fast. Hanie came right back & hit Earl Bennett on a 35-yard score with Nick Collins taking a bad angle & the entire defense playing lackadaisical. It was a 1 touchdown game again with plenty of time left to play.

When Green Bay failed to move the ball on its next possession, Hanie directed yet another impressive drive moving the Bears from their own 29 to the Packers 29 with less than a minute to play. Before Hanie could complete the miracle comeback, rookie Sam Shields saved the day with his 2nd interception of the game.

Packers are heading to Super Bowl XLV

Whew!! It was over. The Packers had won the most important game in the storied rivalry & were headed to Super Bowl XLV in Dallas Texas.

“I’m at a loss for words,” said Rodgers, who threw for 244 yards & ran for another 39.

When it mattered most, the Packers defense made the play it needed to make. Green Bay was back in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1998. Now everyone saw why the Bears tried desperately to keep the Packers out of the playoffs on the final week of the regular season.

“We just kept playing defense the way we know how to play it,” said linebacker Clay Matthews.

The opponent? The Packers didn’t know at that stage but they didn’t care either. They had gone on the road and won 3 playoff games, knocking off the #1, #2 and #3 seeds in the conference along the way.

President Obama had stated if the Bears would make it to the Super Bowl, he would attend in Dallas Texas. Charles Woodsons post-game speech was a passionate one. “If the President doesn’t want to see us play in the Super Bowl…Then we’ll go see him!! Gimme a White House on 3…1-2-3 WHITE HOUSE!! Charles obviously referring to the Super Bowl winning team is invited to the White House.

It had been an incredible season…and the best part was, it wasn’t over. On to Dallas!

What’s the phrase? A mile wide and an inch deep? Perhaps that was the best way to describe the Atlanta Falcons’ confidence as they prepared for their divisional playoff game against the now-very-dangerous Green Bay Packers.

The Falcons had constructed a very nice regular season. Behind QB Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan, dynamic wide receiver Roddy White, and a solid if unspectacular defense, the Falcons had claimed the NFC’s top seed with an impressive 13-3 record, including a 7-1 home record in the Georgia Dome.

They had already beaten the Packers once, an entertaining 20-17 November victory in Atlanta at which time White had proclaimed, “We don’t want to go to Lambeau in January. We want them to come here.” What’s the old saying? Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it.

Jones Steals a TD reception from Grimes

The Falcons were confident and rested and talking about how ready they were to take the next step forward. They talked with a swagger that was not earned–at least not yet. This was, after all, still a franchise that didn’t have the history, the pedigree to build on. There were no Super Bowl titles just yet.

The Packers, on the other hand, had been in crisis mode for a month. They won 3 straight games they had to win, including a mugging on the road of the always-dangerous Eagles the previous week. Green Bay knew it would have no more home games, so the team hunkered down & prepared to do what it needed to do.

In front of a raucous, deafening crowd at the Georgia Dome, the Falcons did indeed strike first, forcing a Greg Jennings fumble on the Packers’ 3rd play from scrimmage & converting the turnover into a 12-yard Michael Turner touchdown run.

However, by the 2nd quarter, the Packers had settled in. Led by Aaron Rodgers with rapidly rising & potential superstar cornerback Tramon Williams, Green Bay buried the Falcons and their championship hopes.

Rodgers first threw a touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson to tie the game at 7-7. However on the ensuing kickoff, Atlanta’s Eric Weems electrified the crowd again with a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The longest post-season touchdown in NFL history.

Green Bay was undaunted because, well, they’d been here before. Rodgers response was a 10-play 92-yard drive capped by a 1-yard TD run by John Kuhn. The Falcon defense was on the field for 23 out of 24 plays with their only breather Eric Weems 102-yard TD return. They were gassed.

Nine plays later, Tramon Williams picked off Matt Ryan in the end zone & Rodgers came back the other way driving another 80 yards in 7 plays, hitting James Jones  who made a tremendous “gimme the ball” play vs. Grimes, arguably the Falcons best cover guy.

Then came a crushing blow for the Falcons.

As Ryan was trying to drive his team into field goal range in the final seconds of the first half, he threw an out pattern read perfectly by Williams. Tramon jumped the route & returned the pick for a 70 yard touchdown & a 28-14 lead as time expired in the half.

The Georgia Dome was as quiet as a tomb.

“I probably shouldn’t have thrown that,” Ryan said simply after the game.

The Packers kept it going in the second half as Rodgers played about as close to a perfect game as a quarterback could play.

Rodgers points at his Championship Belt after a 3rd Quarter TD

He ran for one TD in the 3rd quarter and threw for another to Kuhn & the win turned into a rout.

By the end of the game, the 3/4 empty stadium belonged to the Packer fans who chanted, “Go Pack GO!” through most of the final 15 minutes.

Rodgers’ numbers were borderline unbelievable. He completed 31 of 36 passes for 366 yards and 3 scores. He eluded tacklers, he made pinpoint accurate throws, he did everything he was supposed to do–and more.

“This was probably my best performance,” Rodgers admitted after the game. “The stage we were on and the importance of the game. It was a good night. I felt like I was in a zone.”

The Packers dominated the Falcons in all aspects of the game, rolling up 442 yards in offense and holding the Falcons to 194.

Meanwhile, the Falcons had received another harsh lesson about the difference between regular season football and playoff football. “We will learn from this,” coach Mike Smith said. “That’s the important thing.”

For the Packers, it was 2 down & 1 to go. They knew their rivals, the Bears, were playing the next day against the upstart Seattle Seahawks & while none of the players professed to care who won, they cared. A lot. The Packers wanted the Bears…badly.

How does that old saying go? Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it?

It was a mixture of relief, satisfaction and joy that accompanied the Green Bay Packers as they prepared for their NFC wild card playoff game against the Eagles. In truth, these Packers had been in playoff mode for the better part of a month anyway. After back-to-back losses to the Detroit Lions & New England Patriots in mid-December, the Packers knew what they had to do–win or go home, which sounds an awful lot like a playoff game scenario.

So it was into that pressure-packed cauldron the Packers entered the final 2 weeks of the regular season. They responded with a blowout win over the NY Giants & a tough, grind it out, win over the Bears. The Bears played their starters the entire game when they didn’t have to. If any team was playoff tested, it was the Packers & no team wanted to face them, especially in the playoffs.

Their first-round foe would be a familiar one. The Packers and Eagles had faced off in the season’s opening week, but a lot had changed for both teams since that early September afternoon.

Green Bay had, of course, absorbed a ton of key injuries, ultimately putting 16 players on injured reserve. The offense had found its stride and the defense, which had seemed so confounded by the entrance of Michael Vick in that first game, was playing with confidence and speed.

Jenkins & Bishop sack Mike Vick

The Eagles had committed to Vick & he had responded with an MVP-type season.

While Vick had ran through, over & past the Packers the first time they met, Packers’ defensive coordinator Dom Capers this time had a week to prepare & a season’s worth of tape to watch in anticipation. It would make a huge difference.

Offensively, head coach Mike McCarthy came out with a new look against the blitzing, aggressive Eagles defense. He used personnel groupings he hadn’t used before. He ran motions he hadn’t unveiled before. He used a variation of the wishbone backfield, which utilized John Kuhn at fullback & Brandon Jackson & James Starks as the halfbacks.

McCarthy brilliantly countered Philly’s aggressiveness on defense with aggressiveness of his own on offense. It was a master stroke.

Perhaps most important, when he saw Starks break off a 27-yard run on his first carry of the game midway through the 1st quarter, McCarthy decided that was a horse he had to ride.

Starks, who had run well earlier in the season against the 49′ers, had found his place in McCarthy’s doghouse with poor practice habits after that. Now he was getting another chance in a playoff game & Starks wasn’t about to blow it.

Keeping the Eagles off balance, the Packers built a 14-0 lead in the 2nd quarter on touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers to backup tight end Tom Crabtree & James Jones. Still leading 14-3 in the waning seconds of the first half, the Packers could have put a dagger in the Eagles as Rodgers hit Jones in stride with a perfect strike for what should have been a 63-yard touchdown. Instead, Jones dropped the ball.

On the heels of this reprieve, the Eagles rallied in the 3rd quarter. Rodgers fumbled away the ball after being sacked and Vick connected with Jason Avant for a 14-yard touchdown.

Perhaps in previous seasons, that turn of fortune might have crippled the Packers. Not this year. Rodgers came right back with a 10-play 80-yard drive capped by a perfect screen pass to Brandon Jackson for the touchdown.

Then it was survival time & time for the defense to strut their stuff. Vick’s 4th quarter, 4th down touchdown sneak cut the Packers lead to 21-16 and it stayed that way after a failed 2-point conversion.

Game clinching Interception by Tramon Williams

Philly had one final drive & moved from its own 34 to the packers’ 27 in 5 plays before Vick’s pass to the end zone was intercepted by Tramon Williams to end the game.

“I felt I got greedy and I took a shot at the end zone,” Vick said later. “You learn from that.”

For Rodgers, it was another solid effort as he completed 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards and 3 scores. It was also Rodgers’ 1st playoff win as Green Bay’s quarterback, a fact brought up by many in the media.

“I never felt I had a monkey on my back,” Rodgers retorted. “It was just good to win.”

Starks was the real surprise as he steamrolled the Eagle defense for 123 yards rushing on 23 carries & offered the Packers some badly needed balance.

It was a good start, but now the Packers had a bigger task–traveling back to the Georgia Dome for a rematch with the top-seeded Falcons…and what a rematch it would be.

So here it was. The final game of a season that had featured more twists & turns than a mountain-side road. There were no subtle permutations, no weird NFL tie-breaker rules to interpret. There would be no controversy and no question about what would happen & how things would shake out.

Packers vs. Bears

If the Packers beat the Bears, they would grab the final NFC wild-card playoff berth & keep playing the following week. If they lost to the Bears, they’d have to hope the Giants lost their final game to the Washington Redskins (which they did NOT!)

The Bears, champs of the NFC North ,had a first-round playoff bye no matter what, but they did not plan to make life easy for the Packers. Many teams already set in the playoffs might have chosen to rest at least some of their starters to avoid needless injury. Not the Bears & certainly not against the Packers. No these Bears did not want Green Bay in the playoffs & they would play a full 60 minutes of football with their starters.

“Everyone will play,” said Bears coach Lovie Smith, whose first order of business when he took over in Chicago 7 years ago was to consistently beat the Packers. With everything the Packers had dealt with during the season, why would they expect anything less?

Maybe because of what was at stake or maybe because of the opponent, there was a different feel to this game than there was the week before against the Giants. More tension, more uncertainty. More of a feeling that one mistake could be very costly.

Matthews sacks Cutler

The Packers could get nothing going offensively in the first half. Indeed, the only real threat Green Bay could muster ended at the Bears’ 43 when Donald Driver fumbled after a reception. A lot of credit goes to the Bear defense for the first half scrum.

The Bears were hardly any better. Their only score of the half (and the game) came on a nice drive in which they had a first & goal at the Packers’ 4-yard line. A first down run netted nothing, a 2nd down pass fell incomplete and on 3rd down quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked. That resulted in a Robbie Gould field goal and a 3-0 Bears lead at the half.

The Packers continued to struggle offensively. Yes these 2 teams know each other very well. Perhaps the Packers began to realize if they were going to win it might have to be the defense that carried the day. Dom Capers’ unit did just that midway through the 3rd quarter when backup defensive back Charlie Peprah intercepted a Cutler pass in the end zone to snuff out a drive.

The Packers offense finally responded with a drive highlighted by a 33-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings that resulted in a Mason Crosby field goal.

Finally, in the early minutes of the 4th quarter, Green Bay clawed out a touchdown. Rodgers connected for 46 yards to Jennings down to the Bears’ 1. On the next play, Rodgers found Donald Lee for the go-ahead score.

Now it was up to the Packers defense and the unit responded to the challenge. The Packers sacked Cutler twice and as he drove the Bears from his own 2 to the Packers 32 in the final minute of the game, and the crowd whipped into a frenzy and perhaps clutching their hearts while holding their breath, Nick Collins stepped up with an interception to seal the win.

The Packers were nothing special offensively, managing just 284 total yards. However, the Packers defense was even better, allowing the Bears just 227 yards. It was a championship effort when the Packers needed it most.

Rodgers & Cutler friends off the field, Rivals on the field

Now everyone was even. “Those guys told us during the game that they didn’t want to see us in the playoffs,” Driver said. “That tells you how much people are scared of us. Now they have to face us.” declared Driver prophetically.

It wouldn’t be easy. As the No. 6 seed, the Packers would have to travel for as long as they kept winning. But for a Packers team that endured so much during the season that was just fine. It was the playoffs, after all, and “anything could happen.” Rodgers would say in the post-game locker room.

Couldn’t it? Couldn’t it?!?!

Next up, the playoffs begin vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

The Packers may have felt they had more than their share of bad luck this season. However, a couple games one week ago helped set the Packers path in stone. The Giants lost to the Eagles 38-31 after having a 31-10 lead in the 4th quarter. The other game was the Packers division rival Detroit Lions hanging tough with the young, up & coming Buccaneers. Former Packer kicker Dave Rayner tied the game with a 28-yard field goal at 1:39 remaining in the game, for the Lions. Then, in overtime, the Lions took the opening kickoff and drove 63 yards  – covering most of the distance on two big runs and a 12-yard reception by Calvin Johnson on a third-and-8 play — to set up the game-winner a 34-yard FG to win the game 23-20.

Rodgers Slides safely in the red zone

Outsiders may have felt the Packers were lucky but no, this Packer team makes their own luck and they were determined to not let the opportunity slip by. The Packers path was set. The math was simple, every game from here on out would be a playoff game. Lose and you go home wondering “What if?” Win and you continue on. The Packers would not quit. They must beat the Giants, then the Bears to finish the season at 10-6. Then, of course, anything could happen after that. Truly, there was no room for error and if they did stumble, they would have the distinction of being one of the most talented teams not to make the playoffs.

The Giants were in the same boat. This was a playoff game for them too. Lose to the Packers and they are virtually eliminated (although not mathematically).

The Packers welcomed back superstar QB Aaron Rodgers & he didn’t disappoint, throwing 2 touchdowns in the first quarter–one to Jordy Nelson covering 80 yards & the other a 3-yard pass to James Jones putting Green Bay up 14-0.

Nelson 80 yard TD reception

The Giants, however, had some determination of their own tying the game at 14 with an 85-yard TD pass from Manning to Manningham.

In the waning minutes of the first half the Packers put together another drive, going from their own 21 in 6 plays and scoring on an 8-yard pass from Rodgers to John Kuhn.

The Packers then did what a desperate team is supposed to do. In the 2nd half they took control of a game the Giants weren’t sure they really wanted.

On the 3rd play of the 3rd quarter, Charles Woodson forced a fumble that safety Atari Bigby recovered. It resulted in a 31-yard Mason Crosby FG. After a Giants FG, Rodgers hit back-to-back passes of 33-yards to Driver and 36-yards to Jennings who ended up at the 1-yard line of the Giants. Rodgers capped the drive with a TD pass to Donald Lee & the rout was on!

Manning threw interceptions on 2 straight series–one to Nick Collins and the other to Sam Shields–and both resulted in Packer touchdowns by fan-favorite John Kuhn. Everytime he touched the ball, fans screamed “KOOOOOOONNN!!!” in honor of the fullback.

“It’s pretty funny,” said Kuhn, who spent a year on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster & actually earned a Super Bowl ring 2 years ago. “I don’t want to disappoint them (the fans).”

The Packers earned a thunderous victory, as the defense forced 6 turnovers, including intercepting Manning 4 times putting Manning at a league worst 24 interceptions on the season. It was the kind of thumping that had the Giants questioning themselves.

“We came out and played like we didn’t have anything to play for,” Giants defensive end Justin Tuck said.

Rodgers, a week after sitting out with a concussion was impeccable, completing 25 of 37 for a season-high 404 yards & 4 touchdowns. The major benefactors of those throws were Jennings who caught 7 for 142 yards & Nelson who finished with 4 catches for 124 yards and a TD.

It was the kind of performance coach Mike McCarthy had hoped to see from a team that knew what was at stake & played like it. “Those guys were ready to play,” he said. “They were sick & tired of hearing how tough the Giants were all week.”

Now the math was even simpler. If the Packers beat the Bears the following Sunday in the season finale at Lambeau they would be playoff-bound.

“We’re going to do the same thing next week,” a confident Nick Collins declared.

Next up: Game 16: Bear-ly Enough and the most storied rivalry in NFL history.

There were no flowery pre-game speeches for this one. Nothing Knute Rockne-esque or Vince Lombardi-like about what the Packers needed to do or what the future held.

This was backs-against-the-wall-time for the Green Bay Packers & they knew it better than anyone. They had to travel to Massachusettes and face the hottest team in football, the New England Patriots. It would be a tough assignment even with all their pieces in place.

James Jones tracked down by James Sanders

The Packers would have to play without Aaron Rodgers, their leader and best offensive player. Rodgers suffered a concussion the week before against the Lions and had not passed the NFL-mandated tests required to go back on the field.

So that was that. The Packers wouold go to war with Matt Flynn, a capable backup with the heart of a lion but no meaningful experience. In public, the Packers spoke glowingly of Flynn, a smart guy who had the moxie to lead LSU to a national championship 3 seasons earlier. Privately no one really knew how he’d perform on a national stage.

He had done ok in relieft duty of Rodgers the week before, completing 15 of 26 passes for 177 yards. However, he threw a disastroud interception deep in Lions territory & could not generate any touchdowns when it mattered.

But that was all ancient history, Flynn would have to produce and he’d need help.

In the end, the Packers lost the game, but in defeat they may well have saved their season. Indeed they outplayed the red-hot Patriots, they shut down QB Tom Brady, they moved the ball on the Patriots defense and–one more time–they learned something new about themselves.

The Packers did not shrink from the 11-2 Patriots & proceeded to hit them in the mouth every chance they got. In fact, Green Bay hit them by opening the game with a successful, surprise onsides kick that led to a field goal and a quick 3-0 lead.

Flynn, looking as calm as if he’d been starting all season, threw second-quarter TD passes of 1 yard to Greg Jennings and 66 yards to James Jones & Green Bay took a 17-14 halftime lead to the locker room.

Unfortunately for the Packers, that lead would have been bigger if there hadn’t been a disastrous special teams breakdown.

After the TD pass to Jennings made itr 17-7 with 2:12 left in the half, Mason Crosby kicked the ball short to avoid the Patriots dangerous return men. Dan Connolly, a 313 pound lineman scooped up the ball & the Packers, instead of just tackling the big guy, tried to strip the ball. Connolly rumbled 71 yards to the Packer 4. 2 plays later, Brady connected with Aaron Hernandez for a touchdown.

“We did a poor job of tackling on that,” coach McCarthy said in the understatement of the season.

The Packers continued to hang around in the 2nd half. Another Flynn TD, this one of 6 yards to John Kuhn, in the 3rd quarter and a 19-yard Mason Crosby field-goal early in the 4th quarter staked the Packers to a 27-21 lead.

The Patriots battled back, though, and midway through the 4th quarter, took the lead for good on a Brady to Hernandez touchdown.

Flynn had one more drive in him & with 4:22 left, moved from his own 43 to the New England 15. But on 4th & 1, Flynn’s inexperience finally caught up with him. The play was late coming in and confusion abounded. Flynn tried to throw but was sacked ending the game.

Flynn acquitted himself well, completing 24 of 37 for 251 yards and 3 scores. The Packers out-gained the Patriots 369-249 and Brady, the odds-on favorite to win the season MVP, was held to just 163 passing yards.

“Our plan was just to go out there & cut it loose,” Flynn said. “The plan didn’t change because I was out there; we went out there and went after them. We just didn’t get it done.”

“We’re nobody’s underdog,” McCarthy would say at the post-game press conference. “We have all the confidence in our abilities. We’ve had challenges throughout the season. We’ve stepped up to those challenges. We felt the same way going into this game.”

With the loss, the Packers sat at 8-6 & were in serious danger of missing the playoffs. The division title was gone–secured that same day by the Bears–and now the Packers had to win their final 2 games to reach the post-season.

It was a daunting task but one of their own making. Now they’d really find out what they were made of. Little did anyone forsee what was about to happen is truly remarkable.

Everyone knew it but no one talked about it. As it had been for all those years with Brett Favre, so it was now with Aaron Rodgers. These Green Bay Packers would go as far as their quarterback would take them. If he got hurt…well…that thought was too awful to contemplate.

But that couldn’t happen–could it? Rodgers, who had been criticized in 2009 for holding the ball too long and absorbing too many sacks, had grown a lot smarter in 2010. He was getting rid of the ball quicker, eluding tacklers better & throwing the ball away when necessary. All was good, right??

There was 1 thing Rodgers still hadn’t learned or at least would not do with any consistency–at the end of a scramble, he needed to give himself up with a feet first slide. Too often, he’d dive headfirst and take a blow he didn’t need to take. Coach Mike McCarthy, a one-time QB coach, harped on his star to follow the standard procedure but either Rodgers forgot or didn’t care for the policy.

Rodgers head hits the turf

Ultimately, Rodgers hubris caught up with him on the unforgiving artificial turf of Ford Field in Detroit Michigan.

Under 2nd year coach Jim Schwartz, the Lions were developing into a pretty good team. Though they had won just twice in 2010, they had played hard every week & were a break or 2 away from becoming a team to reckon with. The Packers needed no more evidence of this than their 1st meeting in early October when they escaped with a 2 point win.

Now the Lions believed in themselves as a team & knew a win over a top notch foe would only help catapult them further.

It all played out just as the Lions had hoped.

The Packers were sluggish early on. Tight End Andrew Quarless lost a fumble on Green Bay’s 2nd play from scrimmage & later in the quarter, Rodgers threw his 1st interception in 5 games (although Jennings should have caught it).

However, the Lions were no better. Down to #3 QB Drew Stanton after injuries to Matt Stafford & Shaun Hill, they turned the ball over twice & could mount nothing on offense.

Then, with 3 minutes left before the half, Rodgers was flushed from the pocket and took off, running 18 yards before he was tackled by Amari Spievy & Landon Johnson. Diving forward, as was his habit, Rodgers head smacked the turf hard & he stayed on the ground for several seconds. After calling a timeout to clear his head, Rodgers was sacked on the next play.

As the 3rd quarter opened, backup Matt Flynn was under center for the Packers and Rodgers was sidelined with his 2nd concussion of the season.

A 7th round draft pick in 2008, Flynn had studied hard under Rodgers for 2 years. His ability impressed the Packers enough that they jettisoned 2008 2nd round draft pick Brian Brohm. Flynn played ok for being thrust into a tough situation, but he couldn’t generate any offense against an inspired Lion defense.

Detroit finally scored on a Stanton to Will Heller TD pass with just under 8 minutes left to play.

Flynn led the Packers back to the Lions 31 but on 4th down his pass into the end zone to a diving Greg Jennings fell short. It was the Lions first win over an NFC North foe since October of 2007, a span of 19 games and it snapped a 10 game losing streak to the Packers.

It was a devastating loss in more ways than one for the Packers. Afterward, McCarthy said he wasn’t sure how badly Rodgers was hurt.

“I really can’t measure the level of concussion at this point,” he said. “I was told that his head is clear & he has a headache.”

But the early reports were already suggesting Rodgers would not be ready for the next game and it would fall on the inexperienced Flynn to travel to New England & face the powerful Patriots.

The win was clearly a turning point for the Lions. For the Packers, the loss was threatening to be a turning point too.

Next up a rematch of Super Bowl XXXI, Packers vs. Patriots.

From the moment starting tailback Ryan Grant went down with a season-ending ankle injury in the season opener vs. the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers knew they would, eventually, have to deal with the issue of their crippled running game.

Conventional NFL wisdom has always stated that teams do not advance (or at least don’t advance very far) in the playoffs without some semblance of a rushing attack. Balance is required, if for not other reason than to give an opposing defense something else to think about besides a QB dropping back & looking for an open receiver.

Starks takes off for some of his 73 yards vs. Tramaine Brock

For 11 games, the Packers had been getting by with a rushing game bound together with chewing gum & chicken(boy) wire.

Brandon Jackson tried but lacked the power & speed to be a true breakaway back. John Kuhn was a fullback first, last and always, though he did his best. Indeed, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was probably Green Bay’s best option running the ball. He could scramble but, more to the point, he was elusive in the pocket & had slipped away from more tackles than anyone could count. However, a running QB is a recipe for disaster.

In 11 games, the Packers best running performance was 157 yards against the Redskins and 71 of that came on 1 Jackson run. In that same span, the Packers were averaging about 100 yards per game on the ground but for less than average of the magical 4 yards per gain teams seek.

Indeed, too often at the end of games, when a 5 yard run might seal a victory, the Packers had to throw to ensure the same result.

It was now December and with crunch time coming, the Packers needed an answer at running back.

In a rugged 34-16 win over the puzzling San Francisco 49′ers at Lambeau Field, the Packers appeared to find what they were looking for–and it came from a mos tunusual place: rookie James Starks, a 6th round draft pick out of the University of Buffalo. He had missed his entire senior season in college due to a shoulder injury and started his pro career on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list with a leg injury. However, when Starks got the call…he responded.

With 73 yards on 18 carries, the powerful Starks gave the Packers an option they’d been lacking. He was also complemented by Jackson, Kuhn and Rodgers. Between the 4 of them, the Packers rushed for 136 yards, their 3rd highest total of the season.

“We needed that,” said coach Mike McCarthy, who had been waiting all season for Starks to recover from various, nagging injuries. It was a new wrinkle for a Packers team that was becoming more dangerous as the weeks went by.

The Packers only led the 49′ers 14-13 at halftime & seemed destined to struggle against another inferior foe. Then, early in the 3rd quarter, came one of the most memoruable plays of the Packers season, if not in team history.

Driver gets a block from Quarless on an epic TD reception/run

Veteran wide receiver Donald Driver, who was slowed by a case of food poisoning suffered the night before, took a short pass from Rodgers and then, through sheer determination and probably some poor tackling technique by the Niners, broke 7 tackles. As 49′er defenders continued to climb on him, Driver pushed forward and eventually, 61 yards later, dove into the end zone for the touchdown.

“I don’t know what happened,” a smiling Driver said later. “All I know is that when I caught it, I just started making moves.”

“It was one of the greatest plays I’ve ever been a part of,” Rodgers marveled.

From that stage, the Packers were never really threatened. Rodgers completed 21 of 30 passes for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Starks running hard the Packers averaged 4 yards a rush and that made coach McCarthy happy.

“They just imposed their will on us,” 49′ers linebacker Takeo Spikes said. “It was embarrassing.”

The Packers were throwing the ball and running it with some authority. The defense was playing superbly and the special teams weren’t causing any major problems. Everything seemed in place a major late-season run and, just maybe, a 1st-round bye in the playoffs.

However, 1 play can change a game & a season. The Packers were about to learn that lesson the hard way.

Next up, the Detroit Lions.