There has been some discussion, ok much discussion of this in various threads.  With the pitching decision coming today (and apparently Marshall back in the bullpen), I thought I would throw out my thoughts.  Then, others can include their lineups and we can all discuss like adults.  Or not, both are fun. 

My bench, after the jump:

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Saw this today, looks like Collins maybe a holdout.  I think he is an important part of that defense, I hope this won't be a big issue.  I'm thinking he will get an extension.  Thirteen interceptions in two years is good production, and he is only 26. 

The article, taken from the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal and posted on Yahoo says this:

That is, he'll do it if the team doesn't come through with some kind of long-term deal and just extend him a restricted free agent tender.

Is there anyway this doesn't get done?  I just don't see it.

Link here

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This is a good article I found linked at another Packers' blog site.  I really hope they can get this thing done and avoid a lockout. 

As a Packer fan, I feel our team has entered a window where they will have the talent to go to the Superbowl.  How long is this window?  That cannot be predicted, fortunately they are a young team, but are aging at a few key positions. 

Article here

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There has been much discussion about Jennings catch as to whether or not it was a completion, and therefore a TD.  When I saw it, I thought it was b/c he had control and two feet in, doesn't matter after that.  After looking into it, I now know I didn't know and understand the actual rules.  The rule has changed and is a little confusing. 

First off, let's clear up what the rule is that applies here.  The "football move" verbiage was removed a couple years (2007)  ago and replaced with the "maintain possession throughout contact with the ground" or going to the ground clause. 

The interpretation is this:  possession is established in the field, sideline, or endzone with control of the ball and two feet (or other body part except hands) down.  If the player is contacted by a defender before both feet come down, then the going to the ground note is invoked.  That says he must maintain control of the ball before, during, and after contacting the ground. 

I still cannot find video of the catch, but a few photos (see below fold) I have seen show Tillman in contact, and I think it is safe to say he was before both Jennings' feet came down.  If that is the case, then Jennings would have had to remain control all the way to the ground and after contacting it. (he did not)  Note:  it does not matter that he was not going to the ground during the catch, only that he was contacted before both feet were down.  That contact is what made control of the ball necessary all the way down.

Mark Pereira, the NFL VP of Officiating explains it very well here about a TB receiver in week 10:  Video here

Also, watch the next item he discusses involving the GB/Dallas game.  MM got away with one there.

There you go - No Catch.  Who cares, we won and the Bears still suck!

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Is Aaron Rodgers the right man for the pack?  I say hell yes.  Funny that it took a Vikings reporter to lay it out so well.

Article here

It is easy to forget although he has been around several years, he is only 1/2 way through his second season as a starter.  He is leading the league in sacks taken, and also in passer rating.  He is amongst the leaders in most passing stats and has kept turnovers to a minimum.  Yes, some of the sacks are on him to avoid, but that sort of production deserves some big kudos.  I'm willing to cut him a break with all the production he has put up. 

I am very concerned with the beating Rodgers is taking.  He has injuries on both feet now?  If this sack rate continues, odds are he doesn't make 16 starts this season.  The single most frustrating thing for me this season has been the lack of progress in QB protection. 

The O-line is in flux with injuries and that is a big part of the problem.  Lack of depth, experience, and talent are combining to make this a tough egg to crack.  On this site, I see posts every week calling for more slants, draws, screens, bootlegs, etc.  Basically, all the classic tools used to slow down the pass rush.  If memory serves, Green's reception last week was a screen.  Beyond that, I have seen very little adjustment made in the scheme to address the problem.  I have heard discussed TT does not like screens, but can't more be done?  

I would like to see Rodgers pull the ball down and run a little more often.  He has good wheels and can get yards in chunks.   If he shows a willingness to do this more frequently, it will give opposing D's something else to prepare for, help him avoid sacks by getting out of the pocket before it collapses, and provide another way to gain some 1st downs. 

It is funny that the sports coverage in Chicago is bemoaning the fact there wunderkind QB is getting hit too much and jeopardizing his future.  He has taken 16 sacks.  Protecting our QB  must be the #1 priority.  Is the GB press hitting this topic hard?

Many of these ideas have been previously brought up, but wanted to put them in one spot for discussion.  I feel the health of our QB is far and away the main concern for the rest of the season and am frustrated by what I perceive to be a lack of progress.