Packers Alumni Henderson & Freeman to join fans at official PFT Tailgate Parties this September!

| 09/04/2012
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‘] We will have two special Green Bay Packers alumni joining us to kick off the first two weeks of the season!
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  • 09/09 49ers: William Henderson (#33)
  • 09/13 Bears: Antonio Freeman (#86)

Will and Antonio will be there to celebrate the start of another Packers Season, sign autographs (for a fee), and get you geared up for two huge NFC matchups to start 2012! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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Click here for Tailgate Party Information

Packers vs. 49ers Preview – Packers News @ PFT

| 09/04/2012
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‘] GREEN BAY – It does, in fact, get better than this.
San Francisco at Green Bay in last year’s NFC Championship Game would have qualified as more important than Sunday’s 49ers-Packers regular season opener at Lambeau Field.
The eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants had other plans, however, so this game was put on hold until Sunday.
Now we will get answers to the most pressing two questions.
** Will the Packers’ revamped run defense stonewall the 49ers’ powerful running game? The 49ers rushed for 2,044 yards and an average of 4.1-yards per carry last season. Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore is the lead dog, but he has plenty of help in ex-Giants free-agent Brandon Jacobs, speedy second-round draft pick LaMichael James and shifty Kendal Hunter.
The Packers’ run defense will be tested in this pass-fail exam. If the Packers’ defense fails, the 49ers won’t have to pass much at all. They will be content to stuff it down Green Bay’s throat. The 49ers averaged more than 31 carries per game a year ago.
After an entire offseason spent talking about the Packers’ pass rush, the fact is that B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett, Jerel Worthy and the others better be ready to stop the run. Even if the Packers’ high-powered offense builds an early lead, the 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh won’t be quick to abandon the running game.
So what does that mean for Green Bay’s defense? Fortunately, a couple of factors are working in the Packers’ favor.
First, the 49ers aren’t quite sure what Green Bay’s defensive line is capable of. Where they attack in the run game (at linebacker D.J. Smith) seems obvious, but how well they execute it remains to be seen.
Second, the Packers’ linebackers are faster (even with Smith) and their defensive backs are much more physical in run support.
The 49ers simply won’t be able to lineup and run over Green Bay. The Packers’ humiliating 2011 season, coupled with a riled up home crowd, should carry the Packers’ defense in the opener.
** Can the 49ers’ highly regarded defense stop the Packers’ dynamic offense? The 49ers are led by a trio of Pro Bowl defenders – defensive tackle Justin Smith and inside linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman – who didn’t allow a rushing touchdown or a 100-yard rusher in the 49ers’ first 14 games last season. The Packers’ Cedric Benson is going to take a shot at both in the season opener.
Do the Packers have what it takes offensively to thwart the 49ers?
In a word, absolutely, because the Packers’ offense isn’t going to be as good as it was in 2011. It is going to be better.
Aaron Rodgers threw for more than 4,000 yards with 45 touchdowns to only six interceptions. His quarterback rating was record-setting. His third down efficiency was obscene.
Nevertheless, Rodgers can be better by not having to do so much.
He should benefit from at least the threat of a running game with Benson. He also should find it easier to move the chains as Alex Green develops into a reliable third-down back.
Starting receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson are as dynamic a one-two punch as there is in the NFL. Second-year pro Randall Cobb is ascending and veterans James Jones and Donald Driver are reliable, able-bodied playmakers.
Tight end Jermichael Finley is completely healthy and ready to maximize his mammoth potential.
The Packers’ offense in 2011 won games by outscoring opponents. This season, the offense will win games by dominating the action. They will be able to run it when necessary and throw it when they prefer.
Rodgers’ ability to read defenses and manipulate play calls at the line of scrimmage is only going to increase as he matures.
The special teams is a concern in so far as punt and kick coverage, especially given the 49ers’ proficiency with Ted Ginn, Jr., one of the NFL’s best. Also, the Niners’ David Akers (a record 44 field goals in 2011) and punter Andy Lee (a record 44-yard net) are very good, but the Packers’ Mason Crosby and Tim Masthay also are among the best.
The Packers’ McCarthy and the 49ers’ Harbaugh are among the NFL’s most respected head coaches, and their staffs are hard-working and creative. The 49ers will use “jumbo” formations with massive defensive tackles, and the read option with backup QB Colin Kaepernick. The Packers also will be creative near the goal line.
So how does the opener play out?
After a sluggish start offensively, the Packers will get it ramped up in time to score a 34-24 victory over San Francisco. Rodgers will throw for three touchdowns, and Green will rush for another. As good as the 49ers’ defense is, it will be Green Bay’s defense getting its redemption.
Chris Havel is a Packers News expert and national best-selling author. His latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ Player Autograph Parties the evening before home games.

Aaron Rodgers explains his defense of Ryan Braun

| 09/02/2012
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‘] Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who typically steers clear of controversy, was candid when Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, the 2011 NL MVP, was suspended for violating baseball’s steroids policy.  When the news of the violation broke in December, Rodgers called the allegations “ridiculous.”  After Braun was exonerated, Rodgers invited the media to feast on crow.
In an interview with the media outlet that first reported the pending Braun suspension, Rodgers explained his decision to sound off on Braun, with whom Rodgers has partnered in a Brookfield, Wisconsin restaurant that opened in July.
“He told me the truth and I believed him and I felt like there were some media outlets that immediately jumped on a story like that,” Rodgers told ESPN’s Bob Holtzman.  “And the ramifications that can happen in this business when it’s a guilty until proven innocent system are far reaching.  And it’s not just personal and reputation stuff, it’s dollars through endorsements.”
Rodgers is right.  And that’s why we periodically harp on the importance of maintaining confidentiality until any suspension has been finalized, especially when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs.  Sometimes, the player is exonerated, but the stigma doesn’t disappear.
[Source] – By Mike Florio

Get to this years home opener against the 49ers with PFT!

| 09/02/2012
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The Packers September schedule kicks off with a bang as they host the San Francisco 49ers in an early clash that could have massive ramifications down the line!

Event USA has options for all budgets this season, including:

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Borel, Gurley, Moss, among 8 early cuts

| 08/31/2012
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‘] Green Bay – The Packers have informed some of their players that they have been released ahead of the 8 p.m. deadline tonight.
The biggest name thus far is WR Diondre Borel, who early in camp looked like a strong candidate for the 53-man roster. But he struggled with drops and now is on the waiver wire.
Also, players have said that WR Tori Gurley has been released, but so far no official word. Multiple reports have said he has been cut, so he’s on the list below.
Among the first are S Anthony Levine, who was engaged in a battle with rookie Jerron McMillian and M.D. Jennings for the starting spot in the nickel. Levine will probably be brought back to the practice squad, his agent said.
Also released was C Sampson Genus, who also has a shot at being added to the practice squad. The Packers’ coaching staff likes Genus a lot and undoubtedly will try to bring him back if they can.
A source said that rookie OT Andrew Datko was released as well.
A source said that OL Reggie Wells will not be with the Packers this year. That means GM Ted Thompson is definitely on the hunt for some offensive linemen out of the cut group. He also cut rookie OG Greg Van Roten, a very impressive undrafted free agent, who came a long way during camp.
Van Roten is a certainty for the practice squad if he’s not claimed.
Don Barclay, one of the more impressive young players, has not been told he’s on the 53-man roster yet, but he’ll be on the practice squad if he’s not on the 53. A lot depends on who Thompson acquires in a trade or on waivers on the offensive line.
OG/C Tommie Draheim remains a question mark. He has not told his agent that he has been released.
Meanwhile, OT Shea Allard and C/G Tommie Draheim have have been told they’ve been released.
WR Dale Moss, the former college basketball player, apparently did enough to keep the Packers’ interested. His athletic ability is very intriguing and the Packers will try to bring him back to the practice squad.
Also, WR Shaky Smithson has been waived from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
We’ll update the cuts as they happen.
Here’s the list so far:

  • S Anthony Levine
  • C Sampson Genus
  • OT Andrew Datko
  • OL Reggie Wells
  • OG Greg Van Roten
  • WR Dale Moss
  • WR Diondre Borel
  • TE Brandon Bostick
  • WR Tori Gurley
  • WR Curenski Guilleylen
  • OT Shea Allard
  • C/G Tommie Draheim

[source]

ESPN Experts 2012 NFL Predictions: 9 of 16 Pick Pack to Win it All!

| 08/31/2012
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The early verdict is in: the Packers look sharp.

ESPN’s panel of 16 expert NFL analysts have published their preseason rankings and predictions for the 2012 NFL season, and the results paint a rosy future for Packers fans.

Of the analysts polled, the Packers were unanimous favorites to win the NFC North. Just over half chose the Packers as 2012 Super Bowl champions.

Packers fans are familiar with these kinds of expectations, but only time will tell when the regular season kicks off next week. Check out all of our great packages for Packers football this year, and check out all of ESPN’s preseason rankings here.

[Source]

49ers at Packers Skybox Special!

| 08/30/2012
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We have an amazing offer for the Green Bay Packers home opener against the San Francisco 49ers in the luxury and comfort of a Lambeau Field private suite!
Each package includes:

  • Complete 20 person Private Suite (“Skybox”)
  • Parking for 4 vehicles
  • Pre-Game Three Hour “Tailgate Party”
  • Aaron Rodgers Autographed Football
  • A chance to see the new Party Deck below the North Endzone Scoreboard

Endline Package:

$8900

50 Yard Line Package:

$9900

Catch the game with Antonio Freeman!

For a limited time we are offering the opportunity to have Packers Legend, Super Bowl winning Wide Receiver Antonio Freeman, host your suite for one half of the home opener.

For only $2000 (In addition to the cost of the Suite) you can enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime and watch half of the 2012 Packers home opener with one of the greatest Packers receivers of all time!

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Rodgers not immune to locker room shenanigans

| 08/28/2012
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‘] NFL locker rooms are equitable places.
No one is immune to the occasional prank.
Yesterday, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was holding court with the media, after they were told he only had a few minutes.
Instead, they only got a few questions in, as Rodgers got a face-full of shaving cream, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
“I think you have to start looking toward next week to be honest with you,” Rodgers said. “This week is really for the young guys, we’ve got 75 guys and we have to cut 22 to get down to our beginning-of-the-season roster, so a lot of jobs are up for grabs for those guys.
“I think for the 1s, we kind of want to get in, get out and not have anybody …”
Hit in the face with a pie, apparently, because that’s when fullback John Kuhn swooped in and nailed Rodgers in the face with a towel full of shaving cream.
Wilde has the video, and noted that Rodgers “did seem somewhat perturbed by it,” as he quickly retreated.
Guessing that if Kuhn doesn’t know how Rodgers feels, he will soon. Even if it’s all in good fun, you have to take care of the quarterback.
(Photo credit: Pat Mayo, WBAY-TV)
[source] – by Darren Gant

Replacement Refs: Charles Woodson sees “a lot of bad officiating”

| 08/27/2012
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‘] Packers defensive back Charles Woodson says that if the NFL’s lockout of the officials doesn’t end soon, things could get ugly.
Woodson says the replacement officials have struggled during the preseason, and with less than two weeks to get them ready for the regular season, there’s no way they’re going to be up to speed in time.
“They haven’t been very good,” Woodson told USA Today. “That’s the honest opinion. Before preseason started, I think you’re optimistic. But it’s almost like a young guy coming into the NFL. The game goes too fast for them. Now, could they go through a season and get better? Sure. But there’s going to be a lot of bad officiating going on until they catch up to the speed of the game.”
Woodson indicated that a player like himself might actually be able to benefit from the absence of the regular officials, because he could get away with pass interference. But he’d rather not see it come to that.
“There will be some things you normally wouldn’t get away with,” Woodson said. “It’s not that you’d be trying to get away with them, but you will because the official didn’t see it or he didn’t know to make the call. We need the [regular officials] back.”
Despite more and more players like Woodson coming forward to say the NFL needs the regular officials, it’s looking less and less likely that they’ll get the regular officials before the regular season starts.
[Source] – by Michael David Smith

Time for Harrell to show his stuff; Benson shines – Packers News @ PFT

| 08/27/2012
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‘] GREEN BAY – The caller sounded confused. He wondered why we were still discussing Harrell’s future in Green Bay.
“The Packers already cut Justin Harrell, didn’t they?” he said.
No, we explained, the conversation was centered on Graham Harrell’s future, rather than Justin Harrell’s past. However, the fact that one might be mistaken for the other speaks volumes about the Packers’ concerns at backup quarterback.
Whether Graham Harrell can earn enough trust to win the job remains to be seen, beginning Thursday night when the Packers host Kansas City in the preseason finale.
Harrell likely will start with the Packers’ No. 1 offense, an opportunity that should be illuminating and instructive. Harrell won’t be subjected to inferior pass blocking, an ineffective running attack or inept receivers.
On the contrary, Harrell will be surrounded by a cast of players good enough to earn Matt Flynn a $20 million contract to be Russell Wilson’s backup in Seattle. At the least, Harrell should be able to stave off B.J. Coleman given the same chance.
The guess here is that Harrell plays reasonably well against the Chiefs, certainly well enough to convince head coach Mike McCarthy to keep him as Aaron Rodgers’ understudy.
If Harrell should somehow fail the test, it begs the question: Where do the Packers go from there? I’ll cross that controversy if necessary – and I doubt Cleveland’s Colt McCoy is the answer.
Harrell outlasted defensive end Anthony Hargrove who was released last Friday along with offensive tackle Herb Taylor, receiver Andrew Brewer, cornerback Dion Turner and safety Micah Pellerin.
The Packers’ roster must be reduced from 85 to 75 by 3 p.m. today.
Hargrove’s release qualifies as the greatest surprise thus far, although it probably suggests the current defensive linemen are playing at least well enough to convince GM Ted Thompson and McCarthy that they can fill the rotation without Harrell.
It also may be a vote of confidence to third-year pro Mike Neal, who will open the season by serving a four-game suspension. Apparently, the Packers decided they could deal with cutting one defensive lineman to make room for Neal after four weeks, but not another to make room for Hargrove after eight weeks.
On the bright side, the Packers’ offense and defense played much better in Green Bay’s 27-13 victory at Cincinnati last Thursday night.
Cedric Benson brings a dash of explosiveness and a whole lot of experience to the running game. It gives Rodgers a legitimate, bona fide play-action option, and it gives McCarthy an opportunity for balance.
It’s like the old saying, “The very best offenses pass when they want to, not when they have to.”
With Benson, the Packers have several good choices. Certainly, Benson’s arrival and performance cast doubt on James Starks’ future. I can’t see the Packers keeping both Benson and Starks with more important needs in the offensive line and the defensive secondary.
Starks isn’t eligible for the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because he already practiced during training camp. Perhaps Brandon Saine can get healthy and do enough against Kansas City to win a job.
Receiver Greg Jennings looked as explosive as ever, and tight end Jermichael Finley got in two strong days of practice after missing Thursday’s game to be with his wife, Courtney, who gave birth to London Dash Finley.
Defensively, the Packers at least got a few hits on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, and showed a semblance of run defense. Pass rushers Clay Matthews and Nick Perry provided pressure from the outside, and Jerel Worthy and B.J. Raji did likewise up the middle.
Cornerback Tramon Williams looked sharp, and safety Morgan Burnett also played well.
After the strong showing last Thursday, the Packers can use the preseason finale to stay sharp, and to determine if Graham Harrell should be the Packers’ backup quarterback.
Then it’s the final roster cuts and on to the regular season.
Chris Havel is a Packers News expert and national best-selling author. His latest book is Lombardi: An Illustrated Life. Havel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. CDT on WDUZ FM 107.5 The Fan, or on AM-1400, as well as Fan Internet Radio (www.thefan1075.com). Havel also hosts Event USA’ Player Autograph Parties the evening before home games.