Butler’s HOF berth a nod to 1996 defense

| 06/20/2022

By Chris Havel

Special to EVENT USA

GREEN BAY, Wis. – John Madden loved Brett Favre, but it’s doubtful the Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster loved him as much as Favre loved the 1996 Packers’ defense.

With LeRoy Butler’s HOF induction ceremony set for Saturday, Aug. 6, it’s a terrific opportunity to celebrate the safety’s illustrious career in addition to the 1996 Super Bowl champs and their incredible defense.

One of the best ways to gauge a defense’s greatness is to ask the quarterbacks: The one with the defense, and the one who has to face it.

Favre’s praise of that ’96 defense has been effusive and unwavering.

Early on, it was Reggie White who emboldened him to be himself and to play with confidence. If Favre threw a pick, White would sidle up to him and say, “Just be you and keep throwing it. We’ve got your back.”

Indeed, the defense had Favre’s back, and they had just about every other quarterback backed into a corner. Opposing quarterbacks had a combined passer rating of 55.4 in 1996. That’s a journeyman at best.

Opposing QB’s threw for 12 touchdowns and 26 interceptions (three for pick sixes) while being sacked 37 times and completing just 283 of 544 passes. That’s 52 percent. That’s not good on third-and-long.

Opposing offenses eclipsed 20 points in just three games. That’s it.

That’s crazy.

With White leading the charge up front, and defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur moving Butler around like a queen on a chess board, the ’96 defense allowed just 13.1 points per game. They also gave up just 19 touchdowns in the 16-game season, which was three fewer than the 1985 Bears defense – widely considered the greatest ever – yielded that year.

The Packers’ defensive line featured White, Gilbert Brown, Santana Dotson and Sean Jones, which ranks among the NFL’s best all-time.

Wayne Simmons was a tough-as-nails strong-side linebacker whose tenacity, long arms and vice-like grip tormented tight ends and ball carriers. Brian Williams, the weak-side ‘backer, could run like the wind.

In the middle, ever-steady George Koonce plugged gaps and kicked butt. Ron Cox, the ex-Bears linebacker, stepped in and played well enough to win Super Bowl XXXI after Koonce sustained a late-season injury.

The corners were Doug Evans, a former college safety who understood zone coverage and had sprinter’s speed, and Craig Newsome, who often pressed and bullied receivers at the line. By the time they got open against Newsome, the quarterback often was on his back.

The safeties were brilliant.

Eugene Robinson was a late addition on the eve of training camp. His experience and All-Pro talent enabled Butler to blitz, jump routes and essentially play a free-wheeling style that suited his talent and intellect.

Butler’s instincts were unparalleled.

He finished with 38 interceptions and 20 ½ sacks in 12 seasons.

Brown, who will join Butler’s wife Genesis as his HOF presenters, spoke glowingly of his teammate after their careers ended.

“LeRoy was one of those guys that when you’re picking sides on a playground you’d want him to be on your team because you just knew he was going to be a winner,” Brown said. “He knew football. He was never scared. He didn’t have time to be scared. He was too busy making plays and making sure we got it done out there.”
Brown continued.

“He loves to laugh and have fun, and that smile of his is the best. But when it came time to be serious and get after it, LeRoy Butler was the man. When everything was on the line he didn’t have time for foolishness. We were locker mates all the way through and I learned so much stuff from him. He taught me how to be a pro’s pro.”

That season the ’96 Packers outscored their opponents 100-48 in three playoff victories. Their closest game was the 35-21 victory over New England in Super Bowl XXXI. The Patriots started fast but with the game slipping away, they never crossed midfield in the fourth quarter.

The Packers’ defense slammed the door shut.

When Butler accepts his HOF induction in August, the hope is that it will shine the spotlight on him, White and that great 1996 defense.

It also should serve to remind today’s fans that so long as you have a top-notch head coach and future HOF quarterback – in addition to a dominant defense – the Super Bowl is well within reach.

In 1996, the Packers’ offense didn’t have a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver. They rode Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens in both the run and pass game, and they relied heavily on tight ends Mark Chmura and Keith Jackson throughout the season.

When Robert Brooks tore up his knee in Week 7, and Antonio Freeman broke his forearm in late October and missed four weeks, the Packers’ offense still survived because of its own versatility, and its defense.

It didn’t hurt that Desmond Howard, Chris Jacke and Craig Hentrich were among the most reliable returners, kickers and punters in the game.

All of that added up to a Super Bowl championship.

Stop me if any of that sounds familiar leading into the 2022 season.

The party on August 6 is going to be all about LeRoy Butler, as it should be, but he would be the first to say it takes a team to achieve greatness.



 

Packers’ ‘D’ is loaded with talent, confidence

| 06/13/2022

 

By Chris Havel

Special to EVENT USA

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Aaron Rodgers prefers production over potential.

The Packers feature a healthy blend of both.

There are veterans such as Marcedes Lewis, Randall Cobb, David Bakhtiari and Rodgers who have produced at a high level for more than a decade. There are All-Pros such as Kenny Clark, De’Vondre Campbell and Jaire Alexander who are in their prime and ascending.

There also are gifted rookies such as first-round picks Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt who produced on college football’s grandest stage.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had the opportunity to get (almost) all of the pieces to this 2022 puzzle on the field together for the first time during a pair of mandatory minicamp practices last week.

The tempo, communication and camaraderie were typical of LaFleur’s practices: Fast-paced, animated and purposeful. LaFleur doesn’t receive enough credit for getting his players – especially on offense – to focus on eliminating fumbles, pre-snap penalties and blown assignments.

LaFleur also deserves a “that a boy” for dealing with the reality of where this team is at offensively, defensively and on special teams.

On offense, LaFleur has used Davante Adams’ departure as a unifying force. Players have openly discussed the concept of the sum total being greater than the individual parts. The notion of “Rodgers to Adams” bailing out the team despite a poor performance is no longer an option.

Lewis, who is entering his 17th season, offered some context.

“Football’s a game of men going out there and taking what they want,” Lewis said. “That’s what we’re doing in the tight end room. We’re going to block it up, catch it and make plays. We’re going to have a lot put on our shoulders with Davante gone. Spreading it around, running it more, which I love.”

It’s no secret that the Packers’ approach on offense is going to change. It’s going to be about true balance in terms of a higher run-pass ratio, throwing to the backs and tight ends to move the chains, and relying on play-action passes and Rodgers’ right arm to hit big plays to receivers.

Rodgers estimated that “80 percent” of the offense’s design revolved around getting Adams open. Those 169 targets are going to be spread out among the backs and tight ends, as well as the receivers.

Rodgers said he feels “really good” about the offensive line, especially when Elgton Jenkins and Bakhtiari return from injuries.
“I don’t worry about that group,” he said. “They’ve been coached so well over the years.”

Rodgers’ presence at the mandatory minicamp was meaningful for a variety of reasons. First, it allowed Packers’ fans to hear their franchise quarterback talk about an array of topics including Adams’ departure, the offense’s evolution and expectations for the fast-approaching season.

Rodgers appears to be in a great place right now, and that includes focusing on running the football to set up play-action passes, which bodes well for the Packers.

On defense, LaFleur is fostering a culture that screams, “We’re good … maybe great, we know it, and we’re going to show it.”
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s unit isn’t lacking for confidence.

“We’re definitely excited about it,” safety Adrian Amos said. “Everything comes down to how we execute when the season comes. On paper and knowing each other we can be special, but we’ve got to be consistent and do it every day.”

Amos’ key part of the statement was “and knowing each other.”

The Packers’ defense isn’t relying on a collection of high-priced mercenaries to come in and do the job. They return nearly all of the starters from last year, and have added veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed, veteran corner Keisean Nixon and rookies Walker and Wyatt.

The continuity will be critical under Barry.

Lewis, the rugged tight end, called the Packers’ defense “salty.”

That’s being tough and aggressive, according to Webster’s, which seems to fit Green Bay’s defensive mindset.

Alexander, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, echoed that sentiment.

“We’ve got to play a game first, you know, I can’t really say we’ll be dominant, but we have all the pieces,” he said.

The defense’s goal, Alexander said, is to be “nasty, just nasty.”

“Sky’s the limit,” he said. “You know who is back? The general is back. The sky is the limit.”

On special teams, LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst collaborated to hire new coordinator Rich Bisaccia early in the offseason. They added several draft picks and the aforementioned Nixon to boost special teams.

Now, Bisaccia will be left to roll up his sleeves and work his magic.

Offense, defense and special teams – it appears LaFleur has all the bases covered. Now it’s up to him and his team to knock it out of the ballpark.

 

LaFleur’s ‘To Do’ list as training camp nears

| 06/06/2022

 

By Chris Havel

Special to EVENT USA

GREEN BAY, Wis. – What did you do during summer vacation?

That question has been the theme of elementary school writing projects for years.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur faces the same question, except there’s nothing elementary about the task ahead, and it is more a busman’s holiday than a vacation. Indeed, LaFleur’s challenge can be accurately described as a project.

By way of being helpful, I offer this unsolicited but well-intentioned “To Do” list for LaFleur to complete during this week’s minicamp and subsequent OTAs. Once training camp begins it’ll be a sprint to the season-opener.

Might as well get a head start:

** No. 1 – The offensive line needs to be sorted and settled before David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins recover from injuries and return to their starting roles. The Packers’ best five up front may seem obvious, but it is always subject to change.

When everyone is healthy it is likely to be (left to right): Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Royce Newman and Jenkins.

That’s the easy part.

The greater challenge is getting the line to play at a high level until Bakhtiari and Jenkins return. That’s why it is incumbent upon LaFleur to get Yosh Nijman ready to be the opening-day starter at left tackle. The musical chairs that were played leading up to the NFC divisional playoff loss against San Francisco was ridiculous.

Either Nijman can handle left tackle or he can’t, and I’m talking about doing the job without having to rely on a tight end or running back to babysit.

To that end, it’s critical that Royce Newman and/or Cole Van Lanen prove to a reasonable degree that they can handle right tackle until Jenkins returns. Nijman needs to focus on left tackle.

Meantime, Van Lanen has been working at right tackle with the first unit this offseason, and Newman has been working at right guard and right tackle. He started all 17 regular-season games last year, but was benched in favor of Lucas Patrick in the playoffs.

It’s no coincidence that the Packers’ third-round draft pick, Sean Rhyan, has been working at right guard behind Newman. If Rhyan is able to unseat Newman – and there’s a decent chance – the offensive line would be that much better for it.

Ideally, Bakhtiari and Jenkins will be dominant bookend tackles, Myers will build upon a strong rookie season, and Runyan and Rhyan will own the guard spots. That would leave Nijman, Newman and Van Lanen as reliable reserves.

** No. 2 – It was a year ago, almost to the day, when Aaron Rodgers officially became a holdout by not showing up for the June 8 mandatory minicamp. The media quickly and understandably reported on the possibility of Rodgers declining to show up for training camp, which would have been a nightmare.

That’s one less concern off LaFleur’s plate this offseason.

It has been replaced by knowing Rodgers is all-in but realizing that the offense must be altered without All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, the speedy Marquez Valdes-Scantling and tight end Robert Tonyan until he returns from injury.

One obvious solution is to occasionally play running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon together in the same backfield. While that seems to make sense in theory, the question is this: How do they complement each other? They don’t.

Jones isn’t going to run behind Dillon as his lead blocker and vice-versa. That’s what the guards, center, tackles and tight ends are for. The fact is only one of them can touch the football on any given down. Another way they could complement each other is by deploying one as a decoy.

It is possible Jones could line up in the slot, and Dillon behind the quarterback, but the fact is Jones is better catching it out of the backfield than in the slot. Why replace Randall Cobb or Amari Rodgers with a lesser slot receiver?

LaFleur needs to continue the time-sharing arrangement with Jones and Dillon. He doesn’t need to have BOTH on the field together. He needs to make sure he maximizes the running back’s touches regardless of which one is out there.

** No. 3 – The Packers’ defense appears to be in a great place entering the season. LaFleur needs to work with coordinator Joe Barry to make sure the loose ends are tied up before training camp.

The plan for roles and playing time needs to be clear to Devonte Wyatt, Quay Walker, Jarran Reed and Krys Barnes. Will Wyatt, the rookie defensive lineman, rotate with Reed? Will Walker, the rookie linebacker, do likewise with Barnes?

Or will it be an open and ongoing competition for snaps?

Some seemed surprised that Walker is listed behind Barnes on the depth chart. Why? Barnes was the Packers’ third-leading tackler last season. He brings experience and production to the party.

Walker’s skill and talent are readily apparent, and he’ll be a key part of the defense before the season is finished. Meantime, it’s Barnes’ job until further notice.

** No. 4 – The snap, the hold and the kick appear (fingers crossed) to be fixed.

Punter Pat O’Donnell has been an effective holder for kicker Mason Crosby thus far this offseason, with Crosby banging kicks through the uprights like a machine. He went a perfect 8-for-8 in practice, according to reports, including a 56-yard bomb that cleared the crossbar with plenty of room to spare.

Crosby’s leg seems fine, especially now that he doesn’t have to worry about “the operation” going bad.
LaFleur needs to make sure special teams’ coordinator Rich Bisaccia has the necessary tools to do his job. It begins with the snap, the hold and the kick.

** No. 5 – The Packers’ defensive secondary is replete with talent.

LaFleur needs to make sure Barry and defensive backs coach Jerry Gray get the most out of it.

Eric Stokes has been lining up at left cornerback and Rasul Douglas on the right side with Keisean Nixon working in the slot. That appears to pave the way for Jaire Alexander’s return which undoubtedly will include playing time as the slot corner.

The Packers’ defense could be nasty if Alexander is able to be the featured playmaker. His presence should elevate the secondary from being really good to really special.

The third safety job looks like a battle between Shawn Davis and Vernon Scott. Davis was a fifth-round pick in 2021 by Indianapolis. Scott was a seventh-round pick of the Packers in 2020.

Davis has been working as the third safety in minicamp, but the Packers remain high on Scott despite his troubles with recurring injuries. Scott, who wears HOF safety LeRoy Butler’s No. 36, remains confident in his abilities. He sent out this tweet in late April to Packers fans.

“Packer Nation, I can’t express how much of an honor it is to be a Cheese Head! You are getting a player who is gonna give his all every play! I haven’t even scratched the surface yet! I can’t wait to get to work in Green Bay!”

That’s a lot of exclamation points in one tweet.

If Scott can stay healthy long enough to prove the Packers correct in sticking with him, Barry’s defense might have another unheralded weapon.

 

Bayern Munich vs Mnchester City at Lambeau Field

| 05/31/2022

European Soccer is coming to Lambeau Field!!! For the first time the “Frozen Tundra” will be host to an exhibition match between Bayern Munich and Manchester City as part of the USA Cup tour. 

Now is your time to see the most successful German team in history compete again the reigning Premier League Champions! Don’t miss out on this historic event!! 

Event USA, we can get you to all the games!

Date Event Name Category

Five Packers who are flying under the radar

| 05/31/2022

 

By Chris Havel

Special to EVENT USA

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Packers’ offseason has been dominated by three questions:

** No. 1 – How will the offense replace All-Pro receiver Davante Adams?

** No. 2 – How much better can the defense be in its second year under defensive coordinator Joe Barry?

** No. 3 – Is Rich Bisaccia really going to solve the team’s chronic special teams troubles?

Packers coach Matt LaFleur has his work cut out for him, but it’s not all an uphill journey. He has a future Hall of Fame quarterback, a new special teams’ guru and several top draft picks that possess eye-popping athleticism and skills.

Along the way, some veteran players are going to stand up and be counted on, while others will be faced with plying their profession elsewhere.

So who is a good bet to “step up” and surprise coaches and fans alike? Here are five players that are currently flying under the radar. The reasons range from being bumped down in the depth chart by a top draft pick to being overlooked by fans because they’ve played sparingly or not at all in Green Bay.

That doesn’t mean they can’t or won’t contribute in a big way.

Their opportunity is yet to come and it’ll be interesting to see if Krys Barnes, Tyler Davis, Keisean Nixon, T.J. Slaton and Amari Rodgers make the most of it.

** No. 51 LB Krys Barnes, 6-2, 229, third year

Barnes, an undrafted free agent out of UCLA, has capitalized on his opportunities since signing with Green Bay two years ago.

Barnes, 24, was a tackling machine in college and that trend continued in Green Bay, where he has started 23 games and racked up 161 tackles in two seasons.

Lining up next to De’Vondre Campbell appeared to elevate Barnes’ confidence and performance. He was third on the team with 81 tackles (58 solo) as well as four passes defended, two fumble recoveries and a sack last season.

The Packers’ decision to draft Quay Walker with the 22nd pick appeared to leave Barnes on the outside looking in. That still may be the case, depending on Walker’s development among other things, but I wouldn’t be against Barnes.

His experience in the defense is meaningful, and he’s been a strong tackler. Scouts loved Barnes coming out of college, describing him “as a player,” but most teams couldn’t get past his rather mediocre testing before the draft.

Walker may take time to adjust to the NFL. Meantime, Barnes is a reliable starting inside linebacker. If Walker beats out Barnes, who is on a one-year deal, the good news is Barnes is a strong special teams’ player.

** No. 84 TE Tyler Davis, 6-4, 252, third year

The tight end position enters 2022 in a state of flux.

Josiah Deguara is still developing, Marcedes Lewis is long in the teeth and Robert Tonyan is recovering from a knee injury. None of that forced the Packers to draft a tight end or sign an undrafted free agent of note.

In the pre-draft news conference GM Brian Gutekunst singled out Tyler Davis, which rarely happens with undrafted players.

“TD – Tyler Davis – we picked up early in the (2021) year, and as his opportunities grew not only in the games but in practice, we think we really have something there. So I’m excited about that,” Gutekunst said.

Davis, 25, was a sixth-round pick by Jacksonville in 2020. He ended up leaving for Indianapolis, where the Packers plucked him off the Colts’ practice squad.

A willing and capable blocker, Davis also proved to be a dependable pass catcher (albeit in limited snaps) and a quality special teams’ player. As a receiver, Davis’ big day came at Baltimore, where he caught four of five targets for 35 yards, including a 22-yard grab up the seam in heavy traffic.

Davis played 132 snaps on offense last season, with 99 coming after Week 14, and was fifth on the team in special teams’ snaps.

** No. 25 CB Keisean Nixon, 5-10, 200, fourth year

Nixon’s familiarity with Bisaccia and his skill-set as a slot cornerback fit the Packers’ needs.

Nixon, 25, was an undrafted free agent from South Carolina who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019. He played in 40 games with two starts in three seasons. Bisaccia coached him on special teams, where he had a team-high nine special teams tackles as a rookie.

Chandon Sullivan’s departure to Minnesota opens the door for Nixon to see significant playing time in the slot.

Nixon, who is rapper Snoop Dogg’s nephew, ran a 4.42 40-yard dash and posted a 32 ½-inch vertical leap in workouts. Now we’ll see if he can earn a regular role.

** No. 93 DT TJ Slaton, 6-4, 330, second year

Slaton, 24, wasn’t the run-stuffing behemoth the Packers expected given his size, strength and resume at Florida.

However, the mammoth defensive tackle did play in all 16 regular-season games and the playoffs. He tallied 255 snaps on defense and 143 snaps on special teams.

As the season wore on and defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster faded, Slaton stepped up down the stretch to play more than 20 snaps in each of the final four regular-season games.

Slaton ranked 95th out of 149 players at his position that had at least 200 snaps. He was 114th against the run and 67th as a pass rusher. He also ranked 19th in terms of being a sure tackler, according to Pro Football Focus.

Slaton’s most impressive attribute was his pass rush ability, which bordered on explosive at times. He needs to be more disciplined in the run game so he can be counted on to fill in for Kenny Clark if necessary.

** No. 8 WR/Returner Amari Rodgers, 22, second year

The Packers traded up in the third round to select Rodgers with the 85th pick in the 2021 draft. That draft-day move generated a buzz around Rodgers, whom Packers fans assumed was going to be the Day One slot receiver.

Then Randall Cobb was acquired at the behest of Aaron Rodgers and Rodgers’ opportunities took a major hit. Then again, Rodgers didn’t do anything special with the limited chances he did receive.

Rodgers was targeted just eight times with one drop and four catches for 45 yards. He also had one rushing attempt for 11 yards.

As a return specialist, Rodgers was 21st among punt returns in attempts and 20th in yards. He also fumbled twice on punt returns and it was telling that he didn’t play a single snap from scrimmage in the playoff loss.

Rodgers admitted he wasn’t in the greatest shape of his life last season but said he has turned that around this offseason. If Rodgers develops and flashes at least some of the big-play ability that led Green Bay to draft him it would be a bonus.

The clock is ticking on Amari Rodgers, but it’s premature to write him off.

 

Packers in good hands with Lazard, Watkins and … OBJ this fall?

| 05/23/2022

By Chris Havel

Special to EVENT USA

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Packers have built a receiving corps they can win with. That’s not a prediction. That’s a fact.

Translation: Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb and the rest are talented enough to give Green Bay’s offense, and in particular Aaron Rodgers, everything they need to pass effectively and win games.

The Packers also have shown a propensity to upgrade if necessary.

Notation scribbled in the margin: If the Packers’ passing attack needs help this fall fans can expect to see this tweet – “OMG! It’s OBJ to GB!”

Why not Odell Beckham, Jr.? NFL GMs, coaches and scouts have to rethink poor first impressions of players all the time. It’s just good business.

The first time I saw OBJ in a Giants uniform was Jan. 8, 2017, at Lambeau Field. The Packers were hosting the Giants in an NFC wild-card game and OBJ already was on his last legs in New York.

A lethargic OBJ went hard on some plays, jogged on others and made no impact, other than to give the impression that his “give a damn” was busted.

OBJ caught four passes on 11 targets for an inconsequential 28 yards. The Packers blew out the Giants 38-13 on a day when their catalyst, Randall Cobb, hauled in five passes (on just seven targets) for 116 yards and three touchdowns.

Those were numbers previously associated with OBJ.

I couldn’t help but think, “That’s OBJ? The NFL’s next great receiver?” I didn’t bother to double-check his height and weight. I didn’t have to look at the program to see that he played smaller, much smaller, than whatever was listed.

Now fast forward to the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl victory in February.

One interesting aspect is that the Rams couldn’t have gotten there without OBJ. Another is that they won despite losing him to a knee injury after a huge first half.

OBJ was that important to the Rams’ offense and eventual championship.

That is why “never say never” is good advice.

The Packers reportedly were interested in acquiring OBJ before the trade deadline. The interest was mutual, according to reports, but OBJ decided to go west.

I thought, “Good. Who needs him?” That was before I (or the Packers) knew Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s back would keep him out of the playoffs.

Now, as an unsigned free agent, OBJ is rehabbing his knee and assessing his future. No one should be surprised if it’s a future that includes Green Bay. And it’s a transaction I would wholeheartedly endorse … five years removed.

Meantime, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is working with what he’s got.

It’s a solid receiving corps with a blend of capable veterans (Lazard, Watkins and Cobb) plus talented youngsters (Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure).

Lazard (6-5, 227) is the lead dog.

He played in 15 games (13 starts) with 40 catches on 60 targets for 513 yards and eight touchdowns. LaFleur would take one touchdown every five catches all day, every day, and twice on Sunday … or Monday … or Thursday.

When the Packers traded Davante Adams to the Raiders they correctly spent draft capital to upgrade the team’s overall talent, especially on defense, by drafting linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 and re-signing free agent corner Rasul Douglas.

The Adams trade also provided a portion of salary cap relief to extend corner Jaire Alexander and sign veteran free agent defensive lineman Jarran Reed.

Further, they used the 52nd and 59th picks to trade up for Watson at No. 34. They capped it off by drafting Doubs in the fourth round and Toure in the seventh.

“I do think that they all offer some versatility, whether or not we want to put them inside or outside,” LaFleur said of his rookie receivers. “They’re all eager to learn, and we’ll just see how much they can handle and how fast they can acclimate themselves to our offense.”

All of that has the 26-year-old Lazard excited as he enters his fifth season.

“Davante leaving and everything creates a lot more opportunities for everybody,” Lazard told his hometown paper, the Des Moines Register. “I’m pretty excited about that as an individual. Even our room more so, just to be able to spread the ball around, the guys that we were able to add to our room this year – I’m very excited to work with them and see them blossom.”

Adams packed his 169 targets when he left for Las Vegas.

So who will fill that crater-sized hole?

Look for Lazard to be targeted 100-plus times. He’s done it. He’s got experience. He also has the trust of his future Hall of Fame quarterback.

“I think just our repertoire and our history, it’s obviously a major amount of comfortability between us two – just understanding the game and understanding what (Rodgers) wants,” Lazard said. “I think that’s probably the biggest challenge for anybody playing with him, especially young guys, it’s just understanding what he’s thinking in the moment.”

Watson and the other rookies can watch and learn from players such as Lazard, Watkins, Cobb and perhaps OBJ down the road.

Watkins, 28, started 13 games for the Ravens last season. He caught just 27 passes on 49 targets for 394 yards (14.6 yards per catch) and a touchdown. The former fourth overall pick in 2014 should start opposite Lazard to open the season.

Cobb, 31, is the old man in the receiver room. He caught 28 of 39 targets for 375 yards, a 13.4 average, and five touchdowns. He remains their No. 1 slot receiver until further notice, which is to say until/if Amari Rodgers steps up and delivers.

OBJ, 29, started 13 games last season, catching 44 passes on a whopping 82 targets for 537 yards and five touchdowns. The low catch percentage (53.6) was due in part to a 17-for-34 effort in Cleveland before joining the Rams.

It’s understandable for Packers’ fans to see the loss of Adams as overwhelming, and that Green Bay failed by not acquiring a veteran stud to replace him.

However, it’s also reasonable to believe the current receiving corps is plenty good, but if injuries or other factors intervene, the Packers will be on the lookout.

Signing OBJ, if necessary, is the place they’re most likely to go.

Until then it’s Lazard and Co., and that’s not a bad thing.

Packers’ schedule no easy path to playoffs

| 05/16/2022

By Chris Havel

GREEN BAY, Wis. –When the NFL schedule was released last May the Packers weren’t entirely sure Aaron Rodgers would be playing in Green Bay.

So much has changed since then.

Rodgers is back, Davante Adams and Za’Darius Smith are gone and a reconstituted Green Bay team is set to defend its NFC North title and beyond. The goal is to win Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

I picked the Packers to finish 12-5 last season. They went one better at 13-4.

I’ve got Green Bay going 12-5 this season.

The schedule is daunting in some stretches and doable in others. They play nine teams with losing records last season. They also play six playoff teams: the AFC’s Patriots, Bills and Titans, and the NFC’s Bucs, Cowboys and Rams.

They finish with three of their last four games at Lambeau Field. They have an early two-game stretch in Weeks 3 and 4 that features Tom Brady quarterbacking the Bucs and Bill Belichick coaching the Patriots. That is followed by a two-game run in Weeks 5 and 6 that has Green Bay “hosting” the Giants in London followed by a true home game against the Jets. Both New York teams were awful last year.

The Packers’ salvation appears to be a weak NFC North … again. That said the Vikings’ offense is dangerous, the Lions are improving under head coach Dan Campbell and the Bears’ Justin Fields is still all about potential, not production.

Here is a game-by-game thumbnail sketch of the journey ahead:

** WEEK ONE: Sunday, Sept. 11 at Minnesota, 3:25 p.m.

The Packers celebrated the grand opening of U.S. Bank Stadium in 2020 by running the Vikings out of their new building in a 43-34 rout. Last season, the Vikings exacted mid-season revenge with a 34-31 home win over the Packers.

This time it will be interesting to see if Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter can muster a formidable pass rush against Green Bay. The Vikings’ offense is always explosive, especially with running back Dalvin Cook and receiver Justin Jefferson, who are among the best weapons at their respective positions.

The Vikings’ perennial problem is its offensive line. This would be a terrific time for Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry to unleash the Dawgs in Georgia rookies Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker.

Also expect Rodgers to answer the question about life without Adams by finding a new face (Sammy Watkins) and a familiar face (Randall Cobb) in the end zone.

Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 24

** WEEK TWO: Sunday, Sept. 18, Chicago at home, 7:20 p.m.

The Bears’ Matt Eberflus inherits an offense led by second-year quarterback Fields, who had mixed reviews in his rookie season. They signed veteran receiver Byron Pringle and drafted rookie receiver Velus Jones to mitigate the loss of the talented but underutilized Allen Robinson.

Eberflus, who replaces Matt Nagy, has a defensive background. No wonder the Bears drafted a corner (Kyler Gordon) and a safety (Jaquan Brisker) with their first two picks. Eberflus is already trying to devise ways to stop Rodgers’ passing game.

Prediction: Packers 19, Bears 10

** WEEK THREE: Sunday, Sept. 25, at Tampa Bay, 3:25 p.m.

Brady’s retirement was short-lived. The Bucs’ future Hall of Fame quarterback has everyone returning from an offense that scored 30.1 points per game (second in the NFL) last season. This will be a great early-season test for the Packers’ defense.

Rodgers also would like some pay-back against the team that prevented him from reaching the Super Bowl two seasons ago. Todd Bowles replaces Bruce Arians as the head coach and the defense added end Logan Hall in the first round of the draft.

Prediction: Bucs 31, Packers 28

** WEEK FOUR: Sunday, Oct. 2, New England at home, 3:25 p.m.

When Belichick and his 290-143 win-loss record come to Lambeau Field it’s like having NFL royalty as guests. The plan is to treat Belichik and the Patriots with all the respect they’ve earned. And score a key home victory in the process.

It will be interesting to see how Green Bay’s defense fares against the Patriots and second-year quarterback Mac Jones, who guided them to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth last season.

Defeating a Belichick-coached team is never easy, but always gratifying.

Prediction: Packers 23, Patriots 21

** WEEK FIVE: Sunday, Oct. 9, N.Y. Giants at London, 8:30 a.m.

It had to happen sooner or later.

The Packers’ trip to London is a wonderful thing for their fans across the pond. It’s also a bonus that their opponent is a Giants’ team trying to find itself.

Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari should be tested by rookie pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants fired Joe Judge and replaced him with ex-Bills offensive guru Brian Daboll, who helped establish Josh Allen as a star in Buffalo.

Whether he can fix Danny Jones remains to be seen.

Prediction: Packers 23, Giants 11

** WEEK SIX: Sunday, Oct. 16, N.Y. Jets at home, noon

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur opted to skip the early bye week after the London trip and save it for Week 14. It means he’ll have to get his team ready for the Jets after dealing with the overseas game.

The Jets’ draft was widely praised with the additions of corner Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, defensive end Jermaine Johnson and receiver Garrett Wilson.

Jets coach Robert Saleh is familiar with LaFleur from their days together at Central Michigan and were groomsmen in each other’s wedding.

Now, they’ll go head-to-head on game day. Jets quarterback Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, had the league’s lowest passer rating. The Jets helped their offensive line by signing guard Laken Tomlinson in free agency.

Prediction: Packers 34, Jets 17

** WEEK SEVEN: Sunday, Oct. 23, at Washington, noon

Carson Wentz’s NFL journey continues in Washington, where he hopes to recapture his rookie form from 2017, when he was 11-2 with a 101.9 passer rating as the Eagles’ starter. Since then it’s been injuries and ineffectiveness for Wentz.

Wentz will have quality targets in Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and rookie Jahan Dotson from Penn State.

The Commanders were 7-10 last season, but finished in the bottom 10 in points scored each of the last four seasons. They’re looking for some offense to go with a talented but oft-injured defensive front four.

Prediction: Commanders 24, Packers 23

** WEEK EIGHT: Sunday, Oct. 30, at Buffalo, 7:20 p.m.

The Bills are dangerous without a reliable running attack. If rookie running back James Cook, a second-round pick, pans out the Bills might be close to unstoppable. Clearly, they have put too much on Josh Allen’s plate. They ask him to direct it, throw it and run it on offense. Why not expand his blocking duties, too?

Orchard Park is a beautiful setting and the closest thing to Lambeau Field that the NFL has to offer. The Bills averaged 28.4 points per game (third) and were No. 1 in defense, allowing just 17 points per game.

Stefon Diggs caught 103 passes for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns. Gabriel Davis, Jamison Crowder and tight end Dawson Knox are reliable weapons, too. The key will be Cook, the rookie, and how he melds along with Devin Singletary.

Prediction: Bills 28, Packers 24

** WEEK NINE: Sunday, Nov. 6, at Detroit, noon

The Lions drafted defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal to boost an ineffective pass rush. The Lions were 31st in points allowed last season and have major rebuilding on all three levels.

This is the first of two meetings between the division rivals and I expect the Lions to give a nice accounting … in defeat.

Prediction: Packers 45, Lions 13

** WEEK 10: Sunday, Nov. 13, Dallas at home, 3:25 p.m.

Welcome back, Big Mike!

The Packers will entertain Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike McCarthy and his Cowboys in a “must see” Sunday afternoon game.

The Cowboys, 12-5 last season, lost Amari Cooper in the offseason, but are hopeful third-round pick Jalen Tolbert will pick up the offense quickly.

Dallas scored 31.2 points per game under McCarthy, which was tops in the NFL. Dak Prescott was third in the NFL with a 104.2 passer rating – Rodgers was tops with a 111.9 rating – so this figures to be a shootout.

It also could be a huge determining factor in NFC seeding.

Prediction: Packers 35, Cowboys 31

** WEEK 11: Thursday, Nov. 17, Tennessee at home, 7:15 p.m.

This is a quick turnaround against worthy playoff teams. The saving grace is that both are at Lambeau Field. The Titans traded A.J. Brown to the Eagles in return for the first-round pick they used to select Arkansas’ Treylon Burks, who is regarded as the closest thing to Brown in the draft.

Tennessee was 12-5 last season and the AFC’s top seed, but like the Packers they stumbled in the divisional round of the playoffs.

This game features the Titans’ Derrick Henry – the top back in the game today – and the Packers’ one-two punch of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The team with the most rushing yards wins this game.

Prediction: Titans 27, Packers 23

** WEEK 12: Sunday, Nov. 27, at Philadelphia, 7:20 p.m.

The 10-day break will be welcomed by the Packers before they travel to Philadelphia to take on the run-heavy Eagles. Quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 3,144 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also rushed for a team-best 784 yards and 10 touchdowns. Now, with A.J. Brown to throw to, Hurts could take the next step.

The Eagles’ 9-8 record last season was the result of a largely ineffective defense that ranked poorly in almost every meaningful category.

Prediction: Packers 21, Eagles 18

** WEEK 13: Sunday, Dec. 4, at Chicago, noon

We will see if Aaron Rodgers continues to own the Bears at Soldier Field.

Fields led a Bears offense that ranked 27th last season and was entirely ineffective in several lopsided defeats. Ex-Packers offensive lineman Lucas Patrick should help shore up Chicago’s weak offensive line.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 14

** WEEK 14: BYE WEEK

LaFleur decided it was better to have the bye week later in the season, as opposed to requesting it after the Week 5 trip to London.
Clearly, LaFleur wants to get his team rested and ready to make a late-season push on into the postseason. It makes sense, especially with three of their final four games at home.

It gives Green Bay a realistic chance to be as rested and ready to go as possible for the playoffs.

** WEEK 15: Monday, Dec. 19, L.A. Rams at home, 7:15 p.m.

This is THE MARQUEE GAME on the schedule.

The defending Super Bowl champions and head coach Sean McVay would love nothing better than to derail the Packers in a late-season game at Lambeau Field. The NFC’s seeding likely will be impacted by this game’s outcome.

The Rams lost Von Miller, Robert Woods and Andrew Whitworth in the offseason. However, they added receiver Allen Robinson, linebacker Bobby Wagner and cornerback Troy Hill.

The Rams lost at Green Bay last November and appeared to be waning before they went on a five-game winning streak and ultimately won the Super Bowl. Cooper Kupp had a tremendous season with 145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those are Davante Adams numbers. Robinson’s presence should make Kupp all the more dangerous, if that’s possible.

Matthew Stafford’s encore will be interesting. He had his best season with a 102.9 passer rating while throwing for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

The Rams’ vaunted defense is led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald. It’s possible the Rams will be trying to stop their former teammate, Odell Beckham, Jr., who just might sign with the Packers between now and then.

Prediction: Packers 34, Rams 28

** WEEK 16: Sunday, Dec. 25, at Miami, noon

If you’re the Packers, so much for being home for the holidays, thanks to the NFL’s decision to have them play at Miami on Christmas Day. If things go the Packers way, their fans should get an additional present to enjoy.

Tyreek Hill’s presence should make the game interesting, especially when he’s matched up against the Packers’ Jaire Alexander.

Prediction: Packers 20, Dolphins 17

** WEEK 17: Sunday, Jan. 1, Minnesota at home, 3:25 p.m.

The Vikings drafted a safety (Georgia’s Lewis Cine) in the first round and a guard (LSU’s Ed Ingram) in the first two rounds. It addressed the Vikings’ two greatest needs: Pass coverage and pass protection.

New coach Kevin O’Connell, another of the Sean McVay coaching tree, hired former Packers defensive coordinator Ed Donatell to run the defense. Donatell has a lot of work to do with a defense that ranked 24th last season.

If Za’Darius Smith and Hunter can stay healthy the pass rush should be first-rate. But that’s a big if where those two are concerned.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Packers 24

** WEEK 18: Saturday, Jan. 7, or Sunday, Jan. 8, Detroit at home, TBA

For the sixth time in seven seasons the Packers will close out against Detroit. It’s timely if the Packers already have their playoff seeding clinched.

Jared Goff just might be playing his final game in a Lions’ uniform. Expect the Packers to send him off with a loss – that is unless they’ve got it all locked up.

Prediction: Packers 30, Lions 19

Five reasons to love Packers’ 2022 draft

| 05/09/2022

By Chris Havel

GREEN BAY, Wis. – There are at least a handful of reasons to love the Packers’ 2022 NFL draft.

Here are my top five:

** No. 1 – A considerable number of national and local media “football experts” dissed the Packers’ draft. They turned up their noses and sniveled out a few “boohoos” because the Packers FAILED by not selecting a first-round receiver.
Give me a break.

These are many of the same “experts” who blew kisses and threw bouquets at the Georgia Bulldogs’ incredible defense that saw five players selected in the first round. It began with Jacksonville choosing defensive end Travon Walker with the top pick, and it ended with Minnesota tabbing safety Lewis Cine at No. 32.

In between, three Georgia defenders were selected, including defensive tackle Jordan Davis at 13 by Philadelphia. The Packers got the other two in “off ball” linebacker Quay Walker at 22 and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt at 28.

Walker and Wyatt are arguably the top players at their position. They come to Green Bay with clearly defined roles and high expectations. After the first day of the Packers’ rookie minicamp last week, head coach Matt LaFleur was singing the praises of this explosive, athletic draft class.

The reality is this: If the Packers traded up into the low teens to snag a receiver – let’s say Ohio State’s Chris Olave – it’s quite possible and even likely that they wouldn’t have been able to draft either Georgia defender, let alone both.

The Packers weren’t foolish enough to think one draft pick could immediately replace one of the NFL’s top receivers in Davante Adams. They accurately assessed the board, tried in vain to move up, and then stayed put and nailed it.

It has been said the best offense is a great defense. They say it for a reason. Show me a great quarterback and a great defense and I’ll show you a Super Bowl champ.

** No. 2 – I love the selection of Wyatt at 28 and not just because I had the Packers drafting him in the first round.

Green Bay hasn’t seen a defensive lineman like Wyatt in a long time. Whereas Kenny Clark is a 6-foot-3, 313-pound monster inside, Wyatt isn’t far behind the All-Pro defensive tackle in stature (6-3, 309) and skillset.

Wyatt gives the Packers a formidable rotation up front, especially given his interior pass rush ability. Clark has 22 ½ sacks in his six seasons. Wyatt should get his share of sacks, too, while making life a little easier for the veteran leader.

The fact that Wyatt is a mature 24-year-old rookie isn’t a negative. In fact, his age and success at Georgia should help him contribute immediately. Clark, 26, was just a baby at 19 when the Packers drafted him. It took him a few years to fully develop and grow with the talent around him.

Now, Clark comes in as a seasoned, hardened veteran with the talented Wyatt to help with the heavy lifting. They join Dean Lowry, Jarran Reed, T.J. Slaton and Jack Heflin to form the Packers’ best defensive line since the mid-‘90s.

** No. 3 – GM Brian Gutekunst’s decision to trade up in the second round and select North Dakota State receiver Christian Watson was prudent and necessary.

In Watson, the Packers’ offensive coaches have high-end talent to work with and they didn’t have to sell the farm to get it.

Watson (6-4, 208) has all of the measurable skills and a few of the intangibles.

He runs a 4.38 40-yard dash and has the hands and agility to make big plays.

The fact that his father, Tim, played NFL safety for five seasons also is a positive factor. Watson, who selected No. 9, has seen himself as an NFL player for years. Playing for the Division II Bisons, who run frequently and throw sparingly, likely shaped Watson as an all-around player that isn’t selfish.

Watson is a skilled return specialist and willing special teams’ player. He also loves to block downfield, which is a preferred skill in Green Bay.

Granted, it is possible Watson may not develop into as good a receiver as Olave. He may be better.

** No. 4 – The safest prediction going into the Packers’ draft was that they would select a receiver in the first round. The next-safest bet was that there was no way the Packers would execute all 11 draft picks.

Wrong.

It appears Gutekunst succeeded in acquiring high-end talent (Walker, Wyatt and Watson) to help the Packers’ Super Bowl push this season. He also brought in eight other players to compete for roster spots and replenish the team’s depth.

The 11 rookies represent a low-cost work force. Every time one of them earns a roster spot, it means the Packers won’t have to spend more to keep a veteran. They can build for the present and the future.

If tackle Rasheed Walker or receiver Samori Toure proves to be a lightning bolt out of nowhere, the extra picks will be worth it. There’s no downside here.

** No. 5 – Whereas fans have a fairly clear picture of the talent and expectations for Walker, Wyatt, Watson and even UCLA guard Sean Rhyan, there are two incredibly intriguing mid-round picks in Romeo Doubs and Kingsley Enagbare.

Doubs has prototypical size (6-2, 204) and speed (4.47 seconds in the 40) with a productive resume at Nevada. Doubs caught 80 passes for 1,114 yards and 11 touchdowns despite opposing defenses knowing he’d be targeted. Nevada quarterbacks had an impressive 130.6 passer rating when targeting Doubs.

South Carolina’s Enagbare was considered a top edge rusher in the draft before a late-season injury caused him to miss two games. He required surgery after the season, which undoubtedly lowered his draft stock.

Enagbare’s critics cite his lack of explosiveness off the edge, pointing to a dreadfully slow 40-yard dash time (4.87) as evidence. However, Enagbare did flash explosiveness with a 36 ½ inch vertical leap and a 117-inch broad jump.

He had 44 tackles in 12 games last season, including seven tackles for loss with 4.5 sacks and two pass breakups.

Enagbare, who will wear No. 55, looked good in workouts at the rookie minicamp. If Doubs, Enagbare or both hit – and it could happen – Packers fans will have even more to love about this draft.

Packers in London – Hosted by Packer Alumni John Kuhn!!

| 05/06/2022

SOLD OUT!! 

October, 9th – 2:30 PM (London Standard Time)

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London England 

What could be better than traveling on the road to see the Pack in action? How about adding London to that trip! Still need another reason? Packer Alumni John Kuhn and his wife Lindsey will be hosting this amazing trip. With so much to see and do let us, at Event USA, do all the planning for you so all you need to worry about is cheering on the Green and Gold!

We will be traveling to one of the oldest cities in the world with history stretching back to the Roman times. From sites like Buckingham Palace to the iconic Big Ben clock tower, London Bridge and Westminster Abbey, now is your opportunity to finally see all London has to offer. 

After you have taken in all the sights, it’s time to raise your voices for all of London to hear our famous chant “Go Pack Go” while you cheer on the Packers to victory! 

Pack your bags and join Event USA on this once in a lifetime trip!!!

Land Package (Air fare and airport/hotel transfers not included)

The Land Game Package includes:

  • Upper Level End Zone Game Ticket* (At this time we are not offering any ticket upgrades. Should this option become available then we will notify you via email.)
  • 4 Night Deluxe Hotel Accommodations (Days selected must include Saturday and Sunday)
  • 6 Night Deluxe Hotel Accommodations (Days selected must include Saturday and Sunday)
  • Friday group photo and Pep Rally with open bar and appetizers
  • Saturday night Happy Hour Party at a local pub. Will include two drink coupons and lite appetizers
  • British Themed Pregame Tailgate Party with Open Bar
  • Passes to area attractions that will include the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.  
  • Passes to a river boat cruise down the famous Thames River
  • Event USA Goodie Bag
  • Game Day Transfer
  • Professional Tour Host
  • Passport Required – You MUST have your passport at least 45 days before you travel and if your passport is scheduled to expire within 6 months of your travel date you will need to renew it. Click here for more details on applying or renewing a passport.

 

Air Package 

The Air Game Package includes:

  • Upper Level End Zone Game Ticket* (At this time we are not offering any ticket upgrades. Should this option become available then we will notify you via email.)
  • 4 Night Deluxe Hotel Accommodations from Thursday to Tuesday (First day is a travel day. You will arrive in London the following day.)
  • 6 Night Deluxe Hotel Accommodations from Monday to Monday or Wednesday to Wednesday (First day is a travel day. You will arrive in London the following day.)
  • Air Transportation out of Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee or Chicago
  • Round Trip Airport/Hotel Transfers
  • Friday group photo and Pep Rally with open bar and appetizers
  • Saturday night Happy Hour Party at a local pub. Will include two drink coupons and lite appetizers
  • British Themed Pregame Tailgate Party with Open Bar
  • Passes to area attractions that will include the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.  
  • Passes to a river boat cruise down the famous Thames River
  • Event USA Goodie Bag
  • Game Day Transfer
  • Professional Tour Host
  • Passport Required – You MUST have your passport at least 45 days before you travel and if your passport is scheduled to expire within 6 months of your travel date you will need to renew it. Click here for more details on applying or renewing a passport.

 

Hotel

Premier hotel accommodations in downtown Central London. Please remember that like many old European capitals, indoor spaces within the city are at a premium and hotel rooms thus tend to be on the smaller side, even luxury hotels such as ours.  Please keep this in mind when deciding upon your sleeping arrangements.  For example, four adults may not be comfortable in one room.  

Optional Sightseeing Excursion (Thursday, October 6th or Monday, October 10th) SOLD OUT!!

Ahh Paris, the city of LOVE! Travel with Event USA to one of the most beautiful cities in the world that is known worldwide for the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. In the city of lights, there are sidewalk cafes at every street corner that provide the perfect place to sit back, have a bite to eat or a coffee while taking in the stunning views of Paris. As Audrey Hepburn best put it, “Paris is always a good idea!” With only 145 spots available each day, you don’t want to think twice about booking this AMAZING all day excursion! 

Custom air?

At this time we are only offering packages with air included from Green Bay, Appleton, Milwaukee or Chicago. If you are looking for air from another departure city and need help please contact us directly for options and pricing.

Just tickets?

Currently we are only offering a full package that includes game tickets. 

LAND PACKAGE PRICING

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Triple
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Quad
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Single
One person per room, price shown is per person
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10/9 - London Six Night Land Package$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$
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AIR PACKAGE PRICING – Limited Availability 

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10/9 - London Six Night Green Bay Air Package - Monday to Monday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out $N/A
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SOLD OUT
10/9 - London Six Night Green Bay Air Package - Wednesday to Wednesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$N/A
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10/9 - London Six Night Milwaukee Air Package - Wednesday to Wednesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$N/A
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10/9 - London Six Night Chicago Air Package - Wednesday to Wednesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$N/A
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GameDouble
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Triple
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Quad
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Single
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Child
10/9 - London Four Night Milwaukee Air Package - Thursday to Tuesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$N/A
SOLD OUT
10/9 - London Four Night Appleton Air Package - Thursday to Tuesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$
SOLD OUT
10/9 - London Four Night Green Bay Air Package - Thursday to Tuesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$N/A
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10/9 - London Four Night Chicago Air Package - Thursday to Tuesday$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out$Sold Out $N/A
SOLD OUT

 All sales are final and are subject to our terms and conditions.

Land and air packages all include either four or six nights lodging depending on which option you choose. If you would like additional nights added, those are available at $625 per night, per room. 

Packers’ D gets boost, WR corps revamped

| 05/02/2022

By Chris Havel

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Packers tabbed Georgia defensive stars Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in the first round with the belief that those Dawgs will hunt.

They also selected a trio of pass-catching retrievers to go fetch the football when Aaron Rodgers throws it. Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure join Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers at receiver.

An exhausted but excited Brian Gutekunst seemed pleased with the draft.

“Obviously a long three days for us,” the Packers’ GM said. “Really appreciate the scouting staff, personnel staff, all the support staff, our medical team, our football technology, all the coaches, just obviously a lot of work goes into this. It’s extremely important for our organization. I’m excited about the guys we got, but it’s been a long weekend, but we felt we did some good and helped our team.”

The Packers’ defense – the team’s least concern going in – received the greatest help. Walker and Wyatt fill two key positions with A+ talent. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s ninth-ranked unit should be a Top 5 outfit this season.

The receiving corps – their greatest need – didn’t get any first-round help, but in lickety-split fashion Gutekunst came out blazing in Day 2. He traded the team’s 53rd and 59th picks to Minnesota for the 34th overall. Then he selected North Dakota State’s Christian Watson.

If Walker, Wyatt and Watson are as good as their draft rankings indicate the Packers should be set to sail into this season and beyond. Meantime, Georgia’s rookie linebacker and defensive tackle are thrilled to be together … again.

“It’s a reunion,” Walker said when a reporter informed him during a Zoom session that the Packers had just selected Wyatt with the 28th pick. “Aw man, that’s crazy.”

Walker, Wyatt and cornerback Eric Stokes, another Bulldog, represent the Packers’ three first-round picks the past two seasons. Stokes was taken at 29 last year.

“It’s a blessing,” Wyatt said. “Getting drafted with a teammate and already having a teammate that’s already down there, so I’m very happy, I’m very confident.

“I’m ready to go ball.”

Gutekunst genuinely seemed excited that Walker and Wyatt were both available. He said he selected Walker at 22 because he didn’t believe he’d be there at 28. It’s also likely that he didn’t believe Wyatt would be around at 28, either.

“Obviously they were two of many on that (national championship) defense,” Gutekunst said. “The two things with these two particular players, and obviously they’re different, but their speed and explosiveness is off the charts. And I think their ability to create havoc in the run game and in the passing game I think, just the all-around nature of those players was something that really drew us to them.”

The consensus among scouts is that Walker (off ball linebacker) and Wyatt (three technique defensive tackle) are the best players at their positions in the draft.

All that high praise brings equally high expectations, but the belief is Walker (who will wear No. 7) and Wyatt (No. 95) will be impactful from the start this season.

Watson is the greater question mark.

The NDSU product has great size (6-4, 208) and speed (4.38 in the 40-yard dash) to go with NFL bloodlines: His father, Tim, was a safety originally drafted by the Packers and went on to play elsewhere during his five-year NFL career.

Watson’s production at North Dakota State wasn’t awe-inspiring, but he played within the Bisons’ run-first scheme and was a good teammate and downfield blocker. And when called upon, Watson routinely flashed his big-play ability. He also is willing and able in the kick and punt return games.

Aaron Rodgers, who was a guest on The Pat McAfee Show during the draft, revealed that the Packers had first-round grades on all six receivers that were selected. When Tennessee drafted Arkansas’ Treylon Burks at 18 Rodgers figured they wouldn’t be taking a receiver in the first round.

He was right.

Gutekunst blanched at the notion offered by some that the Packers “settled” at receiver by selecting Watson in the second round, as opposed to trading up in the first round to get one of six receivers selected in the first 18 picks.

“Settled probably isn’t the word I would use,” Gutekunst said. “I think there’s going to be a lot (of chances for additions) between now and the first game, but I really do like the group.

“Obviously with Sammy and now Christian, we’ve added some athleticism into the room. We talked a lot about Randall and Allen and how much they mean to our football team. And then the opportunities that may have not existed that will exist for those guys now, along with Amari (Rodgers). So that’s a pretty solid group of five and we have some other guys that contributed.”

Lazard is the Packers’ top returning receiver with 40 catches for 513 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Watkins is a proven pro who shouldn’t need a lot of time to begin collaborating with Rodgers, and Cobb was productive last season before being injured late in the first half against the Rams.

Watson, who will wear No. 9, was asked what he’ll say when he meets Rodgers.

“I’ll say, ‘I’m ready to work,’ ” Watson replied. I’m ready to learn and I’m ready to get after it. I know he’s going to be tough on me and that’s exactly what I want. I want someone who’s going to continue to push me to be the best possible player that I can be, and I know that with him being one of the greatest that he’s going to get everything out of me, so shoot, I’m going to tell him I’m ready to work and shoot, I’m ready to go.”

The Packers selected Nevada receiver Romeo Doubs with the 132nd pick.

Doubs (6-2, 201) didn’t run at his pro day because of a knee injury, but he plays fast and is projected to run the 40 in 4.55 seconds. He produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Nevada, where his toughness and pass-catching stood out.

Doubs is more a straight-line speedster in the mold of Marques Valdez-Scantling and should make the team as the sixth receiver. He also is a proven and willing returner and gunner on special teams.

Nebraska’s Samori Toure was taken with the 258th pick in the seventh round.

Toure (6-1, 191) ran a 4.44 40-yard dash and posted a 34 ½ inch vertical leap. He averaged 19.7 yards per catch which was tops in the Big Ten last season. His route depth was 18th among the top 100 receivers measured by analytics experts, so he’s clearly a field stretcher as well as an accomplished return specialist.

Elsewhere in the draft, the Packers selected three offensive linemen: UCLA’s Sean Rhyan, Wake Forest’s Zach Tom and Penn State’s Rasheed Wallace.

They also took edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina, hybrid safety Tariq Carpenter of Georgia Tech and defensive tackle Jonathan Ford of Miami.

Rhyan (6-5, 321) will wear No. 75.

He started all 12 games at left tackle for UCLA last season and has 31 college starts at that position. Rhyan is a candidate to move to guard with the Packers, who have had great success by drafting college tackles and moving them inside. It could allow Elgton Jenkins to move to right tackle, with Rhyan competing at right guard with Royce Newman, while Jon Runyan remains at left guard.