Williams, Nelson get return nods

With the Packers having parted ways with primary return man Will Blackmon, coach Mike McCarthy will send starting cornerback Tramon Williams back on punt returns and No. 4 wide receiver Jordy Nelson back on kickoffs in Sunday's regular-season opener at Philadelphia.

Getting the band back together

After not playing together all preseason, outside linebackers Brad Jones and Clay Matthews are hoping the Packers defense can flip the switch and play cohesively when the regular season begins Sunday at Philadelphia.

'We’ll use the guys that we’ve got'

After parting ways with returner Will Blackmon, GM Ted Thompson and the Packers are left with Jordy Nelson as their likely return man on both punts and kickoffs -- something Nelson did to mixed reviews last season.

Young contenders

Ted Thompson joked about avoiding the NFL's youngest-team label before training camp, but the roster the Packers GM put together is still in contention for that honor. Whether that youth will serve the team's quest for Super Bowl XLV remains to be seen.

Packers say goodbye to Blackmon, begin search for returner

Will Blackmon's troublesome left knee cost him a spot on the roster, while Spencer Havner was the odd man out at tight end. And while the Packers have four tight ends after 22 roster moves Saturday, what they don't have is a clear-cut return man.

Decision day: Players await fates

Kregg Lumpkin and Brett Swain put their best feet foward in Thursday night's preseason finale at Kansas City, but it may not be enough to land them on the 53-man roster when the final cuts are made Saturday. But Lumpkin and Swain have been through this before.

Chiefs 17, Packers 13: Decisions await

Mike McCarthy has more in-depth discussions ahead with folks other than referee Ed Hochuli. The Packers coach and general manager Ted Thompson must figure out which punter they'll keep -- Tim Masthay or Chris Bryan -- and what they'll do on returns with Will Blackmon ailing.

Chiefs 17, Packers 13: Ready for prime time?

The preseason is officially over -- and it was over even before Thursday night's game for Aaron Rodgers, who didn't play while backup Matt Flynn got the start. Now, the Packers will find out if they're ready for the Sept. 12 regular-season opener at Philadelphia.

Packers-Chiefs Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Thursday's preseason finale between the Packers and Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

No jinx here

Aaron Rodgers' streak of magazine covers hit three Tuesday when he appeared on Sports Illustrated's annual NFL preview issue -- or at least on the Midwest region version of it. But if you think the Packers quarterback is worried about the infamous SI cover jinx, think again.

Showing he belongs

Graham Harrell knows he's unlikely to get a spot on the 53-man roster behind Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn. But the Packers third-string quarterback is trying to show the team he at least deserves a spot on the practice suqad -- and so far, he's shown exactly that.

One more chance

Justin Harrell is the first to admit that his NFL career hasn't played out the way he'd hoped. But entering what could be his final game with the team, the Packers defensive end and former first-round draft pick still believes there's time to prove himself.

Harris lands on PUP

Al Harris had hoped to be back for the Sept. 12 regular season opener. Instead, the Packers veteran cornerback joined Atari Bigby and James Starks on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he'll miss at least the first six games.

Early riser Neal on the rise

Mike Neal might not get a whole lot of sleep each night during training camp, but the Packers rookie defensive end is making a lot happen during his waking hours, preparing to be a significant contributor to the defense this season. (Photo courtesy Packers.com)

Chery ready to blossom

Before his punt return for a touchdown last Thursday night, Jason Chery's biggest NFL moment was a touchdown catch for Carolina last preseason. Now, the Packers little-known wide receiver has a shot at the 53-man roster -- and won't have to beg for it if he has another big night in the exhibition finale.

Masthay gets a leg up

Tim Masthay hasn't won the Packers' punting job just yet, but after his performance against Indianapolis on Thursday night and his work in practice on Sunday, the former Kentucky punter appears to have a slight lead on Australian import Chris Bryan.

When will Harris be ready?

Al Harris claims he'll know the right time for his comeback from a catastrophic knee injury to be complete. Right now, the Packers aren't sure when the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback will be on the field, but the Sept. 12 regular-season opener hasn't been ruled out.

Colledge gets the nod

Responding to yet another challenge to his job security, Daryn Colledge has won the competition for the Packers' starting left guard job, coach Mike McCarthy announced on Sunday.

'It all starts up front'

As good as Aaron Rodgers has been this preseason -- and the Packers quarterback has been out-of-this-world good -- he'll tell you the most impressive thing about the team's offense right now is the way the line is protecting him. Assuming Daryn Colledge keeps the left guard job and keeps playing well, the sky really is the limit.

Packers 59, Colts 24: Zombo, Shields state their cases

While rookie undrafted free agents Frank Zombo and Sam Shields both appear to have the Packers' 53-man roster made, they now are focused on a more important goal: Earning key roles in the Packers' defense.

Packers 59, Colts 24: On guard

Daryn Colledge and rookie Bryan Bulaga might not be done with their competition for the starting left guard job, but if Colledge keeps playing like he has, he will win the job -- and Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to be sacked in preseason play, will be all smiles.

Packers 59, Colts 24: In the zone

While it won't count for anything when the games start to count on Sept. 12, the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers' exhibition drubbing of the defending AFC champion Indianapolis Colts Thursday night at Lambeau Field certainly was fun.

Packers-Colts Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Thursday night's third preseason game between the Packers and the Colts at Lambeau Field.

Countdown to 53: Tough decision await

While the roster appears to have better depth than the Packers have had since Ted Thompson became GM in 2005 and Mike McCarthy took over as coach in 2006, there are still some thin spots. That said, it appears the team will have Super Bowl-caliber talent to work with.

Shields gets his shot

Unimpressed with Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood so far in the preseason, the Packers defensive coaches will give undrafted rookie free agent Sam Shields a chance with the No. 1 nickel defense Thursday against Indianapolis -- and Shields will get first-team work on special teams, too.

Zombo climbs the charts

Frank Zombo can't say for sure that he'll be starting Thursday's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field, but the Packers undrafted rookie free agent linebacker is in position to do so, which goes to show how far he's come.

Determined Crabtree makes his mark

Tom Crabtree may not have the pedigree, but the Packers tight end's attitude has success written all over it -- literally. (Photo courtesy Harmann Studios/Packers.com)

Simpkins keeps living the dream

While Packers linebacker Maurice Simpkins is smart enough to know that the odds are against him, the former Green Bay Blizzard indoor football player -- and current computer programmer -- is giving his all to beat the odds and make the 53-man roster of the 'other' football team in Green Bay.

Packers 27, Seahawks 24: Crosby gets in a groove

Mason Crosby might have some sleepless nights ahead of him following the birth of his son Nolan, but the Packers kicker has found his rhythm on field-goal attempts and had nothing to worry about in that department.

Packers 27, Seahawks 24: Non-judgmental

Playing with a shorthanded group that was missing cornerback Charles Woodson and linebacker Clay Matthews -- among others -- Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers wasn't putting too much stock into what Seattle running back Leon Washington and the Seahawks did against his first-stringers Saturday night.

Packers 27, Seahawks 24: Flawless in Seattle

Aaron Rodgers isn't just in midseason form; the Packers quarterback has been otherworldly during the first two exhibition games. Saturday night, he tossed a pair of touchdowns before turning things over to the backups in the Packers' first preseason victory of the summer.

Packers-Seahawks Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Saturday night's preseason meeting between the Packers and Sehawks at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Keeping it vanilla

A year after having to show a greater portion of his playbook because he was installing his 3-4 scheme, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers is taking a decidedly less interesting approach this preseason, in hopes of keeping regular-season opponents guessing.

Bigby's prospects for opener look dim

Atari Bigby doesn't want to start the season on the physically unable to perform list, but his timetable for returning from ankle surgery -- between four to eight weeks from the Aug. 6 procedure -- doesn't bode well for the Packers safety being ready to go.

Wise beyond his years

While Packers first-round pick Bryan Bulaga isn't particularly savvy when it comes to Twitter, the rookie offensive lineman is proving to be a quick study at left guard, where he's competing for a starting spot.

He's baaaaack

Packers coach Mike McCarthy had no interest in talking about it, but with Brett Favre arriving in Minnesota -- presumably to return for a 20th NFL season -- on Tuesday, things just got a little more interesting in the NFC North.

Harrell back on the sideline

Justin Harrell hadn't done much to stand out during the first two weeks of training camp, but at least the Packers' 2007 first-round pick was participating in most practices. Now, with his troublesome back flaring up, there's reason for concern about the fourth-year defensive end.

Sight for sore eyes

It hasn't been pretty watching rookie fill-in returners Sam Shields and Quinn Porter, so the Packers and special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum was happy to see Will Blackmon back at practice Tuesday morning after resting his surgically repaired left knee for a week.

Jackson exercises patience

With Ryan Grant sidelined with a concussion, Brandon Jackson spent Monday working with the No. 1 offense. But the Packers fourth-year halfback understands better than anyone that it's temporary -- so he has to seize whatever opportunity he gets.

Talking about practice

Al Harris set the regular-season opener at Philadelphia as his goal a long time ago. If the Packers two-time Pro Bowl cornerback practices as planned next Monday, his remarkable comeback from a horrific knee injury will bring him one step closer to playing on Sept. 12.

Grant expects quick return from concussion

While the Packers running back isn't a big fan of all the NFL-mandated concussion rules, he is going through the evaluation process and expects to play Saturday at Seattle.

Rodgers already on top of his game

While the ease with which the Cleveland Browns scored against the first-string defense was cause for concern, the Packers got quite a reassuring performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who appeared to be in midseason form while completing all but one of his passes in Saturday night's preseason opener.

Packers-Browns notes: Grant's night ends early, goes poorly

Ryan Grant may have a 291-carry streak without losing a fumble going for him in regular-season play, but the Packers franchise running back managed to cough up the ball on the first play Saturday night -- and wound up being knocked out of the game a short time later.

Browns 27, Packers 24: A rocky start

Those Super Bowl XLV plans may still come to fruition for the Packers, but their preseason-opening loss to Cleveland left them with plenty of room for improvement between now and February.

Packers-Browns Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at the Packers' preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns Saturday night at Lambeau Field.

Mr. August

While the Packers believe he could handle the job if something ever happened to Aaron Rodgers, the hope is that Matt Flynn's only meaningful action comes in the preseason, starting Saturday night against Cleveland. For Flynn, it's his time to shine.

Back to linebacking

After working at what he thought was his full-time position now -- tight end -- throughout camp, Spencer Havner returned to his roots on the defensive side of the ball Thursday, working at linebacker, where he'll play Saturday night.

'We'll see what he's got'

Morgan Burnett will play in his first NFL game on Saturday night in the preseason opener against Cleveland, and the Packers rookie safety is hoping to keep proving himself to his teammates, who are counting on him to be ready to start on opening day.

Proving worth the wait

The Packers have gotten virtually nothing out of 2008 fifth-round pick Breno Giacomini the last two years, but the big right tackle is off to a strong start so far in camp. His next challenge: Perform well in the exhibition opener against Cleveland on Saturday night.

Striving to be special

After a disappointing year on special teams last year, the Packers have devoted additional practice time to fixing their problems -- and might have stumbled upon a new kickoff returner in running back Brandon Jackson in the process.

Nelson makes his move

After two years of only flashing his ability, Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson is off to a terrific start to training camp, having learned the playbook cover-to-cover and catching just about every ball thrown his way.

Bulaga shuffles line deck

With the Packers' coaching staff having had a change of heart, first-round pick Bryan Bulaga (right) is now in contention for a starting job at left guard after spending the entire offseason -- and first week of training camp -- exclusively at left tackle.

Hamstring shelves Matthews

Having already missed most of his rookie training camp with a left hamstring problem, Clay Matthews is back on the sideilne. The good news for the Packers linebacker -- and bad news for the team -- is that he's not alone.

Great expectations

A.J. Hawk hasn't been the impact player anyone thought he'd be when he was drafted fifth overall in 2006. Now, in what is essentially the final year of his contract, the Packers inside linebacker is looking to make a greater impact -- and shed his play-it-safe label.

Shields makes a splash

While it was only one night, undrafted rookie free agent Sam Shields made a terrific first impression during the Family Night Scrimmage with his 98-yard interception return for a touchdown. Now, it's up to the receiver-turned-cornerback to keep it up.

All in the family

After two less-than-ideal Family Night Scrimmages the last two summers, the Packers had plenty of solid performances and encouraging moments during Saturday night's annual intrasquad scrimmage.

Driver: 'I'm going to retire a Packer'

By signing a two-year extension that would keep him with the Packers through the 2012 season -- when he's 37 -- wide receiver Donald Driver put himself in position to end his career with the only team he's known since entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 1999.

Let the competition begin

Brandon Chillar's foray into playing outside linebacker wasn't just a brief curiosity. He's now battling incumbent Brad Jones for a starting job in the Packers' defense -- and making strides in the right direction.

Neal looks to make immediate impact

With Johnny Jolly serving at least a one-year suspension and the Packers looking for depth on the defensive line, rookie second-round pick Mike Neal could be key to the team's chances.

Delay of game?

Atari Bigby will undergo ankle surgery on Friday in North Carolina. But if the Packers safety had been with the team all offseason, would the surgery have already happened? No one seemed to know, but it now appears likely that Bigby will miss the season opener.

Favre: Still undecided about playing

The former Packers and current Vikings quarterback says he hasn't made up his mind about whether he'll play in 2010, and he denies that he started Tuesday's media frenzy by texting Vikings officials and teammates about his intentions to retire from the NFL for a third time.

Facing some tough cuts at tight end

Coming out of training camp last year, Packers GM Ted Thompson kept a surprising three fullbacks. This year, the team might have to keep four tight ends on its 53-man roster, given the talent level of the group, with veteran Donald Lee still very much in the mix.

Jolly reaches deal, could avoid jail time

Johnny Jolly's agreement with Houston prosecutors could keep the suspended Packers defensive end out of jail -- and possibly set up his return to the NFL -- if he complies with the terms of the deal for the next year. Meanwhile, GM Ted Thompson won't rule out his return.

They'll believe it when they see it

The Green Bay Packers have seen this show before with Brett Favre. So for now, they're taking a wait-and-see approach to reports that the legendary quarterback won't return for a 20th NFL season.

A 'Chill' in the air?

Looking to upgrade their pass rush, and afforded the opportunity to get creative with left outside linebacker Brad Jones out with a back injury, the Packers unveiled a new four-linebacker nickel group that highlights Brandon Chillar -- and might make things interesting this season.

Crosby not a concern ... yet

While kicker Mason Crosby, who endured a second-half slump, is just 6 for 11 on field-goal attempts so far in camp, Mike McCarthy isn't worried. Instead, the coach is chalking it up to Crosby having two inexperienced holders.

Harris still on track for opener

Although he was being coy with his words, Packers veteran cornerback Al Harris dropped plenty of hints that his career-threatening knee injury from last season won't keep him from being in the lineup when the 2010 campaign kicks off Sept. 12 at Philadelphia.

Waiting on his world to change

It's August, which means linebacker Desmond Bishop is making plays in practice that catch everyone's attention -- but he's still stuck waiting for an opportunity to be a starter on the Packers defense.

Fantastic voyage: Rodgers looks for more than stats

While Aaron Rodgers has been ultra-productive in his first two years as a starter -- much to the joy of fantasy football players -- the Packers quarterback knows that he needs to win a Super Bowl to measure up to his friend Drew Brees and be considered an elite QB.

Colledge gets first crack at left guard

Jason Spitz and Daryn College spent the offseason thinking they'd battle for the left guard job. Instead, the duo who came into the league together in 2006, became best friends and even appeared in a TV commercial together aren't going head-to-head just yet.

Bigby concerned with ankle, not contract

While disappointed that he didn't get the long-term deal he wanted in the offseason, Packers safety Atari Bigby is worried more about his injured left ankle than the money the team chose not to pay him.

McCarthy: Team is ready to take the next step

After winning seven of their last eight regular-season games to finish 2009, Mike McCarthy's Packers are a trendy Super Bowl pick in 2010. And the coach is embracing those expectations, with hopes of adding another picture to the meeting room wall.

Underwood still in limbo

The Packers second-year cornerback still doesn't know whether or not he'll be charged in the Lake Delton incident that occurred June 5, but he vows not to let the uncertainty distract him.

Harris, Bigby open camp on PUP

While the Packers expected Al Harris' knee injury to keep him from being ready for the start of camp, the fact that safety Atari Bigby's ankle injury -- which dates back to the 2008 preseason -- still is an issue was a surprise.

Bulaga in the fold

The Packers will have all of their players in camp before Saturday's first practice after inking first-round draft Bryan Bulaga Friday morning to a five-year, $14.75 million deal.

No joke: Thompson knows expectations are high

Ted Thompson's football report at the annual shareholders meeting seldom is enlightening, and the Packers GM was consistent Thursday. But he did acknowledge that his team is a trendy pick for Super Bowl XLV.

Goodell addresses Lambeau Super Bowl, Jolly situation

During his visit to the Packers' annual shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell -- along with Packers CEO Mark Murphy -- talked about a Green Bay Super Bowl (not happening), Johnny Jolly's suspension and a host of other topics.

Embracing the NFLs case?

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attended the Packers' annual shareholders meeting, a perfect opportunity to get the owners' side of the collective bargaining agreement talks with the NFLPA out among the fans.

ST: Looking for (vast) improvement

For the Packers to reach Super Bowl XLV as many prognosticators are predicting, their special teams units -- which ranked 31st out of 32 NFL teams last year in one study -- must improve under second-year coordinator Shawn Slocum.

DBs: Looking for youth to be served

With Al Harris coming off a major knee injury, the Packers' nickel and dime defenses likely will rely on youngsters like Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood to contribute in the sub packages. Because Charles Woodson can't cover everyone, if they fail, it could be a long year.

Bigby reportedly signs tender

After missing all of the offseason program while refusing to sign his one-year restricted free-agent tender, safety Atari Bigby gave up on his attempt to get a long-term deal and signed his tender in time for training camp, according to a report.

LBs: As good as advertised?

While there are those nationally who believe the Packers' linebackers, led by interior starters A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett, are among the league's elite, there are still questions about the position entering training camp.

DL: The more you can do

With the suspension of Johnny Jolly having taken away arguably their best defensive lineman, the Packers are looking for their remaining front-liners to show enough versatility to give them plenty of options on the line.

OL: Season on the line

After a horrendous first half of the 2009 season, the Packers offensive line is expected to show significant improvement in 2010. It better, if the team's Super Bowl XLV hopes are going to be realized.

TEs: Maturing Finley set for starring role

While the Packers expressed offseason concerns that his success last season might go to his head, third-year tight end Jermichael Finley swears he's gotten his act together -- on and off the field. If that's true, he's a Pro Bowler in the making.

WRs: Quality top to bottom

The way Aaron Rodgers figures it, the Packers have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver. Donald Driver and Greg Jennings are better than anyone else's top two, and James Jones and Jordy Nelson are better than anyone else's third and fourth wideouts -- which should make 2010 interesting.

RBs: Underappreciated Grant has big plans

Since taking over as the Packers' go-to running back, Ryan Grant has been the second-most productive ballcarrier in the NFL. While some may not have noticed, he plans on grabbing their attention this year with more yards -- and more wins.

QBs: Aiming high

After a round of golf with Michael Jordan and Jerry Rice, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was reminded that while he's an emerging star, true success comes with winning championships.

Called to the Hall

Lombardi-era tight end Marv Fleming, 1980s tackle Greg Koch and 1990s tight end Mark Chmura all found their enshrinement into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame worth the wait.

Hall pass

After almost a decade of being away from the organization, former Pro Bowl tight end -- and ESPN Wisconsin radio host -- Mark Chmura talks about his return to the Packers family and induction into the Hall of Fame.

Jolly suspended, Packers career could be over

The NFL suspended Johnny Jolly for the 2010 season -- and maybe longer -- on Friday, and it could signal the end of the Packers defensive end's career in Green Bay.

Local flavor

While there was plenty of national attention on the Packers' financial picture Wednesday, the team is focused on growing its local revenue, which has flattened over the past three years.

Front and center

When the Packers reported a $9.8 million net operating profit on Wednesday -- down from $20.1 million the year before -- all eyes in the NFL were on the smallest market in pro sports.

Money matters

With the impending labor battle between NFL owners and the NFL Players Association, all eyes will be on the publicly-owned Packers' financial numbers, which will be released to the media on Wednesday.

Giacomini looks to earn his keep

After being active on game day just three times in two years -- and seeing action in just one regular season game -- third-year lineman Breno Giacomini wants to prove he's worth the wait.

Finley a happy camper

Looking to take his game to another level, Packers tight end Jermichael Finley attended Larry Fitzgerald's camp in Minneapolis this week -- and hopes to put the lessons learned to good use.

Barbre keeps the faith

Allen Barbre has had two chances to start on the Packers' offensive line the last two years, and neither worked out. Now, the fourth-year lineman is just trying to salvage his career in Green Bay.

Crosby looks to kick last year's slump

With a workout regimen focused on his core strength and no competition being brought in for training camp, Packers kicker Mason Crosby and his coaches expect him to be better in 2010.

Swain works his way back

While his comeback hasn't been followed as closely as those of Al Harris and Will Blackmon, wide receiver Brett Swain's return from a torn ACL is on track for camp.

Driver: I feel like I'm young again

An arthroscopic surgery on each knee has the Packers' all-time receptions leader ready for his 12th NFL season at age 35 -- and planning on a long, productive run until he's at least 40.

Blackmon can't drop the ball

If the Packers' return game is going to be a difference-maker, the team needs a healthy Will Blackmon. That much was obvious during the offseason comedy of errors in practice.

Lang looks to make up for lost time

T.J. Lang had hoped to use his first full offseason in the NFL to make vast improvements in his game. Instead, the second-year lineman spent it waiting for his wrist to heal.

Pulling no punches

Charles Woodson's offseason workout program included boxing with Nick Collins -- and while the two didn't hit each other, the workouts were a hit for the veteran cornerback's injured shoulder.

The McCarthy way

By earning the players' respect -- and commitment -- with his OTA schedule and canceling Wednesday's final day of minicamp, Mike McCarthy believes in his practice formula heading into camp.

Mature Bulaga a hit -- in many ways

Whether it's at bat, on the practice field as the second-string left tackle or in the locker room, wise-beyond-his-years Bryan Bulaga has shown the Packers he has what it takes.

Jenkins gives linebacker a try

It's not everyday that a 300-pound defensive lineman drops in coverage and plays outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. But that's exactly what Cullen Jenkins was experimenting with in practice Monday.

Harris vows to be ready

While the Packers veteran cornerback acknowledges that he might not be ready to start training camp, he promises he'll be starting against Philadelphia when the season begins Sept. 12.

Williams in the fold

The Packers cornerback joined the team Monday for the first practice of the mandatory minicamp after signing his $3.168 million qualifying offer.

In like Flynn

While there are plenty of Packers fans who worry that an injury to Aaron Rodgers would derail the team's season, there's one person who believes in backup Matt Flynn: Rodgers.

OTA notes: Murphy talks up 18-game season

While the Packers were going through an OTA practice that might be limited by an expanded regular season, team president Mark Murphy was on the NFL Network talking about the benefits of an 18-game season.

While Bigby sits, Burnett impresses

With unsigned safety Atari Bigby skipping OTAs -- and presumably next week's mandatory minicamp -- rookie Morgan Burnett is making inroads toward Bigby's starting spot on the Packers defense.

Jolly excused from minicamp

While he's under contract after signing his restricted free-agent tender, Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly won't be at the mandatory minicamp that starts Monday.

Jolly signs, Bigby and Williams risk it

While Johnny Jolly took the smart money and signed his restricted free-agent tender Tuesday, Atari Bigby and Tramon Williams are taking their chances by not signing their qualifying offers.

Money matters

By not signing their restricted free-agent tenders, Tramon Williams (left) and Atari Bigby (right) risk having their qualifying offers reduced to 110 percent of their 2009 base salaries.

OTA notes: Rodgers stands by TV comments

While saying his comments about Tony Kornheiser and Ron Jaworski were "inappropriate" for the radio, the Packers quarterback didn't apologize for the substance of his remarks to Homer and Mitch earlier this week.

Training camp schedule set

The Packers will report to camp on July 30, have their first practice on July 31 and hold eight nighttime practices, including seven that will be part of two-a-days on coach Mike McCarthy's 2-1-2 schedule.

Underwood apologizes to teammates

While the second-year cornerback was starting to make amends to teammates after facing sexual assault accusations, coach Mike McCarthy was calling the incident a 'teachable moment.'

Underwood awaits fate

The second-year cornerback’s attorney believes his client will be exonerated in the sexual assault case in Lake Delton, where charges have yet to be filed against him.

Woodson: I have not asked Packers for new deal

The Packers veteran cornerback says he hasn’t approached Packers about contract extension, despite a report that talks are ongoing for a new deal for the NFL Defensive MVP.

Family Night set for Aug. 7

The Packers' annual family-friendly intrasquad scrimmage will be on Saturday, Aug. 7, the team announced Tuesday.

Packers player accused of sexual assault in Lake Delton

Seven Packers were questioned about an alleged sexual assault in Lake Delton, and while six were cleared, the investigation continues into the involvment of the seventh -- whom sources said Saturday night is Brandon Underwood.

Turning the corner? Lee, Underwood must deliver

After standing pat at cornerback in the offseason, it's clear that the Packers are counting on Pat Lee and Brandon Underwood to contribute in the secondary in 2010.

OTA notes: Harrell relishes opportunity

The NFL didn't give Graham Harrell much of a chance coming off a record-setting career at Texas Tech, but the Packers are giving him a shot after he spent last year in the CFL.

Keeping up with the Joneses

Brad Jones may have been working with the Packers' first-string defense at left outside linebacker Wednesday, but Brady Poppinga was the one who talked like the starter to be.

On the road to recovery

While Al Harris isn't all the way back from his torn ACL, the Packers Pro Bowl cornerback is back in Green Bay -- and in the back stretch of his comeback.

Packers prep for life without Jolly

While the Packers wait for defensive end Johnny Jolly's drug case in Houston to go to trial, coach Mike McCarthy admits Jolly's availability for the 2010 season is "definitely" in question.

I am going to give them every reason to not get rid of me

Oft-criticized left guard Daryn Colledge will be fighting to keep his starting job when the Packers open training camp. During OTAs, he's taking all the first-team reps.

Murphy: Lambeau Super Bowl 'very intriguing'

While it's hard to imagine it actually happening, Packers president/CEO wasn't dismissive of the idea of a Super Bowl in Green Bay after the NFL awarded the 2014 game to the New York/New Jersey area.

Jolly gets tougher bond restrictions in drug case

Photos like this one posted on inDmix.com -- along with a flyer promoting him as a host of a May 7 party -- left Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly facing greater bond restrictions in his 2008 felony drug case.

Survive and advance: Lee looks to stick around

Donald Lee became an NFL starter the hard way, working his way up. Now, the Packers soon-to-be 30-year-old tight end is fighting three youngsters at the position to keep a roster spot.

OTA notes: Harrell still has hope

Justin Harrell knows that his NFL career has been a bust thusfar, but the Green Bay Packers' 2007 first-round pick is back -- and hoping his back holds up so he can prove his worth.

Spot swap: Raji, Pickett switch positions

It may not be permanent, but it sure looks like it's here to stay: Nose tackle Ryan Pickett has moved outside to defensive end, and 2009 first-round pick B.J. Raji has moved inside to nose tackle.

Matthews: I've never taken steroids

Clay Matthews is still friends with Brian Cushing and still has this Sports Illustrated cover as his Twitter background. He also has a message for anyone who thinks Cushing's suspension says something about him.

OTAs kick off sans Williams, Bigby, Jolly

When the Packers' offseason practices began Tuesday, they did so without their three unsigned restricted free agents: Cornerback Tramon Williams, safety Atari Bigby and defensive end Johnny Jolly.

Harris vows to be ready for opening day

Al Harris doesn't have a single doubt in his mind: He will start at Philadelphia on Sept. 12. In the meantime, the Packers two-time Pro Bowl cornerback is working hard in his rehab to make sure it happens.

Clifton: I feel great

Chad Clifton isn't as injury-prone as some folks -- including the media and his coach -- think. And the Packers veteran left tackle plans on proving that in 2010, his 11th NFL season.

Blackmon: I know I can make stuff happen

After four injury-plagued NFL seasons, Packers cornerback/returner Will Blackmon is intent on staying on the field in 2010 -- and showing he's 100 percent after a torn ACL ended his 2009.

Cushing keeps award, Matthews gains seven votes

While Brian Cushing still won the AP's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in the re-balloting Wednesday, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews finished third -- again.

Matthews could win award after all

Packers linebacker Clay Matthews finished third in the Associated Press' NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in January. But in the wake of Brian Cushing's suspension, the 50 voters will re-cast their ballots.

Rookie camp notes: A very good weekend

No lasting decisions will come out of the Packers' three-day rookie orientation camp, but coach Mike McCarthy and GM Ted Thompson liked the early glimpses they saw of the rookie class.

An 'outside' shot

Undrafted rookies John Russell, Frank Zombo and Tim Knicky are trying to take advantage of the limited number of outside linebackers on the Packers' roster and make the team while making the transition to a new position in the NFL.

'I’m here for a reason'

Seeing his name above his locker was one of the many overwhelming moments for Packers undrafted free agent Quinn Porter. Now, the rookie running back is hoping to make a real name for himself -- as are 10 others.

Rookie camp notes: Shields makes a splash

Miami cornerback Sam Shields made an impression on Wisconsin football fans during the Champs Sports Bowl. Now, he's trying to make an impression as an undrafted free agent with the Packers.

Kicking their punting problems?

They have two guys who've never even punted in an NFL preseason game -- unproven Tim Masthay and Australian import Chris Bryan. And yet Packers GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy like what they see at punter.

Pacman a Pack man?

Troubled ex-NFL cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones says four teams have expressed an interest in him -- and one of them is the Green Bay Packers.

Meet the Press: Bulaga impresses

Bryan Bulaga may not play a down for the Green Bay Packers in 2010, but it won't be because of a lack of effort from the first-round pick. And if he plays as well has he talks, he's going to be a good one.

Thompson released, will retire

It's a sad day in Green Bay, as linebacker Jeremy Thompson, who suffered a frightening neck injury during a late-season practice last year, intends to retire after being released because of the injury.

UW's Schofield, Graham find NFL homes

Former Badgers Garrett Graham and O'Brien Schofield both went in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft Saturday. For Schofield, it was affirmation that his torn ACL didn't obscure his talent.

Draft notes: End of the line dancing?

With the selection of Bryan Bulaga in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Packers just might be able to stop the seemingly never-ending game of musical chairs along their offensive line.

Packers take character risk on Quarless

Andrew Quarless' football career almost ended in Joe Paterno's living room. He got a second chance, and the Green Bay Packers gave him another Saturday, choosing him in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

'This isn't about shooting the moon'

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy believe in drafting for the long-term. And that's exactly what the Packers did during the 2010 NFL Draft instead of going after positions of need in an all-out blitz toward Super Bowl XLV.

The Magnificent 7?

We take a pick-by-pick look at the Packers' 2010 draft -- which, with seven players, is the smallest of the Ted Thompson era.

Third-rounder Burnett could pick off starting spot

An admitted Brett Favre fan, Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett could be facing the Minnesota quarterback this season if he can beat out incumbent Atari Bigby for a starting job with the Packers.

Surprise! Packers take Neal in second round

Not many folks expected the Packers to draft Purdue defensive lineman Mike Neal -- including Neal himself -- in the second round of Friday's 2010 NFL Draft.

Trader Ted trends toward upward trades

For the longest time, Packers GM Ted Thompson traded in one direction -- backward. But with Friday's deal to move up to take Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett, Thompson made a move up for the third straight year.

Bypassing defense, Thompson gets his man

When Ted Thompson saw that Iowa's Bryan Bulaga might fall to No. 23, he stopped talking about trades and stopped thinking about drafting one of the defensive players left on the board. Time will tell if he made the right call.

Packers, Thompson 'surprised' to get Bulaga at No. 23

Packers GM Ted Thompson killed time Thursday by running through different scenarios in his head. Not many of them included getting Iowa left tackle Bryan Bulaga with the 23rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Thompson: 'We'll do anything'

While Packers GM Ted Thompson's reputation is for trading back and stockpiling picks to keep building through the draft, change -- in the NFL Draft's format and Thompson's approach -- is in the air.

Purple reign: Oct. 24, Nov. 21 games vs. Vikes highlight schedule

While Brett Favre hasn't announced his plans for 2010 yet, the NFL's schedule-maker -- and Packers fans -- are expecting him to return for a 20th season and two more games against his former team.

ST: Getting their kicks

Drafted kickers and punters have had mixed results in the NFL. In the 2010 NFL Draft, only a handful, like Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin, will merit consideration on Day 3 of the draft Saturday.

DB: Berry is pick of the bunch

While conventional NFL Draft wisdom says safety is one position that doesn't merit a high selection, Tennessee's Eric Berry is so good that he might even be worth the No. 1 overall pick.

LB: 3-4 teams get good read on Kindle

As the 3-4 defense keeps getting more popular among NFL teams, players like Texas' Sergio Kindle -- an outside linebacker with an explosive edge pass rush -- will be in even greater demand.

DL: 'There’s a lot to like with both of them'

Expected to choose between Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't go wrong. Both defensive tackles seem destined for stardom.

OL: Take 'em as soon as you can

History shows that the best offensive tackles are usually first-round picks, as Iowa's Bryan Bulaga is projected to be. The problem for the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 NFL Draft? The best will be gone by No. 23.

Getting some answers

Ted Thompson joked about how news-free his pre-draft news conferences usually are. That wasn't the case Friday, when the Packers GM talked about his offensive line and Brian Westbrook, among other assorted topics.

TE: Gresham won't throw in towel

Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham did the same thing at every Sooners game last year: He stood on the sideline on crutches, and he waved a towel. In the NFL, he figures to do much, much more.

WR: Talented Bryant could have Moss-like fall

There's no doubt that Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant is the class of a weak wide receiver group. But will character questions cause him to plummet down the NFL Draft's first round like Randy Moss did in 1998?

RB: Spiller looks to outrun comparisons

With the league leaning toward more passing and franchise backs available after the first round, Clemson's C.J. Spiller wants to prove he's worth a first-round pick -- and will be better than Reggie Bush.

QB: Taking Tebow is talk of draft

While Oklahoma's Sam Bradford is the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, all the buzz is about where Florida's Tim Tebow -- and his altered mechanics -- will go in the NFL Draft.

Familiar faces dot preseason schedule

A couple of guys with strong Packers ties -- Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren and Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider -- will pit their new teams against the green and gold in the exhibition season.

Breakfast with the boys

Mike McCarthy didn't have time to eat Wednesday morning at the NFC coaches breakfast at the NFL Meetings. He spent his time drinking Starbucks coffee and answering a host of questions from reporters.

Gearing up for game days

While the Packers' tradition is vital to the Lambeau Field experience, new HD video boards and a few other enhancements could make life even more enjoyable for the green-and-gold faithful on Sundays.

Working overtime to change OT

NFL playoff teams like the Saints and Colts will have to do more than call the coin toss correctly and kick a field goal to win an overtime playoff game after the modified sudden-death rules passed Tuesday at the NFL Meetings.

'I think we’ve got a pretty good team'

While their strong finish last season doesn't automatically carry over, Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy believe their team has potential in 2010 -- if it fixes a few problem areas from last season.

Front and center: Packers, Murphy key to labor talks

While the Packers are the smallest market team in the NFL, they -- and their de facto owner, team president/CEO Mark Murphy -- will be big players in the labor negotiations with the players.

Havner injured in motorcycle crash

The Packers' No. 3 tight end suffered a broken shoulder blade in an early Saturday morning crash and could be sidelined for much of the offseason program. Whether he'll face charges is unclear.

'Tausch' returns

The Green Bay Packers are on a re-signing roll. First Chad Clifton, then Nick Collins and Ryan Pickett, and on Saturday, veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher came to terms on a 2-year deal.

Plenty to celebrate

The Packers kicked off their annual FanFest by locking up two key players on their defense with long-term contracts: Safety Nick Collins and nose tackle Ryan Pickett. In an uncapped year, they're paying up to keep their own.

Sharp dressed men

The Packers unveiled their much talked-about throwback third jerseys Friday at Fan Fest, harkening back to their first championship season by picking the uniforms from 1929.

Reunited?

Jake Delhomme isn't scheduled to visit the Packers, but the team has been in contact with the ex-Panthers quarterback, who played for coach Mike McCarthy in New Orleans.

Playing nice

Having tried in vain to get a long-term contract extension for their client last offseason by having him skip voluntary workouts, Nick Collins' agents are trying a different approach, starting with having him sign his tender.

Kampman: ‘A fire burning’ to play defensive end

The now ex-Packers outside linebacker was determined to join a 4-3 defense and had no real interest in returning to Green Bay.

Back home again ... in Jacksonville

Aaron Kampman grew up in Iowa and made his NFL home in Green Bay for eight seasons. But to return to his on-field home -- defensive end in a 4-3 scheme -- he had to join the Jaguars.

Clifton: ‘I can finish my career here in Green Bay’

Aaron Rodgers is happy to have his blindside protector back, and Chad Clifton is excited to return to the Packers after a brief dalliance with the Washington Redskins.

Where's Kampy? In Jacksonville

Aaron Kampman was reportedly all over the map when free agency opened. It turns out the Packers defensive end-turned-linebacker was visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ends justify means

Julius Peppers' signing with the Chicago Bears gives all three of the Packers' NFC North rivals a Pro Bowl pass-rushing defensive end, making left tackle Chad Clifton's return all the more important.

Welcome back, Clifton

While he created some tense moments for Packers fans with his visit to the nation's capital, in the end Chad Clifton came back to the same ol' place that he started from.

Free-for-all

When the NFL's free-agent market opened at 11 o'clock Thursday night, the Packers were in danger of losing left tackle Chad Clifton and linebacker Aaron Kampman.

Premium pricetags

The Packers went all-out in their qualifying offers to defensive end Johnny Jolly and cornerback Tramon Williams, using expensive tenders that will likely keep both players in the fold.

'I'm just not going to say anything anytime soon'

Ex-Packers quarterback Brett Favre didn't tip his hand on his future plans during his Thursday night interview with NBC's Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show."

Try a little tender-ness

The Packers made qualifying offers to eight restricted free agents and exclusive-rights free agent Spencer Havner -- but not scuffling punter Jeremy Kapinos.

Packers want Blackmon back

The team will place the original-round tender on the cornerback/return man, who's on the mend after a season-ending torn ACL.

NFL Combine: Cornering the market?

When the Packers faced a crisis at cornerback, Ron Wolf drafted three of them. After the team's problems against Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Arizona, are these desperate times?

NFL Combine: The Big Show moves to Cleveland

Former Packers coach Mike Holmgren's 'retirement' was brief. Now, he's turning his attention to turning around the Browns.

NFL Combine: Working (on) overtime

If the NFL follows through on proposed tweaks to its overtime rules, games won't end the way the NFC Championship Game did -- on a sudden-death field goal on OT's first possession.

NFL Combine: 'You can't sit and mope'

UW's O'Brien Schofield has a positive outlook as he battles back from a torn ACL -- and looks to prove to the NFL he belongs.

Packers 36, Rams 17: Good enough

Green Bay plays only slightly better than struggling St. Louis for the road win on Sunday.

NFL Combine: Restricted Area

The Packers -- and many other NFL teams -- have a lengthy list of restricted free agents. The issue? How much to pay rising young players like Tramon Williams.

NFL Combine: Taking Tebow?

While there's no guarantee that the much-discussed Florida QB will end up with the Packers, Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson clearly like the Heisman Trophy winner.

NFL Combine: Special solutions

While Mike McCarthy acknowledged Friday that the Packers' special teams weren't very good in 2009, the coach vowed to take steps toward fixing them in 2010.

NFL Combine: Take your time

Vikings coach Brad Childress has no intention of rushing Brett Favre into a decision on retirement. In fact, the Vikings coach would be OK with last year's timetable.

NFL Combine: Still hoping

While there's a good chance they're going to lose Aaron Kampman -- despite publicly saying they want him back -- the Packers' chances of reaching a long-term deal with Nick Collins are improving.

NFL Combine: Graham looks to make impression

The University of Wisconsin's Garrett Graham is the latest in a line of NFL-bound tight ends the school has produced recently.

Franchise fee: Pickett is $7 million man

As expected, the Packers placed their franchise tag on unrestricted free agent nose tackle Ryan Pickett Wednesday, one day before the deadline to do so.

Tag, you're it?

The Packers are likely to use their franchise tag on nose tackle Ryan Pickett if they can't agree on a long-term deal before Thursday's tagging deadline.

Special teams: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our day-by-day, position-by-position look at the Green Bay Packers this offseason concludes with Mason Crosby and the special teams.

Defensive backs: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our day-by-day, position-by-position offseason look at the Green Bay Packers continues with Atari Bigby and the cornerbacks and safeties.

Linebackers: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our daily, position-by-position look at the Green Bay Packers this offseason continues with Aaron Kampman and the linebackers

Defensive line: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our daily look at the Green Bay Packers at each position this offseason continues with Ryan Pickett and the rest of the defensive line.

Offensive line: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our daily look at the Green Bay Packers at each position this offseason continues with Daryn Colledge, T.J. Lang and the rest of the offensive line.

Receivers/tight ends: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our daily look at the Green Bay Packers at each position this offseason continues with Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and the wide receivers and tight ends.

Running backs: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our daily look at the Green Bay Packers by position this offseason continues with Ryan Grant and the running backs.

Quarterbacks: Packers offseason position-by-position

Our day-by-day, position-by-position offseason look at the Green Bay Packers starts with Aaron Rodgers and the quarterbacks.

Now, the real big game begins

With Super Bowl XLIV behind them, the NFL and NFLPA turn their attention to the high-stakes labor battle.

Understanding the uncapped year

Under the rules set forth for a 2010 season without a salary cap, Packers safety Nick Collins is one of 212 players who would have been unrestricted free agents but will be restricted instead.

Super Bowl XLIV Preview: Five Things To Watch

We take a closer look inside Sunday's Super Bowl XLIV showdown -- which you can hear right here on 100.5 FM ESPN Madison -- between the Indianapolis Colts (16-2) and the New Orleans Saints (15-3) at Sun Life Stadium.

Super Bowl XLIV: A Sharper – and older, wiser – image

After reaching the Super Bowl as a rookie with the Packers, the veteran safety never thought it would take him a dozen years to get back to the NFL's biggest game.

Super Bowl XLIV: Ex-Packer Muir finds a home

With the Colts, the defensive tackle is realizing the potential the Packers saw in him as an undrafted rookie in 2007.

Super Bowl XLIV: In remembrance

Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams hasn’t been shy about his goal: Give Peyton Manning the ‘remember me’ treatment his guys gave Brett Favre.

Super Bowl XLIV: Talk of the town

Tuesday’s media day wasn’t exactly the spectacle it has been in the past, so Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney’s injured ankle was the focus.

Mutual admiration society

When Arizona's Kurt Warner called it a career on Friday, one of his biggest fans -- Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- had nothing but admiration and good things to say about him.

Rodgers catches Pro Bowl fever

While the other five quarterbacks originally selected to the Pro Bowl won't be playing in it on Sunday, Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is thrilled to be starting for the NFC.

Packers raise 2010 ticket prices

The Packers announced Friday that the team is increasing its ticket prices between $8 and $11 for seats inside the stadium bowl, the first increase in three years.

Seahawks tab Schneider as GM

Packers director of football operations John Schneider (center) will be announced as the Seattle Seahawks' new general manager today. (Photo courtesy Packers.com)

Welcome to The Rookie

Check out our Packers writer's new blog, The Rookie, where he faces something more challenging than an all-out blitz or covering Greg Jennings with no safety help: Fatherhood.

No. 1 draft pick

Our regularly-scheduled Packers coverage -- Wilde's Mailbox, stories, blogs, etc. -- will resume on Monday ... or, as it's known in the Wilde house, Madison's 5-day birthday.

Season-ending notes: McCarthy won't blame officiating

Even though NFL.com video of Sunday's game-deciding play shows Mike McCarthy falling to his knees, the Packers coach wouldn't blame the officials for his team's season-ending loss.

McCarthy: 'We need to improve'

Packers coach Mike McCarthy's season-ending message after the playoff loss last Sunday to Arizona was clear: Losing in the first round of the playoffs isn't good enough.

Woodson wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Charles Woodson knew way back on Aug. 28 what he would do in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense. The Green Bay Packers cornerback -- and NFL Defensive Player of the Year -- was right on the money, too.

Carollo: 'He did get him in the facemask'

Talking about the controversial play that ended the Packers' loss to Arizona, longtime NFL referee Bill Carollo told Steve "The Homer" True Monday that a penalty probably should have been called on Michael Adams.

Packers-Cardinals notes: Warner's retirement can wait

If Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner does indeed decide to call it a career after Arizona's playoff run ends, he'll do so having shown he can stll play -- and he was brilliant Sunday.

'It's going to be tough to get over this'

Aaron Rodgers threw for a team playoff-record 422 yards and four touchdowns Sunday. But it will be the mistakes he made and the throws he didn't that will haunt him.

A defensive debacle

From ineffective zone coverages to shoddy tackling to failing to generate pressure on Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, it was an all-systems failure by the Packers' defense Sunday.

Cardinals 51, Packers 45: Fumbling towards ecstasy

Aaron Rodgers had the ball in overtime in a game where the defenses couldn't get a stop. Then Michael Adams and the Cardinals came up with the play of the game -- and ended the Packers' season.

NFC Wild Card Preview: Ten Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Green Bay Packers (11-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (10-6) at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

At home on the road

Two years ago, the Packers watched the New York Giants celebrate the NFC Championship at Lambeau Field. Now they want to duplicate the Giants' road to glory.

Backed into a corner

To stop Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals' potent passing game, the Packers will be relying not only on Charles Woodson, but a crew of young, unproven cornerbacks when the Cardinals spread them out.

Matthews gets Pro Bowl nod

When Chicago's Lance Briggs pulled out of the Jan. 31 game, Packers rookie Clay Matthews got the call to Miami -- and quickly accepted.

Harris sees Super things for Packers

Even with him on the sideline, two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Al Harris expects his Packers to reach Super Bowl XLIV in Miami -- and expects he'll be back on the field by June.

In the line of fire

When the Green Bay Packers got off to a disappointing 4-4 start, much of the blame fell on the offensive line. Now that they've turned the season around, much of the credit goes to the same crew.

'It's just not enough'

Charles Woodson won another NFC Defensive Player of the Month award -- his third this season -- but all he really cares about is winning the Super Bowl title that has eluded him for 12 years.

Leader of the Pack

As good as Aaron Rodgers was this season -- and the Packers quarterback was really good -- the playoffs are when great quarterbacks step to the fore. Now, it's his time.

Bad blood?

While Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt did his best to deny it, and Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy tried to downplay it, there just might be some hard feelings going into Sunday's NFC Wild Card playoff game.

'He's going to be a great one'

Clay Matthews finished third in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting on Tuesday, but Kevin Greene sees even bigger things in the first-year linebacker's future.

Diff'rent Strokes

Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt took decidedly different approaches to the regular-season finale. Who was right? We'll find out Sunday.

Packers-Cardinals notes: A record-setting run

The Packers defense set a few seasonal milestones with their performance in Sunday's victory over Arizona, none more impressive than their franchise record and No. 1 NFL ranking in run defense.

Woodson proves irreplaceable

Charles Woodson's pick-six interception put him into the Packers' record book and improved his chances for a big award, but all he cares about is helping the Packers' postseason chances.

Packers 33, Cardinals 7: Ready for a rematch

While the Packers have dominated the Cardinals twice -- in a preseason victory and again in Sunday's game, which Arizona treated like preseason -- the teams' next meeting is what counts.

Packers-Cardinals Preview: 5 Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's regular-season finale -- and possible first-round playoff preview -- between the Green Bay Packers (10-5) and the Arizona Cardinals (10-5) at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

One-derful against the run

The Packers enter Sunday's regular-season finale as the NFL's top run defense, thanks to Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme and focus on making teams one-dimensional.

Brains over brawn

Just as he did at the end of the 2007 season, Packers safety Atari Bigby is having an impact. But it's because of his smarts, not just brute force, this time around.

Time to embrace the replacement

Both Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers have enjoyed outstanding seasons with their respective playoff-bound clubs, and Mike McCarthy says it's time for fans to acknowledge Rodgers as a worthy successor to No. 4.

Chosen, but hoping not to serve

Three Packers -- Aaron Rodgers, Charles Woodson and Nick Collins -- were picked for the Pro Bowl Tuesday. But they won't be able to play if their team ends up in a bigger game a week later.

What to do?

Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt have some decisions to make about Sunday's regular-season finale with a playoff rematch looming.

Packers 48, Seahawks 10: Playoff bound

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are headed for the NFC playoffs after a dominating bounce-back victory over Seattle Sunday -- just as the Green Bay quarterback expected.

Redemption song: Crosby, Bush atone

One week after costly mistakes, kicker Mason Crosby and cornerback Jarrett Bush bring smiles to the faces of Mike McCarthy and their teammates.

Running roughshod: Jackson, backs have field day

Brandon Jackson was able to hide from the Seattle defense on his third touchdown, but there was no hiding from the Packers' running backs in Sunday's 48-10 win.

Packers notes: Reserve duty?

While there might not be much to play for when the playoff-bound Packers and Cardinals meet next Sunday, Matt Flynn and the backups are unlikely to get starting nods.

Hasselbeck searches for answers

For the second straight week, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck threw four interceptions. The result -- a loss -- was the same, too.

'Just give me a chance'

Jarrett Bush knows how some fans feel about him -- even though he doesn't quite understand it -- and the Packers cornerback would love nothing more than to change their minds.

Packers-Seahawks Preview: Five Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's game between the Green Bay Packers (9-5) and the Seattle Seahawks (5-9) at Lambeau Field.

Not a creature was stirring

At the behest of coach Mike McCarthy, Lambeau Field was quiet on Christmas Day, with the players, coaches and staff spending the holiday with family and friends instead of working.

Can't wait for Sunday

After allowing the game-winning touchdown last week in the Packers' loss to Pittsburgh, cornerback Josh Bell hopes to show fans who he really is against Seattle.

Hasselbeck endures 'tough' times

The Seattle Seahawks quarterback and former Green Bay Packers backup returns to Lambeau Field with a struggling team and having taken a physical beating the last two years.

Communication is key

While Brad Childress and Brett Favre tried to put their tiff behind them in Minnesota, Packers coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers' communication couldn't be better.

Crosby clears head, looks to improve

Mason Crosby admits he's in a slump, but the Packers kicker thinks things will improve after a vote of confidence from his coach and some time to get away.

McCarthy: 'Zero interest in bringing in a kicker'

Despite Mason Crosby's weekly misses, Packers coach Mike McCarthy vowed Monday to stick with the struggling kicker the rest of the way.

Packers-Steelers notes: Is Crosby on the clock?

After kicker Mason Crosby missed yet another field goal, coach Mike McCarthy and the Packers must decide whether it's time to make a change.

Rodgers comes up anything but empty

Using an array of spread formations and empty backfields, the Packers put the ball in Aaron Rodgers' hands 51 times Sunday -- and he delivered.

Secondary becomes primary concern

After watching Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger throw for an astonishing 503 yards against the likes of Jarrett Bush and Josh Bell, the Packers pass defense has problems.

Steelers 37, Packers 36: 'One play short'

In a game filled with big plays, the Packers' five-game winning streak -- and the Steelers' five-game losing streak -- come to an end on Mike Wallace's 19-yard TD catch as time expires.

A beautiful mind

The Packers enter Sunday's game against Pittsburgh on the cusp of a playoff berth. And they can thank brilliant defensive coordinator Dom Capers for helping put them in position.

You can go home again

Pittsburgh-native Mike McCarthy takes his team back to his old stomping grounds on Sunday, when the Packers face the Steelers, and the local boy tries to make good.

Packers-Steelers Preview: 5 Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday afternoon's game between the Green Bay Packers (9-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Taken for Grant-ed?

Packers halfback Ryan Grant ranks seventh in the NFL in rushing yards – despite playing in a pass-oriented offense. Although you probably hadn't noticed.

Out in the cold

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Sunday having lost five straight games and seven on the season -- none by more than a touchdown. Those tough times should sound familiar to Packers fans.

Show them the money

While linebacker Brandon Chillar got his contract extension -- thanks, in a weird way, to Larry Fitzgerald -- Nick Collins is hoping Chillar's deal leads to one for him.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Brad Jones

Our popular weekly segment returns with the rookie outside linebacker, who talks about his new job as a starter, his study of astrophysics at the University of Colorado and his ability to play the viola, among other topics.

Chillar gets his, but what about Collins, Hawk?

The Packers rewarded free agent-to-be Brandon Chillar with a four-year, $21 million extention Monday, but what it means for safety Nick Collins and linebacker A.J. Hawk remains to be seen.

Packers notes: Defense goes 'psycho'

With four linemen on the injury report, defensive coordinator Dom Capers got creative and used a wild five-linebacker, one-lineman defense in Sunday's victory over Chicago.

Capers' plan comes together

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers called the right play at the right time -- a Tramon Williams blitz -- and Nick Collins came up with a game-turning interception as a result.

Another miss, but no additional worry

While Mason Crosby was wide right on a crucial field goal attempt Sunday, Packers coach Mike McCarthy claimed he wasn't worrying about his struggling kicker.

Taken for Grant-ed: Back breaks free

Packers running back Ryan Grant got things started with a bang Sunday, and while the rest of the game wasn't as easy, his big run to begin the game provided a big lift.

Packers 21, Bears 14: No blowout, but a big win

The way things started, the Packers appeared on their way to an easy victory Sunday. It ended up being tougher than expected -- but could they be better off as a result?

Williams to Bears: 'Bring it on'

With Charles Woodson on the other side and all the flags thrown at him Monday night, Tramon Williams expects the Bears to go after him. That's just fine with him -- and his head coach.

Packers-Bears Preview: 5 Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's game between the Green Bay Packers (8-4) and Chicago Bears (5-7) at Soldier Field.

Finley's return brings back 'mojo'

The Packers offensive reawakening has neatly coincided with tight end Jermichael Finley getting healthy, proving that the second-year tight end is an offensive difference-maker.

Not kicking himself

While Mason Crosby knows there's lots of people worried about his confidence -- and his field-goal accuracy -- the Packers kicker is fine, and he expects to make some big ones down the stretch for his team.

Born to run

As good as Aaron Rodgers has been with his arm this season, the Green Bay Packers quarterback's feet that have been just as integral to his playmaking. Just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens.

Numbers crunch

Greg Jennings says he doesn't know his statistics for this season. If he did, he'd know that they were down precipitously from last year. If the Packers weren't winning, that'd be a problem.

'Just another day in Wisconsin'

While New England coach Bill Belichick was sending four players home for being late to a meeting because of snow there, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was snow-plowing his driveway and staffers were driving players to work.

On the rise, now on the road

The Packers' fortunes are definitely on the up-and-up, but to continue their winning ways, they'll have to play well down in Chicago on Sunday.

Packers-Ravens notes: Flag day, Finley and Driver's follies

While the Packers' 27-14 victory over Baltimore Monday night was flag-filled, tight end Jermichael Finley was a prime-time player and wideout Donald Driver had some good -- and bad -- moments.

Getting defensive about their reputation

The Baltimore Ravens came in as the defense known for being tough and physical. The Green Bay Packers sent a clear message during Monday night's 27-14 victory that their defense deserves a similar reputation.

Packers 27, Ravens 14: Measuring up well

In a game that was supposed to be a measuring stick for how far the playoff hopefuls had come, the Packers defense restored order in time to key a fourth straight win.

Tauscher: 'It has been a lot of fun'

It's been a long road back for veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher, who tore the ACL in his left knee -- for the second time -- a year ago today. But as difficult as it was at times, he's certainly enjoying himself now.

'A long time ago'

The last time the Packers and Ravens squared off on Monday Night Football, a fresh-faced 22-year-old rookie quarterback mopped up a 48-3 loss. That was 2005. Aaron Rodgers has come a long way since.

Barbre bounces back, looks ahead

It doesn't look like the Packers will need Allen Barbre to play left tackle Monday night against Baltimore, but the former starter at right tackle is working hard to come back from his early-season struggles -- with an eye on the future.

Packers-Ravens Preview: 5 Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Monday night's game between the Packers (7-4) and Baltimore Ravens (6-5) at Lambeau Field.

Lang sidelined, line dancing continues

With rookie tackle T.J. Lang, one of the stabilizing forces on the offensive line, out with a concussion suffered in practice Thursday, the Packers could be forced to shuffle the deck up front Monday night against Baltimore.

Thompson suffers neck injury; hospitalized overnight

Packers linebacker Jeremy Thompson suffered what the team called a "neck sprain" at the end of Friday's practice, leaving him hospitalized and running back Kregg Lumpkin, who was involved in the collision, shaken.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ...

... and if it does, the Packers will keep throwing the ball. Despite the conventional wisdom that says bad weather means more running plays, coach Mike McCarthy still puts the ball in the air late in the year.

No more kicking themselves?

Punter Jeremy Kapinos and kicker Mason Crosby have had some issues with inconsistency this season, but the Packers need them to kick it into gear as the season winds down and the playoffs approach.

Leaping over the so-called 'rookie wall'

Packers rookie defensive lineman B.J. Raji doesn't believe in the 'rookie wall, and given the way his season started, he just might avoid it altogether anyway -- and that's good news for his team down the stretch.

Things are looking up

After essentially a bonus bye week thanks to their Thanksgiving Day victory over Detroit, Mike McCarthy and the Packers are 7-4 and a healthy, confident bunch entering the final five games of the regular season.

Packers notes: Rodgers, replacements deliver

While quarterback Aaron Rodgers was running the offense with precision and the occasional great deep ball, the fill-ins on defense were doing their jobs well enough to beat Detroit Thursday.

Not so special -- again

The Packers were able to overcome Mason Crosby's missed field goal -- after they started the game with Jordy Nelson's fumble on the opening kickoff -- but their special teams remain a concern.

Woodson gives -- then takes from Lions

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson made a $2 million donation to the University of Michigan's Childrens Hospital, then spent the rest of his Thanksgiving taking over the game against Detroit.

Packers 34, Lions 12: Thankful to avoid an upset

The Packers' Thanksgiving Day didn't get off to a very good start against the Lions, but they turned things around -- and now find themselves in good shape for a late-season push.

Packers-Lions Preview: 5 Things to Watch

We take a closer look at the big Thanksgiving Day showdown between the Packers and the Lions at Ford Field.

Capers, defense face decisions

After Aaron Kampman and Al Harris' season-ending knee injuries, Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers must figure out how to make up for their losses while staying aggressive -- and using Charles Woodson wisely.

The Replacements: Fill-ins look to step up

With Al Harris and Aaron Kampman done for the year, players like Brandon Underwood and several other young backups will play key roles in Thursday's game at Detroit.

Roaring Lions? Stafford's throw helps rebuilding process

While it was only one game -- and Matthew Stafford may not even be able to play Thursday, never mind following it up with a win over the Packers -- Detroit's victory over Cleveland last week was a big step for the Lions.

Kampman, Harris – and Packers – face uncertain futures

After losing Aaron Kampman and Al Harris -- two veterans with 235 career NFL starts and four Pro Bowls between them -- to torn ACLs, the Packers' season is in doubt. The players' futures are also up in the air.

Packers 30, 49ers 24: Not quite convincing

While they dominated the first half, ran out the final 6 minutes of clock and improved to 6-4 on the season, the Packers lost Al Harris and Aaron Kampman to knee injuries and still make you wonder how good they are.

Packers lose Harris, Kampman for season

The Packers' victory over San Francisco Sunday came at a huge price, with veteran cornerback Al Harris and outside linebacker Aaron Kampman both suffering season-ending knee injuries during the second half.

Ground control: Packers run over 49ers

Facing one of the NFL's best rushing defenses, Ryan Grant and the Packers ran over the 49ers when the game was on the line, grinding out the final 6 minutes of clock in a 30-24 victory.

Rodgers exacts his 'revenge'

Facing the team that snubbed him at the top of the 2005 NFL Draft, Aaron Rodgers threw for 344 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers Sunday with an effective mixture of quick throws.

Packers notes: Finley, Jennings return to fore

The Packers offense got lifts Sunday from tight end Jermichael Finley, who returned from a knee injury; wide receiver Greg Jennings, who broke out of a slump; and right tackle Mark Tauscher, who's rounding into form.

'That's what this defense is'

After a dominating performance last week against a high-powered Dallas offense, defensive coordinator Dom Capers' players are hoping for more of the same the rest of the way, starting against the 49ers.

Packers-49ers Preview: 5 Things To Watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's matchup between the 5-4 Green Bay Packers and 4-5 San Francisco 49ers.

Line dancing: Amid injuries, shuffle continues

While the Packers' offensive line got some good news Friday -- Scott Wells has been cleared to play after last week's concussion -- the line remains in flux ... exactly what Mike McCarthy wanted to avoid this year.

On the comeback trail

While some folks didn't notice that Aaron Kampman missed last week's game with a concussion he suffered against Tampa Bay on Nov. 8, the defensive end-turned-linebacker is thankful to be back in the lineup.

Happy to be here

While former second-round pick Brian Brohm was getting his fresh start with the Buffalo Bills, the Packers were replacing him on the practice squad with an enthusiastic Mike Reilly. Their differing demeanors were undeniable.

'Things happen for a reason'

It's been over four years since the San Francisco 49ers picked Alex Smith No. 1 overall, while Aaron Rodgers fell to the Green Bay Packers at No. 24. What a long, strange trip it's been for both.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Cullen Jenkins

The Packers veteran defensive end joins us for our weekly installment of off-the-field chit-chat.

Back in the running

While still a flawed football team, the Packers are in the thick of the NFC playoff mix with seven games to play. Just don't tell Mike McCarthy that.

Packers notes: Officials drop the ball, Lang solid

While referee Jeff Triplette's crew had a rough day -- especially when it came to replay challenges -- Packers rookie right tackle T.J. Lang turned in a much more consistent effort than the men in stripes.

Coming through when it counts

While Aaron Rodgers endured plenty of criticism -- both during the week and on the morning NFL pregame shows -- the quarterback made the plays when the Packers needed him Sunday.

Pressure cooker: Woodson leads dominating defense

When defensive coordinator Dom Capers unleashed the blitz on Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, Charles Woodson & Co. delivered.

Packers 17, Cowboys 7: Proof Positive

Amid a tumultuous week, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers liked his team's resolve. And it showed in Sunday's must-win victory over Dallas at Lambeau Field.

Goin' Deep: Despite protection problems, Packers still go long

While Mike McCarthy has had trouble keeping quarterback Aaron Rodgers upright, that hasn't stopped him from playing to Rodgers' long-ball strength.

Packers-Cowboys Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at the Packers' must-win game against the streaking Dallas Cowboys Sunday at Lambeau Field.

Fire storm? McCarthy denies role in employee's dismissal

As if he doesn't have enough problems on the field, Mike McCarthy is now facing questions about whether he had a part-time worker fired for something he said to the Packers coach.

On move again, Lang settles in at right tackle

He worked at right tackle in the offseason, right and left guard in training camp and left tackle earlier this year. Now, rookie T.J. Lang is set to start at right tackle Sunday against Dallas.

Rodgers 'must win' to silence critics

The Packers quarterback won't use the term 'must win,' but he knows his team has to beat Dallas Sunday to silence critics -- and get the season headed back in the right direction.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Matt Flynn

In our weekly get-to-know-you session, we sit down with Packers backup quarterback Matt Flynn.

McCarthy confident problems are 'correctable'

While Raheem Morris and the previously winless Buccaneers were celebrating their first victory, Mike McCarthy and the Packers are searching for answers.

Packers notes: Special teams struggle, Tauscher 'lucky'

For the second straight week, the Packers' shoddy play on special teams proves devastating, while right tackle Mark Tauscher's knee injury isn't thought to be 'major.'

'I’m surprised he gets up sometimes'

Once again, Aaron Rodgers took a beating. But this time, Mike McCarthy suggested that the Packers quarterback is also to blame.

Buccaneers 38, Packers 28: A painful history lesson

When Hank Stram and Don Coryell's teams lost to the winless Buccaneers in 1977, they lost their jobs. Mike McCarthy is still gainfully employed, but he needs to turn his team's fortunes around ASAP.

Packers-Buccaneers Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's game between the 4-3 Packers and the 0-7 Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Rodgers: 'We've all got to take blame at the end of the day'

While the bulk of the blame for the 31 sacks the Packers have allowed goes to the offensive line, Aaron Rodgers says there have been a few plays that are his fault.

Havner: 'It's been pretty neat'

Linebacker-turned-tight end Spencer Havner may not be a household name yet, but fans -- and opposing defenses -- are starting to catch onto him.

Frankenstein's out, so Hawk likely in

As much as Packers inside linebackers coach Winston Moss would like to blend A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop's skill sets, Hawk is Brandon Chillar's likely replacement.

Who needs practice? Not Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers isn't going Allen Iverson -- "We talkin' 'bout practice," AI once famously said -- but the Packers quarterback does play well when he misses practice time.

Veterans Day: Clifton, Tauscher set to start

After Aaron Rodgers was sacked six more times against Minnesota, Mike McCarthy came thisclose to naming the two veteran tackles as starters for Sunday's game.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Ryan Grant

The Packers running back is this week's victim in our regular Tuesday get-to-know-you feature.

Tauscher, Clifton could be options

The Packers coaches may go with veterans Mark Tauscher and Chad Clifton at tackle, replacing Allen Barbre and T.J. Lang.

McCarthy: 'There is a lot of football left to be played'

While Sunday's loss to Brett Favre and the Vikings was demoralizing for many fans, Packers coach Mike McCarthy believes he can right the ship.

Packers notes: Jolly makes no apologies

The Packers defensive end commits a costly -- and foolish -- personal foul penalty to set up the Vikings' first touchdown, then shows no remorse afterward.

Rodgers takes a beating

For the second time in as many games against Minnesota, the Packers quarterback what bruised and battered by the Vikings' defense.

Favre: 'It was about what I expected'

Brett Favre certainly heard the boos Sunday, but in the end, his four-touchdown performance was more than enough to silence his critics.

Vikings 38, Packers 26: Favre has his way -- again

Amid the hype of his two games against his former team, Brett Favre hasn't just met expectations. He's surpassed them, as he did Sunday.

Looking to throw Favre a change-up

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers endured some criticism after Brett Favre carved up the Packers' defense in the teams' first meeting. Sunday, he'll have to find a way to pressure the ex-Packers QB.

Run to Daylight: Grant key vs. Vikings

The Packers hopes of beating the Vikings Sunday may hinge on their ability to run the football. And Ryan Grant, the last back to crack 100 yards in a game against the Williams Wall, could be the difference-maker.

Packers-Vikings Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's game between the Packers and Vikings at Lambeau Field -- beyond all the Brett Favre-centric chatter.

Longwell: 'I wouldn’t expect Packers fans to cheer for a Viking'

Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell spent nine seasons with the Packers before crossing the border into Minnesota in 2006. He may be the only one who knows what Brett Favre is in for on Sunday.

Line dancing: Packers search for starting five

While coach Mike McCarthy says he hasn't settled on a starting offensive line for Sunday's game against Minnesota and All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen, the picture is starting to come into sharper focus.

Rodgers: No self-pity amid Favre drama

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was essentially an innocent bystander during last year's ugly divorce between Brett Favre and the franchise. But Favre's replacement never saw himself that way.

Favre: 'It's one of 16'

As he prepares to come back to Lambeau Field as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, ex-Packers quarterback Brett Favre is doing his best to convince everyone -- and perhaps himself -- that it's no big deal.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Clay Matthews

The Packers rookie linebacker steps into the arena for our weekly get-to-know-you session.

Confident, but ...

Coach Mike McCarthy feels good about his team entering Sunday's showdown with the Minnesota Vikings, but a few more receivers sure would help the cause.

Packers notes: Lang gets the job done

Rookie T.J. Lang filled in for Chad Clifton at left tackle and played well. If Clifton can't play next week, he'll need to do it again against Minnesota.

Grant makes McCarthy's job easy

The Packers running back carried 27 times for 148 yards against Cleveland Sunday, rewarding coach Mike McCarthy for his play-calling.

Havner finds a home

With his 45-yard touchdown in Sunday's 31-3 win over Cleveland, Spencer Havner made it official: He's no longer a linebacker playing tight end.

Packers 31, Browns 3: Bring on the Vikings

For the second week in a row, the Packers did what they were supposed to against an inferior opponent. Next up: Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.

The son also rises

Clay Matthews III returns with the Packers to Cleveland, his dad's old stomping grounds, looking to stir memories of his father's career with the Browns.

Packers-Browns preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's Packers-Browns game in Cleveland.

Jones ready for his close-up

Packers No. 3 receiver James Jones' first two-plus NFL seasons have been up-and-down, but he's going to be vital to the team's success with Jordy Nelson out with a knee injury.

Hawk: 'Not my ideal situation'

Inside linebacker A.J. Hawk is trying to meet high expectations and make more plays despite a reduced role in the Packers' defense.

Joe Thomas a Packer? In your dreams

The Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl tackle heard the rumors about his home-state team being interested, but he knew it was highly unlikely.

Batman returns: Green rejoins Packers

The Packers continued their everything-old-is-new-again approach by signing halfback Ahman Green Wednesday, nine days after bringing back veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Charles Woodson

The Packers veteran cornerback shares his thoughts on a variety of subjects in our weekly off-the-field sit-down.

Packers notes: Green works out for old team

The Packers brought in a familiar face for a look-see Monday: Ahman Green, the franchise's second-leading all-time rusher.

'I don't think we're not disciplined'

Packers coach Mike McCarthy doesn't like his team's 43 penalties on the season, but he didn't seem overly concerned Monday.

Packers 26, Lions 0: Defense carries the day

While the Packers were fortunate they were playing the Detroit Lions Sunday, their shutout victory still counts the same -- and doesn't come with an asterisk.

Matthews, Kampman make their marks

Outside linebackers Clay Matthews and Aaron Kampman set the tone on defense for the Packers during Sunday's shutout of Detroit.

Crooked line: Clifton hurt, Spitz sits

The Packers' season-long problems on the offensive line still aren't resolved -- and might be getting worse.

Flag day: Packers' penalty problems continue

The Packers committed a whopping 13 penalties for 130 yards during Sunday's 26-0 victory over Detroit.

'This is a very important stretch for us'

In the next four weeks, the Packers have a window of opportunity before the schedule gets difficult during the second half of the year.

Packers-Lions Preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Sunday's game between the Packers and the Lions at Lambeau Field.

Impact player: Matthews' role grows

Rookie outside linebacker Clay Matthews will have plenty of chances to make plays like his fumble return for a touchdown against Minnesota, now that coordinator Dom Capers intends to expand his role in the defense.

Bigby's return bolsters defense

Safety Atari Bigby's anticipated return to the starting lineup has his teammates abuzz -- and is stirring hopes of a return to his 2007 form.

'We need to all do our jobs, myself included'

Aaron Rodgers wouldn't throw his offensive linemen under the bus Wednesday, but he knows that they -- and he -- have to play better to fix the Packers' offense.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Tramon Williams

The Packers' nickel cornerback -- and 12th starter on defense -- sits down for this week's off-the-field chat.

Inaction hero: Jennings wants the ball

Greg Jennings' request was a polite one: "Get me the doggone ball."

'Tausch' returns

The Packers troubled offensive line should get a lift from 10-year veteran Mark Tauscher, who signed with the team Monday.

Kampman's role? 'It is what it is'

Packers defensive end-turned-outside linebacker Aaron Kampman is struggling at his new position, but he's not complaining publicly about it.

Picking up the pieces

After a dispiriting loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Packers coach Mike McCarthy and his staff have a bye week to figure out what ails the team.

Tauscher works out, signing imminent

The Packers worked out veteran right tackle Mark Tauscher Tuesday and are on the verge of re-signing him.

Vikings 30, Packers 23: Getting what they deserve

Brett Favre got what he wanted -- a win over his former team -- while the Packers got lots of questions entering their bye week.

'The good Lord answered my prayers'

Brett Favre didn't know how he'd feel facing his former team, but he was masterful.

Shooting from the lip

Packers cornerback Charles Woodson didn't hold back his postgame criticism of GM Ted Thompson and defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

Emotionally Charged

Monday night, Brett Favre won't be the only one trying to keep his emotions in check.

Packers-Vikings preview: 5 things to watch

We take a closer look at Monday night's Packers-Vikings game at the Metrodome.

Forget Favre -- Peterson's the problem

Amid all the Brett Favre-centric talk leading up to Monday night's game, the Packers aren't forgetting the Vikings' biggest offensive threat: Halfback Adrian Peterson.

Another week, another challenge for Colledge

Filling in for Chad Clifton at left tackle hasn't been easy for Daryn Colledge, but this week, the challenge is that much greater against Jared Allen.

For Packers, it's about 12, not 4

While the focus of Monday night's Packers-Vikings game is Brett Favre taking on his former team, Aaron Rodgers' teammates have a different view.

'It wasn't about revenge to begin with'

Brett Favre said during an uncomfortable conference call Thursday that he isn't out for revenge against his old team Monday night.

Capers searches '4' answers

Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers hasn't had a lot of success against Brett Favre over the years, but he's hoping that changes Monday night.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Greg Jennings

Our latest Tuesday chat is with the Packers wide receiver, who talks about his pregame rituals, family life and much more.

Clifton could return

Left tackle Chad Clifton could be back after missing Sunday's game with an ankle injury, giving the much-maligned line a lift.

Big game? What big game?

Packers coach Mike McCarthy and Vikings coach Brad Childress spent Monday trying to downplay the significance of Brett Favre's first game against his former team.

'We're getting closer.'

Packers take a step towards better football in win against Rams.

Next up? Favre-A-Palooza

Immediately following the Packers' win in St. Louis, fans, players, and reporters shift thoughts to next Monday's NFC North showdown.

'Big Okie' Just OK

Green Bay needs to step up run defense or they'll get run over by Minnesota's run game.

Packers notes: Driver reads, succeeds

Packers' wide receiver takes it upon himself to prove you shouldn't always believe what you read.

Rhythm method

Despite their protection problems, the Packers may need to try something different to get quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the passing game going.

Packers-Rams: 5 things to watch

Taking a closer look at Sunday's match-up between the Packers and the Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.

Giving it the ol' Colledge try

With Chad Clifton sidelined, the Packers are counting on Daryn Colledge to rise to the occasion at left tackle.

Drop-kicking themselves

The Packers are leading the league in dropped passes after two weeks, and are looking to drop the problem like a bad habit.

Safety shuffle

The Packers' moves at safety -- releasing Aaron Rouse and signing free agent Matt Giordano -- leave the team thin at the position.

Tuesdays With Wilde: A.J. Hawk

The Packers linebacker shares his thoughts on a wide range of off-the-field topics.

Protection racket

The Packers look to fix what ails their offense most: Poor pass blocking.

Bengals 31, Packers 24: 'Sad' state of affairs

Charles Woodson didn't mince words. “We got our ass whipped," the veteran cornerback said. "There’s really no other way to say it.”

Taking a beating

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 10 times in two games -- the most sacks absorbed by a Packers quarterback over two games since 1998.

Woodson shows the way

On a night when the Green Bay Packers defense struggled, cornerback Charles Woodson was the lone bright spot.

Whistle blows out final chance

What might have been a game-tying play never happened for the Green Bay Packers, thanks to a false start penalty that ended the game.

Packers notes: A leap, and a shutout

Cincinnati's Chad Ochocinco got his Lambeau Leap, while the other 85, Green Bay's Greg Jennings, had a rough day Sunday.

Packers GameDay: Close calls, lessons learned

The Cincinnati Bengals lost a heartbreaker last week. The Green Bay Packers lost seven of them last year. Such losses can pay dividends if put to good use.

Based on Colledge experience, he'll play

Daryn Colledge has never missed an NFL game, and he doesn't plan on missing Sunday's.

Hangin' Tough: Barbre battles back

Allen Barbre's first NFL start was more nightmare than dream come true. But he's focused on making it a one-time thing.

Tuesdays With Wilde: Aaron Rodgers

Given the popularity of our "Tuesdays With Wilde" feature, we thought we'd make it easier to find. Here's our chat with Aaron Rodgers from earlier this week.

Hard Knocks with the Packers? Hardly

While they'd probably make for compelling theater, the Green Bay Packers aren't going to be featured on the popular HBO show any time soon.

'Thereâ€™s no need to throw me out or throw beer on me, because I love you guys'

Chad Ochocinco plans to do a Lambeau Leap if he scores a touchdown Sunday.

Not just taking up space

Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly showed Sunday night that the defensive linemen in the 3-4 defense do more than just get in the way of blockers.

Teachable moment

The Packers' 21-15 season-opening victory was exciting, but left plenty of room for improvement -- and lessons to learn.

Packers 21, Bears 15: Grand opening

With the game on the line, Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings come through in dramatic fashion.

Packers-Bears notes: Defense shines, Barbre struggles

While the Packers' defense made life miserable for Jay Cutler, right tackle Allen Barbre had the same effect on his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Packers GameDay: "Ainâ€™t going to be many people who can beat us"

Charles Woodson can't wait for the full-fledged unveiling of the Packers' new 3-4 defense. "You ever see those horses on the racetrack before they open those doors?" he says. "We’re ready to run.”

Fearless (or is that fearful?) NFL predictions for 2009

Will our NFL writer's predictions for the 2009 season lead to marital discord in the WIlde house?

Mismatch? Maybe

The Packers' passing game could have a field day Sunday night against the Bears. At least, that's how it looks on paper.

Packers looking for 'special' start to season

The Packers' special-teams units were anything but special last year. That has to change -- starting Sunday night against the Bears.

Cutler: King of Chicago

Abe Froman might've been the Sausage King of Chicago in Ferris Bueller's day, but Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is royalty there now.

Packers' Kampman settles into new role

Packers defensive end-turned-outside linebacker Aaron Kampman is still feeling his way in the new 3-4 defense. But he's committed to excelling, just as he did in the previous scheme.

Packers notes: Will Raji be ready?

Packers defensive lineman B.J. Raji's status for Sunday night's game is up in the air because of an ankle injury.

Jason Wilde's Blog

Check out Jason's frequent updates from Lambeau Field and other weekly features. And, of course, any breaking news with the Green & Gold.
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Packers' Swain finds a new locker-room home

For the entire 2008 season, Brett Swain had the worst seat in the house. His view will be better this year.

Packers notes: Martin clears the air

Derrick Martin used phrases like “hard-nosed,” “fast to the ball” and “like to hit” to describe himself Monday. Then, he wanted to clarify something he’s not: A drug user.

Sticking together: Kuhn, Hall part of unusual fullback threesome

John Kuhn didn't expect the Green Bay Packers to keep three fullbacks on their roster. He's sure glad they did, though -- and Korey Hall, too.

Harrell's career isn't over ... yet

Justin Harrell’s season is over, but the oft-injured defensive end’s career with the Green Bay Packers is not.

With roster set, Thompson likes Packers' outlook

When the dust settled Sunday from what may have been the Green Bay Packers’ busiest final cutdown day since Ted Thompson took over in 2005, Thompson was left with a 53-man roster – and eight-player practice squad – that had him feeling pretty good about his team’s chances in 2009.

Brohm, Smith, Martin headline Packers' cuts

The Green Bay Packers’ final cutdown day had a little bit of everything Saturday: A trade, a few surprise cuts and some interesting imbalances on the final 53-man roster.

LBs: As good as advertised?

Seventh in a series.

By JASON WILDE

jwilde@espnwisconsin.com

GREEN BAY – Maybe, when you’re too close to something, you fail to appreciate it. Or maybe the view from afar isn’t quite as accurate as the one from, uh, near.

Whatever the case, there are those who believe the Green Bay Packers linebacking corps are among the NFL’s best – Yahoo! Sports’ Jason Cole, for example, recently ranked the unit third in the league, behind only Pittsburgh and Dallas – and there are those who look at the group and see several key question marks.

So do the Packers have a “four-headed nightmare” in Clay Matthews, Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones, as Cole writes, or do they have one star-in-the-making, one solid player who doesn’t make enough big plays, a former top-5 pick who hasn’t lived up to expectations and a former seventh-round pick who may or may not be the answer at the critical outside spot opposite Matthews?

The truth is probably somewhere in between.

There’s no denying that the Packers have excellent depth at the position. Beyond the four starters, Brandon Chillar has been a consistent contributor, and Desmond Bishop has shown a knack for making plays when given the opportunity (although he’s also shown a propensity for making key mistakes).

But the fact remains that, for the NFL’s second-ranked defense to improve, the linebackers will have to elevate their play. And according to coach Mike McCarthy, defensive coordinator Dom Capers is whipping up a variety of packages that will highlight just how good the group is capable of being.

“This scheme has some more flexibility, more variety, so there are different types of opportunities,” McCarthy said.

“We’ve got a number of different schemes and personnel groupings,” Capers explained. “You’ve got to have enough flexibility in your system that you can change up based on who’s healthy and who’s not healthy.”

The one player in the group the team needs most to stay healthy is Matthews, who burst onto the scene last year, setting the team record for sacks in a season by a rookie with 10. After being slowed by hamstring problems during the offseason and early in training camp, Matthews went from a situational player to start the regular season to the starter at right outside linebacker to a Pro Bowl selection by year’s end.

In fact, Matthews was such a threat as a pass-rusher that the Arizona Cardinals made it Priority No. 1 to stifle him in the teams’ NFC Wild Card playoff game, double-teaming him throughout the game. While he managed the Packers’ lone sack in the game, it wasn’t enough.

“The playoff game was my first experience of getting it every single play. It’s definitely something I’m going to have to get ready for. It’s something I’m going to have to work on in practice and work some drills, find out how to not only beat one guy, but beat two,” Matthews said. “It’s part of the learning process. You look at all great pass rushers, this is the progression in their development. I’m looking forward to the challenge. If you’re bringing two to block me, someone else should be free.”

And that highlights the issue at left outside linebacker, as the Packers are looking for Jones to make a significant jump after flashing last season, when he had four sacks after taking over as the starter at the position following Aaron Kampman’s season-ending knee injury. With Kampman having departed for Jacksonville and the Jaguars’ 4-3 scheme in free agency, Jones will compete with Brady Poppinga – and possibly youngsters Cyril Obiozor, Frank Zombo and John Russell – for the starting job opposite Matthews when training camp opens on Saturday.

“I like Brad Jones. He’s put on some weight this offseason, and him and Brady are duking it out for that spot over there,” outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene said. “(Jones) needed to come back a little bit heavier, just improve his physicality, come back with a more physical mindset. He’s a good one, I’ve got a good one in Brady. Brady’s done very well, too.

“(Poppinga) is looking more and more like an outside ‘backer in a 3-4 every day. I mean, he is getting more fluid in his pass rush. He’s always been physical against the run. He’s a smart kid, he knows where he fits in as far as coverage. He’s really coming around. He’s got some skills, and I’m really excited about him for training camp, cranking up in the preseason games, because he’s going to wreak some havoc now.”

Inside linebackers coach Winston Moss, meanwhile, would like to see Barnett and Hawk wreak more havoc themselves. While Barnett led the team in tackles with 122 and had a career-high four sacks, he didn’t make a single turnover play – no interceptions, no fumbles forced, no fumbles recovered.

Nevertheless, it is Hawk, who had 87 tackles (second on the team), one sack and two interceptions who has drawn the most criticism, in part because of his lofty draft status in the 2006 NFL Draft. He came out of Ohio State as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker, but he hasn’t shown that consistently at the pro level.

As a result, Moss made the highly unusual suggestion – and, even more unbelievably, did so publicly – that Hawk needs to freelance more and take chances in order to make more big plays.

“Guess what? He’s been very productive,” Moss said. “After the season, you’re saying to yourself, ‘He made the Pro Bowl as an alternate?’ I was like, “Huh?’ But when we got done with our postseason evaluations, he kept showing up time and time again, playing the run tough, making the plays he’s supposed to make and making some nice plays. And he kept showing up in evaluations, and by the time I was done along with the other coaches, there was confirmation. So he’s got to take what he did last year (and) do the same thing

“But the players that take it to another level are the players that, the moment they see an opportunity, whether it’s within the scheme or outside the scheme … I know a coach shouldn’t be saying this, but he’s got to take a shot when he has the opportunity. Because he has that ability. I still believe in him, from what I’ve seen evaluating him coming out of college, he has not done anything since he’s been here to take away from the ability that’s in him.

“He’s just now got to have that (mentality of), ‘If I take a shot, if it happens, I’m a hero. If it doesn’t, yeah, the coach will probably say something, but what the hell … I’m trying to make a play.’”

QUICK READ: LINEBACKERS

Depth chart

No.

Name

Ht.

Wt.

Age

Exp.

College

52

Clay Matthews

6-3

255

24

2

Southern California

56

Nick Barnett

6-2

236

29

8

Oregon State

50

A.J. Hawk

6-1

247

26

5

Ohio State

59

Brad Jones

6-3

242

24

2

Colorado

54

Brandon Chillar

6-3

237

27

7

UCLA

55

Desmond Bishop

6-2

238

25

4

California

51

Brady Poppinga

6-3

250

30

6

BYU

57

Cyril Obiozor

6-4

249

23

1

Texas A&M

49

Robert Francois

6-2

255

25

1

Boston College

58

John Russell

6-3

260

23

R

Wake Forest

47

Frank Zombo

6-3

254

23

R

Central Michigan

48

Alex Joseph

6-2

240

22

R

Temple

Burning Question

Who will generate pass rush other than Matthews?

As dominant as Matthews was last season, the Arizona Cardinals may have drawn up the blueprint for how teams can neutralize him – and in turn eliminate the Packers’ pass rush. Late in the year, Matthews was the team’s lone pass-rushing threat, so the Cardinals double-teamed Matthews all game long. While he managed one sack of Kurt Warner, it was the Packers’ only sack in the game. You can bet the Packers coaches took note, which is why the offseason emphasis in the second year of defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ scheme was to find alternative pass-rush options. While the left outside linebacker spot is the logical place to start, the coaches also talked about using the inside linebackers more and getting the defensive line to contribute more as well. Jones, Poppinga, Chillar and Barnett are the most likely candidates among the linebackers.

Players to watch

Chillar, Bishop.

Bishop has said on several occasions that he is frustrated by sitting the bench behind Hawk and Barnett. Nevertheless, the Packers believe he is too valuable on special teams and as a backup to trade him. Chillar, meanwhile, received a lucrative contract extension for a guy who is only a “starter” based on coach Mike McCarthy’s premise that the team has more than 11 starters on defense. Nonetheless, both players are worth watching because of Capers’ plan to use more schemes and personnel groupings in sub packages. “Psycho,” which used five linebackers and only one down lineman. Both Bishop and Chillar were used in it, and the coaches are also experimenting with Chillar as an outside rusher in the nickel and dime sets. “We have a lot of good football players, including Brandon Chillar. We’re trying to find ways to get Bishop on the field,” inside linebackers coach Winston Moss said. “We can create packages. If he’s being impactful, then we’re going to have to create packages for him. It’s that simple.”

Key competition

Left outside linebacker.

Jones enters camp as the starter, but don’t be too quick to dismiss Poppinga, who is returning to the type of pass-rushing position he played in college at BYU. Often a fish out of water in the 4-3 scheme when trying to cover tight ends, it’s possible that the high-motor Poppinga will rediscover his pass-rush roots. At least, he thinks so. “My goal is to be an elite, dominant, relentless pass-rusher in this scheme. So it’s a matter of allowing the pass-rusher inside of me to re-emerge,” Poppinga said. “You know, I had to kill him off for a couple years because what I did then was in such conflict with being a rusher. It’s a matter of breaking those habits that I developed for four years of playing off the ball in a 4-3 defense and resurrecting like Lazarus from the dead the pass-rusher I came out of college as. And here we go.”

Quote of note

“I can tell you our top three is Clay and Brad and Brady Poppinga. We know a lot more about those guys. That next position, there’ll be competition, we’re just going to have to see how that sorts itself out. But I think they all have strengths and do certain things well. Brad kind of came out of nowhere last year, started those last seven games for us. We liked what we saw in Brad. He responded well when Aaron went down, he responded well and we played pretty good defensive football with him in there. So hopefully he can pick up (where he left off). When he came into training camp last year, we didn’t have him very much in training camp. I was starting to wonder if we were going to get him on the field. He’s had a good offseason and I have no reason to expect that we aren’t going to see improvement in him heading into his second season.” – Capers, on his left outside linebacker options, which start with Jones.

Next: Defensive backs.

Listen to Jason Wilde every weekday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on “Green & Gold Today,” and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/jasonjwilde.

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No.	Name	Ht.	Wt.	Age	Exp.	College
52	Clay Matthews	6-3	255	24	2	Southern California
56	Nick Barnett	6-2	236	29	8	Oregon State
50	A.J. Hawk	6-1	247	26	5	Ohio State
59	Brad Jones	6-3	242	24	2	Colorado
54	Brandon Chillar	6-3	237	27	7	UCLA
55	Desmond Bishop	6-2	238	25	4	California
51	Brady Poppinga	6-3	250	30	6	BYU
57	Cyril Obiozor	6-4	249	23	1	Texas A&M
49	Robert Francois	6-2	255	25	1	Boston College
58	John Russell	6-3	260	23	R	Wake Forest
47	Frank Zombo	6-3	254	23	R	Central Michigan
48	Alex Joseph	6-2	240	22	R	Temple