Watching the game I noticed that it seemed everyone at Lambeau feels the same as I do! FOOTBALL IS FINALLY HERE!! The stadium seemed to have a great atmosphere even for a preseason game. This also could have been due to the Packs play. The starting Offensive with 2 TDs, the 3-4, and the worries.

Pack win 17-0

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Starting with the DBs, reports are saying Capers and Whitt are scheming up more blitz passages for the DBs. The secondary last year just rushed the passer a total of 31 times. Out of the 31 times Woodson lead the unit with 10 times and getting 3 sacks. So Woodson is the forefront to be the one most rushing from the secondary. Which has its positives and negatives. Woodson is a playmaker! But do we want to be taking our best CB out of coverage more often?

The positive with the story has to do with another Woodson, Rod Woodson. Rod now a HOF served under Capers while at Pittsburgh from '92-94. Rod Woodson had a total of 11 sacks and was defensive player of the year while under Capers. So lets hope Capers can do that with our Woodson too!

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UPDATE: Brandon here. I was thinking of taking a look at the 2009 schedule, but bizzle4 beat me to it. 

With the draft completed, OTAs begining soon, and the make up of the teams in the NFC North pretty much solidified. Who does everyone feel is the favorite now?

The Packers coming off a 6-10 season last year have a lot to look forward to. The 3-4, the second year under Rodgers, Raji, and much more. We do have a tough second half of the season Notable games:  vs Dallas, vs Ravens, @ Steelers, and @  AZ. Ravens, Pitt, AZ all in the last month of the season could hurt.

The Bears bringing in Cutler will finally possess a passing game, but do they have the WR weapons to compete. The Bears have what looks like an easier schedule. Notable games:  vs Steelers, vs AZ, vs Eagles, @ Ravens. But these games are all spread out throughout the season.

The Vikings try to defend their crown with the addition of Rosenfels and WR Harvin. The still have one of the best D's in the NFL and RB AP. With the possibility of getting Brett. With or without him they will still be tough. They do have probably the hardest schedule in the division, rightfully so. Notable games: weeks 6,7,8 could make or break them as they play vs Ravens, @ Steelers, @ Packers. Then have @ Panthers, @ Az, vs Giants in the second half of the season.

The Lions drafted Stafford and retained Culpepper. Culpepper should be the starter for most of the season, but if they struggle look for Stafford to get PT Notable games: @ Saints, vs Steelers, @ Ravens, vs Az.

The division will be much more contested then it was last year. My pick is with the Pack, yes a little bias but the Vikings have a tough schedule and I don't think the Bears have the weapons Cutler needs. I do feel it will come down to the 12 games the three teams play each other. So what do you all think?

I first off wanted to say thanks to Brandon and Mitchell for running this site. You guys are always on top of things and do a great job.

Secondly, I wanted to thank all the new comers here. In the past month or two it has seemed like a ton of people have joined in. I don't know if you all have been always here and just been quiet, but it has been nice to get some new opinions in here.

And i was just to try to get to know so people here. Nothing too personal just fun Packer things..  How long have you been a Packer fan? From WI or something else influence your interest in the Pack? Favorite Pack memory?  etc.....

Just something fun and get our minds off all the Favre rumors....

With the first day done with... what player or team was the most surprising?

-Oakland picking Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree

-The Jets Trading all the way up to number 5 for Sanchez

-Everette Brown slipping to the second round (many thought he could have been the Packs pick)

-Raji and Orakpo both being on the board for our #9 pick

-Tyson Jackson at #3.... really?

So what does everyone think was the biggest shocker? I really think KC reached far to get Jackson with the #3 pick.... But then the Jets gave up a ton too to move up... And Al Davis well enough is said just with Al Davis

The Packers signed Free Agent Brian Soi a NT from Utah State.

Soi was a nondrafted FA last season when he signed with Miami before being released and spending time with the Giants.

I have never heard of the guy and cant find any numbers even from his college years. The only info I can find on him is when he was going into college he ran a 4.91 40 time and recruited by some big schools. USC, Oregon, Nebraska, TN, and BYU.

However, he has adequate size,  6'3'' 334 lbs. So we will have to see if he has any talent...

For all of us who thought the Cutler talks could have an impact in the NFC North were right. Well sort of.... It was not the Vikings nor the Lions that pulled the trigger.. It was the Bears....

The Bears will be sending Denver Kyle Orton and be giving up their first round picks for 2009, 2010, and a third round in 2009. However, they do recieve the Broncos fifth round pick in this years draft.

Personally I am shocked to hear this. I never thought Orton was great but he was decent. And just when the you thought there was no more controversy in Chi-town with Rex gone they dump Orton.

So what does this mean in the NFC NORTH?

Announced today the Packers will open the season against the Bears at home Sunday night! Hopefully another W like last years prime time MNF opener against the Vikes last year. We also will be playing on Thanksgiving against the Lions. I love watching football on Thanksgiving and glad to have the Pack playing on it but also hate playing on it. The Lions always seem to play better (excluding their beat down last year by TEN) they seem to always light a fire under themselves and play up to the attention. And the Pack havent been historically successful on Turkey day against them just 12-18.

Finally something other than TT, FA, and the draft to discuss. Overtime in the NFL first team to score wins. Well from what I have read it doesnt seem like the owners will be voting on the issue, but that does not stop us from having our own debate on the subject.

The Pack lost two games last year in OT before even touching to ball. However, in 2007 we all know about that great Favre moment in Denver in the OT win. So it goes both ways.

I dont know why everyone bashes or just plainly dislikes the college and even high school does the same overtime. For those of you that don't know about the college/ high school OT. Both teams get a chance starting at the oppenents 25 yard line and you play till one stops the another. And after the 2nd OT you have to go for 2 after each touchdown. Personally I love this OT I believe it is much more exciting. It gives both offenses a chance and gives both defenses a chance to do their jobs. In the NFL's OT it lacks the excitement that should be there for a OT game. Once the coin toss is done you are pretty sure team will win.

So what does everyone think about OT? Do they change it? How?

Vonnie Holiday was just released by Miami. Though he has aged (now 33) quite a bit since his last tenure in Green Bay he has also has some much need experience at a 3-4 DE. He was only expected to make $2.8 mil and another $1.5 mil in bonuses. So very cheap. Last year he piled up 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks starting 15 games and playing in all 16 of them. I think he would really be worth a hard look! for many of reasons.

1. He is a proven 3-4 DE. Since the draft is upon us and we will debate to go after a DE or OLB. But the problem there is if you draft a player you think will work for the DE spot they might not. If we could get Vonnie then we can just go after a OLB for the 3-4 which to me seems to be easier comparetable to the college OLB rather than a college DE to a 3-4 DE.

2. He will be cheap!!! No big bucks needed for him. And i think going back to the team that drafted him would spark an interest in him.

3. He comes with a new leadership role. He was the captain of the Dolphins last year and has took that responsibility and lead in positive ways

So what does everyone think? Too old? Or a good cheap fit?

So it is now official, most of you will be pretty disappointed but DT Haynesworth signed with the Redskins. But before you get to upset look at what the are giving up 7 years and $100 million for a guy that has only played a full season once in his career. And will be 28 in a couple of months. Yea that may sound young but not to DL whose knees and ankles start to give out early. Dont get me wrong i would have liked Haynesworth in GB but not for the money he was asking I dont think he is the number one DT in the NFL. (I believe there are two Williams that you could argue are better and more consistent)

Other news the Vikings dont only make the trade for Rosenfels but they give him and extension paying him a decent starter salary with a two years for $9 mil instead of the $1.3 he was making in Houston.   

Another possible disappointment to us the Jets seem to be close in signing LB Scott for 5 years $40 mil.

We can be happy that we did put offers and have rights to some of our key players Tramon, Bigby, Martin, Bush... but still no news with Tauscher...

So with Haynesworth, Scott, Suggs, and so on off the market now who do we want? or should go after?

So everyone that watched the Super Bowl just witnessed one of the best 3-4 Defenses. We are all hoping we can get to that stature but can we? I think there are some guys on the team that will perform better but then we still have a lot more holes then we did in the 4-3. So comparing our lineup against the Steelers and the 3-4.....

Bigby.. a FA so this could be important or not depending on the signings. But I think he can perform a lot better in the 3-4 as the physical SS he is he will be able to play the run more and become a part of the blitz packages. His weakness is covering but you can then just have him roam on pass plays.. Look at Troy Polamalu a very physical guy plays up on the line a lot and makes a ton of plays! So this can help Bigby.

Kampman... After watching the Steelers LBs I really don't think Kamp can play OLB anymore. He is quick for a DE but not a OLB. He can be very comparable to Aaron Smith but Kamp had just a little better numbers (62 tackles 9.5 sacks Smith 60 Ts 5.5 sacks) So to say a DE in 3-4 is just a line filler may not be right. I just cant see Kampman being James Harrison or LaMarr Woodley (they are the same size but not the same attributes)

NT... I think we have a number of guys that could play this sucessfully. Harrell has the size and even better speed then most NT but can he stay healthy? Pickett has the size and had actually a better year then Steeler NT Casey Hampton. Pickett 48T 1.5S Hampton 22T and 1S. And Even Jolly or Cole both are big even to play that NT pos.

Jenkins... a step above Brett Keisel for the other DE...

LBS... To say Hawk is undersized to play inside would be FALSE!!! Look at Foote 239 lbs and Farrior 243lbs and Hawk is 248lbs so undersize is not the problem but he just needs to have better awareness as i think he lacked that playing MLB this year... Barnett the other inside backer.. The outside I Chillar might be just cause we have no one else.. the other I think we need help in the draft. Witjh the switch to the 3-4 I think we can cross out the DLine help that we needed this past year. We are going to need quick and big LBs

With that said I would like TT and MM to look at Orakpo DE/OLB from TX Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn ST or Rey Maualuga from USC. All have good size can play the run and pass rush.  And could all fit at the inside backer or outside

Nothing new in Green Bay for the past couple of days so lets look at the SB!!! Steelers vs Cardinals! Who do ya have?

Pitt-supporting the #1 D this year and will give that Cardinal O some trouble. But can they stop Larry Fitzgerald? No one has yet in the postseason! Also how will Big Ben do against a Arizona D that has reemerged this post season as a threat!

ARZ- The may only go as far as Fitzgerald takes them. Handling Pitts blitzes and schemes maybe be the toughest part for them but if they can figure their D out watch out! ARZ's D has stepped up this post season and may give Big Ben some troubles. Big Ben is good under pressure but yet gets sacked the most in the NFL watch for both D's controlling this game.

This is in reply sort of to the hiring the safeties coach. I just didnt want to fill that  whole post with TT comments.

Everyone may have their own and different opinion on the Favre situation. I personally understood both sides of that. I would have loved to have #4 but Rodgers probably would have walked this offseason if he didnt play. So I believe I am not a biased. Most of the people on here seem to believe Ted is a good GM but is he really? I am not going to try to praise or bash him here just want to state what I think and hear so reactions.

So here is my thought on TT. He sucks for FA. He is a great rebuilding GM. He knows how to get young talent in the draft. But are we really a rebuilding team? Yes our record would say yes but everyone knows our record did not show our talent and the games we should have won. So do we really need/ want the young talent in the draft that really wont help us win now? I know every team wants to try to get the best players in the draft as possible but usually other teams go with the best players that they need. Ted seems to not do this! He seems like the next Matt Millen that gets the best possible player not matter what. (Lions 1st round WRS who cares if they dont have a QB to throw it to them attitude)

With all the changes the Packers have made coachingwise and schemes, there has been a ton of talk here on possible FAs that we would all love to see in Green n Gold! But we have to realize none of them will probably ever happen due to TT and his draft schemes. The Peppers Haynesworth talk and now the Asomugha talk. We easily have the money for any of them as the salary cap has been not an issue now for sometime. Also the with hard economy baseball players are seeing football FAs will probably see the same. So the market for these guys maybe less then everyone thinks. These players are all great and would be an great addition to our team. But we know the odds of us getting them are slim with TT.  We have a good team we just need to fill some gaps that probably wont happen in the draft. We need some veterans.

So what does everyone think about TT and the possible FAs we could get but probably wont? So let the comments fly!

Tampa Bay has announced the hiring of Jim Bates as their new DC. Bates who  was the former Packer DC left when McCarthy took over. I think the sucessful players we have on D now owe alot to Bates. He took the Packers D  from the bottom to the top.  It was a shame he had to leave

He then headed to Miami and has rebuilt their Defense and suceeded with it. Now with a great veteran players on his defense in Tampa he can strive. I just hope his defense has aleast one bad game as we play Tampa Bay in week 4 I believe?

With the recent news in Dallas departing with Pacman Jones. And now the rumored release of Owens and Tank Johnson.

"I think we all know that chemistry is the problem with this team more than the schemes or anything else," a Cowboys source said. "Are we going to continue to allow talent to outweigh everything else in the decisions we make with players and putting the roster together? We're like the Redskins used to be when they signed every player they wanted. There's more to it than talent. It has to be more about the team.

i hope this is a positive sign for the NFL to stop the BS. The Goodell strict no policy has somewhat turned into a joke to me. Pacman should have never been allowed to play and though TO has not done anything wrong in the NFL eyes but he is destroying teams where ever he goes. I am sick of people like him getting millions to be a cry baby.

I think we as Packer fans can really appreciate we might not have the big name players but we also do not have the players causing problems. (excluding Robinson who didnt have anything while a Packer and the Nick Barnett bar scene a few years ago.)

We do not have the crying TO saying "thats my QB" and then slamming him and his TE the next season.

TO used to be a great WR but he is at best just a good WR now. His numbers are continuing to decline and his mouth is continuing to incline. He has now had a negative influence on other teammates too.  I know some people out there like TO and the drama he creates but I personally do not. These guys are professional athletes show some professionalism. If it was you decision to have or let get TO, Tank, Pacman what would you all do? Are they really worth the millions on the field when they cause the problems off the field?

While I cant seem to find anything on current contracts. I know Tauscher is a FA after this year but not sure on anyone else. So with a disappointing year thus far and the front page already looking to the 09 season so will i. so who does everyone think we need to resign or let walk and who we should seek in the draft, FA, or trades this offseason? What is our fix now position?

I know this sounds crazy just saying makes me laugh but lets look at this. Jason Marquis, as much as we all have had our doubts on him he has been good of late. Yesterdays win 5hit shut out in just a 2-0 game was big. Also pitched well last friday until the one inning got away from him in the 6th or 7th? I can't remember. He is now 9-7. He is 3-1 in his last 5 starts with a 3.90 ERA which is better then Big Z. In the month of August he was 2-0 with a 1.46 on the road. Giving up just 2 ER in 12.1 innings of work. To me he is finally becoming a 5th starter we can agree with. He won't win them all but who can? With Big Z struggling (hopefully he can pick it back up as he did this time last year) I think Marquis can be a huge arm starting in the 5th spot down the stretch. I just wanted to see what everyone else thinks of him if he is still the one we close our eyes for during every pitch or say hey we can win with him...

 I have been a Cub fan my whole life of 19 years. But I have never been to Wrigley!! I know how depressing that must sound to some of you it is even more depressing to me.. But I live in Wisconsin and would just go see the Cubs play here at Wrigley North a.k.a. Miller Park but this summer I have made a vow to myself and buddies that we have to make a trip down to Wrigley for a game. So my question is where is the best place to get seats? I know the bleachers have some hype to them but can you actually watch the game from there?