Packers Showing New Look – Packers News @ PFT

Uh-oh, somebody learned a new trick.
The Packers might have just showed something that could make them the favorite in the NFC, something so out of character you want to check IDs.
They ran.
No, really, the Packers. They did. Honest.
The go-ahead touchdown in their 27-20 win over the Lions came on a possession on which they didn’t pass the ball. Their seven play, 57-yard touchdown drive to take the lead all came on the ground. And it wasn’t just Aaron Rodgers scrambling. They used Alex Green, brought Ryan Grant out of unemployment, gave it to DuJuan Harris, who was cut by the Jaguars earlier this year.
The Packers finished with 140 yards on the ground, after running for 152 last week in a win over the Vikings.
That could be trouble, as it lends some balance to a team which we know can throw it with anyone.
The Packers don’t have the blockers to be an old school, cloud-of-dust team, but being able to show a different aspect is only going to make Rodgers more dangerous.
And that’s not anything anyone else in the NFC really wanted to think about.
Here are five more things we learned during Sunday Night Football:
1. Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh might not be a dirty player.
He is at the very least a selfish player.
His third quarter penalty, for shoving Aaron Rodgers after taking a few steps, wasn’t the kind of shot that will earn Suh another fine. Or at least it shouldn’t. But it was a cheap 15 yards, and the Packers turned it into a touchdown.
It was just a senseless, pointless penalty. He knows refs are looking at him more closely than others because of his reputation. And he still does it.
But as long as it’s tolerated, the Lions are getting exactly what they deserve.
2. That said, the casual attitude about what might be a lack of institutional control with the Lions is amazing.
They were up 14-0 when they were penalized for excessive celebration, the kind of thing smart teams don’t tolerate.
Lions coach Jim Schwartz took shots at Titus Young last week for being a bonehead, but there are a lot of folks on his sideline who seem to be in this for themselves, or aren’t being held accountable for silly mistakes.
3. Packers cornerback Tramon Williams doesn’t get nearly the amount of publicity as other cover men.
But after playing one-armed last year, he’s back to the kind of excellent defense he played before shoulder problems.
No one’s going to take Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson completely out of a game, but Williams came as close as anyone has (Johnson finished with 10 catches for 118 yards, and it seemed like a slow night).
4. They usually can’t/don’t run, their offensive line is a mess, and their defense is too banged up to do all the things they’d like to do.
And the Packers biggest problem in the postseason might be their kicker.
Mason Crosby missed from 52 in the third quarter, extending a bad run for a guy they’ve taken great pains to defend.
Then again, sending him out to try a 52-yarder when he’s been missing, on a night when the conditions are awful for kicking, doesn’t do much to help him build confidence.
A punt is not a bad play. Take the field position. Pin the Lions deep. Try again later, instead of giving the other guys the ball at midfield.
5. Speaking of missing parts for the Packers, Clay Matthews can’t get well fast enough.
They have no pass rush to speak of without him, and they’re pushing all the buttons they have at their disposal. Sometimes scheme can only take you so far, and the lack of physical talent can’t be X’d and O’d away.
That’s where the Packers are now defensively.

By Darren Gant – [source]

No ‘w’ in Wisconsin for Lions – Packers News @ PFT

Packers defeat Detroit, 27-20, to set up NFC North showdown at Soldier Field

Green Bay Packers News – To take command in the NFC North Division, the Green Bay Packers first needed to take control of the Detroit Lions.
Blessed with good field position in the fourth quarter of a tie game, the Packers’ offense went to work, but not in customary fashion. Instead of airing it out, Aaron Rodgers handed off on seven straight plays as a trio of running backs gained 59 of the team’s 140 yards rushing.
DuJuan Harris, promoted from the Packers’ practice squad last week, capped the drive by scoring the go-ahead touchdown on a 14-yard sprint with 10:45 to play. It gave Green Bay a 24-17 lead it never relinquished.
The Packers (9-4) went on to win, 27-20, and can clinch the division title with a victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Soldier Field.
“The main thing is we won,” Rodgers said. “We’re first in the division by a game and we put ourselves in good position, not only for the division but potentially for a first-round bye. The division is our first goal. … We can wrap things up next week. It’s a tough opponent, a tough place to play. There’s a lot on the line.”
The Lions (4-9) lost their fifth straight, including their 22nd straight against the Packers in Wisconsin, but not before putting up a fight.
“I was thinking this would be a waste of a beautiful day, to end that streak (over the Lions),” Rodgers said. “Playing in the snow, a great crowd … hopefully we can keep that streak going as long as I’m playing here.”
It seemed in jeopardy early on.
Detroit led 14-0 in the second quarter before Green Bay’s defense countered with a big play. After a Mason Crosby field goal made it 14-3, the Lions’ Matthew Stafford fumbled while trying to throw. Green Bay’s Mike Daniels recovered and raced 43 yards for a touchdown.
“Mike Daniels’ play was the momentum shift for us that we needed,” McCarthy said. “That was a big play.”
The Lions dominated statistically, especially in the first half, but the Packers stayed cool and kept counterpunching. The Packers’ defense allowed just two field goals in the second half, and the offense delivered with two touchdown drives whose makeup was entirely different.
Packers head coach Mike McCarthy opened the second half by going with a no-huddle offense and throwing it out of shotgun.
Rodgers hit five of six passes on a seven-play drive that included one run by Alex Green, and a 27-yard scramble and touchdown by Rodgers. The “pass first” mentality inexplicably seemed to put the Lions’ defense on its heels.
After the teams twice traded possessions, and a snow-covered crowd braced for a wild fourth quarter, the Packers imposed their will again.
This time they did it on the ground with a real, bona fide running attack.
While the Packers’ defense and special teams were strong in victory, the offense unveiled a previously non-existent balance. What made it even more impressive was that it came against a well-rested Lions defense.
Detroit outgained Green Bay (386 to 288), ran more plays (78 to 52) and held the ball 16 minutes longer than the Packers.
Still, Green Bay’s reconfigured offensive line held up. Rodgers was sacked three times and the victim of several borderline cheap hits, so there’s plenty of work to be done. However, the o-line came through when it mattered most.
The Packers’ running attack was diverse and well-executed.
Green Bay pulled guards, mixed the deep I-formation with the shotgun and sealed the edge against the Lions’ defense ends.
Green rushed 13 times for 69 yards and a healthy 5.3 average per carry. Harris averaged 4.4 yards with 31 yards in seven carries, and Grant added 13 yards on his lone crowd-pleasing attempt.
Green seemed comfortable, and Harris flashed exceptional quickness. Grant’s presence surely solidifies a running back unit that has bears little resemblance to the Cedric Benson-James Starks plan a few months ago.
Defensively, the Packers survived again without Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson, although both could be back for the Bears game. Cornerback Sam Shields celebrated his return from injury with four tackles and a nifty game-sealing interception.
Now it’s on to Chicago with a chance to sew up a division crown. The Packers come in with a balanced offense, an opportunistic defense and solid special teams. Winners in six of their last seven games, the Packers are playing their best football as December unfolds.
As the post-season draws near, the Packers are slowly but surely improving and coming together as a team.
The payoff is at hand.
Last week’s prediction: Packers 35, Lions 21 (Packers, 27-20)
Season: 9-4
This week’s prediction: Packers 24, Bears 23
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-Lions Player Reception Photos Up Now!

The first batch of photos from fans at this past weekends Green Bay Packers Autograph Reception are now up at Event USA Picasa page!

You can view the gallery below, head over to the album on Picasa to order prints direct to Walgreens, or find your photos below and print them out yourself!

View the whole gallery on Picasa!

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Additional Rooms Available for our 2013 Packers Player Resort Vacation!

We are very pleased to announce that we’ve secured some additional rooms for our 2013 Packers Player vacation to the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay, Jamaica!

You can join John Kuhn (#30), Jermichael Finley (#88), Bryan Bulaga (#75), Desmond Bishop (#55), and William Henderson (#33, Alum) for a fun filled week of sun, sand, and great Packers comradery alongside your fellow Packers Fans!!

Apart from the luxurious accomodations of the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, you’ll enjoy great fun filled activities with the guys like:

  • “Get Acquainted” Cocktail Party
  • Autograph & Picture Session
  • Question & Answer Session
  • Beach Olympics
  • Packers Scavenger Hunt (7 day only)
  • Farewell Cocktail Party (7 day only)
  • …and much more!

For more information on the trip, the resort, or the players, just click any of the links to the right, or contact Nanci at 920.445.2113 or na***@************rs.com to book today!

Packers Player Vacation Waiting List Signup!

Get ready for white sand beaches and turquoise water – it’s time yet again for our annual Packers Player Resort Vacation, and this years lineup is one of our best yet!
While our initial offering of rooms is currently sold out, we may have more room available soon! If you want to join John Kuhn (#30), Jermichael Finley (#88), Bryan Bulaga (#75), Desmond Bishop (#55), and William Henderson (#33, Alum) for a fun filled week in Montego Bay, Jamaica, sign up below and we’ll be in touch once space becomes available!

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Event USA 2012 On-Field Halftime Competition sponsored by Funjet Vacations!

Event USA is pleased to announce our on-field halftime competition for 2012! Taking place as the Packers take on the Titans this December 23rd, you can sign up now for your chance to win a 7 night air package on our 2013 Packers Player Vacation at the Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Just fill out the entry form below and if you’re selected, you’ll compete against another team on-field, at Lambeau, during halftime, for the grand prize!

Rules for the 2012 Event USA Halftime Contest

Two teams of two persons each will compete before kickoff at the Packers vs. Titans game at Lambeau Field on December 23, 2012. One team will be selected by Funjet Vacations and one by Event USA. The contestants on each team will be given free game tickets and free passes to the Event USA Tailgate Party at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse, which starts 3 hours before kickoff.

Contest rules for Event USA (hereafter referred to as “PFT”):

1. Entrants must send entries as required in the contest announcement in order to be eligible. Entries received after the deadline set forth in the contest announcement are ineligible, null, and void. PFT will not be responsible for and will not consider incomplete or incorrect entries. PFT is not responsible for entries that are sent but not received by PFT for any reason.

2. All winners will be notified by the form/method of contact they provided to PFT when they initially entered the contest. If contest was entered by filling out a form or by mail, winner will be emailed or called.
If the winner does not respond to the notification within: a) five (5) business days for contests entered via a form, email or mail, b) twenty four (24) hours for contests entered via Twitter, c) twenty four (24) hours for contests entered via text messaging, another winner will be chosen. Failure to respond within the time frames listed above shall mean that the provisional winner forfeits the prize.

3. Only one entry per person will be considered for contest entry unless the contest announcement specifically says that multiple entries are allowed.

4. All photos, drawings, text, and any other content or information (collectively and severally, "Materials") submitted by you to PFT shall become the sole and exclusive property of PFT, and PFT shall have no obligation to preserve, return, or otherwise make available to you or others any Materials.

PFT may use, reproduce, edit, display, transmit, prepare derivative works of, modify, publish, and otherwise make use of Materials in any and all media, whether now known or hereinafter created—throughout the world and for any purpose—without compensation to you of any kind.

5. By submitting Materials to PFT, you represent and warrant that the Materials do not infringe any copyright, trademark, property rights, rights of privacy or publicity of any person, or any other right of any third party and that you have the full and unrestricted right to transfer the Materials to PFT free and clear of any claims or encumbrances.

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7. You acknowledge and agree that Materials submitted by you may be made available by PFT for viewing, rating, reviewing, and commenting by the public. You acknowledge that comments or ratings that you disagree with or are unhappy about may be published or otherwise become associated with Materials that you submit to PFT. By submitting Materials to PFT, you waive any privacy expectations that you may have with respect to the Materials.

8. You agree to hold PFT and its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns harmless from and against—and hereby waive any right to pursue—any claims of any nature arising in connection with PFT’s use of the Materials submitted to PFT and used in any manner in PFT’s sole and absolute discretion.

9. Contests involving evaluations of Materials submitted as part of the contest will be judged entirely in the sole and absolute discretion of PFT. Decisions by PFT are final.

10. All entrants and winners must be at least 21 years of age, unless otherwise stated or posted.

11. Winners may not request substitutions of prize winnings. All winners are solely responsible for any and all taxes and/or fees as well as all additional costs that may be incurred.

12. Neither PFT nor its officers, directors, employees, agents, successors, or assigns shall be liable for any warranty, costs, damage, injury, or any other claims incurred as a result of the usage of a prize by any winner including but in no way limited to each and every aspect of the taking of a trip or tour as part of a contest prize. PFT is not liable for any loss arising out of or in connection with any contest promoted by PFT.

13. If the specified prize becomes unavailable for any reason, PFT in its sole and absolute discretion may substitute a prize of like or equal value.

14. A contest is null and void in any jurisdiction where prohibited by law.

15. PFT reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to terminate any contest at any time without prior notice.

16. PFT reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to alter any contest rules at any time.

17. By entering a contest, you conclusively are deemed to have agreed to be bound by these contest rules and terms and conditions as well as by any rules specific to such contest. This is an irrevocable condition of entry.

18. The following criteria apply:
a. In contests in which winners are selected at random, the odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received and cannot be determined in advance. 
b. In contests in which winners are selected based upon skill or accomplishments, winners will be chosen by PFT on the merits of each entry, in PFT’s sole and absolute discretion.
c. In contests in which winners are selected on the basis of being the nth person to complete a stated action, the winner shall be that person provided that he or she validly completes the action, validity being determined by PFT, in its sole and absolute discretion.
d. In contests and polls in which PFT solicits votes by the public to help decide the winner, while the results of such polls may be a considered factor in determining the winner, the winner will ultimately be selected by PFT in its sole and absolute discretion.

19. No purchase or payment of any consideration is necessary to enter the contest.

20. Except in the case of contests in which winners are selected as outlined in clause 18(c), each contest will state a deadline for entry and the date when the winner(s) will be announced. Winners of contests run in accordance with clause 18(c) will be announced the day the action is completed. A list of winner(s) may be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped (first-class postage) envelope to PFT and requesting the list.

21. PFT reserves the right to condition the award of prizes upon the execution by the winner(s) of a publicity release. Notwithstanding this reserved right, entry is conclusively deemed to be permission by the entrant to use the entrant’s name (without compensation to the entrant) if the entrant is a winner to publicize the contest and otherwise, as determined by PFT, unless prohibited by law.

22. PFT reserves the right to require the winner to execute an affidavit of eligibility as a sworn document and provide other proof of eligibility as a condition of receipt of the prize or award.

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Contest Closed

Home Dominance Endures – Packers News @ PFT

Packers climb atop NFC North thanks to yet another Lambeau Field victory

Green Bay Packers News – It was the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and Arizona and Jacksonville before that. In fact, the Green Bay Packers have beaten 18 of the past 19 teams that have teed it up at Lambeau Field.
That’s right: Eighteen of 19.
That, my friends, is a 94.7 winning percentage, an impressive hot streak that spans more than three seasons worth of regular-season home games.
In Las Vegas, a Packers’ home victory might be the closest thing to a sure thing. In Green Bay, it has become expected as much as anticipated, at least to those fans that see the faults but are blind to the big picture.
They should take a step back: The big picture looks mighty fine.
Green Bay’s 23-14 victory over the Minnesota Petersons (6-6) means the Packers, 8-4, control their destiny. They host the Detroit Lions (4-8) on this week’s Sunday night game before a Dec. 16 showdown with second-place Chicago (8-4) at Soldier Field.

“Everything’s right in front of us,” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “We’ve got to go win our home games and get a couple wins on the road.”
The Packers survived despite being unable to corral the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. The NFL’s leading rusher showed why by shredding Green Bay’s defense to the tune of 210 yards in 21 carries.
To the Packers’ credit, they took the Vikings’ best shot – which is Peterson at his best – and still lived to talk about it.
“They had a good day on the ground,” Packers’ cornerback Tramon Williams said. “We knew we had to stop (Peterson), we knew it was going to be tough, and it was. Obviously when they tried to pass we kind of limited them from doing that. AP got his no doubt about it, but we got the job done.”

Certainly, the Packers’ tug-of-war with the Vikings provided plenty to nitpick. The Packers had too many penalties (10 for 78 yards), they yielded too many rushing yards (duh!), and if not for some awful decisions by Vikings QB Christian Ponder, they might have lost.
Furthermore, injuries to right tackle T.J. Lang (ankle) and receiver Jordy Nelson (hamstring) mitigated receiver Greg Jennings’ return.
Still, there is lots more to like than not.
** Led by safety Morgan Burnett, the Packers’ defense did little to stand its ground until the red zone. Once backed inside its own 20-yard-line, the Packers’ defense stiffened. Burnett’s two interceptions snuffed out Vikings’ drives and kept Green Bay in control.
It was Burnett’s second two-interception game and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With safety Charles Woodson, linebacker Clay Matthews and cornerback Sam Shields all sidelined, Burnett stepped up like the ascending pro he’s become.
“I thought Morgan Burnett’s interception in the third quarter in the end zone was the key play of the game,” Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said. “It shifted the momentum.”
** The Packers’ 18-play, 73-yard drive that spanned 11 minutes was an impressive display of focus and execution by an offense that struggled. The drive was set up when Burnett stepped in front of Vikings’ tight end Kyle Rudolph for a diving interception at the Green Bay 13.
The Packers took over to start the fourth quarter, and proceeded to grind out the 11-minute drive, the longest in the NFL this season. It was capped by a 31-yard Mason Crosby field goal that gave Green Bay a two-possession lead (23-14) with four minutes to play.
“We haven’t had one of those in a while,” Rodgers said. “We haven’t been able to control the clock like that and it says a lot about the toughness of those guys. It wasn’t the prettiest drive. We made the most of our third down opportunities.”
** Crosby is back, and right tackle Don Barclay has emerged.
Crosby, the struggling Packers’ placekicker who had connected on 6 of 11 field goal attempts coming into Sunday’s game, appears to have regained his winning form. Crosby made three of four field goals, including one from 47 yards after a Minnesota timeout when McCarthy kept his offense on the field. Crosby had missed a 53-yard field goal try at the end of the first half, and appeared to rile McCarthy when he opened the second half with a kickoff that sailed out-of-bounds. It gave the Vikings great field position at the Minnesota 40.
Burnett bailed out Crosby with his end zone interception, and Crosby responded by nailing the 47-yard try after McCarthy called the offense to the sideline and elected to have Crosby kick it.
Crosby’s day began with a 30-yard field goal that caromed in off the right upright, and ended with a 31-yarder that made it a two-score game.
Meantime, right tackle Don Barclay held up after Lang left with an ankle injury. It will be interesting to see if McCarthy leaves Barclay at right tackle, and re-inserts Lang at left guard (for Evan Diedrich-Smith), once Lang’s ankle is healthy.
** The Packers’ running game produced 152 yards on 36 carries and a touchdown. It wasn’t Peterson-like, but it was better than it’s been, and it was enough.
** Rodgers, who turned 29 Sunday, celebrated by throwing a touchdown pass in his 35th straight regular-season home game. It is the NFL’s longest such streak since Miami’s Dan Marino threw a touchdown pass in 39 straight games from 1983-88.
Rodgers’ excellence at Lambeau Field, coupled with the team’s home dominance, should set up at least one home playoff game.
Then, the Packers can look to start another home winning streak, this time in the post-season.
Last week’s prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 20 (Packers, 23-14)
Season: 8-4
This week’s prediction: Packers 35, Lions 21
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.

Larry the Cable Guy to Appear at 12/9 Tailgate Party!

Event USA, your headquarters for Packers tickets and more, is pleased to announce that frequent heartburn sufferer and America’s favorite comedian Larry the Cable Guy will be in Green Bay Sunday December 9th for our Tailgate Party before the Pack takes on the Lions, as he wraps up his wild adventure to help introduce the first flavor-coated 24-hour frequent heartburn pill, new Prilosec OTC Wildberry!

In addition to releasing three certified gold comedy albums, Larry has starred in three Blue Collar Comedy Tour-related movies, as well as in the films Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector, Delta Farce, and Witless Protection! Join Larry and cheer on the Packers this December!

Special Guest, Same Great Tailgate!

Our famous tailgate party is included with all of our Packers ticket packages or to purchase on it’s own, and includes the following game-day fare:

  • Unlimited food including Authentic Festival Foods “Oktoberfest’ brats, grilled burgers, Cajun Jambalaya, salads, cookies, and more.
  • Drink UNLIMITED beverages including Beer, bloody-mary’s, screwdrivers, soft drinks, and coffee.
  • Live Musical entertainment including popular Packer songs will be featured.
  • Get Souvenirs – Hot Packer Gear is available for purchase.
  • Special Children’s admission – Kids 12 and under get a special souvenir!

And that’s all on top of tailgating before this important divisional matchup with Larry the Cable Guy himself! Don’t miss out on this opportunity, secure your spot today!

And plenty more!

And don’t forget, Event USA has all your gameday needs covered – from Packers tickets to complete Green Bay Packers ticket packages, we’re the only stop you need for all things Packers!

Wild American Flavor Sweepstakes

Fans have the opportunity to embark on an out-of-this-world flavor adventure of their own by entering the Wild American Flavor Sweepstakes. From now until January 7, 2013, enter at www.WildberryFlavor.com for a chance to win trips to three of America’s most flavorful cities, with three of the country’s biggest sporting events, courtesy of new Prilosec OTC Wildberry. One prize pack winner will be chosen at random to receive the prize pack, including tickets to the big football game in New Orleans (February 3, 2013), the first big auto race of the year in Daytona Beach (February 24, 2013) and the basketball championship game in Atlanta (April 8, 2013), travel and accommodations (a two-night hotel stay and air transportation for each destination), and one $5,000 check to be used in any of these flavorful cities.

12 Day of Christmas at Event USA – Packers Tickets @ PFT

Event USA is very pleased to bring our 12 days of Christmas special back for the 2012 holiday season! Enjoy a different great deal every day for twelve days on all sorts of great Event USA Packers tickets and gear!

Fri. 12/07 – Jordy Nelson Memorabilia!

Take $20 off per item on all of our Jordy Nelson Memorabilia! The Vault is filled with tons of great new Jordy memorabilia just in time for the holidays!

Use Coupon Code NELSON12 at checkout!

Sat. 12/08 – Free Guaranteed Christmas Delivery Shipping!

Order on December 6th and we’ll guarantee you get item by Christmas, and shipping is on us!!

Don’t delay – each of these deals is only good for the day specified, so if you’ve had your eye on any of our great memorabilia, or want a deal on a great Packers vs. Titans weekend, there’s never been a better time to grab them than now!