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!
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  • Complete 20 person Private Suite (“Skybox”)
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50 Yard Line Package:

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Event USA gets you to the game and MORE in STYLE!

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.

PFT and the Steve Mariucci Family Foundation

| 08/27/2012

Mariucci Family Foundation Logo
Event USA is pleased to partner with the Mariucci Family Foundation this season in bringing access to sports, recreational and therapeutic programs, nutrition, education, and healthcare to underserved families throughout the U.S.
Coach Mariucci will be a special guest for our Packers Player Reception on September 12, the evening before the Thursday night Bears game this fall, to talk football as well as his foundation, joining Packers players Bryan Bulaga (#75) and Morgan Burnett (#42). Join us for a very special evening in support of a great cause!

Reception Features:

  • 2 Packers Players/Celebrity guests
  • Autograph & Picture Session
  • Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails
  • Q & A/Interview Session

Reception Details:

  • When: Night prior to the game @ 5:00 pm
  • Where:Tundra Lodge in Green Bay
  • Who: Current/former players

The Mariucci Family Foundation

Preseason 2012: Packers at Bengals Wrap Up

| 08/24/2012
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‘] Green Bay Packers 27, Cincinnati Bengals 13
Preseason record: 1-2
Of interest: Despite a successful debut by tailback Cedric Benson, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was once again the Packers’ leading rusher. Rodgers capped two drives with touchdown runs of 12 and 5 yards, ending the evening with 52 rushing yards. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 154 yards in a half of play. … Benson didn’t start but rushed for 38 yards on six carries. … Receiver Greg Jennings, in his preseason debut, caught passes of 19 and 18 yards on the Packers’ first scoring drive. … The first-team defense didn’t give up a touchdown and might have found some clarity in its lineup. Rookie cornerback Casey Hayward was beat on a 15-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Jones later in the game but otherwise played well, as did safety M.D. Jennings. … Linebacker Jamari Lattimore returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. … Cornerback Sam Shields also had an interception in his preseason debut. … Tight end Tom Crabtree’s shoulder injury left the Packers with two tight ends for the majority of the game, limiting the options of the second- and third-team offense. … And finally, the numbers were once again bad for backup quarterback Graham Harrell, who completed 5 of 12 passes for 26 yards. But he was sacked three times amid the continuing struggles of the Packers’ second-team offensive line.
Local coverage (in lieu of BBAO): Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “It wouldn’t be surprising if when the Packers return to practice on Sunday, rookie Casey Hayward was at right cornerback in the base defense and second-year pro M.D. Jennings was at strong safety in the nickel package. Both had impressive games Thursday night.” … Benson’s strong between-the-tackles running might have earned him the Packers’ starting job, writes Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. … Cornerback Tramon Williams played well, according to Pete Dougherty of the Press-Gazette, especially when he twice prevented receiver A.J. Green from jumping over him for scoring plays. … Coach Mike McCarthy continued his defense of Harrell, saying he “improved” Thursday night and adding: “We had some protection adjustments that didn’t go right. We had free runners coming two or three times. He was able to make them miss and step out of a couple of them. He’s in command of the offense, whether you’re aware of that or not. It’s part of preseason football. We’re not putting a Band-Aid on it. He’s trying to play above it.” … Rodgers said he didn’t have a communication problem on an interception he threw in the direction of receiver James Jones, according to Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. “I just threw a real bad ball,” Rodgers said. “… We kind of quick-snapped ’em and if I throw the ball I should have thrown, James is probably still running.”
Up next: Next Thursday versus Kansas City Chiefs
[Source] by Keven Seifert, ESPN

Cedric Benson on the Bengals "Those guys miss me."

| 08/24/2012
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‘] Packers running back Cedric Benson looked good in his return to Cincinnati on Thursday night, and he said afterward that he knows his old teammates wish he were still with them.
Benson gained 38 yards on six carries and caught one pass for 10 yards, and after the game many Bengals players hugged him on the field.
“It felt good,” Benson told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “Just lets me know those guys miss me over there. I guess the run game hasn’t gotten up to par in Cincinnati yet. Those guys know the type of player I am. They know how I work. Developed a pretty good relationship with those guys.”
Benson had three straight 1,000-yard seasons in Cincinnati, but the Bengals decided not to bring him back this year. Benson’s comments suggest that some of his former teammates have told him they think letting him leave was a mistake.
[source] by Michael David Smith

Patience gets greatest test during Packers’ problematic preseason – Packers News & Tickets @ PFT

| 08/24/2012
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‘] GREEN BAY – Nothing’s ever easy.
The Green Bay Packers are coming off a 15-1 season and returning starters at almost every position, yet their followers’ fretting and sweating only increases as the regular season draws near.
There are several reasons for concern. Some are old. Some are new.
None can be considered shocking. All are valid.
Inside linebacker Desmond Bishop’s season-ending hamstring injury is a major blow to a Packers’ defense that already was suspect. Cornerback Davon House’s shoulder injury also qualifies as a setback.
Yet both players were injured and unavailable at times last season.
Furthermore, every NFL team is forced to deal with injuries. The 2010 Packers were glorified for their ability to overcome injuries en route to victory over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV.
Cedric Benson, Packers vs. Bengals, 2012
The Packers’ defense is also a concern.
It is too early to nickname defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ group “The Sieves” because everything goes through them. But it’s close.
Again, it also isn’t a shock. The Packers’ defense ranked at or near the bottom in every major category last season. The greatest deficiency was in the pass rush, although the run defense had its poor moments, too.
Then there is the running game, or lack thereof.
The more I watch other NFL teams this season, the more concerned I am about the Packers’ absolute lack of a running attack. The problem isn’t that Packers coach Mike McCarthy is ignoring that part of the offense. The problem is the running backs.
Green Bay has no one with the moves or explosiveness of the Indianapolis Colts’ Donald Brown, or the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chris Rainey, or even the Cleveland Browns’ Brandon Jackson.
That’s right. Even former Packers back Brandon Jackson looked stronger, quicker and more confident than the Packers’ backs.
Suddenly, the 15-1 record and all the offensive fireworks seem like a long time ago.
So what are the Packers to do?
The first order of business is to get newly acquired running back Cedric Benson up to speed. Benson needs to be given every chance to breathe life into a lethargic running attack.
Imagine what life would be like if Aaron Rodgers could fake a handoff, drop back, survey the field and fire to the open receiver. The Packers won’t have to imagine that scenario if Benson provides a spark.
Before the Packers’ 35-10 preseason loss to Cleveland, I was willing to chalk up the poor running attack to a lot of factors, the greatest of which is that the Packers are a passing team. That doesn’t cut it anymore. What the Packers need to be is more balanced offensively.
That isn’t likely to happen if James Starks is the lead ball carrier and he is backed up by Brandon Saine, who has been injured this training camp, and Alex Green, who is still coming back from last year’s knee injury.
Benson isn’t going to be a cure-all to the running attack, but he should be able to give it a semblance of respectability.
Fixing the defense is more complicated.
So far, first-round pick Nick Perry has flashed at outside linebacker, but he’s far from a sure-fire hell raising pass rusher. The Packers recorded zero sacks against the Browns and rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. What will they do against the 49ers and Alex Smith in the opener?
The easiest solution is also the simplest.
The Packers’ defense needs to play better. The returning defenders need to play better. Sure, rookie Jerel Worthy is going to have to contribute, but B.J. Raji, Ryan Pickett and C.J. Wilson need to be stout at the point of attack. They got blown off the line against the Browns.
A.J. Hawk needs to take more of a leading role. He has the pedigree and experience to shoulder the load. If Hawk and other veterans don’t step up and deliver in Bishop’s absence it won’t matter what the rookies do.
Frankly, the Packers have been disappointing thus far.
A lot of that disappointment can be washed away on Thursday at Cincinnati with a strong defensive effort. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green will provide a strong test.
So will a rejuvenated Bengals defense under head coach Marvin Lewis.
With a strong performance the Packers could answer some questions instead of raising more.
It will require focus from the players, and patience from the fans.
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.

Bishop injury a major loss for Packers’ ‘D’; Benson signing a must – Packers News @ PFT

| 08/13/2012
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‘] Packers Running Back Cedric Benson
GREEN BAY – The significance of Desmond Bishop’s season-ending hamstring injury cannot be overstated.
Certainly it exceeds any hit the Packers’ defense has delivered in recent memory. Surely it qualifies as a significant setback in coordinator Dom Capers’ efforts to restore respectability to the defense.
Bishop either led or tied for the team lead in tackles during Green Bay’s first nine games last season. That was before a calf injury sidelined him for three games until he returned in time for the playoffs.
This year, Bishop looked great until the calf injury flared. After a few days off, he seemed fine going into the preseason opener at San Diego. That’s when Bishop, caught in an awkward position beneath an otherwise routine pileup, suffered the gruesome season-ending injury.
While Bishop looks ahead to a long, diligent rehabilitation, the Packers face the sobering consequences that coincide with his absence.
First, D.J. Smith is the closest thing to a viable option as a replacement. However, his lack of size and ability to strike a blow like Bishop means offenses will try to take advantage of a mismatch in the run game.
Second, Bishop is a much better player than he often gets credit for. Look at his bio in the Packers’ media guide, and the game entries read like this: Led team in tackles … Paced the defense in tackles … Finished with a team-high 11 tackles, etc. It goes on and on.
This isn’t a matter of finding a competent replacement. It’s a matter of hoping to replace a top-level player with someone that approaches competence. To think a play-maker will emerge is wishful thinking.
Third – and this is a bit of good news – if Bishop had to be lost, the sooner the better. That isn’t meant to be callous. The Packers can’t realistically replace Bishop with a comparative talent. Bishop was that good. However, Capers may be able to compensate for the loss – and mitigate the impact – through clever use of the scheme.
While Capers begins to move on without Bishop, the Packers’ offense begins to move on with Cedric Benson at running back.
The move comes with minimal risk and potential for a huge upside. The greatest upside, however, may be Benson’s ability to motivate the current stable of backs.
While James Starks is listed week-to-week with turf toe, and Brandon Saine works his way back after a hamstring injury, Benson gets his shot.
The veteran’s credentials dwarf anything that Starks, Saine or Alex Green bring to the huddle. Whether Benson’s past problems (four arrests during his NFL career) follow him to Green Bay remain to be seen. Sometimes, the reality of a situation demands that the Packers’ front office welcomes in a player with something less than a sterling reputation as being “Packer People.”
Benson isn’t “Packer People.” At least, his past suggests that.
What matters most to a team without a running attack, and a 29-year-old running back just recently without a team, is making this a win-win.
Benson comes in with three straight 1,000-yard plus rushing seasons. He is an accomplished veteran who runs hard, finishes off carries and has quick feet for a big man. The downside is that he’s not the one-cut-and-go back that fits best in Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy’s offense. Also, Benson’s ability to pick up blitzes will be tested.
Benson isn’t guaranteed a roster spot, but my guess is that this will be an obvious call – one way or another – when GM Ted Thompson executes his final roster cuts.
Either Benson will stand out as being that much better than anything the Packers have had here recently, or he will prove to be too great a risk, either in pass protection and/or the passing game, or simply not explosive enough to make a difference.
My gut tells me that Benson’s presence will do wonders for the recuperative powers of Starks and Saine, and that Alex Green will continue to make strides in his recovery from knee surgery.
What Benson’s running ability will do for the offense isn’t as clear. Benson is a 20-plus carry back in a 10-carry system. He could be a factor in short yardage and goal-line, which shouldn’t be discounted, but is that a reason to keep him?
Ultimately, Benson’s signing serves as a wakeup call to Starks and Co., but nothing more. However, if Benson proves to be a significant upgrade over Starks, Saine and Green, it would be revealing on two fronts:
** Maybe Packers’ fans (and media) don’t know what a quality NFL running back looks like because it’s been so long, and …
** The best teams have at least some semblance of a running game, and the Packers – as mighty as their passing game is – are no exception.
My best guess: Benson makes the 53-man roster and helps the running attack. Why? What was thought to be “great competition” at running back will be revealed as being a mediocre group.
One more thing: The onus will be on Benson to adjust to the Packers’ offense, and not the other way around.
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.