Philly is Next

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks played one of the most exciting games in Lambeau  Field playoff history and Al Harris became the first player in NFL history to end a playoff game with a defensive touchdown as the Packers advance in the playoffs with a 33-27 overtime victory over the Seahawks. 

The Packers offense played very well in this game.  They never turned the ball over and the receivers did a tremendous job of catching balls.  Antonio Freeman and Ahman Green had the only drops for the offense.  The Packers offense dominated the fourth quarter with Ahman Green's running and kept the Seahawks offense off the field.  Brett Favre continues to show that he is one of the best in the league by throwing over 300 yards.  The offense converted two fourth down plays in the fourth quarter to keep scoring drives going.  Overall the Packers offense gets a A.   

The Packers defense didn't play as well as expected but held Seattle when they needed and came up with the game winning touchdown.  Tackling was adequate although pass coverage was not.  The Packers definitely benefited from several dropped balls by the Seahawk receivers.  Nick Barnett got burned on several plays but look for him to rebound this week. 

The Packers travel to hostile Philadelphia to play the Eagles late on Sunday afternoon.  I really like the Packers chances this game as they are playing very well on offense and I believe the defense will be able to stop an injury plagued Eagles offense.  I think the Packers will be able to both run and pass on the Eagles and will keep the Eagles offense off of the field.  The key will be to take the loud Eagles crowd out of the game early.   

My Pick  Packers 31 Eagles 17

The next Packers Pit commentary will be updated after the Eagles game.

Division Champs Again
(Thanks Arizona)

The Green Bay Packers destroyed the backups of the Denver Broncos by giving them a 31-3 whipping.  Meanwhile in Arizona, the Cardinals pulled off one heck of a miracle by scoring a touchdown on the games final play and giving the Packers the NFC North title.  

The Packers offense limited their mistakes and blocked very well for Ahman Green.  Green broke his own record by running for over 200 yards and also set a team record with a 98 yard touchdown run.  The 98 yard romp was the second longest rushing play in NFL history.  Brett Favre played an admirable game after an emotionally draining week in which his father passed away.  

The Packers defense stepped up to the challenge in this game.  The defense stifled the Broncos backups and kept them out of the end zone with several goal line stands which set up Green's 98 yard TD.  The defense also created two turnovers and set the tone for the game with a punishing, hard hitting game.  

The Packers stay home this weekend and have a rematch with the Seattle Seahawks.  I look for the Packers to be able to run the ball often and with effectiveness as Ahman Green will continue to romp over opposing defenses.  

My Pick  Packers 38 Seahawks 21

Green Bay Christmas
By Bill Kappa

Packers Gain Momentum

If the season were to end today, the Packers would be in the playoffs as division Champions. (See Above)  This is a far cry from the way things began on opening day.  The Packers once again control their own destiny to get into the playoffs.

The Chargers did everything they could do to stop Ahman Green from running the ball but all that did was awaken Brett Favre, as the Packers offense ripped the Chargers secondary with 4 TD passes.  Ahman Green found the end zone twice as well.  Donald Driver recorded the Packers first 100 yard receiving game of the season and also caught a TD.  The receivers did a tremendous job of catching the ball and the offense did a fantastic job of eliminating mistakes and penalties in the second half.  Congrats to Ahman Green for breaking the Packers single season rushing record.  Congrats also go to Brett Favre for breaking the Packers record for consecutive games with a TD pass.  Favre now has 22 and counting.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.  

The Packers defense played well in this game as well with a bend but don't break attitude.  The Chargers could have taken control of the game during several moments early in the game but the Packers stepped up to the challenge and kept the Chargers out of the end zone and also forced several turnovers.  Darren Sharper made a sensational interception of a Drew Brees pass.  Pressure on Brees was adequate with several blitz packages being thrown at the Chargers.  Overall the Packers Defense gets a B.  

Congrats to Ryan Longwell for becoming the Packers all time leading scorer.  His durability has been a very important factor in the Packers success over the years.  Longwell is one of the games best.  Overall special teams gets a B.

My Pick  Packers 31 Raiders 17

Lambeau Fans Stink

I will forgo my normal commentary this week and harp on a issue that has been bothering me all season long.

GET OFF OF YOUR CAN LAMBEAU FAN

Lambeau fans are boring, quiet, listless and are rarely into the game.  I was at the season opening game against the Vikings and the fans never got into the game during times the defense and the team could have used a little boost.  Key third downs the fans would make as much noise as a passing breeze out in the country.  The majority of the crowd sits during the entire game, only to get up for another brew or soda or a trip to the closest urinal.  Some get up only after a TD to watch for a hopeful Lambeau Leap.  Let's start the blood flowing a little sooner next time Lambeau Fan and get off of your can and start making some noise.  Their is something to be said about the 12th man.  

I think Lambeau fan needs a definition on what the 12th man is.  No, it is not having too many players out on the field resulting in a penalty.  The 12th man is very much like having 70,000 extra players on the field, screaming right into the opposing teams ears with results such as penalties, miscommunication and just pure chaos.   Get off your can Lambeau fan.  Take a look at the Seattle Seahawks.  They inducted their 12th man into the Seahawks Hall of Fame.  How many Packers fans are in the Hall of Fame?

This past week against the Chiefs I am sure many fans would like to blame deplorable play calling, Ahman Green for his fumble or would even like to blame Brett Favre for the interception the was returned for a TD.  Both players are great and played their hearts out during this game.  I am sure Packer fans also would like to blame the defense for lack of trying or not seeming to play with the fire that is needed each and every week to obtain success.  I disagree with all of them.  Wake up Lambeau fans.  You are the ones not coming in week in and week out with fire.  Support your team through thick and thin.  After Ahman Green's fumble the fans should have been lifting the sky towards the sun with all the noise they "Could" make.  Instead the fans sat in their seats and watched in amazement as the Chiefs scored the game winning TD.  For those fans who haven't been to other stadiums such as Kansas City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Denver, Tampa or Minnesota, I suggest you venture to one of their games to get a feel for how loud a stadium should get or how much more knowledgeable their fans are during key points of a game.  Kick it into gear Lambeau fans.  There are only four more home games left in the season for you to turn YOUR season around.

GET OFF OF YOUR CAN LAMBEAU FAN.

Lambeau Fans Stink

I will forgo my normal commentary this week and harp on a issue that has been bothering me all season long.

GET OFF OF YOUR CAN LAMBEAU FAN

Lambeau fans are boring, quiet, listless and are rarely into the game.  I was at the season opening game against the Vikings and the fans never got into the game during times the defense and the team could have used a little boost.  Key third downs the fans would make as much noise as a passing breeze out in the country.  The majority of the crowd sits during the entire game, only to get up for another brew or soda or a trip to the closest urinal.  Some get up only after a TD to watch for a hopeful Lambeau Leap.  Let's start the blood flowing a little sooner next time Lambeau Fan and get off of your can and start making some noise.  Their is something to be said about the 12th man.  

I think Lambeau fan needs a definition on what the 12th man is.  No, it is not having too many players out on the field resulting in a penalty.  The 12th man is very much like having 70,000 extra players on the field, screaming right into the opposing teams ears with results such as penalties, miscommunication and just pure chaos.   Get off your can Lambeau fan.  Take a look at the Seattle Seahawks.  They inducted their 12th man into the Seahawks Hall of Fame.  How many Packers fans are in the Hall of Fame?

This past week against the Chiefs I am sure many fans would like to blame deplorable play calling, Ahman Green for his fumble or would even like to blame Brett Favre for the interception the was returned for a TD.  Both players are great and played their hearts out during this game.  I am sure Packer fans also would like to blame the defense for lack of trying or not seeming to play with the fire that is needed each and every week to obtain success.  I disagree with all of them.  Wake up Lambeau fans.  You are the ones not coming in week in and week out with fire.  Support your team through thick and thin.  After Ahman Green's fumble the fans should have been lifting the sky towards the sun with all the noise they "Could" make.  Instead the fans sat in their seats and watched in amazement as the Chiefs scored the game winning TD.  For those fans who haven't been to other stadiums such as Kansas City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Denver, Tampa or Minnesota, I suggest you venture to one of their games to get a feel for how loud a stadium should get or how much more knowledgeable their fans are during key points of a game.  Kick it into gear Lambeau fans.  There are only four more home games left in the season for you to turn YOUR season around.

GET OFF OF YOUR CAN LAMBEAU FAN.

Huge win for Packers

The Packers picked up a much needed victory over a respectable opponent and sent the Seahawks home packing with a 35-13 victory.

Ahman Green once again led the way for the Packers with sound running and two touchdowns.  Brett Favre was also on his game and led the Packers with many precise passes with the receivers doing a tremendous job of catching the ball.  The offense limited their mistakes and turnovers and provided their defense with much needed rest.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B+.

The Packers defense started a bit slow but improved as the game went along.  It looked like it was going to be a 55-50 game at first with Shawn Alexander running rampant through the Packers secondary.  Tackling was pitiful through the first quarter.  The Packers held the Seattle to a field goal after a long Seahawks drive and the Packers never looked back.  Even after a Lambeau record 58 yard field goal to close out the half, the defense never let the game get any closer.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

Special teams is very improved over last season.  The Seahawks never broke any long returns and always put Seattle in bad field position.  The Packers will need their special teams to perform at top level this week against the Chiefs.

The Packers are facing another undefeated team this week when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town.  The Chiefs also have a high caliber offense and an explosive punt and kickoff crew led by KR Dante Hall who has returned a punt or kickoff for a TD in four straight games.  Look for that streak to end as will the Chiefs perfect season as the Packers hand them their first loss.

My Pick  Packers 31 Chiefs 20

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Chiefs game.

Packers Whip Bears

All that the Green Bay Packers needed was a game against their arch rival Bears as the Packers won their tenth game in a row in Chicago.

Ahman Green was once again the star of the offense as he ripped through the Bears defense with a career best 176 yards rushing and scoring two touchdowns.  Brett Favre was effective with short passes and had three touchdowns and one interception.  Bubba Franks scored the Packers final TD late in the fourth quarter.  Javon Walker also scored for the earlier in the game.  The Packers offense was stagnant in the third quarter and let the Bears back into the game but when Chicago pulled within eight, the Packers marched down the field on back to back possessions to put the Bears out of their misery.  Overall the Packers offense gets a B.

The Packers defense finally put some pressure on the QB and kept Kordell Stewart contained throughout much of the game.  The defense allowed a long TD run by Anthony Thomas and allowed the Bears back in the game after the offense spotted them with a 24-6 halftime lead.  The Packers tackled very well for much of the game and limited the Bears yards.  Much of the Bears offensive yards came late in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided.  Give the Packers defense a B.

Special Teams looked good in this game.  Ryan Longwell kicked his only field goal attempt right through the uprights.  Antonio Chapman had several nice kickoff and punt returns and I believe he is going to break one for a score sometime this season.  The Packers also blocked a punt for the first time since 1997.  Give the Packers special teams an A.

The Packers now face a grueling schedule for the next six weeks.  Two of their next three opponents have yet to lose this season.  The Seattle Seahawks and Mike Holmgren visit Green Bay this week as one of those undefeated teams.  The Seahawks have a high powered offense led by ex-Packers backup Matt Hasslebeck.  Look for the Packers to play better at home and keep the Seahawks grounded.  

My Pick  Packers 24 Seahawks 17

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Seahawks game.

Packers play improves 

The Packers played a much better game following their opening day loss to the Vikings with a complete effort and a 31-6 over the Vikings.

Ahman Green started the Packers offense early with a long touchdown run and added to that with 160 rushing yards.  The offensive line did a tremendous job in protecting Brett Favre and gave him plenty of time to throw the ball.  The offensive line also did a tremendous job of run blocking.  Antonio Freeman led all Packer receivers in catches and all of the Packer receivers did a good job of catching the ball.  Brett Favre still looked rusty in this game with several overthrown balls and errant tosses.  Robert Ferguson played despite injuries to his knee and ankle.  Give the Packers offense a B.

The Packers defense looked completely different in this game and played their best game since last season.  This was the best job the Packers have done tackling in quite some time.  First round draft pick, Nick Barnett had a tremendous game with 12 tackles and also recorded his first interception.  Nail Diggs also had a great game but left the game in the fourth quarter with an apparent knee injury.  Al Harris showed the Packers why they traded for him with a interception return for a touchdown.  The Packers didn't put a whole lot of pressure on Harrington but made up for that with tremendous tackling and great pass defense.  Overall the Packers defense gets an A.

The Packers special teams took a step backwards this week with mediocre punt and kickoff returns and also turned the ball over when a short punt bounced off of a Packers player.  Ryan Longwell connected with his only field goal attempt and remains one of the best kickers in the NFL.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C-.

The Packers picked it up this past week with a much needed victory over the Lions.  The Packers travel on the road to Arizona to play the Cardinals in the hot desert heat.  The Cardinals just took a whipping at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks and also took a severe beating to the hands of the Detroit Lions.  Look for the Packers to continue dishing out the punishment and wreaking havoc on the Cardinals.  

My Pick  Packers 38 Cardinals 10

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Cardinals game.

Packers lose season opener 

The Packers opened up this season very much the same as they played during the final two games of last season, by taking a butt whipping.

The Packers offense stunk up the field throughout much of the game.  Brett Favre looked like a 60 year old Tommy Kramer as he was nowhere near intended targets all game long.  Keep in mind that receivers were running bad routes with dropped balls and maybe Favre didn't play so bad but the bottom line is that Favre couldn't bring the Packers a victory.  Ahman Green had another early season fumble.  Favre had plenty of time during much of the game to find a open receiver but was unable to find one.  The Packers play calling was terrible during much of the game as well.  I thought the Packers should come out running the ball with Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport but Mike Sherman decided to air it out with Favre throwing terrible balls and receivers running terrible routes.  The offense finally got in sync late in the game after much of the game was decided.  The Packers also lost WR's Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson to injury.  Hopefully these injuries won't be season ending.  Overall the Packers offense gets a F.

Defensively the Packers were as pathetic as the offense.  The defense put no pressure on Culpepper and allowed him to run rampant all over the field.  The secondary should have triple teamed the other Viking receivers because Randy Moss was open all game long.  Tackling was terrible as well.  This Packers defense does not look any better than last seasons.  Overall the Packers defense gets a F. 

The only improvement the Packers seem to have made is with the Special teams unit.  Both kickoff and punt coverage units were adequate with Antonio Chapman providing some decent returns.  The Packers were also able to recover an onside kick.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a B.

The Packers are already a game back in the division but there are 15 games left in the regular season.  There are plenty of games remaining for the Packers to improve but they must start doing so this week when they stay at home to play the division rival Lions.  Look for the Packers to overcome their mistakes and take their aggressions out on the Lions.

My Pick  Packers 34  Lions 17

Season Preview 

Preseason is preseason.  The regular season is the regular season.  That is the way the Packers and the rest of the preseason losers look at the official start of the season. 

The Packers offensive unit remains intact from last season with some improvements depending on the development of receivers Javon Walker and Robert Ferguson.  Ahman Green and Brett Favre both go into the season as healthy as can be.  Both players are arguably some of the best at their positions.  Najeh Davenport backs up Ahman Green which is a definite plus as Davenport would undeniably be the starting back on many teams.  The offensive line returns mostly healthy with tough guy Marco Rivera nursing a MCL tear.  Rivera should be ok to play as he has demonstrated in the past while playing with damaged knees.  The tight ends have improved over last year with Bubba Franks getting help from veteran Wesley Walls.  Walls will contribute significantly to the Packers cause.  Franks had a shaky preseason but should be ok.  The success of the offense depends solely on the receivers continued improvement from last season.  Javon Walker finished up last season with a bang and look for him to continue that momentum into this season.  Robert Ferguson is finally starting to live up to potential and look for him to live up to potential. 

The Packers defense looks to improve from a sub par outing last season.  The run defense was terrible and I am not sure the Packers did anything to address the problem.  Gilbert Brown is going to play with a torn bicep which makes you wonder about the lack of depth the Packers have at that position.  Still the Packers go into the season with Joe Johnson and KGB as the bookends.  Johnson was hurt most of last season and has failed to live up to expectations.  Their is hope that Johnson will turn it around.  The Packers lost several players to free agency including Vonnie Holiday.  The Packers have new linebackers with unproven rookie Nick Barnett starting with Nail Diggs and free agent pick up Hannibal Navies.  The Packers linebacker corp. has been a weakness for several years and hopefully this unit will be a success for the Pack.  The secondary looks to be solid despite a non productive preseason.  The Packers made a trade to get Al Harris who replaces Tyrone Williams.  The other corner will be played by Mike Mckenzie.  Darren Sharper rounds up the D and is a very solid player.  

With the exception for Ryan Longwell and Josh Bidwell the Packers special teams were terrible last season.  Big returns by the Packers were few and far between.  Coverage units were atrocious as well, many times putting the opponent in tremendous field position.  Only time will tell how they will be this season.  It looks like Antonio Chapman will be the return man this season.  Chapman has a good eye for the gaps and holds onto the ball.  Lets hope this unit gets it together this season.

Time is running out on Brett Favre and his quest to win another Super Bowl.  The Packers will have to get much better on defense in order for this to happen.  The Packers have the weapons on offense to make another Super Bowl run.  This week is the rededication of Lambeau Field and the Packers home opener against the Vikings.  Look for the Packers to be off and running with Ahman Green running all over the Vikings D. 

My Pick  Packers 31  Vikings 20

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Vikings game.

Defense improves, Offense stalls 

The Packers defense made an impressive showing for the first time this exhibition season while the offense failed to show the spark and intensity that it showed the week before as the Packers reserves were unable to hold onto the lead with the Packers losing 20-7. 

The Packers offense were again plagued by penalties, dropped balls and lack of execution.  Ahman Green was the Packers only spark with a 40 plus yard touchdown run.  Brett Favre was erratic on several medium middle of the field throws.  William Henderson opened up the game with a fumble.  Akili Smith signed his own one way ticket out of Green Bay with a miserable performance.  Keep in mind that this is only preseason and that the Packers are not going to stink it up this bad in the regular season.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D+.

The Packers defense did a tremendous job of holding the Panthers offense in check.  Starting early in the first quarter the Packers stuffed the Panthers at the Packers goal line 4 straight plays.  Led by Gilbert Brown, the Panthers ran the ball for straight plays from the Packers one yard line.  Four plays later the Packers owned the ball at the one.  Antuan Edwards played a better game and was making some nice tackles.  Al Harris had another tremendous interception.  Tackling still needs to improve as well as the defensive line getting pressure on the QB.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

The Packers special teams unit did nothing special on this night.  Ryan Longwell connected on a 40+ yard field goal but was called back on a penalty by William Henderson.  The return units didn't have many chances but also didn't produce any big returns.  The coverage unit gave up several big returns.  This reminds me a lot of last season's team which does not bode well for the Packers.  Overall the special teams gets a F.

This was supposed to be the Packers tune up game before the regular season.  Instead I saw an unmotivated offense and special teams that didn't seem to want to play.  The Packers will stay home for their final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.  

My Pick  Packers 24  Titans 14

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Titans game.

Starters Struggle, Reserves Win 

The Packers starting unit looked the same against Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons as it did in the previous game against Atlanta.  It took a spirited effort by the Packers reserves to spark the Packers to a 27-21 victory.  

The Packers offense looked terrible in their second preseason game as Brett Favre overthrew a wide open receiver and was off target for most of his throws.  Ahman Green didn't have any gaping holes to run the ball and the offense was once again plagued by penalties and mistakes.  Craig Nall was impressive and brought the Packers back and made the game respectable.  Akili Smith looked terrible and threw and interception.   Smith looked a step behind everyone else and also overthrew a wide open receiver for a touchdown.  Najeh Davenport looked good and scored two touchdowns for the Pack.  Overall the Packers offense gets a D.

The Packers starting defense looked terrible against Michael Vick.  The defense allowed Vick to throw and run and looked just as bad as they did in the Pack's final game of the playoffs last season.  Nick Barnett didn't do much to contribute and was unable to remain with Brian Finneran's touchdown in the first quarter.  The defense also contributed to several penalties with several jumping off sides penalties.  The Packers reserves also preserved the win with a fumble recovery for a touchdown and also a forced fumble and recovery on the Packers goal line as the Falcons were about to regain the lead.  Overall the Packers defense gets a D.

The Packers special teams also played terrible.  Antonio Chapman had some nice returns but the coverage units allowed the Falcons to start the game on the Packers 49 and gave up several long returns during the game.  Ryan Longwell connected on his two attempts.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a D.

The Packers travel again this week and face the Browns in Cleveland.  Look for improvements all around as the Packers road to the Super Bowl continues.  

My Pick  Packers 31 Browns 20

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Browns game.

Packers rained out 

The Packers offense played much like the game ended which was all wet.  The game was called due to lightning and heavy rains which washed out the remainder of the game with a little over 5 minutes left in the third quarter.

The Packers offense didn't play very well in this game.  Favre played the first two series and took a couple of hits including a sack.  The Packers were playing with a makeshift offensive line due to injuries.  The Packers were also without two receivers with Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson nursing injuries.  The rushing game produced nothing spectacular and numerous penalties hampered what little offense there was.  Craig Nall did nothing to show that he is ready to be a backup.  Overall the Packers offense gets a F.

The Packers defense looks improved with many new faces replacing old ones from last year.  Al Harris had a tremendous first quarter replacing Tyrone Williams.  Harris broke up several pass plays and also had several nice tackles.  Nick Barnett started off slow but finished the first half with a great feel for the game and also had several nice tackles.  Second year player Marcus Wilkins played a tremendous game and looked real quick as a speed rusher beating the right tackle several times.  Jamaal Reynolds also played a solid game.  Overall the Packers defense gets a B.

The Packers special teams played fairly decent in this game.  Antonio Chapman had several nice returns and the Packers punting unit was able to pin the Chiefs inside the five on one punt in the first half.  Overall the Packers special teams gets a C.

The Packers next game is another road game against the team that ended their season last year at Lambeau.  The Packers face off against Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons.  Look for the Packers to continue playing and improving their young defense and for the offense to give a better showing.  Newly signed TE Wesley Walls gives the Packers a formidable one two tight end punch.  

My Pick  Packers 24  Falcons 17

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be after the Falcons game.

Draft Picks 

Draft picks are not fairly graded until at least three years down the road but early indications give the Packers an A.

The Packers needed to draft defense and that is what they went after.  The Packers drafted six defensive players including LB Nick Barnett with their first pick.  The linebacker position has lacked talent in recent years and the Packers have not had an impact player in quite some time.  The Packers spent their first four picks on defensive players which is the first time they had done that since 1984.  The Packers also drafted two starting players from Oregon St. (Barnett and DT James Lee)

Their was a lot of speculation that the Packers were going to spend a pick on a QB for replacing Brett Favre in the future.  I'm glad they did not do this because much attention was needed to upgrade a poor defense.  The Packers spent three picks on offensive players including two late round picks on WR's which is a position the Packers were lacking in depth.  The other offensive pick went in the sixth round on OL Brennan Curtin.

Consider this draft an immediate success if the Packers can get three of their picks to start the opening game of the season on defense.  I believe these picks will improve a Packers defense that ranked near the bottom of the league against the run.  

The next Packers Pit commentary update will be in July and include a season preview.

Pathetic Packers lose at home

The Green Bay Packers have succeeded in doing something that no other Packers team have accomplished in the playoffs, losing at home.

The Packers offense was terrible in this game.  The Packers were unable to get a running game going and Brett Favre played a terrible game.  The Packers offense was hampered by terrible play calling, penalties and dropped passes.  The Packers had the ball with a first down and goal from inside the five and decided to bring in the three tight end set for four straight downs.  Nice play calling there.  The result from that was no points and increased Atlanta momentum.  Overall the Packers get a F.

The Packers defense played no better than the offense.  Tackling was atrocious and the Packers let Mike Vick and Warrick Dunn run all over them.  The Packers defense was never able to stop the Falcons offense all game long.  Enough said about this pitiful performance.  Overall the Packers defense gets a F.

The Packers special teams unit played with the same intensity as the offense and defense.  Another terrible performance by this group.  Look for wholesale changes to be made by this unit including the firing of special teams coach Frank Novak.  The overall effort of the special teams gets a F.

With this first ever playoff loss at home the Packers avoided further embarrassment of another whipping at the hands of Tampa Bay.  I think the Packers realized they were not going very far in the playoffs and their intensity on the field showed it.  The Packers have some holes to fill and it is due time for the Packers to start finding the heir apparent to replace Favre.