It’s Thrusday. I missed yesterday’s round up, but I don’t think more than three people will mind. Here we go for today:

Jolly’s Case Dismissed

In Tuesday’s Round Up, I questioned how a cop could determine that Johnny Jolly had enough Codeine in his Dr. Pepper to warrent a charge worth 20 years in prison just by smelling it. Apparently, that was a good question, and Jolly’s case was dismissed along those lines. Packersnews.com’s Insider’s Blog has the story:

“The dismissal hinges on Houston Police Department’s crime lab receipt of new equipment that can measure the amount of codeine in a substance, said Donna Hawkins, spokeswoman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“Lab personnel have to learn how to use the instrument and to testify about the results,” Hawkins said Thursday. “Once they receive that training, the case will be refiled.“

The story continues to say that the DA will file an appeal. But what’s the point? Did the cops round up the soda bottle as evidence? How does codeine stand up in Dr. Pepper over a period of say, six months to a year? This whole thing seems blown way out proportion. But, such is the drug war in Texas. Read the rest here.

Cutler Rates Ahead of Rodgers

Jeff Dickerson, of the ESPN Chicago blog thinks so. But he also doesn’t think so. He admits that Rodgers had a better season than did Cutler (wins not withstanding), but says Cutler has accomplished more. Fair enough, I suppose, but what did one expect Rodgers to accomplish sitting behind Brett Favre? A more fair comparison would be asking what Cutler did in his first year as a starter that Rodgers didn’t? Anway:

“[Dickerson] can tell you that at least two Bears defenders told me Rodgers might have been the best quarterback they faced last year. In two starts versus the Bears, Rodgers combined for 487 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and completing 47 of 69 pass attempts.“

And Rodgers is the best QB the Bears will face this year, as well. Read the rest here.

Rodgers Ranked 9th-best QB in NFL

The above blog post by Jeff Dickerson mentions the ranking of the top 20 NFL QBs on Kevin Seifert’s NFC North Blog. I will buy Rodgers at number nine, but I do take issue with Matt Ryan at number eight. Ryan’s team had a better season than the Packers, but Ryan is not a better QB than Aaron Rodgers. I ask: how would Ryan have faired without Michael Turner and how might Rodger have faired with him? But, after all, it is just one Blogger’s opinion. Here’s Seifert’s top 10:

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Drew Brees
4. Ben Roethlisberger
5. Donovan McNabb
6. Kurt Warner
7. Carson Palmer
8. Matt Ryan
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Jay Cutler

See the whole list here.

Levens Inducted into Packers Hall of Fame

Ahh Dorsey, the Horse. He was and always will be one of my favorite Packers running backs. If he wouldn’t have held out only to break his leg, he may have been one of the best Packers ever. Of course, then Ahman Green may have never gotten his chance. The ever-useful-to-a-Packers-blogger’s-news-round-up Green Bay Press Gazette has the details.

“My goal coming into Green Bay that first year was to make the practice squad,” [Levens] said. “That was it.”

Nice. Read the rest here.

Packers Preview From The Sporting News

The question on everyone’s mind this off-season is, “will the Packers new defense be any good?”

“With the change to the 3-4, the Packers want to get bigger and more physical, and that starts up front on the line. That’s why the team drafted nose tackle B.J. Raji with the No. 9-overall pick to anchor the defense and occupy multiple blockers.
Pro Bowl alternate Aaron Kampman will move from a 4-3 end to outside linebacker, but he still will line up often on the line of scrimmage in sub packages. Kampman is the team’s premier pass rusher, and the Packers want to take advantage of his athleticism and ability. The Packers traded up into the first round of the draft to get outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who will be expected to immediately produce.“

This is nothing us good Packers fans don’t already know, but it’s always interesting to get an outside perspective. Read the rest, here.

Coaches Will Key Packers’ Success in 2009

Jeff Motiff, an Examiner from Milwaukee believes Dom Capers isn’t the only coach who will have an important impact on the Packers this year. Besides Capers, four position coaches will be relied upon to coach up players to perform. Motiff’s five:

1. Edgar Bennett
2. James Campen
3. Dom Capers
4. Kevin Greene
5. Winston Moss

Read the rest here.

Laughable Brett Favre “News”

This isn’t really “news” so much as it is a stupid question: Will Booty surrender Number 4 if Brett Favre joins the Vikings? asks Sean Leahy of USA Today. In the race to the bottom of the Brett Favre News Barrel, this guy is the front runner. Of course Booty will give it up. There is absolutely no question, what-so-ever. Yes, Favre will probably have to pay for it, as is tradition among NFL players, but there I don’t believe anyone actually wondered if Brett Favre would be wearing any number other than “4″ as a Viking. Seriously… Read the rest here. Or, better yet, don’t bother. Irony, I know.

Here it is, Tuesday already! Let’s go:

Packers Alum Update: Bubba Franks Released by Jets

Bubba Franks never was a speed demon but he had a knack for blocking and getting open in the end zone. But alas, his days may be numbered. From Scout.com’s Jet’s Confidential:

“The New York Jets released veteran TE Bubba Franks, the team announced on Monday.

Franks (6-6, 265/Miami/Riverside, CA), a 10-year veteran, was originally signed by the Jets on Mar. 17, 2008 and caught six passes for 47 yards in eight games (four starts) during the 2008 season. He was re-signed by the Jets on May 12, 2009.

The move to release Franks is somewhat surprising since the team has no veteran depth behind starter Dustin Keller.“

You think he’s done? Or will he land somewhere else and play another year? I say he should become a long snapper. There’s a little more to that blurb that you can read here.

Hilarious Brett Favre News Worthy of Breaking The Rule

I’m not sure what I was expecting clicking on a link from christianitytoday.com that came up with Brett Favre attached to it. But what I found is worth breaking my “No Brett Favre News” rule. Of all of the reasons I’ve heard for Favre to stay retired, this one takes the cake: He’ll hurt Sage Rosenfels’ feelings. Seriously. Actually, I can’t tell if this is real, or satire.

“I happen to know for a fact that signing with the Vikings would really hurt the feelings of one Sage Rosenfels, whose name makes him sound like he should be reviewing art films in The New Yorker instead of throwing the post-corner to Percy Harvin. (Ex: The film was, according to Rosenfels, “an intellectual tour de force …”) He can’t help but be self-conscious about this when faced with a name like “Brett Favre”—a name that sounds like a sledgehammer to the midsection, and sends shudders up the spine of many a NFC North defensive coordinator. Isn’t it about time for a kinder, gentler NFC North quarterback? A Sage, perhaps? “

Read the rest here, it’s worth your two minutes.

3-4 Should Help Packers When Facing AFC North Teams

Kevin Seifert, in his amazing NFC North blog over at ESPN.com, breaks down the importance of winning interconfertnce games. But the NFCN faces the AFCN this year, three of whose teams play a 3-4 defense. The Packers offense will have plenty of practice against the 3-4 by the time they meet up with the Steelers. Do you think Dom Capers will be able to provide some insight into the beating that D? Seifert’s take:

“Green Bay should have a clear advantage over its NFC North rivals. The Packers’ offense spent all spring practicing against its 3-4 scheme and won’t face that choppy in-season transition when preparing for the Steelers, Ravens and Browns. This is becoming less of an issue every year as more NFL teams return to the 3-4 — the total is expected to be 13 in 2009 — but familiarity can only help the Packers in this vein.“

Indeed, it certainly can’t hurt. Read the rest, here.

Ranking the Packers Roster

Packer Report’s Bill Huber has undertaken the daunting task of ranking every player currently on the Packers’ roster, from 83, all the way up to number one. He’s currently at number 50 and is ranking five players per day. This is cool, mostly because you generally have to pay for content from Packer Report. So here’s your chance to get in on their excellent coverage for free.

No quote from this, but read the most recent rankings here, and then scroll down for previous rankings. Good stuff.

That’s all for today. Check in tomorrow for more.

It’s Monday, and we’ve got a case of it. There are a lot a ton of things that popped up today and over the weekend, so here we go.

How Will Rodgers Stack Up in the North?

Pretty well.. or not. Depends on how you look at it, I guess. Kevin Seifert shares a bit of the Football Outsiders’ Almanac over at his NFC North Blog. He says that they say, that among NFC North QBs Favre, Culpepper and Cutler, Rodgers will have the lowest completion percentage but the highest number of yards. More strangely, Rodgers will post the second-highest number of TDs, to Favre; and the lowest number of interceptions. How much sense does that make? A lot? A little? You decide.

Read the rest, here.

Do Jennings a Faver, Let Favre Be

As Packer fans know, Greg Jennings has spent some time in Minneapolis training with Larry Fitzgerald and Jerry Rice. And despite having caught some of Favre’s most important balls, he’d rather not talk about the man. Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune asked Jennings what he thought about Favre’s return, and this was his response:

“I don’t care,” [Jennings] said Wednesday after working out with a group of NFL players at the Bierman complex on the University of Minnesota campus. “I’m like, ‘Let him go.’ To each his own. We’re focused on what we’re doing in Green Bay and if he shows up in that purple jersey then he’s the enemy now.“

Well said, GJ. Well said. Read the rest here.

Jolly’s Future Uncertain, But Something is Fishy

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal has the low down on what’s up with Johnny Holly. He will be the first Packers player to stand trial on a felony charge in 22 years. It seems like Jolly will be going with the Michael Irvin defense, and that it just might work.

“In his first comments that even remotely touched on the case, Jolly said his future – both personally and with the team – was not weighing on him.

“Nah,” the 26-year-old said during the team’s minicamp. “I’m innocent.“

This article also presents some of the known facts in the case, among which the following are included:

• One passenger was cited for carrying a gun, but the charges were later dropped.

• Another passenger was found to have marijuana on him, and pleaded guilty to possession.

• Jolly allegedly had a bottle of Dr. Pepper in his cup holder that smelled like codeine and was charged with felony possession on the level that could net him 20 years in prison.

Does this not make sense to anyone else? Apparently Jolly is accused of being in possession of enough codeine to last someone with chronic pain two or three years. Now, I don’t use drugs, but I’m guessing that if you use codeine recreationally, you don’t drop 200mgs unless you’re an addict, which I suppose is possible for an NFL player suffering chronic pain. But Jolly is only 26 and hasn’t seen significant playing time, so I’m going to say that he’s not in that category.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out, but it seems fishy to me, that a cop can ascertain the amount of codeine in a bottle of Dr. Pepper by how it smells.

Make up your own mind by reading the rest, here.

A Jolly Follow-Up: The Codeine Problem in Houston

Jolly got popped in Houston, and apparently, codeine is a huge problem there. We turn again to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal for the backstory on codeine in Houston.

“Some time ago, Houston was dubbed “The City of Syrup.”

It has nothing to do with the maple variety.

Thanks to low prices, relatively easy accessibility and the social approval of a burgeoning hip-hop scene, Houston found itself in the midst of a rapid rise of codeine abuse among its youths in the 1990s.“

Read the rest here to learn about the environment in which Jolly was, um, let’s call it, “recreating”.

Thompson Haters Brace Yourselves; Pack’s GM is One of the Best

According to Greg Tripiedi at the sports blog netowrk, MVN.com, the Packers’ Ted Thompson is one of the ten best front office men in the NFL. Thompson checks in at number seven:

“Thompson’s tenure might be defined by: 1) having the cajones to tell Brett Favre that he wasn’t entitled to be the Packers starting quarterback following a retirement bout, and 2) fearing that Favre might end up in his own division one day. Thompson is a good decision maker and historically top drafter who has taken the Packers from an older team built around Brett Favre, to the youngest, arguably most exciting offense in the league. His decision to hire Dom Capers and switch to a 3-4 defense might be his boldest move yet, but there’s little reason to think he will loose this gamble in the long run.“

Note that Packers alum Mike Reinfelt is rounds out the list at number 10. Some one should go a Holmgren-Wolf coaching-GM tree. Actually, I’m sure someone has, and I should try to find it.

Read the rest here. And don’t worry, you’ll still able to complain that Thompson is no Bills Belichick or Parcells; they’re numbers three and four, respectively.

Crosby, Wide Left… Right…

Mike Vandermaus of the Green Bay Press Gazette has called out Mason Crosby for a poor 2008 season. Finally! This man has seemed to escape all criticism despite losing two games for the Packers, single-footedly. Sure, 52 yards is no gimme, but in the Metrodumb? With the seconds ticking away, and the game on the line? Every Packers kicker must make that kick.

“If Mason Crosby had converted a 52-yard game-winner against Minnesota, not had a 38-yard game-winner against Chicago blocked and made a 53-yarder in the first half against Atlanta in a game the Packers eventually lost by three points, the pain of a bitterly disappointing 2008 season could have been avoided.“

But maybe Vandermaus and I are being too harsh on the guy. A look at his situational stats over at NFL.com reveals that Crosby converted on field goals nearly 86% of the time when the Packers were behind, and 83% of the time when they were tied. That’s pretty good. But still, Crosby missed when it counted most. So it’s tough to let him off the hook, even with those stats in his corner.

Read Vandermaus’ column here, and decide for yourself.

T.J. Lang as Hometown Hero

Hometownlife.com’s Dan O’Meara has a story on the Packers’ T.J. Lang that give the man a backstory. Not a big news story here, but I’m high on T.J. Lang, and mark my words: Lang will start at some point this year and will give Allen Barbre a run for his money in training camp.

“The 6-foot-4, 316-pound Lang is expected to challenge for a starting job at offensive right tackle when training camp starts later this month.

The Packers are in need of tackles since 10-year veteran Chad Clifton is getting on in his career at left tackle and Mark Tauscher is recovering from knee surgery on the right side.“

The question is: Will Lang see reps at left tackle in training camp? I think he might as unfortunately, I think Cliffy’s days are extremely numbered. Read the rest of the story on Lang, here.

Packers’ offensive coordinator Joe Philbin recently indicated he’d like the Packers to run the ball more in 2009 in order to even out the pass-to-run ratio. Last year, the Packers ran the ball 43% of the time with Ryan Grant getting 312 of 381 carries by running backs (Rodgers ran the ball 56 times). Grant seems to be nothing, if not durable (he played through a hamstring injury for at least a quarter of last season), so he can handle that volume. But some fans are suggesting that Grant split his carries with Brandon Jackson, DeShawn Wynn, or Kregg Lumpkin, whichever steps up as backup this year, in a two-back system such as the one the Dallas Cowboys ran last year. Alas, this will not happen, but the Packers can still even out the pass-to-run ratio.

Run Game Must Be More Effective; Pass Game Less Relied Upon

Evening out the pass-to-run ratio means three things must happen:

1) The offensive line must perform well enough for Grant to increase his average yards per carry from last year’s 3.9 to at least 4.5. That way, if Grant carries the ball as many, or more times than he did last year, he will gain 1,400-plus yards. Grant has shown he can take the beating, so if the offensive line can be more consistent, there is no reason Grant can’t gain more yards per carry this year.

2) One player among Brandon Jackson, Kregg Lumpkin and DeShawn Wynn must step up as a reliable and effective back up to Ryan Grant. Assuming Grant can be more effective this year, he should carry the ball between 300 and 350 times. That will leave 75 to 100 carries up for grabs in specialty packages and when Grant goes to the bench for rest.

3) The Packers must pass the ball 75 to 100 fewer times than they did in 2008. Of course, if the running game is effective, this will be an easy goal to achieve. But in the Packers’ system, many plays feature a run/pass option, so the running game must be effective enough to convince Rodgers to stick with the run in situations that could go either way.

In short, the Packers’ running game must become more effective than it was last year, and the run-to-pass ration will even out. Simply adding carries to a mediocre running game won’t get the job done. A healthy Ryan Grant, until proven otherwise, is the Packers’ most effective back, and as such, he should receive the lion’s share of carries. However, there is plenty of room for another back to contribute 75 to 100 carries and 350 to 450 yards. For an example, look no further than Minneapolis, where last year Adrian Peterson ran the ball 363 times for 1,760 yards, and Chester Taylor added 400 yards on 101 carries.

The Vikings ran the ball more often than they passed it, and while the Packers are very unlikely reach even a one-to-one ratio of passes to runs, they can approach it with a more consistent offensive line and a more effective running game.

Lee, Finley Will Split Time; Make Impact

The battle for number one tight end this year is a two-man show. Incumbent Donald Lee should hold the number one spot, but what’s in a name? Lee get’s the nod because he’s an all around player; a jack of all trades that will prove valuable in many situations. But he will be pushed hard from second year man, Jermichael Finley, due to the sophomore’s raw talent.

Really, the battle will come down to Finley’s talent versus his maturity. Last he suffered from a lack of comprehension of the offense that kept him on the sidelines. Worse, it kept him from making the most of his opportunities when he was called upon and his immaturity led him to say some thing he shouldn’t have when he made mistakes. All of this has led Packers fans to wondering whether this man has what it takes to be an NFL player. Surely he has the physical talent to be a star, but being even an average NFL player, especially at a position with as many responsibilities as tight end, takes at least a little bit of noggin noodles. Doesn’t it?

Fortunately, Finley seems plenty smart enough, and all signs are pointing to him returning to the field as a more mature player who’s ready to showcase his rare abilities. Look for Finley to split time with Lee almost equally, and also for the Packers to use more double-tight-end sets. Finley already runs the wheel and fade routes well, but look for him to step out into the slot to run slants and fades against safeties and linebackers. Finley will also run skinny posts and flag patterns from a tight two-point stance while leaving befuddled backers in his dust.

Lee will be featured more in the running game as his blocking skills are superior to Finley’s. But Lee still has the speed to outrun line backers and split safeties down the middle. Look for Lee to run the shorter patterns that will be Rodgers’ first or second read on bootlegs such as drags and out-type-routes; and longer patterns like posts and curls in the play-action game.

Tory Humphry is likely to be the third tight end, but will prove somewhat irrelevant in the passing game. The Packers’ third tight end will see some spot duty in specialty packages, but for the most part will not be relied upon for significant contributions. 

The Packers’ tight ends should have a great season, but with such a strong receiving core, there won’t be a ton of yardage for them. Nonetheless, Finley’s maturity will make them a dangerous duo that will make big plays.

Finley’s 2009 Projection

Lee’s 2009 Projection

Up next: Aaron Rodgers.

Happy Friday. Here’s some Packers news from around the web-ter-nets.

Grant’s Backups to Get More Carries?

According to PackersNews.com’s Insiders Blog, Joe Philbin wants the Packers to run more than they did last year. The Packers pounded the rock 43% of the time in 2008 and Ryan Grant had more carries than all but four other backs. So from whom will the Packers squeeze more carries? Those advocating a “two’back” system will be happy to read the following:

“Philbin was talking recently about his expectation that Ryan Grant would get the bulk of the carries this season. But then he added that if the Packers can run more often, then other backs on the team, such as Brandon Jackson, could see their share of carries go up as well.“

Personally, I’m not a big fan of the “two-back” system. If a guy can run, he can run. Sure, at times, RBs need “blow” on the sidelines, but if a guy isn’t good enough to be your starter, why would you put him on the field in critical third down situations? Doesn’t make sense to me. Anyway, check out the Insiders Blog here.

Stalk the Packers (And PFJ.com) on Facebook and Twitter

The Packers are officially on Facebook and Twitter, according to local Fox affiliate WLUK. And hey, so are we. So, Twitterati, mouse over there and follow!

• Packers on Facebook
• Packers on Twitter
• Packers Fan Journal on Twitter

Grant Learned Hard Work From Father

SI.com’s Andrew Lawrence tells us about growing up as Ryan Grant with a father determined to make his sons professional basketball players. What? Yeah. It’s kind of a shoot-for-the-moon-you’ll-land-among-the-stars story.

“When Ryan reached his current height (6-foot-1) at age 16, he decided football might be a better fit, so the old man went mining for new conditioning inspiration — and hit pay-dirt at the video store. The high school wrestling drama Vision Quest inspired him to send his boy running up the stadium steps at his high school — Don Bosco Prep, a private, all-boys Catholic school in New Jersey’s Bergen County — with a piece of lumber slung across his shoulders.“

Yikes. Read the rest here.

Retiring from Football Uncerimoniously?

Start a porn site with an unwilling model! Seriously though, you want to know more about Tony Manderich’s life after football? I know; who doesn’t, right? This time, Mandarich has permission CBSNews.com from rehash old demons on the internets. A word to the wise: If you ever find yourself writing about your controversial NFL-career-cum-12-step-program-cum-second-NFL-career-cum-life-after-football success story? Leave out the ex-wife porno site stuff. No one wants to read that and it would make you seem just as screwed up as you ever were. But, I digress.

There’s some Packers-related news here: Read about Mandrich’s NFL career and how he managed to survive retirement. I would’ve thought that would be the easy part for T-Mand.

“Many professional athletes have a hard time adjusting after retirement. We become spoiled by the attention and adoration from the fans, and don’t know where to get our self-worth when we are no longer in the limelight. After having been seen as such a ‘superior’ specimen, it is almost impossible for a former pro athlete to ask for help from anyone. We can’t bring ourselves to admit that we aren’t strong enough to be able to handle the extreme changes without help. After all, we have earned millions of dollars by being the strongest, the fastest, the best – who is out there that can help us? Or so the dysfunctional mindset goes.“

I guess it’s also hard for former professional athletes to ask their ex-wives to sign model release forms, too. Oh how hard the transitions must be. Read the rest here.

That’s it for Friday. Have a great weekend! I’ll be back on Monday. Or maybe sometime between now and then. We’ll see how it goes.

Here’s some stuff -news, you might say- on the Packers. There’s actually quite a bit out there today.

2009 Season Preview With Brandon Chillar

The Packers’ page over at ESPN.com is featuring an interview with Brandon Chillar. Chillar discusses, among other things, the possibility of playing against Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers’ shoulder, B.J. Raji, the switch to the 3-4 and being the NFL’s first Indian-American player.

“… for me, I’m very excited [about the new defense]. You know, we got Dom Capers; he’s proven, everybody bought in; the scheme really works for me. So, basically I’m real excited and ready to get started.“

Watch the whole thing, right here. No jump!

Packers Picked to Finish 2nd in NFCN

With or without Brett Favre, people still seem to think the Vikings are going to win the division. Come on. Seriously? PackersFanJournal.com believes that with, or without Favre, the Vikings will not win the division. But, I digress. Onlinesportshandicapping.com, for those betting types, has the call.

“Green Bay has a soft schedule that should help ease the transition to the 3-4. The Green Bay Packers NFC North 2009 NFL Picks Preview odds to win the division is at 2/1.“

Read the rest here.

Minny’s William’s Bros Get to Play

In disappointing news for Packers fans, ESPN.com has posted a story from the AP saying that the tackles Williams have had their suspension, uh, suspended. So, they won’t be missing the first four games of the season.

“Hennepin County District Judge Gary Larson granted the players’ request for a temporary restraining order that keeps the NFL from suspending them until their case is decided. The order also prohibits the league from subjecting them to extra drug testing.“

Lame. But read the rest here.

Jennings is Keeping Some Solid Company

Much has been made of Aaron Rodgers spending his month off working out in Sand Diego with the likes of Drew Brees and Ladanian Tomlinson. But Greg Jennings is spending his time working out with some other high profile NFLers. According to the NFC North Blog at ESPN.com:

“… Packers receiver Greg Jennings is working out in the Twin Cities with a group of players that includes Arizona’s Larry Fitzgerald, Tampa Bay’s Michael Clayton and Denver’s Brandon Marshall. And, oh yeah, another participant is future Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who will turn 47 in October.“

Read the rest here.

That’s it for today. Check back tomorrow for the latest.

Hey there. It’s hump day. Here’s a little bit of the news:

T.J. Lang Signs His Rookie Contract

The PackersFanJournal.com-proclaimed right (or possibly left) tackle of the future has signed his rookie deal. According to PackersNews.com

“… Lang signed a four-year contract that included a $502,500 signing bonus and base salaries of $310,000 in 2009, $395,000 in 2010, $480,000 in 2011 and $565,000 in 2012. The deal also contains a fourth-year escalator clause that can raise his compensation in 2012 to $1.308 million depending on his playing time.“

Read the rest here.

Packers’ Looking Good For 2009

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News believes the Packers are on solid ground this year, and for good reason. Though their record indicates otherwise, the Packers were competitive against nearly all of their opponents. Plus, they’ll be returning 21 of 22 starters in 2010.

“Despite [having the youngest team in the NFL], the Packers defeated 12-4 Indianapolis and NFC North champion Minnesota, fell in overtime to 13-3 Tennessee and blew fourth-quarter leads in losing four other games. Green Bay had the talent to compete in 2008 but lacked the maturity to close out opponents.“

Read more here.

Wells Back in the Middle?

A week or so ago, most reports from OTAs were that the starting center position had all but been wrapped up by Jason Spitz. To me it sounds like so much smoke being blown up the collective rears of the media. But Joe Philbin isn’t counting out Wells at center. The PackersNews.com Insider’s quoted Philbin on the matter:

“There are 12 SEC schools, and probably 10 of them didn’t think Scott Wells could play,” said Philbin. “He went to Tennessee and started a boatload of games. A lot of people didn’t think he could play in the NFL, he started a lot of games.

My guess is Scott is going to come back here and compete like hell. We’ll see. I don’t think in anyone’s mind is there a foregone conclusion that Jason Spitz is going to start.“

You can read the rest here.

Man. Not a lot of off-the-beaten-path stuff out there today. See ya later.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Our condolences to the McNair family and the family of his girlfriend.

Now, let’s get to it. Here’s some new from news from today and the weekend.

Rodgers is a Fantasy Keeper

Keeperleaguegm.com believes that Aaron Rodgers is one of the top ten choices at QB if you’re looking to start a fantasy franchise. Duh. More interesting I thought were the author’s critiques of Rodgers 2008 performance: too many sacks and poor road performance.

“Two challenges for Rodgers remain his high sack total last season (34), and the significant drop-off in performance on the road. The latter you can chalk-up to rookie jitters against some tough defenses (with another challenging season of road defenses in ‘09), but the sacks remain an issue. At just 25 years of age, Rodgers provides a clear opportunity for a fantasy franchise to invest early and pay dividends down the road.“

Rodgers’ average QB rating at away games was about 84; well below is home average of 104. But if you look at those games, Rodgers really only had unacceptable ratings in two: versus New Orleans and Tampa Bay. At Chicago and Minnesota Rodgers posted ratings in the high seventies. Not stellar, but in both games he led the team to within Mason Crosby’s right foot of wins. Which cannot be overlooked.

Rodgers has had to bear a lot of criticism for not leading the Packers to a win in one of their 7 losses by four or less points. But in Minnesota, Rodgers spent most of the day on his backside. Yet was able to lead a last minute drive that culminated in Crosby’s missed 52-yarder. The Chicago game was a similar story.

In my view, Rodgers only needs to work on one thing this year, and that’s simply moving the chains in the two-minute drill. Forget about touchdowns and forget about big plays; just move the chains. But, I digress.

Read the rest here.

3-4 Feel-goodery

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal is reporting the Dom Capers is feeling pretty good about they way the Packers’ new defense is coming together. The article discusses Raji’s possible role as a starter, Kampman’s transition and Kevin Greene’s effectiveness as a coach.

“At the conclusion of the Packers’ minicamp in June, Capers tried to assess the last six months in which he and his newly assembled defensive staff worked the kind of long days usually seen only in the middle of the season. It’s time-consuming to start from scratch with a new team, but this staff also is changing the defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme.“

Here’s a somewhat-related question: Why are people getting their undies in a twist over Raji playing defensive end? In a 3-4, is DE really that much different than tackle in 4-3? I don’t know, I’m asking. It seems to me that if the Packers were running a 4-3, they’d want to get Raji and Pickett on the field simultaneously as much as possible. Why would that be different in a 3-4? Raji appears to be a special athlete. And while Pickett, I think, will be a great nose tackle in this D, he and Raji can’t play there at the same time. So why not let Raji play DE? He’s young, smart, strong, fast and adept at finding his way into the backfield. He will be a fine DE in this system. Don’t you think?
Read the rest here.

The Packers: America’s Team?

Of course. There is no doubt. But the debate rages none-the-less. Pittsburgh? Dallas? Pffft. Kevin Seifert has Packers’ fans’ backs over at his ESPN.com NFC North Blog.

“Every summer, team officials make a full report to shareholders at Lambeau Field. Unlike any other team, the Packers’ football executives must explain their approach and answer questions. Shareholders do not have voting rights, so fans can’t influence football decisions. But no fan base can claim a more significant connection to its team.“

Read the rest here.

The Apocalypse is Nigh

Here I go, breaking the unofficial “No Brent Faver News” rule. But, sadly, the unthinkable is now all but an official inevitability. From to TwinCities.com:

“… a little birdie heard that quarterback Brett Favre and wife Deanna last weekend made a $30,000 deposit on a condominium near 50th and France in Edina.“

Read the rest here. Then go drink a bunch of these.

That’s all for this Monday, July 6th. I hope everyone had an explosive, if not safe, Independence Day. Later on.

Not much new news out there today. Here’s what I could scrape up. I guess you’ll have to spend more time at work actually working. Sorry for that.

Packers Ranked as 13th Best Sports Franchise

The Packers dropped from number four last year to number thirteen this year in ESPN’s Ultimate Standings. I guess a losing season will do that to a team. Good to know though, that Lambeau Field is still the reigning champ as best stadium.

“Lambeau is a juggernaut. The Pack’s home has been the top NFL venue each year of the Standings, and this year it landed in the top overall spot for the fourth time. Attribute that to the G-Force campaign, a team-sponsored directive launched in 2007 to rally fans.“

Read the rest here.

Fantasy People: You Want GJ (Duh)

The Sports Network has a blurb on Greg Jennings’ rise in the league’s receiving ranks. Jennings was not on too many fantasy owners’ radar last year, but obviously that won’t be the case this year.

In 2008 this receiver played with a first- time starter at quarterback and was greatly devalued on Draft Day. He had a preseason Average Draft Position of 54.76 (19th wide receiver selected) but by season’s end was the No.6 wide receiver in fantasy points production. His name is Greg Jennings and he plays receiver for the Green Bay Packers.”

Read the rest here.