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Green Bay’s 22-9 victory comes at a cost as linebacker corps takes a hit
By CHRIS HAVEL
The Detroit Lions’ offense had about as much trouble getting into the end zone as the Green Bay Packers’ James Jones did leaping into the stands.
Jones’ 83-yard catch and run for a touchdown late in the third quarter helped the Packers to a 22-9 victory over Detroit that kept the Lions winless in Wisconsin since December of 1991. Jones’ big play prompted a Lambeau Leap, but an unhappy Lions fan seated in the front row foiled the leap. Jones coolly adjusted his rout, gathered himself and soared into the stands.
While Jones churned out another strong game, the Lions’ Calvin Johnson was out with a knee injury and had to watch from the sideline. Johnson’s absence certainly affected the Lions’ offense. With the Green Bay defense shifting its attention from Johnson to Reggie Bush, the Lions’ running back was limited to 44 yards on 13 rushing attempts. He also caught an irrelevant four passes for 25 yards. Johnson’s injury was a factor and the Packers admitted as much.
“Just being able to keep (the Lions) in short and intermediate passes definitely helped us out,” Packers linebacker Mike Neal said. “Calvin’s a big part of their game plan, and without him, I think they put a lot on other guys. It was a big plus for us.”
There were several other plusses:

• Packers’ running back Eddie Lacy came back strong after being out with a concussion. Lacy rushed for 99 yards on 23 carries, and Randall Cobb caught a lateral and raced 67 yards to help the Packers finish with 180 rushing yards on 30 carries.
• Jones (four receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown), Nelson (five for 82) and Cobb (four for 35) all made explosive plays. Also, tight end Jermichael Finley returned from a concussion to catch six passes in as many targets for 32 yards in a solid game.
• The Packers racked up five sacks – all by linebackers – and kept the Lions’ Matthew Stafford from getting comfortable all day. The Lions’ only touchdown was a 13-yard pass from Stafford to Kris Durham with 2:06 to play.
• Linebackers A.J. Hawk (nine tackles, seven solo) and Nick Perry (five tackles, all solo, including two sacks) had strong efforts. This may have been Hawk’s and Perry’s finest game of the season.
• Welcome to the 2013 season, Morgan Burnett. The safety returned after a hamstring injury to make five tackles and defend a pass that likely would have gone for a touchdown. Burnett’s presence illustrated how much the defense loses in his absence.
• Mason Crosby went 5-for-5 on field goal attempts, connecting from 26 and 52 yards in the first half, and from 31, 42 and 45 in the second half. Crosby’s form looked smooth as silk, and it appears he is going to earn every dollar of that incentive money.

Fortunately Crosby’s hamstrings are fine, at least, because too many of his teammates have fallen to the injury. The latest is linebacker Brad Jones, who pulled up while trying to force Bush out-of-bounds in the first half. Jones is likely going to miss several weeks.
Jones’ absence is going to hurt.
Linebacker Rob Francois sustained an Achilles injury, and Clay Matthews broke his left thumb. Francois likely is done for the season, while Matthews’ status will be updated on Wednesday.
The Packers’ poor performance in the red zone should be a concern. Aaron Rodgers went 20 of 30 for 274 yards and a touchdown, but the offense sagged inside the Lions’ 20-yard line.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy’s priority has to be red zone offense as he prepares for this week’s game at Baltimore.
The Packers (2-2) have now won 23 straight games against Detroit in the state of Wisconsin. They also pulled to within a half-game of first place in the NFC North, thanks to their win over Detroit (3-2) and Chicago’s 26-10 loss to New Orleans, which was the Bears’ (3-2) second straight.

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Green Bay has won 22 straight over Detroit dating back to Dec. 15, 1991
By CHRIS HAVEL
For more than two decades, the Green Bay Packers haven’t played so much as owned the Detroit Lions in Wisconsin.
The Packers (1-2) have won 22 straight home games against the often lackluster Lions (3-1) since Dec. 15, 1991. I believe Bobby Layne was the Lions’ starting quarterback that day, or was it Bobby Douglass?
It’s been so long the Scott Mitchells and Erik Kramers run together.
As dreadful as the Lions’ losing streak is in Wisconsin, it guarantees very little, if anything, when Detroit and Green Bay kick off Sunday’s noon game at Lambeau Field.
This isn’t the same Detroit Lions’ squad that frequently relies on inability, ineptitude or a combination thereof to lose here. This is a Lions’ squad, led by Reggie Bush’s feet and Ndamukong Suh’s suspensions, that prefers to hit first and ask questions later. Bush rolled up 173 yards in the win over the Bears, and Suh played relentlessly.
The Lions are playing in the image of head coach Jim Schwartz. They are playing aggressive if not reckless football that lacks discipline but makes up for it with intimidation. At least so far this season anyway. Neither the Packers nor the Lions care to hear about the past. Green Bay knows this isn’t a Lions’ team lacking ability, while Detroit realizes that the Packers – at 1-2 coming out of the bye week – can’t afford to lose.
In fact, this is as close to a must-win situation as the Packers are likely to face until December, if it matters then. It is difficult to know just how good the Packers truly are this season. They lose at San Francisco, which is understandable, except the 49ers promptly lose two straight in awful fashion. The Packers blow a 30-14 lead at Cincinnati, which is tough to forgive, especially when the Bengals follow it up with an even more unforgivable 17-6 loss at home to the Cleveland Browns.
Meantime, the Lions take care of business and the Bears with a 40-32 victory over Chicago Sunday at Ford Field. In London, the Minnesota Vikings fended off the winless Pittsburgh Steelers 34-27 to go to 1-3. The NFC North is a two-team fight between the Bears and Lions unless the Packers kick in the door with a win against Detroit on Sunday.
To do that, the Packers’ defense is going to have to play its best game of the season. The Lions’ offense is no joke with Bush doing a far imitation of Barry Sanders, and Matthew Stafford making enough throws to Calvin Johnson and Co. to keep defenses on their heels.
The Packers need all hands on deck. Morgan Burnett and Casey Hayward are going to be needed in the secondary, especially if Clay Matthews’ hamstring flares up.
“It’s great to have weapons at your disposal,” Stafford said after defeating the Bears. “Our offensive line is playing great. They’re opening holes in the running game and those guys are doing what they do. The more we can do that (run), the better we’re going to be.”
Stafford routinely plays some of his poorest football against the Packers. Much of that is because his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, often puts Detroit in a double-digit hole. That is going to be the Packers’ formula for success again Sunday against Detroit. Meantime, the Lions aim to run against the Packers’ nickel defense.
“We definitely felt like that was an area we could take advantage of,” Bush said of the Bears’ game. “When we had (Chicago) in nickel – their nickel personnel – and there’s six guys in the box, we’ve got to take advantage of that.”
It will be up to the Packers’ defense to keep the explosive Bush and Co. from opening an early lead. Then, if everything goes to plan, the Green Bay defense will be asked to close out the game. If the Packers intend to win the NFC North the first step is a win against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Anything less is unacceptable at this point.

Green Bay falls to 1-2 entering a very much-needed bye week
By CHRIS HAVEL
I would not have guessed the Green Bay Packers were capable of playing worse in the fourth quarter than in the first Sunday, when Cincinnati built a two-touchdown lead before Aaron Rodgers and the offense huddled Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.
Then again, who could have imagined the Packers scoring 30 unanswered points … and still losing to the Bengals, 34-30, on a day full of would’ve, could’ve and didn’t.
Who among us could have envisioned the Packers’ defense forcing four turnovers in as many second-quarter possessions … and still losing to Cincinnati?
This game felt a lot like Jeremy Ross and kickoffs – you know – the one that got away. Why Ross is returning kickoffs is one question that I cannot find an answer for. Ross isn’t explosive, certainly not to the level where it justifies the occasional mishandled kickoff or fumbled punt. At any rate, Ross isn’t the greatest single reason why the Packers lost.
There as many reasons as the Packers have hamstring injuries.
In fact, Clay Matthews’ absence after being sidelined with a hamstring injury had the greatest impact on the game’s outcome. With Matthews, the Packers’ defense was aggressive and dictating to the Bengals’ offense. Without him, it shrank into mediocrity and indecisiveness.
As uncomfortable as this may be for some Packers’ fans to consider, two underlying questions have been raised by Sunday’s loss:
For the second time in as many road losses, the Packers’ defense couldn’t hold a lead. The Packers led by four points with six minutes to play at San Francisco. Green Bay led by nine points with 10:55 to play. Once again, the defense couldn’t hold the lead.
When the last time Rodgers led the Packers to a fourth-quarter comeback victory? I’m not going to look it up because Rodgers is one of the NFL’s finest quarterbacks regardless of the numbers in fourth-quarter comebacks.
However, Rodgers uncharacteristically lost his cool and failed to keep his head in the game. There is no excuse for arguing with the head coach – and trust me, Rodgers wasn’t the only one displeased with McCarthy – but that doesn’t make the outburst OK.
Neither did the fact that for the second road game this season, Rodgers had the opportunity to drive Green Bay to a winning touchdown. It didn’t happen in either instance. Obviously, the Packers’ combination of coughing up fourth-quarter leads and failing to regain the lead in the critical moments isn’t good.
The injury situation isn’t good, either.
I swear the Packers have had 106 hamstring injuries on their 53-man roster. It is why the upcoming bye week is much-welcomed by Green Bay. Life without safety Morgan Burnett (he should be back for the Lions’ game Oct. 6) was difficult. Life without Matthews would be unbearable without the pass rusher.
Green Bay’s defense needs to figure out a way to thrive without Matthews, because that seemed an undoable task at Cincinnati.
The Bengals’ 14-point first quarter lead left Packers’ fans scratching their heads and realizing that:
A) There’s still a lot of game to play, and
B) Why is Jeremy Ross still on the roster?
Undaunted, Matthews and the Packers’ defense rose to the occasion, and frequently harassing Andy Dalton in the process. The Packers sacked Dalton four times, but give the kid credit. He stayed with it and ultimately outplayed Rodgers by a long shot.
Dalton finished 20 of 28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns for a 105.5 quarterback rating. Rodgers was 26 of 43 for 244 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He finished with a 64.5 quarterback rating.
“It was a frustrating game,” Rodgers said. “We spot ‘em 14, score 30 in a row and they get 20. I played poorly and the defense played well enough for us to win.”
It was kind of Rodgers to credit the defense, even if it wasn’t warranted.
The defense was one of several frustrating aspects to what one Bengals’ player described as – and accurately so – a “weird game.”
Jermichael Finley sure looked defenseless to me when he was drilled in the helmet on the play that sidelined him. Finley got tattooed and the Bengals’ defender should have been penalized. It was a vicious hit.
There were several others, but I haven’t the time or the temperament right now to list them all.
McCarthy certainly showed poor decision-making when he elected to skip the field goal attempt in favor of going for it on fourth-and-1. Jonathan Franklin had an outstanding game aside from one play. It was a play McCarthy had no business calling, not in that situation, and not with that player (the rookie Franklin) carrying the football.
A bootleg with Rodgers would have been ideal. I’m not second-guessing, either. I was saying as much before the snap. McCarthy’s sense of risk-reward befuddles at times. If he is going to go for it on fourth-and-1, why not at the goal line, where the reward is a touchdown? Yet going for it on fourth-and-1 at the Cincinnati 30? With a 30-27 lead on the road?
It makes no sense. Fortunately, I have a bye week to get over it.
And the Packers have a bye week to figure it out.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and 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’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

Defense bends, doesn’t break during Green Bay’s 38-20 rout of Washington
By CHRIS HAVEL
The vicious hit on Eddie Lacy notwithstanding, there was a lot to like in the Green Bay Packers’ 38-20 romp over Washington Sunday in the regular-season home opener at Lambeau Field.
Aaron Rodgers and the offense were smoking hot to the tune of a team record-tying 480 passing yards and four touchdowns. Meantime, the Packers’ defense showed that it can play from ahead.
Certainly, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy’s team has room to grow in terms of tackling, decision-making and communicating. But as home openers go, the Packers’ rout of Washington was as good as it gets.
The Packers (1-1) won their 27th game in the last 29 at Lambeau Field. They did it in smashing style with a power running game punctuating the Packers’ precision passing attack. James Starks rushed for 132 yards to become the first running back to over 100 yards in forever. Starks looked more decisive than in previous games, but the fact remains that hi success was predicated on Rodgers and the passing game.
In that regard, the Packers bordered on flawless.
Rodgers was 34 of 42 and he made it look easy. When the Packers’ quarterback and his receivers are clicking it’s a thing of beauty.
Rodgers tied Matt Flynn’s single-game passing record with 480 yards, and he became only the second quarterback in league history to throw for that many yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. The great Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle was the other, that in 1962.
“You know, he spoils me,” McCarthy said. “No doubt, Aaron is a special football player. He’s at the point of his career where he is about making other people better, pulling everybody up.”
It should be comforting to know that after surrendering three sacks in the first nine minutes, the Packers’ offensive line regrouped and did its job.
For all the criticism McCarthy has received regarding the lack of a running game, I almost understand why he might be tempted to pass, pass and pass some more. Rodgers pierced the Redskins’ defense with perfectly placed spirals in the hands of an array of receivers.
James Jones hauled in nine catches for 152 yards in the first half. Several moved the chains and kept the Packers’ offense on the field. Randall Cobb flashed the quickness that made him everyone’s pick for NFC “Breakout Player of the Year” while tap-dancing through tackles.
Starks’ effort was impressive on several fronts.
First, it showed that he definitely is prepared if called upon. Second, it had me thinking: If that were Lacy, rather than Starks running through those holes, the Packers might’ve rushed for 200-plus yards. The loss of Lacy shouldn’t be downplayed because of Starks’ effectiveness. The Packers need Lacy and Starks both to be available, a point that was highlighted Sunday.
Defensively, coordinator Dom Capers was more innovative and aggressive. He dialed up several blitzes and the defense got home. The defensive line continued to play well, and B.J. Raji is off to a great year.
Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III was shut out in the first half while Green Bay opened a commanding 24-0 lead. Several creative blitzes, including a sweet sack by cornerback Davon House, kept RGIII either throwing away passes because no one was open, or misfiring because he was being hit while releasing.
RGIII finished 26 of 40 for 320 yards and three touchdowns, but the game was out of hand by the time he racked up those numbers.
Green Bay’s defense did a much better job of getting off the field. Several three-and-outs set up the offense with good field position, and scarcely allowed the Redskins’ defense a chance to catch its breath.
Clearly, Rodgers’ use of the no huddle helped set the tone early on. The passing game’s excellence, backed by a strong running game and a defense that can be really good with a lead, is the formula for success.
On Sunday, it worked beautifully against the Redskins.
This week at Cincinnati we begin to find out how well it travels.
Chris Havel is a national best-selling author and 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’ MVP Parties the evening before home games.

Too many turnovers, missed opportunities cause McCarthy’s Packers to fall short
By CHRIS HAVEL
By comparison to the embarrassing NFC Divisional Playoff loss Jan. 12 at San Francisco, the Green Bay Packers looked much improved Sunday in their season opener at Candlestick Park. They just weren’t improved enough to beat the 49ers.
San Francisco’s Colin Kaepernick beat the Packers with his legs in the 45-31 rout in January by rushing for a quarterback playoff record 186 yards. On Sunday, Kaepernick beat the Packers with his right arm.
Kaepernick completed 27 of 39 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns in the 49ers’ 34-28 victory over Green Bay. Whereas the 49ers ran the read option 16 times for 176 yards in the playoffs, San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh ran it just seven times for 10 yards.
No matter.
After battling the 49ers facemask-to-facemask for three quarters, the Packers’ defense couldn’t keep Kaepernick & Co. out of the end zone after Green Bay took a 28-24 lead with 8:26 to play. Once Green Bay took the lead – its first of the game – the defense has to make it stand. They tried but failed.
Aaron Rodgers and the offense were sharp in the passing game. Jordy Nelson came off a limited preseason to haul in seven passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. Several of Nelson’s catches were circus variety, and he seems to have regained his 2011 form. Randall Cobb also came up big. He had seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown while keeping several drives alive with beautiful grabs. Unfortunately, not much seems to have changed in the running game. Lacy rushed 14 times for 41 yards, and he also caught a 31-yard screen pass, but there weren’t enough holes for him to exploit.
Meantime, San Francisco’s offense rolled up 494 yards while allowing just two sacks and giving up zero turnovers. Kaepernick and his favorite new weapon, ex-Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin, connected on 13 receptions for 208 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Vernon Davis also gashed the Packers’ secondary for two touchdowns and several clutch catches to keep drives alive.
When the 49ers weren’t keeping drives alive, the Packers’ head coach and the officials were doing it for them. After the 49ers took over on Green Bay’s 14 after an Eddie Lacy fumble, Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy could’ve declined a penalty making it fourth-and-1 at the Green Bay 5.
Instead, he accepted the penalty, leaving the 49ers third-and-6 at the 10. The Packers forced Kaepernick out of the pocket, and then out-of-bounds, but Clay Matthews’ late hit and a subsequent 49ers’ personal foul led the officials to replay the down. It was the wrong call. Both were dead-ball penalties and as such they should’ve cancelled each other and brought up fourth down.
This time, Kaepernick hit Boldin for a 10-yard touchdown when Jerron McMillian missed a tackle at the 5 to put the 49ers up 14-7.
Give the Packers credit though. Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers answered every 49ers’ challenge and eventually took a 28-24 lead with 8:26 to play. Lacy’s 1-yard touchdown dive gave the Packers the lead, but the defense couldn’t hold it. The 49ers answered with an efficient drive that was capped by Frank Gore’s 1-yard touchdown to make it 31-28 49ers with 5:47 to play.
Adding to the disappointment was Green Bay’s inability to get the 49ers’ offense off the field after that. San Francisco took all but 26 seconds off the clock before kicking a field goal to make it 34-28.
Several missed calls, including an obvious facemask to Lacy and holds by Boldin against Matthews, certainly didn’t help the Packers’ effort. Neither did three penalties (two holds and an illegal use of hands) by left guard Josh Sitton that negated two of the Packers’ best runs of the day.
The loss is disappointing, but not disturbing for several reasons:

• While McCarthy should’ve known two dead-ball fouls don’t result in the down being played over, in his defense the officials not only made the wrong call, they announced it incorrectly over the PA system.
• Lacy’s fumble was disheartening, but his toughness, running style and ability to turn a screen into a 31-yard play was promising. Also, Lacy may be the answer to goal-line and short-yardage plays.
• For all the concern over Rodgers’ limited preseason, and the inexperience at left and right tackle, Green Bay’s offense still racked up 385 total yards.

Indeed, the Packers are much improved since January. Now, it remains to be seen which of these teams will improve the most between now and the postseason.

McCarthy’s Packers ready to continue division dominance
By CHRIS HAVEL
It’s no surprise that the Packers are 4 ½ point underdogs going into their regular-season opener at San Francisco. After all, in most NFL preseason power rankings the NFC North rates a close second to the NFC West as the best division in football.
The Packers, Vikings, Bears and Lions were a combined 35-29 last year. Only Detroit’s dismal and unexpected 4-12 season dragged down the division. Otherwise, the Packers (11-5) and Vikings (10-6) were NFC playoff qualifiers with the Bears (10-6) just on the outside looking in.
What will 2013 bring inside the old Black and Blue Division?
More of the same based on the offseason head coaching change in Chicago, the additions in free agency in Minnesota and Detroit, and Green Bay’s perpetually effective draft-and-develop philosophy.
Here’s a team-by-team breakdown with win-loss predictions:

Green Bay Packers (11-5)

McCarthy’s Packers went 5-1 in the division a year ago. Their only loss was a 37-34 shootout in the season finale at Minnesota. Look for the Packers to own the NFC North again this season.
First, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense create significant matchup problems within the division. Neither Detroit’s nor Minnesota’s defensive secondary can handle Green Bay’s passing attack, and Chicago’s defense is aging and depth is thin on the defensive line.
Second, Eddy Lacy already has proven to be no shrinking violet. The second-round draft pick gives Green Bay’s offense a dimension it hasn’t had in years. The effect should keep defenses off-balance and make play action passes available to the wide receivers and especially tight end Jermichael Finley.
Third, the Packers’ defense is better than it was a year ago. How much better remains to be seen, but I agree with McCarthy when he says the defensive line is the best and deepest since he arrived in 2006. The Vikings’ Adrian Peterson and the Bears’ Matt Forte will have to earn everything against B.J. Raji and Co. Meantime, the Lions’ Reggie Bush won’t be able to exploit the Packers’ limitations like he might have had he been in Detroit a year ago.

Detroit Lions (10-6)

It’s time for the Lions’ production to live up to its potential. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Calvin Johnson and Bush are too talented for the Lions to repeat 2012’s disastrous 4-12 win-loss record.
The question mark is head coach Jim Schwartz. It might be asking too much of Schwartz – who presided over a 0-16 outfit – to make the climb from winless to NFC North champions. Schwartz, like his team, seems to lack discipline and the ability to handle adversity.
The defense is much better with rookie defensive lineman Ziggy Ansah, although he has been troubled by concussion issues.
The Lions open up at home against Minnesota in what should be an entertaining and enlightening matchup. If Detroit hopes to reach its postseason aspirations it needs to win games like the opener, especially at home against a division opponent.

Chicago Bears (7-9)

Quarterback Jay Cutler likely will get Chicago off to a fast start, and that could include a season-opening home win against playoff contender Cincinnati. However, the Bears’ modus operandi is to start fast and then fizzle down the stretch.
Perhaps first-year head coach Marc Trestman can reverse that trend, but with an aging defense and a still untested offensive line the potential problems are obvious.
Will Cutler stay upright behind another makeshift Bears’ line? And will the defense, already thin along the line, be able to reach back for more even though many are long in the tooth? I’m thinking probably not.

Minnesota Vikings (6-10)

Ex-Packers receiver Greg Jennings is going to wish he still had Rodgers throwing the ball to him. The Vikings’ offense has the NFL’s No. 1 weapon in the run game – Peterson – but it also has an erratic quarterback in Christian Ponder.
Minnesota’s weaponry is upgraded with Jennings and rookie Cordarelle Patterson, plus solid holdover Kyle Rudolph at tight end. But the offensive line remains a question mark, and Ponder needs to show much more than he did a year ago.
I don’t see it.

San Francisco’s running attack, pass rush will be severe test
By CHRIS HAVEL
When the Packers and 49ers tee it up in Sunday’s regular-season opener at San Francisco, it will have been seven months, 27 days and change since Green Bay was clobbered by the Niners 45-31 in the 2012 NFC Divisional Playoffs.
But who’s counting?
Well, just about everyone with a rooting interest on either side.
For the Packers the challenge is clear: Stop the 49ers’ running game, slow down their pass rush and hope Aaron Rodgers’ offensive line and skill position players are as ready as their quarterback. As last year’s 49ers-Packers season opener at Lambeau Field proved, it isn’t starting fast that matters so much. It’s how much you improve during the balance of the 16-game schedule that counts. San Francisco mauled Green Bay 30-22 in the 2012 opener.
The 49ers’ offense rushed for 186 yards in 32 carries while playing turnover-free football. Their defense sacked Rodgers three times, harassed him constantly and forced him into throwing an interception. While the Niners built on that win and continued to improve during the season (including a change at quarterback), the Packers absorbed injuries, dealt with the burden of having zero running game and eventually fizzled.
In the 49ers’ 45-31 blistering of the Packers they rushed for 323 yards on 43 carries and played error-free football after the first quarter. On defense, the 49ers sacked Rodgers once and forced him into an interception. The Packers’ special teams compounded the problems when Jeremy Ross fumbled trying to handle a punt.
Ultimately, the 49ers improved and the Packers did not since the opener. Now, the question is this: How much have the 49ers and Packers improved since their Jan. 12 encounter?
Let’s start with the Packers’ defense. Is it just me or are Packers fans sick and tired of seeing every NFL highlight featuring the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick sprinting in the open field with a handful of Packers in not-so-hot pursuit? I thought so.
To make sure Kaepernick doesn’t repeat his NFL-record 181-yard rushing performance by a quarterback, the Packers took extreme measures. They went to Texas A&M to study the read option. They discussed it at every single practice during training camp. They consulted referees about what is and isn’t allowed in terms of hitting the quarterback when he becomes a runner out of the pocket.
The Packers’ Clay Matthews talked about it on ESPN radio this week.
“One of the things that the referees have told us is that when these quarterbacks carry out the fakes, they lose their right as a quarterback, a pocket-passing quarterback, the protection of a quarterback,” Matthews said on Mike & Mike. “So with that, you do have to take your shots on the quarterback, and obviously they’re too important to their offense. If that means they pull them out of that type of offense and make them run a traditional, drop-back, pocket-style offense, I think that’s exactly what we’re going for. So you want to put hits as early and often on the quarterback and make them uncomfortable.”
The plan is to make Kaepernick pay when he’s out of the pocket. That sounds easier than it is because the 49ers have an exceptional running back in Frank Gore. The Packers’ plan may be to hit Kaepernick when he keeps the football. The problem with that is respecting Gore’s explosiveness – and the offensive line’s ability to brawl – without becoming preoccupied with the quarterback.
When Kaepernick handed off to Gore he rushed 23 times for 119 yards and a touchdown. With Lamichael James out with an injury, expect Kendall Hunter to spell Gore on Sunday. The Packers’ defense had no answer for either the QB or the back in January, but things may be different this time. The fact that there will be no surprises so should help Green Bay. Furthermore, I am certain the Packers’ defense is much improved from the banged up, rag-tag collection that was humiliated in January.
The Packers’ defensive line is upgraded from top to bottom. Rookie Datone Jones adds pass rush ability, and B.J. Raji, C.J. Wilson and Ryan Pickett have been strong throughout training camp. The Packers’ linebackers should be better with a healthy Nick Perry, a retooled Mike Neal and a more experienced Brad Jones at inside linebacker.
I am confident Green Bay’s defense won’t be gashed by the 49ers, and certainly not to the tune of 579 yards. In fact, I believe the Packers’ defense is going to be a pleasant surprise. My concern is for the Packers’ offense, particularly the offensive line. There is reason to believe rookie left tackle David Bakhtiari and second-year right tackle Don Barclay will be grow as the season unfolds. The problem is they face one of the NFL’s best defenses in the opener.
Aldon Smith set an NFL record with 33 ½ sacks in his first two seasons. He had none in the final six games, including the Super Bowl, but he didn’t have a healthy Justin Smith lining up across from him.
Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman headline the NFL’s top linebacker unit, and Nnamdi Asomugha provides depth in the secondary.
The challenge will be for the Packers’ offense to come out sharp, grab an early lead and force Kaepernick and the 49ers to play from behind. That was the plan the last two times these teams met. This time we’ll see if the Packers have the game plan and the players to meet the challenge.
PREDICTION: Just about everyone I talk to thinks the 49ers will blow out the Packers in the opener. They think the 5 ½ point spread isn’t going to be nearly enough for the Packers to cover, much less win.
I don’t see it that way. Certainly, the 49ers are favored and for good reason. But the Packers’ defense appears to be upgraded significantly, and Rodgers remains the best quarterback in the NFL. If he gets enough protection, and Eddie Lacy opens with a flourish, it’ll be close.
I’m going to stay true to my green-and-gold roots, and go with my heart instead of my head, and pick the Packers 24-20 over San Francisco.

B.J. Coleman, Vince Young both released; Mason Crosby retains job as place kicker
By CHRIS HAVEL
The Green Bay Packers’ ever-changing roster appears to have settled as the Labor Day weekend draws to a close.
B.J. Coleman joined Vince Young and Graham Harrell as ex-Packers quarterbacks declared willing but unable to handle the backup job. Essentially, the Packers spent a great deal of their preseason games and practice time during training camp to determine none was good enough to hold the clipboard for Aaron Rodgers.
On Monday, Packers GM Ted Thompson added a second quarterback by signing veteran Seneca Wallace. The 10th-year pro was with San Francisco last season, and Cleveland and Seattle before that.
Wallace, who has played in 62 games, owns a 81.3 quarterback rating on a 59.2 completion percentage with 31 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. The Packers also signed ex-49ers (and Badgers) quarterback Scott Tolzien to their practice squad.
The conspiracy theorist might insist that Packers head coach Mike McCarthy signed Wallace and Tolzien so defensive coordinator Dom Capers can interrogate them about all things San Francisco. That will happen, of course, but Wallace has to be considered an upgrade over Young, Harrell and Coleman. Meantime, Tolzien is a bright young player who has the moxie and enough talent to play a bit. Thompson accepted blame for Young’s failure by saying, “Quite frankly, it probably wasn’t fair to Vince. We threw a lot on his plate and the fault probably is mine. I probably should’ve had him in here earlier.”
Earlier, later – it wouldn’t matter. Young showed in the Kansas City preseason finale that he still can’t run an NFL offense with anything that resembles precision. An entire offseason wouldn’t correct what six NFL seasons have made perfectly clear: Young has serious limitations.
Fans who are upset because Young was cut should take heart. Wallace is much more capable of filling in if disaster strikes. Perhaps the most interesting aspect in all of this is that no matter who is the backup QB, Packers fans hope and pray that they never have to play.
The Packers got better news on the kicking front when Mason Crosby staved off all comers to retain the job. Crosby’s big leg on kickoffs remains an asset, as does his tackling ability (hello, special teams coach Shawn Slocum, better get the coverage units ready) and his field goal kicking when his mind is right.
Here are some additional thoughts on the Packers’ final roster:

• Tight end Brandon Bostick showed enough to merit his roster spot. Bostick was inconsistent early in training camp, but he stayed with it, calmed down and played well during the final two weeks. Bostick joins Jermichael Finley, Andrew Quarless and Ryan Taylor at the tight end position. Quarless and Taylor are strong special team players who also are dependable at tight end. Bostick is different in that his size and skill set make him a viable option if Finley wasn’t available.
• The Packers’ defensive line is the best group this team has taken into a season in recent memory. B.J. Raji is playing for his next contract, and Ryan Pickett and C.J. Wilson have been very good. Rookie Datone Jones has flashed serious ability, while Mike Daniels and Mike Neal both appear to have stepped up their games. Johnny Jolly and rookie Josh Boyd fill out a very strong eight-man unit.
• Receiver Jarrett Boykin came on after a slow start to win the No. 4 receiver job. He could be a factor as early as Sunday’s 49ers game because Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb only took three snaps in the preseason finale at Kansas City.

Vince Young wins No. 2 QB job; Packers trim roster to 75-man deadline; sign another kicker
By CHRIS HAVEL
It was disappointing to see Aaron Rodgers quarterback just one series Friday night. It was even more disappointing to see Graham Harrell direct yet another handful of ineffectual drives.
Harrell, who was trying to win the backup QB job, was released in the wake of the Packers’ 17-10 loss to Seattle on Friday night in a Week 3 preseason game at Lambeau Field. That means NFL veteran Vince Young, 30, is going to be the Packers’ backup to Rodgers.
Joining Harrell on the waiver wire are WR Alex Gillett, WR Omarius Hines, RB Angelo Pease, DT Gilbert Pena and WR Justin Wilson. The Packers also signed kicker Zach Ramirez while keeping both incumbent Mason Crosby and challenger Giorgio Tavecchio on the roster for now.
Harrell directed 14 preseason drives that produced just three points. Against Seattle, the offense was out of sync with Harrell at the controls. Several tipped passes and offensive penalties killed any chance for the Packers’ No. 2 offense to put up points.
While Young is clearly an upgrade over Harrell, it remains to be seen exactly where the Packers’ No. 1 offense is at in its preparation for the regular-season opener at San Francisco. Rodgers hit 4 of 7 passes for 41 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He may not need the extra work, but the rest of the offense appeared to need a dose of confidence. The Packers committed eight penalties and the running game went nowhere.
With the 49ers looming, it’s a fair question to ask: Are the Packers – especially the offense – ready to go on the road and face the 49ers? Packers head coach Mike McCarthy seemed irritated when asked. Clearly, the coach feels like his quarterback will be ready. Rodgers echoed that sentiment.
“I do (feel ready),” he said. “I’ve played a lot of football. I’ll make sure my conditioning is where it needs to be for the first game and we’ll be fine.”
Undoubtedly Rodgers will be ready. The concern is for his teammates. Do they feel ready and confident to take on the 49ers? Certainly, the Packers did little offensively to think they can go to San Francisco and put up a lot of points. Eddie Lacy and Alex Green looked great against St. Louis, but had nowhere to run against Seattle. Green had a nifty 31-yard run on a toss play that probably sewed up his roster spot.
Last year, the Packers started the season 2-3 and the offense struggled. That same feeling exists this year.
Clearly, McCarthy feels like Rodgers will be ready for the opener. That doesn’t mean his teammates have had a chance to get in sync with him. There is a reason New England’s Tom Brady and Denver’s Peyton Manning saw extended action in Week 3 of the preseason. It wasn’t simply to get the QBs prepared to play. It was to get their teammates ready to roll with them directing the show.
That hasn’t happened in Green Bay. It is asking a lot to think Rodgers will be on the same page with Jordy Nelson (knee), if the receiver is healthy in time for the opener, or Randall Cobb, who has seen limited time with a right biceps injury. Again, Rodgers doesn’t seem concerned.
“Hopefully we get Jordy back next week to get some work in (and) Randall the same,” Rodgers said. In regards to if they play or not (Thursday at Kansas City) it would be good to get some reps with them, but we’ve played a lot of football together. Jordy and I had a lot of success, and Randall (and I) obviously had a lot of success last year.”
The Packers better hope their quarterback is correct. It also is a leap of faith to think starting tackles David Bakhtiari and Don Barclay are entirely and adequately prepared to handle the 49ers. Factor in the Packers’ still unproven running game and it shapes up to be an incredible challenge going into San Francisco.
Defensively, the Packers racked up four sacks, including three of the elusive Russell Wilson, who was 11 of 17 for 126 yards and two interceptions. The defense appears ready, although safety Morgan Burnett, cornerback Casey Hayward and inside linebacker Brad Jones all incurred hamstring injuries. It remains to be seen if any are serious.
Meantime, the Packers’ offense has one more preseason game to find its groove. The question is this: How does an offense get in sync with the starting quarterback standing on the sidelines?