2002 Commentary

Packers, defense give up lots

The entire Packers team gave a dismal performance on Sunday and squandered home field advantage and the game in a 42-17 whipping at the hands of the NY Jets.

The Packers offense played with little intensity and showed little signs of life as the Jets defense pounded the Packers offense.  Favre played a terrible game.  Favre was errant on many of his throws and the receivers didn't help out much with dropped passes.  Donald Driver left the game in the first half with a sore shoulder in which x-rays proved negative.  He need to play through the pain and help out the offense which was in much need of help.  Ahman Green and Terry Glenn were the only bright spots on the offense.  Overall the Packers offense gets a F.

The Packers defense was terrible.  Tackling was pitiful and the defense made the Jets look like track stars.  The defense didn't even look like it wanted to be out on the field.  There was virtually no pressure applied to Pennington all game long.  Enough said about this deplorable game.  Overall the Packers defense gets a F.  Only because that is as low as my grading scale goes.

What a lift the Packers special teams got from the signing of Eric Metcalf.  He contributed to two muffed punts and minimal returns.  Good job special teams!  Sherman needs to take a real good look at the portion of the team during the off season and make some much needed changes.  The return man isn't the problem as the Packers have tried three different return men in the past month.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a F.

The Packers are going to the playoffs and get to play at home against the Atlanta Falcons.  They met back in week one of the season with the Packers squeaking out a 37-34 victory.  The Packers will need to stop Mike Vick which they were not able to do in the first game.  The Packers have no momentum going for them right now and it is time they pick some up with a victory.  

My Pick  Packers 24  Falcons 17

Packers hold on to beat Bills

The Green Bay Packers were assisted by the refs on Sunday and the Packers held on to beat the Bills 10-0.

The Packers offense was stagnant for much of this game.  Ahman Green ran the ball well and picked up 116 yards rushing.  I thought the Packers play calling was questionable at times during this game.  Facing a third and one, the Packers elected to throw the ball rather than giving the ball to the reliable Green.  Favre threw two interceptions during the game but made up for it with a bullet throw to Donald Driver for the TD.  There were several dropped balls during this game including a drop by Bubba Franks on a pass which was slightly behind him.  Donald Driver made a spectacular catch which extended a Packers drive.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers picked up their first shutout in over a year and Vonnie Holliday set a Packers record with 5 sacks on the immobile Drew Bledsoe.  The Packers kept constant pressure on Bledsoe and also did a tremendous job of snuffing the run.  Gilbert Brown was a force and the Packers run defense made a rare showing.  Tackling was tremendous this game with the Packers minimizing the Bills yards after the catch.  Overall the Packers defense gets a A.

The Packers special teams continues to play the same.  JJ Moses doesn't appear to be the answer at punt return  or kickoff return duties as he struggled for the second straight week.  Ryan Longwell connected on his only field goal attempt despite swirling and gusting winds.  Josh Bidwell did a good job punting.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers play the final week of the season on the road to play the surging NY Jets.  The Jets need this game to win their division and the Packers need the win to stay in the race for home field advantage in the playoffs.  Look for a hard fought game with Favre pulling some late game magic.

My Pick  Packers 24  Jets 23

Packers hold on to beat 49ers

The Green Bay Packers traveled to rainy San Francisco, held on to the ball and escaped with a 20-14 hard fought victory.

The Packers offense played very well in this game.  The offense had no turnovers and minimized mistakes and penalties in a game which they had to be almost perfect.  Ahman Green ran the ball well and scored early in the third quarter to give the Packers their first lead.  The Packers never relinquished that lead as the Packers ran the clock and dominated time of possession.  Favre's passes were accurate and the receivers did a tremendous job of catching the ball in sloppy conditions.  Overall the Packers offense gets a A.

The Packers defense played good enough to keep the 49ers out of the end zone when it counted most and also created the games only turnover which helped the Packers build their lead in the third quarter.  The Packers kept the ball out of Terrell Owens hands on the final drive which gave the Packers the win.  Mike Mckenzie was left with single coverage on Owens earlier in the game and missed the tackle as Owens scored and let the 49ers back into the game.  Tackling was good in this game despite slick conditions.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B+.

The Packers special teams played better in this game.  The Packers replaced Darrian Gordon with JJ Moses and Moses made a early mistake in the first half by touching a punt deep in Packers territory.  Fortunately the Packers recovered.  Ryan Longwell was nearly perfect and only missed a 57 yard field goal.  Longwell's last field goal secured the Packers victory.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers return home to Lambeau to face off against the Buffalo Bills.  Look for the Packers to win a hard fought game at the frozen tundra.

My Pick  Packers 38  Bills 24

Favre and Fisher bring the Pack Back

The Green Bay Packers overcame many injuries and a 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Vikings 26-22 in very chilly conditions at Lambeau Field.

The Packers offense struggled throughout much of the first half and finally got on track in the second half.  Robert Ferguson had his breakout game with two touchdown catches and also had several other spectacular catches.  Donald Driver also made a tremendous catch.  The key to this game was the receivers were not dropping Favre's passes.  Tony Fisher was more than an adequate replacement for Ahman Green.  Fisher gave the Packers their first lead late in the fourth quarter with an 11 yard scamper up the middle of the Vikings defense.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense helped out the Packers early miscues by keeping the Vikings out of the end zone on two out of three tries.  Keeping the Vikings to field goals allowed the Packers to stay in the game.  Kabeer Gbaja Biamilla had a tremendous game and showed his speed by running down Moe Williams for a touchdown saving tackle.  Darren Sharper snagged another interception on the last play of the game and ran the ball unnecessarily down the field.  Sharper should have just sealed the game and fell to the ground.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B+.

The Packers special teams still isn't playing up to par.  Kickoff and punt returns are getting minimal gains and doesn't appear like this will improve.  Ryan Longwell connected on both of his field goals.  The Packers did block a Viking extra point.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers travel to the left coast to play the 49ers.  The Packers have had past success against the 49ers and look for that trend to continue.

My Pick  Packers 34  49ers 24

Packers win NFC North

The Green Bay Packers whipped the Chicago Bears in the second half and the Packers won the NFC North as the Packers beat the Bears 30-20.

The Packers offense struggled throughout much of the first half.  Dropped passes and penalties affected the offense.  Favre and the running game heated up in the second half with the Packers scoring 24 unanswered points.  Ahman Green had several nice runs before getting knocked out of the game with a sore knee.  Tony Fisher replaced Green and did an admirable job.  Fisher rushed for over 90 yards and scored a TD to clinch the game for the Packers.  Bubba Franks scored a TD and had a tremendous game.  Terry Glenn made a fabulous catch in the second half which set up a Packers score.  Donald Driver struggled this game.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense played very well in this game by stuffing the Bears run and creating 5 turnovers.  Tyrone Williams played a good game with good coverage and also getting an interception.  Williams picked up a pass interference penalty in the third quarter to give the Bears the ball on the Packers one yard line. Rod Walker followed that up with a fumble recovery of a muffed Chicago snap.  The Packers applied good constant pressure on Miller and also tackled well.  Overall the Packers defense gets an A.

The Packers punt and kickoff return units may never make an appearance this season.  Gordon is inept and the Packers are not helping him out much with blocking.  Javon Walker has potential though.  Josh Bidwell did a good job of punting in very windy conditions.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers stay at home this week to play the Vikings.  Look for the Packers to avenge a loss a few weeks ago in the Metrodome.  

My Pick  Packers 38  Vikings 17

Packers lose to Vikings

The Packers were unable to overcome mistakes, turnovers and penalties and lost another game in Minnesota.

The Packers offense struggled throughout most of the game and Brett Favre was never able to get on track.  Favre threw for three interceptions and had three other passes dropped by Viking defenders.  Ahman Green was also never able to get into a rhythm.  Donald Driver made a spectacular catch and run in the third quarter to put the Packers into a tie but the Packers offense never scored again and the Pack returned home with another dome loss.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Packers defense struggled against the Vikings no huddle offense early in the first quarter as the Vikings built up a 14-0 1st quarter lead.  The defense played better in the 2nd, 3rd and most of the 4th quarters but were unable to hold the Vikings from scoring with less than two minutes left in the game.  Michael Bennett romped through the Packers left side as several Packers missed tackles and was finally caught inside the Packers 5 yard line.  The Vikings scored their final touchdown two plays later to seal the game.  Overall the Packers defense gets a C.

Special teams played better in this game as Javon Walker had several nice returns.  Darrian Gordon continues to be ineffective at returning punts.  Kickoff and punt coverage units also played better although Josh Bidwell didn't have one of his better days punting.  Overall the Packers Special Teams gets a C.

The Packers travel to another tough place when they make their trek to Tampa this weekend.  The Packers have struggled in Tampa for several years when Tampa was in the old NFC Central.  Look for the Packers to rebound against the Bucs.

My Pick  Packers 21  Bucs 17

Packers throw Lions out of town

Brett Favre had his best yardage game as a Packer in the first half and the Packers defense snuffed out the Lions as the Packers rolled to a 40-14 victory.

The Packers offense was in sync again this week as Brett Favre threw for over 350 yards while only playing three quarters.  Ahman Green looked good running the ball but suffered a stinger in the second quarter and did not return to the game.  Donald Driver had a tremendous game and led all the receivers with 11 grabs.  Terry Glenn made a spectacular run and catch and should have been awarded the touchdown at the end of the first half.  Overall the Packers offense gets an A.

The Packers defense continues to get better each week and despite giving the Lions a early touchdown on a blown coverage the Packers dominated the Lions.  The Packers held James Stewart to minimal yardage until the game was out of hand and also snuffed out the rookie QB Harrington.  Marques Anderson scored another TD for the Packers.  Overall the Packers defense gets an A.

Special teams may be the Packers Achilles heal this season.  The Packers gave up several big returns to the Lions and also didn't break any big returns.  Javon Walker looks like a young Robert Brooks and will break a return before the end of the season.  Darrian Gordon looks like a rock returning punts and I don't look for much out of him. Ryan Longwell connected on all his field goals.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers travel to Minnesota this week to play the Vikings.  Despite the Vikings woes this season look for the Vikings to play a tough game this weekend but only for a half. 

My Pick  Packers 24  Vikings 17

Packers, Favre whip Dolphins

The Packers utilized the screen to Green two times including one for a touchdown as the Packers embarrassed the Dolphins 24-10

The Packers offense played very well in this game.  Favre showed no ill effects from his injured knee.  The Packers offensive line blocked well all game long and executed two perfect screen passes.  Bubba Franks was a force early in the game with several tough catches.  Donald Driver also made a nice run after a catch in the third quarter to keep a drive going.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense played their most solid game of the season.  The defensive line put constant pressure on Ray Lucas all game long and were also able to snuff out the Ricky Williams show.  The Packers also continue to create turnovers by getting four Miami miscues.  Darren Sharper had a tremendous interception return for a touchdown which sealed the game for the Packers.  Overall the Packers defense gets a A.

Special teams still continues to struggle with the punt and kickoff return units.  Darrius Gordon has yet to have a big return .  Josh Bidwell had a magnificent game punting the ball and often pinned the Dolphins deep in their own territory.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers stay at home on this short week and get to entertain the second place Detroit Lions.  Look for the Packers to win this NFC North Division game.  

My Pick  Packers 34  Lions 17

Packers win, lose Favre

The Green Bay Packers lost Brett Favre in the third quarter and were able to withstand the Redskins charge as the Packers crushed the Redskins 30-9.

The Packers offense played well in this game led by RB Ahman Green who scored a career high 3 touchdowns.  One of the biggest blunders of the game may have cost Favre the season.  Favre and Pederson found open receivers all game long with Robert Ferguson making a good contribution.  Donald Driver continues to excel as a Packers WR.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense played one of their best games of the season and applied constant pressure on Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey.  The Packers defense was able to come up with four Redskins turnovers.  Tackling was a bit shoddy at times but the Packers made the plays when it counted the most.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B+.

Special teams was the Packers weak sore spot again this week.  Josh Bidwell had a terrible punt in the first quarter which game the Skins good field position.  Long snapper Rob  Davis had a bad snap to holder Doug Pederson which resulted in a missed FG opportunity.  Punt coverage and KO coverage teams were adequate.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers get a much needed bye week this week to mend some injuries and gather themselves together for a final playoff push which will hopefully result in the best record in the NFC.  The Packers play at home next against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football.

My Pick  Packers 24  Dolphins 14

Missed kick gives Packers win

The Carolina Panthers missed a 24 yard field goal late in the fourth quarter which gave the Packers a 17-14 victory.

The Packers offense played better in this game but is still suffering from numerous penalties.  Ahman Green ran the ball well and didn't fumble in his first game back from injury.  Donald Drive had a breakout game with 2 touchdown receptions including one from TE Bubba Franks.  Najeh Davenport continues to be a reliable running back.  Favre was on the money for most of the day but receivers are continuing to drop his balls.  Franks dropped a third down pass deep in Panthers territory that could have possibly set up a TD.  Robert Ferguson also had some dropped balls.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers defense also played better this week but continues to struggle with tackling.  The opponents offense continues to get big time extra yards due to the Packers sloppy tackling.  The Packers defensive line created better pass rush this game and Joe Johnson made his first contributions with a sack and a forced fumble.  The defense allowed the Panthers to drive down the field late in the fourth quarter.  The defense had them stopped but penalties extended the Panthers drive which allowed them to set up the game tying field goal.  Overall the Packers defense gets a C.

Special teams also played better this week.  Kickoff and punt coverage units were much better and Ryan Longwell was perfect with one attempt.  Darrius Gordon had several nice returns and will hopefully continue to improve the Packers return unit.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers travel to Chicago to face the Bears on Monday NIght Football.  The Packers haven't lost to the Bears in Chicago since 93 and I look for the Packers to keep that streak going.

My Pick  Packers 24  Bears 13

Packers hang on again , beat Lions

The Green Bay Packers had to withhold another late Lions rally in order to defeat the Lions 37-31.

The  Packers offense continues to be plagued by offensive miscues and dropped passes.  Javon Walker, Terry Glenn and Donald Driver continue to drop passes that are tremendously hurting the Packers passing offense.  Brett Favre threw an interception and also fumbled a ball while scrambling.  Najeh Davenport looked good and was the main running back during the game while Ahman Green nurses his injury.  The Packers were unable to pick up first downs late in the game which allowed the Lions to get back into the game.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers defense played a little better defense than they played last week against the Saints.  Rookie Marques Anderson made a nice return of an interception for a touchdown that stopped some Lions momentum.  The Packers continue to struggle with missed tackles and also with the running game.  There was absolutely no pressure put on rookie QB Harrington.  The defense also allowed the Lions to get back into the game late in the fourth quarter with missed tackles and missed assignments on pass coverage.  Nail Diggs almost single handedly gave the Lions the win with pass interference penalties and questionable coverage.  Antuan Edwards also continues to struggle with his pass coverage.  Joe Johnson and Hardy NIckerson are almost non existent players on the defense.  Overall the Packers defense gets a D. 

Special teams was as pathetic as a special teams unit can be.  Kickoff and punt returns were non existent.  Karsten Bailey hasn't had a big return all season long.  Javon Walker had a decent kickoff return and then got injured.  Two offside penalties by the kickoff coverage unit gave the Lions tremendous field position for their final desperation drive.  Kickoffs by Ryan Longwell were horrible giving the Lions outstanding field position all game long.  The only bright spot was Longwell connecting on a field goal late in the fourth quarter forcing the Lions to score a touchdown instead of a field goal.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers return home this week to play the 3-0 Carolina Panthers.  Look for the Packers to return to more normal defense this time around and be able to handle the upstart Panthers.

My Pick  Packers 31  Panthers 17

Packers lose big to Saints

The Green Bay Packers lose another dome game and played their worst game in recent memory in a 35-20 blowout to the Saints.

The Packers offense was terrible in this game with Ahman Green and Brett Favre contibuting to the Packers woes. Brett Favre was under constant pressure throughout the game and wasn't able to establish a consistent ball control offense.  The Packers play calling was horrible in this game with Mike Sherman calling numerous questionable calls all game long.  The receivers didn't play any better than Favre with numerous dropped passes.  Overall this was a terrible performance from the offense with turnovers, miscues and errors all game long.  Overall the Packers offense gets a F.

The Packers defense played as pathetically as the offense with missed tackles and missed opportunities. The Packers front four put absolutely no pressure on Aaron Brooks all game long.  Antuan Edwards played as bad a game as a defensive back can play. Edwards missed numerous tackles and had no presence on the defense.  This is back to back weeks the Packers have played terrible defense and I don't look for good things to come.  Overall the Packers defense gets a F.

Special teams may have been the Packers only bright spot in the game by the means of Ryan Longwell not missing any field goals.  The kickoff and punt return units stunk.  Overall the Packers special teams unit gets a D.

The Packers travel to Detroit for another dome game against the Lions.  Look for the same listless defense as the Packers played last year against Detroit and look for another Packers loss.

My Pick  Packers 20  Lions 24

Packers Win Opener

The Green Bay Packers won their season opener in overtime and handed the Atlanta Falcons a 37-34 defeat.

The Packers offense was clicking on all cylinders against the Falcons defense.  Brett Favre played a tremendous game and didn't throw any interceptions.  Ahman  Green led the NFL with a 15 yard performance although Green was accountable for two fumbles.  Javon Walker was the best receiver of the day with several nice catches and also picked up several yards after the catch.  Terry Glenn knocked off some rust and played a good game.  Favre suffered from several dropped balls. The Packers offense also minimized penalties and they were effiiciant on third down.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense continues to struggle which was a carryover from the preseason.  The Packers were unable to contain Mike Vick and also let the Falcons run all over the defense.  The secondary played well however and their was also good pressure put on Vick.  The defense was able to come up with 4 sacks.  Overall the Packers defense gets a D.

Special teams played pretty good and Torrance Marshall was the player of the game for that unit.  Marshall stopped several returns and was often the first man down to make the tackle on ex Packers Allen Rossum.  Ryan Longwell missed on field goal but kicked the game winning field goal in OT.  Punt and kick return units played well and didn't give up the big return.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers travel to New Orleans this week to play the Saints.  Look for the Packers defense to correct some mistakes and look for the Packers offense to continue to play well. 

My Pick  Packers 30  Saints 20

Packers win, Ready for Season

The Green Bay Packers reserves held on at the end of the game preserving the Packers 21-20 victory and assured Mike Sherman of his teams first winning preseason under his tenure.

The Packers offense continues to struggle with Ahman Green being totally shut down throughout the first quarter and the first part of the second quarter.  Rondell Mealey locked up the backup role to Green with a good performance.  Terry Glenn made his much anticipated debut and had two catches including a nice grab from Doug Pederson.  Javon Walker looks like he is going to be the real deal as he made several nice catches.  Overall the Packers offense gets a C.

The Packers defense also struggled during portions of the game and then played well during other parts of the game.  It looks like the defensive line will be solid as will the secondary.  I haven't seen much from the linebackers yet.  Overall the Packers Defense gets a C.

It is finally time for the regular season and I am really pumped up for what should be a tremendous showing from the Packers this season.  Anything short of a Super Bowl would be pretty disappointing.  

The Packers open up the regular season with a home game against the Falcons.

My Pick  Packers 24  Falcons 13

Packers turn miscues into win

The Green Bay Packers starting units didn't play very well but the reserves turned Cleveland mistakes into a 27-20 victory.

The Packers offense didn't play well this game.  Ahman Green had some nice runs but the Packers were not able to convert on 3rd down and the receivers didn't make much of a contribution.   Bubba Franks caught several passes and looked good.  Favre threw an interception and also was flagged for an illegal forward pass in which Favre crossed the line of scrimmage on an incomplete pass.  Rondell Mealey made several more nice runs and it looks as if he will be Greens backup.  Robert Ferguson made a tremendous catch that kept a Packers drive alive.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Browns used a variety of screen and swing passes to keep the Packers defense off balance.  Tim Couch threw a nice TD pass in the first quarter over CB Erwin Swiney.  The Packers tackled well and played the run fairly well.  There wasn't much pressure on the Brown's QB's largely in part to the play calling of the Browns  Overall the Packers defense gets a C.

The Packers special teams unit was the star of this game.  Darren Sharper returned a blocked field goal in the second quarter for a TD to pull the Packers to within four.  Najeh Davenport and Javon Walker both had nice kickoff returns.  Ryan Longwell connected on both of his field goals.  The Packers game up an opening game kickoff return for a TD.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers play their final preseason game Friday night against the Titans. 

Packers starters play well

The Green Bay Packers opened up their preseason campaign with a loss to the Eagles but the Packers are showing improvement in some weak areas from last season.

The Packers starting offense played well with Brett Favre and Ahman Green leading the way.  Both Green and Favre played the first quarter.  The Packers offense converted 5 out of 6 third down conversions which was an area of weakness last season.  Rookie RB Tony Fisher looks like the real deal as he has had a tremendous training camp.  Donald Driver dropped a long Favre pass which probably would have gone for a TD.  Terry Glenn sat out of the game with a wounded knee but I think he would have played if it were a real game.  I thought the other receivers played well except for Ferguson.  I didn't see much from him.  Doug Pederson looks like a viable backup to Favre.  Rookie Craig Nall showed some nervousness but I can see why the Packers like his are.  The guy threw some bullets.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B. 

The Packers defense played well also.  The starting unit was harassing Donavan McNabb all though the first quarter.  They didn't score until the Packers put in their reserves in the second quarter.  This Packers secondary is the best the Packers have had in quite some time as is their defensive line.  This is going to be one awesome defense.  Overall the Packers D gets a B.

The Packers look to improve on some mistakes this week when they travel to Phoenix to play the Cardinals.  

Packers trade up, get receiver

The Packers made another trade with the Holmgren led Seahawks and acquired WR Jevon Walker with the 20th pick in the draft.

The Packers added a big boost to their wide receivers corp with the acquisition of Walker.  The Packers now have Terry Glenn and rookie Robert Ferguson and Jevon Walker.  Ferguson was last years number one pick and is looked upon to step up and start this year after a terrible rookie campaign.   Favre called this years receivers "the most talented group" that he has ever had.  Look for big things from this position for the first time in years.

The Packers didn't do much draft wise to bolster up their defense in the draft.  Their only pick defensively was S Marques Anderson and DL Aaron Kampman.  The Packers are still really thin at LB and look to acquire some depth during the next couple of months.  The Packers had been trying Baja-Biamilla at the position. 

The Packers had a pretty good mini camp from mostly all standpoints and Ferguson looked ready to play.

Go Pack Go.

Draft is coming up with Packers needing some holes filled

The Packers are going into this draft with the hopes of getting some players that can provide immediate playing time unlike last seasons draft.

The Packers are pretty set on offense with the addition of Terry Glenn at WR.  Look for the Packers to draft another WR in the 3rd or fourth round and possibly one in the later rounds.  The Packers have given Freeman the chance to shop himself around which shows the  Packers thoughts of Freeman being able to help the Packers next season.  Freeman carries a high cap number and losing him now would be a considerable boost in helping the Packers bringing in another free agent and also signing their draft picks.

The Packers defense has some holes to fill particularly at the LB position.  The Packers are bringing in Jeremiah Trotter for a look but his high salary demands would deem it highly unlikely the Packers could land him.    The Packers boosted their defensive line with the signing of free agent Joe Johnson.  Johnson will bring immediate pass rush and will help Vonnie Holliday escape the constant double teams that he has faced.  The Packers are also looking for some depth in the secondary.

I'm really looking forward to seeing who the Packers draft and this upcoming season.  I like the way the Packers organization is going and I look for bigger and better things in 2002.