Favre wise to wait before making Green Bay return

| 04/15/2013
By CHRIS HAVEL
GREEN BAY – Brett Favre can laugh about it now.
The old gunslinger told a Dallas radio station during the weekend that his trade to the New York Jets in 2008 and signing with Minnesota in 2009 “made for good TV when I came back, didn’t it?”
Favre predicted he will return to Green Bay, which is to say he will return to be honored by his former team.
He didn’t say when he planned to do that, though.
“As far as coming back to Green Bay?” Favre said. “We’ll do it one day.”
Favre, 43, also said he never used retirement as leverage.

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Furthermore, Favre said he never believed Packers GM Ted Thompson was wasting his later years by building for the future.
“I just find it hard to believe that a GM or a head coach would be concerned about the next era when their job is on the line today,” Favre told the station. “That has happened. I think you do have to look to the future a little bit in, for example, drafting Aaron Rodgers. (I’m) perfectly OK with that. But you do have to be concerned about winning now, unless you’re looking forward to getting a high pick or whatever.
“But I think for me it (retirement contemplation) was the timing. I had played I don’t know how many games straight in ‘05 at the end of the year. … If we didn’t win it at the end of the year, which 19 out of 20 we didn’t, then it was a disappointing year for me. Later on in my career, it just got more and more disappointing. Even though I might’ve had a great year, the last thing I wanted to think about was football.
“So when I was asked that question of playing or not playing, I could have easily said, which I probably should’ve, ‘We’ll see you in July. At this point I can’t commit to a team, I’m burned out.’ Which was true. That’s not to say that in July I wouldn’t be recharged. It’s kind of like when you go on summer break from school. You can’t wait. But then the first day of school, you’re kind of looking forward to it again. And that’s the way I was.”
Favre’s comments raise more questions than they answer. There’s really nothing new in that. The important thing is that he seems comfortable discussing his departure and is open to a return.
Fans are divided on the topic. Some want to see his number prominently displayed inside Lambeau Field. Others say they hope it never happens.
The reality is that it is going to happen. The question is, “When?”
Ultimately, that’s up to Favre and nobody else.
Packers’ president Mark Murphy repeatedly has said the team will retire Favre’s No. 4 “when the time is right.”
Since the football is in Favre’s hands, right where he wants it, the future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback ought to take his time.
Unlike a play, there’s no rush here.
Fans are enjoying the Packers’ success with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. That alone makes it easier to live in the present, rather than to long for the good old days.
Furthermore, it’s been just two years since Favre was out of the NFL. That’s like a blink of an eye given his two decades in the league. The record-setting quarterback’s stature isn’t going to diminish.
In fact, as Favre’s election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame draws near – he will be eligible in the summer of 2015 – memories of his incredibly powerful right arm and legendary toughness will be rekindled.
If Favre wants to patch things up with Packers’ fans he may have disappointed or offended, he merely needs to make that return trip to Green Bay before he goes into Canton.
The gesture would go a long way toward healing old wounds. It would be wise for one of the greatest Packers to make Green Bay his first stop, and then continue on his way to Canton in the summer of ’15.
It would be a sign of respect to the team that he represented so terrifically for all those seasons. If it happens sooner in Green Bay, so be it. But to really embrace everything that is going into the Packer Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Favre should do it right, and in that order: Green Bay and then Canton.
Based on Favre’s comments to the Dallas radio station his wounds have healed. Now he can think about doing some mending for his fans.
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.

4/8 Packers Scoop: Locker Room Cameras, Woodson's Future, Rodgers' Contract, & the NFL Draft

| 04/08/2013

GREEN BAY – Green Bay Packers fans never fail to amaze me.
Whether it is free agency, the draft or an upcoming game they have an opinion, and generally they also have the Packers’ best interests at heart. The most recent example involves cameras and the locker room.
The NFL has ordered teams to place cameras inside the locker rooms with video to be shown only on stadium scoreboards this season. Commissioner Roger Goodell hailed it as a way for the league to further enhance the in-game experience for its fans.
NFL vice-president of business operations Eric Grubman said the cameras will provide unique content
“I can see cameras in locker rooms or tunnels or coaches’ facilities before games,” Grubman said. “Fans want it, and clubs can do it.”
Certainly clubs can and will do it. But do fans really want it?
The league will closely monitor the content, so the potential for inadvertently showing inappropriate video is next to impossible. Or is it?
Several Packers fans called into Sports Line to express their desire NOT to have cameras in the locker room. Their thought was twofold:

  1. The locker room is the coaches’ and players’ private sanctuary, and that it should be respected as such. They said they didn’t need to see and hear everything that goes on, including the head coach’s pre-game speech, which is really just between him and his team.
  2. Why risk having inappropriate video somehow leaked to the media? They point out that it’s not like THAT never happens.

Numerous Packers fans put their team’s best interests ahead of a chance to get an enhanced, in-stadium experience – at least in terms of cameras in locker rooms.
One caller used a “for instance” – suppose Packers’ coach Mike McCarthy is in the midst of a passionate pre-game speech and for whatever reason the video shows several players’ rather salty response?
Will NFL coaches begin to “play to the camera” because they know it is being videotaped and then broadcast inside the stadium? Will this require the “official” pre-game speech, followed by the one that is piped into the stadium?
Some simply wonder where and when the line will be drawn between “enhanced experience” and “invasion of privacy.”
Interestingly, Dallas owner Jerry Jones has been using locker room cameras in this fashion. It is where the league got the idea. Now, it is coming to Lambeau Field and beyond.
My guess is fans will grow to like it, while coaches and players will merely learn to tolerate it. Most important, the league better make darn sure it knows exactly who, what and where when it comes to the videos.
On another video note, the league is requiring all available replays be shown at stadiums during a video review. Home teams can’t simply choose to play video that may be favorable to their team.
 
Woodson still waiting to hear from teams
Who is slower in pursuit? Is it Charles Woodson trying to chase down a fleet young receiver, or the 32 NFL teams who have shown zero interest in signing the 36-year-old free agent safety
Woodson told the NFL Network last week that he believes teams think he’s too old to play.
“I’m 36, so of course I’m considered ancient in the game right now, and teams are looking for younger players and trying to make their rosters younger,” he said. “If you’re an older guy, they kind of push you to the side, and they’ll maybe look at you much later on down the road, when I guess they figure they can get you much cheaper.”
Woodson is absolutely correct. More and more teams – the Packers were among the first – are willing to make an offer to a veteran free agent, let him shop it around, and return if there’s nothing better out there.
James Jones is the classic, recent example. The Packers let Jones test the market, and they re-signed him when he received unsatisfactory interest. No hard feelings. It’s just business.
Jones did exactly that and upon his return elevated his game. Now, he’s a starting receiver on one of the NFL’s most potent passing attacks.
Woodson’s albatross, of course, is his age. Jones (27) was entering his prime when he became a free agent. Woodson (36) is well past it.
If he figured in the Packers’ plans, I suspect he’d already be back. Unless the desire still burns hot, Woodson might be wise to walk away with a NFL Defensive MVP Award and a Super Bowl XLV ring.
Rodgers’ contract estimates keep growing
The most recent numbers have Aaron Rodgers’ contract extension in the neighborhood of six years, $125 million, with $60 million of it guaranteed money.
That’s an awfully nice neighborhood, to be sure, but it’s also the cost of doing business. If the Packers are going to be perennial contenders they need an elite quarterback. It’s that simple.
More than that, Rodgers is a leader. When he spoke about being an explosive passing attack without Greg Jennings, he was accepting responsibility and displaying confidence in himself and his teammates.
Rodgers says what he means, he plays at a high level and he wins.
Rodgers gets the money, but Packers’ fans get the prize.
Seventeen days and counting until the draft
The closer the draft, the more impossible it is to predict who, what and where the Packers will select in the NFL draft on April 25-27.
The Packers’ perceived needs have been well-documented. They include running back, tight end, center, defensive tackle, defensive end, inside linebacker and safety.
Well, that certainly narrows it. Based on the old-fashioned formula, and GM Ted Thompson’s history, the Packers will select:
** Big over small (offensive or defensive line);
** Defense before offense (Packers’ defense still the weaker unit);
** Immediate impact versus developmental player;
** Need and best player intersect;
The Packers are likely to sit tight and select at No. 28, then trade up and execute two second-round selections. That means three players in the first two days who should be counted on to contribute this season.
That means a defensive lineman (nose or end), a safety and either a running back or tight end in the first two days of the draft. Like I said, it’s impossible to predict, but too intriguing not to try.
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.

Packers 2013 Preseason Schedule Announced!

| 04/04/2013

The Packers preseason schedule has been announced and will feature a repeat of last season’s controversial matchup against the Seahawks, this time at Lambeau Field!

Mike Spofford of Packers.com has an excellent article on the release of the preseason schedule and the “Fail Mary” rematch – and remember, Event USA will have everything you need to get to ANY game this season! Stay tuned for pricing and availability soon!

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Packers’ need at D-End must be addressed high in 2013 Draft

| 04/01/2013

By Chris Havel

Defense dangerously thin at end; SMU’s Hunt would be perfect fit

GREEN BAY PACKERS NEWS – The Packers’ early pursuit of free agent defensive end Chris Canty ultimately fizzled into an offseason footnote.
The Packers brought Canty to Green Bay for a visit, team doctors reportedly had injury concerns, and GM Ted Thompson elected to pass. Canty later signed with Baltimore, and that was that.
Or was it?
A month later, the Packers’ need is just as great at defensive end. With free agency an unlikely solution, the NFL draft is up next.
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When the Packers are on the clock Thursday, April 25, with the 28th pick, their fans should be praying for two things:
** 1) That SMU defensive end Margus Hunt is still on the board, and …
** 2) That the Packers do the smart thing and draft him.
My best guess is Hunt’s gone before the 28th pick, although stranger things have happened on draft day. And history has shown that Thompson is OK with packaging picks and moving up to get his guy.
Hunt is a 6-foot-8, 277-pound end who sets the edge against the run, chases down plays from the backside, and closes on the quarterback. He had 31 tackles, 11 ½ tackles for loss, eight sacks and an interception as a senior at SMU. He would be a blessing on a woefully thin unit.
The starting ends are Ryan Pickett and C.J. Wilson. The top reserves are Mike Neal, Mike Daniels and Worthy. Pickett isn’t a kid anymore, and Wilson was serviceable as he struggled with injury and inconsistency.
Neal flashed at times, but he didn’t show down-in, down-out durability. Daniels showed talent, but remains raw and largely untested.
In that light, the Packers drafting a running back (Alabama’s Eddie Lacy), tight end (Stanford’s Zach Ertz) or receiver (Cal’s Keenan Allen) in the first round seems like a luxury purchase.
Fans that love seeing Aaron Rodgers’ passes fill the sky, and the Lambeau Field scoreboard fairly explode, would be thrilled with any of those offensive weapons.
However, fans that hate seeing the Packers’ defense be embarrassed – especially in the postseason – would be relieved to see a tall, thick and explosive defensive end such as Hunt in a Packers uniform.
The Packers’ next greatest needs – a running back, followed by an interior offensive lineman, plus a tight end or a safety – could be covered by the end of Round 2.
Last year, Thompson held tight and selected Nick Perry at 28. Then, he watched the draft and worked his board. When Jerel Worthy slipped in the second round, Thompson traded up to get him with the 51st pick. Then, when Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward similarly dropped, Thompson pounced to get him at No. 62.
That was an amazing run for Thompson and the Packers. All three can play, and perhaps at an All-Pro level, with only inexperience and injury concerns (Perry’s wrist; Worthy’s knee) as a possible downside.
It wasn’t as a great a coupe as B.J. Raji-Clay Matthews, but one day it may prove to be close. With that as a backdrop, guessing what Thompson might do is almost as foolhardy as predicting how the draft will unfold.
At least recent history and events provide a measure of insight.
Thompson revealed his interest in a defensive end when he pursued Canty. That hasn’t changed. The defense still needs a starting-caliber defensive end. Also, The Packers haven’t changed that much since last season. Many of the needs (running back, pass rush, etc.) are the same.
Most of all, Thompson needs impact players and the draft remains his best, if not only, avenue to acquire them.
By holding tight until the Packers late in the first round, Thompson is allowing his board to work, which is to say, he is relying on his personnel staff’s hard work and judgment.
When players the Packers’ staff likes begin to fall, Green Bay doesn’t second-guess itself. It pounces.
Look for Thompson to trade up into the mid-second round, and again in late in that round, to find players with “impact” ability. The Packers could land a running back (Stanford’s Stepfan Taylor) and a tight end (San Diego State’s Gavin Escobar) they covet in the second round.
Depth in the interior offensive line and safety could come on Day 3.
In a perfect Packers world, Green Bay would add Hunt, Taylor and Escobar to upgrade their defensive line and offensive skill positions. That would be a tremendous weekend’s work, especially for a team that despite zero activity in free agency STILL ranks No. 6 in ESPN’s offseason NFL power rankings.
The draft only improves that position.
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.

Gear up for 2013 with Packers Ticket Packages from PFT!

| 04/01/2013
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2013 Packers Opponents

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Hope – as in the NFL draft – springs eternal in Green Bay

| 03/25/2013

Best part of offseason closing in for patient Packers’ fans that trust Thompson’s style

GREEN BAY – Christians have Easter, Wisconsinites have spring (allegedly) and Green Bay Packers fans have the NFL draft.
In a world where winter never ends and NFL free agency never begins, Packers’ fans cling to hope wherever they find it.
Experience has taught them where to look.
Once the reality of another free agent signing period bereft of signings settles in, Packers’ fans do what they always do this time of year. They take a deep breath, poise for the plunge and dive into the draft.
Fans trust that GM Ted Thompson and his scouts have done their homework, and that the Packers’ leadership will devise a fine draft strategy. They believe this because it is what history has taught them.
It is why Packers’ fans are so keen on the draft. All that stands between their team and improvement is the five weeks between now and then.
The Packers’ “draft and develop” philosophy has served them well. While other teams spend frivolously if not aimlessly in free agency the Packers merely watch it unfold and await the draft.
Thompson’s approach has built the Packers into one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. However, this approach reaches Super Bowl heights only if the “draft” part of the equation delivers Pro Bowl talent.
Fortunately for Packers’ fans, head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff receives top-notch clay (and not just Matthews) to mold.
While Packers fans speculate who, what, where and when in terms of the draft, here are 10 reasons to feel good about Green Bay before the draft:
** No. 10 – Yes, the Lions signed running back Reggie Bush in free agency. Yes, they have an explosive array of weaponry by adding him to Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew.
But no, the Lions still have a weak, teetering on awful offensive line. And no, the Lions still haven’t fired head coach Jim Schwartz, who demands discipline while displaying none.
Detroit isn’t gearing up to rebound from a 4-12 disaster. It is getting ready to put the final touches on a coaching staff housecleaning.
Six and ten should do it.
** No. 9 – The Chicago Bears’ defense is finally, fatally beginning to die on the vine. Too bad, as it appears the Bears’ offense finally might be dangerous to something other than Jay Cutler’s health.
To say the Brian Urlacher divorce with the Bears is going to be ugly misses the point. It already is ugly.
By the way, isn’t it about time for Pro Bowl pass rusher Julius Peppers to start griping about being underpaid? Or is it aging linebacker Lance Briggs’ turn to demand more (wink, wink) respect?
** No. 8 – Green Bay fans should feel good that no NFC team signed ex-Denver pass rusher Elvis Dumervil, who went to the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Here’s predicting that the Broncos, sans Dumervil, will have a better season than the Ravens. And that the Packers will have a better season than either of them.
** No. 7 – The bad news is that the Vikings have Greg Jennings. The good news is that the Vikings have Christian Ponder. The bonus good news is that ex-Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is the backup, not because Cassel can’t play, but on the contrary. Because Cassel can play, at least a little, a quarterback controversy is as all but a certainty.
** No. 6 – Tight end Jermichael Finley played well in the second half of last season. That’s important on so many levels.
First, Green Bay’s offense needs Finley to reach his potential, especially with Jennings’ departure and an unproven running game.
Second, Finley’s improved play persuaded the Packers to commit to the 25-year-old tight end. If he hadn’t elevated his game, the Packers would be facing a $3 million question this Wednesday: To pay him the bonus or cut him loose? Thanks to Finley’s strong finish it’s not an issue.
Losing Greg Jennings is significant, but combined with losing Finley would have been disastrous.
** No. 5 – The Packers’ offensive line is going to be bigger, stronger and younger this season. I know that because either Evan Diedrich-Smith or a fairly high draft pick is going to be playing center.
I have to believe Thompson and McCarthy will take great measures to prevent Aaron Rodgers from being sacked a league-high 51 times. That starts will drafting a rugged, talented, tough in-line player. A true center would be fine, but a versatile guard-center would be nice, too.
** No. 4 – Upon further review, the Packers’ coaches and scouts like running back DuJuan Harris even more now than they did in January. Harris’ strong first half (nine for 47 yards) at San Francisco in the NFC playoffs answered one question (Can the kid play?) while raising another (Why didn’t McCarthy call his number more than twice in the second half?)
At any rate, Harris apparently is building on a strong post-season by having a productive offseason. Good for him. Good for the Packers.
** No. 3 – Clay Matthews, Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk, D.J. Smith, Brad Jones, Nick Perry and Rob Francois – for a variety of reasons – all are returning this season. That qualifies as good news for a Packers’ defense in search of run stoppers and playmakers.
** No. 2 – Most coaches believe the “read option” isn’t going to be more than a novelty. That is good because the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick tore up Green Bay’s defense, and this year’s schedule includes several teams that rely on the “read option.”
However, coaches such as Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and others have stated quite clearly what everyone is thinking: QBs don’t like to get hit. Beyond that the NFL and its teams don’t like to get the QB hit.
While the Packers’ defense needs to improve, the collective attitude of respected NFL coaches is that they aren’t going to allow QBs do to their teams what Kaepernick did to the Packers.
One rule that hasn’t changed is this: When a quarterback becomes a ball carrier the defense is allowed to tackle him.
** No. 1 – No matter what happens between now and April 26, the Packers still have the best player at the most important position.
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.

Packers’ GM maintains high-talent, low-overhead roster despite rising costs

| 03/20/2013

Thompson sits tight in free agency because Packers’ financial considerations leave razor-thin margin for wasted bonuses

GREEN BAY – Ted Thompson isn’t a tight wad. He’s a trapeze artist. Or better yet, a magician.
The Packers’ general manager is roundly criticized each offseason for being inactive during the NFL’s free agent frenzy.
The criticism is misguided and misses the point.
Thompson isn’t careful in free agency because that is his preferred style. He’s careful because the Packers’ fiscal parameters demand it. He isn’t a salary hard-liner because he doubts free agents can help his team win. It’s because protecting the team’s financial future trumps all.
That tightrope is difficult to walk. It also is singular to Green Bay. While the Packers have $239 million in cash reserves, the Atlanta Falcons and owner Arthur Blanc have Home Depot and an estimated $105 billion.
When the Packers pay top dollar in guaranteed bonuses to free agents, they aren’t limited by salary cap space. They are limited by how much actual money they can allow to walk out the door.
There are reasons teams slash salaries in the annual cost-cutting measures each spring. It is to get their salary cap back in whack. That doesn’t happen in Green Bay because the Packers don’t play in free agency, and therefore routinely have more cap room than cash.
Thompson and the Packers have $100,000 in dead money in 2013.
Dead money is cash being paid to players who no longer play for that team. By comparison the Colts have $38 million in dead money, the Cowboys have $27 million, the Redskins have $20 million and so on.
Clearly, there is a correlation between teams’ amount of dead money and their failed attempts to fill holes through high-priced free agents.
The TV revenue from the collective bargaining agreement sets the annual salary cap number ($123 million this year), and provides teams with the revenue to pay player salaries. It does not cover the guaranteed bonuses that deep-pocket owners routinely pay out and spread out.
The Packers have $239 million in cash reserves, much of which has been targeted to pay for re-signing their own key veterans.
It is reasonable to think they will be paying Aaron Rodgers ($55 million) and Clay Matthews ($35 million) perhaps $90 million in guaranteed money. It is well-deserved and the cost of doing business.
And it is why Thompson must be prudent in free agency.
That $239 million minus $115 million (Rodgers, Matthews, Jennings, Jackson and a safety) quickly becomes $124 million. The Packers could afford to do it, but they couldn’t justify it.
Even if all three players fulfilled their contracts it is still a huge hit. If they fail because of injury or decline it’s a disaster.
Why Thompson deserves praise, rather than criticism, is for being able to sustain the team’s excellence without the benefit of free agency.
The Packers are among the NFL’s youngest teams each year because young players are the least expensive.
Instead of allowing that to be a detriment, Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy endeavor to turn it into a positive.
Younger players heal quicker than older players. McCarthy preaches availability, and younger players tend to be return from injury quicker.
They also tend to enter the league with their eyes open and their mouths shut. That is especially true now that the new CBA has lowered the rookie pay scale and prevents restructuring for at least three years.
By comparison, high-priced veteran free agents tend to have been there, done that. They aren’t as likely to buy into a system when they think they’ve heard it all before. What is the Vikings’ coaching staff going to teach Jennings that will improve his game? Not much.
The Packers’ lack of play in free agency doesn’t sit well with fans, but it plays nicely in the locker room. T.J. Lang’s tweets to the Detroit Lions were his way of saying Green Bay doesn’t buy titles, it builds them.
Trust me, McCarthy may not like Lang goading a division opponent, but he has to agree with promoting the concept.
Clearly, fans were disappointed when the Packers didn’t sign Jackson.
Jackson, who signed in Atlanta, would have been nice in the backfield. However, 30-year-old running backs, no matter how tough and decorated, constitute high risk at $4 million guaranteed.
It’s why the Packers are apt to draft a running back in the first round. For the choosing, and at a bargain, they can select the back of their choice and develop him in their system.
It isn’t as sexy as free agency, but come September nobody will care if the rookie meets expectations.
Fortunately, the Packers’ terrific scouting department works the draft as well as anyone. Part of that is because the Packers put a premium on their scouts and value their input. Again, that is because they can’t simply spend their way out of talent miscalculations.
To think Thompson’s frugal history in free agency is simply his management style is to miss what’s been happening in Seattle and Kansas City. Seahawks’ GM John Schneider and Chiefs’ GM John Dorsey – both Thompson disciples – are among the league’s biggest spenders in free agency.
They are exceptional talent scouts who are shackled by few fiscal constraints. They spent years learning under Thompson, but that didn’t keep them from being huge players in free agency after they left.
It is why a Chiefs-Seahawks Super Bowl isn’t all that farfetched.
At the end of the day, Packers’ fans should be grateful for Thompson’s talent and effort given the unique challenge he faces here. Hopefully, there comes a day when player salaries stop soaring (doubtful) or the league allows the Packers’ owners (the fans) to help pay player salaries.
Until then, the Packers’ sustained excellence is actually stunning. Green Bay has won a Super Bowl in the past three years.
Thirteen teams still haven’t won one.
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.

New South Endzone Seating at Lambeau Field for 2013!

| 03/11/2013

In 2013, Lambeau field was expanded to add new seating in the south end zone. Here is an overview of the new areas:

600 & 700 Level Seating

These seats were constructed as part of the 2013 renovation of Lambeau Field. They are located in the South End Zone and Corner Areas of the stadium, and are above the 300 level.
They are regarded as more luxurious seating as they have seat backs and cupholders (unlike the bench seats in the 100 and 300 levels), as well as elevator access. They also have wider seats with the 600 level being 2 inches wider than the 700 level. These areas of the stadium also have greater quantities of restrooms and concessions per capita meaning shorter waits for use of those facilities.
They are in sections with three digit numbers starting with a 6 for the 600 level and a 7 for the 700 level.

New Terrace Level Private Suites

The Terrace Suites were completed in 2013. Unlike the Private Suites described above, the Terrace Suites are situated in the endzone, specifically the 5000 level in the South endzone (for example 5068, 5070, etc). The Terrace Suites differ from the “Private Suites” in that they are open air viewing areas, whereas the Private Suites described above are completely enclosed glass viewing areas. Terrace Suites have a capacity of 10 to 12 persons. The guests in each Terrace Suite are seated in an open air section of the stadium and not protected from the elements. However, there is also an inside viewing area where guests can view the game from monitors. Also, unlike the Private Suites described above, where you purchase food from a catering menu, all food (plus fountain beverages and water) for Terrace Suite guests is included complimentary with the purchase price of the Terrace Suite. There is a location on the Terrace Suite level where patrons may select unlimited food, water, and fountain beverages from a myriad of choices. Alcoholic beverages and other beverages are also available for sale.

The terrace suites are sold on a unit basis, by the game or season, and are sold as part of a package of entertaining features and amenities. They are rarely sold on a seat by seat basis.

The Champions Club:

The Champions Club seating area was completed in 2013 and is located at the very top of the South endzone near the South Scoreboard. In this area, those sitting in the Champions Club enjoy an open air, panoramic view of the stadium. These club seats are not behind glass, but do afford the opportunity to enter a sheltered area where the game can be viewed from TV monitors. There is a small table situated between each pair of Champions Club seats. The seats themselves are comfortable with padded seat backs and cup-holders. A unique benefit to patrons in this club seating area is the inclusions of unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverage in the purchase price. Unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages are accessed in an adjacent serving area. Champions club seats are sold “by the seat.”

Case can be made for Running Back at 26 – Packers Scoop

| 03/11/2013
GREEN BAY – At first blush the notion that the Green Bay Packers might select a running back in the first round of the NFL’s April 25-27 draft seems a reach.
Why would the Packers go there with so many pressing needs?
Green Bay’s secondary needs a lift and this draft is replete with young, talented safeties. The Minnesota Vikings hit on Notre Dame’s Harrison Smith with the 29th pick a year ago. Smith finished with 104 tackles, one sack and three interceptions. He had 11tackles and an interception in Minnesota’s 23-14 loss at Green Bay.
Next month, highly regarded safeties such as Florida International’s Jonathan Cyprien, Texas’ Kenny Vaccaro, Florida’s Matt Elam and LSU’s Eric Reid likely will be available when the Packers are on the clock.
Then there is the offensive line. The stopgap free-agent signing of veteran center Jeff Saturday was a miscalculation. Saturday couldn’t cut it and eventually lost his starting job to Evan Dietrich-Smith. He retired a few weeks ago.
A strong argument could be made for selecting a center to build around. Alabama’s Barrett Jones is one possibility to stabilize a line that allowed a league-worst 51 sacks and generated minimal success in the run game.
Of course, there might be another solution to the Packers’ problems in the run game: Selecting a top-flight back in the first round.
They have explored every other avenue except the obvious.
They drafted Hawaii’s Alex Green in the third round in 2010. Injuries and inconsistency have thwarted him, however, and limited his production. He isn’t going to become a three-down back, something Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said the Packers are seeking this offseason.
Last offseason, they signed street free agent Cedric Benson, the No. 5 pick in the 2006 draft. Benson showed promise until a foot injury derailed him early on. Then, they lined up Randall Cobb in the backfield and used him as a receiver and runner with good results. However, the increased injury risk – coupled with an expanded role in the passing game – makes it untenable as a real solution.
Finally, they promoted undrafted rookie DuJuan Harris with decent results. Harris played well, but to believe he can carry the load is probably wishful thinking.
In fact, the Packers have done everything short of channeling the spirit of the Grey Ghost of Gonzaga, the great Tony Canadeo, and asking if he’d like to come back and give the running game a much-needed boost.
There has been talk about the Packers making a play for former St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson in free agency. The trouble there is the financial commitment such a deal would entail.

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That leaves the draft.
Based upon the NFL’s most recent collective bargaining agreement the cost of drafting a first-round running back is reasonable. Rookies can’t restructure their deals for three seasons, and the re-slotting under the salary cap ensures that rookies remain the NFL’s best bargain.
One scenario has the Packers selecting a running back with the 26th pick and riding his talents for three seasons. If he becomes a top back who can make an offensive line look better than it is (see Aaron Rodgers) the Packers would be thrilled. They can deal with the extension/franchise tag issues in 2016. Theoretically, they could re-sign him (if they love him), tag him or let him walk and draft his replacement.
The Packers could have a first-round talent at running back for the reasonable cost of a high draft pick once every three years. Backs seldom get better with age, which is why the best of the best always look to break the bank in free agency.
Furthermore, running backs tend to contribute much faster than receivers. Benson and Harris are proof that a back can get up to speed pretty quickly.
Alabama’s Eddie Lacy (5-11, 231) would be difficult to pass on. Lacy is a powerful runner with nice burst and a willing blocker who catches it well enough out of the backfield. The Eddie Lacy-DuJuan Harris duo has terrific potential as a one-two punch with their contrasting styles.
Lacy’s arrival also would answer the age-old question: Who makes the run game click? Is it the running back or the offensive line that makes it work?
In Green Bay’s case the problem has been threefold: A line whose run blocking is dubious at best; a running back with limitations; and a coach whose words suggest he’s a proponent of a balanced attack, but whose actions say otherwise.
By investing in a first-round running back the Packers would be making a solid commitment to the run game at a fairly reasonable cost. If Lacy is still on the board at 26, GM Ted Thompson should jump at it.
Here’s hoping he gets the opportunity.
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.

Packers choose not to play tag with Jennings – Packers Scoop

| 03/10/2013

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GREEN BAY – The first strike was Greg Jennings listing his Green Bay-area home a few months ago. The second strike was the Green Bay Packers’ apparent lack of interest in negotiating a long-term contract extension.
Strike three came Monday at 3 p.m. That’s when the Packers allowed the NFL’s franchise tag deadline to lapse without designating Jennings.
The decision triggers a domino-like effect.
Here are some reasonable assumptions as Jennings, who is reportedly seeking a deal worth $12 million a year, hits the free agent market:
** Jermichael Finley’s chances of receiving a $3 million bonus due March 27 increased significantly. I can’t imagine the Packers would allow Jennings and Finley to leave in the same offseason.
That would be too much firepower walking out the door.
Remember, Finley is under contract for this season. It seems Packers head coach Mike McCarthy was impressed by Finley’s strong second-half surge last season. Finley’s drops diminished and his production increased. Furthermore, he made steps to improve his relationship with Aaron Rodgers and it seemed to help.
If Finley starts strong in September, look for the Packers to discuss an extension.
** This is a vote of confidence for third-year receiver Randall Cobb.
The third-year receiver’s growth between his first and second seasons was impressive. Cobb showed he could be a quality slot receiver (Jennings’ position) and McCarthy reciprocated by making an effort to utilize his play-making ability.
Cobb lined up in the slot. He worked out of the backfield. He also returned kicks and punts, although that seems like a part of his past. He joins James Jones and a healthy Jordy Nelson to give Rodgers a strong top three receivers.
Now, the Packers have to find at least one receiver to develop behind the trio. Look for the Packers to draft a receiver in the middle rounds.
** The decision not to tag Jennings raises a question: Why not tag and trade?
GM Ted Thompson did exactly that with defensive tackle Corey Williams a few years back, and acquired compensation in the process.
Perhaps the Packers feared Jennings wouldn’t receive an offer to his liking and they would end up paying him $10.36 million on a one-year deal. Worse, it might be a one-year deal that would leave Jennings an unhappy Packer.
The Packers’ receiving corps prides itself on being unselfish. The potential for possible chemistry problems is worth considering, although I think Jennings would have been a consummate pro. Now we may never know.
I say “may never know” because it’s possible nobody will make Jennings an offer to his liking, ala James Jones last year. Perhaps Jennings dips his toe in free agency and finds the icy water (less than $12 million annually) not to his liking.
Surely the Packers would listen if he expressed an interest in returning, although that would mean signing him to a multi-year deal. Again, that doesn’t seem like it is going to be in the cards.